Thoughtful Moments

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 89, 13 July 1945, Page 2

Thoughtful Moments

OUR SUNDAY MESSAGE (Supplied by the Whakatoiife Mitiist ers' Association).

THE QUAKER GIRL'S DREAM I dreamt I was on my way to school when suddenly 1 noticed a 9 great crowd upon the green. People were hurrving to and fro and when " 9 1 asked what all this commotion was about a girl said: "Why don't you know? It's Measuring Day and the Lord's Angel has come* to see how much our souls have grown since last Measuring Day." "Measuring Day!" said I. "Measuring .souls! t have never heard of such a thing." And I began to as/k but the girl hurried on; and. after a little I let myself be pressed along with tlie crowd to the green . . . There in the centre, on a kind of throne under the great elm was the most beautiful and •9 glorious Being I have ever beheld. By his side was a tall } golden rod fastened upright in the ground with curious marks on it at regular intervals from top .to bottom. Over it 5 on a golden 'scroll were the words "The Measure of a Perfect. Man." The instane each one touched the golden measure a wonderful thing happened. No one could escape the terrible accuracy of that rod. Each one shrank or increased, to his true * ' size. In spirit—as I soon learned— for it was. the index of the, soulgrowth which was shown in this mysterious way. The first, few who were measured after I came I did •9 not know but soon the name of 9 Elizabeth Darrow was called. She is the president of the "Aid to the Destitute and she manages ever so many other societies too ; and; I "Surely Mrs Darrow's measure will be very high indeed." She .stood by the rofl. The minute she touched it she seemed to grow shorter and and the angel's face grew very serious as he said: "This would be a soul of high stature if only the zeal for outside works ? which can be seen of men not checked the lovely secret graces: of humility and trust and patience under little daily trials. These, too } are needed for perfect soul-growth." I pitied Mrs Darrow as she moved away with such a sad -and surprised face to - mqke place for the next. How true this might be of you and of me. I know that I have negelected to keep my own vineyard and so must } if I am to be a power for God come BACK TO CALVARY. There—and there alone—we can receive cleansing and pardon—so that we may go

forth once again fitted to be- the keeper of the vineyards. Constant prayer is so necessary for our lives and we must not neglect this greatj source of strength. "We kneel how | weak and we rise how full of powder." Strength-giving power can be ours if only we will sincerely keep our own vineyard as He would have it kept. We have no source of strength in ourselves. Only as we become empty .vessels reajdy to be filled by His Spirit, can we be useful in His service and Avin others lor His Kingdom. ON HIS STRENGTH I LEAN If in wistful wondering I should ■> » > begin to doubt, Grant, me the faith thatk waxes strong. I cannot do without The certainty that Thou art near that Thou my heart dost read. My vanity sa5 r s I am strong! Thou knowest well my need Of Christian strength to leaid me on whate'er the path may be Upholding me whilst journeying to sweet Eternity. In my love—my charity—should some time grow quite Enable me to shed anew the love I feel for Him, That loving Him who first loved us 5 for others I shall feel That warmth-reflecting kindliness that urges me to heal The ills the bitter wretchedness the 9 i poverty—all these, That 1 may feel for others and that I their woes' may ease. . If in petty jealousy I covetous become 9 Oh ; stay very close to me ( for only then may some Of Thine own blessed selflessness my heart encompass rourijd. Keep me from petty envyings— make Thy grace to abound; Restrain all cruel selfishness that 9 love may dwell instead Within my hearty whence jealousy and covetousness have fled. If in jirideful arrogance j humility grows weak, Help me to recollect and know that "Blessed are the meek." Let not false pride that blights and kills fiiitd refuge in my Keep far from me hypocrisies and soul-destroying strife, All boastings foolish vanities. O grant humility. May clothe mv life with righteousthat I may dwell with Thee.