September 16

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way. PROV. i. 31.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. — JOHN xii. 46, 47.

DARKNESS is just the word for both the present and the future without Christ. Light is the word to describe what he does for us when we come to him. "He is the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." He lights up life's path with an example of what man should be and do. His is the light which reveals the way of salvation. Till we come to him, we see our sins as scarlet and as crimson; when we have come to him they become white as snow, for "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." He lights up heaven, and tells us that there God shall wipe away all tears. He lights up earth by telling us that all power is given him in heaven and on earth, and that he will be with us to the end. Are trials many and severe? Do not forget the light which comes from Gethsemane, the judgment hall, the cross. He not only taught patience and forgiveness, he was patient, he forgave. Remember that he came not to judge, but to save. It is not his wrath, but our unbelief, which condemns us.

A. T. McEwen.

Jesus, my hope, my rock, my shield, Whose precious blood was shed for me! Into thy hands my soul I yield; I come to thee.

CHARLOTTE ELLIOTT.