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A man's way is strictly the original Divine-human life more and more rooting and opening itself in him: the glory of God shed abroad in the inner world of his soul, as the solar glory is shed abroad in the earth, developing, transfiguring, and preparing him for his ascension, "God delighteth in the way;" because it is love's way, and unspeakably delightful. It is life's way to man's completeness and complete blessedness; and grander than any man can think or imagine. It is evolution and evolution, not from non-intelligent matter, but from the living incorruptible substance in which God is involved as the working power. The steps which the Infinite Father has ordered for His sons and daughters are a series of surprises. Love delights to surpass expectation, and to have greater and greater surprises in reserve.

1. The whole round of nature is a ceaseless wonder, and ceaselessly changing its aspect. It feasts our affections, gratifies our love of the beautiful, exhilarates and enlarges the mind, cultivates the imagination, and is an endless source of poetic symbolism and illustration. It lives and breathes; and therefore demonstrates the nearness of God. It is never old, for it renews itself, and grows before our eyes. There ere always untrodden districts, and unvisited worlds awaiting our opportunity. Then God's sons and daughters are themselves all that nature is, and much more. They are the crown of nature: they are nature, plus divinity.

2. Another beautiful surprise comes within the scope of our earthly existence: the home and family-surprise. New spirits from God actually arrive: they come secretly into our very blood, and clothe themselves with our nature; they come to stay with us and grow up in our homes. Their vivacity and novelty add a wonderful charm and enlargement to our life.

3. The stealing on of nature's great eclipse and midnight is the dawn of God's new life — full morning for the inner man. Death is new birth; when the sweetest surprise of all breaks into view. Nature's children die; but God's never. His children live, and breathe, and hold their being in the bosom of His Almighty Livingness. The way of God is from the first a "living way." "Thou wilt show me the path of life;" and His path of life becomes more and more living; and most living, in, and through nature's death. "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." The ascent from the cold gloom of the valley is swift, for the guardian angels meet us there, and God is in them.

(John Pulsford, D. D.)

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KJV: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

WEB: A man's goings are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way.