Who can tell what muffled and disguised "needs be" there may lurk under these world-tribulations? His true spiritual seed are often planted deep in the soil; they have to make their way through a load of sorrow before they reach the surface; but their roots are thereby the firmer and deeper struck. Had it not been for these lowly and needed "depths," they might have rushed up as feeble saplings, and succumbed to the first blast. He often leads His people still, as he led them of old, to "a high mountain apart;" but it is to a _high_ mountain--_above the world_; and, better still, He who Himself hath overcome the world, leadeth them there, and speaketh comfortably unto them. "I HOPE IN THY _WORD_." 13TH DAY. "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said"-- "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."--Luke xii. 32. The Little Flock. The music of the Shepherd's voice again! Another comforting "word," and how tender! _his_ flock a _little_ flock, a _feeble_ flock, a _fearful_ flock, but a _beloved_ flock, loved of the Father, enjoying His "good pleasure," and soon to be a _glorified_ flock, safe in the fold, secure within the kingdom! How does He quiet their fears and misgivings? As they stand panting on the bleak mountain side, He points His crook upwards to the bright and shining gates of glory, and says, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you these!" What gentle words! What a blessed consummation! Gracious Saviour, Thy _gentleness_ hath made me _great_! That kingdom is the believer's by irreversible and inalienable charter-right--"I appoint unto you" (by covenant), says Jesus in another place, "a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me." It is as sure as everlasting love and almighty power can make it. Satan, the great foe of the kingdom, may be injecting foul misgivings, and doubts, and fears as to your security; but he cannot denude you of your purchased immunities. He must first pluck the crown from the Brow upon the Throne, before he can weaken or impair this sure word of promise. If "it pleased the Lord" to _bruise_ the Shepherd, it will surely please Him to make happy the purchased flock. If He "smote" His "Fellow" when the sheep were scattered, surely it will rejoice Him, for the Shepherd's sake, "to turn His hand upon the little ones."