Good instincts, and intentions, and tendencies, are clearly felt and
recognised, but they are fitful, weak, and intermittent. Another spirit
seems to lay hold of us and carry us whither it will.

If in any sense this can be said to be your case, then remember, that
just what the Saviour's healing word was to that child, sick and
possessed, as He met it on His way from the Hill of Transfiguration, and
breathed over it the spirit of the higher life, reducing the chaos of the
soul to harmony, and bringing reason out of madness, and freedom out of
demoniac possession, these holy seasons of time-honoured observance may
be to your soul, if you use them reverently, and as God's appointed means
for your growth in the Spirit.




XIV. GOD'S CURSE ON SIN.


"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to
his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent and turn yourselves from all
your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin."--EZEKIEL
xviii. 30.

These words of Ezekiel may be understood as expressing in the prophet's
language what the Book of Deuteronomy expresses in such denunciations as
those which were read to us the other day in the Commination Service.

They correspond also to the warning of St. Paul when he says--"Be not
deceived; God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also