July 4
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeThursday after Ascension Day
Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. Hebrews 12:2.
Now it is our turn (to fight), and all ministering spirits keep silence and look on. Oh, let not your foot slip, or your eye be false, or your ear dull, or your attention flagging! Be not dispirited; be not afraid; keep a good heart; be bold; draw not back; you will be carried through. Whatever troubles come on you, of body, mind, or estate; from within or from without; from accident or from intent; from friends or foes; whatever your trouble be, though you be lonely, O children of a heavenly Father, look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, and despised the shame. Be not afraid, quit you like men in your day; and when it is over, Christ will receive you to Himself, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
Think ye the spires that glow so bright In front of yonder setting sun, Stand by their own unshaken might? No; where th' upholding grace is won, We dare not ask, nor Heaven would tell, But sure from many a hidden dell, From many a rural nook unthought of there Rises for that proud world the Saints' prevailing prayer.
On, champions blest! in Jesus' Name Short be your strife, your triumph full, Till every heart have caught your flame, And, lightened of the world's misrule, Ye soar those elder Saints to meet, Gathered long since at Jesus' Feet, No world of passions to destroy, Your prayers and struggles o'er, your task all praise and joy.