December 18

The spake, and it was done. — PSALM xxxiii. 9.

I will; be thou clean. — MATT. viii. 3.

HERE is conscious power. The petition of the leper had been in faith in the power, but in question as to the willingness to exercise it in his particular case. The answer reveals both power and willingness. "I will:" there is simple majesty in the words. It is as if the Lord said, "I have the power, and I will exercise it. Thy faith hath not been reposed upon me in vain."

But, further, it is power for cleansing. — "Be thou clean." How much that cleanness meant! No longer an outcast shunned of men, but clean, the defilement, the loathsomeness removed by that omnipotent word! The poor leper was reinstated in the privileges of his birthright.

The two essential things in soul cleansing are thus brought into view, — faith on the human side, power on the divine side. "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." — this is the soul's cry in weakness, but in trust. The Lord's answer, full of divine power, is sure to follow, "I will; be thou clean." Oh, the blessedness to all eternity of a clean soul!

O. A. Kingsbury.

Up to the place of thine abode

I lift my waiting eye;

To thee, O holy Lamb of God,

Whose blood for me so freely flowed,

I raise my ardent cry.

THOMAS HASTINGS.