May 16

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” — Matt. v. 7.

OFT is not meet that the man who will not

forgive should be forgiven, nor shall he

who will not give to the poor have his

own wants relieved. God will measure to us

with our own bushels, and those who have

been hard masters and hard creditors, will

find that the Lord will deal hardly with

them.” He shall have judgment without

mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.’*

This day let us try to give and to forgive. Let us mind the two bears — bear and for bear. Let us be kind, and gentle, and tender. Let us not put harsh constructions upon men’s conduct, nor drive hard bargains, nor pick foolish quarrels, nor be difficult to please. Surely we wish to be blessed, and we also want to obtain mercy: let us be merciful, that we may have mercy. Let us fulfil the condition, that we may earn the beatitude. Is it not a pleasant duty to be kind? Is there not much more sweetness in it than in being angry and ungenerous? Why, there is a blessedness in the thing itself! Moreover, the obtaining of mercy is a rich reward. What but sovereign grace could suggest such a promise as this? We are merciful to our fellowmortal in pence, and the Lord forgives us “all that debt.”