October 25

Fourteenth Friday after Trinity

(Ember Day.)

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:24.

THAT there be no room for self-deceit S. Paul sums up the character of the Christian in this touching sentence. He does not say will crucify, or would, or desire to do so, but "have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Speaking for himself on this subject he breaks forth into a sound of triumph, as one in battle who had seen his enemies turn their back: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." What an alarming subject is this! A conflict and struggle between the Spirit of God within us and our natural mind, which struggle many never think of making at all, but live according to the desires of the mind, as if there were no war to be waged with ourselves. But more than this, for he describes the only way of salvation to be that of being victorious in this struggle. The works of the fleshly mind and of the Spirit are so utterly at variance there can be no compromise; but the Christian who is in the narrow way of life, is led by the Spirit so as not to fulfil the desires of the natural mind. He is not in the struggle or conflict, but having through the Spirit gained the mastery over his corruptions, he is in the way of peace. He is full of "love, joy, and peace," and is therefore abounding in the fruits of righteousness.

All unseen the Master walketh By the toiling servant's side; Comfortable words He speaketh, While His Hands uphold and guide.