THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

 
The consolation of Israel.
Luke 2:25

 
SIN has filled our world, and our natures,
  with all the elements of misery and unhappiness.
 
And we never can be made truly happy,
  except God send down happiness from his own bosom.
 
This he has done.
 
Jesus came not only to save, but to console us; or
  to make us happy, as well as make us holy.
 
The grace which Jesus gives is the seed of happiness,
  and as it springs up and flourishes in our souls,
  it conquers and triumphs over our misery.
 
Beloved, if we would be happy,
  we must seek to be interested in,
  conformed to, and walk in fellowship with, Jesus.
 
He was once the man of sorrows for us,
  but even then, he opened a fountain of happiness to us.
 
He called sinners who were weary and
  heavy laden to him, and
   promised to give them rest.
 
He is now the happy One, and
  the happy making One.
 
There is a fulness of consolation in him,
  he comforts all that mourn,
  giving them the oil of joy for mourning, and
  the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
 
Holy Spirit, in all seasons of trouble,
  in all times of depression and sorrow,
  leads us to Jesus as the consolation of Israel
   and make us happy in his love.
 

Though oft I am mourning below,

And find little permanent rest,

Yet this I assuredly know,

There is strong consolation in Christ.

 
James Smith 1849