Whether they shrank from the cold world's scorn,
Or walked in the pride of wealth secure;
But whether I live a surrendered man,
And hold my integrity firm in my clutch,
I tell you, my brother, as plain as I can,
It matters much!


It matters little where be my grave,
Or on the land or on the sea.
By purling brook, or 'neath stormy wave,
It matters little or nought to me;
But whether the angel of death comes down
And marks my brow with his loving touch,
And one that shall wear the victor's crown,
It matters much!

There is also in this picture of the shaft the thought of directed
motion. The aim is everything. The arrow cannot aim itself. There is no
such thing as an aimless life. Our energies are either being directed
for Christ or against Him; in the interests of humanity or contrary to
them. Every child of God must reach the place where he will say, Not my
will, but Thine, O God, be done; not my path but Thine, O Christ, be
travelled; not my ambitions realized but Thine own purposes in me
fulfilled, my Heavenly Father. The progress of such a life is peace,
the consummation of it the most perfect victory.

When I am dying how glad I shall be
That the lamp of my life has been blazed out for Thee.
I shall be glad in whatever I gave,