Evening, June 15
Go To Morning Reading
“He openeth, and no man shutteth.”
Revelation 3:7
Jesus is the keeper of the gates of paradise and before every believing
soul he setteth an open door, which no man or devil shall be able
to close against it. What joy it will be to find that faith in him
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 pick-lock,
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 are driven from the royal
presence, and enter not into the festive halls. 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 that 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 valley.
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. Jesus, be
mine forever, my God, my heaven, my all.