August 4

Sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 THESS. iv. 13.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. — JOHN xiv. 1.

ALL Scripture is profitable, and given "that we through comfort of the Scriptures might have hope;" but some texts are specially precious, short, easily understood and remembered, full of meaning, of wide application, and specifics in all circumstances. These words, breathing kindness and comfort, were spoken by our Lord when his own spirit was sorely troubled, the gloom of Gethsemane and the shadow of the cross gathering thickly upon his soul; yet unmindful of his own great sorrow, his tender sympathy went out to his disconsolate and desponding disciples, who were filled with perplexity, anxiety, fear, and grief. Heart-trouble is an old, universal malady. How cheering to the sons of sorrow and daughters of distress are these words of the great Consoler! They are a sovereign balm for every wounded heart and a perfect panacea for all earthly trouble. Heard first in the upper room in Jerusalem, they have echoed ever since in the chambers of suffering and in the ears of the sorrowful. Faith in God as a living, loving Father is an antidote to all troubles arising from without.

M. Demiston

Trust in the Lord, forever trust, and banish all your fears; Strength in the Lord Jehovah dwells, eternal as his years.

WATTS.