ginning of our course, and the being able to say, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content; I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound," &c. Now, dear friends, we know experimentally that we have not all "learned" this, though as an abstract truth we may know it. I repeat, there is a great difference between a young Christian saying, "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me," and such an one as "Paul the aged" saying, "I have learned." He could say it in practical fellowship with Christ; he had passed through all these trials, and had proved the sufficiency of the Lord's grace in them.

What hinders the development and manifestation of holiness in the saints? The old nature remaining unmortified. Well, then, through chastening and discipline God brings us practically into fellowship with "His holiness." He deals with our hearts, causing us, by the very conflict which He puts us into, to own, in the full consciousness of our own evil, that One is good, even God.

What was the effect of the striving against sin that these Hebrew Christians were called to? That of drawing out the evil of the flesh. The world called them to walk as the world. Satan found them as rebels in his kingdom; their temptation was to be frightened at his terrors. The Lord suffered all these trials and exercises to come upon them, that the evil nature of their hearts might be discerned in its tendencies, and that they might be matured into separation from evil, as well as matured in fellowship with God. What was it that produced this "striving against sin"? Conflict with Satan and man. But it tended to the discovery of that which was within themselves.

The effect of presenting temptation to Jesus was to show that He was perfect in everything. In us it is the discovery of that in ourselves which would blunt the edge of our spiritual service, and hinder our maturity in holiness. A

person may walk a good while in the fulness of fellowship with God, and evil may have no actual power, or there may be the discovery of sin, and it may be struggled against; but where there are things indulged, because we do not discern what their real tendency is, there comes in the Father's chastening. We may look at it as the contradiction of sinners, or as the power of Satan (and so it may be), but after all it is the constant exercise of the Father's love, in order that we may be partakers of His holiness.

Let patience, then, dear friends, have its perfect work. There is not one of our souls that does not need this. If trouble or conflict exercise us, let us see if it is not because. our own wills have been crossed. We have to be patient with circumstances, doubtless, but to be patient with God's perfect work. Elihu's reproach to Job was, that he had chosen iniquity rather than affliction. God had His own end in his dealings with Job; He is "very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

It is said, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time," &c. If man exalts himself, he will be humbled; when God exalts a man, there is no danger of this. Christ humbled Himself under the mighty hand of God in drinking the bitter cup which was given Him to drink, therefore God also hath highly exalted Him. If we would deliver ourselves, and get out of this path of trial, it must be by some by-path, and we shall lose blessing. We must remember it is added, that in due time God will exalt us-not a minute after the time. When He has wrought the whole purpose of His love, then He will exalt us.

392

FATHER, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,

And the changes that will surely come,

I do not fear to see;

But I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I ask Thee for a thoughtful love

Through constant watching, wise
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
And to wipe the weeping eyes;
And a heart at leisure from itself
To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,

Seeking for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;

I would be treated as a child.
And guided where I go.

Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoe'er estate,

I have a fellowship with hearts,
To keep and cultivate;
And a work of lowly love to do

For the Lord on whom I wait.

So I ask Thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied,

And a mind to blend with outward life

While keeping at Thy side, Content to fill a little space,

If Thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask

In my cup of blessing be,

I would have my spirit filled the more With grateful love to Thee

And careful-less to serve Thee much, Than to please Thee perfectly.

London: W. H. Broom, 25, Paternoster Square.