Checkbook of the Bank of Faith

HE left us, and yet we are not left orphans. He is our comfort, and he is gone; but we are not comfortless. Our comfort is that he will come to us, and this is consolation enough to sustain us through his prolonged absence. Jesus is already on his way: he says, "I come quickly": he rides post-haste towards us. He says, "I will come": and none can prevent his coming, or put it back for a quarter of an hour. He specially says, "I will come to you"; and so he will. His coming is specially to and for his own people. This is meant to be their present comfort while they mourn that the Bridegroom does not yet appear.

When we lose the joyful sense of his presence we mourn; but we may not sorrow as if there were no hope. Our Lord in a little wrath has hid himself from us for a moment; but he will return in full favor. He leaves us in a sense, but only in a sense. When he withdraws, he leaves a pledge behind that he will return. O Lord, come quickly! There is no life in this earthly existence if you be gone. We sigh for the return of your sweet smile. When will you come unto us? We are sure you will appear; but be you like a roe, or a young deer. Make no tarrying, O our God!