May 16
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeThursday in Holy Week
Christ crucified. 1 Corinthians 1:23.
ARE we keeping this Holy Week as we should? if so, we shall find a blessing. It is very short, and these very short times are our helps, for it is easier to keep a short time strictly; yet a short time kept strictly is a help to keeping a long time well. Do we all come to church daily, and in the evenings trace His steps through the events of this holy time? Do we strictly examine ourselves, as if we were expecting Him to come as our King to judge us, as well as to die for us? Let us spend it quietly, let all feel it is the Holy Week; and though work must go on, still let us all keep our tongues quiet from slander and evil-speaking. Let us specially govern each member and each sense this week; let us be more than usually careful. When an unkind thing might be said, let us not say it; when we might indulge in pleasure, let us put it by; when a thing might be done which looks doubtful, let us decide against our pleasure rigidly and sincerely.
Let us curb our wills and purify our hearts. Persevere in the narrow way. Let us take up the cross of Christ that we may wear His crown. Let us prepare for suffering and disappointment, which befit us as sinners, and which are necessary for us as saints. Let us not turn away from trial when God brings it on us, or play the coward in the fight of faith. Give not over your attempts to serve God, though you see nothing come of them.
Come, Resignation, spirit meek, And let me kiss thy placid cheek, And read in thy pale eye serene Their blessing, who by faith can wean Their hearts from sense, and learn to love God only, and the joys above.