THE END OF DISCIPLINE

THE END OF DISCIPLINE

You are indeed subjected to divers trials. I hope you are learning to count it all joy when you are thus tried. I do not think that any one can tell us the intention of the Lord in the discipline we are subjected to. It is only when near to Himself that we can understand the nature of His loving interest in us. Hence, though often we cannot tell the cause for a particular trial, yet as we are exercised about it with Him, we get the end intended for us by it. It yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby.

I think we sometimes have the idea that if we were going on rightly things would be smoother here for us. This is not the case so as far as I see. There is a discipline to correct us and a discipline to help us. If you are in a wrong path, as you seek the Lord, you will be corrected, but on the other hand, the more you are set for Him here, the more you find that there is nothing for you here, though at the same time you are daily finding more in Him. “We who live are alway delivered unto death”. The more you enjoy the Lord who has been refused here, the more you are practically severed from all here.

It is most interesting to be truly in concert with the Lord as to all His ways with you; and as you are, you are ^[p. 81] sure to become so restful about yourself, that His interests more and more command your attention. You cannot know His joy but as you are in communion with Him. You thus have come to His side where is unsullied light, and you are more assured than ever of your place with Him, though you are not seeking this, but seeking to be in concert with Himself. The Lord bless you much.

I find that the lack in many souls is liberty — “the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free”. There can be no progress until this is known and maintained.