October 8

The oil of joy for mourning. — ISAIAH lxi. 3.

Weep not. — LUKE vii. 13.

THE words were not spoken out of impatience nor with any tone of rebuke. Jesus knew the depth of her anguish, and in anticipation of what he would do for her he says, "Weep not." It was a promise of comfort, like that given of old: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for they shall come again from the land of the enemy." The watcher on the mountain sees the gleam of the coming day, while there is only darkness upon those in the valley; and when in disappointment or affliction or pain, we hearken to the word of the Lord, we will find in it a message of hope and a reason to wait patiently until the end of his work shall appear. It was little the bereaved mother knew of the purpose of Jesus when he uttered his tender appeal: little did Martha of Bethany know of the glory to be revealed because of her sorrow; and how little we know of what Jesus is able to do for us, when we are brought to the point where all human helpers are vain! He is pitiful toward us and able to make all our troubles and sorrows and sins, opportunities of his grace, as our helper and Saviour; and they who trust in him and wait shall be satisfied with his work. Their sorrow shall be turned into joy and their lament into the thankful confession, "Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness."

C. M. Bridgman

O my soul, what means this sadness? Wherefore art thou thus cast down? Let thy griefs be turned to gladness, Bid thy restless fears be gone. Look to Jesus, And rejoice in his dear name.

JOHN FAWCETT.