ThenPaulgoesfarther，andwithevengreaterboldnessadds，"WhethertherebyKNOWLEDGE，itshallbedoneaway。"Thewisdomoftheancients，whereisit？ItiswhollygoneAschoolboyto-dayknowsmorethanSirIsaacNewtonknew；hisknowledgehasvanishedawayYouputyesterday'snewspaperinthefire:itsknowledgehasvanishedawayYoubuytheoldeditionsofthegreatencyclopaediasforafewcents:theirknowledgehasvanishedawayLookhowthecoachhasbeensupersededbytheuseofsteamLookhowelectricityhassupersededthat，andsweptahundredalmostnewinventionsintooblivionOneofthegreatestlivingauthorities，SirWilliamThompson，saidinScotland，atameetingatwhichIwaspresent，"Thesteam-engineispassingaway。""Whethertherebeknowledge，itshallvanishaway。"Ateveryworkshopyouwillsee，inthebackyard，aheapofoldiron，afewwheels，afewlevers，afewcranks，brokenandeatenwithrustTwentyyearsagothatwastheprideofthecityMenflockedinfromthecountrytoseethegreatinvention；notitissuperseded，itsdayisdoneAndalltheboastedscienceandphilosophyofthisdaywillsoonbeold。
　　Inmytime，intheuniversityofEdinburgh，thegreatestfigureinthefacultywasSirJamesSimpson，thediscovererofcholoform。
　　Recentlyhissuccessorandnephew，ProfessorSimpson，wasaskedbythelibrarianoftheUniversitytogotothelibraryandpickoutthebooksonhissubjectmidwiferythatwerenolongerneeded。
　　Hisreplytothelibrarianwasthis:
　　"Takeeverytext-bookthatismorethantenyearsoldandputitdowninthecellar。"
　　SirJamesSimpsonwasagreatauthorityonlyafewyearsago:mencamefromallpartsoftheearthtoconsulthim；andalmostthewholeteachingofthattimeisconsignedbythescienceofto-daytooblivionAndineverybranchofscienceitisthesame"NowweknowinpartWeseethroughaglassdarkly。"Knowledgedoesnotlast。
　　Canyoutellmeanythingthatisgoingtolast？ManythingsPauldidnotcondescendtonameHedidnotmentionmoney，fortune，fame；buthepickedoutthegreatthingsofhistime，thethingsthebestmenthoughthadsomethinginthem，andbrushedthemperemptorilyasidePaulhadnochargeagainstthesethingsinthemselvesAllhesaidaboutthemwasthattheywouldnotlast。
　　Theyweregreatthings，butnotsupremethingsTherewerethingsbeyondthemWhatwearestretchespastwhatwedo，beyondwhatwepossessManythingsthatmendenounceassinsarenotsins；
　　buttheyaretemporaryAndthatisafavoriteargumentoftheNewTestamentJohnsaysoftheworld，notthatitiswrong，butsimplythatit"passethaway。"Thereisagreatdealintheworldthatisdelightfulandbeautiful；thereisagreatdealinitthatisgreatandengrossing；butItwillnotlast。
　　Allthatisintheworld，thelustoftheeye，thelustoftheflesh，andtheprideoflife，arebutforalittlewhileLovenottheworldthereforeNothingthatitcontainsisworththelifeandconsecrationofanimmortalsoulTheimmortalsoulmustgiveitselftosomethingthatisimmortalAndtheonlyimmortalthingsarethese:"Nowabidethfaith，hope，love，butthegreatestoftheseislove。"
　　Somethinkthetimemaycomewhentwoofthesethreethingswillalsopassaway——faithintosight，hopeintofruitionPauldoesnotsaysoWeknowbutlittlenowabouttheconditionsofthelifethatistocomeButwhatiscertainisthatLovemustlast。
　　God，theEternalGod，isLoveCovet，therefore，thateverlastinggift，thatonethingwhichitiscertainisgoingtostand，thatonecoinagewhichwillbecurrentintheUniversewhenalltheothercoinagesofallthenationsoftheworldshallbeuselessandunhonoredYouwillgiveyourselftomanythings，giveyourselffirsttoLoveHoldthingsintheirproportionHOLDTHINGS
　　INTHEIRPROPORTIONLetatleastthefirstgreatobjectofourlivesbetoachievethecharacterdefendedinthesewords，thecharacter——anditishecharacterofChrist——whichisbuiltroundLove。
　　IhavesaidthisthingiseternalDidyouevernoticehowcontinuallyJohnassociatesloveandfaithwitheternallife？IwasnottoldwhenIwasaboythat"GodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisonly-begottenSon，thatwhosoeverbelievethinHimshouldhaveeverlastinglife。"WhatIwastold，Iremember，was，thatGodsolovedtheworldthat，ifItrustedinHim，Iwastohaveathingcalledpeace，orIwastohaverest，orIwastohavejoy，orIwastohavesafetyButIhadtofindoutformyselfthatwhosoevertrustethinHim——thatis，whosoeverlovethHim，fortrustisonlytheavenuetoLove——hathEverlastinglife。
　　TheGospeloffersamanalifeNeverofferamanathimblefulofGospelDonotofferthemmerelyjoy，ormerelypeace，ormerelyrest，ormerelysafety；tellthemhowChristcametogivemenamoreabundantlifethantheyhave，alifeabundantinlove，andthereforeabundantinsalvationforthemselves，andlargeinenterpriseforthealleviationandredemptionoftheworldThenonlycantheGospeltakeholdofthewholeofaman，body，soulandspirit，andgivetoeachpartofhisnatureitsexerciseandrewardManyofthecurrentGospelsareaddressedonlytoapartofman'snature。
　　Theyofferpeace，notlife；faith，notLove；justification，notregenerationAndmenslipbackagainfromsuchreligionbecauseithasneverreallyheldthemTheirnaturewasnotallinitItofferednodeeperandgladderlife-currentthanthelifethatwaslivedbeforeSurelyitstandstoreasonthatonlyafullerlovecancompetewiththeloveoftheworld。
　　Toloveabundantlyistoliveabundantly，andtoloveforeveristoliveforeverHence，eternallifeisinextricablyboundupwithloveWewanttoliveforeverforthesamereasonthatwewanttoliveto-morrowWhydowewanttoliveto-morrow？Isitbecausethereissomeonewholovesyou，andwhomyouwanttoseeto-morrow，andbewith，andloveback？ThereisnootherreasonwhyweshouldliveonthanthatweloveandarebelovedItiswhenamanhasnoonetolovehimthathecommitssuicideSolongashehasfriends，thosewholovehimandwhomheloves，hewilllive，becausetoliveistoloveBeitbuttheloveofadog，itwillkeephiminlife；butletthatgo，hehasnocontactwithlife，noreasontoliveHediesbyhisownhand。
　　EternallifealsoistoknowGod，andGodisloveThisisChrist'sowndefinitionPonderit"Thisislifeeternal，thattheymightknowTheetheonlytrueGod，andJesusChristwhomThouhastsent。"
　　LovemustbeeternalItiswhatGodisOnthelastanalysis，then，loveislifeLoveneverfaileth，andlifeneverfaileth，solongasthereisloveThatisthephilosophyofwhatPaulisshowingus；thereasonwhyinthenatureofthingsloveshouldbethesupremething——becauseitisgoingtolast；becauseinthenatureofthingsitisanEternalLifeItisathingthatwearelivingnow，notthatwegetwhenwedie；thatweshallhaveapoorchanceofgettingwhenwedieunlesswearelivingnow。
　　Noworsefatecanbefallamaninthisworldthantoliveandgrowoldalone，unlovingandunlovedTobelostistoliveinanunregeneratecondition，lovelessandunloved；andtobesavedistolove；andhethatdwellethinlovedwellethalreadyinGodForGodisLove。
　　NowIhaveallbutfinishedHowmanyofyouwilljoinmeinreadingthischapteronceaweekforthenextthreemonths？AmandidthatonceanditchangedhiswholelifeWillyoudoit？ItisforthegreatestthingintheworldYoumightbeginbyreadingiteveryday，especiallytheverseswhichdescribetheperfectcharacter"Lovesufferethlong，andiskind；loveenviethnot；
　　lovevauntethnotitself。"Gettheseingredientsintoyourlife。
　　TheneverythingthatyoudoiseternalItisworthdoingItisworthgivingtimetoNomancanbecomeasaintinhissleep；
　　andtofulfilltheconditionrequireddemandsacertainamountofprayerandmeditationandtime，justasimprovementinanydirection，bodilyormental，requirespreparationandcareAddressyourselvestothatonething；atanycosthavethistranscendentcharacterexchangedforyours。
　　Youwillfindasyoulookbackuponyourlifethatthemomentsthatstandout，themomentswhenyouhavereallylived，arethemomentswhenyouhavedonethingsinaspiritofloveAsmemoryscansthepast，aboveandbeyondallthetransitorypleasuresoflife，thereleapforwardthosesupremehourswhenyouhavebeenenabledtodounnoticedkindnessestothoseroundaboutyou，thingstootriflingtospeakabout，butwhichyoufeelhaveenteredintoyoureternallifeIhaveseenalmostallhebeautifulthingsGodhasmade；IhaveenjoyedalmosteverypleasurethatHehasplannedforman；andyetasIlookbackIseestandingoutaboveallthelifethathasgonefourorfiveshortexperiences，whentheloveofGodreflecteditselfinsomepoorimitation，somesmallactofloveofmine，andtheseseemtobethethingswhichaloneofallone'slifeabideEverythingelseinallourlivesistransitoryEveryothergoodisvisionaryButtheactsoflovewhichnomanknowsabout，orcaneverknowabout——theyneverfail。
　　InthebookofMatthew，wheretheJudgementDayisdepictedforusintheimageryofOneseateduponathroneanddividingthesheepfromthegoats，thetestofamanthenisnot，"HowhaveIbelieved？"
　　but"HowhaveIloved？"Thetestofreligion，thefinaltestofreligion，isnotreligiousness，butLoveIsaythefinaltestofreligionatthatgreatDayisnotreligiousness，butLove；notwhatIhavedone，notwhatIhavebelieved，notwhatIhaveachieved，buthowIhavedischargedthecommoncharitiesoflifeSinsofcommissioninthatawfulindictmentarenotevenreferredtoBywhatwehavenotdone，BYSINSOFOMISSION，wearejudgedItcouldnotbeotherwiseForthewithholdingofloveisthenegationofthespiritofChrist，theproofthatweneverknewHim，thatforusHelivedinvainItmeansthatHesuggestednothinginallourthoughts，thatHeinspirednothinginallourlives，thatwewerenotoncenearenoughtoHimtobeseizedwiththespellofHiscompassionfortheworldItmeansthat——
　　"Ilivedformyself，Ithoughtformyself，Formyself，andnonebeside——
　　JustasifJesushadneverlived，AsifHehadneverdied。"
　　ThankGodtheChristianityoftodayiscomingnearertheworld'sneedLivetohelpthatonThankGodmenknowbetter，byahair'sbreadth，whatreligionis，whatGodis，whoChristis，whereChristisWhoisChrist？Hewhofedthehungry，clothedthenaked，visitedthesickAndwhereisChrist？Where？——"WhososhallreceivealittlechildinMynamereceivethMe。'AndwhoareChrist's？
　　"EveryonethatlovethisbornofGod。"
　　LessonsfromtheAngelus。
　　Godoftenspeakstomen'ssoulsthroughmusic；HealsospeakstousthroughartMillet'sfamouspaintingentitled"TheAngelus"
　　isanilluminatedtext，uponwhichIamgoingtosayafewwordstoyouto-night。
　　Therearethreethingsinthispicture——apotatofield，acountryladandacountrygirlstandinginthemiddleofit，andonthefarhorizonthespireofavillagechurchThatisallthereistoit——nogreatsceneryandnopicturesquepeopleInRomanCatholiccountriesattheeveninghourthechurchbellringsouttoremindthepeopletopraySomegointothechurch，whilethosethatareinthefieldsbowtheirheadsforafewmomentsinsilentprayer。
　　ThatpicturecontainsthethreegreatelementswhichgotomakeupaperfectlyroundedChristianlifeItisnotenoughtohavethe"rootofthematter"inus，butthatwemustbewholeandentire，lackingnothingTheAngelusmaybringtoussuggestionsastowhatconstitutesacompletelife。
　　I。
　　ThefirstelementinasymmetricallifeisWORK。
　　Three-fourthsofourtimeisprobablyspentinworkOfcoursethemeaningofitisthatourworkshouldbejustasreligiousasourworship，andunlesswecanworkforthegloryofGodthree-fourthsofliferemainsunsanctified。
　　TheproofthatworkisreligiousisthatmostofChrist'slifewasspentinworkDuringalargepartofthefirstthirtyyearsofHislifeHeworkedwiththehammerandtheplane，makingploughsandyokesandhouseholdfurnitureChrist'spublicministryoccupiedonlyabouttwoandahalfyearsofHisearthlylife；thegreatbulkofHistimewassimplyspentindoingcommoneverydaytasks，andeversincethenworkhashadanewmeaning。
　　WhenChristcameintotheworldHewasrevealedtothreedeputationswhowenttomeetandworshipHimFirstcametheshepherds，orworkingclass；second，thewisemen，orstudentclass；andthird，thetwooldpeopleinthetemple，SimeonandAnna；thatistosay，Christisrevealedtomenattheirwork，Heisrevealedtomenattheirbooks，andHeisrevealedtomenattheirworshipItwastheoldpeoplewhofoundChristattheirworship，andaswegrowolderwewillspendmoretimeexclusivelyinworshipthanweareabletodonowInthemeantimewemustcombineourworshipwithourwork，andwemayexpecttofindChristatourbooksandinourcommontask。
　　WhyshouldGodhaveprovidedthatsomanyhoursofeverydayshouldbeoccupiedwithwork？ItisbecauseWorkmakesmen。
　　Auniversityisnotmerelyaplaceformakingscholars，itisaplaceformakingChristiansAfarmisnotaplaceforgrowingcorn，itisaplaceforgrowingcharacter，andamanhasnocharacterexceptthatwhichisdevelopedbyhislifeandthought。
　　God'sSpiritdoesthebuildingthroughtheactswhichamanperformsfromdaytodayAstudentwhoconsouteverywordinhisLatinandGreekinsteadofconsultingatranslationfindsthathonestyistranslatedintohischaracterIfheworksouthismathematicalproblemsthoroughly，henotonlybecomesamathematician，butbecomesathoroughmanItisbyconstantandconscientiousattentiontodailydutiesthatthoroughnessandconscientiousnessandhonorablenessareimbeddedinourbeingsCharacterisThemusicofthesoul，andisdevelopedbyexerciseActiveuseofthepowerentrustedtousisoneofthechiefmeanswhichGodemploysforproducingtheChristiangracesHencethereligionofastudentdemandsthathebetruetohiswork，andthathelethisChristianitybeshowntohisfellowstudentsandtohisprofessorsbytheintegrityandtheconscientiousnessofhisacademiclifeAmanwhoisnotfaithfulinthatwhichisleastwillnotbefaithfulinthatwhichisgreat。
　　Ihaveknownmenwhostruggledunsuccessfullyforyearstopasstheirexaminationswho，whentheybecameChristians，foundanewmotiveforworkandthuswereabletosucceedwherepreviouslytheyhadfailedAman'sChristianitycomesoutasmuchinhisworkasinhisworship。
　　Ourworkisnotonlytobedonethoroughly，butitistobedonehonestlyAmanisnotonlytobehonorableinhisacademicrelations，buthemustbehonestwithhimselfandinhisattitudetowardthetruthStudentsarenotentitledtododgedifficulties，theymustgodowntothefoundationprinciplesPerhapsthetruthswhicharedeartousgodowndeepereventhanwethink，andwewillgetmoreoutofthemifwedigdownforthenuggetsthanwewillifweonlypickupthosethatareonthesurfaceOthertheoriesmayperhapsbefoundtohavefalsebases；ifso，weoughttoknowitItiswelltotakeoursurroundingsineverydirectiontoseeifthereisdeepwater；ifthereareshoalsweoughttofindoutwheretheyareTherefore，whenwecometodifficulties，letusnotjumplightlyoverthem，butletusbehonestasseekersaftertruth。
　　ItmaynotbenecessaryforpeopleingeneraltosiftthedoctrinesofChristianityforthemselves，butastudentisamanwhosebusinessitistothink，toexercisetheintellectwhichGodhasgivenhiminfindingoutthetruthFaithisneveropposedtoreason，thoughtitissometimessupposedbyBibleteachersthatitis；butyouwillfinditisnotFaithisopposedtosight，butnottoreason，thoughtitisnotlimitedtoreasonInemployinghisintellectinthesearchfortruthastudentisdrawingnearertotheChristwhosaid，"Iamtheway，thetruthandthelife。"WetalkagreatdealaboutChristasthewayandChristasthelife，butthereisasideofChristespeciallyforthestudent:"Iamthetruth，"
　　andeverystudentoughttobeatruth-loverandatruth-seekerforChrist'ssake。
　　II。
　　Anotherelementinlife，whichofcourseisfirstinimportance，isGOD。
　　TheAngelusisperhapsthemostreligiouspicturepaintedthiscenturyYoucannotlookatitandseethatyoungmanstandinginthefieldwithhishatoffandthegirloppositehimwithherhandsclaspedandherheadbowedonherbreast，withoutfeelingasenseofGod。
　　DowecarryaboutwithusthethoughtofGodwhereverwego？Ifnot，wehavemissedthegreatestpartoflifeDowehaveaconvictionofgod'sabidingpresencewhereverweare？ThereisnothingmoreneededinthisgenerationthanalargerandmoreScripturalideaofGodAgreatAmericanwriterhastoldusthatwhenhewasaboytheconceptionofGodwhichhegotfrombooksandsermonswasthatofawiseandverystrictlawyerIrememberwelltheawfulconceptionofGodwhichIhadwhenaboyIwasgivenanillustratededitionofWatts'hymns，inwhichGodwasrepresentedasagreatpiercingeyeinthemidstofagreatblackthundercloudTheideawhichthatpicturegavetomyyoungimaginationwasthatofGodasagreatdetective，playingthespyuponmyactions，asthehymnsays:
　　"Writingnowthestoryofwhatlittlechildrendo。"
　　ThatwasaverymistakenandharmfulideawhichithastakenmeyearstoobliterateWethinkofGodas"upthere，"orasonewhomadetheworldsixthousandyearsagoandthenretiredWemustlearnthatHeisnotconfinedeithertotimeorspaceGodisnottobethoughtofasmerelybackthereintime，orupthereinspaceIfnot，whereisHe？"Thewordisnighthee，eveninthymouth。"TheKingdomofGodiswithinyou，andGodHimselfisamongmenWhenarewetoexchangetheterrible，far-away，absenteeGodofourchildhoodfortheeverywherepresentGodoftheBible？ToomanyoftheoldChristianwritersseemtohaveconceivedofGodasnotmuchmorethanthegreatestman——akindofdivineemperor。
　　Heisinfinitelymore；Heisaspirit，asJesussaidtothewomanatthewell，andinHimweliveandmoveandhaveourbeingLetusthinkofGodasImmanuel——Godwithus——anever-present，omnipresent，eternalOneLong，longago，Godmadematter，thenHemadetheflowersandtreesandanimals，thenHemademanDidHestop？IsGoddead？IfHelivesandactswhatisHedoing？HeisMakingmenbetter。
　　Heitisthat"workethinyou。"Thebudsofournaturearenotalloutyet；thesaptomakethemcomesfromtheGodwhomadeus，fromtheindwellingChristOurbodiesarethetemplesoftheHolyGhost，andwemustbearthisinmind，becausethesenseofGodiskeptup，notbylogic，butbyexperience。
　　UntilshewassevenyearsofagethelifeofHelenKeller，theBostongirlwhowasdeafanddumbandblind，wasanabsoluteblank；
　　nothingcouldgointothatmindbecausetheearsandeyeswereclosedtotheouterworldThenbythatgreatprocesswhichhasbeendiscovered，bywhichtheblindsee，andthedeafhear，andthemutespeak，thatgirl'ssoulbecameopened，andtheybegantoputinlittlebitsofknowledge，andbitbybittheybegantoeducateherTheyreservedherreligiousinstructionforPhillipsBrooks。
　　Aftersomeyears，whenshewastwelveyearsold，theytookhertohimandhebegantotalktoherthroughtheyoungladywhocouldcommunicatewithherbytheexceedinglydelicateprocessoftouch。
　　HebegantotellheraboutGodandwhatHehaddone，andhowHelovedmen，andwhatHeistousThechildlistenedveryintelligently，andfinallysaid:
　　"MrBrooks，Iknewallthatbefore，butIdidn'tknowHisname。"
　　Howoftenwehavefeltsomethingwithinusimpellingustodosomethingwhichwewouldnothaveconceivedofbyourselves，orenablingustodosomethingwhichwecouldnothavedonealone。
　　"ItisGodwhichworkethinyou。"ThisgreatsimplefactExplainsmanyofthemysteriesoflife，andtakesawaythefearwhichwewouldotherwisehaveinmeetingthedifficultieswhichliebeforeus。
　　TwoAmericanswhowerecrossingtheAtlanticmetonSundaynighttosinghymnsinthecabinAstheysangthehymn，"Jesus，LoverofmySoul，"oneoftheAmericansheardanexceedinglyrichandbeautifulvoicebehindhimHelookedaround，andalthoughhedidnotknowthefacehethoughtthatherecognizedthevoiceSowhenthemusicceasedheturnedandaskedthemanifhehadnotbeenintheCivilwarThemanrepliedthathehadbeenaConfederatesoldier"Wereyouatsuchaplaceonsuchanight？"askedthefirst"Yes，"hesaid，"andacuriousthinghappenedthatnight；
　　thishymnrecalledittomymindIwasonsentrydutyontheedgeofthewoodItwasadarknightandverycold，andIwasalittlefrightenedbecausetheenemywassupposedtobeverynearathandIfeltveryhomesickandmiserable，andaboutmidnight，wheneverythingwasverystill，IwasbeginningtofeelverywearyandthoughtthatIwouldcomfortmyselfbyprayingandsingingahymnIremembersingingthishymn，'AllmytrustonTheeisstayed，AllmyhelpfromTheeIbring，CovermydefencelessheadWiththeshadowofThywing。'
　　AfterIhadsungthosewordsastrangepeacecamedownuponme，andthroughthelongnightIrememberhavingfeltnomorefear。"
　　"Now，"saidtheotherman，"listentomystoryIwasaUnionsoldier，andwasinthewoodthatnightwithapartyofscoutsI
　　sawyoustandingup，althoughIdidn'tseeyourface，andmymenhadtheirriflesfocuseduponyouwaitingthewordtofire，butwhenyousangout，'CovermydefencelessheadWiththeshadowofThywing。'
　　Isaid，'Boys，putdownyourrifles，wewillgohome。'Icouldn'tkillyouafterthat。"
　　Godwasworkingineachofthem，inHisownwaycarryingoutHiswillGodkeepshispeopleandguidesthemandwithoutHimlifeisbutalivingdeath。
　　III。
　　ThethirdelementinlifeaboutwhichIwishtospeakisLOVE。
　　Inthispicturewenoticethedelicatesenseofcompanionship，broughtoutbytheyoungmanandtheyoungwomanItmattersnotwhethertheyarebrotherandsister，orloverandloved；thereyouhavetheideaoffriendship，thefinalingredientinourlife，afterthetwoIhavenamedIfthemanorthewomanhadbeenstandinginthatfieldaloneitwouldhavebeenincomplete。
　　Loveisthedivineelementinlife，because"Godislove。""HethatlovethisbornofGod，"therefore，assomeonehassaid，letus"keepourfriendshipsinrepair。"Letuscultivatethespiritoffriendship，andlettheloveofChristdevelopitintoagreatlove，notonlyforourfriends，butforallhumanityWhereveryougoandwhateveryoudo，yourworkwillbeafailureunlessyouhavethiselementinyourlife。
　　Thesethreethingsgofartowardformingawell-roundedlifeSomeofusmaynothavetheseingredientsintheirrightproportion，butifyouarelackinginoneortheotherofthem，thenprayforitandworkforitthatyourlifemayberoundedandcompleteasGodintendeditshouldbe。
　　PaxVobiscum。
　　Ionceheardasermonbyadistinguishedpreacherupon"Rest。"
　　Itwasfullofbeautifulthoughts；butwhenIcametoaskmyself，"HowdoeshesayIcangetRest？"therewasnoanswerThesermonwassincerelymeanttobepractical，yetitcontainednoexperiencethatseemedtometobetangible，noranyadvicethatIcouldgrasp——anyadvice，thatistosay，whichcouldhelpmetofindthethingitselfasIwentabouttheworld。
　　Yetthisomissionofwhatis，afterall，theonlyimportantproblem，wasnotthefaultofthepreacherThewholepopularreligionisinthetwilighthereAndwhenpressedforreallyworkingspecificsfortheexperienceswithwhichitdeals，itfalters，andseemstoloseitselfinmist。
　　Thewantofconnectionbetweenthegreatwordsofreligionandevery-daylifehasbewilderedanddiscouragedallofusChristianitypossessesthenoblestwordsinthelanguage；itsliteratureoverflowswithtermsexpressiveofthegreatestandhappiestmoodswhichcanfillthesoulofmanRest，Joy，Peace，Faith，Love，Light——thesewordsoccurwithsuchpersistencyinhymnsandprayersthatanobservermightthinktheyformedthestapleofChristianexperience。
　　Butoncomingtoclosequarterswiththeactuallifeofmostofus，howsurelywouldhebedisenchantedIdonotthinkweourselvesareawareofhowmuchourreligiouslifeisMadeupofphrases；
　　howmuchofwhatwecallChristianExperienceisonlyadialectoftheChurches，amerereligiousphraseologywithalmostnothingbehinditinwhatwereallyfeelandknow。
　　Tosomeofus，indeed，theChristianexperiencesseemfurtherawaythanwhenwetookthefirststepsintheChristianlifeThatlifehasnotopenedoutaswehadhopedWedonotregretourreligion，butwearedisappointedwithitTherearetimes，perhaps，whenwanderingnotesformadivinermusicstrayintoourspirits；buttheseexperiencescomeatfewandfitfulmomentsWehavenosenseofpossessioninthemWhentheyvisitus，itisassurprise。
　　Whentheyleaveus，itiswithoutexplanationWhenwewishtheirreturn，wedonotknowhowtosecureit。
　　Allofwhichmeansareligionwithoutsolidbase，andapoorandflickeringlifeItmeansagreatbankruptcyinthoseexperienceswhichgiveChristianityitspersonalsolaceandmakeitattractivetotheworld，andagreatuncertaintyastoanyremedyItisasifwekneweverythingabouthealth——exceptthewaytogetit。
　　IamquitesurethatthedifficultydoesnotlieinthefactthatmenarenotinearnestThisissimplynotthefactAllaroundusChristiansarewearingthemselvesoutintryingtobebetter。
　　Theamountofspirituallongingintheworld——intheheartsofunnumberedthousandsofmenandwomeninwhomweshouldneversuspectit；amongthewiseandthoughtful，amongtheyoungandgay，whoseldomassuageandneverbetraytheirthirst——thisisoneofthemostwonderfulandtouchingfactsoflifeItisnotmoreheartthatisneeded，butmorelight；notmoreforce，butawiserdirectiontobegiventoveryrealenergiesalreadythere。
　　Theusualadvicewhenoneasksforcounselonthesequestionsis，"Pray。"ButthisadviceisfarfromadequateIshallqualifythestatementpresently；butletmeurgeithere，withwhatyouwillperhapscalldaringemphasis，thattoprayforthesethingsisnotthewaytogetthemNoonewillgetthemwithoutpraying；butthatmendonotgetthembyprayingisasimplefactWehaveallprayed，andsincerelyprayed，forsuchexperiencesasIhavenamed；
　　prayed，believingthatthatwasthewaytogetthemAndyethavewegotthem？ThetestisexperienceIdarenotlimitprayer；
　　stilllessthegraceofGodIfyouhavegottheminthisway，itiswellIamspeakingtothose，betheyfewormany，whohavenotgotthem；toordinarymeninordinarycircumstancesButifwehavenotgotthem，itbynomeansfollowsthatprayerisuseless。
　　Thecorrectconclusionisonlythatitisuseless，orinadequaterather，forthisparticularpurposeTomakeprayerthesoleresort，theuniversalpanaceaforeveryspiritualill，isasradicalamistakeastoprescribeonlyonemedicineforeverybodilytrouble。
　　Thephysicianwhodoesthelastisaquack；thespiritualadvisorwhodiesthefirstisGrosslyignorantofhisprofession。
　　Todonothingbutprayisawrongdonetoprayeritself，andcanonlyendindisasterItisasifonetriedtoliveonlywiththelungs，asifoneassimilatedonlyairandneglectedsolidfood。
　　Thelungsareafirstessential；theairisafirstessential；butthebodyhasmanymembers，givenfordifferentpurposes，secretingdifferentthings，andeachhasamethodofnutritionasspecialtoitselfasitsownactivityWhileprayer，then，isthecharacteristicsublimityoftheChristianlife，itisbynomeanstheonlyone。
　　Andthosewhomakeitthesolealternative，andapplyittopurposesforwhichitwasnevermeant，arereallydoingthegreatestharmtoprayeritselfTocoupletheword"inadequate"withthismightwordisnottodethroneprayer，buttoexaltit。
　　WhatdethronesprayerisunansweredprayerWhenmenprayforthingswhichdonotcomethatway——praywithsincerebeliefthatprayer，unaidedandalone，willcompasswhattheyask——then，notgettingwhattheyask，theyoftengiveupprayer。
　　Thisisthenaturalhistoryofmuchatheism，notonlyanatheismofatheists，butamoreterribleatheismofChristians，anunconsciousatheism，whoserootshavestruckfarintomanysoulswhoselastbreathwouldbespentindenyingitSo，Irepeat，itisamistakenChristianitywhichallowmentocherishablindbeliefintheomnipotenceofprayerPrayer，certainly，whentheappropriateconditionsarefulfilled，isomnipotent，butnotblindprayer。
　　BlindprayerissuperstitionPrayer，initstruesense，containsthesanerecognitionthatwhilemanpraysinfaith，GODACTSBYLAW。
　　Whatthatmeansintheimmediateconnectionweshallseepresently。
　　What，then，istheremedy？Itisimpossibletodoubtthatthereisaremedy，anditisequallyimpossibletobelievethatitisasecretTheideathatsomefewmen，byhappychanceorhappiertemperament，havebeengiventhesecret——asifthereweresomesortofknackortrickofit——iswhollyincredibleandwrongReligionmustbeforall，andthewayintoitsloftiestheightsmustbebyagatewaythroughwhichthepeoplesoftheworldmaypass。
　　Ishallhavetoleaduptothisgatewaybyaveryfamiliarpath。
　　Butasthispathisstrangelyunfrequentedwhereitpassesintothereligioussphere，Imustaskyourforbearancefordwellingforamomentuponthecommonestofcommonplaces。
　　IEffectsRequireCausesNothingthathappensintheworldhappensbychanceGodisaGodoforderEverythingisarrangedupondefiniteprinciples，andneveratrandomtheworld，eventhereligiousworld，isgovernedbylawCharacterisgovernedbylawHappinessisgovernedbylawTheChristianexperiencesaregovernedbylawMen，forgettingthis，expectRest，Joy，Peace，FaithtodropintotheirsoulsfromtheairlikesnoworrainButinpointoffacttheydonotdoso；
　　andiftheydid，theywouldnolesshavetheirorigininpreviousactivitiesandbecontrolledbynaturallawsRainandsnowdodropfromtheair，butnotwithoutalongprevioushistoryTheyarethematureeffectsofformercausesEquallysoareRestandPeaceandJoyThey，too，haveeachaprevioushistoryStormsandwindsandcalmsarenotaccidents，butbroughtaboutbyantecedentcircumstancesRestandPeacearebutcalmsinman'sinwardnature，andarisethroughcausesasdefiniteandasinevitable。
　　Realizeitthoroughly；itisamethodical，notanaccidentalworld。
　　Ifahousewifeturnsoutagoodcake，itistheresultofasoundreceipt，carefullyappliedShecannotmixtheassignedingredientsandfirethemfortheappropriatetimewithoutproducingtheresultItisnotshewhohasmadethecake；itisnatureShebringsrelatedthingstogether；setscausesatwork；thesecausesbringabouttheresultsheisnotacreator，butanintermediary。
　　Shedoesnotexpectrandomcausestoproducespecificeffects——randomingredientswouldonlyproducerandomcakesSoitisinthemakingofChristianexperiencesCertainlinesarefollowed；certaineffectsaretheresultTheseeffectscannotbutbetheresult。
　　Buttheresultcannevertakeplacewithoutthepreviouscause。
　　ToexpectresultswithoutantecedentsistoexpectcakeswithoutingredientsThatimpossibilityispreciselyThealmostuniversalexpectation。
　　NowwhatImainlywishtodoistohelpyoufirmlytograspthissimpleprincipleofCauseandEffectinthespiritualworldAndinsteadofapplyingtheprinciplegenerallytoeachoftheChristianexperiencesinturn，IshallexamineitsapplicationtooneinsomelittledetailTheoneIshallselectisRestAndIthinkanyonewhofollowstheapplicationinthissingleinstancewillbeabletoapplyitforhimselftotheothers。
　　Takesuchasentenceasthis:Africanexplorersaresubjecttofeverswhichcauserestlessnessanddelirium。
　　Notetheexpression，"causerestlessness。"RESTLESSNESSHASACAUSE。
　　Clearly，then，anyonewhowishedtogetridofrestlessnesswouldproceedatoncetodealwiththecauseIfthatwerenotremoved，adoctormightprescribeahundredthings，andallmightbetakeninturn，withoutproducingtheleasteffectThingsaresoarrangedintheoriginalplanningoftheworldthatcertaineffectsmustfollowcertaincauses，andcertaincausesmustbeabolishedbeforecertaineffectscanberemovedCertainpartsofAfricaareinseparablylinkedwiththephysicalexperiencecalledfever；thisfeverisinturninfalliblylinkedwithamentalexperiencecalledrestlessnessanddeliriumToabolishthementalexperiencetheradicalmethodwouldbetoabolishthephysicalexperience，andthewayofabolishingthephysicalexperiencewouldbetoabolishAfrica，ortoceasetogothere。
　　NowthisholdgoodforallotherformsofRestlessnessEveryotherformandkindofRestlessnessintheworldhadadefinitecause，andtheparticularkindofRestlessnesscanonlyberemovedbyremovingtheallottedcause。
　　AllthisisalsotrueofRestRestlessnesshasacause:mustnotRESThaveacause？NecessarilyIfitwereachanceworldwewouldnotexpectthis；but，beingamethodicalworld，itcannotbeotherwiseRest，physicalrest，moralrest，spiritualrest，everykindofresthasacause，ascertainlyasrestlessnessNowcausesarediscriminatingThereisonekindofcauseforeveryparticulareffectandnoother，andifoneparticulareffectisdesired，thecorrespondingcausemustbesetinmotionItisnouseproposingfinelydevisedschemes，orgoingthroughgeneralpiousexercisesinthehopethatsomehowRestwillcomeTheChristianlifeisnotcasual，butcausalAllnatureisastandingprotestagainsttheabsurdityofexpectingtosecurespiritualeffects，oranyeffects，withouttheemploymentofappropriatecausesTheGreatTeacherdealtwhatoughttohavebeenthefinalblowtothisinfiniteirrelevancybyasinglequestion，"Domengathergrapesofthornsorfigsofthistles？"
　　Why，then，didtheGreatTeachernoteducateHisfollowersfully？
　　WhydidHenottellus，forexample，howsuchathingasRestmightbeobtained？TheansweristhatHEDIDButplainly，explicitly，insomanywords？Yes，plainly，explicitly，insomanywords。
　　HeassignedResttoitscause，inwordswithwhicheachofushasbeenfamiliarfromhisearliestchildhood。
　　Hebegins，youremember——foryouatonceknowthepassageIreferto——almostasifRestcouldbehadwithoutanycause；"Comeuntome，"Hesays，"andIwillGIVEyouRest。"
　　Rest，apparently，wasafavortobebestowed；menhadbuttocometoHim；HewouldgiveittoeveryapplicantButthenextsentencetakesthatallbackThequalification，indeed，isaddedinstantaneouslyForwhatthefirstsentenceseemedtogivewasnextthingtoanimpossibilityForhow，inaliteralsense，canRestbeGIVEN？OnecouldnomoregiveawayRestthanhecouldgiveawayLaughterWespeakof"causing"laughter，whichwecando；butwecannotgiveitawayWhenwespeakof"giving"pain，weknowperfectlywellwecannotgivepainawayAndwhenweaimat"giving"pleasure，allthatwecandoistoarrangeasetofcircumstancesinsuchawayasthattheseshallcausepleasure。
　　Ofcoursethereisasense，andaverywonderfulsense，inwhichaGreatPersonalitybreathesuponallwhocomewithinitsinfluenceanabidingpeaceandtrustMencanbetoothermenastheshadowofagreatrockinawearyland；muchmoreChrist；muchmoreChristasPerfectMan；muchmorestillasSavioroftheworldButitisnotthisofwhichIspeakWhenChristsaidHewouldgivemenRest，HemeantsimplythathewouldputtheminthewayofitBynoactofconveyancewouldorcouldHemakeoverHisownResttothemHecouldgivethemHisreceiptforitThatwasallButHewouldnotmakeitforthemForonethingitwasnotinHisplantomakeitforthem；foranotherthing，menwerenotsoplannedthatitcouldbemadeforthem；andforyetanotherthing，itwasathousandtimesbetterthattheyshouldmakeitforthemselves。
　　Thatthisisthemeaningbecomesobviousfromthewordingofthesecondsentence:"Learnofme，andyeshallFINDRest。"Rest，thatistosay，isnotathingthatcanbeGIVEN，butathingtobeACQUIREDItcomesnotbyanact，butbyaprocessItisnottobefoundinahappyhour，asonefindsatreasure；butslowly，asonefindsknowledgeItcouldindeedbenomorefoundinamomentthancouldknowledgeAsoilhastobepreparedforitLikeafinefruit，itwillgrowinoneclimate，andnotinanother；atonealtitude，andnotatanotherLikeallgrowthitwillhaveanorderlydevelopmentandmaturebyslowdegrees。
　　ThenatureofthisslowprocessChristclearlydefineswhenHesayswearetoachieveRestbyLEARNING"Learnofme，"Hesays，"andyeshallfindresttoyoursouls。"
　　NowconsidertheextraordinaryOriginalityofthisutterance。
　　hownoveltheconnectionbetweenthesetwowords"Learn"and"Rest。"
　　Howfewofushaveeverassociatedthem——everthoughtthatRestwasathingtobelearned；everlaidourselvesoutforitaswewouldtolearnalanguage；everpractiseditaswewouldpracticetheviolin？DoesitnotshowhowentirelynewChrist'steachingstillistotheworld，thatsooldandthreadbareanaphorismshouldstillbesolittleknown？ThelastthingmostofuswouldhavethoughtofwouldhavebeentoassociateRESTwithWORK。
　　Whatmustoneworkat？WhatisthatwhichifdulylearnedwillfindthesoulofmaninRest？ChristanswerswithouttheleasthesitationHespecifiestwothings——MeeknessandLowliness。
　　"Learnofme，"Hesays，"forIamMEEKandLOWLYinheart。"
　　NowthesetwothingsarenotchosenatrandomTotheseaccomplishments，inaspecialway，RestisattachedLearnthese，inshort，andyouhavealreadyfoundRestTheseastheystanddirectcausesofRest；willproduceitatonce；cannotbutproduceitatonceAndifyouthinkforasinglemoment，youwillseehowthisisnecessarilyso，forcausesareneverarbitrary，andtheconnectionbetweenantecedentandconsequentherandeverywhereliesdeepinthenatureofthings。
　　Whatistheconnection，then？Ianswerbyafurtherquestion。
　　Whatarethechiefcausesofunrest？
　　Ifyouknowyourself，youwillanswer——Pride，Selfishness，Ambition。
　　Asyoulookbackuponthepastyearsofyourlife，isitnottruethatitsunhappinesshaschieflycomefromthesuccessionofpersonalmortificationsandalmosttrivialdisappointmentswhichtheintercourseoflifehasbroughtyou？Greattrialscomeatlengthenedintervals，andwerisetobreastthem；butitisthepettyfrictionofourevery-daylifewithoneanother，thejarofbusinessorofwork，thediscordofthedomesticcircle，thecollapseofourambition，thecrossingofourwillorthetakingdownofourconceit，whichmakeinwardpeaceimpossibleWoundedvanity，then，disappointedhopes，unsatisfiedselfishness——thesearetheold，vulgar，universalSourcesofman'sunrest。
　　NowitisobviouswhyChristpointedoutasthetwochiefobjectsforattainmenttheexactoppositesoftheseTomeeknessandlowlinessthesethingssimplydonotexistTheycureunrestbymakingitimpossibleTheseremediesdonottriflewithsurfacesymptoms；theystrikeatonceatremovingcausesTheceaselesschagrinofaself-centeredlifecanberemovedatoncebylearningmeeknessandlowlinessofheartHewholearnsthemisforeverproofagainstitHeliveshenceforthacharmedlifeChristianityisafineinoculation，atransfusionofhealthybloodintoananaemicorpoisonedsoulNofevercanattackaperfectlysoundbody；nofeverofunrestcandisturbasoulwhichhasbreathedtheairorlearnedthewaysofChrist。
　　MensighforthewingsofadovethattheymayflyawayandbeatRestButflyingawaywillnothelpus"TheKingdomofGodisWITHINYOU。"WeaspiretothetoptolookforRest；itliesatthebottomWaterrestsonlywhenitgetstothelowestplaceSodomenHence，BELOWLYThemanwhohasnoopinionofhimselfatallcanneverbehurtifothersdonotacknowledgehimHence，BE
　　MEEKHewhoiswithoutexpectationcannotfretifnothingcomestohimItisself-evidentthatthesethingsaresoThelowlymanandthemeekmanarereallyaboveallothermen，aboveallotherthingsTheydominatetheworldbecausetheydonotcareforit。
　　Themiserdoesnotpossessgold，goldpossesseshimButthemeekpossessit"Themeek，"saidChrist，"inherittheearth。"Theydonotbuyit；theydonotconquerit；buttheyinheritit。
　　Therearepeoplewhogoabouttheworldlookingoutforslights，andtheyarenecessarilymiserable，fortheyfindthemateveryturn——especiallytheimaginaryonesOnehasthesamepityforsuchmenasfortheverypoorTheyarethemorallyilliterate。
　　Theyhavehadnorealeducation，fortheyhaveneverlearnedHowtolive。
　　FewmenknowhowtoliveWegrowupatrandomcarryingintomaturelifethemerelyanimalmethodsandmotiveswhichwehadaslittlechildrenAnditdoesnotoccurtousthatallthismustbechangedthatmuchofitmustbereversed；thatlifeisthefinestoftheFineArts；thatithastobelearnedwithlife-longpatience，andthattheyearsofourpilgrimagearealltooshorttomasterittriumphantly。
　　YetthisiswhatChristianityisfor——toteachmenTheartoflife。
　　Anditswholecurriculumliesinoneword——"Learnofme。"Unlikemosteducation，thisisalmostpurelypersonal；itisnottobehadfrombooks，orlecturesorcreedsordoctrinesItisastudyfromthelifeChristneversaidmuchinmerewordsabouttheChristiangracesHelivedthem，HewasthemYetwedonotmerelycopyHimWelearnHisartbylivingwithHim，liketheoldapprenticeswiththeirmasters。
　　Nowweunderstanditall？Christ'sinvitationtothewearyandheavy-ladenisacalltobeginlifeoveragainuponanewprinciple——uponHisownprinciple"Watchmywayofdoingthings，"
　　Hesays；"FollowmeTakelifeasItakeitBemeekandlowly，andyouwillfindRest。"
　　Idonotsay，remember，thattheChristianlifetoeveryman，ortoanyman，canbeabedofrosesNoeducationalprocesscanbethisAndperhapsifsomemenknewhowmuchwasinvolvedinthesimple"learn"ofChrist，theywouldnotenterHisschoolwithsoirresponsibleaheartForthereisnotonlymuchtolearn，butMuchtounlearn。
　　ManymennevergotothisschoolatalltilltheirdispositionisalreadyhalfruinedandcharacterhastakenonitsfatalsetTolearnarithmeticisdifficultatfifty——muchmoretolearnChristianityTolearnsimplywhatitistobemeekandlowly，inthecaseofonewhohashadnolessonsinthatinchildhood，maycosthimhalfofwhathevaluesmostonearthDowerealize，forinstance，thatthewayofteachinghumilityisgenerallybyHUMILIATION？ThereisprobablynootherschoolforitWhenamanentershimselfasapupilinsuchaschoolitmeansaverygreatthingThereismuchRestthere，butthereisalsomuchWork。