July 22

God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.

2 COR. ii. 14.

In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. — JOHN xvi. 33.

WITH what frankness Christ tells that the vessel of the Church shall not move over smooth seas, with favoring breezes filling her sails till she reaches the desired haven. No, not thus, but on the contrary, wind and wave shall often threaten shipwreck and disaster, though all shall be well at last. Listen to these words of the Lord Jesus, you who, like Baruch (Jer. xlv. 3), are moaning, "Woe is me now, for the Lord hath added grief to my sorrow!" Listen to the Lord's words you who, like David (1 Sam. xxvii. 1), are saying, "I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul!"

Perhaps your desponding heart replies, "This is tantalizing me, not helping. For he may well overcome, but that is not the same as my overcoming!" Is it not? Think again, — think better of the Lord's most gracious words. Did he not say (John xiv. 19), "Because I live, ye shall live also"? Every branch in the Vine is one with the Vine. Every believing sinner is a branch in the Vine. You were united to Christ the first moment you leaned on him. The Holy Spirit who led you to Christ did also unite you to him; and that union stands fast, however great be your trials and tribulations.

It was in your feeble nature ("The flesh is weak!" — Matt. xxvi. 41) that he overcame tribulation, — tribulation ten thousand times more terrible than yours, — and he is following up his victory when from day to day the feeblest disciple, simply leaning on him, is shown to be mightier than all hell, and stronger than the world. He would lose his fame as conqueror if you, a member of his body, were to fail.

Andrew A. Bonar.

Thou dost conduct thy people

Through torrents of temptation;

Nor will we fear, while thou art near,

The fire of tribulation.

C. WESLEY.