August 1

"Blessed are ye."—Matthew 5:11.

JESUS blesses the quiet and unnoticed graces. They seem to bloom in secret, like "violets by a mossy stone, half-hidden from the eye." God sees them and rejoices in them, but men may easily overlook them altogether. Give me this unobtrusive godliness, my Lord. May my heart sit silent through the noise and concourse of the street—silent in communion with heaven. May I love to do good by stealth.

Jesus blesses the character which the world dislikes. It takes pleasure in the man who has abundant faith in himself; who is merry and careless; who can fight for his own hand; who is not scrupulously righteous; who does not seek the Holy Grail over moor and fen and crag and torrent. Let me prefer the favour of my Master to the goodwill of this present world. Let me covet a place in the aristocracy of heaven, although I should win along with it the ridicule of men.

Jesus blesses the soul that drinks the bitter cup for His sake. It must be whole-hearted and decided in its allegiance, at home and at business, on Sabbath day and week day, in secret and in society; whole-hearted and decided, although its loyalty expose it to scoffing and opposition and hatred. Let me rather walk with Christ through the Valley of the Shadow of Death than live at ease in Vanity Fair. I shall find a strange delight in passing through the darkness hand in hand with Him.

They are arduous heights to which He calls me. The clouds gather on the upward slopes. The ascent is steep. The shining summits seem unattainable to me. But in His strength I can rise nearer them every day.