October 19

Thirteenth Saturday after Trinity

Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness. Psalms 5:8.

LET us remember that good works are better in proportion as there is less of self in them. "I," "me," and "mine" are wont to corrupt half that we do; they are like a foul cobweb clinging to a beehive and spoiling all the honey. We must work zealously, as though everything depended on our own exertions, and yet the while wait wholly upon God for all results. He would have us do all that lies in our power to attain perfection and union with Himself, and having so done faithfully, our part is to wait peacefully and trustfully for Him to fulfil His perfect work. Men's natural impatience leads them to overlook this great mystery of the spiritual life, i.e. that those who would find God must wait long for Him. Men are not so impatient in the things of this world; they are content to toil and wait, to begin over and over again. Nothing but a patient firm waiting can win anew the victory.

'Tis thus we gain by losing, And win by failure here; We doff the gleaming tinsel, The golden crown to wear.

'Tis by defeat we conquer, Grow rich by growing poor; And from our largest givings We draw our fullest store.

Then let the blossoms perish, And let the fragrance go; All the surer and the larger Is the harvest we shall know.

All the sweeter and the louder Our song of harvest-home, When earth's ripe autumn smileth, And the reaping-day has come.