When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry
trees, then thou shalt bestir thyself
2 Samuel 5:24
The members of Christ's Church should be very prayerful, always
seeking the unction of the Holy One to rest upon their hearts, that
the kingdom of Christ may come, and that His "will be done on earth,
even as it is in heaven;" but there are times when God seems
especially to favour Zion, such seasons ought to be to them like "the
sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees." We ought then to
be doubly prayerful, doubly earnest, wrestling more at the throne
than we have been wont to do. Action should then be prompt and
vigorous. The tide is flowing--now let us pull manfully for the
shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal labours.
Christian, in yourself there are times "when thou hearest the sound
of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees." You have a peculiar
power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the
Scripture is open to you; the promises are applied; you walk in the
light of God's countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty in
devotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your
wont. Now, at such joyous periods when you hear the "sound of a going
in the tops of the mulberry trees," is the time to bestir yourself;
now is the time to get rid of any evil habit, while God the Spirit
helpeth your infirmities. Spread your sail; but remember what you
sometimes sing--
"I can only spread the sail;
Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale."
Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want of
preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more earnest in
duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in
prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more
holy in your conversation whilst you live more closely with Christ.
