New England Religious Herald

COMMIT THY WAYS TO GOD

Reflection will teach a man that he should trust himself to the guidance of some superior being; and reason unites with revelation to tell him to commit his ways to the Lord. Human life is a journey that man needs a guide and provider. It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Men are entirely ignorant of the future: hence, since we know not what our circumstances will be, ourselves cannot form the plans which shall be best to be adopted.—

Every man may say in verity, Thus far in life hath the Lord helped. Our own present condition, and that of all others, utterly and entirely a way that was unknown to ourselves. The great and blessed God has been our conductor, though unseen, and it may be unacknowledged. Ought we not then, to acknowledge him and commit our way to him?

Time is an ocean, and each person's life a voyage. Its tossings and heavings, its tempests and innumerable perils, should plainly tell to each voyager that himself cannot steer his frail and tempest-tossed bark. He needs a pilot, if he would not dash amid rocks and quicksands. If he would make the port of safety, he needs a helmsman other than himself. Let him commit his ways to God.

The world is a wilderness—a dark and thorny desert. Shall the traveler attempt to tread its wilds alone? Let him remember, it is not in man that directs his steps. He has not been that way before, and does he need a guide? Fellow-traveler, the only proper guide is God: to him let us commit our ways. 'Tis rational and safe.

Voyager, traveler, by prayer commit thy ways to God. Venture not alone upon such an ocean, through such a wilderness. Thou canst not guide thy own bark—thou canst not direct thy steps; every morning and evening ask wisdom of God. Tempt not the journey, the voyage alone.