The Twenty Seventh of September.

THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST --- Philippians 3:7-9.

"What things were gain to me, I counted loss for Christ; yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, as my righteousness." --- Philippians 3:7-9.

This was the life and constant mind of St. Paul. The words,"in him," "in Christ," "in the Lord," etc., occur continually.

I chose them also for my staff and my song in the wilderness; for they shall be my great tower, my strong fortress, my sweet paradise, mine only element and life. Here may I take up mine abode forever, and the Lord keep me stedfast. "It is good for us to be here;" for this is Pisgah, the mount of the Lord, where Jesus, being transfigured, reveals his glory to his disciples. Here we should build our tabernacle; and here may death find me at last.

Had I ten thousand gifts beside,
I'd cleave to Jesus crucified,
And build on him alone;
For no foundation is given,
On which I'd place my hopes of heaven,
But Christ the corner stone.

Possessing Christ, I all possess;
Wisdom, strength, and righeousness,
And holiness complete:
Bold in his name, I dare draw nigh
Before the Ruler of the sky,
And all his justice meet.

Devotion for September 27