March 17

Not willing that any should perish. — 2 PETER iii. 9.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. — JOHN iii. 17.

HOW unlike the usual ways of subduing rebels was that taken by God! Daring insurrections against law and order commonly meet with tremendous retribution among men. "Clemency," we are told, "would be misplaced kindness; severity is kindness in the end. Show no mercy to old or young till you have stamped out the last ember of rebellion."

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts." "God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved."

Did ever messenger from an offended king cause his advent among rebels to be proclaimed with songs of "glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will to men"?

What a gift God gave to the world when he gave his Son! What store of heaven's light and love and joy, of all that heals our disorders, brightens our life, sweetens the breath of society, mitigates the gloomy suffering and death and throws brightness on the eternal future, came into our world with him! O blind foolish world, that will not receive the gift, and like the poor worldlings of Gadara, entreats God's Son to depart out of its coasts!

W. J. Blaikie

Delay not, delay not; O sinner, draw near! The waters of life are now flowing for thee: No price is demanded, the Saviour is here, Redemption is purchased, salvation is free.

THOMAS HASTINGS.