June 17

The first findeth his own brother. — JOHN i. 41.

Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. — MARK v. 19.

THE command had peculiar significance as given to the man out of whom Christ had sent the unclean spirits. In the case of the leper at Capernaum, or the deaf and dumb sufferer subsequently in Decapolis, the excitement was already so great about the miracle-worker that Christ's work was in danger of serious obstruction. But here and now in accord with the wishes and entreaties of their unbelief, Christ was already on board the vessel that was to take him across the lake, and his cause must suffer. So this healed demoniac from the tombs, a signal monument of his mercy, must go to places from which Christ in his own person was debarred, to testify of Christ's power. And he did go among his friends at home, and subsequently to the south in Decapolis proclaiming the wonder-working power of Jesus with blessed results. It was a far nobler work, too, for him thus to go where those who knew him before and dreaded him before could now see the great change and hear him tell what Christ had done than to go where he was unknown. The man himself where he was known of old was a monument now of Christ's healing mercy. So, too, Christ's direction to the man thus healed is one of significance for every one of us who has felt spiritually Christ's healing power.

Our first and best testimony as to any change Christ has wrought in us is always given at home, among our friends and those who know us best.

A piety that cannot stand such a test, a piety that languishes at home, is to be suspected.

Michael Beculham.

Thanks we give, and adoration,

For thy gospel's joyful sound

May the fruits of thy salvation

In our hearts and lives abound!

ROBERT HAWKER.