September 7

From Jesus Christ . . . the faithful witness. — REV. i. 5

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star. — REV. xxii. 16.

THE Patmos revelations are unique. There is nothing like them in the literature of the world. Some are so weird and wild as to seem incredible, — the fancies of an opium-eater rather than sober and stable facts. But the glorified Saviour attests their truth by assuming all responsibility for them, — “I Jesus.”

Not only does he certify this apocalypse, he also certifies himself to be eminently trustworthy. “The sure mercies of David” was a covenant phrase in the early times, and verily the author of these mercies, as well as their splendid product, could not deceive his people by playing with their fears or exaggerating their hopes. Therefore, my soul, do not disdain his teachings in the Church and in thyself. Heed his warnings, and exult in his promises. Keep on trusting him; what thou knowest not now thou shalt know hereafter. Earthly life may be lonelier than this island of exile in the Ægean, — the raptures few and the sobs many; but if Jesus shines upon thee all will be well.

Joseph R. Kerr

We love sweet voices, and God makes them mute;

We hold no treasure sure to last a day;

We fill our hearts with flowers that have no root;

We build snow huts that summer melts away;

Yet never need our weak lives hopeless roam,

For One, descended from a brighter land,

Who came to save, will guide his children home,

And keep secure all trusted to his hand.