October 31

"And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God."—1 Chronicles 22:7.

It was in my heart, said King David; but to the desire of the king's heart God seemed to answer No. Again and again this story, of the child's longing and of the Father's refusing, has been repeated. It was in the heart of Trophimus to publish the gospel; but Paul had to leave him at Miletus sick. It was in the heart of the Macedonians to give a great deal for the poor Jewish saints; but their own poverty restricted their offerings and kept them small. It was in the heart of John to preach and labour in the busy streets of Ephesus; but Christ imprisoned him on the rough and barren rock in the moaning sea.

On the longing of my heart to serve Him God may place His distinct and insurmountable veto.

Ah well, but the heart's wish and prayer reveal of what spirit I am, and prove me to be His child. And they are pleasing to Him, even if He forbids me to realise them now; He accepts my "instincts immature," He hears and remembers my songs which "left the ground to lose themselves in the sky." And they will assuredly have their fulfilment, if not at my hands at someone else's; if not to-day, why then some other day. By and by His battles will be gained. By and by His Temples will be built.

So it is all right; it is all as it ought to be. Another has decided for me, and He makes no mistakes. In His great future—His, which He keeps for me—I shall have ample time to learn that my disappointments were assuredly His appointments.

November.

IN AN HOUR THAT YE THINK NOT.

A THROB of joy in a waiting heart, A cry on the midnight air, A gleam in the midnight darkness From passing torchlight glare.

The sleepers turn to their dreams again, And the watchers to their tears, And the notes of harpers and singers Ring in the dancers' ears.

Not a sparrow starts in the house-caves, Not a dove forsakes her nest, Not a ripple disturbs the dewdrop On the water-lily's breast.

But the Bridegroom has passed to His Bride, And the guests to the Wedding Feast; And a strange new dawn has arisen Away in the crimson East.

MARGARET M. RANKIN.