DR. NEWTON says: If there were no enemy, there could be no conflict; were there no trouble, there could be no faith; were there no trial, there could be no love; were there no fear, there could be no hope. Hope, faith and love are weapons, and weapons imply foes and encounters, and relying on my weapons I will glory in my sufferings.
THE river of life is pure and clear as crystal. Is the doctrine offered to thee so, or is it muddy and mixed with the doctrines of men? What water is fouled, is not water of life. Wherefore, if thou findest it not right, go up higher toward the spring ahead, for the nearer the spring the more pure and clear is the water.—Bunyan.