Ishouldbewrong，eventhoughmythemeisthebrighterside，toignorethecrossandminimizethecostOnlyitgivestothecrossamoredefinitemeaning，andararervalue，toconnectitthusdirectlyandcasuallywiththegrowthoftheinnerlifeOurplatitudesonthe"benefitsofaffliction"areusuallyaboutasvagueasourtheoriesofChristianExperience"Somehow"webelieveafflictiondoesusgoodButitisnotaquestionof"Somehow。"
　　Theresultisdefinite，calculable，necessaryItisunderthestrictestlawofcauseandeffectThefirsteffectoflosingone'sfortune，forinstance，ishumiliation；andtheeffectofhumiliation，aswehavejustseen，istomakeonehumble；andtheeffectofbeinghumbleistoproduceRestItisaroundaboutway，apparently，ofproducingRest；butNaturegenerallyworksbycircularprocesses；anditisnotcertainthatthereisanyotherwayofbecominghumble，oroffindingRestIFamancouldmakehimselfhumbletoorder，itmightsimplifymatters；butwedonotfindthatthishappensHencewemustallgothroughthemill。
　　Hencedeath，deathtothelowerself，isthenearestgateandthequickestroadtolife。
　　YetthisisonlyhalfthetruthChrist'slifeoutwardlywasoneofthemosttroubledlivesthatwaseverlived:tempestandtumult，tumultandtempest，thewavesbreakingoveritallhetimetillthewornbodywaslaidinthegraveButtheinnerlifewasaseaofglassThegreatcalmwasalwaysthereAtanymomentyoumighthavegonetoHimandfoundRestEvenwhentheblood-houndsweredoggingHiminthestreetsofJerusalem，HeturnedtoHisdisciplesandofferedthem，asalastlegacy，"Mypeace。"NothingeverforamomentbroketheserenityofChrist'slifeonearthMisfortunecouldnotreachHim；HehadnofortuneFood，raiment，money——fountain-headsofhalftheworld'sweariness——Hesimplydidnotcarefor；theyplayednopartinHislife；He"tooknothought"
　　forthemItwasimpossibletoaffectHimbyloweringHisreputation。
　　HehadalreadymadeHimselfofnoreputationHewasdumbbeforeinsultWhenhewasreviled，HerevilednotagainInfact，therewasNothingthattheworldcoulddotohimthatcouldrufflethesurfaceofHisspirit。
　　Suchliving，asmereliving，isaltogetheruniqueItisonlywhenweseewhatitwasinHimthatwecanknowwhatthewordRestmeansItliesnotinemotions，orintheabsenceofemotions。
　　ItisnotahallowedfeelingthatcomesoverusinchurchItisnotsomethingthatthepreacherhasinhisvoiceItisnotinnature，orinpoetry，orinmusic——thoughinallthesethereissoothingItisthemindatleisurefromitselfItistheperfectpoiseofthesoul；theabsoluteadjustmentoftheinwardmantothestressofalloutwardthings；thepreparednessagainsteveryemergency；thestabilityofassuredconvictions；theeternalcalmofaninvulnerablefaith；thereposeofaheartsetdeepinGod。
　　Itisthemoodofthemanwhosays，withBrowning，"God'sinHisHeaven，all'swellwiththeworld。"
　　TwopainterseachpaintedapicturetoillustratehisconceptionofrestThefirstchoseforhissceneastilllonelakeamongthefar-offmountainsThesecondthrewonhiscanvasathunderingwaterfall，withafragilebirch-treebendingoverthefoam；attheforkofabranch，almostwetwiththecataract'sspray，arobinsatonitsnestThefirstwasonlySTAGNATION；thelastwasREST。
　　ForinResttherearealwaystwoelements——tranquilityandenergy；
　　silenceandturbulence；creationanddestruction；fearlessnessandfearfulnessThisitwasinChrist。
　　ItisquiteplainfromallthisthatwhateverelseHeclaimedtobeortodo，HeatleastKnewhowtolive。
　　Allthisistheperfectionofliving，oflivinginthemeresenseofpassingthroughtheworldinthebestwayHenceHisanxietytocommunicateHisideaoflifetoothersHecame，Hesaid，togivemenlife，truelife，amoreabundantlifethantheywereliving；"thelife，"asthefinephraseintheRevisedVersionhasit，"thatislifeindeed。"ThisiswhatHeHimselfpossessed，anditwasthiswhichHeofferstomankindAndhenceHisdirectappealforalltocometoHimwhohadnotmademuchoflife，whowerewearyandheavy-ladenTheseHewouldteachHissecretThey，also，shouldknow"thelifethatislifeindeed。"
　　IIWhatyokesarefor。
　　ThereisstillonedoubttoclearupAfterthestatement，"LearnofMe，"Christthrowsinthedisconcertingqualification:
　　"TAKEMYYOKEuponyou，andlearnofMe。"
　　Why，ifallthisbetrue，doesHecallitaYOKE？Why，whileprofessingtogiveRest，doesHewiththenextbreathwhisper"BURDEN"？IstheChristianlife，afterall，whatitsenemiestakeitfor——anadditionalweighttothealreadygreatwoeoflife，someextrapunctiliousnessaboutduty，somepainfuldevotiontoobservances，someheavyrestrictionandtrammelingofallthatisjoyousandfreeintheworld？Islifenothardandsorrowfulenoughwithoutbeingfetteredwithyetanotheryoke？
　　ItisastoundinghowsoglaringamisunderstandingofthisplainsentenceshouldeverhavepassedintocurrencyDidyoueverstoptoaskwhatayokeisreally？Isittobeaburdentotheanimalwhichwearsit？ItisjusttheoppositeItistomakeitsburdenlightAttachedtotheoxeninanyotherwaythanbyayoke，theploughwouldbeintolerableWorkedbymeansofayoke，itislightAyokeisnotaninstrumentoftorture；itisAninstrumentofmercy。
　　Itisnotamaliciouscontrivanceformakingworkhard；itisagentledevicetomakehardlaborlightItisnotmeanttogivepain，buttosavepainAndyetmenspeakoftheyokeofChristasifitwereslavery，andlookuponthosewhowearitasobjectsofcompassionForgenerationswehavehadhomilieson"TheYokeofChrist"——somedelightinginportrayingitsnarrowexactions；
　　someseekinginthoseexactionsthemarksofitsdivinity；othersapologizingforit，andtoningitdown；stillothersassuringusthat，althoughitbeverybad，itisnottobecomparedwiththepositiveblessingsofChristianityHowmany，especiallyamongtheyoung，hasthisonemistakenphrasedrivenforeverawayfromthekingdomofGod？InsteadofmakingChristattractive，itmakesHimoutataskmaster，narrowinglifebypettyrestrictions，callingforself-denialwherenoneisnecessary，makingmiseryavirtueunderthepleathatitistheyokeofChrist，andhappinesscriminalbecauseitnowandthenevadesitAccordingtothisconception，Christiansareatbestthevictimsofadepressingfate；theirlifeisapenance；andtheirhopeforthenextworldpurchasedbyaslowmartyrdominthis。
　　Themistakehasarisenfromtakingtheword"yoke"hereinthesamesenseasintheexpression"undertheyoke，"or"wearheyokeinhisyouth。"ButinChrist'sillustrationitisnotthe"jugum"oftheRomansoldier，butthesimple"harness"or"ox-collar"oftheEasternpeasantItistheliteralwoodenyokewhichHe，withHisownhandsinthecarpentershop，hadprobablyoftenmadeHeknewthedifferencebetweenasmoothyokeandaroughone，abadfitandagoodfit；thedifferencealsoitmadetothepatientanimalwhichhadtowearitTheroughyokegalled，andtheburdenwasheavy；thesmoothyokecausednopain，andtheloadwaslightlydrawnThebadlyfittedharnesswasamisery；thewell-fittedcollarwas"easy。"
　　Andwhatwasthe"burden"？ItwasnotsomespecialburdenlaidupontheChristian，someuniqueinflictionthattheyalonemustbear。
　　ItwaswhatallmenbearItwassimplylife，humanlifeitself，thegeneralburdenoflifewhichallmustcarrywiththemfromthecradletothegraveChristsawthatmentooklifepainfullyTosomeitwasaweariness，toothersafailure，tomanyatragedy，toallastruggleandapainHowtocarrythisburdenoflifehadbeenthewholeworld'sproblemItisstillthewholeworld'sproblemAndhereisChrist'ssolution:"CarryitasIdoTakelifeasItakeitLookatitfromMypointofviewInterpretituponMyprinciplesTakeMyyokeandlearnofme，andyouwillfinditeasyFormyyokeiseasy，workseasily，sitsrightupontheshoulders，andTHEREFOREMyburdenislight。"
　　ThereisnosuggestionherethatreligionwillabsolveanymanfrombearingburdensThatwouldbetoabsolvehimfromliving，sinceitislifeitselfthatistheburdenWhatChristianitydoesproposeistomakeittolerable。
　　Christ'syokeissimplyHissecretforthealleviationofhumanlife，HisprescriptionforthebestandhappiestmethodoflivingMenharnessthemselvestotheworkandstressoftheworldinclumsyandunnaturalways。
　　TheharnesstheyputonisantiquatedArough，ill-fittedcollaratbest，theymakeitsstrainandfrictionpastenduring，byplacingitwheretheneckismostsensitive；andbymerecontinuousirritationthissensitivenessincreasesuntilthewholenatureisquickandsore。
　　Thisistheorigin，amongotherthings，ofadiseasecalled"touchiness"——adiseasewhich，inspiteofitsinnocentname，isoneofthegravestsourcesofrestlessnessintheworldTouchiness，whenitbecomeschronic，isamorbidconditionoftheinwarddispositionItisself-loveinflamedtotheacutepoint；conceit，WITHAHAIR-TRIGGERThecureistoshifttheyoketosomeotherplace；toletmenandthingstouchusthroughsomenewandperhapsasyetunusedpartofournature；tobecomemeekandlowlyinheartwhiletheoldsensitivenessisbecomingnumbfromwantofuse。
　　ItisthebeautifulworkofChristianityeverywheretoadjusttheburdenoflifetothosewhobearit，andthemtoitIthasaperfectlymiraculousgiftofhealingWithoutdoinganyviolencetohumannatureitsetsitrightwithlife，harmonizingitwithallsurroundingthings，andrestoringthosewhoarejadedwiththefatigueanddustoftheworldtoanewgraceoflivingInthemerematterofalteringtheperspectiveoflifeandchangingtheproportionsofthings，itsfunctioninlighteningthecareofmanisaltogetheritsown。
　　Theweightofaloaddependsupontheattractionoftheearth。
　　Supposetheattractionoftheearthwereremoved？Atononsomeotherplanet，wheretheattractionofgravityisless，doesnotweighhalfatonNowChristianityremovestheattractionoftheearth；andthisisonewayinwhichitdiminishesman'sburden。
　　ItmakesthemcitizensofanotherworldWhatwasatonyesterdayisnothalfatontodaySowithoutchangingone'scircumstances，merelybyofferingawiderhorizonandadifferentstandard，italtersthewholeaspectoftheworld。
　　ChristianityasChristtaughtisthetruestphilosophyoflifeeverspokenbutletusbequitesurewhenwespeakofChristianitythatwemeanChrist'sChristianityOtherversionsareeithercaricatures，orexaggerations，ormisunderstandings，orshortsightedandsurfacereadingsForthemostparttheirattainmentishopelessandtheresultswretchedButIcarenotwhothepersonis，orthroughwhatvaleoftearshehaspassed，orisabouttopass，thereisanewlifeforhimalongthispath。
　　IIIHowfruitsgrow。
　　WereRestmysubject，thereareotherthingsIshouldwishtosayaboutit，andotherkindsofRestofwhichIshouldliketospeak。
　　ButthatisnotmysubjectMythemeisthattheChristianexperiencesarenottheworkofmagic，butcomeunderthelawofCauseandEffectIhavechosenRestonlyasasingleillustrationoftheworkingofthatprincipleIfthereweretimeImightnextrunoveralltheChristianexperiencesinturn，andshowthesamewidelawappliestoeach；butIthinkitmayservethebetterpurposeifIleavethisfurtherexercisetoyourselvesIknownoBiblestudythatyouwillfindmorefulloffruit，ofwhichwilltakeyounearertothewaysofGod，ormaketheChristianlifeitselfmoresolidormoresureIshalladdonlyasingleotherillustrationofwhatImean，beforeIclose。
　　WheredoesJoycomefrom？IknewaSundayscholarwhoseconceptionofJoywasthatitwasathingmadeinlumpsandkeptsomewhereinHeaven，andthatwhenpeopleprayedforit，piecesweresomehowletdownandfittedintotheirsoulsIamnotsurethatviewsasgrossandmaterialarenotoftenheldbypeoplewhooughttobewiserInreality，JoyisasmuchamatterofCauseandEffectaspainNoonecangetJoybymerelyaskingforitItisoneoftheripestfruitsoftheChristianlife，and，likeallfruits，mustbegrownThereisaveryclevertrickinIndiacalledthemangotrickAseedisputinthegroundandcoveredup，andafterdiverseincantationsafull-blownmango-bushappearswithinfiveminutes。
　　Inevermetanyonewhoknewhowthethingwasdone，butInevermetanyonewhobelievedittobeanythingelsethanaconjuringtrickTheworldisprettyunanimousnowinitsbeliefintheorderlinessofNatureMenmaynotknowhowfruitsgrow，buttheydoknowthattheycannotgrowinanhourSomeliveshavenotevenastalkonwhichfruitscouldhang，eveniftheydidgrowinanhourSomehaveneverplantedoneseedofJoyinalltheirlives；
　　andotherswhomayhaveplantedagermortwohavelivedsolittleinsunshinethattheynevercouldcometomaturity。
　　Whence，then，isjoy？ChristputHisteachinguponthissubjectintooneofthemostexquisiteofHisparablesIshouldinanyinstancehaveappealedtoHisteachinghere，asinthecaseofRest，forIdonotwishyoutothinkIamspeakingwordsofmyownButitsohappensthatHehasdealtwithitinwordsofunusualfullness。
　　IneednotrecallthewholeillustrationItistheparableoftheVineDidyoueverthinkwhyChristspokethatparable？HedidnotmerelythrowitintospaceasafindillustrationofgeneraltruthsItwasnotsimplyastatementofthemysticalunion，andthedoctrineofanindwellingChristItwasthat；butitwasmoreAfterHehadsaidit，HedidwhatwasnotanunusualthingwhenHewasteachingHisgreatestlessons——HeturnedtothedisciplesandsaidHewouldtellthemwhyHehadspokenitItwastotellthemHowtogetjoy。
　　"ThesethingsIhavespokenuntoyou，"Hesaid，"thatMyJoymightremaininyou，andthatyourJoymightbefull。"ItwasapurposedanddeliberatecommunicationofHisSecretofHappiness。
　　Gobackovertheseverses，then，andyouwillfindtheCausesofthisEffect，thespring，andtheonlyspring，outofwhichtrueHappinesscomesIamnotgoingtoanalyzethemindetailIaskyoutoenterintothewordsforyourselves。
　　Remember，inthefirstplace，thattheVinewastheEasternsymbolofJoyItwasitsfruitthatmadegladtheheartofmanYet，howeverinnocentthatgladness——fortheexpressedjuiceofthegrapewasthecommondrinkateverypeasant'sboard——thegladnesswasonlyagrossandpassingthingThiswasnottruehappiness，andthevineofthePalestinevineyardswasnotthetruevine。
　　"CHRISTwastheTRUEVine。"Here，then，istheultimatesourceofJoyThroughwhatevermediaitreachesus，alltrueJoyandGladnessfindtheirsourceinChrist。
　　Bythis，ofcourse，isnotmeantthattheactualJoyexperiencedistransferredfromChrist'snature，orissomethingpassedonfromHimtousWhatispassedonisHismethodofgettingitThereis，indeed，asenseinwhichwecanshareanother'sjoyoranother'ssorrowButthatisanothermatterChrististhesourceofJoytomeninthesenseinwhichHeisthesourceofRestHispeopleshareHislife，andthereforeshareitsconsequences，andoneoftheseisJoyHismethodoflivingisonethatinthenatureofthingsproducesJoyWhenHespokeofHisJoyremainingwithusHemeantinpartthatthecauseswhichproduceditshouldcontinuetoactHisfollowers，thatistosay，byREPEATINGHislifewouldexperienceitsaccompanimentsHisJoy，HiskindofJoy，wouldremainwiththem。
　　ThemediumthroughwhichthisJoycomesisnextexplained:"HethatabidethinMe，thesamebringethforthmuchfruit。"Fruitfirst，Joynext；theonethecauseormediumoftheotherFruit-bearingisthenecessaryantecedent；JoyboththenecessaryconsequentandthenecessaryaccompanimentItlaypartlyinthebearingfruit，partlyinthefellowshipwhichmadethatpossiblePartly，thatistosay，JoylayinmereconstantlivinginChrist'spresence，withallthatthatimpliedofpeace，ofshelter，andoflove；
　　partlyintheinfluenceofthatLifeuponmindandcharacterandwill；andpartlyintheinspirationtoliveandworkforothers，withallthatthatbroughtofself-riddanceandjoyinothers'
　　gainAllthese，indifferentwaysandatdifferenttimes，areSourcesofpurehappiness。
　　Eventhesimplestofthem——todogoodtootherpeople——isaninstantandinfalliblespecificThereisnomysteryaboutHappinesswhateverPutintherightingredientsanditmustcomeoutHethatabidethinHimwillbringforthmuchfruit；andbringingforthmuchfruitisHappinessTheinfalliblereceiptforHappiness，then，istodogood；andtheinfalliblereceiptfordoinggoodistoabideinChristThesurestproofthatallthisisaplainmatterofCauseandEffectisthatmenmaytryeveryotherconceivablewayoffindinghappiness，andtheywillfailOnlytherightcauseineachcasecanproducetherighteffect。
　　ThentheChristianexperiencesareourownmaking？InthesamesenseinwhichgrapesareourownmakingandnomoreAllfruitsGROW——whethertheygrowinthesoilorinthesoul；whethertheyarethefruitsofthewildgrapeoroftheTrueVineNomancanMAKEthingsgrowHecanGETTHEMTOGROWbyarrangingallthecircumstancesandfulfillingalltheconditionsButthegrowingisdonebyGodCausesandeffectsareeternalarrangements，setintheconstitutionoftheworld；fixedbeyondman'sordering。
　　WhatmancandoistoplacehimselfinthemidstofachainofsequencesThushecangetthingstogrowButthepoweristheSpiritofGod。
　　WhatmoreneedIaddbutthis——testthemethodbyexperimentDonotimaginethatyouhavegotthesethingsbecauseyouknowhowtogetthemAswelltrytofeeduponacookerybookButIthinkIcanpromisethatifyoutryinthissimpleandnaturalway，youwillnotfailSpendthetimeyouhavespentinsighingforfruitsinfulfillingtheconditionsoftheirgrowthThefruitswillcome，mustcomeWehavehithertopaidimmenseattentiontoEFFECTS，tothemereexperiencesthemselves；wehavedescribedthem，extolledthem，advisedthem，prayedforthem——doneeverythingbutfindoutwhatCAUSEDthemHenceforthLetusdealwithcauses。
　　"Tobe，"saysLotze，"istobeinrelations。"AbouteveryothermethodoflivingtheChristianlifethereisanuncertaintyAbouteveryothermethodofacquiringtheChristianexperiencesthereisa"perhaps。"Butinsofarasthismethodisthewayofnature，itcannotfailItsguaranteeisthelawsoftheuniverse——andtheseare"theHandsoftheLivingGod。"
　　Thetruevine。
　　"Iamthetruevine，andmyFatheristhehusbandmanEverybranchinmethatbearethnotfruithetakethaway；andeverybranchthatbearethfruit，hepurgethit，thatitmaybringforthmorefruit。
　　NowyearecleanthroughthewordwhichIhavespokenuntoyouAbideinme，andIinyouAsthebranchcannotbearfruitofitself，exceptitabideinthevine；nomorecanye，exceptyeabideinmeIamthevine，yearethebranches:Hethatabidethinme，andIinhim，thesamebringethforthmuchfruit:forwithoutmeyecandonothingIfamanabidenotinme，heiscastforthasabranch，andiswithered；andmengatherthem，andcastthemintothefire，andtheyareburnedIfyeabideinme，andmywordabideinyou，yeshallaskwhatyewill，anditshallbedoneuntoyou。
　　HereinismyFatherglorified，thatyebearmuchfruit；soyeshallbemydisciplesAstheFatherhathlovedme，sohaveIlovedyou:continueyeinmyloveIfyekeepmycommandments，yeshallabideinmylove；evenasIhavekeptmyFather'scommandments，andabideinhisloveThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou，thatmyjoymightremaininyou，andthatyourjoymightbefull。"
　　"FIRST!"AnAddresstoboys。
　　IhavethreeheadstogiveyouThefirstis"Geography，"thesecondis"Arithmetic，"andthethirdis"Grammar。"
　　I。
　　FirstGeographytellsuswheretofindplaces。
　　WhereistheKingdomofGod？ItissaidthatwhenaPrussianofficerwaskilledintheFranco-Prussianwar，amapofFrancewasveryoftenfoundinhispocketWhenwewishtooccupyacountry，weoughttoknowitsgeographyNow，WHEREistheKingdomofGod？
　　Aboyovertheresays，"Itisinheaven。"No；itisnotinheaven。
　　Anotherboysays，"ItisintheBible。"No；itisnotintheBibleAnotherboysays，"ItmustbeintheChurch，"No；itisnotintheChurchHeavenisonlythecapitaloftheKingdomofGod；
　　theBibleistheguide-booktoit；theChurchistheweeklyparadeofthosewhobelongtoitIfyouturntotheseventeenthchapterofLukeyouwillfindoutwheretheKingdomofGodreallyis:"TheKingdomofGodiswithinyou"——withinYOUTheKingdomofGodisINSIDEPEOPLE。
　　IrememberoncetakingawalkbytherivernearwheretheFallsofNiagaraare，andInoticedaremarkablefigurewalkingalongtheriverbankIhadbeensometimeinAmericaIhadseenblackmen，andredmen，andyellowmen，andwhitemen；blackmen，theNegroes；redmen，theIndians；yellowmen，theChinese；whitemen，theAmericansButthismanlookedquitedifferentinhisdressfromanythingIhadeverseenWhenhecamealittlecloser，I
　　sawhewaswearingakilt；whenhecamealittlenearerstill，I
　　sawthathewasdressedexactlylikeaHighlandsoldierWhenhecamequietnear，Isaidtohim:
　　"Whatareyoudoinghere？"
　　"WhyshouldInotbehere？"hereplied；"don'tyouknowthisisBritishsoil？WhenyoucrosstheriveryoucomeintoCanada。"
　　ThissoldierwasthousandsofmilesfromEngland，andyethewasintheKingdomofEnglandWhereverthereisanEnglishheartbeatingloyaltotheQueenofBritain，thereisEnglandWhereverthereisaboywhoseheartisloyaltotheKingdomofGod，theKingdomofGodiswithinhim。
　　WhatistheKingdomofGod？EveryKingdomhasitsexports，itproductsGodowntheriverhereandyouwillfindshipscominginwithcotton；youknowtheycomefromAmericaYouwillfindshipswithtea；youknowtheyarefromChinaShipswithwool；
　　youknowtheycomefromAustraliaShipswithsugar；youknowtheycomefromJava。
　　WhatcomesfromtheKingdomofGod？Again，wemustrefertoourGuide-bookTurntoRomans，andweshallfindwhattheKingdomofGodisIwillreadit:"TheKingdomofGodisrighteousness，peace，joy"——threethings"TheKingdomofGodisrighteousness，peace，joy。"Righteousness，ofcourseisjustdoingwhatisright。
　　AnyboywhodoeswhatisRIGHThastheKingdomofGodwithinhim。
　　Anyboywho，insteadofbeingquarrelsome，livesatpeacewiththeotherboys，hastheKingdomofGodwithinhimAnyboywhoseheartisfilledwithjoybecausehedoeswhatisright，hastheKingdomofGodwithinhimTheKingdomofGodisnotgoingtoreligiousmeetings，andhearingstrangereligiousexperiences；theKingdomofGodisdoingwhatisright——livingatpeacewithallmen，beingfilledwithjoyintheHolyGhost。
　　Boys，ifyouaregoingtobeChristians，beChristiansasboys，andnotasyourgrandmothersAgrandmotherhastobeaChristianasagrandmother，andthatistherightandthebeautifulthingforher；
　　butifyoucannotreadyourBiblebythehoursasyourgrandmothercan，ordelightinmeetingsasshecan，don'tthinkyouarenecessarilyabadboyWhenyouareyourgrandmother'sageyouwillhaveyourgrandmother'skindofreligionMeantime，beaChristianasaboyLiveaboy'slifeDothestraightthing；seekthekingdomofrighteousnessandhonorandtruthKeepthepeacewiththeboysaboutyou，andbefilledwiththejoyofbeingaloyal，andsimple，andnatural，andboy-likeservantofChrist。
　　Youcanveryeasilytellahouse，oraworkshop，oranofficewheretheKingdomofGodisNOTThefirstthingyouseeinthatpaceisthatthe"straightthing"isnotalwaysdoneCustomersdonotgetfairplayYouareindangeroflearningtocheatandtolie。
　　Betterathousandtimestostarvethantostayinaplacewhereyoucannotdowhatisright。
　　Or，whenyougointoyourworkshop，youfindeverybodysulky，touchy，andill-tempered，everybodyatdaggers-drawnwitheverybodyelse，someofthemennotonspeakingtermswithsomeoftheothers，andthewholeFEELoftheplacemiserableandunhappyTheKingdomofGodisnotthee，forITispeaceItistheKingdomoftheDevilthatisanger，andwrathandmalice。
　　IfyouwanttogettheKingdomofGodintoyourworkshop，orintoyourhome，letthequarrelingbestoppedLiveinpeaceandharmonyandbrotherlinesswitheveryoneFortheKingdomofGodisakingdomofbrothersItisagreatSociety，foundedbyJesusChrist，ofallthepeoplewhotrytolivelikeHim，andtomaketheworldbetterandsweeterandhappierWhereverboyistryingtodothat，inthehouseoronthestreet，intheworkshoporonthebaseballfield，thereistheKingdomofGodAndeveryboy，howeversmallorobscureorpoor，whoisseekingthat，isamemberofit。
　　Youseenow，Ihope，whattheKingdomis。
　　II。
　　Ipass，therefore，tothesecondhead；Whatwasit？Arithmetic。
　　Arethereanyarithmeticwordsinthistext？"Added。"Whatotherarithmeticwords？"First。"
　　Now，don'tyouthinkyoucouldnothaveanythingbettertoseek"first"thanthethingsIhavenamedtodowhatisright，toliveatpeace，andbealwaysmakingthoseaboutyouhappy？YouseeatoncewhyChristtellsustoseekthesethingsfirst——becausetheyareThebestworthseeking。
　　Doyouknowanythingbetterthanthesethreethings，anythinghappier，purer，nobler？Ifyoudo，seekthemfirstButifyoudonot，seekfirsttheKingdomofGodIdonottellyoutobereligiousYouknowthatIdonottellyoutoseektheKingdomofGodItellyoutoseektheKingdomofGodFIRSTFIRST。
　　NotmanypeopledothatTheyputalittlereligionintotheirlife——onceaweek，perhapsTheymightjustaswellletitalone。
　　ItisnotworthseekingtheKingdomofGodunlessweseekitFIRST。
　　Supposeyoutakethehelmoutofashipandhangitoverthebow，andsendthatshiptosea，williteverreachtheotherside？
　　CertainlynotItwilldriftaboutanyhowKeepreligioninitsplace，anditwilltakeyoustraightthroughlifeandstraighttoyourFatherinheavenwhenlifeisoverButifyoudonotputitinitsplace，youmayjustaswellhavenothingtodowithit。
　　ReligionoutofitsplaceinahumanlifeisthemostmiserablethingintheworldThereisnothingthatrequiressomuchtobekeptinitsplaceasreligion，anditsplaceiswhat？second？third？
　　"First。"Boys，FIRSTtheKingdomofGod；makeitsothatitwillbenaturaltoyoutothinkaboutthattheveryfirstthing。
　　TherewasaboyinGlasgowapprenticedtoagentlemanwhomadetelegraphsThegentlemantoldmethishimself。Onedaythisboywasuponthetopofafour-storyhousewithanumberofmenfixingupatelegraphwireTheworkwasallbutdoneItwasgettinglate，andthemensaidtheyweregoingawayhome，andtheboywastonipofftheendsofthewirehimselfBeforegoingdowntheytoldhimtobesuretogobacktotheworkshop，whenhewasfinished，withhismaster'stools。
　　"Donotleaveanyofthemlyingabout，whateveryoudo，"saidtheforeman。
　　TheboyclimbedupthepoleandbegantonipofftheendsofthewireItwasaverycoldwinternight，andtheduskwasgathering。
　　Helosthisholdandfellupontheslates，sliddown，andthenoverandovertothegroundbelowAclothes-ropestretchedacrossthe"green"onwhichhewasjustabouttofall，caughthimonthechestandbrokehisfall；buttheshockwasterrible，andhelayunconsciousamongsomeclothesuponthegreen。
　　Anoldwomancameout；seeingherropebrokenandtheclothesallsoiled，thoughttheboywasdrunk，shookhim，scoldedhim，andwentforthepolicemanTheboywiththeshakingcamebacktoconsciousness，rubbedhiseyes，andgotbackonhisfeetWhatdoyouthinkhedid？Hestaggered，half-blind，upthestairsHeclimbedtheladderHegotontotheroofofthehouseHegathereduphistools，putthemintohisbasket，tookthemdown，andwhenhegottothegroundagainfainteddeadaway。
　　Justthenthepolicemancame，sawtherewassomethingseriouslywrong，andcarriedhimawaytothehospital，wherehelayforsometimeIamgladtosayhegotbetter。
　　Whatwashisfirstthoughtatthatterriblemoment？Hisduty。
　　Hewasnotthinkingofhimself；hewasthinkingabouthismaster。
　　First，theKingdomofGod。
　　ButthereisanotherarithmeticwordWhatisit？"Added。"
　　YouknowthedifferencebetweenADDITIONandSUBTRACTIONNow，thatisAveryimportantdifferenceinreligion，because——anditisaverystrangething——veryfewpeopleknowthedifferencewhentheybegintotalkaboutreligion。
　　TheyoftentellboysthatiftheyseektheKingdomofGod，everythingelseisgoingtobeSUBTRACTEDfromthemTheytellthemthattheyaregoingtobecomegloomy，miserable，andwillloseeverythingthatmakesaboy'slifeworthliving——thattheywillhavetostopbaseballandstory-books，andbecomelittleoldmen，andspendalltheirtimeingoingtomeetingsandinsinginghymns。
　　Now，thatisnottrueChristneversaidanythinglikethat。
　　Christsaidweareto"SeekfirsttheKingdomofGod，"andEverythingelseworthhavingistobeADDEDuntousIfthereisanythingIwouldlikeyoutoremember，itisthesetwoarithmeticwords——"first"and"added。"
　　Idonotmeanby"added"thatifyoubecomereligiousyouareallgoingtobecomeRICHHereisaboy，who，insweepingouttheshoptomorrow，findsaquarterlyingamongtheorangeboxesWell，nobodyhasmisseditHeputsitinhispocket，anditbeginstoburnaholetherebybreakfasttimehewishesthatmoneywereinhismaster'spocketAndby-and-byhegoestohismasterHesaystoHIMSELF，andnottohismaster，"IwasattheBoys'BrigadeyesterdayandIwastoldtoseekFIRSTthatwhichwasright。"Thenhesaystohismaster:
　　"Please，sir，hereisaquarterthatIfounduponthefloor。"
　　ThemasterputsitinthetillWhathastheboygotinhispocket？
　　Nothing；BUTHEHASGOTTHEKINGDOMOFGODINHISHEARTHehaslaiduptreasureinheaven，whichisofinfinitelymoreworththanthequarter。
　　Now，thatboydoesnotfindadollaronhiswayhomeIhaveknownthattohappen，butthatisnotwhatismeantby"adding。"ItdoesnotmeanthatGodisgoingtopayhiminhisowncoin，forHepaysinbettercoin。
　　YetIrememberoncehearingofaboywhowaspaidinbothways。
　　Hewasvery，verypoorHelivedinaforeigncountry，andhismothersaidtohimonedaythathemustgointothegreatcityandstartinbusiness，andshetookhiscoatandcutitopenandsewedbetweentheliningandthecoatfortygoldendinars，whichshehadsavedupformanyyearstostarthiminlifeShetoldhimtotakecareofrobbersashewentacrossthedesert；andashewasgoingoutofthedoorshesaid:
　　"Myboy，Ihaveonlytwowordsforyou——'FearGod，andnevertellalie。'"
　　Theboystartedoff，andtowardseveninghesawglitteringinthedistancetheminaretsofthegreatcityButbetweenthecityandhimselfhesawacloudofdustItcamenearerPresentlyhesawthatitwasabandofrobbers。
　　Oneoftherobberslefttherestandrodetowardhim，andsaid:
　　"Boy，whathaveyougot？"
　　Theboylookedhiminthefaceandsaid:
　　"Ihavefortygoldendinarssewedupinmycoat。"
　　Therobberlaughedandwheeledaroundhishorseandwentawayback。
　　Hewouldnotbelievetheboy。
　　Presentlyanotherrobbercameandhesaid:
　　"Boy，whathaveyougot？"
　　"Fortygoldendinarssewedupinmycoat。"
　　Therobbersaid:"Theboyisafool，"andwheeledhishorseandrodeawayback。
　　Byandbytherobbercaptaincameandhesaid:
　　"Boy，whathaveyougot？"
　　"Ihavefortygoldendinarssewedupinmycoat。"
　　Therobberdismounted，andputhishandovertheboy'sbreast，feltsomethinground，countedone，two，three，four，five，tillhecountedoutthefortygoldencoinsHelookedtheboyinthefaceandsaid:
　　"Whydidyoutellmethat？"
　　Theboysaid:"BecauseofGodandmymother。"
　　Therobberleanedonhisspearandthoughtandsaid:
　　"Waitamoment。"
　　Hemountedhishorse，rodebacktotherestoftherobbers，andcamebackinaboutfiveminuteswithhisdresschangedThistimehelookednotlikearobber，butlikeamerchantHetooktheboyuponhishorseandsaid:
　　"Myboy，IhavelongwantedtodosomethingformyGodandformymother，andIhavethismomentrenouncedmyrobber'slifeIamalsoamerchantIhavealargebusinesshouseinthecityI
　　wantyoutocomeandlivewithme，toteachmeaboutyourGod；andyouwillberich，andyourmothersomedaywillcomeandlivewithus。"
　　AnditallhappenedByseeingfirsttheKingdomofGod，allthesethingswereaddeduntohim。
　　Boys，banishforeverfromyourmindstheideathatreligionisSUBTRACTIONItdoesnottellustogivethingsup，butrathergivesussomethingsomuchbetterthattheygivethemselvesup。
　　Whenyouseeaboyonthestreetwhippingatop，youknow，perhaps，thatyoucouldnotmakethatboyhappierthanbygivinghimatop，awhip，andhalfanhourtowhipitButnextbirthday，whenhelooksbackhesays，"WhatagooseIwaslastyeartobedelightedwithatopWhatI
　　wantnowisabaseballbat。"
　　Thenwhenhebecomesanoldman，hedoesnotcareintheleastforabaseballbat；hewantsrest，andasnugfiresideandanewspapereverydayHewondershowhecouldeverhavetakenuphisthoughtswithbaseballbatsandwhipping-tops。
　　Now，whenaboybecomesaChristian，hegrowsoutoftheevilthingsonebyone——thatistosay，iftheyarereallyevil——whichheusedtosethisheartupon；ofcourseIdonotmeanbaseballbats，fortheyarenotevils；andsoinsteadoftellingpeopletogiveupthings，wearesafertotellthemto"seekfirsttheKingdomofGod，"andthentheywillgetnewthingsandbetterthings，andTheoldthingswilldropoffofthemselvesThisiswhatismeantbythe"newheart。"ItmeansthatGodputsintousnewthoughtsandnewwishes，andwebecomequitedifferent。
　　III。
　　Lastly，andveryshortlyWhatwasthethirdhead？"Grammar。"
　　Right。
　　Now，IrequireacleverboytoanswerthenextquestionWhatistheverb？"Seek。"Verygood:"seek。"Whatmoodisitin？
　　"Imperativemood。"Whatdoesthatmean？"Acommand。"Whatisthesoldier'sfirstlesson？"Obedience。"Haveyouobeyedthiscommand？Remembertheimperativemoodofthesewords，"SEEKfirsttheKingdomofGod。"
　　ThisisthecommandofyourKingItMUSTbedoneIhavebeentryingtoshowyouwhatasplendidthingitis；whatareasonablethingitis；whatahappythingitis；butbeyondallthesereasons，itisathingthatMUSTbedone，becauseweareCOMMANDEDtodoitbyourCaptainNow，thereisHiscommandtoseekFIRSTtheKingdomofGodHaveyoudoneit？
　　"Well，"Iknowsomeboyswillsay，"wearegoingtohaveagoodtime，enjoylife，andthenwearegoingtoseek——LAST——theKingdomofGod。"
　　Now，thatismean；itisnothingelsethanmeanforaboytotakeallthegoodgiftsthatGodhasgivenhim，andthengivehimnothingbackinreturnbutHiswastedlife。
　　Godwantsboys'LIVES，notonlytheirsoulsItisforactive，servicethatsoldiersaredrilled，andtrained，andfed，andarmed。
　　ThatiswhyyouandIareintheworldatall——nottopreparetogooutofitsomeday，buttoserveGodactivelyinitNOWItismonstrous，andshameful，andcowardlytotalkofseekingtheKingdomLASTItisshirkingduty，abandoningone'srightfulpost，playingintotheenemy'shandbydoingnothingtoturnhisflank。
　　EveryhouraKingdomiscominginyourheart，inyourhome，intheworldnearyou，beitaKingdomofDarknessoraKingdomofLight。
　　Youareplacedwhereyouare，inaparticularbusiness，inaparticularstreet，tohelpontheretheKingdomofGodYoucannotdothatwhenyouareoldandreadytodieBythattimeyourcompanionswillhavefoughttheirfight，andlostorwonIftheylose，willyounotbesorrythatyoudidnothelpthem？WillyounotregretthatonlyatthelastyouhelpedtheKingdomofGod？
　　PerhapsyouwillnotbeabletodoitthenAndthenyourlifehasbeenlostindeed。
　　VeryfewpeoplehavetheopportunitytoseektheKingdomofGodattheendChrist，knowingallthat，knowingthatreligionwasathingforourlife，notmerelyforourdeath-bed，haslaidthiscommanduponusnow:"SeekFIRSTtheKingdomofGod。"
　　IamgoingtoleaveyouwiththistextitselfEveryboyintheworldshouldobeyit。
　　Boys，beforeyougotoworkto-morrow，beforeyougotosleepto-night，resolvethat，Godhelpingyou，youaregoingtoseekFIRSTtheKingdomofGodPerhapssomeboysherearedeserters；
　　theybeganoncebeforetoserveChrist，andtheydesertedComebackagain，comebackagaintoday!OthershaveneverenlistedatallWillyounotdoitnow？YouareoldenoughtodecideThegrandestmomentofaboy'slifeisthatmomentwhenhedecidesto"SEEKFIRSTTHEKINGDOMOFGOD。"
　　TheChangedLife:TheGreatestNeedoftheWorld。
　　Godisallforquality；manisforquantityTheimmediateneedoftheworldatthismomentisnotmoreofus，but，ifImayusetheexpression，abetterbrandofusTosecuretenmenofanimprovedtypewouldbebetterthanifwehadtenthousandmoreoftheaverageChristiansdistributedallovertheworldThereissuchathingintheevangelisticsenseaswinningthewholeworldandlosingourownsoulAndthefirstconsiderationofourownlife——ourownspiritualrelationstoGod——ourownlikenesstoChristAndIamanxious，briefly，tolookattherightandthewrongwayofbecominglikeChrist——ofbecomingbettermen:therightandthewrongwayofsanctification。
　　Letmebeginbynaming，andinpartdiscardingsomeprocessesinvoguealreadyforproducingbetterlivesTheseprocessesarefarfromwrong；intheirplacetheymayevenbeessentialOneventurestodisparagethemonlybecausetheydonotturnoutthemostperfectpossiblework。
　　1ThefirstimperfectmethodistorelyonResolution。
　　Inwillpower，inmerespasmsofearnestness，thereisnosalvation。
　　Struggle，effort，evenagony，havetheirplaceinChristianity，asweshallsee；butthisisnotwheretheycomein。
　　Inmid-AtlantictheEtruria，inwhichIwassailing，suddenlystoppedSomethinghadgonewrongwiththeenginesTherewerefivehundredable-bodiedmenonboardtheshipDoyouthinkthatifwehadgatheredtogetherandpushedagainstthemastwecouldhavepushediton？
　　Whenoneattemptstosanctifyhimselfbyeffort，heistryingtomakehisboatgobypushingagainstthemastHeislikeadrowningmantryingtolifthimselfoutofthewaterbypullingatthehairofhisownhead。
　　ChristheldupthismethodalmosttoridiculewhenHesaid，"Whichofyoubytakingthoughtcanaddacubittohisstature？"Putdownthatmethodforeverasbeingfutile。
　　Theoneredeemingfeatureoftheself-sufficientmethodisthis——thatthosewhotryitfindoutalmostatoncethatitwillnotgainthegoal。
　　2Anotherexperimentersays:"ButthatisnotmymethodIhaveseenthefollyofamerewildstruggleinthedarkIworkonaprincipleMyplanisnottowastepoweronrandomeffort，buttoconcentrateonasinglesinBytakingOneatatimeandcrucifyingitsteadily，Ihopeintheendtoextirpateall。"
　　Tothis，unfortunately，therearefourobjections:Foronething，lifeistooshort；thenameofsinislegionForanotherthing，todealwithindividualsinsistoleavetherestofthenatureforthetimeuntouchedInthethirdplace，asinglecombatwithaspecialsindoesnotaffecttherootandspringofthedisease。
　　Ifyoudamupastreamatoneplace，itwillsimplyoverflowhigherupIfonlyoneofthechannelsofsinbeobstructed，experiencepointstoanalmostcertainoverflowthroughsomeotherpartofthenaturePartialconversionisalmostalwaysaccompaniedbysuchmoralleakage，forthepent-upenergiesaccumulatetotheburstingpoint，andthelaststateofthatsoulmaybeworsethanthefirstInthelastplace，religiondoesnotconsistinnegatives，instoppingthissinandstoppingthatTheperfectcharactercanneverbeproducedwithapruningknife。
　　3Butathirdprotests:"SobeitImakenoattempttostopsinsonebyoneMymethodisjusttheopposite。