The Letters of Ruth Bryan, 1805-1860
 

Deliverance granted IN, not FROM affliction

To Mrs. H., July 14, 1853.
My beloved Amelia,
Again the Lord is proving to me the blessedness of taking up the cross--and also how much I shrink from it. I seek deliverance from the cross—but find my Lord has put deliverance in it; and if I could writhe myself away from it, I would miss the blessing! But when by His enablings it is fairly taken up, there is indeed a new song put into my mouth, even praise to His name. The soul at such times seems to triumph in Christ, something like Paul when reconciled to the thorn in the flesh. Indeed, I feel it good to be laid low, and kept low at the feet of my precious Lord, though He is bringing it about in ways most unexpected and undesired. I am much longing for humility, and He is laying open to me my pride by the painfulness I feel--in being made nothing. Truly His ways and His thoughts are astonishing--far above mine! His doings towards me are very wise and awesome--and worthy of a God who gives no account of His matters—but works all things after the counsel of His own will, and all things for good to those who love Him, and are the called according to His purpose.

May the Lord preserve all your goings, and hold you in His paths, that your footsteps slip not. To Him I commend you; may He fulfill in you all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power. Farewell in our Beloved.

Ever yours with much affection,
Ruth




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