I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage.
Josh. i. 5, 6.

And all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.
Ex. xxiv. 3.

OUR Lord teaches us not to shrink from the consequences which we may see to be involved in any course of duty which we have undertaken. He leads us to accept the results of any high choice as they open to our mind, — to regard trustfully, in every act of self-dedication, in every resolve we are led to make, whatever possibilities there may be of coming trial foreseen or unforeseen, — to realize in calmness the future, whatever that future may be. If the calling of God is clear, if the sense of duty become the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, ever leading onward, the vision of the cross ought not to hinder our going forward. For one who has put his hand to the plough to look back is to become unfit for the Kingdom of Heaven. And equally so it must be to disobey God, if distrust of His upholding us in the course along which He would guide our steps, whatever trial may meet us in the path, becomes a stumbling-block or hindrance to our faith.
T. T. Carter