Evening, October 30
Go To Morning Reading
“Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice:
cause me to hear it.”
Song of Solomon 8:13
My sweet Lord Jesus remembers well the garden of Gethsemane, and although
he has left that garden, he now dwells in the garden of his church:
there he unbosoms himself to those who keep his blessed company. That
voice of love with which he speaks to his beloved is more musical
than the harps of heaven. There is a depth of melodious love within
it which leaves all human music far behind. Ten of thousands on earth,
and millions above, are indulged with its harmonious accents. Some
whom I well know, and whom I greatly envy, are at this moment hearkening
to the beloved voice. O that I were a partaker of their joys! It is
true some of these are poor, others bedridden, and some near the gates
of death, but O my Lord, I would cheerfully starve with them, pine
with them, or die with them, if I might but hear thy voice. Once I
did hear it often, but I have grieved thy Spirit. Return unto me in
compassion, and once again say unto me, “I am thy salvation.” No other voice can content me; I know thy voice, and cannot be deceived
by another, let me hear it, I pray thee. I know not what thou wilt
say, neither do I make any condition, O my Beloved, do but let me
hear thee speak, and if it be a rebuke I will bless thee for it. Perhaps
to cleanse my dull ear may need an operation very grievous to the
flesh, but let it cost what it may I turn not from the one consuming
desire, cause me to hear thy voice. Bore my ear afresh; pierce my
ear with thy harshest notes, only do not permit me to continue deaf
to thy calls. Tonight, Lord, grant thine unworthy one his desire,
for I am thine, and thou hast bought me with thy blood. Thou hast
opened mine eye to see thee, and the sight has saved me. Lord, open
thou mine ear. I have read thy heart, now let me hear thy lips.