September 25

Behold, the Lord God will come: . . . his reward is with him. — ISAIAH M. 10.

Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. — LUKE XII. 37.

OUR Lord here emphasizes the importance of an unbroken, progressive life of obedience to the end. He gives notice that such life is the true and decisive test of loyalty to him. He impliedly says to all his servants, Having engaged with me, I assign you to life service. I make no provision for leave of absence. I grant no vacations: but I give assurance of profits to all who serve faithfully, — profits more than equivalent for the service rendered.

Absent for an indefinite period, the Lord puts his servants in charge of his house with instructions to continue the work commenced and guard circumspectly all his interests till he return.

The day of his return he does not reveal, but his servants are assured that he will come: that when he comes their service shall end and their profits be realized. Then to each servant whom he finds "watching" — with house in order, with lamp burning, and with hand on the door ready to open to him — he will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant;" go now to my table and I will serve you: "enter" now "into the joy of thy Lord."

D R Miller.

We long to hear thy voice, To see thee face to face; To share thy crown and glory then, As now we share thy grace.

H BONAR.