While journeying through this
wilderness of troubles, by Thomas Reed, Christian Meditations,
everything here below is fleeting and transitory. While journeying
through this wilderness of troubles, few verdant spots are to be found
on which the weary traveller can repose. The earth lies under
the curse. Thorns and thistles cover the
ground, storms and tempests agitate the air, disease and death dissolve
the dearest ties. Everything around me bespeaks
the fall and testifies that this is not my rest. Why then should
my foolish heart repose itself on any creature comfort? Have
I still to learn that all of this world is less than nothing
and vanity? O blessed Jesus, reveal Yourself
to my heart, soften, melt, and renew it. Consume all the dross
which it contains and transform it wholly after Your image. that
while surrounded by evils of every name and sorrows of every
kind which abound in this rebellious dying world, I may enjoy the
light of your countenance and the purifying influence of your
love. Fill me with your love, satiate
my soul with your goodness, and make me an everlasting trophy
of your grace.