September 10

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.

2 COR. x. 4.

Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? — JOHN XVIII. 11.

THE servant is to be as his master. That kingdom which is "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost" has no need of carnal weapons. How evidently out of place for Peter to draw his sword in defence of one at the mere recognition of whom his enemies had already fallen to the ground! The condition of both safety and power is obedience to God's perfect will. We have reason to fear self-injury far more than injury from our foes. He who was ready to drink the cup could have had for the asking "more than twelve legions of angels."

Let us adoringly remember that the cup which the Saviour was to drink was the full cup of atoning anguish. Yet the fact that it was presented by the Father's hand gave absolute assurance it was to become the cup of blessing! God never lets the final victory go against either himself or his. We miss triumphs for both the kingdom and ourselves because we are not willing to endure suffering. Redeemed by love's agony, we yet shrink from whatever will cost us pain. Saving our life, we lose it!

L. J. Chamberlain.

If thou the cup of pain

Givest to drink,

Let not the trembling lip

From the draught shrink;

So by our woes to be

Nearer, O God, to thee,

Nearer to thee!

W. W. HOW