October 4

A door was opened unto me of the Lord. — 2 COR. ii. 12.

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. — REV. iii. 8.

THE church in Philadelphia, the pearl among the seven churches, receives the unmixed praise of him who is holy and true and powerful. He knows her works as well as her words. She is orthodox in conduct as well as in creed. She observes both tables of the law, loves God, and lets brotherly love continue. Her deeds evidence her faith.

To such a church the door is always open, — the door of gracious opportunity, of blessed usefulness, of ceaseless activity; and no power can shut it. He who unlocks it with the key of David will keep it open. The church enjoys this sublime privilege just because she has a little strength. Being consciously weak she supplies the condition of power. The law of God's kingdom is that humiliation shall precede exaltation, disintegration fruitfulness, oblivion advancement; and then God employs the weak things of this world with which to confound the mighty. The door stood open because she had been obedient and had kept his word, and had not denied his name. Fidelity to Christ in word and work is the test of loyalty and the condition of blessing.

Cornelius Schenck

Come, labor on! Away with gloomy doubts and faithless fear! No arm so weak but may do service here; By feeblest agents can our Lord fulfil His righteous will.

HYMNS FROM THE LAND OF LUTHER.