December 22

That no man put a stumblingblock . . . in his brother's way. — ROMANS xiv. 13.

Whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a multistone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. — MATT. xviii. 5, 6.

"IN my name." In these words you have once more that solemn truth, so often taught in the Bible, that with God, motive is of infinite moment.

As in the day when Samuel looked on Eliah, comely and tall, and confidently declared, "Surely the Lord's anointed is before him!" and the Lord answered and said, "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart," even so today the heart and its motives will before everything else be remarked by God. The widow's two mites, the cup of cold water, the receiving of one such little child in his name, is a kindness done to himself.

My soul, seek for thyself the right motive, and thine shall be the rich reward!

"But whoso shall cause one of these little ones to stumble and fall" shall surely and sorely be punished! Awful thought! — my care is not only for my own soul, but also for the souls of others. "No man liveth unto himself." I am not only fearfully and wonderfully made, but also fearfully placed. My acts, my words, my very looks affect others for weal or woe! See that thy walk be circumspect, so shalt thou be free from the blood of all men!

D. Parker Morgay.

No act fails fruitless; none can tell How vast its power may be, Nor what results infolded dwell Within it silently.

ANONYMOUS