James Smith (Puritan)

And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. -  Psalms 55:6


The Trials of a believer are often severe. Many a storm has he to endure, many a river to ford, and many a fire to pass through - on his way home to the Promised Land. Little did the Christian think, when he first stepped into the gospel - that there were such tough roads, dark nights and terrible storms before him; but more or less, every traveler to Mount Zion must experience them. It is generally found to be a rough road, which leads to the Celestial City. Many a Christian has found his courage fail him, and his heart misgive him, on this way home.

Never is Christ so precious - as in times of particular trial. Never is the Bible so valued - as in the day of trouble and distress. The wilderness with its barren burning sands, its storms and tempests, its dangers and its difficulties - endears the believer to his Promised Land.  

Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest - to the weary, way-worn, exhausted traveler! Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest -to the afflicted, tried, and tempted Christian! He most generally thinks of Heaven as a place of rest.

We have the foretastes of it occasionally now, which makes us at time long for its fullness and perfection. Like the grapes of Eshcol, which when tasted, stimulates us to hasten across the wilderness, that we may take possession of the promised land; so the inward calm, the secret repose, the rest at times enjoyed in the soul - urges us on, and makes us cry aloud, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest."