August 11
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeFourth Sunday after Trinity
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children. S. Luke 6:36; Ephesians 5:1.
THERE are special self-denials and toils and ministries of love, unsparing acts of self-devotion, it may be lifelong, which are to many the rejoicing exercise of powers kindled by God for His glory, but not the portion of all. Yet a like spirit may animate quiet ordinary ways of an unnoticed unobtrusive faithfulness in everyday duties in any sphere of life. To labour to do good where we have done evil—to make peace where we have marred it—to cause joy where we have caused sorrow—to heal wounds and repair wrong—to impart life where we may have spread the infection of death—to promote the glory of God where He has been dishonoured—to extend the blessing of the love of Christ, and win hearts to Him, where His claims have been disregarded, His yearning love disappointed—to seek, through trial and effort, and the abandonment of one's own wishes, interest, and ease, thus to spend and be spent,—these are elements of the meet and acceptable sacrifice, open alike to every redeemed man, which, united with the merits of the Passion of the Son of God, will surely be remembered in that day
When these low scenes of earth and night No longer intercept my sight, Or tempt my feet from Thee.
When, rising in Divine array, No more a prisoner of clay, My soul her Judge, without dismay, Shall meet and reign with Thee.