March 16
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeFifth Saturday after Epiphany
Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Colossians 3:17.
THE practical life of the Christian comprehends three distinct elements, working, fighting, suffering. We have to do the will of God in our business; this is working. We have to oppose our bosom sin and to resist temptation; this is fighting. We have, finally, to endure with cheerfulness and submission whatever cross the Lord Jesus pleases to lay upon us; this is suffering. And to be right in the practical department of the Christian life is summed up in these three things, to work devoutly, to fight manfully, and to suffer patiently.
Christian life's no bank of roses, Where we idly sit and sing Till the gathering evening closes,— Christian life's an earnest thing.
Full of vows and full of labour, All our days fresh duties bring, First to God, and then our neighbour,— Christian life's an earnest thing.
Onward—ever onward pressing, Yet untired as angel's wing, Believing, doing, blest, and blessing,— Christian life's an earnest thing.
On its wayside none may linger Undisturbed by sorrow's sting, Or by judgment's warning finger,— Christian life's an earnest thing.
Wake then, Christian, from thy slumber, Evening doth its shadows bring; Few the hours thy day may number,— Christian life's an earnest thing.