Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/186

 riches is called sowing the seed in tears. Every truth, however, as a living seed of the kingdom, thus received in affection, begins to fructify within him; and as the truths grow and flourish within, giving to his understanding brighter perceptions and more enlarged views, the false persuasions gradually wither and disappear. Darkness recedes as the light advances; he feels his mind more and more enriched with the goodness and truth of heaven: his joys increase within him, as the truths multiply his delights, and he feels in himself the fulfilment of the promise, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." He reaps with joy the fruits of those heavenly truths, which, with much difficulty, found an entrance into his heart: and as he makes further progress into higher degrees of love and wisdom, his mind becomes more enriched, and his joys more perfect and refined.

No one can tell what the pleasures and advantages of spiritual religion are, but those who feel and possess them; none can know the new name which the Lord writes upon his people, but those who receive it. However numerous may be our troubles without, or severe the conflict within, we can at all times take courage from the promise, "."

E read in this chapter that a certain person came to the Lord Jesus, and said, "Lord, I