He had in His right hand seven stars. He is the Judge, but He also is our refuge and strength and hope.
[1] In Memoriam, cxxi.
{148}
To D. B. K.
Cambridge: July 1901.
When we set to work to help others we discover something of our own weakness. But along with that discovery comes the realisation of an inexhaustible fund of strength outside ourselves. We are fighting on the winning side. God must be stronger than all that opposes. It is uphill work, especially at first. But just as in learning a language or learning how to swim, after toiling on with no apparent result, there comes a day when suddenly we realise that we can do it—how we know not: so it is in spiritual matters. There is effort still, sometimes gruesome effort; but it is all different from what it was. We find the meaning of the paradox, 'Whose service is perfect freedom.' Love takes the place of law, and, although it is hard at times to serve God, it is still harder to be the permanent servant of Satan.
Your enthusiasm ought to increase, the more you look life in the face and see its sin and misery. 'God,' said Moody, 'can do nothing with a man who has ceased to hope.' Our hope in the possibilities of the individual and of society ought to grow brighter and saner as time goes on.… Missionary work—I have often wished to do it myself, but have been 'let hitherto.' … It is a tremendous help to me to know that we are both serving the same Master and that I can trust you to His love.
To an Auckland 'brother' after Bishop Westcott's Death.