October 15

"Also they saw God, and did eat and drink."—Exodus 24:11.

THERE are many who do not see God, and yet eat and drink.

They pass through their daily life, enjoying without intermission the good and perfect gifts of the Father in heaven; and they never once recognise the Heart that plans their welfare and the Hand that leads them on. Theirs is a shallow nature, without serious thoughts about anything. Theirs is a preoccupied mind, absorbed in earthly things. I would be saved from their indifference and ingratitude.

But, on the other hand, there are many who see God, and yet do not eat and drink.

The sight overpowers them. It renders their life joyless and sad. They have no spirit for duty. They have no delight in friendship and love. They have no appetite for their daily bread. They can only think of Him who is a consuming Fire. They can only tremble and be abashed before Him. I would be saved from their despondency. I would take note not simply of the throne but of the rainbow round about the throne.

There are many who see God, and eat and drink.

Theirs is the truest blessedness. They remember Him perpetually, and yet they are free from all slavish and inordinate fear of Him. Their communion with Him is quiet and collected and familiar and trustful. It transfigures the lowliest acts. It strengthens them for work. It rids them of worldliness and selfishness and sin. It keeps them from being swallowed up of over-much sorrow. To them every spot is a sanctuary and every meal is a sacrament.

I would be ranked in this last class, last and best.