July 14

God hath given to us eternal life. — 1 JOHN v. 11.

This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. — JOHN vi. 50.

WHAT was the lesson of the manna to the Israelites? Moses explained it thus: "That he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

To the saints of the Old Testament the Word of God was the food of the soul. With how much greater ardor and gratitude should we receive this heavenly food! The Word of God has now become incarnate, has dwelt among us in his ineffable purity and holiness, pitied us, loved us, taught us, healed us, suffered and died for us, risen again on our behalf, and promised to come in glory to receive us to himself, in the mean time offering himself to us in the depths of his love, and by the most simple rite, as the true bread from heaven, the food of our souls.

Let us feed on Christ, feed on him daily and constantly. When we approach his table, let us not busy ourselves with curious questions about the nature of the mystery we celebrate, but make it our one concern to receive into our hearts our crucified Saviour. So we shall know what it is to dwell in him, and have him dwelling in us, -- to be made like Christ, having within us that new and endless life which comes from Christ and from God, and which bears in it the promise of a glorious resurrection at the last day.

Henry Blodget

True Bread of life, in pitying mercy given, Long famished souls to strengthen and to feed, Christ Jesus, Son of God, true Bread of heaven, Thy flesh is meat, thy blood is drink indeed.

H. BONAR.