NOT DOING WHAT WE MIGHT.
By Mary Martin
AGAIN and again have these solemn words come home to my heart. The message does not say we have denied the truth and are living in open rebellion. It does not say we do not love it and are doing nothing. But who has put forth every effort in his power, and has done all he could? My own heart shrinks at this question, and I turn the pages of my past life with weeping to find recorded on many, "nothing done" here, and on others, "not one-twentieth of what I might." It was not works to be wrought with human strength for which the Master called, but for more of the agonizing spirit—for the love of God in the heart. Earnest appeals have been made. The Spirit of God hath spoken, and our condition is faithfully pointed out; but are we fully awake? He who said, "Go labor in my vineyard," as he sees carelessness in some, others burying their talent in the earth, and many more with an easy, satisfied spirit, says sadly, "You have not done one-twentieth of what you might have done." Will those who have only partially done the work allotted in their gardens here be furnished with employment in the new-earth home? Will he who "judgeth righteously" and giveth to "every man according as his work shall be," place starry crowns upon the heads of any, saying, "They have not done one-twentieth of what they might." Do we shrink when we look at ourselves, and, like Peter, begin to sink? Then let us flee to the promises, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness;" "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord;" "not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;" "ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Let us lay aside the blotted volume of our past lives, and begin anew to seek God. Nearer my Savour's side;
Strength I have none;
Therefore the Crucified,
I'll trust alone.
MARY MARTIN.