July 15

I found Him whom my soul loveth.

EVERYWHERE St. Paul speaks of the Christian as one with Christ. He is united with Him, not in His death only, but in all the stages of His existence; living with Him, suffering with Him, crucified with Him, buried with Him, rising again with Him, renewed in His image, glorified together with Him, these are the expressions by which this union is denoted. There is something meant by this language which goes beyond the experiences of ordinary Christians, something, perhaps, more mystical than in these later days of the world most persons seem to be capable of feeling, yet the main thing signified is the same for all ages, the knowledge and love of Christ, by which men pass out of themselves to make their will His and His theirs, the consciousness of Him in their thoughts and actions, communion with Him and trust in Him. . . . And often they walk with Him on earth, not in a figure only, and find Him near them, not in a figure only, in the valley of death. They experience from Him the same kind of support as from the sympathy and communion of an earthly friend. That friend is also a Divine power. In proportion as they become like Him, they are reconciled to God through Him; they pass with Him into the relationship of sons of God. There is enough here for faith to think of, without sullying the mirror of God's justice or overclouding His truth. . . . Doctrinal statements in which the nature of the work of Christ is most exactly defined cannot really afford the same support as the simple conviction of His love.

THE BELOVED OF SOULS

The meek shall increase their joy in the Lord.