ws. "I
come again." And if our eyes are open we shall see Him coming continually.
It is by this perception that the value of our life is measured and
weighed.

But He will also come again "suddenly," when the soul will be translated
into unknown climes. He will come again in the sable robes of death. Shall
we know Him? Will our eyes be so keen and true that we shall be able to
pierce the dark veil and say "It is the Lord!" This has been the joyful
experience of countless multitudes. When the summons came their souls went
forth, not as victims to encounter death, but as the bride "to meet the
bridegroom!" They had intimacy with Him in life; they had glorious
fellowship with Him in death!

MARCH The Thirteenth

_SICKNESS AMONG CHRIST'S FRIENDS_

JOHN xi. 1-16.

And so sickness can enter the circle of the friends of the Lord. "_He whom
Thou lovest is sick._" My sicknesses do not mean that I have lost His
favour. The shadow is His, as well as the sunshine. When He removes me
from the glare of boisterous health it may be because of some spiritual
fern which needs the ministry of the shade. "_This sickness is ... for the
glory of God._" Something beautiful will spring out of the shadowed
seclusion, something which shall spread abroad the name and fame of God.

And, therefore, I do not wonder at the Lord's delay. He did not hasten
away to the sick friend: "_He abode two days still in the same place where
He was._" Shall I put it like this: the awaking bulbs were not yet ready
for the brighter light--just a little more shade! We are impatient to get
healthy; the Lord desires that we become holy. Our physical sickness is
continued in order that we may put on spiritual strength.

And there are others besides sick Lazarus concerned in the sickness: "I am
glad _for your sakes_ I was not there." The disciples were included in the
divine scheme. Their spiritual welfare was to be affected by it. Let me
ever remember that the circle affected by sickness is always wider than
the patient's bed. And may God be glorified in all!

MARCH The Fourteenth

"_EVEN NOW!_"

JOHN xi. 17-31.

Let me consider this marvellous confession of Martha's faith. "I know that
_even now_, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee!" Mark
the "even now"! Lazarus was dead, and it was midnight in the desolate
home. But "even now"! Beautiful it is when a soul's most awful crises are
the seasons of its most radiant faith! B