and Paul and Silas in prison, and John in Patmos; and that we might have
grace to rejoice at being accounted worthy to suffer for his name's
sake, and be strengthened to bear testimony even before kings if need
were; and to cast all our burden upon Him, not caring much for the
things of this life, knowing that he could reduplicate them if it
were his will, at any time, as he had done to Job.

While he thus prayed, an ineffable calm and sweetness took possession of
me, my eyes involuntarily closed, or, if opened at intervals, only saw
vague, uncertain forms, and thus a deep, deep sleep fell on me, without
even a dream, that lulled all sense of pain, and loss, and fear, and
sorrow, until morning.

"For so he giveth his beloved sleep." Words how beautiful, and true, and
reassuring! They that expend all their little strength for him, and lay
their little substance at his feet, are his beloved. There is no need
to be afraid we are not; we know it; we feel it; we have the witness in
ourselves, just as the child, nestling in his father's arms, knows that
he loves and is beloved. I have heard persons say, "Have you the faith
of assurance?" Yes, thank God, I have it, and have had it ever since He
was first graciously pleased to call me to Him, and that was long, long
ago. But all have not this faith; just as a man, wanting to go to
Bordeaux, may not be assured he is on the road to Bordeaux, and yet he
may be on the way thither nevertheless. Then if you have not the faith
of assurance, practise at least the faith of adherence. That, at least,
is in your own power. Cleave to God exactly as if you were certain of
being accepted by Him at last; and thus, fulfilling his own conditions,
you will be accepted by Him whether you are assured of it beforehand or
not. "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out."