.' Vile, foul thoughts which come to us are not
in themselves a sign that we are falling. They are first of all from
{142} outside, and are suggestions entirely alien in origin from
ourselves; they are from the devil. They only become wrong when
entertained, when welcomed in the least degree as guests and allowed to
stay. Our aim is to bring every thought at once into captivity.

I have just come back from the seaside, and as I looked at the sea I
thought more than once of 'the ocean of Thy love.' The waves of the
sea beat against a stubborn rock and seem to make no impression. But
in a few years' time the rock begins to yield. The constant wash of
the waves wears it away. So with our hard, stubborn wills. The ocean
of His love will reduce them slowly but surely, and likewise the
stubborn wills of men around us, thank God! When you are tired and
human strength gives way, remember 'the best of all is--God is with
us.' I often feel worn out, and then I love, as it were, to lean back
upon Him--without speaking--as a child on its mother's arms.

I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.

O brother! if my faith is vain,
If hopes like these betray,
Pray for me that I too may gain
The sure and safer way.

And Thou, O God, by whom are seen
Thy creatures as they be,
Forgive me if too close I lean
My human heart on Thee.[1]

{143}

I am, I fear, but a poor friend. I wish you had some one who loved you
as well as I did, and who was less weak and selfish. You must not give
me up in spite of my defects. I love you and am proud of you--proud to
think that you are doing work among men whom I should be powerless to
influence. Easter once more brings new life and hope. May the God of
all life, of all peace, of all hope, be with you and all your flock!
May He guide pastor and sheep! Don't despair; go on manfully; you are
doing greater work than you know, and if your eyes were open that you
could see, you would find that the host that was with you was more than
all that were against you. Into His keeping I commit you. Good-bye.
Your friend

FORBES.

[1] Whittier.

_To W. O._

Brislington: April 1901.

I am glad that the lot has fallen to you in fair places. 'It has been
said with true wisdom that God means man not only to work but to be
happy in his work. . . . Without some sunshine we