ust obey. If the Lord says:
"Stretch forth thy hand," we must attempt the impossible! In this region
the impossible becomes possible in sanctified endeavour.

AUGUST The Sixteenth

_THE CHURCH AS AN INFIRMARY_

LUKE xiii. 10-17.

What infirmities gather together in the synagogue! What moral and
spiritual ailments are congregated in every place of worship! If the veil
of the flesh could be removed, and the inward life revealed, how we should
pity one another, and how we should pray! In how many lives should we
behold a spirit "bound together," who "could in no wise lift herself up!"
Wills like crushed reeds, consciences like broken vocal chords, hopes like
birds with injured wings, and hearts like ruined homes!

But the blessed Lord still goes into the synagogue; nay, He anticipates
our coming. And He is present "to heal the broken in heart," and to "bind
up his wounds." His touch "has still its ancient power." Still does the
gracious Master speak with authority. "Woman, thou art loosed from thine
infirmity!" And immediately she is "made straight."

Then why do so many spiritual cripples leave the synagogue cripples still?
Because they do not give the Healer a chance. No one can remain crooked
and broken in conscience and will who grips the hand of the Lord of Life.

AUGUST The Seventeenth

_THE PSALM OF PRAISE_

PSALM cvii. 1-15.

The miracle of deliverance must be followed by the psalm of praise. There
are multitudes who cry, "God be merciful!" who never cry, "God be
praised!" "There were none that returned to give thanks save this
Samaritan." Ten cleansed, and only one grateful! "Oh, that men would
praise the Lord for His goodness!" Many a blessing becomes stale because
it is not renewed by thanksgiving. Graces that are received ungratefully
droop like flowers deprived of rain. Yes, gratitude gives sustenance to
blessings already received. Therefore "in everything give thanks."

But emancipated lives are not only to break into praise before God, they
must exercise in confession before men. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say
so!" Unconfessed blessings become like the Dead Sea; refused an outlet
they lose their freshness and vitality. I am found by the Lord in order
that I, too, may be a seeker. I receive His peace in order that I may be a
peacemaker. I am comforted in order that I "may comfort others with the
comfort wherewith I am comforted of God." Have you ever received a
blessing; "pass