"NOW WHY DOST THOU CRY OUT ALOUD?" Why are you in pain and perplexity? Go now to Jesus our Counsellor. He is exactly suited to our needs, being possessed of infinite wisdom, unbounded benevolence, exceeding graciousness, and highest honour. He has never lost a cause. He counsels freely, cheerfully, and lovingly. He turns the counsel of all our foes into foolishness. But though we have this excellent Counsellor, we neglect to consult, honour, or trust Him; and it may often be demanded of us, "Is thy Counsellor perished?" If not, why this perplexity? Why these mistakes? Why these fears and forebodings? Why this running to men for advice and succour? Beloved, let us stand reproved; we have walked in our own counsels; but we have not waited for His counsel, but we have neglected and forgotten Jesus in His glorious office. Let us in future never act without His counsel, never resort to men to His dishonour, never listen to Satan. Jesus our Saviour says, "I will counsel thee. Mine eye shall be upon thee."

For Meditation:
Lord, be my Counsellor,
My Pattern and my Guide;
And through this desert land,
Still keep me near Thy side;
O let my feet ne'er run astray,
Nor rove, nor seek the crooked way.