February 15

Be clothed with humility. — 1 PETER v. 5.

Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. — MATT. xx. 26-28.

OUR Lord did not reprove the desire to be great. He taught by what means greatness can be secured. These men were not to make this the thought and purpose of their life, nor were they to regard it as the unconditioned gift of God. They could have it by becoming ministers to others. This is not an arbitrary rule, but a necessary principle. Greatness is not of bargain or reward, but the natural result of a great life. Usefulness wins the honor which it does not seek. Nothing less than this gains our lasting homage. We bow before high authority: we admire great attainments: but it is service to which we give real honor, and render sincere allegiance. To this we build monuments. We gain our own approval when we have made ourselves of use. This is in accordance with the divine nature, of which we are partakers. God has revealed himself as love. As a father he ministers to his children, and even to birds and flowers. When the Christ came into the world it was to give his life for men. It is through this gift that he has made himself our Redeemer and our Lord. He taught that this is the law of heaven. Those who "for the sake of the Name" have ministered to others with the cup of water and the personal helpfulness are his disciples, whom he receives into the kingdom prepared for them.

Alexander H. Keesler

O wondrous Lord, my soul would be Still more and more conformed to thee, And learn of thee, the lowly One, And like thee, all my journey run.

BISHOP A. C. COXE.