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.