November 15

E dwell . . . with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit. — ISAIAH lvii. 15.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. MATT. v. 3.

THIS is our Lord's protest against the self-satisfied but self-deceived righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, and against the ethical legalism and self-wrought virtue on which so many estimable people base their hope of heaven. Christ came not to press upon men a salvation not needed. He does not offer "unsearchable riches" to those "who are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing," but to the poor in spirit, those who are utterly destitute of spiritual resources and have come to know it, and with profound self-abasement are ready to acknowledge it. They have come to themselves as did the starving prodigal; and in this deeply felt consciousness of guilty bankruptcy, their real blessedness has its beginning. A little divine light begins to shine into their hitherto darkened hearts, and they see how poor they are. Oh, how our blessed Lord loves to fill an emptied heart! while one that is already full of satisfactory riches and resources has no place for him. This beatitude necessarily begins the series. It is the first of the rising steps which lead to the portal by which we must enter the kingdom of heaven. "God resisteth the proud but giveth grace unto the humble."

A. H. Cowles

The heaven where I would stand complete

My lowly love shall see;

And stronger grow the yearning sweet,

My holy One, for thee.

T. H. GILL.