June 15

“He openeth, and no man shutteth.” — Revelation iii. 7.

^^S^ESUS is the keeper of the gates of paradise, and be- /Kl M fore every believing soul He ectteth an open doer, which no man or devil shall be able to close against it. What joy it will be to find that faith in Ilim is the golden key to the everlasting doors! My soul, dost thou carry this key in thy bosom, or art thou trusting to some deceitful picklock, which will fail thee at last? Hear this parable of the preacher, and remember it. The great King has made a banquet, and He has proclaimed to all the world that none shall enter but those who bring with them the fairest flower that blooms. The spirits of men advance to the gate by thousands, and they bring each one the flower which he esteems the queen of the garden; but in crowds they arc driven from the royal presence, and enter not into the festive balls. Some bear in their hand the deadly nightshade of superstition, or the flaunting poppies of Rome, or the hemlock of self-righteousness; but these are not dear to the King, the ’ bearers are shut out of the pearly gates. My soul, hast thou gathered the rose of Sharon? Dost thou wear the lily of the valley in thy bosom constantly? If so, when thou comest up to the gates of heaven, thou wilt know its value, for thou hast only to show this choicest of flowers, and the Porter will open: not for a moment will He deny thee admission, for to thatr rose the Porter openeth ever. Thou shalt find thy way, with the rose of Sharon in thy hand, up to the throne of God Himself, for heaven itself possesses nothing that excels its radiant beauty; and of all the flowers that bloom in paradise there is none that can rival the lily of the valleys. My soul, get Calvary’s blood-red rose into thy hand by faith, by love wear it, by communion preserve it, by daily watchfulness make it thine all in all, and thou shalt be blessed beyond all bliss, happy beyond a dream. Josun, be mine forever, my God, my heaven, my all.