November 3

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:13.

S. PAUL'S sufferings were a proof of his sincerity, a confirmation of the truth of the doctrine he preached. The Ephesians might well think it an honour done to them, as well as an indispensable engagement to continue firm in their faith. To S. Paul his tribulations were light, his fear was that his sufferings might be to others a cause of offence, like the Cross of Christ itself was. But as the Cross of Christ was become the glory of the believer, so also might be the sufferings of His servants who drank of their Master's cup. What you have to do with is the being His entirely, is the counting all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus your Lord. Let every trouble, every pain, be a golden chain to lead you, and, through you, others to your Lord. Look calmly on to the vista of years which it may be God's will you should pass on earth, and say, "Bright or gloomy, it matters very little; they are His, not mine. If the shadows lie heavily on them, they will be His shadows; if the sun beam brightly over them, it will be His sun. I am not careful to know what He has appointed, so only I may be sure of His love."

Cling to the Crucified! His is a heart of love Full as the hearts above; Its depths of sympathy Are all awake for thee; His Countenance is light, Even in the darkest night. That love shall never change, That light shall ne'er grow dim; Charge thou thy faithless heart To find its all in Him. Cling to the Crucified!