they that come, knowing themselves to be poor and needy, and humbly
consenting to accept a gratuitous feast of charity--they, and only they,
do get the rich provisions.

You are shut out because you shut yourselves out. They that do not know
themselves to be hungry have no ears for the dinner-bell. They that feel
the pangs of starvation and know that their own cupboards are empty,
they are those who will turn to the table that is spread in the
wilderness, and there find a 'feast of fat things.'

And so, dear friends! when He calls, do not let us make excuses, but
rather listen to that voice that says to us, 'Why do you spend your
money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which
satisfieth not.... Incline your ear unto Me; hear, and your soul shall
live.'




THE SHEPHERD KING OF ISRAEL


'The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. 2. He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3. He
restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
His name's sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod
and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5. Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my
cup runneth over. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all