July 6

En nothing terrified by your adversaries. — PHIL. i 28.

But there shall not a hair of your head perish. — LUKE xxi. 18.

IN terms proverbial and figurative Jesus here signifies the immunity of his servants; adversity cannot hinder what he promises them. The family ties of a believer may be rent, but not the union of his soul with his Saviour, once it has in good faith been established. No slander of adversaries can diminish our inheritance with the saints in glory. Tribulations endured on earth shall only enhance "the rest that remaineth," and add zest to the more active joys of each guest arriving with angels to welcome him at the celestial home. The very defeats suffered by the servants of the Lord shall set forward and build up the kingdom they labor for. Stephen in his death was defeated, but the end of the victory he then achieved, in bringing converts to Christ, is not seen yet. His body was bruised; his head was fractured, and yet not a hair of it perished. Sustained, honored, saved he was. Heaven he saw opened, and Jesus standing there by the throne, who received his spirit.

Our Lord has not promised exemption from all violence of evil men, on the contrary has bidden us look for it: but he promises his blessed presence and a safety higher and more enduring. They that suffer with him shall succeed. His tried ones shall triumph. His slain shall survive. Followers of the Lamb shall reign forever with him.

David Trumbull.

How are thy servants blest, O Lord!

How sure is their defence!

Eternal wisdom is their guide,

Their help, omnipotence.

JOSEPH ADDISON.