Bible Readings for the Home Circle Part 228

In the closing scene of this allegorical representation of man's conflict with the powers of darkness, we have pictured the happy issue of a faithful Christian life.

Satan has been defeated, and has departed.

The sleeping lion, the open Word, the cross and crown, all speak of victory.

Instead of sitting in sorrow and mourning over defeat, the man, with cheerful looks and thankful heart, lifts his eyes toward heaven, and rejoices that he has met and vanquished his deadly foe.

In the place of the ugly monsters on the wall, cherubs are seen, with laurel wreaths ready to place upon the victor's brow, while the angel, with joyful satisfaction, points the victor to his exceeding great reward.

This is the game which all, whether conscious of the fact or not, are playing. What its outcome will be in each case depends upon how each one meets and fights life's battle day by day. All may be victors if they will.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

Prov. 4:23.

The Goodly Land

We have heard from the bright, the holy land, We have heard, and our hearts are glad; For we were a lonely pilgrim band, And weary, and worn, and sad.

They tell us the saints have a dwelling there, No longer are homeless ones; And we know that the goodly land is fair, Where life's pure river runs.

They say green fields are waving there, That never a blight shall know; And the deserts wild are blooming fair, And the roses of Sharon grow.

There are lovely birds in the bowers green, Their songs are blithe and sweet; And their warblings, gus.h.i.+ng ever new, The angels' harpings greet.

We have heard of the palms, the robes, the crowns, And the silvery band in white; Of the city fair, with pearly gates, All radiant with light; We have heard of the angels there, and saints, With their harps of gold, how they sing; Of the mount, with the fruitful tree of life, Of the leaves that healing bring.

The King of that country, He is fair, He's the joy and light of the place; In His beauty we shall behold Him there, And bask in His smiling face.

We'll be there, we'll be there in a little while, We'll join the pure and the blest; We'll have the palm, the robe, the crown, And forever be at rest.

W. H. HYDE.