Heart To Heart
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.