August 17

Fourth Saturday after Trinity

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. I S. PETER ii. 25.

IF Almighty God moves any of us, so that we have high thoughts; if from reading Scripture or holy books we find that we can embrace views above the world; if it is given us to recognise the glory of Christ's kingdom, to discern its spiritual nature, to admire the life of Saints, and to desire to imitate it; if we feel and understand that it is good to bear the yoke, good to be in trouble, good to be poor; if in imagination we put ourselves at the feet of those mortified men of old time who, after S. Paul's pattern, died daily, and knew no one after the flesh,—if we feel all this, and are conscious we feel it, let us not boast. Why? because of a surety such feelings are a pledge to us that God will in some way or other give them exercise. He gives them to us that He may use them. He gives us the opportunity of using them. Dare not to indulge in high thoughts; be cautious of them and refrain; they are the shadows of coming trials; they are not given for nothing; they are given for an end; that end is coming. Never does God give faith but He tries it; never does He implant the wish to sit on His right hand and on His left, but He fulfils it by making us wash our brethren's feet. May God temper things to us, that nothing may be beyond our strength.

Then draw we nearer day by day Each to his brethren, all to God; Let the world take us as she may, We must not change our road.

Hold love's banner fast, And by submission win at last.