WE all know something of the value of physical exercise. If we would keep our bodies in health we must avoid sloth and lack of energy. The same principle applies to spirituality. As we exercise ourselves unto godliness by study of the Word, by prayer and by witnessing for Christ, we grow in grace and advance in knowledge. We value physical strength which, after all, is but for a time; how much greater value should we put upon godliness, which is profitable both for time and for eternity.
“O Lord, Thy heavenly grace impart,
And fix my frail, inconstant heart;
Henceforth my chief desire shall be
To dedicate myself to Thee.
Whate’er pursuits my time employ,
One thought shall fill my soul with joy;
That silent, secret thought shall be,
That all my hopes are fixed on Thee.
Thy glorious eye pervadeth space;
Thy presence, Lord, fills every place;
And wheresoe’er my lot may be,
Still shall my spirit cleave to Thee.
Renouncing every worldly thing,
And safe beneath Thy spreading wing.
My sweetest thought henceforth shall be
That all I want I find in Thee.”
—Jean F. Oberlin.