05. Communing with God

Communing with God

GALILEO’S TESTIMONY.—Galileo, the philosopher, when asked by the Roman Inquisition as to his belief in God, replied, pointing to a straw on the floor, that, from the structure of that straw alone, he would infer the existence of an intelligent Creator.

CRAVEN’S DECISION.—When a plague raged in London, Craven concluded to go to his country residence in order to escape the danger. As he was about to step into his carriage he overheard one of his servants say to another, “I suppose his God lives in the country and not in the town.” This struck the great man, and he paused. “My God,” thought he, “lives everywhere, and can preserve me in the town as well as in the country. I will stay where I am.”

SATISFACTORY COMPANY.—Owen, on being asked, when on his deathbed, whether he would have some of his friends sent for to keep him company, replied: “My fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, and he that is not satisfied with that company doth not deserve it.”

WATERED EVERY MOMENT.—Burnet declares, that, having known Leighton intimately for many years, he had never seen him in any other temper than that in which he would wish to live and die. One writing about Hewitson, said: “One thing struck me; he seemed to have no gaps, no intervals in his communion with God. I used to feel when with him, that it was being with a vine watered every moment.”

I LOOK AT HIM.—An uneducated man of deep piety who was observed to resort to a secluded spot frequently, and spend considerable time there in a kneeling or sitting position, was watched by a friend who could never see the man’s lips move. Being surprised at this, the watcher once said to the man: “What do you say to our Lord in these long visits you pay Him?” “I say nothing to Him,” was the reply, “I look at Him and He looks at me.”

ALONE ON MOUNTAIN.—Have you ever been alone on a high mountain? Far down and beyond were the busy towns and cities, with their din and strife, their cries and tears. No sound of the wrangle of human life reached you. Alone, there perhaps you communed with God; you had precious tokens that the Lord loved you; your very heart and soul seemed to rise up into His nature—you walked with God. Ah, you were alone, like Jesus; and yet not alone.

DYING SOLDIER.—A soldier lay dying. The lady who watched by his side, said: “If this should be death, are you ready to meet God?” The eyes opened slowly, and a smile passed over his face, as he answered: “I am ready, for this has long been in His Kingdom,” and as he spoke he placed his hand upon his heart. “Do you mean that God rules and reigns in your heart?” she asked. “Yes,” he answered, but his voice sounded far off, as if it came from one already in the “valley and shadow of death.” And he lay there with his hand over his heart even after it had ceased to beat.

DEW BATH.—Some of the London people would go out into the fields early on the morning of May 1, and bathe their faces with the dew upon the grass, under the impression that it would render them beautiful. Whether this made them beautiful or not is immaterial, but surely it is true that to bathe one’s face every morning in the dew of Heaven by prayer and communion is the sure way to beauty of life.