God first reveals Himself, and then says, as it were, "Now let Me see if you have so learned what _I am_ as to trust _Me_ against all circumstances, against all that you see, feel, or suffer." And what virtue there must be in the Light of God, when so little of it is needed to sustain His child! Even in the dim early twilight of the dawning of divine revelation, Job, suffering under a very similar and fully equal "evil time," could say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord:" accents sweet and refreshing to Him who values at an unknown price the confidence of this poor heart of man. And yet what did Job know of God? _He_ had not seen the cross. _He_ had not had anything of the display of tenderest unspeakable love that have we. It was but the _dawn_, as we may say, of revelation; but it was enough to enable that poor grief-wrung heart to cry, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Shall we, who enjoy the very meridian of revelation light;--shall we, who have seen _Him slain for us_, say _less_? Nay, look at the wondrous _possibilities_ of our calling, my reader,--a song, nothing but a song will do now. Not quiet resignation only; but "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with _joyfulness_,"--and that means a song. How rich, how very rich, is our portion! A goodly heritage is ours. For see what our considerations have brought out: a deep _need_ universally felt; for none escape the sorrows, trials, and afflictions, that belong, in greater or less degree, to this life. The highest, truest, human wisdom can only recognize the need with a groan, for it finds no remedy for it--time and doom hap alike to all. God shows Himself a little, and, lo! quiet, patience, and resignation take the place of groaning. The need _is_ met. God reveals His whole heart fully, and no wave of sorrow, no billow of suffering, can extinguish the joy of His child who walks with Him. Nay, as thousands upon thousands could testify, the darkest hour of trial is made the sweetest with the sense of His love, and tears with song are mingled. Oh, for grace to enjoy our rich portion more.