July 4

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.—Luke 12:32.

IS it not a blessed and most cheering thought, that Christ knows every one of his disciples; and that he has declared they shall never perish, and none shall pluck them out of his hand? Am I one to whom this promise is given; one of the little flock to whom he will give the kingdom? Do I rejoice in belonging to it? Do I endeavor to bring others into it? Do I thankfully follow its divine Shepherd wherever he may lead me, hearkening to his voice, and keeping near to him?

It is a little flock, a fearful flock, but a most beloved flock, and one to whom a kingdom is promised.—MACDUFF.

No grace, not even the most sparkling and shining, can bring us to heaven without perseverance in following Christ: not faith, if it be faint and frail; nor love, if it decline and wax cold; nor humility, if it continue not to the end, not obedience, not repentance, not patience, no, nor any other grace, except they have their perfect work. It is not enough to begin well, unless we end well.—T. BROOKS.

While through this wilderness we roam,

How sweet to think we're going home!

To know our trials soon shall cease,

And all our woes be hushed to peace.

Home, sweet home!

Oh, for the land of rest above!

Our own eternal home!