dark symbolism that abounds in it, and the many possible mistakes into which interpreters might fall, he expressly says, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."

So also, when the disciples came to him privately upon the Mount of Olives, and put the twofold question, "Tell us, when shall these things be? [of which he had told them] and what shall be the sign of thy coming?"-instead of rebuking them, our Lord gave a lengthened and profoundly interesting reply. It was veiled indeed, and obscure in certain parts of it, and purposely so for definite ends meanwhile, therefore, it is not always easy to see what refers to the first question, "When shall these things be?" and what to the second, "What shall be the sign of thy coming?"-but it is full of meaning and richest instruction. And doubtless the nearer the time of fulfilment comes, the clearer will its every statement appear, and the brighter all the attendant signs. While the Word forbids all light and prying curiosity, for mere talking ends, yet for the quickening of hope and loving effort, it invariably encourages a calm, earnest, and prayerful study of the signs of the times.

"A prophecy," said George Herbert, "is a wonder sent to posterity, lest they complain of want of wonders. It is a letter sealed and sent, which to the bearer is but paper, but to the receiver and opener full of power."

The children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.-1 CHRON. xii. 32.

When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.-LUKE xxi. 28.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.-Isa. xl. 8.

July 30.

THE REMEDIAL EFFICACY OF THE GOSPEL.

HOME remedies suit but one clime only, and are utterly

SOME

useless anywhere else. Others, though marvellously efficacious in a former age, have no healing power now. But the gospel of Christ, being everlastingly true, is suited for every clime and age, and for every ailment of the soul; and therefore it is still, as of old, the power of God and the wisdom of God to every one that believeth. All, without exception, need the mercy and grace it proclaims, because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; and correspondingly ample is the provision made, for the great Master's command is, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." There is here no narrowing limitation of any kind; and the injunction is still as binding on the disciples of Christ as when first it was uttered eighteen centuries ago. If, therefore, we have any regard for safety and blessing, we cannot too early accept the gospel ourselves, or, after accepting it, too earnestly and lovingly make it known to

others.

Mere civilization, however advanced, can never, as a remedial instrumentality, be a substitute for the gospel. When the seven sons of Sceva tried to cast out devils, the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" and, falling on them, they had to flee wounded and naked. And so it is now. The evil spirits of our time, the morally debased, the criminal, are subject only to one Power. New houses, good wages, improved education, will not of themselves avail to change

their character or drive them out. Nay, as one forcibly puts it, "Even the prison and the gibbet fail to scare them. There is no healing for the body politic except the gospel of Christ, borne home to the hearts and homes of the outcasts by the self-sacrificing love of them that believe." To know this, and not compassionately act on it, is a grievous failure of duty.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.-ISA. lx. 1.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!-Isa. lii. 7.

AS

July 31.

MUCH TO TRY, YET MORE TO CHEER.

S the vine in Judea generally grew best on the mountain-sides, the steepness of the slopes often greatly increased the owner's toil. On this account, we are not surprised to find the labourers in the parable speaking of "the burden and heat of the day." The design of this statement apparently is to show that, noble and blessed as Christian work is in itself, and in the grand results that will ultimately spring from it, it has yet many difficulties connected with it peculiarly trying to flesh and blood. In doing it, we have first of all to go against the grain of our own fallen nature, and to crucify the flesh, even if need be to the plucking out of a right eye or the cutting off of a right hand. Further, in the same line, we have to meet the chill and opposition of a godless world, and to struggle daily against the wiles and snares of our sleepless

and malignant adversary. There are times, accordingly when even the holiest of God's saints are ready to faint and grow weary, and almost sink entirely under the heat and burden of the toilsome day. But it should not be so; for if there be much to discourage, there is still more to cheer.

First of all, hard as the work is in which they are engaged, it is nothing to the hard and bitter bondage of the slaves of sin. Nay, in spite of all its difficulties, there is, after all, no work like it, so reasonable, so holy, so elevating, so resultful. And why? Because it is the Lord's work-work which he appoints, which he delights in, and which one day he will not only openly commend, but largely reward.

Moreover, hard as it is, they are not asked to engage in it in their own strength. To encourage and cheer them the Lord not only says, " As thy days, so shall thy strength be;" but he graciously adds, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Renwick, the last of the Scottish martyrs, speaking of his sufferings for conscience' sake, said: "Enemies think themselves satisfied that we are put to wander in mosses and upon mountains; but even amid the storms of these last two nights, I cannot express what sweet times I have had, with no covering but the dark curtains of night. Yea, in the silent watch my mind was led out to admire the deep and inexpressible ocean of joy, wherein the whole family of heaven swim. Each star led me to wonder what He must be who is the Star of Jacob, of whom all stars borrow their shining."

Besides, even if the work were far harder than it is, what of that when it so soon terminates? It is only for a day they toil, a brief day—soon over; but the rest that follows is for a whole eternity. There should be no weariness with us therefore, or half-heartedness, or wraptup talents, or wasted hours, while doing our appointed work; but rather fresh energy and strength, through renewed waiting on the Lord.

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.-LUKE xix. 13.

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.-1 PETER iv. 10. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.-MAtt. xi. 30.

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.-REV. ii. 10.

August 1.

STOOPING TO SAVE.

T is the remark of an old writer, "He that would lift

IT

the fallen, must himself stoop down;" and never was its truth more impressively manifested than in the eventful history of our Lord. From first to last it was one unparalleled humiliation for the redemption of the lost. Most humiliations are compulsory in their nature, things struggled against and bewailed. Except in rarest cases, kings never become throneless and crownless by willing abdication. But with the Lord Jesus humiliation was from first to last free and spontaneous. When he humbled himself, he not only submitted to all the privation, sorrow, and shame it would necessarily involve, but he did so with the most heartfelt willingness.

We read in the Word, that though he "thought it not