opportunity, is to direct and control the power itself. Never before has the world seen the mechanism of the social order adapted as it now is for the conveyance of social energy. The ample channel, thus provided, waits for the power of the Christian life, and as the sufficient stream leaps forth into the varied activities of the world, it sings as it flows, "I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." 1

What, then, in its simplest statement, is the relation of the teaching of Jesus to the social question? That teaching is, for those who can receive it, the chief source of this spiritual power, for whose transmission the social order is prepared; and of this transmission of power the humblest of the followers of Jesus may be an instrument. He sanctifies himself for others' sakes, and there is given to him unanticipated effectiveness for social service. He becomes an unobstructed channel for the water of life. "He that believeth on me, . . . out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."2 Much there may be in the teaching of Jesus which remains too exalted or obscure to command the honest conviction of the man of the modern world; yet he has found at least the secret of spiritual power. The view of life from above has given him command of the world below; the approach to life from within has made him master of himself; and the direction of life to a spiritual ideal has given 1 John x. 10. 2 John vii. 38.

It may

him magnanimity, patience, and peace. not be for him to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but it is enough if he may prepare the coming of that kingdom, and the great words of Jesus support his ignorance and renew his hope: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." 1

"And I remember still

The words, and from whence they came,
Not he that repeateth the name

But he that doeth the will.

And him evermore I behold

Walking in Galilee,

Through the cornfield's waving gold

By the shores of the Beautiful Sea.

1 Matt. vii. 21.

Through all the dust and heat
Turns back with bleeding feet
By the weary round it came,
Unto the simple thought,
By the great Master taught,
And that remaineth still,

Not he that repeateth the name
But he that doeth the will." 2

*

2 Longfellow, "The Golden Legend," Finale.