GOD'S LOVE TO HIS PEOPLE IS UNSPEAKABLE. They had lately been visited with sore judgments, reduced to great straits and appeared to be despised and neglected of God. They had only just escaped from the enemy's land, and returned with weeping and supplication to their own country, like brands plucked from the burning. Now the Lord says, "He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of my eye." How wonderful are the ways of God! As the wise physician, He will touch to cure; but He will not allow others to touch to hurt. Like the tender mother, He can correct His children Himself, but will not allow others to do so. How close is the union and peculiar the affection! How tender the mercy and consistent the care! How ample the provision and happy they are! Beloved, be encouraged under all your persecutions and trials; be comforted in all your afflictions; you are as near and dear to Jehovah as the apple of His eye; and you are hid under the shadow of His wings. Holy Spirit, help me daily to realize this truth!

For Meditation:
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head;
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim a place thro' Christ my own.