August 26

If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. — ROMANS viii. 17.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. — MATT. v. 11, 12.

GOD'S blessings are so much greater than any possible human afflictions that any man receiving the first is pronounced "blessed," no matter what he may have of the second. Has man ecstasy of agony? God can reverse it all into ecstasy of pleasure. Between two notes in jarring discord he can put a third that shall make all into delicious harmony. Martyrs have moved aloft their blazing fingers like torches, and shouted for the joy of victory, notwithstanding the fire. Bodies have writhed in pain that spectators could hardly endure to see, but the soul has gloried in the rapture of God's visitations. John Huss kneeling beside the fagot-piled stake poured out his soul in prayer, using the words of the Thirty-first Psalm, and closed with its grand paean, "Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. O love the Lord, all ye his saints. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

John says of Christ, "Having loved his own he loved them unto the end." The uttermost of God for good is far beyond the uttermost of man for evil. God commands us to rejoice and be exceeding glad. That command is not grievous. It brings one into the goodly fellowship of prophets and martyrs. Is there any other way of attaining to that lofty companionship? Paul even coveted a fellowship of Christ's sufferings.

H. W. Warren

Finding, following, keeping, struggling, Is he sure to bless? Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs, answer, Yes.

J. NEALE (Translation).