The toiling, the tempted, and the sorrowing!

(T. S. Arthur, "Words of Cheer for the Tempted, the Toiling, and the Sorrowing" 1856) 

"May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant." Psalm 119:76

As we pass on our way through the world, we find our paths now smooth and flowery — and then rugged and difficult to travel. The sky, bathed in golden sunshine today — is black with storms tomorrow! This is the checkered history of everyone. And it is also the life-experience of all, that when the way is rough and the sky dark — the poor heart sinks and trembles, and the eye of faith cannot see the bright sun smiling in the heavens beyond the veil of clouds. But, for all this fear and doubt — the rugged path winds steadily upwards, and the broad sky is glittering in light.

Let the toiling, the tempted, and the sorrowing ever keep this in mind. Let them have faith in Him who feeds the young lions, and clothes the fields with verdure — who binds up the broken heart, and gives joy to the mourners. There are words of cheer in the Scripture! Listen! and their melody will bring peace to the spirit; and their truths, strength to the heart.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort — who comforts us in all our troubles!" 2 Corinthians 1:3-4