To be near unto God - pagina 66

the period in the Christian life of "milk for babes" to that of "strong meat for adults." We understand therefore that calling upon God and walking in the ways of his laws do not by themselves constitute true religion and godliness, and that the secret of salvation is unveiled in all its fullness only when we have fellowship with the Eternal and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Outward forms of worship are not without value. Provisionally they are the only thinkable ones. Although they do not make sure of heaven, they exert binding influences upon many thousands of people which prevent the dissolution of society. But the plant of spirituality outgrows at length the outward form and goes on, in the words of the Apostle, unto perfection. It comes to blossom in the very gleam It is fostered by the outof God's majesty. shining of his glory and watered by the dews from above. Thus it comes to a personal knowledge of the Lord, as a man knoweth his brother; to a dwelling of the soul in the tabernacle of the Lord, and to the indwelling of the Holy One in the temple of the heart. Religious This requires a new emphasis. forms change and pass away, but that which remains the same under 'all skies, and which does not lose but gain in strength to the end of life, is the blessed communion of soul with the Father of spirits, so that by night we retire with God, and at the davm of day we awaken with him, and that all the way of our earthly pilgrimage we follow our good Shepherd. Moreover, the more intimate communion of 58

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