July 17

They are without fault before the throne of God.— Revelation 14:5.

IS not this a most glorious prospect and portion for the believer? Am I looking forward to it as my own? And am I living a life of preparation for the blessedness thus promised to the faithful? Do I so trust in Christ, and so live a life of conformity to his will, as through grace to be fitted for heaven, as through the divine mercy and promise I may have a title to it? Does the expectation of coming glory encourage me to be faithful unto death?

Here is the heir, yonder the inheritance; here the toil, there the rest, here the candidate, there the reward; here the faithful unto death, there the crown of everlasting life. In proportion as we grow in ex- cellence, so as not to be barren or unfruitful in God's service, so shall an entrance be ministered to us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.—J. HAMILTON.

I shine in the light of God;

His likeness adorns my brow

Through the valley of death my feet have trod,

And I reign in glory now!

I am one of the angel band,

To my head a crown is given;

And a harp of praise is in my hand;

I have found the joy of heaven!