August 23

Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself.

1 JOHN iii. 3.

Blessed are the pure in heart. — MATT. v. 8.

SWEETEST of beatitudes from the lips of the blessed Jesus! It suggests the parable of the leaven and those kindred words, "Behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Sinners are purchased and then purified, for purity is the condition and the measure of true happiness, of fellowship with God, of fitness for the society, pleasures, and employments of heaven. "That he might purify unto himself a peculiar people," Christ gave himself for us, spake that word through which we are sanctified, shed that precious blood which cleanseth from all sin, and sent the Spirit of holiness, purifying our hearts through faith.

Heart-purity secures purity of life and character, for "out of the heart are the issues of life," and the fountain determines the stream. It secures transforming visions of God, for we "beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory." It is the heavenly character whereby God is seen in his Word and works, and shall be seen in all the splendors of his glory. We know that "we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."

"Create in me a clean heart. O God."

J S W E L E R Y

See, Lord, the travail of thy soul

Accomplished in the charge of mine,

And plunge me, every whit made whole,

In all the depths of love divine

C. WESLEY.