My heart leaps within me!

   ~ ~ ~ ~

(James Smith's autobiography, "Marvelous Mercy!" 1862)

"Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:16

Jesus is . . .
an ocean of delights,
a sea of pleasure,
a fountain of bliss!

There is enough in Jesus, and in the happiness which we shall eternally enjoy:
to comfort the most dejected saint,
to soothe the sorrows of the most tried soul,
to strengthen the weakest, and
to stimulate the most feeble to press onward in the path of tribulation!

O for . . .
more spirituality of soul,
more conformity to His lovely likeness,
more unreserved dedication to His holy service!

I often try thus to praise His dear name--but am hindered . . .
by this heavy clog of clay,
by my evil heart of unbelief, and
by Satan presenting something to the mind to alarm, or draw me aside.

But shortly--understanding, mind, will, and affections--will all be sweetly engaged and employed in ascribing, "Blessing and honor, thanksgiving and power--to Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever!"

My heart leaps within me at the thought of thus giving perfect and perpetual praise to my beloved Lord!

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