world cometh, and hath nothing in Me." But the work of their sanctification progresses; and as they grow in grace they reflect more perfectly the features of the Divine Saviour. And He Who has begun the good work in them will carry it forward in their hearts daily, enabling them to offer a more strenuous resistance to the enemy, and more fully to adorn the doctrine of their God and Saviour. But not until their earthly warfare is accomplished, and they reach the mansions of eternal bliss, into which there shall nothing that defileth enter, will this work of grace be perfected. In those celestial mansions, as they behold with unveiled vision the glory of the Lord, they shall be changed into the same image. Translated from

the ranks ranks of the church militant to those of the church triumphant, they will appear clothed in that fine and white linen, which is the righteousness of saints (Rev. xix. 8), and throughout the ages of eternity their song gratitude and praise will rise in honour of Him Who loved them, and washed them from their sins in His own blood.

of

Happy are those who, clothed in "the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left," under Christ's banner and in reliance on His strength, are fighting the good fight of faith! those who with a conscience sprinkled from guilt, and a heart inspired with the love of holiness, are, with steady resolution, standing their ground against the enemies of their salvation! Surely

no weapon formed against them shall prosper. And though the conflict be a harassing and life-long one, the ultimate issue of it cannot be doubted. "The God of peace shall bruise Satan beneath their feet," and they shall be

"more

than conquerors through Him that hath loved them."

CHAPTER IV.

The Shoes.

MOHEN a warrior is engaged in a combat it is essential to success

that he should stand steadily, whether he have to attack or to resist his enemy. If therefore from any defect in the manner in which his feet are accoutred, he is unable to plant himself in a firm position, he lies at a serious disadvantage. It is with allusion to this circumstance that St. Paul, in enumerating

the several parts of the Christian armour, says that the Christian combatant must have his feet "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." He should be able to direct all his power against the assaults of his adversary. No distracting thoughts or circumstances should interfere with the concentration of his strength. He must be well-established therefore in the truth, in calm patience possessing his soul; and he must be ready with glad alacrity to do whatever God appoints for him. And this will be effected by his being reconciled with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, and enjoying that consequent peace of conscience which consists in a sense of sin forgiven and condemnation reversed. This is that blessed peace which is revealed by the