'The darkness does not tell
The darkness does not tell of Divine anger
Many a Christian enters a sore trial — cold, worldly, unspiritual — with all the better and more tender qualities of his nature locked up in his heart like the beauty and fragrance in the bare and jagged tree in January.
But he comes out of it with gentle spirit, mellowed, richened, and sweetened, and with all the fragrant graces pouring their perfume about him.
The photographer carries his picture back into a darkened room, that he may bring out its features.
The light would mar his delicate work.
In the same way, God brings out in many a soul its loveliest beauties, while the curtain is drawn and the light of day shut out.
The darkness does not tell of Divine anger ; it is only the shadow of the wing of Divine love folded close over us for a little, while the Master adds some new touch of loveliness to the picture He is bringing out in our souls!