November 29

All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. — 2 TIM. iii. 12.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. — MATT. v. 10.

THIS is the last of the Beatitudes; and while it confirms and seals the sevenfold blessedness of the righteous, it points out what the Christian has to expect from the world's enmity in his endeavor to obtain these precious jewels. Strange that the world should return hatred for love, persecution for peace-making, malignancy for mercy! Yet so it is. Nor does the blessed Master conceal this truth, even as his disciples enter his service. Frankly, unreservedly, he unfolds to them what salary they may expect in his service here on earth. Listen to him: "Men shall revile you and persecute you and expel you from their society, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." That is the key to this persecution. The surest evidence and the most distinctive mark of genuine discipleship is thus announced by the Holy Ghost, "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." What then? "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven." If the world curses you, God calls you "blessed." If the world will not tolerate you beneath the heavens, God will take you up into heaven. If the world's salary be death, God's reward is eternal life.

A. Q. W. & J. K. & L.

Brethren, while we sojourn here, Fight we must, but should not fear, Foes we have, but we've a Friend, One that loves us to the end. Forward, then, with courage go; Long we shall not dwell below. Soon the joyful news will come, "Child, your Father calls; come home!"

JOSEPH SWAIN.