The Sin of Forgetfulness

‘When thou hast eaten, and art full, then beware lest thou forget the Lord thy God.”

Deut. vi. 11, 12.

Fulness is apt to breed forgetfulness. The multitude of our mercies may act like an opiate and make us heedless toward God. This is one of our subtlest perils. The bright day puts us to sleep. There are ten who can keep awake in the Valley of Humiliation, with Apollyon in fierce antagonism, to one who can keep awake on the Enchanted Ground, where the antagonism is found in the rarity of the air and the softness of the encompassing light. It is the luxuriant isle which becomes our Lotus-land. We were all alert when we were driven by the stinging blast, and were in danger of the engulfing deep. And thus it is true that the bright day brings forth the adder. A possible poison lurks in our comforts. We are most in danger when we have no need. When we have

31 everything we want we are in danger of losing God.

And so does the Old Testament bid us “beware’^; and so does the New Testament bid us “watch, The sentinel of the soul must be continually on guard, and ner more so than when the battle seems to be over, and life has become a feast. Our wills must be exercised in deliberate vigilance when we have left the desert behind and have crossed into Canaan. We must open our eyes in resolute purpose to see the seal of the Lord on the mercies which crowd our way. No divine privilege must be allowed to pass as a personal right On the forehead of every providence we must read the name of the Lord. This must be our wonder: “When all Thy mercies, O my God, my rising soul surveys!” And that healthy wonder will ever be accompanied by the spirit of praise. Then will the songs of battle be sung again at the feast.