February 10

What persecutions I endured. — 2 TIM. iii. 11.

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. — MATT. x. 34.

THIS statement is in apparent conflict with other declarations of Scripture, and indeed with our cardinal conceptions of the design of the gospel. Jesus elsewhere says to his disciples, "My peace I leave with you: my peace I give unto you." The natal song of the Redeemer was, "Glory to God in the highest! On earth, peace!"

How shall we reconcile the seeming discrepancy? First, it is an inward peace and not external quiet that is promised.

Christ expressly tells his followers, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." But he adds, "Be of good comfort: I have overcome the world." The peace that he gives us, the world can neither give nor take away.

Next, the world will never be at peace until the world be subdued to Christ. A king can grant peace to his subjects only while they remain loyal: when they are in rebellion he must draw the sword. Our Saviour here represents himself as a sovereign come to recover a revolted province.

Satan has usurped dominion of this world: he must be dethroned. It is our noblest privilege to engage in this warfare under Christ's banner. To those thus enlisted he says, "Fear not, little flock: for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Thomas A. Hoyt.

Fear not, O little flock, the foe

Who madly seeks your overthrow:

Dread not his rage and power.

What though your courage sometimes faints!

His seeming triumph o'er God's saints

Lasts but a little hour.

CATHARINE WINKWORTH (Translation).