  When the heart speaks, however simple the words, [10] its language is always acceptable to those who have hearts. I just want to say, I thank you, my dear students, who are at work conscientiously and assiduously, for the good you are doing. I am grateful to you for giving to the [15] sick relief from pain; for giving joy to the suffering and hope to the disconsolate; for lifting the fallen and strength- ening the weak, and encouraging the heart grown faint with hope deferred. We are made glad by the divine Love which looseth the chains of sickness and sin, open- [20] ing the prison doors to such as are bound; and we should be more grateful than words can express, even through this white-winged messenger, our Journal. With all the homage beneath the skies, yet were our burdens heavy but for the Christ-love that makes them [25] light and renders the yoke easy. Having his word, you have little need of words of approval and encouragement from me. Perhaps it is even selfish in me sometimes to relieve my heart of its secrets, because I take so much pleasure in thus doing; but if my motives are sinister, [1] they will harm myself only, and I shall have the unself- ish joy of knowing that the wrong motives are not yours, to react on yourselves. These two words in Scripture suggest the sweetest [5] similes to be found in any language—rock and feathers: “Upon this rock I will build my church;” “He shall cover thee with His feathers.” How blessed it is to think of you as “beneath the shadow of a great rock in a weary land,” safe in His strength, building on His [10] foundation, and covered from the devourer by divine protection and affection. Always bear in mind that His presence, power, and peace meet all human needs and reflect all bliss. |
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