James Smith, 1859
Expostulating with a friend in reference to a fault into which he had fallen, by way of excuse he said, "I was taken by surprise!" This implied that he was off his guard, that he was neglecting the loving admonition of his gracious Lord, "Watch and pray—lest you enter into temptation." Though in one sense we are always safe—we should never feel secure, for security generally ends in a fall. We are in an enemies' country, and our enemies are crafty, cruel, and watchful.
We are in awilderness, and may meet with surprising dangers where we least expect them. We are under the guidance and direction of a special providence, and may hope for many changes, and different treatment at different times. We should live believing God's word, watching God's hand, and waiting upon God in his ways; if we do not—we shall be taken by surprise.
We may now be surrounded by kind, judicious, and sympathizing friends. They may seem to be the light of our eyes, the stay of our hearts, and the joy of our souls. Let us enjoy them while we have them—but let us not place any dependence upon them; for if we do, they may soon become alienated from us, be removed to a distance, or even be turned against us!
Man is changeable. He walks in a vain show. At his best state, he is altogether vanity. Trust him—and he will deceive you. Put him in God's place—and he will wound you, and pierce you to the heart! "Trust not in a friend, put no confidence in a guide." "Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and who makes flesh his arm."
Let your God be your friend. Remember there is One friend who loves at all times. You may trust him, confide in him, and open your whole heart to him. Bat if you do so without reserve to any other—you may be betrayed, deceived, or forsaken; and then in the bitterness of your soul, to account for the painful acuteness of your feelings, you may be heard to exclaim, "I was taken by surprise!"
