June 6

He hath filled the hungry with good things. — LUKE i. 53.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. — MATT. v. 6.

IF we would take these words by the heart we must make sure of these vital truths concerning them, —

First, as to their character. They are not a promise; they are not a law. A promise is founded on conditions; a law is subject to repeal and amendment. They are the fourth article in the constitution of the kingdom of heaven on earth. John had declared that the kingdom was at hand. Jesus be- gan his reign in the new kingdom by announcing to the world its constitution, — the Beatitudes. The constitution is the eternal, unchangeable truth back of all promises and laws. Make sure of these Beatitudes, and you are at home in all worlds, in time and in eternity. These truths have reigned in the mind and heart of God from the beginning.

In the second place, be sure to note that the Beatitude is pronounced upon hunger and thirst, — our symbols of unrest and pain and poverty. To be cursed is to be full and con- tented and lodged in a nest. To be blessed is to be shaken out of our nest and compelled to develop both our wits and our wings in the endless quest of spiritual food.

In the third place, do not fail to notice that it is that very simple, fundamental thing, righteousness, which we are to seek with consuming desire. Rightness, not spiritual peace, not grace, not soul power, but first and last rightness with God and men. When Rightness is enthroned in the holy of holies her train of joys and graces will fill the temple.

James H. Ecob

He leads me to the place Where heavenly pasture grows, Where living waters gently pass, And full salvation flows. WATTS.