The Measured Grace

This book is written in order to edify the body of Christ. Taking a leap further in the life of a plant, God's personal life is not involved in its immense processes of development; but the forces by which it moves through pain and conflict and tempest towards its consummate perfection are a revelation of His "eternal power and Godhead." For the Divine idea to reach its complete expression, an expression adequate to the energy of the Divine life, we ourselves must reach a large and harmonious perfection. As yet we are like plants growing in an alien soil and under alien skies. And the measures of strength and grace which are possible to us can only be given by the divine power that is working in us. But a larger knowledge of the love of Christ and His faithfulness will increase the favour of God; it will exalt every form of spiritual energy; it will deepen our spiritual joy; it will add strength to every element of righteousness; and will thus advance us towards that ideal perfection which will be the complete expression of the divine power and grace, and which Paul describes as the "fullness of God."