April 25

I will not fail thee. — JOSHUA i. 5.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. — JOHN xiv. 18.

OUR blessed Lord will have his people to be a joyful people. He would not have them of sad countenances and heavy hearts, but wishes them to rejoice in him always, for the joy of the Lord is their strength. He was going away to prepare a place for them: he was coming to receive them to himself into those heavenly mansions in his Father's house especially fitted for their occupancy, and in the mean time he would not leave them without "another Comforter," even the Spirit of truth, who should not only bring to remembrance all that he had spoken to them, but mediate his perpetual presence and guide them into truth not yet revealed because they were not now able to bear it. Thus associated with and dwelling in them they would not be comfortless (Gr. orphans), but children of God, joint-heirs with Christ, and members of the blessed family of which Christ is the head.

All these precious assurances of Christ to be with his own are made to his people to-day. We need not wait for his coming for us, or rather our going to him, at death, or for his visible and personal appearance at the last day for the fulfilment of his promise, "I will come to you." We are sure he comes to all who will receive him here and now. He comes through the office and influence of the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who takes the things of Christ and shows them unto us. May we open our hearts to receive him, and become fit temples for his holy indwelling!

Joel Swartz

Always with us, always with us, Words of cheer and words of love; Thus the risen Saviour whispers, From his dwelling-place above.

EDWIN H. NEVIN.