much as to appropriate His promises of
present pardon and future rewards. In fact the promise of pardon is
interwoven with the condition of doing His will, and the heavenly life
is held out as a reward to those who follow His example. Jesus claims
the sovereignty over man's whole personality. Those who call Him
"Lord, Lord," must do the things He says. It is just at this point
that the world tests the Christian faith. The world is practical; it
demands not profession, but works. It knows that Jesus bequeathed a
system of morals to His followers, especially in the Sermon on the
Mount; and, while it is ignorant of the grace Jesus bestows to enable
human nature to rise above itself, yet in its rough and ready way it
holds faith of no value which is not shown in "fruits". When Society
talks about the "failure" of Christianity what it usually has in mind
is the failure of Christian people to conform to the Christian standard
of truthfulness and justice, of honesty and straight dealing, of
continence and self-respect; being like other people, lovers of money
and applause rather than examples of that love for their neighbour
commanded in the Gospels. The human will needs supernatural strength
to live Christ's system of morals. God demands that the entire
personality, intellect, emotion, will, should be committed to Him in an
all-embracing, loving faith.

A FINAL PERSONAL WORD.

A few words must be said as to the outcome of vital Christian faith.
How will it be recognized or known? We answer by its interest in, and
its works on, behalf of others' good. Christian faith must justify
itself in service. The sphere and the nature of that service must be
sought from Him Who has drawn the disciple to Himself. Sometimes it
means the taking up of the old task in an unselfish way; sometimes it
will lead to a new departure or an additional undertaking; sometimes it
sends one far off among the Gentiles. It is not so much the kind of
work that needs the emphasis, but rather the fact that if faith is
being perfected it falls short of completion unless the disciple views
all his activities, even the most humble ones, as occasions for service
for others' good.

There is need of caution, however. We live in a busy age, and activity
is nearly idolised. It is not that we must always be busy, but rather
that what we do is not a mere fad or notion taken up enthusiastically
and, when difficulties present themselves, then just a