ss of human nature, this pupil became an ardent Christian. One
reads the record of this conversion expecting to find the reasoning
power of the mathematician adding something to the demonstration of
God's personality, or building a sure foundation for Christian faith.
There is nothing of the kind. The experience of life gave new meaning to
Christ's offer and to His revelation--that was all. So too in
criticizing Renan's "Life of Christ," a French critic more profound
than himself says: "The characteristic thing in this analysis of
Christianity is that sin does not appear in it at all. Now if there is
anything which explains the success of the Good News among men, it is
that it offered deliverance from sin--salvation. It certainly would have
been more appropriate to explain a religion religiously, and not to
evade the very core of the subject. This 'Christ in white marble' is not
He who made the strength of the martyrs." All this just means that if
men have no sense of need they will not own Christ; and that if Christ's
own presence and words do not draw them, they are not to be drawn. Of
course much may be done in the way of presenting Christ to men, but
beyond the simple exhibition of His person by word or in conduct not
much can be done. It is a mystery, often oppressive, that men seem quite
unattracted and unmoved by the Figure that so transcends all others, and
gives a heart to the world. But Christ is known by His own.

This great fact of the mutual recognition of Christ and His people has
an application not only to the first acceptance of Christ by the soul,
but also to the Christian experience throughout. A mutual recognition
and deep-lying affinity not only at first forms but for ever renews and
maintains the bond between Christ and the Christian. He knows His sheep
and is known by them. Often they do not know themselves;[35] but the
Shepherd knows them. Many of us are frequently brought into doubt of our
interest in Christ, but the foundation of God standeth sure, having this
seal, "The Lord knoweth them that are His." We go astray, and get so
torn with thorns, so fouled with mire, that few can tell to what fold we
belong--our owner's marks are obliterated; but the Good Shepherd in
telling His sheep has missed us, and come after us, and recognises and
claims us even in our pitiable state. Who could tell to whom we belong
when we lie absolutely content with the poisonous pasture of this
world's vanities and rank