May 31

Bless the Lord, O my soul. — PSALM civ. 2.

Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? — LUKE xvii. 17.

WE have here an example of ingratitude so base as to call forth from our Saviour the above exclamation. When we consider the persons (lepers), their need, their helplessness, their prayer, and what was done for them, the very deed witnessing and declaring who it was that thus gave them life, — snatching them by a word out of the jaws of a living death, — and furthermore when we consider their ingratitude as shown by their conduct, who can help wondering? But let us ask ourselves if our treatment of our Saviour is any less wonderful? The disease which afflicted them affected the body: it could not destroy the soul. Ours affects both soul and body.

Moved by his love for us, our Saviour left his throne, came to earth, became a man, paid the penalty for our sins, ransoming us by his own blood, thereby becoming our Redeemer. And he now offers us without money and without price, peace, pardon, a sonship in heaven; he offers us all this, waits to bestow it upon us, if we will but accept. And we, what is our conduct?

W. E. Locker

Oh, bless the Lord, my soul!

Nor let his mercies lie

Forgotten in unthankfulness,

And without praises die.

WATTS.