September 8

We forgettteth not the cry of the humble. — PSALM ix. 12.

Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? — LUKE xviii. 7.

SUCH is Christ's application of his story of the unjust judge. An officer of the law, set to do justice, is deaf to the appeals of a poor widow, until, wearied by her importunity, he hears and needs to be rid of the matter. If such be the conduct of an iniquitous magistrate, how certainly shall our compassionate Father, who loves every member of the household of faith, his purpose of discipline being accomplished, open both ear and hand in response to his outcrying children.

Our enemies are many. The world storms upon us. The flesh tempts us. Satan is inquisitive and ubiquitous. Sorrow sits, an unbidden guest, at the hearthstone. Death, with hour-glass and scythe, strides across the threshold. Feeble, affrighted, dazed, where shall we look? What shall we do? Look up! Cry out! Keep looking up! Keep crying out! It is only a question of time. God will surely appear to vindicate our faith and deliver our soul.

Carlos Martyn.

He bows his gracious ear,

We never plead in vain;

Then let us wait till he appear,

And pray, and pray again.

JOHN NEWTON.