November 23

Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. — ISAIAH xliii. 2.

He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. — REV. ii. 11.

THIS is what the Head of the Church says by the Spirit to encourage our fidelity and perseverance to the last. This solves beforehand the problem of our future. The conflict is to be won by devotion and service to the Master, in opposition to that heartless apathy which surrenders everything to the force of circumstances, to the spirit of the age, and the eddying course and drifting fashions of the world. This is an appeal to faith, - to that far-reaching sense of the soul which apprehends "the glory that shall be revealed in us," "ready to be revealed in the last time," the unseen but eternal inheritance undefiled. Have we an "ear" for this revelation? The Spirit speaks this promise to the churches; but does he find faith among us? Do our souls respond to the voice from heaven, - the still small voice of God? Faith in these things ever waxing, shall be more than a match for the blatant gabble, the glitter and glare, the noise and show of the world. The promise allures us to the future for our rest, our satisfaction, and exceeding great reward. We have the promise of exemption from the "second death," and its fulfilment confers "immortal life" through Jesus Christ. O Christian, let the full power of the immortal future come upon you!

Matthew. Henry Pogson.

But to those who have confessed, Loved, and served the Lord below, He will say, "Come near, ye blessed, See the kingdom I bestow; You forever Shall my love and glory know."

JOHN NEWTON.