XIII. AFTER A VICTORY.

Thanks be to God, Who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.—1 Cor. xv. 57.

So often, dear Lord, so very often I come to You with my defeats, that it is a refreshment to have something more cheering to offer to Your Sacred Heart.

Thanks be to God—It was Your grace, my God, throughout—before, accompanying, crowning—my share just the co-operation that did not reject the help You gave.

Who hath given us—given me, so weak, so cowardly, so little to be depended on in moments of trouble and conflict; me, such a disgrace to the colours often, such a sorry soldier at best—

The victory—nothing much for anyone else, but something of a triumph, dear Lord, for me. Our small successes are not accounted small by You, O generous Leader. You welcome all, are proud of all, lay up reward and praise for all against the day of reward.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom, with Whom, in Whom we overcome. We can do all things in Him Who strengthens us. Jesu, Tibi sit gloria! Thanks be to God, Who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.