The Lord speaks to His people and instructs them as to how they may find rest to their souls. There are many ways in this world, but there is but one good way, and it will only be found in "the old paths." If we choose that good way it will go well with us, and if not we will find that "the way of transgressors is hard" (Prov. 13:15). With regard to this good way Israel said, "We will not walk therein," and consequently the Lord told them that He would bring evil upon them. "I will lay stumblingblocks before this people," said He, "and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them." And, true to His promise, He brought the sword of cruel enemies against them, and fear was on every side. (Many today are following Israel's pernicious example). Simply stated, the old paths consist of the way that the Lord has laid down for His people to walk in. It is a good way because it is the Lord's way. It is a good way because it is the right way. It is not sufficient merely to ask for the old paths wherein is the good way, but that way must be followed; it must be lived. It is a narrow way, and it is entered by a strait gate, but with all its difficulties it is still far better than any of the alternatives. Many of God's people seem to have a strong propensity for growing tired of the old paths, and introducing new ways. But all they need is what God has given them. He equipped His church with everything it needed and any additions to it are superfluous and will only do harm. The introduction of new things is an affront to God, for in effect it says He was not wise enough to know what His church would need through all ages of its history. May the Lord help us to be satisfied with the goodness of His house (See Psalm 65:4), and to walk in a "plain path" (Psalm 27:11),