altogether secular and low motives.

Another phase of being with Christ lies in frank, full, and familiar
conversation with Him. I do not understand a dumb companionship. When
we are with those that we love, and with whom we are at ease, speech
comes instinctively. If we are co-denizens of the Father's house with
the Elder Brother, we shall talk to Him. We shall not need to be
reminded of the 'duty of prayer,' but shall rather instinctively and
as a matter of course, without thinking of what we are doing, speak
to Him our momentary wants, our passing discomforts, our little
troubles. There may be a great deal more virtue in monosyllabic
prayers than in long liturgies. Little jets of speech or even of
unspoken speech that go up to Him are likely to be heart-felt and to
be heard. It is said of Israel's army on one occasion, 'they cried
unto God in the battle, and He was entreated of them.' Do you think
that theirs would be very elaborate prayers? Was there any time to
make a long petition when the sword of a Philistine was whizzing
about the suppliant's ears? It was only a cry, but it _was_ a cry;
and so 'He was entreated of them.' If we are 'with Christ' we shall
talk to Him; and if we are with Christ He will talk to us. It is for
us to keep in the attitude of listening and, so far as may be, to
hush other voices, in order that His may be heard, If we do so, even
here 'shall we ever be with the Lord.'

II. Now, note next the character that this companionship produces.

Annas and Caiaphas said to each other: 'Ah, these two have been with
that Jesus! That is where they have got their boldness. They are like
Him.'