To be near unto God - pagina 97

In ordinary life we are sufficient unto ourWe extricate ourselves from our little difficulties. We have the means at command to provide against special needs. We know how to rise above simple adversities. And when they are overcome, the triumph deepens the sense of our self-sufficiency. selves.

In the midst of all this we feel free, unconstrained and unencumbered. In the face of it feel all we are our own lord and master. ourselves measureably opposed, but we push it aside and bravely we continue the tenor of our

We

way. All this, however, changes when anxieties, dangers and disasters overtake us, which overwhelm us, which we have no strength to face, which nothing can prevent, and in the midst of which we become suddenly aware of our utter

Then we feel that we are athelplessness. tacked by a superior force that overpowers us, that casts us down, that forces itself upon us and makes

all

resistance ludicrous and futile.

This superior force then presents itself to us as an unseen and unknown opponent, who mysteriously cuts the tendon of our strength, binds us as with bands of death, distresses and perplexes us with mortal agonies, and leaves us nothing but a cry of terror. And however much the world has been estranged from God, even in the hearts of the most hardened sinners, there is, in such moments, still some trembling in the presence of the Divine majesty. There are many who have no faith in God, but anxious forebodings fill their minds, that they are yet to have dealings with him. And their self-re89

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