the lord will perfect that which concerns me sermon

So that whenever we are on the point of doing or saying anything cowardly, or mean, or false, or impure, or proud, or conceited, or unkind, the remembrance that God is looking on shall instantly flash across us and help us to beat down our enemy. How few are the objects we see even thus externally and partially! lvii. 17, 18).2. v. 14), the earth was cursed, Hades was opened, Paradise shut, Heaven offended, man, lastly, corrupted and brutalised (cf. The Lord is nigh unto them that call upon Him; He also will hear their cry, and will help them.--Psalm cxlv. "(Archbishop Temple. To Dominicus, Bishop. (4)In the dark as well as the light.3. And how it would bless us! Our relation toward such a God should be 1. For those that are at variance are to be admonished to know most certainly that, in whatever virtues they may abound, they can by no means become spiritual if they neglect becoming united to their neighbours by concord. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. For those that are at variance are to be admonished to know most certainly that, in whatever virtues they may abound, they can by no means become spiritual if they neglect becoming united to their neighbours by concord. 13-16).4. He prophesies that the kings of the earth shall praise God7. G. T. Shedd, D. D.)God's presenceArchbishop Temple. So, too, by living in the presence of God and, as it were, in the courts of heaven, we shall assuredly learn something of a heavenly tone, and shake off some of that coarse worldliness, that deeply ingrained selfishness, that silly pride and conceit which now spoils our very best service. vi. lxxxv. To reveal the supreme interest of human life. (Admonition 23.) I. But yet there is another, not less powerful than any, which deserves special mention. But while all held their peace, the Son [441] said, AthanasiusSelect Works and Letters or AthanasiusCovenant Duties. 19 III. Though the transgressor is ignorant of much of his sin, because, at the time of its commission, he sins blindly as well as wilfully, and unreflectingly as well as freely; and though the transgressor has forgotten much of that small amount of sin, of which he was conscious, and by which he was pained, at the time of its perpetration; though, on the side of man, the powers of self-inspection and memory have accomplished so little towards this preservation of man's sin, yet God knows it all, and remembers it all. That of a prayerful seeking of the Divine guidance (ver. And how, through us, others would be blessed! lvii. For it is written, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace (Gal. )God and ourselvesW. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius John Edgar McFadyenIntroduction to the Old TestamentLinksPsalm 138:8 NIVPsalm 138:8 NLTPsalm 138:8 ESVPsalm 138:8 NASBPsalm 138:8 KJVPsalm 138:8 Bible AppsPsalm 138:8 ParallelPsalm 138:8 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 138:8 Chinese BiblePsalm 138:8 French BiblePsalm 138:8 German BiblePsalm 138:8 CommentariesBible Hub, (3)Everywhere. The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. This is living with God. Forasmuch as each man is a part of the human race, and human nature is something social, and hath for a great and natural good, the power also of friendship; on this account God willed to create all men out of one, in order that they might be held in their society not only by likeness of kind, but also by bond of kindred. Then is the moment to choose whether or not we will live in the presence of God; then when the finger of conscience is pointing to Him and saying, "He is looking at you. Human inspection is very limited. [2105] And these without all controversy we take to be humble. This is the communion with Him, and with Christ, which unquestionably helps the struggling, the penitent, the praying, more than anything else. This I apprehend, as it regards David, and as it regards every Christian, may be summed up in two things the work of providence without them, and the work of grace within them. There are many things which concern me; but what they are I leave to the Lord to determine; for I often find, as many others have told me is true of them likewise, that I much concern myself about things which, after all, do not really concern me, and about which, therefore, I need not trouble. And though we thought that we had suffered loss from the tardiness of their coming, yet we find gain from their more abundant charity; seeing that from this delay in point Saint Gregory the Greatthe Epistles of Saint Gregory the GreatThe Coming Revival"Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"--PS. We do not agree with Momus, neither are we of his mind who desired to have a window in his breast that all men might see his heart. 1. Though the transgressor is ignorant of much of his sin, because, at the time of its commission, he sins blindly as well as wilfully, and unreflectingly as well as freely; and though the transgressor has forgotten much of that small amount of sin, of which he was conscious, and by which he was pained, at the time of its perpetration; though, on the side of man, the powers of self-inspection and memory have accomplished so little towards this preservation of man's sin, yet God knows it all, and remembers it all. And though we thought that we had suffered loss from the tardiness of their coming, yet we find gain from their more abundant charity; seeing that from this delay in point Saint Gregory the Greatthe Epistles of Saint Gregory the GreatThe Coming Revival"Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"--PS. That of siding with Him against evil (vers. Into providence. Rom. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. It is perfectly plain from the elevated central point of view where we now stand, and in the focal light in which we now see, that no man can be justified before God upon the ground of personal character; for that character, when subjected to God's exhaustive scrutiny, withers and shrinks away. lvii. We have received with the utmost gratification the letters of your Fraternity, which have reached us somewhat late by the hands of Donatus and Quodvultdeus, our most reverend brethren and fellow-bishops, and also Victor the deacon with Agilegius the notary. And this perpetual though not always conscious sense of God's presence would, no doubt, if we would let it have its perfect work, gradually act on our characters just as the presence of our fellow-men does. S. Augustine, Of the City of God, xix. Do the Moral Virtues pertain to the Contemplative Life? For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. That act whereby another being knows my secret thoughts and inmost feelings is most certainly inexplicable.I. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life Leo the GreatWritings of Leo the GreatHow those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to be Admonished. St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. Forasmuch as each man is a part of the human race, and human nature is something social, and hath for a great and natural good, the power also of friendship; on this account God willed to create all men out of one, in order that they might be held in their society not only by likeness of kind, but also by bond of kindred. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thy right hand shall save me."--PS. feel that assuredly he has got hold of a secret that too many of us do not possess, some less-favored one than the speaker comes up to him with wonder, wistfulness, perplexity, and desire written plainly on his countenance, and begins to -, 1. But His mercy endureth for ever. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius John Edgar McFadyenIntroduction to the Old TestamentLinksPsalm 138:8 NIVPsalm 138:8 NLTPsalm 138:8 ESVPsalm 138:8 NASBPsalm 138:8 KJVPsalm 138:8 Bible AppsPsalm 138:8 ParallelPsalm 138:8 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 138:8 Chinese BiblePsalm 138:8 French BiblePsalm 138:8 German BiblePsalm 138:8 CommentariesBible Hub, (2)There is the error that imagines that death will make some fundamental alteration in their relation to God.2. Being rich he becomes richer; being already high born, of still nobler lineage; being illustrious, he gains greater renown; and--what is more than all--once a sinner he is now a saint. 8). The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. That of siding with Him against evil (vers. So, too, by living in the presence of God and, as it were, in the courts of heaven, we shall assuredly learn something of a heavenly tone, and shake off some of that coarse worldliness, that deeply ingrained selfishness, that silly pride and conceit which now spoils our very best service. How shall we learn to walk by His side? v. 22). Darby Translation Jehovah will perfect what concerneth me: thy loving-kindness, O Jehovah, endureth for ever; forsake not the works of thine own hands. But if that knowledge whereby man knows himself is mysterious, then certainly that whereby God knows him is far more so. Hilary of PoitiersThe Life and Writings of St. Hilary of PoitiersPsalmsThe piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. He may be an uncommonly thoughtful person, and little of what is done within his soul may escape his notice; nay, we will make the extreme supposition that he arrests every thought as it rises, and looks at it; that he analyzes every sentiment as it swells his heart; that he scrutinizes every purpose as it determines his will; even if he should have such a thorough and profound self-knowledge as this, God knows him equally profoundly and equally thoroughly. And lest the presence of God should be too much for us, Christ has taken human nature on Him, and has provided that He will be always with us as long as the world shall last. Hence Paul Leo the GreatWritings of Leo the GreatSense in Which, and End for which all Things were Delivered to the Incarnate Son. The faith of that Centurion He on this account chiefly praised, and said St. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius, The Saints' Final Perseverance Secured by the Mercy of God, The saints' final perseverance secured by the mercy of God, David praises God for the truth of his word, He prophesies that the kings of the earth shall praise God. And this perpetual though not always conscious sense of God's presence would, no doubt, if we would let it have its perfect work, gradually act on our characters just as the presence of our fellow-men does. 12), while the devil was exulting against us;--then God, in His loving-kindness, not willing man made in His own image to perish, said, Whom shall I send, and who will go?' AugustineOn the Good of MarriagePrayer Out of the Deep. 7. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. For those that are at variance are to be admonished to know most certainly that, in whatever virtues they may abound, they can by no means become spiritual if they neglect becoming united to their neighbours by concord. "Come, and let us return to the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. His omnipresence. The petition is a proof of humility. 1, 2. able characteristics of a rational being is the power of self-inspection. 5, 6. How shall we learn to walk by His side? Hence Paul Leo the GreatWritings of Leo the GreatSense in Which, and End for which all Things were Delivered to the Incarnate Son. 19-22).3. The brilliant searchlight sweeping the broad ocean and revealing even the smallest craft on its surface is but a faint type of the Eternal Light from which no sinner can hide his sin. His discourse, the first which He delivered to His disciples at greater length, began from this. Our hearts will put us in mind of God's eye being upon us every now and then involuntarily. Does the Contemplative Life comprise many Acts? There is no reason to mourn a son as lost who is a religious, still less to fear for his delicacy of constitution. - the power of the Holy Spirit, which worketh in me now; the promises, so many, so great, and precious, contained in the Holy Scriptures; and my own experience thus far, and that of many others; - all encourage and establish my faith that ' the Lord will perfect that,' etc. He will revive us."--HOS. Conclusion . Thomas AquinasOn Prayer and The Contemplative LifeEpistle Xlvii. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thy right hand shall save me."--PS. ad probam IV. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. v. 22). 15. Thomas AquinasOn Prayer and The Contemplative LifeEpistle Xlvii. [2105] And these without all controversy we take to be humble. Justice, in this reference, is out of the question. (1)There is the error that supposes that formal worship can be of any real worth. 19 III. Those who are always hearing pure and high principles set forth as the guides of life learn to value and to know them even faster than they can learn to live by them. )PeopleDavid, PsalmistPlacesJerusalemTopicsAbandon, Accomplish, Age, Chief, Complete, Concerneth, Concerns, David, Endures, Endureth, Eternal, Everlasting, Fall, Forever, Forsake, Fulfil, Fulfill, Hands, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Musician, O, Perfect, Psalm, Purpose, Steadfast, WorksOutline1. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple St. Does the Contemplative Life comprise many Acts? GOD ACCURATELY AND EXHAUSTIVELY KNOWS ALL THAT MAN KNOWS OF HIMSELF. 17, 18).2. Will the disclosures of that day fill us with joy, or cover us with shame? Being rich he becomes richer; being already high born, of still nobler lineage; being illustrious, he gains greater renown; and--what is more than all--once a sinner he is now a saint. G. T. Shedd, D. D.)God's presenceArchbishop Temple. G. T. Shedd, D. D.)God's presenceArchbishop Temple. Struck by this view of God's omniscience as embracing the beginning, the unfolding and the completion of all things, the singer bursts out into a recognition of its value. Before the Searcher of hearts all mankind must appeal to mere and sovereign mercy. GOD ACCURATELY AND EXHAUSTIVELY KNOWS ALL THAT MAN MIGHT, BUT DOES NOT, KNOW OF HIMSELF. OMNIPOTENCE IN THE CREATION OF MAN (vers. You may say, It is the promise. But in almost every case the dazzling rays of a searchlight frustrated the attempt, and the fugitives' vessel was captured by the Americans. Self-consciousness has been the problem of the philosophic mind in all ages; and the mystery is not yet unravelled. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple St. 13-16).4. Is the Contemplative Life wholly confined to the Intellect, or does the Will enter into it? 2. Rom. He professes his confidence in GodDictionary of Bible ThemesPsalm 138:86708predestination8125guidance, promise8441goalsPsalm 138:7-81265hand of GodLibraryFaith in PerfectionIn the opening, I must remark that this is not the heritage of all mankind. vi. Do the Moral Virtues pertain to the Contemplative Life? Nor did God create these each by himself, and join them together as alien by birth: but He created the one St. A Consolatory Letter to the Parents of Geoffrey. The word, "me," in the text, cannot be appropriated by any man, unless he, in some respects, resembles the character of David, who penned this psalm. Rom. These included visiting the second longest beach in the world called AugustineOn the Good of MarriagePrayer Out of the Deep. Our text for todays message is Psalm 138:8 which says The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands. PHILIPPIANS 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. How shall we learn to walk by His side? In short, to live with God is to be perpetually rising above the world; to live without Him is to be perpetually sinking into it, and with it, and below it. There is no reason to mourn a son as lost who is a religious, still less to fear for his delicacy of constitution. Exodus 16:2-15. GOD ACCURATELY AND EXHAUSTIVELY KNOWS ALL THAT MAN MIGHT, BUT DOES NOT, KNOW OF HIMSELF. xviii. Those who live much in refined and educated society acquire refinement insensibly. (2)His knowledge of us is entire, complete.2. The text, however, itself, is its own guard. To Dominicus, Bishop. But yet there is another, not less powerful than any, which deserves special mention. Those who live much in a court acquire courtly manners. The importance of an interest in Christ. Forasmuch as each man is a part of the human race, and human nature is something social, and hath for a great and natural good, the power also of friendship; on this account God willed to create all men out of one, in order that they might be held in their society not only by likeness of kind, but also by bond of kindred. St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. ad probam IV. To reprove some prevalent impieties in human conduct.(1)Atheism.(2)Indifferentism.3. We could never discharge our duties properly if we were to be perpetually distracted by the consciousness of what was around us: and, above all, we might be daunted by the perpetual thought of the presence of God, and so be paralyzed instead of helped. The text, however, itself, is its own guard. October 27th, 2022 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your Hands. Nay, more, this process of self-inspection may go on indefinitely, and the man grow more and more thoughtful, and obtain an everlastingly augmenting knowledge of what he is and what he does, so that it shall seem to him that he is penetrating so deeply into those dim and shadowy regions of consciousness where the external life takes its very first start, and then he may be sure that God understands the thought that is afar off, and deep down, and that at this lowest range and plane in his experience he besets him behind and before.II. But if that knowledge whereby man knows himself is mysterious, then certainly that whereby God knows him is far more so. stream | download | podcast | enjoy . 17, 18).2. And this perpetual though not always conscious sense of God's presence would, no doubt, if we would let it have its perfect work, gradually act on our characters just as the presence of our fellow-men does. I will ask you three questions suggested by the words themselves, and according to your answer to these three questions, shall be Charles Haddon SpurgeonSpurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859Question of the Contemplative LifeI. 24). --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. But while all held their peace, the Son [441] said, AthanasiusSelect Works and Letters or AthanasiusCovenant Duties. For it is written, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace (Gal. I. In a sermon preached before the Virginia Company in 1610 William Crashaw advanced a range of arguments to justify the Virginia enterprise. But while all held their peace, the Son [441] said, AthanasiusSelect Works and Letters or AthanasiusCovenant Duties. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. v. 14), the earth was cursed, Hades was opened, Paradise shut, Heaven offended, man, lastly, corrupted and brutalised (cf. But if that knowledge whereby man knows himself is mysterious, then certainly that whereby God knows him is far more so. Being rich he becomes richer; being already high born, of still nobler lineage; being illustrious, he gains greater renown; and--what is more than all--once a sinner he is now a saint. Is the Contemplative Life wholly confined to the Intellect, or does the Will enter into it? For whereas man sinned, and is fallen, and by his fall all things are in confusion: death prevailed from Adam to Moses (cf. (Admonition 23.) 6. He will revive us."--HOS. His discourse, the first which He delivered to His disciples at greater length, began from this. (1)He knows our actions, ways, words, thoughts. 19 III. Of course, ere ever this be possible, the Lord's work must have begun in us; we must have yielded ourselves up to him in real repentance and faith; but if we have done that, why, instead of our too common misgiving and fear, have we not this glad persuasion that is expressed in our text? 1, 2. But yet there is another, not less powerful than any, which deserves special mention. That of siding with Him against evil (vers. : While the Americans were blockading Cuba, several captains endeavoured to elude their vigilance by night, trusting that the darkness would conceal them as they passed between the American war-ships. "(Archbishop Temple. We become unconscious of everything by long use. God cares about everything that happens in our lives including the little things. II. For whereas man sinned, and is fallen, and by his fall all things are in confusion: death prevailed from Adam to Moses (cf. 18 " Ep., cxxx. It is a simple question of time; a simple question whether it shall come here in this world, where the blood of Christ "freely" flows, or in the future world, where "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin."(W. 6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. So, too, by living in the presence of God and, as it were, in the courts of heaven, we shall assuredly learn something of a heavenly tone, and shake off some of that coarse worldliness, that deeply ingrained selfishness, that silly pride and conceit which now spoils our very best service. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. That of adoring and constantly thoughtful reverence (vers. Differently to be admonished are those that are at variance and those that are at peace. And this perpetual though not always conscious sense of God's presence would, no doubt, if we would let it have its perfect work, gradually act on our characters just as the presence of our fellow-men does. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple St. It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerneth Me: 12/14/2014 (SUN) | Bible: Psalm 138:8. A Consolatory Letter to the Parents of Geoffrey. The Coming Andrew MurrayThe Ministry of Intercession, Forasmuch as Each Man is a Part of the Human Race1. God has made us so. And here let us look upon the bright as well as the dark side of this subject. )God all-seeing:In the mythology of the heathen, Momus, the god of fault-finding, is represented as blaming Vulcan, because in the human form, which he had made of clay, he had not placed a window in the breast, by which whatever was done or thought there might easily be brought to light. Then is the moment to choose whether or not we will live in the presence of God; then when the finger of conscience is pointing to Him and saying, "He is looking at you. We cannot get away from God's presence. [2105] And these without all controversy we take to be humble. (Weekly Pulpit. Our relation toward such a God should be 1. I will ask you three questions suggested by the words themselves, and according to your answer to these three questions, shall be Charles Haddon SpurgeonSpurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859Question of the Contemplative LifeI. S. Augustine, Of the Perfection of Human Righteousness, viii. vi. GOD ACCURATELY AND EXHAUSTIVELY KNOWS ALL THAT MAN MIGHT, BUT DOES NOT, KNOW OF HIMSELF. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. "Come, and let us return to the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us. You are anxiously asking Him, shall I persevere to the end? In the day when I cried Charles KingsleyOut of the DeepWherefore a Few Witnesses, which the Lord Deigns to Suggest to My Mind32. And though we thought that we had suffered loss from the tardiness of their coming, yet we find gain from their more abundant charity; seeing that from this delay in point Saint Gregory the Greatthe Epistles of Saint Gregory the GreatThe Coming Revival"Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"--PS. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. Then is the moment to choose whether or not we will live in the presence of God; then when the finger of conscience is pointing to Him and saying, "He is looking at you. According to Scripture, we can be certain that God will perfect everything that concerns us because God cares about us. But He sees all, His eye takes in the immeasurable universe. Now, in this condition of things, God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life. Chapter i. Hoyt, D. D.: This psalm sings of I. The separate, personal thinking of God toward every one of us.(1)Innumerable.(2)Constant.II. "O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years."--HAB. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. 18, 19. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thy right hand shall save me."--PS. He must be prepared for the Kingdom that has been prepared for him Saint Bernard of ClairvauxSome Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of ClairvauxThat the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action. And this perpetual though not always conscious sense of God's presence would, no doubt, if we would let it have its perfect work, gradually act on our characters just as the presence of our fellow-men does. v. 14), the earth was cursed, Hades was opened, Paradise shut, Heaven offended, man, lastly, corrupted and brutalised (cf. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Weekly Pulpit. But if that knowledge whereby man knows himself is mysterious, then certainly that whereby God knows him is far more so. Though the transgressor is ignorant of much of his sin, because, at the time of its commission, he sins blindly as well as wilfully, and unreflectingly as well as freely; and though the transgressor has forgotten much of that small amount of sin, of which he was conscious, and by which he was pained, at the time of its perpetration; though, on the side of man, the powers of self-inspection and memory have accomplished so little towards this preservation of man's sin, yet God knows it all, and remembers it all. the regular habit of reading the Bible at a fixed time, the occasional reminders of ourselves that God is looking on, these are our chief means of learning to remember His presence. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. Forasmuch as each man is a part of the human race, and human nature is something social, and hath for a great and natural good, the power also of friendship; on this account God willed to create all men out of one, in order that they might be held in their society not only by likeness of kind, but also by bond of kindred. God has made us so. Thomas AquinasOn Prayer and The Contemplative LifeEpistle Xlvii. GOD ACCURATELY AND EXHAUSTIVELY KNOWS ALL THAT MAN KNOWS OF HIMSELF. If we had such a window we should pray for shutters, and should keep them closed.God omniscientWeekly Pulpit. 8. What is it? In the opening, I must remark that this is not the heritage of all mankind. Nay, more, this process of self-inspection may go on indefinitely, and the man grow more and more thoughtful, and obtain an everlastingly augmenting knowledge of what he is and what he does, so that it shall seem to him that he is penetrating so deeply into those dim and shadowy regions of consciousness where the external life takes its very first start, and then he may be sure that God understands the thought that is afar off, and deep down, and that at this lowest range and plane in his experience he besets him behind and before.II.