April 14

Who also maketh intercession for us. — ROMANS viii. 34.

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. — LUKE xxii. 31, 32.

THREE PERSONS. — Christ, Peter, and Satan, the Divine, the Human, and the Devilish, in one group.

1. The Omniscient Lord, reading the inmost soul of his disciple, seeing also the desires and movements of the Evil One, knowing to-morrow likewise and all things that are to be, solicitous for the disciple's safety, faithful to warn, quick to rescue and restore the tempted and fallen.

2. Peter, — sanguine, self-confident, boastful; so unaware of his own weakness, so ignorant of Satan's devices, and so unimpressed by his Master's words that though forewarned, he is not forearmed, but falls an easy prey to unexpected temptation, after which come shame, penitence, and merciful recovery.

3. The Prince of Darkness. — a deceiving spirit, prowling, stealthy, and seductive; audacious and subtle tempter of Christ and men; tireless, cunning, formidable; ensnaring sometimes the noblest, catching David through his passions, Judas through his covetousness, Peter through his fears, and making even Paul fear lest he become a castaway.

THREE LESSONS. — (1) Listen to the wise warnings of your tender Lord; (2) Be not self-confident, but humble; (3) Be watchful against the adversary.

William V. Kelley.

He lives, to bless me with his love;

He lives, to plead for me above;

He lives, my hungry soul to feed;

He lives, to help in time of need.

SAMUEL MEDLEY