April 27
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeSaturday after Third Sunday in Lent
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children, . . . proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:1, 10.
LET us make sure of consecrating to God by prayer, and a good intention, the most considerable duties of the day. Let us strive at all periods, whether of work or refreshment, to realize His presence, and the great end for which we are or ought to be living. We shall find by degrees that the main business of the day, if done with pure intention, will lead the smaller duties in tow, like long-boats following in the wake of a man-of-war. For the rest, let us make a wise and holy use of the efficacy of Christ's Blood and Grace. That doctrine, if rightly and deeply received, will give the mind a spring of elasticity, of indomitable cheerfulness, courage, and hope. Nothing which we do will for a moment bear the scrutiny of Almighty God as a judge. Be it so; but our Lord's work will endure that scrutiny, and come triumphant out of the ordeal; and His work is by faith ours as entirely as if we were the doers of it. Our own efforts after sanctity are always breaking down and giving way under us. True; but in Him doth all fulness dwell; and out of that fulness will we look to receive grace for grace, so that more and more visibly, if only our wills be true to Him, the lineaments of His blessed Image may be reproduced in us by the power of His Spirit.
Jesus, gentlest Saviour, Thou art in us now; Fill us with Thy goodness Till our hearts o'erflow.
Multiply our graces, Chiefly love and fear, And, dear Lord, the chiefest, Grace to persevere.