March 18

Monday after Septuagesima Sunday

So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24.

DURING such a season as this, when we think of the triumphs that have been won and of the reward that remains, is there not the more reason to remember that it is perseverance more than anything else that is crowned? that the prayers of yesterday will not avail for to-day? That the fight of the day must be fought in its day, and fought in that day's strength. And though we do not doubt that God of His infinite grace and loving-kindness will lead you on safely in the same path in which He has set you; that having begun the good work, He will accomplish it; having given you the will, He will also give the strength; it is well to remember that there is such a text, "The first shall be last, and the last first: for many are called, but few chosen." You have each that besetting temptation which was the first to make head against the grace of the Holy Ghost after you had come up from the waters of Baptism; which attacks and teases you most now; which conquers you oftenest now; which will so vex and assault you as long as you are in the flesh. This, then, is the main thing for you to do: to fix upon that, to beat down that, to resolve that if it cannot be rooted out, at least it shall always be cut down. This will be a blessed season for you indeed, if it shall help you to accomplish that. If it be so, you will look back to it with pleasure and with thankfulness, when all—

Work shall be done, The warfare accomplished, The victory won.

The soldier lay down His sword for a harp And his cross for a crown.