July

"He that ruleth his own spirit is greater than he that taketh a city" * (Proverbs 16:32)

Self‑control. We gather one lesson from a tragedy which occurred in 1865. I refer to the conquest of the Matterhorn as led mainly by Edward Whymper. Before starting, Whymper beheld with misgivings one who was somewhat inexperienced. Returning from their successful attempt, this same young man slipped and carried with him to destruction all except Whymper and a Swiss guide.

The lesson is one of experienced discipline and self‑control. It may be spiritually applied to every Christian. He must be sure‑footed with each step of his journey associating the Celestial Heights. The apostle Paul used other analogies when he said "Do you not know, that those running in a race‑course, whilst all run, but one receives the prize? Thus run that you may obtain. Every combatant possesses self‑control in all things. They, to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable. I run with certainty. I so strike, not as one beating the air. I severely discipline my body and make it subservient, lest having preached to others, I myself should become a castaway"* (1 Cor.9:24‑27).

Slips come to every Christian, hence his need to fix his eyes upon One who alone constitutes his safe Guide. He is well able to keep us from falling into pride, envy and every other questionable desire or doctrine which would in the ordinary way bring spiritual disaster of the first magnitude.

FL

*Author's translations