December 8

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. — ROMANS xv. 2.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. — ACTS xx. 35.

THOUGH not recorded in the gospels, these are his own words, doubtless like many another saying of Jesus preserved by oral tradition and treasured in the memory of his disciples. The words are just like him. He was himself God's unspeakable gift; his life was one constant giving.

This maxim contradicts the common creed. Men measure gladness by the abundance of good received. The true blessedness is to impart. It matters not what is given, or how accepted, if the giving be but sincere. It is the altar which sanctifieth the gift. It may be a cup of water, a word of common comfort, a helping hand; it may be a kindly judgment, unspoken sympathy; it may be the sacrifice of ease, health, life, — blessedness attends the gift. What a fulness has this blessedness! It is a well of water within the soul; it is the very joy of the Lord.

Here is medicine for the sad heart. Here are riches for the poorest. Silver and gold if I have it; if not, such as I have give I. Every day brings its opportunities. What a day would that be in the life of any man, whose opportunities for this blessing were proved to the full!

W. W. Atterbury

Help us, O Lord, thy yoke to wear, Delighting in thy perfect will; Each other's burdens learn to bear, And thus thy law of love fulfil.

THOMAS COTTERILL.