"IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL." So wrote Horatio Spafford after the loss of four daughters in a trans-Atlantic shipping disaster. What a mercy to be able to say so! Still, if we are in Christ, if clothed with His righteousness, trusting in the promise of His Word, "it is well." For all our sins are blotted out, the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts, and God looks down upon us and loves us with an infinite love. It is well, for our names are in the book of life, our cause is in the Saviour's hands, and our peace with God is made. It may be a day of darkness with us, but the Lord is our everlasting light and the days of our mourning will soon be ended. Providence may frown upon us, but temporal trials prayerfully endured become precious spiritual blessings. We may feel weak, very weak, but the strength of Jesus shall be made perfect in our weakness. Satan may sorely harass and hunt us like the partridge upon the mountains, but God will bruise Satan under our feet. Our hearts may appear barren, and all within may wear a wintry aspect; but this is only permitted to drive us out of self, to prevent spiritual pride, and to render Jesus and His finished work more precious. It is well with them that fear the Lord, even in sad bereavement, for there is the sure hope of happy reunion in the Lord at His appearing. Thus comforted, Horatio Spafford wrote:

For Meditation:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll -
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.