May 19

They shall reign for ever and ever. — REV. xxii. 5.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. — JOHN xii. 26.

IN following Christ we have the advantage of being in the light (John viii. 12) and thus knowing where we are, and rendering him a more intelligent service. No wonder he links following and serving together. I suppose service rendered to him is really fruitful only when he is followed implicitly and trustingly, in the sense of taking him as infallible teacher and absolute master. Efforts, and sincere ones too, are often made to serve him when this condition is not carried out. The world or self is too often master.

It were natural to be where the Master is if we follow him; and yet sometimes we are surprised, and not quite pleased, to find ourselves there. So far from honor being our lot, we meet with shame.

There may not be this, there may be even no trial at all, in confessing Christ. Thrown among Christians, we may have a kindly welcome and sympathy. But does not the absence of trial sometimes lead to a too easy-going and complacent sort of living, which ends in a forfeiture of the honor we had hoped for? God grant, dear reader, that when those who follow him shall appear with Christ in glory we may be among them!

F. Janvier Newton.

Glories upon glories

Hath our God prepared,

By the souls that love him

One day to be shared.

DEAN ALFORD.