HEREAFTER 111 XXIX. MY VINEYARD 115 XXX. WHERE WE ARE TRUE 118 XXXI. IN SILENCE AND IN HOPE 121 XXXII. GOD’S WORK 124 XXXIII. A STRONG CRY 129 XXXIV. “BE READY” 133 XXXV. “DOMINE, ECCE QUEM AMAS INFIRMATUR” 137 XXXVI. AFTER A DEATH 142 XXXVII. GOD’S WAYS 145 XXXVIII. TWILIGHT AND NOON 153 XXXIX. RESPONSIBILITY 159 XL. LIFE 166 I. VISITS. Go to Him early in the morning, and let thy foot wear the steps of His doors.--_Ecclus._ vi. 36. How careful we are to observe the courtesies of life! How uneasy till such social duties are discharged! In the making and returning of calls, how fidgety if hindered, how sensible that delay demands apology! And this where mere acquaintances are concerned. But what when there is question of a friend, a benefactor, one devoted to us and to our interests? If formal visits are here uncalled for, it is only because our heart needs no prompting. Uninvited, inconsiderately often, we come and go, “wearing the steps of his doors”. And our best of friends--do we treat Him thus?--as affectionately, as familiarly? If not, why not? Is He not among the benefactors whose gifts deserve thanks, the friends whose feelings have to be considered, the acquaintances, at least, whose attentions must be acknowledged? Is it because He puts Himself so completely at our disposal that He is to be neglected? Or because He is King of kings that He is to be considered outside the circle where courtesy is exacted? Ah, Lord, how unmindful we are of what is due to You! How unmindful I am of Your unfailing devotedness to me! Sent into this world as into a strange neighbourhood, I found You waiting to receive me, to make me welcome, to offer Your services, to show me all manner of graceful kindness. You have thrown open Your house to me. You invite me to Your table. You press upon me Your gifts: “_All ye that thirst, come to the waters.... Come, buy wine and milk without money and without any price_”.[2] “_Come to Me and I will refresh you._”[3] “_Him that cometh to Me, I will not cast out_.”[4] You make use of every motive to draw me to Yourself; yet have to complain after all: “_You will not come to Me that you may have life_.”[5] “They began all at once to make excuse. I have bought a farm ... I pray thee, hold me excused. I have bought five yoke of oxen ... I pray thee, hold me excused. I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”[6]