the schools; the disappointments of life which seem almost to crush us;
the sorrows which are indescribable; all these are like the touch of a
master's hand, and forth from such a school and such a training we
ought to come prepared to do the will of God.

The arrow was carried in the quiver and the quiver was near to the
master's side. Nearness to God is essential if we are to be used of
God. He chooses the vessel nearest His hand. This has always been true.
The apostles, martyrs, missionaries, and saints who have finished their
work and have gone on before, as well as those who live to-day, prove
the statement that we must be in closest relationship with Christ if we
are to be entrusted with the gift of power. It is when we are in the
secret place of the Most High that we learn God's will concerning us.
Many people do not know God's will because they live too much in the
bustle and confusion of life. God speaks His best messages to us in
whispers, not in thunder tones, and we must be still to know that He is
God and study to be quiet that we may go forth from quietness to conquer.
The practice of the quiet hour is the secret of many a soul's victorious
service.

Shut in with God alone,
I spend the quiet hour;
His mercy and His love I own,
And seek His saving power

Shut in with God alone;
In meditation sweet,
My spirit waits before the throne,
Bowed low at Jesus' feet.