Article November 6, 1902 Issue

Religious Items

with contributions from Francis Paget, F. W. Robertson, L. M. Powers

Rev. Frederic J. Gould says in The Christian Register: "But though men here and there may, by various impulses and motives, display godlike action and deep, instinctive faith in God, it still is true that, for the moral life to be at its best, we must be able to say from the heart, 'Thou art the God of my strength,' and 'The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.' Then, in firm, rational assurance of victory, we persevere, being 'steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.' Though our particular plans miscarry, our personal hopes are destroyed, whatever exhaustion, disappointment, pain, and sorrow come in life, we are able to share that uplifting, forward-looking, victorious faith in God and in God's humanity, which carried Jesus through to the shining, glorious leadership of the race. Jesus, 'who for the joy that was set before him,' the joy of bringing abundant life to human souls, and opening the kingdom of heaven to all who should share has spirit,—for this joy, 'endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,' the guide to all who struggle and aspire to realize the ideal humanity."

THE LIGHT OF PATIENCE.—God never leaves us wholly in the dark. When the great light of heaven fails, God has given men wisdom to prepare some lesser lights that shall carry them through until the great light comes again. Even so in man's spiritual experience. When the great lights of hope, or revelation, or inspiration, seem to darken, when we feel like crying, "Why hast Thou forsaken me?" then God has given the human heart grace to go by lesser light. Such a light one of our modern novelists has termed the "Candle called Patience." We can keep along by the aid of this until the great lights begin to brighten once again. Is not this what the prophet meant when be said: "It is good that a man should... quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord?" Patience is one of the humbler lights, but the beauty of it is that it shines brightest in the times of our greatest darkness. It is good to go forward cheerfully, glowingly, in hope; but let us not be ashamed if the best we can do is to go forward bravely and quietly in faith, carrying the candle of patience. "More than half the noblest men and women you meet carry such candles."

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