February 4

Heirs of the kingdom. — JAMES ii. 5.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. — LUKE xii. 32.

HOW like "the good shepherd!" What tenderness! What loving sympathy! "Seek ye the kingdom of God" as your life-work. Enemies and dangers will confront and oppose you. "Fear not them which kill the body." "Fear not" anything. "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

"Fear not." "Your Father knoweth" your foes and your needs. It is his pleasure to give you the kingdom. His heart's joy is in it. His hand will accomplish it.

"Fear not, little flock." You may think I am sending you "as sheep in the midst of wolves," which rush with open mouth upon their prey. Seek and fear not; "for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

"Fear not." Your Father gives. Ye are his children. Where should the sons and daughters of the King dwell but in the kingdom of their Father? How can the Father do otherwise than give you the kingdom?

"Fear not." Yea, rather, rejoice and be glad. Have confidence and expectation. Look for the coming of the King. Await the bestowment of the kingdom, with the throne and the crown, the sceptre and the glory everlasting.

Giles H. Macdowille

Cease, ye pilgrims, cease to mourn;

Press onward to the prize.

Soon our Saviour will return,

Triumphant in the skies.

Yet a season, and you know

Happy entrance will be given,

All our sorrows left below,

And earth exchanged for heaven.

ROBERT SEAGRAVE