October 23

"For God so loved the world."—John 3:16.

GOD'S call is very wide. Whosoever, He says. I bless Him for a word so catholic and universal. Most certainly it embraces me within its scope and sweep. Beyond all contradiction it justifies me in claiming Christ, and Christ's gospel, and Christ's redemption, as my very own.

God's plan is very simple. Believeth in Him, I read. So unfettered with conditions, so free from all hampering and disheartening provisos, it is. There are no penances, no pilgrimages, no labours, no tears, demanded of me. Only, as that beautiful Catechism of Ursinus and Olevianus says, "a hearty trust that not only to others, but to me also, forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given."

God's deliverance is very sweet. Shall not perish, He declares. The condemnation is revoked. The curse is obliterated. The enemy is vanquished. The dark future, lowering like a heavy thundercloud in front of me—lo, it is changed into brightness and blessing.

God's love is very regal and divine. But shall have eternal life, He goes on. What a benediction it is! Life over which the shadow of death and separation will never fall. Life "without a surge of worry, without a shade of care." Life in which there is no sin. Life in the Spirit, with Christ, at home in the Father's house. The life that knows no ending. The life which in its fulness and richness my heart meanwhile cannot conceive.

Great is His goodness, and great His mercy!