and strong enough to bear
the gifts of grace that will surely come down along it.

We cannot understand to-day unless we look at it with eternity for a
background. The landscape lacks its explanation, until the mists lift
and we see the white summits of the Himalayas lying behind and
glorifying the low sandy plain. Would your life not be different;
would not the things in it that look great be wholesomely dwindled
and yet be magnified; would not sorrow be calmed, and life become 'a
solemn scorn of ills,' and energies be stimulated, and all be
different, if you really 'did it to obtain an incorruptible crown?'

Brethren, let us try to keep more clearly before us, as solemn and
blessed encouragement in our lives, these great thoughts. The garland
hangs on the goal, but 'a man is not crowned unless he strive
according to the laws' of the arena. The laws are two--No man can
enter for the conflict but by faith in Christ; no man can win in the
struggle but by faithful effort. So the first law is, 'Believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ,' and the second is, 'Hold fast that thou hast; let
no man take thy crown.'

THE LIMITS OF LIBERTY

'All things are lawful for me, but all things are not
expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things
edify not. 24. Let no man seek his own, but every man
another's wealth. 25. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles,
that eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
26. For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
27. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast,
and ye be disposed togo, whatsoever is set before you
eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28. But
if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice
unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and
for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's and
the fulness thereof: 29. Conscience, I say, not thine
own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged
of another man's conscience? 30. For if I by grace be
a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which
I give thanks? 31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink,
or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the
Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33. Even as I
please all men in all things, not seeking mine own
profit, but the profit of many, that they may be
saved.'--1 COR. x. 23-33.

This passage strikingly illustr