December 27

Happy are these thy servants . . . that hear thy wisdom. 1 KINGS x. 8.

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.—LUKE xi. 31.

CHRIST'S are never careless words; we do right to take out all they contain.

"The queen of the south." Then that romantic story of 1 Kings xi. and again of 2 Chron. ix. is true. This queen of Sheba did live when Solomon lived. In her remote land she did hear how great and wise he was, and with camel-loads of spices, gold, and jewels, did journey to ask him hard questions, and acknowledge him greater and grander than her thought. How Christ's touch livens up such old pictures!

"A greater than Solomon." Not in rank, gold, power, but in divine nature and perfect character. He says it who alone has right to say it.

"Rise up in the judgment." Then there will be a judgment, and destinies be weighed, and spiritual comparisons settled. She will be there. Christ's generation of a thousand years later will be there. We shall be there.

"Shall condemn them." With little light, she came far to get more. Those to whom Christ spake faced brighter light, but saw it with shut eyes. We have more and better than all they; God grant we may so see by it that the rule which convicted them condemn not us!

Henry McDexter.

Father, in us thy Son reveal; Teach us to know and do thy will; Thy saving power and love display, And guide us to the realms of day!

JOHN FAWCETT.