God setteth the solitary in families."

"God setteth the solitary in families." - Psalm Ixviii. 6 v. There are some lives to whom the nuptial torch is denied. They form no family ties, and, as the ties into which they were born are dissolved, one fears that they will be alone. They need not be. "God setteth the solitary in families." Religion supplies the place of marriage. Often have I thought of these words of the Master, "Whosoever shall do the will of My Father, which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother." The soul surrendered to God is brother, sister, mother, to the race of Man. Who, think you, of merely human birth, had the widest heart for earthly ties? Was it not the solitary man of Tarsus? Who speaks of the family like Aim? Who legislates for the household like him? Who feels for the bereaved like him? And why? Because they who are united to Christ are wedded also to humanity. They have the ring and the robe. They have the bridal garment. They have the marriage supper of the Lamb. They have the cares of all households, the weight of all children, the guidance of all youth, the help of all manhood, the support of all age. It is a crowded life to be married like the angels. Oh Thou who hast consecrated not only the nuptial torch but the want of it, make room for the solitary lives. Make straight not in the desert, but on the highway, a path for those who walk alone. Invite the virgin souls of earth to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Kindle the paternal instinct in the heart that is no father. Light the family altar in the home that has no ties. Till with the voices of the multitude the spaces left vacant by the brethren. Replenish the isles with Thy fulness — the fulness of human sympathy. Give a crowded interest to spirits outside the crowd. Bring the vision of the city into the silence of the garden. Put the burden of all souls on the life that has no burden. Lay the debt of humanity on those who know not lesser bonds. The isles wait for Thee to make them vocal. When Thou hast set the solitary in families there shall be no more sea. George Matheson

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