ly
understand the present. How dangerous would be our position were we
left alone! But as believers we have been brought back; we "are now
returned unto the SHEPHERD and BISHOP of our souls."

III. How blessed it is to have such a SHEPHERD, BISHOP, OVERSEER, One
who is continually watching over us in order to provide and lead, to
sustain and deliver, to meet and supply our every need! All is found
in CHRIST JESUS; in His presence, in His power, in His love may we
more and more rest!

I have frequently thought of words I had the privilege of hearing
some years ago from Professor Charteris at a united Communion service
for students in Edinburgh. He said that there had been one life on
earth of steady, uninterrupted development from the cradle to the
Cross; but that there had only been one such life, for the true
Christian life always began where the life of CHRIST ended, at the
Cross; and that its true development is towards the cradle, until the
child of GOD in the child-like simplicity of faith can rest in the
omnipotent arms of infinite WISDOM and LOVE. Is not this the growth
and development we long for, in order that we may be among those to
whom GOD will reveal the things which are hidden from the wise and
prudent? The more we rest on this fact,--that we do not know the way
we are going, but that we have a GUIDE who does know; that we do not
know how to accomplish our service, but that He never leaves us to
devise our own service;--the more restful does our life become. Then
we find we have just to do this--to look to our SAVIOUR to be filled
with His perfections; not to be fretting and fuming as to how the
divine life shall manifest itself, but to leave the life to work
spontaneously through us. A heavy bunch of grapes on a tender shoot
would break it; but let the shoot abide in the vine it will grow
stronger, and as the fruit develops, the strength of the branch will
increase also, and the life left to its own natural and healthy
development will in due time be brought to perfection

As we look forward to the months of this year, we know not where the
close will find us; whether here or in the eternal Home. We know not
what burdens, perplexities, or difficulties it may bring; but we know
Him, whose we are, and whom we serve. HE knows all; this suffices for
us.

I have been looking at a few passages which bring out the care of our
LORD for His people:--

(1) 2 Tim. ii. 19, "The foundation of GOD standeth sure