August 17

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. — PHIL. iv. 13.

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. — MATT. vii. 12.

THIS command of our Lord was the Golden Rule of his own life. His heart, given to us, won our hearts for him. Love's conquest of self is its victory over others. But how almost impossible to place others on the throne of self! Therefore Jesus joined the hard requirement of duty with sweet words of promise: "If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father, which is in heaven, give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him." The promise fulfilled, the duty is easy.

Let us then to-day, communing first with God, go out into the selfish world, hoping and striving to live unselfish lives. If the how much more of our Father's heavenly measure shall gauge the power of his Spirit in our hearts, we will indeed be able to "follow the steps" of him who "came not to be ministered unto but to minister." And this measure is to "them that ask."

They may keep the Golden Rule who trust the Golden Promise.

Grant, then, this one request, Whatever be denied, — That love divine may rule my breast, And all my actions guide.

S STENNETT (altered).