THE GOSPEL OF GLADNESS. "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Phil. 4:4. A YOUNG man was looking forward to his wedding day. It was the old story: his life was sweetened and brightened by the constant vision of one fair face. The arrangements for the festal occasion were all made and the time was drawing nigh. The caterer had been engaged and the master of ceremonies, the festivities of the occasion were all planned, when suddenly a strange thing happened the young man was converted. He met with Jesus the Nazarene and surrendered all. But now what was to be done about those festivities? Religion is a serious piece of business. Life had assumed a new and far more important interest since Jesus had entered into it. Was it a time for singing and merry-making? What would the new Master say? The difficulty was solved in the right way. Jesus himself was invited to the wedding. The young man determined that he would have nothing going on at his home which should be out of line with the obligations of his new life or which his new Master could not bless with his presence and his smile. The time came, and Jesus was at the wedding; nor did he deport himself there as a wall-flower or kill-joy, or chill the pleasure of the feast by lowering looks: He moved about among the happy guests with a bright light in His eyes and a cheery word on His lips. Their myrtle branches and chaplets of flowers, their laughter and music and |