What is it under these conditions that God requires? No aggressive plan of advance is outlined; only a patient faithfulness wherein would lie victory and reward. Examine them one by one. Ephesus receives praise of God because "Thou hast borne and hast had patience." Smyrna is only to "Fear none of those things that thou shalt suffer." Pergamos is praised, because "Thou boldest fast My name, and has not denied My faith." To Thyatira it is said, "That which ye have already, hold fast till I come." Sardis has lost somewhat of the heavenly gift, but she will yet be safe if she will but "Strengthen the things that remain." Philadelphia is accounted worthy of great promises because "Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word and hast not denied My name." Nor has Laodicea, "neither hot nor cold," over whom the curse is suspended, great things demanded of her. It is only, "Be zealous therefore {163} and repent." Let her only undo her evil and she, too, will have the blessing. From none of these are great things asked. If they will but hold fast, and in the power of the Spirit let not Satan have the advantage, the grace of God within them will so operate of its own inherent force and activity that each will be counted among those that overcome, and will receive the gracious reward promised to those who are worthy to be ranked among the victors in the Kingdom. What strong consolation is here! What proof of the love and compassion of our God! Only yield not to Satan, hold fast that which thou hast, and thine shall be a share in the glory of the victorious Son of God. V. _The Truest Test_ We have considered briefly some of the tests by which we may try ourselves in the battle, but, after all, is it best to engage ourselves in the application of any tests? There are indeed certain strong, God-reliant souls who are not content unless they can thus test themselves. If they believe the Holy Spirit is leading them to this, well and good. Let them follow such a divine call wherever it may take them, for the leading of the Spirit can never be other than a {164} leading of perfect wisdom and perfect love. But doubtless for most of us who desire to serve God in true simplicity, it is far better to place our whole trust in Him, do what we can, lean in childlike faith upon His great love, and not seek to measure our progress on the way.