January 8

Whatsoeber is born of God overcometh the world.

1 JOHN v. 4.

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. — REV. ii. 7.

HEREIN is Paradise regained! What was lost through the transgression of the first Adam is restored through the obedience and sacrifice of the second Adam, — the Lord from heaven. How inspiring to those who seek for glory and honor and immortality is this assurance of an eternity of blessedness in the presence of God himself! — for heavenward our best hopes tend.

We need, however, to be constantly reminded that it is through conflict we pass into this blessed inheritance. There is a victory to be won, — the victory over a sinful heart within, and a sinful world without. For this we need the whole armor of God (Eph. vi. 10-17), that with a steadfast, abiding faith, a faith that overcomes the world, we may attain eternal felicity through him who loved us and gave himself for us. The conflict may be long continued: but at last we shall be able to raise the glad shout of triumph. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"

Henry S. Burrage.

Look up, ye saints of God!

Nor fear to tread below

The path your Saviour trod,

Of daily toil and woe.

Wait but a little while

In uncomplaining love;

His own most gracious smile

Shall welcome you above.

H. W. BAKER