July 30

And mercy rejoiceth against judgment. — JAMES ii. 13.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. — MATT. xxiii. 37, 38.

JESUS uttered this intense cry of love, grief, and warning at sight of the doomed city. Jerusalem then represented the Church and chosen nation; and in her external glory she vied with the proudest cities of earth. But the Saviour bewailed her moral and spiritual decline, for it had filled the measure of iniquity, and justice waited on mercy. The people formed rival sects, persecuted God's messengers of grace, and welcomed false prophets and false Christs. The rulers believed not in Jesus, and "gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ," purposing to kill him and seize his inheritance. In them the Saviour saw sin in its most damning features; yet "straitened" to cleanse them by his blood, he makes this melting appeal. Surely, "waters cannot quench nor floods drown" the love of Jesus for perishing sinners. But if we refuse him, nothing can "hide us from the wrath of the Lamb."

Our Lord Jesus has "all power in heaven and in earth," that he may save the lost. The Church is the recipient, depositary, and dispenser of his saving grace. Does she own her King? Is she united in the love of truth? Do her ministry and members co-operate with him? Let us beware of the blood of precious souls. Join not in the prevalent cry, "We will not have this man to reign over us." Be ready and eager to "bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all." Jerusalem's desolations still speak to each one.

J. C. R. Milligan.

Our day of grace is sunk in night; thy noon is in its prime.

Oh, turn and see thy Saviour's face in this accepted time!

So, Gentile, may Jerusalem a lesson prove to thee,

And in the New Jerusalem thy home forever be.

HEBER.