April 19

"One sick of the palsy, which was borne of four."—Mark 2:3.

"No man can save his brother's soul, or pay his brother's debt." Yet I may help my brother to Him who will bless his soul and will remit all his debt.

My prayers may do it. Let me be individual and particular, as well as loving and persevering, in my requests for others. Let this soul and that other be singled out by me, and named and dwelt upon, and carried in the arms of entreaty to the feet of Jesus, and laid down there. I forget and omit the element of intercession far too frequently.

My words may do it. This very day, as I move up and down among my fellow-men, I may have an opportunity of speaking to a neighbour on Christ's behalf, simply, naturally, tenderly—to some sinner, or some sufferer, or some wearied wrestler with sore temptation, or some doubting Christian heart. I hope no cowardice or pride will close my lips then.

My life may do it. A life which manifestly He has quickened, uplifted, transfigured. A life which declares His omnipotence and His grace. A life shining with His beauty and inspired by His Spirit. A life that invites men winningly and irresistibly to draw near Him. "Come, and you shall see; come, and you shall see," it calls to them every day.

So, like the four good friends in Galilee long ago, it is possible for me to lift and bear some sick and needy one into the presence of the Lord. And once he is there, the blessed end is gained. Jesus will do the rest. He cannot fail to make response—immediate, wonderful, rich—to the cry of the sufferer's need and to the cry of my faith.