THE FAMILY ALTAR

May 30.

And Jesus led them [His disciples] out as far as to Bethany,

and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. And it came to

pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them and carried

up into heaven. Luke 24, 50. 51.

In these days we remember that our Savior ascended into

heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty

to rule with divine power and majesty over all things in heaven

and earth. His cross of bitter shame He has now exchanged for

the throne of divine glory. Now every tongue in heaven, and

earth, and under *the earth must confess that He is Lord, to the

glory of God the Father. But though Jesus withdrew His visible

presence from His disciples when He ascended into heaven, He

did not leave them comfortless. In parting from them He lifted

up His victorious, faithful hands and blessed them, thereby assur-

ing them of His abiding love in which He would continue to bless

them unto the end of time. In His uplifted, blessing hands that

still retain the print of the nails we can also read our redemption

from sin, and death, and the wrath to come. With them He still

sends down His countless blessings to-day on all that love Him

and believe in Him. May His blessing be with us to-day and

all the remaining days of our life ! May He in His love bless

us all with the sweet assurance that all our sins are pardoned

in His atoning blood. May He bless us with a faith that con-

fidently trusts His wise though often mysterious guidance, and that

sees even in the darkest night of sorrow its tearful path brightened

by the love-light of His holy presence. May He bless His battling

and confessing Church and give her victory after victory over

all the enemies of His Gospel. May He ever bless our dear

America, save her with His mighty arm from all foes within and

without, and abide with us until our pilgrimage is over and we

stand before His visible presence in His glorious home above.

Who is this that comes in glory, With the trump of jubilee?

Lord of battles, God of armies, He hath gained the victory.

He who on the cross did suffer, He who from the grave arose,

He has vanquished sin and Satan; He by death has spoiled His foes.

While He raised His hands in blessing, He was parted from His friends,

While their eager eyes behold Him, He upon the clouds ascends;

He who walked with God and pleased Him, Preaching truth, and doom

to come,

He, our Enoch, is translated To His everlasting home.