From the context, the meaning is evident. He casts off his people from certain experiences of his love of which they have shown themselves unworthy, until they are humbled and penitent, fervent and believing. God does not arbitrarily resume his benefits. There is ever an adequate reason, and if we search the records of our experience, we shall find it. We should very carefully note what it was in our conduct, what remissness or sluggishness or waywardness or worldliness, that caused the Spirit of God to cease from shedding abroad the love of God in our heart; and when we have been restored, we should be careful not again to grieve him. Happy are they to whom it is given to know that they are not finally cast off. Their contrition, their humiliation, their ardent longing of soul, are the best evidences that they are not.
A daily devotional written by a Baptist Missionary to India, Reverend George Bowen (1816-1888) over 150 years ago.
George H. Bowen (30 April 1816 at Middlebury, Vermont – 5 February 1888 at Bombay, India) was an American missionary, newspaper man, linguist, and translator in India. He was known as "The White Saint of India" for his resemblance in manner and dress to the Hindu holy men.
From the context, the meaning is evident. He casts off his people from certain experiences of his love of which they have shown themselves unworthy, until they are humbled and penitent, fervent and believing. God does not arbitrarily resume his benefits. There is ever an adequate reason, and if we search the records of our experience, we shall find it. We should very carefully note what it was in our conduct, what remissness or sluggishness or waywardness or worldliness, that caused the Spirit of God to cease from shedding abroad the love of God in our heart; and when we have been restored, we should be careful not again to grieve him. Happy are they to whom it is given to know that they are not finally cast off. Their contrition, their humiliation, their ardent longing of soul, are the best evidences that they are not.