And Jesus has given His glory to His people that they may all be united together, even as He and His Father are One—one in heart, and mind, and aims.
We hear a great deal just now about the "unity of Christendom," or the "Christian world," and some would like to blend the Greek and Roman with the English Church. Now, what sort of union would that be? Others do not go quite so far, and yet they would unite together a variety of creeds and people by dropping every important difference, and giving up whatever was not generally acceptable. But let us never forget that there can be no Christian union without Christ; no holy unity unless founded on God's Word. Gas jets affixed in a certain way to our ceilings are called "sun-lights." They are only artificial lights, after all; and whatever name it may assume, unless Christ is the Centre of unity, the union is not Christian, for "if any one have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." But union to and in Christ is very real and true even now, and those who follow Jesus can hold sweet intercourse together in this world. "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."
We are, at best, imperfect in the present state. We know but in part. Our love is often cold, and sin still dwells in the heart; but in the glory that is yet to come, we, if we are His, shall know, even as we have been known of Him. Perfect love will cast out all distance and coldness, and perfect holiness will possess every saved one.
"Beloved," wrote the same Apostle who recorded the Saviour's prayer, "now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." May this glorious prospect be ours, through His grace.
Our next subject will be, Matthew vi. 22, 23—Mental Eyes: Darkened and Illuminated.
Yours affectionately,
H. S. L.
A WORD TO SELF-SEEKERS.
I would not lead the selfish life
That never seeks to throw
A pleasant ray of happiness
On other people's woe.
I scorn the folks who will not strive
To lessen want and care;
Nor lend a helping hand to those
Who have so much to bear.
Is there not misery enough
On this terrestrial ball
To spring some sympathetic chord
Within the hearts of all?
Oh, ye who only seek your own—
Who hold yourselves so dear
That ye can never give the sad
One simple word of cheer—
Believe me, if ye wish to spend
A life of happy ease,
Seek not your own, but how ye may
Your weary brothers please.
And He who marks each gentle deed
Of loving sympathy,
May whisper His approving word—
"Ye did it unto Me."
Carrie Light.
Brighton.