January 18

"It shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom."—Luke 10:12.

MORE tolerable will it be for the heathen than for me, if I fail to improve my day of grace and opportunity.

My knowledge is much clearer than theirs. They grope in the twilight, but I enjoy the full midday beam. They follow wandering voices, but I listen to the sure word of grace and truth. What are shaded Delphos, and Dodona's oaks, and Buddha's footprints, compared with the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ?

And my privilege is much larger. Pulpits and Sabbaths, the Bible and the Church, the wholesome atmosphere and the helpful surroundings, "fine nets and stratagems to catch me in": I have these, and they are denied them all. I am tenfold happier in my opportunities than the most favoured of them.

And my nature is much richer and fuller. Education and environment have done great things for me, widening my horizon, uplifting my conceptions, expanding all my being. But they only make the Lord more essentially necessary to my welfare and completeness.

And my Saviour is much nearer. He yearns indeed over all His lost and dying sheep; but how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? But I—I have been familiar with Him all my days. I have grown up in His company, and He has prophesied in my streets; and perhaps, though my heart is locked and sealed against Him, I have done mighty deeds in His name.

They who knew not His will shall be beaten with few stripes; but I who know it, if I do it not, I shall be beaten with many stripes.