October 10

Rejoice with them that do rejoice; weep with them that weep.—Romans 12:15.

DO I cultivate the spirit of sympathy toward all, and especially toward those in suffering and affliction? Do I interest myself in the joys and sorrows of others, and do all I can to increase the former, and to soothe and lighten the latter? Do I put away selfishness, and truly rejoice in the prosperity and comfort of all about me? As I have taken the name of Christ upon my lips, am I careful to keep his Spirit in my heart, and to manifest it in my life?

One of the most blessed of all Christianity's lessons for this world is, that we rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. The heart can give what gold cannot purchase. To be full of goodness and kindness and sympathy, is to be a blessing to yourself as well as to others. To joy in another's prosperity is to give content to your own lot; to sympathize with another's grief, is to alleviate or dispel your own.

Wouldst thou from sorrow find a sweet relief?

Or is thy heart oppressed with woes untold?

Balm wouldst thou gather from the deepest grief?

Pour blessings round thee, like a shower of gold.

'Tis when the rose is wrapped in many a fold,

Close to its heart the worm is wasting there

Its life and beauty; not when all unrolled,

Leaf after leaf, its bosom rich and fair,

Breathes freely its perfume throughout the ambient air.—C. WILCOX