|Looking diligently lest any man fail| (Heb. xii.15).

It is not losing all, but coming short we are to fear. We may not lose our souls, but we may lose something more precious than life -- His full approval, His highest choice, and our incorruptible and star-gemmed crown. It is the one degree more that counts, and makes all the difference between hot water -- powerless in the boiler -- and steam -- all alive with power, and bearing its precious freight across the continent.

I want, in this short life of mine,
As much as can be pressed
Of service true for God and man,
Help me to be my best.

I want to stand when Christ appears
And hear my name confessed
Numbered among the hidden ones,
His holiest and best.

I want, among the victor throng,
To have my name confessed;
And hear my Master say at last,
Well done, you did your best.

Give me, O Lord, Thy highest choice;
Let others take the rest:
Their good things have no charm for me,
For I have got Thy best.