October 26

Fourteenth Saturday after Trinity

(Ember Day.)

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. Philippians 3:13, 14.

ALL is not accomplished when we have entered upon the ways of God; we must walk in them, and go ever onward. A refusal to advance is a consent to fall back, for it is impossible to stand still. God Himself sets us in the path of the inner life, regulates our speed, and causes some to advance more rapidly and others more slowly. Our part is in no wise to oppose His urging Hand or to retard our progress. This progress is retarded or wholly stopped in many ways and by various causes. It is retarded by cowardice, down-heartedness, faithlessness, inconstancy, and many venial sins which show themselves in those who are not duly watchful. Progress is altogether arrested by those who act like a traveller who, instead of looking straight on, allows himself to be attracted by the objects that appear right and left, and stands still to look at them. The proof of our being pilgrims is our longing for the heavenly country. The true and eternal happiness of Christians is not here. He that seeks happiness in the world will not have it in heaven. Our country is Paradise. Let us therefore lead such a life in this pilgrimage, that as long as we are here we may be able to long for such a country, longing and praying that after we have in the arena of this world fought with the devil, we may with triumph and exultation be received as conquerors in that country of Paradise.

Lord Jesu, King of Paradise,

O keep me in Thy love,

And guide me to that happy land

Of perfect rest above;

Where loyal hearts and true

Stand ever in the light,

All rapture through and through,

In God's most holy sight.