[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4},["ShallowReactive",2],{"reading-0511":3},"MAY 11\r\nWe went through fire and through water. But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place (Psalm 66:12).\r\nParadoxical though it be, only that man is at rest who attains it through conflict This peace, born of conflict is not like the\r\ndeadly hush preceding the tempest, but the serene and pure-aired quiet that follows it\r\nIt is not generally the prosperous one, who has never sorrowed, who\r\nis strong and at rest His quality has never been tried, and he\r\nknows not how he can stand even a gentle shock. He is not the    safest sailor who never saw a tempest; he will do for fair-weather service, but when the storm is rising, place at the important post   the man who has fought out a gale, who has tested the ship, who knows her hulk sound, her rigging strong, and her anchor-flukes   able to grasp and hold by the ribs of the world.\r\nWhen first affliction comes upon us, how everything gives way! Our\r\nclinging, tendril hopes are snapped, and our heart lies prostrate like a vine that the storm has torn from its trellis; but when the\r\nfirst shock is past, and we are able to look up, and say, \"It is\r\nthe Lord,\" faith lifts the shattered hopes once more, and binds\r\nthem fast to the feet of God. Thus the end is confidence, safety, and peace. --Selected.\r\nThe adverse winds blew against my life; My little ship with grief was tossed;\r\nMy plans were gone-heart full of strife,\r\nAnd all my hope seemed to be lost\"Then He arose\"-one word of peace. \"There was a calm\"-a sweet release.\r\nA tempest great of doubt and fear\r\nPossessed my mind; no light was there To guide, or make my vision clear.\r\nDark night! 'twas more than I could bear- \"Then He arose,\" I saw His. face-\r\n\"There was a calm\" filled with His grace.\r\nMy heart was sinking 'neath the wave\r\nOf deepening test and raging grief;\r\nAll seemed as lost, and none could save, And nothing could bring me relief-\r\n\"Then He arose\"-and spoke one word,\r\n\"There was a calm!\" IT IS THE LORD. --L.S.P.",1783499793014]