March 24

Written in the Lamb's book of life.—Rev. xxi. 27.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you: but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.—LUKE X. 20.

THE desire of power is not wrong in itself. Power may be desired from the purest motives and exercised for the noblest ends. The seventy found the demons subject unto them through the name of their Master, and it was natural that they should rejoice therein. It was, no doubt, a benignant joy with them. But the exercise of this power might be associated with vanity and self-seeking: nay, it may consist with the utter absence of saving grace (see Matt. vii. 22. 23). Therefore, says the Lord, "Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you." There is a ground of joy so superior to the exercise of any miraculous powers, that our Lord would have his followers forget them all in view of a purer and far better prerogative: it is that their names are written in heaven. Their citizenship is there. Here, indeed, is cause for joy, — joy that swallows up every other joy: a joy, too, that sweetens the bitterest cup on earth. The humblest believer in Jesus may say, My name is written in heaven!

Yet, amid this rejoicing in hope, the devout and thoughtful believer will also say, But is my name verily written in heaven? What evidence have I of it? Have I the witness of the Spirit that I am born of God? Do the principles of the gospel of Christ control my heart and my life? If so, well may I rejoice: heaven is assured to me.

Stephen Gerkes.

In thy fair book of life and grace,

Oh, may I find my name

Recorded in some humble place,

Beneath my Lord, the Lamb!

WATTS.