3:2. "I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek Him whom my soul loves--I sought Him, but I found Him not."

The Church continues in distress. She is disconsolate. Her Lord is absent and her joy is gone. In vain she seeks Him on a bed of indolence. She resolves to exert her energies, and to make some efforts; "I will rise now." It is wise to break from indolence; but efforts will not prosper except they are put forth in right direction and in resolute determination. Many are the good resolves, which have borne no lasting fruit. Abortive desires end in disappointed blank. In early morning streaks of light promise a brilliant day; but clouds may arise, and gloom overcast the skies. Early blossoms may show lovely flowers; but frost may touch them with a withering hand, and they may fall blighted to the ground. The bud expands not always into a full-blown flower. The steps which commence in right path may often pause, or be diverted into ways of woe. If we could listen to the wails of many a lost spirit in the realms of everlasting night, we would hear much of blighted vows. The resolve was formed to leave the paths of peril, and to walk in the narrow way. But Satan came; the world enticed; the flesh seduced; the hopes were frustrated; and the end was misery.

Lot's wife resolved that she would flee to Zoar. She paused--she cast a backward look, and moved no more. Let us take heed, that no good desire in our hearts may find an early wreck. The Church resolves "I will rise now." We find her not slow in compliance. Though it be night, and the season might tempt her to remain at rest, yet she goes forth--she traverses the city, in the streets and in the broad ways she seeks Him whom her soul loved. Love is a mighty passion. It urges to strong efforts. But efforts may err in the line taken by them. He has not promised His presence in public and crowded places. Such search can plead no word to ensure success. The warm desire may not fly on the wings of victory. It is no surprise then, that the Church repeats the wail of disappointment, "I sought Him, but I found Him not."

Let us be wise. Let faith enquire, "Tell me where You feed." We are not left without distinct direction. We are told, that Christ is a treasure hidden in the field of God's WORD. "Search the Scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life--and these are they which testify of Me." As the sun abounds in light; as the ocean is full of drops; as the summer grove resounds with melody; as brightest gems reflect sparkling rays, so is the Bible full of Christ. It testifies in terms most precious and most clear of the glories of His person and of His completed work. It records His grace--His tenderness--His love. It abounds in inviting calls. It overflows with precious promises. At every page it seems to say, 'Behold Me! Behold Me!' No veil conceals His beauty. He shines throughout in heavenly luster. They who dig in this quarry will never dig in vain.

He has promised, also, to meet us if we seek Him in His holy ORDINANCES. Where two or three assemble in His name, in the midst He will appear; and He will show them His hands and His side. In the communion of His saints He will manifest Himself. He joined the two disciples as they talked of Him in their sorrowful steps towards Emmaus. They returned to testify what things were done in the way; and how He was known by them in breaking of bread.

Let us thus seek Him. We may plead the promises that His presence shall be given. Precious discoveries will gladden the heart. He never says to Israel's house, "Seek My face in vain."