February 2

By the power of the Spirit of God. — ROMANS xv. 19.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. — JOHN xiv. 12.

THE words, "Verily, verily," render this verse emphatic. They show how deeply our Lord felt the truth he uttered. To him it was prophecy; to his disciples is given the blessed possibility to make it fact.

Living faith makes the disciple a branch of the true Vine, and on the branch we seek the fruit. The work is the same, for it comes from the same root. The disciple receives the grace of full obedience and consecration and of loving, willing service. That he should yield himself to such grace is no strain upon the gospel; it is the proper thing for the imitator of such a Saviour to do. Then comes the result. The branch bears fruit more abundant than the root.

"Because I go to my Father" gives the reason for these greater works. Our ascended Lord now works through the Spirit; and his disciples left on earth are made the instruments of greater spiritual results than any that attended the earthly life of Jesus; hence the greater works of Pentecost, of every true revival, of thousands of such disciples as Harlan Page. A few years ago, a poor humble Nestorian was followed to his grave by weeping crowds, who testified to a saving power in his life upon them, — a striking illustration of this verse fulfilled. "Happy indeed is such a disciple: the same bringeth forth much fruit."

John H. Shields

Work, for the night is coming, Work through the morning hours; Work while the dew is sparkling, Work 'mid springing flowers. Work, when the day grows brighter, Work in the glowing sun; Work, for the night is coming, When man's work is done.

ANNIE L. WALKER.