July 26

Children are a heritage of the Lord. — PSALM CXXVII. 3.

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me. — MARK ix. 37.

THIS is not a charter for an orphan asylum, but an index to individual duty. Every home ought at some time to have a child, and every child a home. If God denies us the boon, there are forlorn hearts of other parentage, and wistful faces in plenty that appeal for a father's love and a mother's care.

But whether the children come to us by birth or by adoption, we are to receive them in Jesus' name, — not merely for the love they bring us, still less for any help they may give, but for what we can do for them in the name of Christ. We are to make our embrace like the very arms of Jesus, and the putting forth of our hands a benediction on their lives: and great shall be our reward. Christ says to us as did Pharaoh's daughter to the mother of Moses, "Take this child and nurse it for me and I will give thee thy wages." Our wages are himself. In entertaining strangers we may find an angel unawares. But in receiving and training a child for Christ, Jesus is sure to be our guest. He has joint interest with us in the work, and considers himself welcomed in the welcome which we give his helpless wards.

Joseph F. Elam

Lord, we tremble, for we know How the fierce malicious foe, Wheeling round his watchful flight, Keeps them ever in his sight; Spread thy pinions, King of kings, Hide them safe beneath thy wings, Lest the ravenous bird of prey Stoop, and bear the brood away!

COWPER.