October 3

Eleventh Thursday after Trinity

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Revelation 3:2.

THE onward advance of an amended life ceases not till we have reached even unto the Father. Our thoughts must rise to the development of which the boundless capacities of renewed humanity may be hereafter receptive, which can be attained only within the regions of the Infinite and the Eternal. Our greatness is not so much in what we here attain, but in what we may attain hereafter. The possible reach of grace is too great to be compassed by any present rule. The measure of the stature of Christ is too vast to suppose that any present attainment can be adequate to the conception realized. All is now "in part." "Now we know in part." Only "when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." S. Paul says, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after." "I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." We judge of the future by the tendencies of the present. The upward growth will be according to the bent of the lower stem. We cannot see God, but we can see what tends towards God. Lord,

Be it mine

One law to cherish and to track one line,

Straight on towards heaven to press with single bent,

To know and love my God, and then to die content.