The Blessing of the Lord.
By Susan Elmer
THE psalmist says, “Thy blessing is upon thy people.” What a comforting thought, that, if we keep the commandments of the Lord, his blessing will ever rest upon us, whether at home or abroad, in sickness or in health, in life or in death! How it cheers the heart of the weary pilgrim! How it buoys him up amid the toils and cares which he may be called to encounter here. I have thought much upon it of late. I would not exchange this blessing for pearls or rubies, or all the gold and silver of earth. We can never prize it too highly. And yet how many will exchange it for things of little worth. But how bitter will be their reflections in that day when every earthly hope shall fail them. Now they can insure the Lord’s blessing. But they must keep all his commandments, the fourth as well as the rest; for all stand fast forever and ever. How consoling the thought that we may, when brought into ever so strait or tried a situation, carry our troubles to our Heavenly Father with the blessed assurance that he will not turn us away; that his promises cannot fail; that his grace is sufficient for us; and that ere long we shall bid adieu to this world of sin and sorrow and reach that better land where all will be one continued sunshine, where we shall experience amid all the glories of Heaven that happiness which will never end. SUSAN ELMER.