January

J a n u a r y 1

Thismorning'sverse:

TheydideatofthefruitofthelandofCanaanthatyear.-Joshua5:12

Israel's weary wanderings were all over, and the promised rest wasattained. No more moving tents, fiery serpents, fierce Amalekites, andhowlingwildernesses: theycame to the landwhich flowedwithmilkandhoney, and they ate the old corn of the land. Perhaps this year, belovedChristianreader,thismaybethycaseormine.Joyfulistheprospect,andiffaithbeinactiveexercise,itwillyieldunalloyeddelight.TobewithJesusin the rest which remaineth for the people of God, is a cheering hopeindeed,andtoexpectthisglorysosoonisadoublebliss.UnbeliefshuddersattheJordanwhichstillrollsbetweenusandthegoodlyland,butletusrestassuredthatwehavealreadyexperiencedmoreills thandeathat itsworstcan cause us. Let us banish every fearful thought, and rejoice withexceedinggreatjoy,intheprospectthatthisyearweshallbegintobe"foreverwiththeLord."

A part of the host will this year tarry on earth, to do service for theirLord. If thisshouldfall toour lot, there isnoreasonwhy theNewYear'stextshouldnotstillbetrue."Wewhohavebelieveddoenterintorest."TheHoly Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance; He gives us "glory begunbelow."Inheaventheyaresecure,andsoarewepreserveinChristJesus;theretheytriumphovertheirenemies,andwehavevictoriestoo.CelestialspiritsenjoycommunionwiththeirLord,andthisisnotdeniedtous;theyrestinHislove,andwehaveperfectpeaceinHim:theyhymnHispraise,and it isourprivilege toblessHim too.Wewill thisyeargathercelestialfruitsonearthlyground,wherefaithandhopehavemadethedesertlikethegardenoftheLord.Mandideatangels'foodofold,andwhynotnow?OforgracetofeedonJesus,andsotoeatofthefruitofthelandofCanaanthisyear!

Thisevening'sverse:

WewillbegladandrejoiceinThee.-Song1:4

Wewillbegladand rejoice inThee.Wewillnotopen thegatesof theyeartothedolorousnotesofthesackbut,buttothesweetstrainsoftheharpof joy, and the high sounding cymbals of gladness. "O come, let us singunto theLord: letusmakea joyfulnoiseunto the rockofour salvation."We,thecalledandfaithfulandchosen,wewilldriveawayourgriefs,andset up our banners of confidence in the name ofGod. Let others lamentover their troubles,wewhohave the sweetening tree tocast intoMarah'sbitter pool, with joy will magnify the Lord. Eternal Spirit, our effectualComforter, we who are the temples in which Thou dwellest, will nevercease from adoring and blessing the name of Jesus. We WILL, we areresolvedaboutit,Jesusmusthavethecrownofourheart'sdelight;wewillnot dishonour our Bridegroom by mourning in His presence. We areordained to be the minstrels of the skies, let us rehearse our everlastinganthembeforewe sing it in the halls of theNew Jerusalem.WewillBEGLADANDREJOICE:twowordswithonesense,doublejoy,blessednessuponblessedness.NeedtherebeanylimittoourrejoicingintheLordevennow?Donotmenofgrace find theirLord tobecamphireandspikenard,calamus and cinnamon even now, andwhat better fragrance have they inheavenitself?WewillbegladandrejoiceINTHEE.Thatlastwordisthemeatinthedish,thekernelofthenut,thesoulofthetext.Whatheavensarelaid up in Jesus!What rivers of infinite bliss have their source, ay, andeverydropoftheirfulnessinHim!Since,OsweetLordJesus,ThouartthepresentportionofThypeople,favourusthisyearwithsuchasenseofThypreciousness,thatfromitsfirsttoitslastdaywemaybegladandrejoiceinThee. Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close withgladnessinJesus.

J a n u a r y 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Continueinprayer.-Colossians4:2

ItisinterestingtoremarkhowlargeaportionofSacredWritisoccupiedwith the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcingprecepts,orpronouncingpromises.Wescarcelyopen theBiblebeforeweread,"ThenbeganmentocalluponthenameoftheLord;"andjustasweareabouttoclosethevolume,the"Amen"ofanearnestsupplicationmeetsour ear. Instances are plentiful.Herewe find awrestling Jacob—there aDanielwhoprayedthreetimesaday—andaDavidwhowithallhisheartcalleduponhisGod.On themountainwe seeElias; in thedungeonPauland Silas. We have multitudes of commands, and myriads of promises.Whatdoesthisteachus,butthesacredimportanceandnecessityofprayer?WemaybecertainthatwhateverGodhasmadeprominentinHisWord,Heintendedtobeconspicuousinourlives.IfHehassaidmuchaboutprayer,itisbecauseHeknowswehavemuchneedofit.Sodeepareournecessities,that until we are in heaven we must not cease to pray. Dost thou wantnothing?Then,Ifearthoudostnotknowthypoverty.Hastthounomercyto ask of God? Then, may the Lord's mercy show thee thy misery! Aprayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believinginfant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saintfalling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, thestrength,thehonourofaChristian.IfthoubeachildofGod,thouwiltseekthy Father's face, and live in thy Father's love. Pray that this year thoumaystbeholy,humble,zealous,andpatient;haveclosercommunionwithChrist, and enter oftener into thebanqueting-houseofHis love.Pray thatthoumaystbeanexampleandablessinguntoothers,andthatthoumaystlive more to the glory of thy Master. The motto for this year must be,"Continueinprayer."

Thisevening'sverse:

Letthepeoplerenewtheirstrength.-Isaiah41:1

All thingsonearthneed toberenewed.Nocreated thingcontinuethbyitself. "Thou renewest the face of the year,"was the Psalmist's utterance.Eventhetrees,whichwearnotthemselveswithcare,norshortentheirliveswith labour, must drink of the rain of heaven and suck from the hiddentreasuresofthesoil.ThecedarsofLebanon,whichGodhasplanted,onlylive because day by day they are full of sap fresh drawn from theearth.neithercanman'slifebesustainedwithoutrenewalfromGod.Asitisnecessarytorepairthewasteofthebodybythefrequentmeal,sowemustrepair the waste of the soul by feeding upon the Book of God, or bylistening to the preached Word, or by the soul-fattening table of theordinances.howdepressedareourgraceswhenmeansareneglected!Whatpoor starvelings some saints arewho livewithout the diligent use of theWordofGodandsecretprayer!IfourpietycanlivewithoutGoditisnotofdivinecreating;itisbutadream;forifGodhadbegottenit,itwouldwaituponHimas the flowerswaitupon thedew.Withoutconstant restorationwearenotreadyfortheperpetualassaultsofhell,orthesternafflictionsofheaven,orevenforthestrifeswithin.Whenthewhirlwindshallbeloosed,woetothetreethathathnotsuckedupfreshsap,andgraspedtherockwithmanyintertwistedroots.whentempestsarise,woetothemarinersthathavenotstrengthenedtheirmast,norcasttheiranchor,norsoughtthehaven.Ifwesufferthegoodtogrowweaker,theevilwillsurelygatherstrengthandstruggle desperately for the mastery over us; and so, mayhap, a painfuldesolation,andalamentabledisgracemayfollow.Letusdrawneartothefootstool of divine mercy in humble entreaty, and we shall realize thefulfillment of the promise, "They thatwait on theLord shall renew theirstrength."

J a n u a r y 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Iwillgivetheeforacovenantofthepeople.-Isaiah49:8

JesusChrist isHimself the sum and substance of the covenant, and asoneof its gifts.He is the property of everybeliever.Believer, canst thouestimatewhatthouhastgotteninChrist?"InHimdwellethallthefulnessoftheGodheadbodily."Consider thatword "God" and its infinity, and thenmeditateupon"perfectman"andallhisbeauty;forallthatChrist,asGodandman,everhad,orcanhave,isthine—outofpurefreefavour,passedovertotheetobethineentailedpropertyforever.OurblessedJesus,asGod,is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent.Will it not console you to knowthat all these great and glorious attributes are altogether yours? Has hepower? That power is yours to support and strengthen you, to overcomeyour enemies, and to preserve you even to the end. Has He love?Well,there isnotadropof love inHisheartwhich isnotyours;youmaydiveintotheimmenseoceanofHislove,andyoumaysayofitall,"Itismine."HathHejustice?Itmayseemasternattribute,buteventhatisyours,forHewillbyHisjusticeseetoitthatallwhichispromisedtoyouinthecovenantof grace shall be most certainly secured to you. And all that He has asperfectmanisyours.AsaperfectmantheFather'sdelightwasuponHim.HestoodacceptedbytheMostHigh.Obeliever,God'sacceptanceofChrististhineacceptance;forknowestthounotthatthelovewhichtheFathersetonaperfectChrist,He setson theenow?For all thatChrist did is thine.That perfect righteousness which Jesus wrought out, when through Hisstainless life He kept the law and made it honourable, is thine, and isimputedtothee.Christisinthecovenant.

MyGod,Iamthine—whatacomfortdivine!WhatablessingtoknowthattheSaviourismine!IntheheavenlyLambthricehappyIam,AndmyheartitdothdanceatthesoundofHisname.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thevoiceofonecrying in thewilderness,Prepareye thewayof theLord,makehispathsstraight.-Luke3:4

ThevoicecryinginthewildernessdemandedawayfortheLord,awayprepared,andawaypreparedinthewilderness.IwouldbeattentivetotheMaster's proclamation, and give Him a road into my heart, cast up bygraciousoperations,throughthedesertofmynature.Thefourdirectionsinthetextmusthavemyseriousattention.

Everyvalleymustbeexalted.LowandgrovellingthoughtsofGodmustbe given up; doubting and despairingmust be removed; and self-seekingandcarnaldelightsmustbeforsaken.Acrossthesedeepvalleysagloriouscausewayofgracemustberaised.

Everymountain and hill shall be laid low. Proud creature- sufficiency,andboastfulself-righteousness,mustbelevelled,tomakeahighwayfortheKing of kings. Divine fellowship is never vouchsafed to haughty,highminded sinners. The Lord hath respect unto the lowly, and visits thecontrite in heart, but the lofty are an abomination unto Him. My soul,beseechtheHolySpirittosettheerightinthisrespect.

The crooked shall be made straight. The wavering heart must have astraightpathofdecision forGodandholinessmarkedout for it.Double-mindedmenarestrangerstotheGodoftruth.Mysoul,takeheedthatthoubeinallthingshonestandtrue,asinthesightoftheheart-searchingGod.

Theroughplacesshallbemadesmooth.Stumbling-blocksofsinmustberemoved, and thorns andbriers of rebellionmust beuprooted.Sogreat avisitormustnotfindmirywaysandstonyplaceswhenHecomestohonourHis favouredoneswithHis company.Oh that this evening theLordmayfindinmyheartahighwaymadereadybyHisgrace,thatHemaymakeatriumphal progress through the utmost bounds of my soul, from thebeginningofthisyeareventotheendofit.

J a n u a r y 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Grow ingrace,and in theknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist.-2Peter3:18

"Growingrace"—notinonegraceonly,butinallgrace.Growinthatroot-grace,faith.Believethepromisesmorefirmlythanyouhavedone.Letfaithincreaseinfulness,constancy,simplicity.Growalsoinlove.Askthatyourlovemaybecomeextended,moreintense,morepractical,influencingeverythought,word,anddeed.Growlikewiseinhumility.Seektolieverylow,andknowmoreofyourownnothingness.Asyougrowdownwardinhumility,seekalsotogrowupward—havingnearerapproachestoGodinprayerandmore intimatefellowshipwithJesus.MayGodtheHolySpiritenableyou to"growin theknowledgeofourLordandSaviour."HewhogrowsnotintheknowledgeofJesus,refusestobeblessed.ToknowHimis"life eternal," and to advance in the knowledge of Him is to increase inhappiness.HewhodoesnotlongtoknowmoreofChrist,knowsnothingofHimyet.Whoeverhathsippedthiswinewill thirstformore,foralthoughChrist doth satisfy, yet it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is notcloyed,butwhetted.IfyouknowtheloveofJesus—asthehartpantethforthewater-brooks,sowillyoupantafterdeeperdraughtsofHislove.IfyoudonotdesiretoknowHimbetter,thenyouloveHimnot,forlovealwayscries, "Nearer, nearer." Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence ofJesus isheaven.Restnot thencontentwithoutan increasingacquaintancewithJesus.SeektoknowmoreofHiminHisdivinenature,inHishumanrelationship,inHisfinishedwork,inHisdeath,inHisresurrection,inHispresentgloriousintercession,andinHisfutureroyaladvent.AbidehardbytheCross, and search themystery ofHiswounds.An increase of love toJesus,andamoreperfectapprehensionofHislovetousisoneofthebesttestsofgrowthingrace.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndJosephknewhisbrethren,buttheyknewnothim.-Genesis42:8

ThismorningourdesireswentforthforgrowthinouracquaintancewiththeLordJesus;itmaybewellto-nighttoconsiderakindredtopic,namely,our heavenly Joseph's knowledge of us. This wasmost blessedly perfectlongbeforewehadtheslightestknowledgeofHim."Hiseyesbeheldoursubstance, yet being imperfect, and in His book all our members werewritten,whenasyettherewasnoneofthem."Beforewehadabeingintheworldwe had a being inHis heart.Whenwewere enemies toHim,Heknew us, our misery, our madness, and our wickedness. When we weptbitterly in despairing repentance, and viewedHim only as a judge and aruler,HeviewedusasHisbrethrenwellbeloved,andHisbowelsyearnedtowards us. He never mistook His chosen, but always beheld them asobjectsofHisinfiniteaffection."TheLordknoweththemthatareHis,"isastrueoftheprodigalswhoarefeedingswineasofthechildrenwhositatthetable.

But,alas!weknewnotourroyalBrother,andoutofthisignorancegrewa host of sins. We withheld our hearts from Him, and allowed Him noentrancetoourlove.WemistrustedHim,andgavenocredittoHiswords.We rebelled against Him, and paid Him no loving homage. The Sun ofRighteousnessshoneforth,andwecouldnotseeHim.Heavencamedowntoearth,andearthperceiveditnot.LetGodbepraised,thosedaysareoverwithus;yetevennowitisbutlittlethatweknowofJesuscomparedwithwhatHeknowsofus.WehavebutbeguntostudyHim,butHeknowethusaltogether.ItisablessedcircumstancethattheignoranceisnotonHisside,forthenitwouldbeahopelesscaseforus.Hewillnotsaytous,"Ineverknewyou,"butHewillconfessournamesinthedayofHisappearing,andmeanwhilewillmanifestHimselftousasHedothnotuntotheworld.

J a n u a r y 5

Thismorning'sverse:

AndGod saw the light, that itwas good: andGod divided the lightfromthedarkness.-Genesis1:4

Lightmightwellbegoodsinceitsprangfromthatfiatofgoodness,"Lettherebelight."Wewhoenjoyitshouldbemoregratefulforitthanweare,andseemoreofGodinitandbyit.LightphysicalissaidbySolomontobesweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternalthings,andministers toour immortalnatures.When theHolySpiritgivesusspirituallight,andopensoureyestobeholdthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist,webeholdsininitstruecolours,andourselvesinourrealposition; we see theMost Holy God as He reveals Himself, the plan ofmercyasHepropoundsit,andtheworldtocomeastheWorddescribesit.Spirituallighthasmanybeamsandprismaticcolours,butwhethertheybeknowledge,joy,holiness,orlife,allaredivinelygood.Ifthelightreceivedbethusgood,whatmusttheessentiallightbe,andhowgloriousmustbetheplacewhereHe revealsHimself. O Lord, since light is so good, give usmoreofit,andmoreofThyself,thetruelight.

Nosooneristhereagoodthingintheworld,thanadivisionisnecessary.Lightanddarknesshavenocommunion;Godhasdividedthem,letusnotconfound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds,doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the daymust be sober,honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness tothose who shall dwell in it for ever. Our Churches should by disciplinedividethelightfromthedarkness,andweshouldbyourdistinctseparationfromtheworlddothesame.Injudgment,inaction,inhearing,inteaching,in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, andmaintain thegreatdistinctionwhich theLordmadeupon theworld's firstday.OLordJesus,beThouourlightthroughoutthewholeofthisday,forThylightisthelightofmen.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndGodsawthelight.-Genesis1:4

This morning we noticed the goodness of the light, and the Lord'sdividingitfromthedarkness,wenownotethespecialeyewhichtheLordhadforthelight."Godsawthelight"—Helookedatitwithcomplacency,gazeduponitwithpleasure,sawthatit"wasgood."IftheLordhasgivenyoulight,dearreader,Helooksonthatlightwithpeculiarinterest;fornotonlyisitdeartoHimasHisownhandiwork,butbecauseitislikeHimself,for"Heislight."PleasantitistothebelievertoknowthatGod'seyeisthustenderly observant of that work of gracewhichHe has begun. He neverloses sight of the treasure which He has placed in our earthen vessels.Sometimeswecannotseethelight,butGodalwaysseesthelight,andthatismuchbetterthanourseeingit.BetterforthejudgetoseemyinnocencethanformetothinkIseeit.ItisverycomfortableformetoknowthatIamoneofGod'speople—butwhetherIknowitornot,iftheLordknowsit,Iamstillsafe.Thisisthefoundation,"TheLordknoweththemthatareHis."Youmaybesighingandgroaningbecauseofinbredsin,andmourningoveryour darkness, yet the Lord sees "light" in your heart, for He has put itthere, and all the cloudiness andgloomofyour soul cannot concealyourlightfromHisgraciouseye.Youmayhavesunklowindespondency,andevendespair;butifyoursoulhasanylongingtowardsChrist,andifyouareseekingtorestinHisfinishedwork,Godseesthe"light."Henotonlyseesit, but He also preserves it in you. "I, the Lord, do keep it." This is aprecious thought to those who, after anxious watching and guarding ofthemselves,feeltheirownpowerlessnesstodoso.ThelightthuspreservedbyHisgrace,Hewillonedaydevelopintothesplendourofnoonday,andthefulnessofglory.Thelightwithinisthedawnoftheeternalday.

J a n u a r y 6

Thismorning'sverse:

CastingallyourcareuponHim;forHecarethforyou.-1Peter5:7

Itisahappywayofsoothingsorrowwhenwecanfeel—"HEcarethforme." Christian! do not dishonour religion by always wearing a brow ofcare;come,castyourburdenuponyourLord.Youarestaggeringbeneathaweightwhich your Fatherwould not feel.What seems to you a crushingburden,wouldbetoHimbutasthesmalldustofthebalance.Nothingissosweetasto

LiepassiveinGod'shands,AndknownowillbutHis.

Ochildofsuffering,bethoupatient;GodhasnotpassedtheeoverinHisprovidence.Hewho is the feeder of sparrows,will also furnish youwithwhatyouneed.Sit notdown indespair;hopeon,hopeever.Takeup thearmsoffaithagainstaseaoftrouble,andyouroppositionshallyetendyourdistresses.There isOnewhocareth foryou.Hiseye is fixedonyou,Hisheartbeatswithpityforyourwoe,andhishandomnipotentshallyetbringyou the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers ofmercy.Theblackestgloomshallgiveplacetothemorning.He,ifthouartone of His family, will bind up thy wounds, and heal thy broken heart.DoubtnotHisgracebecauseof thy tribulation,butbelieve thatHeloveththeeasmuchinseasonsoftroubleasintimesofhappiness.Whatasereneandquiet lifemightyou lead ifyouwould leaveproviding to theGodofprovidence!Withalittleoilinthecruse,andahandfulofmealinthebarrel,Elijahoutlivedthefamine,andyouwilldothesame.IfGodcaresforyou,whyneedyoucaretoo?CanyoutrustHimforyoursoul,andnotforyourbody? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never faintedundertheirweight.Come,then,soul!havedonewithfretfulcare,andleaveallthyconcernsinthehandofagraciousGod.

Thisevening'sverse:

NowthehandoftheLordwasuponmeintheevening.-Ezekiel33:22

In theway of judgment thismay be the case, and, if so, be itmine toconsiderthereasonofsuchavisitation,andbeartherodandHimthathathappointedit.Iamnottheonlyonewhoischastenedinthenightseason;letme cheerfully submit to the affliction, and carefully endeavour to beprofited thereby. But the hand of the Lord may also be felt in anothermanner,strengtheningthesoulandliftingthespiritupwardtowardseternalthings.OthatImayinthissensefeeltheLorddealingwithme!Asenseofthedivinepresenceandindwellingbearsthesoultowardsheavenasuponthewingsofeagles.Atsuchtimeswearefulltothebrimwithspiritualjoy,and forget the cares and sorrows of earth; the invisible is near, and thevisible loses its power over us; servant-bodywaits at the foot of the hill,andthemaster-spiritworshipsuponthesummitinthepresenceoftheLord.Othatahallowedseasonofdivinecommunionmaybevouchsafed tomethis evening! The Lord knows that I need it very greatly. My graceslanguish,mycorruptions rage,my faith isweak,mydevotion is cold; allthesearereasonswhyHishealinghandshouldbelaiduponme.Hishandcancooltheheatofmyburningbrow,andstaythetumultofmypalpitatingheart.Thatgloriousrighthandwhichmouldedtheworldcannew-createmymind; the unwearied hand which bears the earth's huge pillars up cansustainmyspirit;thelovinghandwhichinclosesallthesaintscancherishme;and themightyhandwhichbreaketh inpieces theenemycansubduemysins.WhyshouldInotfeelthathandtouchingmethisevening?Come,my soul, address thy God with the potent plea, that Jesu's hands werepiercedforthyredemption,andthoushaltsurelyfeelthatsamehandupontheewhichoncetouchedDanielandsethimuponhiskneesthathemightseevisionsofGod.

J a n u a r y 7

Thismorning'sverse:

FormetoliveisChrist.-Philippians1:21

ThebelieverdidnotalwayslivetoChrist.HebegantodosowhenGodtheHolySpiritconvincedhimofsin,andwhenbygracehewasbroughttoseethedyingSaviourmakingapropitiationforhisguilt.Fromthemomentof thenewandcelestialbirth themanbegins to live toChrist. Jesus is tobelieverstheonepearlofgreatprice,forwhomwearewillingtopartwithallthatwehave.Hehassocompletelywonourlove,thatitbeatsaloneforHim; toHisglorywewould live,and indefenceofHisgospelwewoulddie; He is the pattern of our life, and the model after which we wouldsculptureourcharacter.Paul'swordsmeanmorethanmostmenthink;theyimplythattheaimandendofhislifewasChrist—nay,hislifeitselfwasJesus. In the words of an ancient saint, he did eat, and drink, and sleepeternallife.Jesuswashisverybreath,thesoulofhissoul,theheartofhisheart, the lifeofhis life.Canyou say, as aprofessingChristian, thatyoulive up to this idea?Can you honestly say that for you to live isChrist?Your business — are you doing it for Christ? Is it not done for self-aggrandizement and for family advantage? Do you ask, "Is that a meanreason?"FortheChristianitis.HeprofessestoliveforChrist;howcanheliveforanotherobjectwithoutcommittingaspiritualadultery?Manytherearewhocarryoutthisprincipleinsomemeasure;butwhoistherethatdaresaythathehathlivedwhollyforChristastheapostledid?Yet,thisaloneisthetruelifeofaChristian—itssource,itssustenance,itsfashion,itsend,allgatheredupinoneword—ChristJesus.Lord,acceptme;Iherepresentmyself,prayingtoliveonlyinTheeandtoThee.Letmebeasthebullockwhichstandsbetweentheploughandthealtar,toworkortobesacrificed;andletmymottobe,"Readyforeither."

Thisevening'sverse:

Mysister,myspouse.-Song4:12

Observe thesweet titleswithwhichtheheavenlySolomonwith intenseaffectionaddressesHisbridethechurch."Mysister,oneneartomebytiesofnature,partakerofthesamesympathies.Myspouse,nearestanddearest,unitedtomebythetenderestbandsoflove;mysweetcompanion,partofmyownself.Mysister,bymy Incarnation,whichmakesmeboneof thyboneandfleshof thy flesh;myspouse,byheavenlybetrothal, inwhich Ihaveespousedtheeuntomyselfinrighteousness.Mysister,whomIknewof old, and over whom I watched from her earliest infancy; my spouse,takenfromamongthedaughters,embracedbyarmsoflove,andaffianceduntomeforever.SeehowtrueitisthatourroyalKinsmanisnotashamedofus,forHedwellswithmanifestdelightuponthistwo-foldrelationship.Wehavetheword"my"twiceinourversion;asifChristdweltwithraptureonHispossessionofHisChurch."Hisdelightswerewiththesonsofmen,"because thosesonsofmenwereHisownchosenones.He, theShepherd,soughtthesheep,becausetheywereHissheep;Hehasgoneabout"toseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost,"becausethatwhichwaslostwasHislongbefore it was lost to itself or lost to Him. The church is the exclusiveportionofherLord;noneelsemayclaimapartnership,orpretendtoshareherlove.Jesus,thychurchdelightstohaveitso!Leteverybelievingsouldrink solace out of these wells. Soul! Christ is near to thee in ties ofrelationship;Christisdeartotheeinbondsofmarriageunion,andthouartdeartoHim;beholdHegraspsbothofthyhandswithbothHisown,saying,"Mysister,myspouse."MarkthetwosacredholdfastsbywhichthyLordgetssuchadoubleholdoftheethatHeneithercannorwilleverlettheego.Benot,Obeloved,slowtoreturnthehallowedflameofHislove.

J a n u a r y 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Theiniquityoftheholythings.-Exodus28:38

Whataveilisliftedupbythesewords,andwhatadisclosureismade!Itwill be humbling and profitable for us to pause awhile and see this sadsight. The iniquities of our public worship, its hypocrisy, formality,lukewarmness, irreverence, wandering of heart and forgetfulness of God,whata fullmeasurehavewe there!Ourwork for theLord, itsemulation,selfishness,carelessness,slackness,unbelief,whatamassofdefilementisthere!Ourprivatedevotions,theirlaxity,coldness,neglect,sleepiness,andvanity,whatamountainofdeadearthisthere!Ifwelookedmorecarefullyweshouldfindthisiniquitytobefargreaterthanappearsatfirstsight.Dr.Payson,writingtohisbrother,says,"Myparish,aswellasmyheart,verymuchresemblesthegardenofthesluggard;andwhat isworse,Ifindthatverymanyofmydesires for themeliorationofboth,proceedeither frompride or vanity or indolence. I look at the weeds which overspread mygarden,andbreatheoutanearnestwishthattheywereeradicated.Butwhy?Whatpromptsthewish?ItmaybethatImaywalkoutandsaytomyself,'Inwhatfineorderismygardenkept!'Thisispride.Or,itmaybethatmyneighbours may look over the wall and say, 'How finely your gardenflourishes!'Thisisvanity.OrImaywishforthedestructionoftheweeds,becauseIamwearyofpullingthemup.Thisisindolence."Sothatevenourdesires after holinessmay be polluted by illmotives.Under the greenestsodswormshidethemselves;weneednotlooklongtodiscoverthem.Howcheering is the thought, thatwhentheHighPriestbore the iniquityof theholy things he wore upon his brow the words, "HOLINESS TO THELORD:" and even so while Jesus bears our sin, He presents before HisFather'sfacenotourunholiness,buthisownholiness.OforgracetoviewourgreatHighPriestbytheeyeoffaith!

Thisevening'sverse:

Thyloveisbetterthanwine.-Song1:2

NothinggivesthebelieversomuchjoyasfellowshipwithChrist.Hehasenjoyment as others have in the commonmercies of life, he can be gladbothinGod'sgiftsandGod'sworks;butinalltheseseparately,yea,andinallof themadded together,hedothnot findsuchsubstantialdelightas inthematchlesspersonofhisLordJesus.Hehaswinewhichnovineyardonearth ever yielded; he has breadwhich all the corn-fields ofEgypt couldneverbringforth.Wherecansuchsweetnessbefoundaswehavetastedincommunionwith our Beloved? In our esteem, the joys of earth are littlebetterthanhusksforswinecomparedwithJesus,theheavenlymanna.WewouldratherhaveonemouthfulofChrist'slove,andasipofhisfellowship,thanawholeworldfullofcarnaldelights.Whatisthechafftothewheat?What is the sparkling paste to the true diamond?What is a dream to thegloriousreality?Whatistime'smirth,initsbesttrim,comparedtoourLordJesus inHismostdespisedestate?Ifyouknowanythingof the inner life,youwillconfess thatourhighest,purest,andmostenduring joysmustbethefruitofthetreeoflifewhichisinthemidstoftheParadiseofGod.NospringyieldssuchsweetwaterasthatwellofGodwhichwasdiggedwiththesoldier'sspear.Allearthlyblissisoftheearthearthy,butthecomfortsofChrist's presence are like Himself, heavenly. We can review ourcommunionwithJesus,andfindnoregretsofemptinesstherein; therearenodregsinthiswine,nodeadfliesinthisointment.ThejoyoftheLordissolid and enduring. Vanity hath not looked upon it, but discretion andprudence testify that it abideth the test of years, and is in time and ineternity worthy to be called "the only true delight." For nourishment,consolation, exhilaration, and refreshment, no wine can rival the love ofJesus.Letusdrinktothefullthisevening.

J a n u a r y 9

Thismorning'sverse:

IwillbetheirGod.-Jeremiah31:33

Christian!hereisallthoucanstrequire.Tomaketheehappythouwantestsomethingthatshallsatisfythee;andisnotthisenough?Ifthoucanstpourthispromiseintothycup,wilt thounotsay,withDavid,"Mycuprunnethover; Ihavemore thanheart canwish"?When this is fulfilled, "I am thyGod,"artthounotpossessorofallthings?Desireisinsatiableasdeath,butHewho filleth all in all can fill it. The capacity of our wishes who canmeasure?buttheimmeasurablewealthofGodcanmorethanoverflowit.Iask thee if thou art not complete when God is thine? Dost thou wantanythingbutGod?IsnotHisall-sufficiencyenoughtosatisfytheeifallelseshould fail? But thou wantest more than quiet satisfaction; thou desirestrapturous delight. Come, soul, here is music fit for heaven in this thyportion, forGod is theMaker ofHeaven.Not all themusic blown fromsweetinstruments,ordrawnfromlivingstrings,canyieldsuchmelodyasthis sweet promise, "I will be their God." Here is a deep sea of bliss, ashoreless oceanof delight; come, bathe thy spirit in it; swiman age, andthou shalt find no shore; dive throughout eternity, and thou shalt find nobottom."IwillbetheirGod."Ifthisdonotmakethineeyessparkle,andthyheartbeathighwithbliss,thenassuredlythysoulisnotinahealthystate.But thou wantest more than present delights — thou cravest somethingconcerning which thoumayest exercise hope; and what more canst thouhope for than the fulfillmentof thisgreatpromise, "Iwillbe theirGod"?This is themasterpieceofall thepromises; itsenjoymentmakesaheavenbelow,andwillmakeaheavenabove.DwellinthelightofthyLord,andletthysoulbealwaysravishedwithHislove.Getoutthemarrowandfatnesswhich thisportionyields thee.Liveup to thyprivileges, and rejoicewithunspeakablejoy.

Thisevening'sverse:

ServetheLordwithgladness.-Psalm100:2

Delightindivineserviceisatokenofacceptance.ThosewhoserveGodwithasadcountenance,becausetheydowhatisunpleasanttothem,arenotservingHimat all; theybring the formofhomage, but the life is absent.Our God requires no slaves to grace His throne; He is the Lord of theempireof love, andwouldhaveHis servantsdressed in the liveryof joy.TheangelsofGodserveHimwithsongs,notwithgroans;amurmurorasigh would be a mutiny in their ranks. That obedience which is notvoluntaryisdisobedience,fortheLordlookethattheheart,andifHeseeththatweserveHimfromforce,andnotbecauseweloveHim,Hewillrejectour offering. Service coupled with cheerfulness is heart-service, andtherefore true. Take away joyful willingness from the Christian, and youhaveremovedthetestofhissincerity.Ifamanbedriventobattle,heisnopatriot; but hewhomarches into the fraywith flashing eye and beamingface, singing, "It is sweet for one's country to die," proves himself to besincereinhispatriotism.Cheerfulnessisthesupportofourstrength;inthejoyoftheLordarewestrong.Itactsastheremoverofdifficulties.Itistoourservicewhatoilistothewheelsofarailwaycarriage.Withoutoiltheaxle soon grows hot, and accidents occur; and if there be not a holycheerfulness tooilourwheels,ourspiritswillbecloggedwithweariness.ThemanwhoischeerfulinhisserviceofGod,provesthatobedienceishiselement;hecansing,

MakemetowalkinThycommands,'Tisadelightfulroad.

Reader,letusputthisquestion—doyouservetheLordwithgladness?Letusshowtothepeopleoftheworld,whothinkourreligiontobeslavery,thatitistousadelightandajoy!LetourgladnessproclaimthatweserveagoodMaster.

J a n u a r y 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Thereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness.-2Timothy4:8

Doubtingone! thouhastoften said, "I fear I shallnever enterheaven."Fearnot!allthepeopleofGodshallenterthere.Ilovethequaintsayingofadyingman,whoexclaimed,"Ihavenofearofgoinghome;Ihavesentallbeforeme;God'sfingerisonthelatchofmydoor,andIamreadyforHimto enter." "But," said one, "are you not afraid lest you shouldmiss yourinheritance?""Nay,"saidhe,"nay;thereisonecrowninheavenwhichtheangel Gabriel could not wear, it will fit no head but mine. There is onethroneinheavenwhichPaultheapostlecouldnotfill;itwasmadeforme,and I shall have it." O Christian, what a joyous thought! thy portion issecure;"thereremainetharest.""ButcannotIforfeitit?"No,itisentailed.IfIbeachildofGodIshallnotloseit.ItismineassecurelyasifIwerethere.Comewithme,believer,andletussituponthetopofNebo,andviewthegoodlyland,evenCanaan.Seestthouthatlittleriverofdeathglisteninginthesunlight,andacrossitdostthouseethepinnaclesoftheeternalcity?Dostthoumarkthepleasantcountry,andallitsjoyousinhabitants?Know,then,thatifthoucouldstflyacrossthouwouldstseewrittenupononeofitsmanymansions,"Thisremainethforsuchaone;preservedforhimonly.HeshallbecaughtuptodwellforeverwithGod."Poordoubtingone,seethefairinheritance;itisthine.IfthoubelievestintheLordJesus,ifthouhastrepented of sin, if thou hast been renewed in heart, thou art one of theLord's people, and there is a place reserved for thee, a crown laid up forthee,aharpspeciallyprovidedforthee.Nooneelseshallhavethyportion,it is reserved inheavenfor thee,and thoushalthave itere long, for thereshallbenovacantthronesinglorywhenallthechosenaregatheredin.

Thisevening'sverse:

InmyfleshshallIseeGod.-Job19:26

MarkthesubjectofJob'sdevoutanticipation"IshallseeGod."Hedoesnot say, "I shall see the saints"— though doubtless that will be untoldfelicity—but,"IshallseeGod."Itisnot—"Ishallseethepearlygates,Ishallbeholdthewallsofjasper,Ishallgazeuponthecrownsofgold,"but"IshallseeGod."Thisisthesumandsubstanceofheaven,thisisthejoyfulhopeofallbelievers.ItistheirdelighttoseeHimnowintheordinancesbyfaith.They love tobeholdHim incommunionand inprayer;but there inheaventheyshallhaveanopenanduncloudedvision,andthusseeing"HimasHeis,"shallbemadecompletelylikeHim.LikenesstoGod—whatcanwewishformore?AndasightofGod—whatcanwedesirebetter?Someread the passage, "Yet, I shall see God in my flesh," and find here anallusiontoChrist,asthe"Wordmadeflesh,"andthatgloriousbeholdingofHimwhichshallbethesplendourofthelatterdays.WhethersoornotitiscertainthatChristshallbetheobjectofoureternalvision;norshallweeverwant any joy beyond that of seeing Him. Think not that this will be anarrowsphereforthemindtodwellin.Itisbutonesourceofdelight,butthatsourceisinfinite.AllHisattributesshallbesubjectsforcontemplation,andasHeisinfiniteundereachaspect,thereisnofearofexhaustion.Hisworks,Hisgifts,Hislovetous,andHisgloryinallHispurposes,andinallHisactions,theseshallmakeathemewhichwillbeevernew.ThepatriarchlookedforwardtothissightofGodasapersonalenjoyment."Whommineeyeshallbehold,andnotanother."Takerealizingviewsofheaven'sbliss;thinkwhatitwillbetoyou."ThineeyesshallseetheKinginHisbeauty."Allearthlybrightness fadesanddarkensaswegazeupon it,buthere isabrightnesswhichcanneverdim,aglorywhichcannever fade—"IshallseeGod."

J a n u a r y 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Thesehavenoroot.-Luke8:13

Mysoul,examinethyselfthismorningbythelightofthistext.Thouhastreceived the word with joy; thy feelings have been stirred and a livelyimpressionhasbeenmade;but, remember, that to receive theword in theear is one thing, and to receive Jesus into thy very soul is quite another;superficialfeelingisoftenjoinedtoinwardhardnessofheart,andalivelyimpressionofthewordisnotalwaysalastingone.Intheparable,theseedinonecase fellupongroundhavinga rockybottom,coveredoverwithathinlayerofearth;whentheseedbegantotakeroot,itsdownwardgrowthwashinderedbythehardstoneandthereforeitspentitsstrengthinpushingits green shoot aloft as high as it could, but having no inward moisturederived fromrootnourishment, itwitheredaway. Is thismycase?Have Ibeenmakingafairshowinthefleshwithouthavingacorrespondinginnerlife?Goodgrowth takesplaceupwardsanddownwardsat the same time.Am I rooted in sincere fidelity and love to Jesus? If my heart remainsunsoftened and unfertilized by grace, the good seedmay germinate for aseason, but it must ultimately wither, for it cannot flourish on a rocky,unbroken,unsanctifiedheart.Letmedreadagodlinessas rapid ingrowthand as wanting in endurance as Jonah's gourd; let me count the cost ofbeing a follower of Jesus, above all let me feel the energy of His HolySpirit,andthenIshallpossessanabidingandenduringseedinmysoul.Ifmy mind remains as obdurate as it was by nature, the sun of trial willscorch,andmyhardheartwillhelptocasttheheatthemoreterriblyupontheill-coveredseed,andmyreligionwillsoondie,andmydespairwillbeterrible; therefore, O heavenly Sower, ploughme first, and then cast thetruthintome,andletmeyieldTheeabounteousharvest.

Thisevening'sverse:

Ihaveprayedforthee.-Luke22:32

How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never- ceasingintercession forus.Whenwepray,Hepleads forus;and thenwearenotpraying,Heisadvocatingourcause,andbyHissupplicationsshieldingusfrom unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter—"Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you aswheat;but"—what?"Butgoandprayforyourself."Thatwouldbegoodadvice,but it isnot sowritten.Neitherdoeshe say, "But Iwillkeepyouwatchful,andsoyoushallbepreserved."Thatwereagreatblessing.No,itis,"ButIhaveprayedforthee,thatthyfaithfailnot."Welittleknowwhatweowe to ourSaviour's prayers.Whenwe reach thehill-topsof heaven,andlookbackuponallthewaywherebytheLordourGodhathledus,howwe shall praise Him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischiefwhichSatanwasdoinguponearth.Howshallwe thankHimbecauseHenever heldHis peace, but day andnight pointed to thewoundsuponHishands,andcarriedournamesuponHisbreastplate!EvenbeforeSatanhadbegun to tempt, Jesus had forestalled him and entered a plea in heaven.Mercyoutrunsmalice.Mark,Hedoesnotsay,"Satanhathdesiredtohaveyou."HechecksSataneven inhisverydesire, andnips it in thebud.Hedoesnotsay,"ButIhavedesiredtoprayforyou."No,but"Ihaveprayedfor you: I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered acounterpleaevenbeforeanaccusationismade."OJesus,whatacomfortitis that thou hast pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies;counterminedtheirmines,andunmaskedtheirambushes.Hereisamatterforjoy,gratitude,hope,andconfidence.

J a n u a r y 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

YeareChrist's.-1Corinthians3:23

YeareChrist's."YouareHisbydonation,fortheFathergaveyoutotheSon;HisbyHisbloodypurchase,forHecounteddownthepriceforyourredemption;Hisbydedication, foryouhaveconsecratedyourself toHim;His by relation, for you are named by his name, and made one of Hisbrethrenandjoint-heirs.Labourpracticallytoshowtheworldthatyouarethe servant, the friend, the bride of Jesus.When tempted to sin, reply, "Icannot do this great wickedness, for I am Christ's." Immortal principlesforbidthefriendofChristtosin.Whenwealthisbeforeyoutobewonbysin, say that you are Christ's, and touch it not. Are you exposed todifficultiesanddangers?Stand fast in theevilday, remembering thatyouare Christ's. Are you placed where others are sitting down idly, doingnothing?Risetotheworkwithallyourpowers;andwhenthesweatstandsuponyourbrow,andyouaretemptedtoloiter,cry,"No,Icannotstop,forIam Christ's. If I were not purchased by blood, I might be like Issachar,crouchingbetweentwoburdens;butIamChrist's,andcannotloiter."Whenthe siren songof pleasurewould tempt you from the path of right, reply,"Thy music cannot charm me; I am Christ's." When the cause of Godinvites thee,give thygoodsand thyself away, for thouartChrist's.Neverbelie thy profession. Be thou ever one of those whose manners areChristian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct andconversationaresoredolentofheaven,thatallwhoseeyoumayknowthatyou are the Saviour's, recognizing in you His features of love and Hiscountenanceofholiness."IamaRoman!"wasofoldareasonforintegrity;farmore,then,letitbeyourargumentforholiness,"IamChrist's!"

Thisevening'sverse:

IhaveyettospeakonGod'sbehalf.-Job36:2

Weoughtnottocourtpublicityforourvirtue,ornotorietyforourzeal;but,atthesametime,itisasintobealwaysseekingtohidethatwhichGodhas bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be avillageinavalley,but"acitysetuponahill;"heisnottobeacandleunderabushel,butacandleinacandlestick,givinglighttoall.Retirementmaybe lovely in itsseason,and tohideone'sself isdoubtlessmodest,but thehidingofChristinuscanneverbejustified,andthekeepingbackoftruthwhichisprecioustoourselvesisasinagainstothersandanoffenceagainstGod.Ifyouareofanervoustemperamentandofretiringdisposition,takecare thatyoudonot toomuch indulge this tremblingpropensity, lestyoushould be useless to the church. Seek in the name of Himwhowas notashamedofyoutodosomelittleviolencetoyourfeelings,andtelltootherswhatChristhas told toyou. If thoucanstnot speakwith trumpet tongue,use thestillsmallvoice. If thepulpitmustnotbe thy tribune, if thepressmaynotcarryonitswingsthywords,yetsaywithPeterandJohn,"SilverandgoldhaveInone;butsuchasIhavegiveIthee."BySychar'swelltalkto the Samaritan woman, if thou canst not on the mountain preach asermon;utterthepraisesofJesusinthehouse,ifnotinthetemple;inthefield,ifnotupontheexchange;inthemidstofthineownhousehold,ifthoucanstnotinthemidstofthegreatfamilyofman.Fromthehiddenspringswithinletsweetlyflowingrivuletsoftestimonyflowforth,givingdrinktoeverypasser-by.Hidenot thy talent; tradewith it; and thoushaltbring ingoodinteresttothyLordandMaster.TospeakforGodwillberefreshingtoourselves, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honouring to theSaviour.Dumbchildrenareanafflictiontotheirparents.Lord,unlooseallThychildren'stongue.

J a n u a r y 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

JehoshaphatmadeshipsofTharshishtogotoOphirforgold:buttheywentnot;fortheshipswerebrokenatEzion-geber.-1Kings22:48

Solomon's shipshad returned in safety, but Jehoshaphat's vessels neverreachedthelandofgold.Providenceprospersone,andfrustratesthedesiresofanother,inthesamebusinessandatthesamespot,yettheGreatRulerisasgoodandwiseatonetimeasanother.Maywehavegraceto-day,intheremembranceofthistext,toblesstheLordforshipsbrokenatEzion-geber,aswellasforvesselsfreightedwithtemporalblessings;letusnotenvythemore successful, normurmur at our losses as thoughwewere singularlyand specially tried. Like Jehoshaphat, we may be precious in the Lord'ssight,althoughourschemesendindisappointment.

ThesecretcauseofJehoshaphat's lossiswellworthyofnotice,for it isthe root of very much of the suffering of the Lord's people; it was hisalliancewith a sinful family, his fellowshipwith sinners. In 2Chronicles20:37,weare told that theLord sent aprophet todeclare, "Because thouhast joined thyself withAhaziah, the Lord hath broken thyworks." Thiswasafatherlychastisement,whichappearstohavebeenblesttohim;forintheversewhichsucceedsourmorning'stextwefindhimrefusingtoallowhisservantstosailinthesamevesselswiththoseofthewickedking.WouldtoGodthatJehoshaphat'sexperiencemightbeawarningtotherestoftheLord'speople,toavoidbeingunequallyyokedtogetherwithunbelievers!Alifeofmisery isusually the lotof thosewhoareunited inmarriage,or inanyotherwayoftheirownchoosing,withthemenoftheworld.Oforsuchlove to Jesus that, like Him, we may be holy, harmless, undefiled, andseparatefromsinners;forifitbenotsowithus,wemayexpecttohearitoftensaid,"TheLordhathbrokenthyworks."

Thisevening'sverse:

Theirondidswim.-2Kings6:9

Theaxe-headseemedhopelesslylost,andasitwasborrowed,thehonourofthepropheticbandwaslikelytobeimperilled,andsothenameoftheirGodtobecompromised.Contrarytoallexpectation,theironwasmadetomountfromthedepthofthestreamandtoswim;forthingsimpossiblewithmanarepossiblewithGod.IknewamaninChristbutafewyearsagowhowascalled toundertakeawork far exceedinghis strength. It appeared sodifficultastoinvolveabsurdityinthebareideaofattemptingit.Yethewascalledthereto,andhisfaithrosewiththeoccasion;Godhonouredhisfaith,unlooked-for aidwas sent, and the iron did swim.Another of the Lord'sfamilywasingrievousfinancialstraits,hewasabletomeetallclaims,andmuchmoreifhecouldhaverealizedacertainportionofhisestate,buthewas overtakenwith a sudden pressure; he sought for friends in vain, butfaith led him to the unfailingHelper, and lo, the troublewas averted, hisfootstepswereenlarged,andtheirondidswim.Athirdhadasorrowfulcaseof depravity to deal with. He had taught, reproved, warned, invited, andinterceded,butallinvain.OldAdamwastoostrongforyoungMelancthon,the stubborn spirit would not relent. Then came an agony of prayer, andbefore long a blessed answerwas sent from heaven. The hard heart wasbroken,theirondidswim.

Belovedreader,whatisthydesperatecase?Whatheavymatterhastthouin hand this evening?Bring it hither. TheGod of the prophets lives, andlives to help His saints. He will not suffer thee to lack any good thing.Believe thou in the Lord of hosts! Approach Him pleading the name ofJesus,andtheironshallswim;thoutooshaltseethefingerofGodworkingmarvelsforHispeople.Accordingtothyfaithbeituntothee,andyetagaintheironshallswim.

J a n u a r y 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Mightytosave.-Isaiah63:1

By thewords "to save"we understand thewhole of the greatwork ofsalvation,fromthefirstholydesireonwardtocompletesanctification.Thewordsaremultuminparro:indeed,hereisallmercyinoneword.Christisnotonly "mighty to save" thosewho repent, butHe is able tomakemenrepent. Hewill carry those to heavenwho believe; but He is, moreover,mightytogivemennewheartsandtoworkfaithinthem.Heismightytomake themanwhohatesholiness love it,and toconstrain thedespiserofHisnametobendthekneebeforeHim.Nay,thisisnotallthemeaning,forthedivinepowerisequallyseenintheafter-work.Thelifeofabelieverisaseriesofmiracleswroughtby"theMightyGod."Thebushburns,butisnotconsumed.Heismighty tokeepHispeopleholyafterHehasmade themso, and to preserve them in his fear and love until he consummates theirspiritual existence in heaven. Christ's might doth not lie in making abelieverand then leavinghim toshift forhimself;butHewhobegins thegoodworkcarries iton;Hewhoimparts thefirstgermoflife inthedeadsoul,prolongsthedivineexistence,andstrengthensituntilitburstsasunderevery bond of sin, and the soul leaps from earth, perfected in glory.Believer,here is encouragement.Art thoupraying for somebelovedone?Oh, give not up thy prayers, for Christ is "mighty to save." You arepowerlesstoreclaimtherebel,butyourLordisAlmighty.Layholdonthatmighty arm, and rouse it to put forth its strength. Does your own casetrouble you? Fear not, for His strength is sufficient for you.Whether tobeginwithothers,ortocarryontheworkinyou,Jesusis"mightytosave;"the best proof of which lies in the fact that He has saved you. What athousandmerciesthatyouhavenotfoundHimmightytodestroy!

Thisevening'sverse:

Beginningtosink,hecried,saying,Lord,saveme.-Matthew14:30

SinkingtimesareprayingtimeswiththeLord'sservants.Peterneglectedprayeratstartinguponhisventurousjourney,butwhenhebegantosinkhisdangermadehimasuppliant,andhiscry though latewasnot too late. Inourhoursofbodilypainandmentalanguish,wefindourselvesasnaturallydriven toprayeras thewreck isdrivenupon theshoreby thewaves.Thefoxhiestoitsholeforprotection;thebirdfliestothewoodforshelter;andeven so the tried believer hastens to the mercy seat for safety. Heaven'sgreatharbourof refuge isAll-prayer; thousandsofweather-beatenvesselshavefoundahaventhere,andthemomentastormcomeson,itiswiseforustomakeforitwithallsail.

Shortprayersarelongenough.TherewerebutthreewordsinthepetitionwhichPetergaspedout,buttheyweresufficientforhispurpose.Notlengthbutstrengthisdesirable.Asenseofneedisamightyteacherofbrevity.Ifourprayershadlessofthetailfeathersofprideandmorewingtheywouldbe all the better. Verbiage is to devotion as chaff to the wheat. Preciousthings lie in small compass, and all that is real prayer in many a longaddressmighthavebeenutteredinapetitionasshortasthatofPeter.

OurextremitiesaretheLord'sopportunities.ImmediatelyakeensenseofdangerforcesananxiouscryfromustheearofJesushears,andwithHimear and heart go together, and the hand does not long linger. At the lastmoment we appeal to our Master, but His swift hand makes up for ourdelays by instant and effectual action. Are we nearly engulfed by theboisterous waters of affliction? Let us then lift up our souls unto ourSaviour,andwemayrestassuredthatHewillnotsufferustoperish.Whenwe can do nothing Jesus can do all things; let us enlistHis powerful aiduponourside,andallwillbewell.

J a n u a r y 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Doasthouhastsaid.-2Samuel7:25

God'spromiseswerenevermeanttobethrownasideaswastepaper;Heintendedthat theyshouldbeused.God'sgoldisnotmiser'smoney,but isminted tobe tradedwith.NothingpleasesourLordbetter than toseeHispromisesput incirculation;HelovestoseeHischildrenbringthemuptoHim,andsay,"Lord,doasThouhastsaid."WeglorifyGodwhenwepleadHispromises.DoyouthinkthatGodwillbeanythepoorerforgivingyoutherichesHehaspromised?DoyoudreamthatHewillbeanythelessholyforgivingholinesstoyou?DoyouimagineHewillbeanythelesspureforwashing you from your sins?He has said "Come now, and let us reasontogether, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be aswhite as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."Faithlaysholduponthepromiseofpardon,anditdoesnotdelay,saying,"Thisisapreciouspromise,Iwonderif itbetrue?"butitgoesstraighttothethronewithit,andpleads,"Lord,hereisthepromise,'DoasThouhastsaid.'" Our Lord replies, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." When aChristiangraspsapromise,ifhedonottakeittoGod,hedishonoursHim;butwhenhehastenstothethroneofgrace,andcries,"Lord,Ihavenothingto recommend me but this, 'Thou hast said it;'" then his desire shall begranted.OurheavenlyBankerdelightstocashHisownnotes.Neverletthepromiserust.Drawthewordofpromiseoutofitsscabbard,anduseitwithholyviolence.Thinknot thatGodwillbe troubledbyyour importunatelyremindingHimofHispromises.Helovestoheartheloudoutcriesofneedysouls.ItisHisdelighttobestowfavours.Heismorereadytohearthanyouaretoask.Thesunisnotwearyofshining,northefountainofflowing.ItisGod'snaturetokeepHispromises;thereforegoatoncetothethronewith"DoasThouhastsaid."

Thisevening'sverse:

ButIgivemyselfuntoprayer.-Psalm109:4

LyingtongueswerebusyagainstthereputationofDavid,buthedidnotdefendhimself;hemovedthecaseintoahighercourt,andpleadedbeforethegreatKingHimself.Prayeristhesafestmethodofreplyingtowordsofhatred.ThePsalmistprayedinnocold-heartedmanner,hegavehimselftothe exercise— threw hiswhole soul and heart into it— straining everysinewandmuscle,asJacobdidwhenwrestlingwith theangel.Thus,andthusonly,shallanyofusspeedatthethroneofgrace.Asashadowhasnopower because there is no substance in it, even so that supplication, inwhichaman'sproperselfisnotthoroughlypresentinagonizingearnestnessand vehement desire, is utterly ineffectual, for it lacks that whichwouldgiveitforce."Ferventprayer,"saysanolddivine,"likeacannonplantedatthe gates of heaven, makes them fly open." The common fault with themostofusisourreadinesstoyieldtodistractions.Ourthoughtsgorovinghitherandthither,andwemakelittleprogresstowardsourdesiredend.Likequicksilverourmindwillnotholdtogether,butrollsoffthiswayandthat.Howgreatanevilthisis!Itinjuresus,andwhatisworse,itinsultsourGod.Whatshouldwe thinkofapetitioner, if,whilehavinganaudiencewithaprince,heshouldbeplayingwithafeatherorcatchingafly?

Continuanceandperseveranceareintendedintheexpressionofourtext.Daviddidnotcryonce,andthenrelapseintosilence;hisholyclamourwascontinuedtillitbroughtdowntheblessing.Prayermustnotbeourchancework, but our daily business, our habit and vocation. As artists givethemselvestotheirmodels,andpoetstotheirclassicalpursuits,somustweaddict ourselves to prayer. We must be immersed in prayer as in ourelement,andsopraywithoutceasing.Lord,teachussotopraythatwemaybemoreandmoreprevalentinsupplication.

J a n u a r y 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

Iwillhelpthee,saiththeLord.-Isaiah41:14

ThismorningletusheartheLordJesusspeaktoeachoneofus:"Iwillhelpthee.""ItisbutasmallthingforMe,thyGod,tohelpthee.ConsiderwhatIhavedonealready.What!nothelpthee?Why,IboughttheewithMyblood.What! not help thee? I have died for thee; and if I have done thegreater,willInotdotheless?Helpthee!ItistheleastthingIwilleverdofor thee; I have donemore, andwill domore. Before theworld began Ichosethee.Imadethecovenantforthee.IlaidasideMygloryandbecameamanforthee;IgaveupMylifeforthee;andifIdidallthis,Iwillsurelyhelptheenow.Inhelpingthee,IamgivingtheewhatIhaveboughtfortheealready.Ifthouhadstneedofathousandtimesasmuchhelp,Iwouldgiveit thee; thou requirest little comparedwithwhat I am ready to give. 'Tismuchfortheetoneed,butitisnothingformetobestow.'Helpthee?'Fearnot!Iftherewereanantatthedoorofthygranaryaskingforhelp,itwouldnotruintheetogivehimahandfulofthywheat;andthouartnothingbutatinyinsectatthedoorofMyall-sufficiency.'Iwillhelpthee.'"

Omy soul, is not this enough?Dost thou needmore strength than theomnipotence of the United Trinity? Dost thou want more wisdom thanexistsintheFather,morelovethandisplaysitselfintheSon,ormorepowerthan ismanifest in the influences of the Spirit?Bring hither thine emptypitcher!Surely thiswellwill fill it.Haste,gatherup thywants,andbringthem here— thine emptiness, thywoes, thy needs. Behold, this river ofGodisfullforthysupply;whatcanstthoudesirebeside?Goforth,mysoul,inthisthymight.TheEternalGodisthinehelper!

Fearnot,Iamwiththee,oh,benotdismay'd!I,IamthyGod,andwillstillgivetheeaid.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheMessiahshallbecutoff,butnotforhimself.-Daniel9:26

Blessed be His name, there was no cause of death in Him. Neitheroriginalnoractual sinhaddefiledHim,and thereforedeathhadnoclaimuponHim.NomancouldhavetakenHislifefromHimjustly,forHehaddonenomanwrong,andnomancouldevenhavelainHimbyforceunlessHehadbeenpleased toyieldHimself todie.But lo,onesinsandanothersuffers.Justicewasoffendedbyus,butfounditssatisfactioninHim.Riversoftears,mountainsofofferings,seasofthebloodofbullocks,andhillsoffrankincense,couldnothaveavailedfortheremovalofsin;butJesuswascutoffforus,andthecauseofwrathwascutoffatonce,forsinwasputawayforever.Hereiniswisdom,wherebysubstitution,thesureandspeedyway of atonement,was devised!Herein is condescension,which broughtMessiah, the Prince, to wear a crown of thorns, and die upon the cross!Herein is love, which led the Redeemer to lay down His life for Hisenemies!

It is not enough, however, to admire the spectacle of the innocentbleeding for the guilty, we must make sure of our interest therein. ThespecialobjectoftheMessiah'sdeathwasthesalvationofHischurch;haveweapartandalotamongthoseforwhomHegaveHislifearansom?DidtheLordJesusstandasourrepresentative?ArewehealedbyHisstripes?ItwillbeaterriblethingindeedifweshouldcomeshortofaportioninHissacrifice;itwerebetterforusthatwehadneverbeenborn.Solemnasthequestionis,itisajoyfulcircumstancethatitisonewhichmaybeansweredclearlyandwithoutmistake.ToallwhobelieveonHimtheLordJesusisapresent Saviour, and upon them all the blood of reconciliation has beensprinkled. Let all who trust in the merit of Messiah's death be joyful atevery remembrance ofHim, and let their holy gratitude lead them to thefullestconsecrationtoHiscause.

J a n u a r y 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

AndI looked,and, lo,aLambstoodon themountSion. -Revelation14:1

TheapostleJohnwasprivilegedtolookwithinthegatesofheaven,andindescribingwhathesaw,hebeginsbysaying,"Ilooked,and,lo,aLamb!"Thisteachesusthatthechiefobjectofcontemplationintheheavenlystateis "theLambofGod,which taketh away the sins of theworld."Nothingelse attracted the apostle's attention somuch as thepersonof thatDivineBeing,whohathredeemedusbyHisblood.Heisthethemeofthesongsofallglorifiedspiritsandholyangels.Christian,hereisjoyforthee;thouhastlooked, and thou hast seen the Lamb. Through thy tears thine eyes haveseentheLambofGodtakingawaythysins.Rejoice,then.Inalittlewhile,whenthineeyesshallhavebeenwipedfromtears, thouwiltsee thesameLamb exalted on His throne. It is the joy of thy heart to hold dailyfellowshipwith Jesus; thou shalthave the same joy toahigherdegree inheaven; thou shalt enjoy the constant vision of His presence; thou shaltdwellwithHimforever. "I looked,and, lo, aLamb!"Why, thatLamb isheavenitself;forasgoodRutherfordsays,"HeavenandChristarethesamething;"tobewithChrististobeinheaven,andtobeinheavenistobewithChrist.ThatprisoneroftheLordverysweetlywritesinoneofhisglowingletters—"OmyLordJesusChrist,ifIcouldbeinheavenwithoutthee,itwouldbeahell;andifIcouldbeinhell,andhavetheestill,itwouldbeaheaven to me, for thou art all the heaven I want." It is true, is it not,Christian?Doesnotthysoulsayso?

NotalltheharpsaboveCanmakeaheavenlyplace,IfGodHisresidenceremove,OrbutconcealHisface.

Allthouneedesttomaketheeblessed,supremelyblessed,is"tobewithChrist."

Thisevening'sverse:

Anditcametopassinanevening-tide, thatDavidarosefromoffhisbed,andwalkedupontheroofoftheking'shouse.-2Samuel11:2

At that hour David saw Bathsheba.We are never out of the reach oftemptation.Bothathomeandabroadweareliabletomeetwithallurementstoevil;themorningopenswithperil,andtheshadesofeveningfindusstillinjeopardy.TheyarewellkeptwhomGodkeeps,butwoeuntothosewhogo forth into the world, or even dare to walk their own house unarmed.Thosewho think themselves secure aremoreexposed todanger thananyothers.Thearmour-bearerofSinisSelf-confidence.

DavidshouldhavebeenengagedinfightingtheLord'sbattles,insteadofwhichhetarriedatJerusalem,andgavehimselfuptoluxuriousrepose,forhe arose from his bed at eventide. Idleness and luxury are the devil'sjackals, and findhimabundantprey. In stagnantwatersnoxiouscreaturesswarm,andneglectedsoilsoonyieldsadensetangleofweedsandbriars.OhfortheconstrainingloveofJesustokeepusactiveanduseful!WhenIseetheKingofIsraelsluggishlyleavinghiscouchatthecloseoftheday,and falling at once into temptation, let me take warning, and set holywatchfulnesstoguardthedoor.

Isitpossiblethatthekinghadmountedhishousetopforretirementanddevotion? If so, what a caution is given us to count no place, howeversecret,asanctuaryfromsin!Whileourheartsaresolikeatinder-box,andsparkssoplentiful,wehadneedusealldiligenceinallplacestopreventablaze.Satancanclimbhousetops,andenterclosets,andeven ifwecouldshutout that foul fiend,ourowncorruptionsareenough toworkour ruinunlessgraceprevent.Reader,bewareofeveningtemptations.Benotsecure.Thesunisdownbutsinisup.Weneedawatchmanforthenightaswellasa guardian for the day.O blessedSpirit, keep us from all evil this night.Amen.

J a n u a r y 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

ThereremaineththereforearesttothepeopleofGod.-Hebrews4:9

Howdifferentwillbethestateofthebelieverinheavenfromwhatitishere!Here he is born to toil and sufferweariness, but in the land of theimmortal,fatigueisneverknown.AnxioustoservehisMaster,hefindshisstrengthunequaltohiszeal:hisconstantcryis,"HelpmetoserveThee,OmyGod." If he be thoroughly active, hewill havemuch labour; not toomuchforhiswill,butmorethanenoughforhispower,sothathewillcryout,"Iamnotweariedofthelabour,butIamweariedinit."Ah!Christian,thehotdayofwearinesslastsnotforever;thesunisnearingthehorizon;itshall rise againwith a brighter day than thou hast ever seen upon a landwheretheyserveGoddayandnight,andyetrestfromtheirlabours.Here,restisbutpartial,there,itisperfect.Here,theChristianisalwaysunsettled;hefeelsthathehasnotyetattained.There,allareatrest;theyhaveattainedthesummitofthemountain;theyhaveascendedtothebosomoftheirGod.Highertheycannotgo.Ah,toil-wornlabourer,onlythinkwhenthoushaltrest for ever! Canst thou conceive it? It is a rest eternal; a rest that"remaineth." Here, my best joys bear "mortal" on their brow; my fairflowers fade;mydainty cups aredrained todregs;my sweetest birds fallbefore Death's arrows; mymost pleasant days are shadowed into nights;and the flood-tides of my bliss subside into ebbs of sorrow; but there,everythingisimmortal;theharpabidesunrusted,thecrownunwithered,theeye undimmed, the voice unfaltering, the heart unwavering, and theimmortalbeing iswhollyabsorbed in infinitedelight.Happyday!happy!whenmortalityshallbeswallowedupoflife,andtheEternalSabbathshallbegin.

Thisevening'sverse:

He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerninghimself.-Luke24:27

ThetwodisciplesontheroadtoEmmaushadamostprofitablejourney.Theircompanionandteacherwasthebestoftutors;theinterpreteroneofathousand,inwhomarehidallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge.TheLordJesuscondescendedtobecomeapreacherofthegospel,andHewasnot ashamed to exercise His calling before an audience of two persons,neitherdoesHenowrefusetobecometheteacherofevenone.Letuscourtthe company of so excellent an Instructor, for till He is made unto uswisdomweshallneverbewiseuntosalvation.

ThisunrivalledtutorusedasHisclass-bookthebestofbooks.Althoughabletorevealfreshtruth,Hepreferredtoexpoundtheold.HeknewbyHisomnisciencewhatwasthemostinstructivewayofteaching,andbyturningat once toMoses and the prophets,He showed us that the surest road towisdom is not speculation, reasoning, or reading human books, butmeditationupontheWordofGod.Thereadiestwaytobespirituallyrichinheavenly knowledge is to dig in thismine of diamonds, to gather pearlsfrom this heavenly sea.When JesusHimself sought to enrich others, HewroughtinthequarryofHolyScripture.

The favoured pair were led to consider the best of subjects, for Jesusspake of Jesus, and expounded the things concerning Himself. Here thediamondcutthediamond,andwhatcouldbemoreadmirable?TheMasterof theHouseunlockedHisowndoors, conducted theguests toHis table,andplacedHisowndaintiesupon it.Hewhohid the treasure in the fieldHimself guided the searchers to it. Our Lord would naturally discourseuponthesweetestoftopics,andHecouldfindnonesweeterthanHisownpersonandwork:withaneyetotheseweshouldalwayssearchtheWord.OforgracetostudytheBiblewithJesusasbothourteacherandourlesson!

J a n u a r y 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Isoughthim,butIfoundhimnot.-Song3:1

Tellmewhere you lost the company of Christ, and Iwill tell you themost likely place to find Him. Have you lost Christ in the closet byrestrainingprayer?Then it is thereyoumust seekand findHim.DidyouloseChristbysin?YouwillfindChristinnootherwaybutbythegivingupofthesin,andseekingbytheHolySpirittomortifythememberinwhichthelustdothdwell.DidyouloseChristbyneglectingtheScriptures?Youmust findChrist in theScriptures. It is a true proverb, "Look for a thingwhereyoudroppedit, it is there."SolookforChristwhereyoulostHim,forHehasnotgoneaway.ButitishardworktogobackforChrist.Bunyantellsus,thepilgrimfoundthepieceoftheroadbacktotheArbourofEase,where he lost his roll, the hardest he had ever travelled. Twenty milesonwardiseasierthantogoonemilebackforthelostevidence.

Takecare, then,whenyoufindyourMaster, toclingclose toHim.Buthow is it you have lostHim?Onewould have thought youwould neverhavepartedwithsuchapreciousfriend,whosepresenceissosweet,whosewordsaresocomforting,andwhosecompanyissodeartoyou!HowisitthatyoudidnotwatchHimeverymomentforfearoflosingsightofHim?Yet, sinceyouhave letHimgo,what amercy that you are seekingHim,even though you mournfully groan, "O that I knew where I might findHim!"Goonseeking,for it isdangeroustobewithout thyLord.WithoutChristyouarelikeasheepwithoutitsshepherd;likeatreewithoutwateratitsroots;likeasereleafinthetempest—notboundtothetreeoflife.WiththinewholeheartseekHim,andHewillbefoundofthee:onlygivethyselfthoroughlyuptothesearch,andverily,thoushaltyetdiscoverHimtothyjoyandgladness.

Thisevening'sverse:

ThenopenedHe theirunderstanding, that theymightunderstand theScriptures.-Luke24:45

HewhomweviewedlasteveningasopeningScripture,wehereperceiveopeningtheunderstanding.InthefirstworkHehasmanyfellow-labourers,but in the secondHe stands alone;many can bring the Scriptures to themind, but the Lord alone can prepare themind to receive the Scriptures.OurLord Jesusdiffers fromallother teachers; they reach theear,butHeinstructs the heart; they deal with the outward letter, but He imparts aninwardtastefor the truth,bywhichweperceiveitssavourandspirit.Themostunlearnedofmenbecome ripe scholars in the schoolofgracewhentheLordJesusbyHisHolySpiritunfoldsthemysteriesofthekingdomtothem,andgrantsthedivineanointingbywhichtheyareenabledtobeholdtheinvisible.Happyareweifwehavehadourunderstandingsclearedandstrengthened by the Master! How many men of profound learning areignorantofeternalthings!Theyknowthekillingletterofrevelation,butitskillingspirit theycannotdiscern; theyhaveaveilupontheirheartswhichtheeyesofcarnalreasoncannotpenetrate.Suchwasourcasealittletimeago;wewhonowseewereonceutterlyblind;truthwastousasbeautyinthedark,a thingunnoticedandneglected.Had itnotbeen for the loveofJesus we should have remained to this moment in utter ignorance, forwithoutHisgraciousopeningofourunderstanding,wecouldnomorehaveattainedtospiritualknowledgethananinfantcanclimbthePyramids,oranostrich fly up to the stars. Jesus' College is the only one inwhichGod'struth can be really learned; other schools may teach us what is to bebelieved,butChrist'salonecanshowushowtobelieveit.LetussitatthefeetofJesus,andbyearnestprayercallinHisblessedaidthatourdullwitsmay grow brighter, and our feeble understandings may receive heavenlythings.

J a n u a r y 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Abelwasakeeperofsheep.-Genesis4:2

AsashepherdAbelsanctifiedhisworktothegloryofGod,andofferedasacrificeofblooduponhisaltar,andtheLordhadrespectuntoAbelandhisoffering.ThisearlytypeofourLordisexceedinglyclearanddistinct.Likethe first streakof lightwhich tinges theeast at sunrise, itdoesnot revealeverything,butitclearlymanifeststhegreatfactthatthesuniscoming.AsweseeAbel,ashepherdandyetapriest,offeringasacrificeofsweetsmelluntoGod,wediscernourLord,whobringsbeforeHisFatherasacrificetowhich Jehovaheverhath respect.Abelwashatedbyhisbrother—hatedwithoutacause;andevensowas theSaviour: thenaturalandcarnalmanhatedtheacceptedmaninwhomtheSpiritofgracewasfound,andrestednot until his blood had been shed. Abel fell, and sprinkled his altar andsacrificewithhisownblood,andthereinsetsforththeLordJesusslainbythe enmity ofmanwhile serving as a priest before the Lord. "The goodShepherdlayethdownHislifeforthesheep."LetusweepoverHimasweviewHim slain by the hatred ofmankind, staining the horns ofHis altarwithHisownblood.Abel'sbloodspeaketh."TheLordsaiduntoCain,'Thevoiceofthybrother'sbloodcriethuntoMefromtheground.'"ThebloodofJesus hath a mighty tongue, and the import of its prevailing cry is notvengeancebutmercy.Itispreciousbeyondallpreciousnesstostandatthealtar of our goodShepherd! to seeHimbleeding there as the slaughteredpriest,andthentohearHisbloodspeakingpeacetoallHisflock,peaceinourconscience,peacebetweenJewandGentile,peacebetweenmanandhisoffendedMaker,peacealldowntheagesofeternityforblood-washedmen.Abel is the first shepherd inorderof time,butourheartsshalleverplaceJesus first inorderofexcellence.ThougreatKeeperof thesheep,we thepeopleofThypastureblessTheewithourwholeheartswhenweseeTheeslainforus.

Thisevening'sverse:

Turnawaymineeyesfrombeholdingvanity;andquickenThoumeinThyway.-Psalm119:37

Therearediverskindsofvanity.Thecapandbellsofthefool,themirthoftheworld,thedance,thelyre,andthecupofthedissolute,allthesemenknowtobevanities; theywearupontheirforefronttheirpropernameandtitle.Farmore treacherous are those equallyvain things, the caresof thisworldandthedeceitfulnessofriches.Amanmayfollowvanityastrulyinthecounting-houseasinthetheatre.Ifhebespendinghislifeinamassingwealth, he passes his days in a vain show.Unlesswe followChrist, andmakeourGodthegreatobjectoflife,weonlydifferinappearancefromthemostfrivolous.Itisclearthatthereismuchneedofthefirstprayerofourtext."QuickenThoumeinThyway."ThePsalmistconfessesthatheisdull,heavy,lumpy,allbutdead.Perhaps,dearreader,youfeelthesame.Weareso sluggish that the bestmotives cannot quicken us, apart from theLordHimself.What!willnothellquickenme?ShallIthinkofsinnersperishing,andyetnotbeawakened?Willnotheavenquickenme?CanIthinkoftherewardthatawaiteththerighteous,andyetbecold?Willnotdeathquickenme?CanIthinkofdying,andstandingbeforemyGod,andyetbeslothfulinmyMaster'sservice?WillnotChrist'sloveconstrainme?CanIthinkofHisdearwounds,canIsitatthefootofHiscross,andnotbestirredwithfervencyandzeal? It seems so!Nomereconsiderationcanquickenus tozeal,butGodHimselfmustdoit,hencethecry,"QuickenThoume."ThePsalmistbreathesouthiswholesoul invehementpleadings:hisbodyandhissoulunite inprayer."Turnawaymineeyes,"says thebody:"QuickenThoume,"criesthesoul.Thisisafitprayerforeveryday.OLord,hearitinmycasethisnight.

J a n u a r y 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

AndsoallIsraelshallbesaved.-Romans11:26

ThenMoses sangat theRedSea, itwashis joy toknow that all Israelwere safe. Not a drop of spray fell from that solid wall until the last ofGod's Israel had safely planted his foot on the other side the flood. Thatdone, immediately the floods dissolved into their proper place again, butnot till then.Partof that songwas, "Thou in thymercyhast led forth thepeoplewhich thou hast redeemed." In the last time,when the elect shallsingthesongofMoses,theservantofGod,andoftheLamb,itshallbetheboast of Jesus, "Of all whom thou hast given me, I have lost none." Inheaventhereshallnotbeavacantthrone.

ForallthechosenraceShallmeetaroundthethrone,ShallblesstheconductofHisgrace,AndmakeHisgloriesknown.

AsmanyasGodhathchosen,asmanyasChristhathredeemed,asmanyastheSpirithathcalled,asmanyasbelieveinJesus,shallsafelycrossthedividingsea.Wearenotallsafelylandedyet:

Partofthehosthavecrossedtheflood,Andpartarecrossingnow.

The vanguard of the army has already reached the shore. We aremarching through the depths;we are at this day following hard after ourLeader into the heart of the sea. Let us be of good cheer: the rear-guardshall soon bewhere the vanguard already is; the last of the chosen onesshallsoonhavecrossedthesea,andthenshallbeheardthesongoftriumph,whenallaresecure.Butoh!ifonewereabsent—oh!ifoneofHischosenfamilyshouldbecastaway—itwouldmakeaneverlastingdiscordinthesongof theredeemed,andcut thestringsof theharpsofparadise,so thatmusiccouldneverbeextortedfromthem.

Thisevening'sverse:

Hewassoreathirst,andcalledontheLord,andsaid,ThouhastgiventhisgreatdeliveranceintothehandofThyservant:andnowshallIdieforthirst?-Judges15:18

Samsonwasthirstyandreadytodie.Thedifficultywastotallydifferentfromanywhich theherohadmetbefore.Merely toget thirst assuaged isnothinglikesogreatamatterastobedeliveredfromathousandPhilistines!butwhenthethirstwasuponhim,Samsonfeltthatlittlepresentdifficultymoreweightythanthegreatpastdifficultyoutofwhichhehadsospeciallybeendelivered.ItisveryusualforGod'speople,whentheyhaveenjoyedagreatdeliverance,tofindalittletroubletoomuchforthem.SamsonslaysathousandPhilistines,andpilesthemupinheaps,andthenfaintsforalittlewater! Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel, and overcomes Omnipotenceitself, and then goes "halting on his thigh!" Strange that theremust be ashrinkingofthesinewwheneverwewintheday.AsiftheLordmustteachus our littleness, our nothingness, in order to keep us within bounds.Samsonboastedrightloudlywhenhesaid,"Ihaveslainathousandmen."Hisboastful throatsoongrewhoarsewiththirst,andhebetookhimself toprayer.GodhasmanywaysofhumblingHispeople.DearchildofGod,ifafter greatmercyyou are laid very low, your case is not anunusual one.WhenDavidhadmountedthethroneofIsrael,hesaid,"Iamthisdayweak,though anointed king." You must expect to feel weakest when you areenjoying your greatest triumph. If God has wrought for you greatdeliverancesinthepast,yourpresentdifficultyisonlylikeSamson'sthirst,and the Lord will not let you faint, nor suffer the daughter of theuncircumcised to triumph over you. The road of sorrow is the road toheaven,buttherearewellsofrefreshingwaterallalongtheroute.So,triedbrother, cheeryourheartwithSamson'swords, and rest assured thatGodwilldeliveryouerelong.

J a n u a r y 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Sonofman,Whatisthevinetreemorethananytree,orthanabranchwhichisamongthetreesoftheforest?-Ezekiel15:2

ThesewordsareforthehumblingofGod'speople;theyarecalledGod'svine, but what are they by nature more than others? They, by God'sgoodness, have become fruitful, having been planted in a good soil; theLordhathtrainedthemuponthewallsofthesanctuary,andtheybringforthfruit to His glory; but what are they without their God? What are theywithoutthecontinualinfluenceoftheSpirit,begettingfruitfulnessinthem?O believer, learn to reject pride, seeing that thou hast no ground for it.Whatever thou art, thouhast nothing tomake theeproud.Themore thouhast, themore thouart indebt toGod;and thoushouldstnotbeproudofthatwhichrenders theeadebtor.Consider thineorigin; lookbacktowhatthou wast. Consider what thou wouldst have been but for divine grace.Lookuponthyselfasthouartnow.Dothnotthyconsciencereproachthee?Donot thy thousandwanderingsstandbefore thee,and tell thee that thouartunworthytobecalledHisson?AndifHehathmadetheeanything,artthou not taught thereby that it is grace which hath made thee to differ?Greatbeliever,thouwouldsthavebeenagreatsinnerifGodhadnotmadetheetodiffer.Othouwhoartvaliantfor truth, thouwouldsthavebeenasvaliant for error if grace had not laid hold upon thee. Therefore, be notproud,thoughthouhastalargeestate—awidedomainofgrace,thouhadstnot once a single thing to call thine own except thy sin andmisery.Oh!strangeinfatuation,thatthou,whohastborrowedeverything,shouldstthinkof exalting thyself; a poor dependent pensioner upon the bounty of thySaviour,onewhohathalifewhichdieswithoutfreshstreamsoflifefromJesus,andyetproud!Fieonthee,Osillyheart!

Thisevening'sverse:

DothJobfearGodfornought?-Job1:9

Thiswas thewicked question of Satan concerning that uprightman ofold, but there aremany in the present day concerningwhom itmight beaskedwith justice, for they loveGodaftera fashionbecauseHeprospersthem;butifthingswentillwiththem,theywouldgiveupalltheirboastedfaith inGod. If they can clearly see that since the timeof their supposedconversiontheworldhasgoneprosperouslywiththem,thentheywillloveGod in their poor carnal way; but if they endure adversity, they rebelagainsttheLord.Theirloveistheloveofthetable,notofthehost;alovetothecupboard,not to themasterof thehouse.Asfor the trueChristian,heexpectstohavehisrewardinthenextlife,andtoendurehardnessinthis.Thepromiseoftheoldcovenantisadversity.RememberChrist'swords—"EverybranchinMethatbearethnotfruit"—What?"Hepurgethit,thatitmay bring forth fruit." If you bring forth fruit, you will have to endureaffliction. "Alas!"you say, "that is a terribleprospect."But this afflictionworksoutsuchpreciousresults, that theChristianwhois thesubjectof itmustlearntorejoiceintribulations,becauseashistribulationsabound,sohisconsolationsaboundbyChristJesus.Restassured,ifyouareachildofGod,youwillbenostranger to therod.Sooneror latereverybarofgoldmust pass through the fire. Fear not, but rather rejoice that such fruitfultimesareinstoreforyou,for inthemyouwillbeweanedfromearthandmademeetforheaven;youwillbedeliveredfromclingingtothepresent,andmadetolongforthoseeternalthingswhicharesosoontoberevealedto you.When you feel that as regards the present you do serveGod fornought,youwillthenrejoiceintheinfiniterewardofthefuture.

J a n u a r y 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Ihaveexaltedonechosenoutofthepeople.-Psalm89:19

WhywasChrist chosen out of the people?Speak,myheart, for heart-thoughtsarebest.WasitnotthatHemightbeabletobeourbrother,intheblest tie of kindred blood?Oh,what relationship there is betweenChristandthebeliever!Thebelievercansay,"IhaveaBrotherinheaven;Imaybepoor,butIhaveaBrotherwhoisrich,andisaKing,andwillHesufferme towantwhileHe is onHis throne?Oh, no!He lovesme;He ismyBrother."Believer,wearthisblessedthought,likeanecklaceofdiamonds,around theneckof thymemory;put it, as agolden ring,on the fingerofrecollection,anduseitastheKing'sownseal,stampingthepetitionsofthyfaithwith confidence of success.He is a brother born for adversity, treatHimassuch.

ChristwasalsochosenoutofthepeoplethatHemightknowourwantsandsympathizewithus."Hewastemptedinallpoints likeasweare,yetwithout sin." Inallour sorrowswehaveHis sympathy.Temptation,pain,disappointment,weakness,weariness, poverty—He knows them all, forHehasfeltall.Rememberthis,Christian,andletitcomfortthee.Howeverdifficultandpainfulthyroad,itismarkedbythefootstepsofthySaviour;andevenwhen thou reachest thedarkvalleyof the shadowofdeath, andthedeepwatersoftheswellingJordan,thouwiltfindHisfootprintsthere.Inallplaceswhithersoeverwego,Hehasbeenourforerunner;eachburdenwehavetocarry,hasoncebeenlaidontheshouldersofImmanuel.

HiswaywasmuchrougheranddarkerthanmineDidChrist,myLord,suffer,andshallIrepine?

Takecourage!Royalfeethaveleftablood-redtrackupontheroad,andconsecratedthethornypathforever.

Thisevening'sverse:

WewillrememberThylovemorethanwine.-Song1:4

Jesuswill not letHis people forgetHis love. If all the love they haveenjoyed shouldbe forgotten,Hewill visit themwith fresh love. "Doyouforgetmycross?"saysHe,"Iwillcauseyoutorememberit;foratMytableIwillmanifestMyselfanewtoyou.Doyouforgetat Idid foryou in thecouncil-chamberofeternity? Iwill remindyouof it, foryoushallneedacounsellor,andshall findMereadyatyourcall."Mothersdonot let theirchildren forget them. If theboyhasgone toAustralia,anddoesnotwritehome, hismotherwrites—"Has John forgotten hismother?"Then therecomesbackasweetepistle,whichprovesthatthegentlereminderwasnotin vain. So is it with Jesus, He says to us, "Remember Me," and ourresponseis,"WewillrememberThylove."WewillrememberThyloveanditsmatchlesshistory. It isancientas theglorywhichThouhadstwith theFather before the world was.We remember, O Jesus, Thine eternal lovewhenThoudidstbecomeourSurety,andespouseusasThybetrothed.Weremember the love which suggested the sacrifice of Thyself, the lovewhich,untilthefulnessoftime,musedoverthatsacrifice,andlongforthehour whereof in the volume of the book it was written of Thee, "Lo, Icome."We rememberThy love,O Jesus as itwasmanifest to us inThyholylife,fromthemangerofBethlehemtothegardenofGethsemane.Wetrack Thee from the cradle to the grave— for every word and deed ofThinewaslove—andwerejoiceinThylove,whichdeathdidnotexhaust;Thy lovewhichshoneresplendent inThyresurrection.Weremember thatburning fire of lovewhichwill never let Thee holdThy peace until Thychosen ones be all safely housed, until Zion be glorified, and Jerusalemsettledonhereverlastingfoundationsoflightandloveinheaven.

J a n u a r y 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Surelyheshalldelivertheefromthesnareofthefowler.-Psalm91:3

God delivers His people from the snare of the fowler in two senses.From, and out of. First,He delivers them from the snare—does not letthementer it; and secondly, if they shouldbe caught therein,Hedeliversthemoutofit.Thefirstpromiseisthemostprecioustosome;thesecondisthebesttoothers.

"Heshalldelivertheefromthesnare."How?TroubleisoftenthemeanswherebyGoddeliversus.Godknowsthatourbackslidingwillsoonendinour destruction, and He in mercy sends the rod. We say, "Lord, why isthis?" not knowing that our trouble has been themeans of delivering usfromfargreaterevil.Manyhavebeenthussavedfromruinbytheirsorrowsand their crosses; these have frightened the birds from the net. At othertimes,GodkeepsHispeoplefromthesnareof thefowlerbygiving themgreatspiritualstrength,so thatwhentheyare tempted todoevil theysay,"How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Butwhat ablessed thing it is that if thebeliever shall, inanevilhour,come into thenet,yetGodwillbringhimoutofit!Obackslider,becastdown,butdonotdespair.Wandererthoughthouhastbeen,hearwhatthyRedeemersaith—"Return,Obackslidingchildren;Iwillhavemercyuponyou."Butyousayyou cannot return, for you are a captive. Then listen to the promise—"SurelyHeshalldelivertheeoutofthesnareofthefowler."Thoushaltyetbebroughtoutofallevilintowhichthouhastfallen,andthoughthoushaltneverceasetorepentofthyways,yetHethathathlovedtheewillnotcastthee away;Hewill receive thee, and give thee joy and gladness, that theboneswhichHehasbrokenmayrejoice.Nobirdofparadiseshalldieinthefowler'snet.

Thisevening'sverse:

Marthawascumberedaboutmuchserving.-Luke10:40

Her fault was not that she served: the condition of a servant wellbecomeseveryChristian."Iserve,"shouldbethemottoofalltheprincesofthe royal family of heaven. Nor was it her fault that she had "muchserving."Wecannot do toomuch.Let us do all thatwepossibly can; lethead, andheart, andhands,beengaged in theMaster's service. Itwasnofault of hers that she was busy preparing a feast for the Master. HappyMartha, to have an opportunity of entertaining so blessed a guest; andhappy, too, tohave the spirit to throwherwhole soul soheartily into theengagement.Herfaultwasthatshegrew"cumberedwithmuchserving,"sothatsheforgotHim,andonlyrememberedtheservice.Sheallowedservicetooverridecommunion,andsopresentedonedutystainedwiththebloodofanother. We ought to be Martha and Mary in one: we should do muchservice, and have much communion at the same time. For this we needgreatgrace.Itiseasiertoservethantocommune.Joshuanevergrewwearyinfightingwith theAmalekites;butMoses,onthetopof themountain inprayer, needed two helpers to sustain his hands. The more spiritual theexercise,thesoonerwetireinit.Thechoicestfruitsarethehardesttorear:themostheavenlygracesarethemostdifficulttocultivate.Beloved,whilewedonotneglectexternalthings,whicharegoodenoughinthemselves,weoughtalsotoseetoitthatweenjoyliving,personalfellowshipwithJesus.SeetoitthatsittingattheSaviour'sfeetisnotneglected,eventhoughitbeunder the specious pretext of doing Him service. The first thing for oursoul's health, the first thing forHis glory, and the first thing for our ownusefulness, is to keep ourselves in perpetual communion with the LordJesus,andtoseethatthevitalspiritualityofourreligionismaintainedoverandaboveeverythingelseintheworld.

J a n u a r y 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

IwillmentionthelovingkindnessesoftheLord,andthepraisesoftheLord,accordingtoallthattheLordhathbestowedonus.-Isaiah63:7

And canst thou not do this? Are there no mercies which thou hastexperienced? What though thou art gloomy now, canst thou forget thatblessedhourwhenJesusmetthee,andsaid,"Comeuntome"?CanstthounotrememberthatrapturousmomentwhenHesnappedthyfetters,dashedthychains to theearth,andsaid, "Icame tobreak thybondsandset theefree"?Or if the loveof thineespousalsbe forgotten, theremust surelybesomepreciousmilestonealong the roadof lifenotquitegrownoverwithmoss, onwhich thou canst read a happymemorial ofHismercy towardsthee? What, didst thou never have a sickness like that which thou artsufferingnow, anddidHenot restore thee?Wert thouneverpoorbefore,anddidHenotsupplythywants?Wastthouneverinstraitsbefore,anddidHenotdeliverthee?Arise,gototheriverofthineexperience,andpullupafewbulrushes,andplait themintoanark,wherein thine infant- faithmayfloatsafelyonthestream.ForgetnotwhatthyGodhasdoneforthee;turnoverthebookofthyremembrance,andconsiderthedaysofold.Canstthounot remember the hill Mizar? Did the Lord never meet with thee atHermon? Hast thou never climbed the Delectable Mountains? Hast thouneverbeenhelpedintimeofneed?Nay,Iknowthouhast.Goback,then,alittleway to thechoicemerciesofyesterday, and thoughallmaybedarknow,lightupthelampsofthepast,theyshallglitterthroughthedarkness,andthoushalttrustintheLordtillthedaybreakandtheshadowsfleeaway."Remember,OLord,thytendermerciesandthylovingkindnesses,fortheyhavebeeneverofold."

Thisevening'sverse:

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, weestablishthelaw.-Romans3:31

When thebeliever is adopted into theLord's family,his relationship tooldAdamandthelawceasesatonce;butthenheisunderanewrule,andanewcovenant.Believer, you areGod's child; it is your first duty to obeyyourheavenlyFather.Aservilespirityouhavenothingtodowith:youarenotaslave,butachild;andnow,inasmuchasyouareabelovedchild,youare bound to obey your Father's faintestwish, the least intimation ofHiswill.DoesHebidyoufulfilasacredordinance?Itisatyourperilthatyouneglectit,foryouwillbedisobeyingyourFather.DoesHecommandyoutoseektheimageofJesus?Itisnotyourjoytodoso?DoesJesustellyou,"Beyeperfect,evenasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect"?Thennotbecause the law commands, but because your Saviour enjoins, you willlabour tobeperfect inholiness.DoesHebidhissaints loveoneanother?Do it, notbecause the lawsays, "Love thyneighbour,"butbecause Jesussays, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments;" and this is thecommandmentthatHehasgivenuntoyou,"thatyeloveoneanother."Areyou told to distribute to the poor?Do it, not because charity is a burdenwhich you dare not shirk, but because Jesus teaches, "Give to him thataskethofthee."DoestheWordsay,"LoveGodwithallyourheart"?Lookat the commandment and reply, "Ah! commandment,Christ hath fulfilledtheealready—Ihavenoneed, therefore, to fulfill thee formysalvation,butIrejoicetoyieldobediencetotheebecauseGodismyFathernowandHehasaclaimuponme,whichIwouldnotdispute."MaytheHolyGhostmake your heart obedient to the constraining power ofChrist's love, thatyourprayermaybe,"MakemetogointhepathofThycommandments;forthereindoIdelight."Graceisthemotherandnurseofholiness,andnottheapologistofsin.

J a n u a r y 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

YourheavenlyFather.-Matthew6:26

God'speoplearedoublyHischildren,theyareHisoffspringbycreation,and theyareHis sonsbyadoption inChrist.Hence theyareprivileged tocallHim,"OurFatherwhichartinheaven."Father!Oh,whatpreciouswordisthat.Hereisauthority:"IfIbeaFather,whereisminehonour?"Ifyebesons,whereisyourobedience?Hereisaffectionmingledwithauthority;anauthoritywhichdoesnotprovokerebellion;anobediencedemandedwhichis most cheerfully rendered — which would not be withheld even if itmight. The obediencewhichGod's children yield toHimmust be lovingobedience. Do not go about the service of God as slaves to theirtaskmaster's toil, but run in theway ofHis commands because it is yourFather's way. Yield your bodies as instruments of righteousness, becauserighteousness isyourFather'swill,andHiswill shouldbe thewillofHischild.Father!—Hereisakinglyattributesosweetlyveiledinlove,thattheKing'scrownisforgottenintheKing'sface,andHissceptrebecomes,notarodofiron,butasilversceptreofmercy—thesceptreindeedseemstobeforgotten in the tender hand of Him who wields it. Father! — Here ishonourand love.Howgreat isaFather's love tohischildren!Thatwhichfriendship cannot do, and mere benevolence will not attempt, a father'sheartandhandmustdoforhissons.Theyarehisoffspring,hemustblessthem;theyarehischildren,hemustshowhimselfstrongintheirdefence.Ifan earthly fatherwatches over his childrenwith unceasing love and care,howmuchmoredoesourheavenlyFather?Abba,Father!Hewhocansaythis,hathutteredbettermusicthancherubimorseraphimcanreach.Thereisheaveninthedepthofthatword—Father!ThereisallIcanask;allmynecessities can demand; allmywishes can desire. I have all in all to alleternitywhenIcansay,"Father."

Thisevening'sverse:

Alltheythathearditwonderedatthosethings.-Luke2:18

WemustnotceasetowonderatthegreatmarvelsofourGod.Itwouldbeverydifficulttodrawalinebetweenholywonderandrealworship;forwhen the soul is overwhelmedwith themajestyofGod'sglory, though itmaynotexpress itself insong,orevenutter itsvoicewithbowedheadinhumbleprayer,yetitsilentlyadores.OurincarnateGodistobeworshippedas"theWonderful."ThatGodshouldconsiderHisfallencreature,man,andinstead of sweeping him away with the besom of destruction, shouldHimselfundertaketobeman'sRedeemer,andtopayhisransomprice, is,indeedmarvellous!Buttoeachbelieverredemptionismostmarvellousasheviewsitinrelationtohimself.Itisamiracleofgraceindeed,thatJesusshould forsake the thrones and royalties above, to suffer ignominiouslybelowforyou.Letyoursoulloseitselfinwonder,forwonderisinthiswayaverypracticalemotion.Holywonderwillleadyoutogratefulworshipandheartfelt thanksgiving. It will cause within you godly watchfulness; youwillbeafraidtosinagainstsuchaloveasthis.FeelingthepresenceofthemightyGodinthegiftofHisdearSon,youwillputoffyourshoesfromoffyourfeet,becausetheplacewhereonyoustandisholyground.Youwillbemovedatthesametimetoglorioushope.IfJesushasdonesuchmarvellousthingsonyourbehalf, youwill feel that heaven itself is not toogreat foryour expectation.Who can be astonished at anything, when he has oncebeenastonishedatthemangerandthecross?Whatistherewonderfulleftafter one has seen the Saviour? Dear reader, it may be that from thequietnessandsolitarinessofyour life,youarescarcelyable to imitate theshepherdsofBethlehem,who toldwhat theyhadseenandheard,butyoucan, at least, fill up the circle of the worshippers before the throne, bywonderingatwhatGodhasdone.

J a n u a r y 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

Andofhisfulnesshaveallwereceived.-John1:16

ThesewordstellusthatthereisafulnessinChrist.ThereisafulnessofessentialDeity,for"inHimdwellethallthefulnessoftheGodhead."Thereis a fulness of perfect manhood, for in Him, bodily, that Godhead wasrevealed.ThereisafulnessofatoningefficacyinHisblood,for"thebloodof JesusChrist,HisSon, cleansethus fromall sin."There is a fulnessofjustifying righteousness in His life, for "there is therefore now nocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus."Thereisafulnessofdivineprevalence inHisplea, for "He is able to save to theuttermost them thatcome unto God by Him; seeing He ever liveth to make intercession forthem." There is a fulness of victory in His death, for through death Hedestroyed him that had the power of death, that is the devil. There is afulness of efficacy in His resurrection from the dead, for by it "we arebegotten again unto a lively hope." There is a fuiness of triumph in Hisascension,for"whenHeascendeduponhigh,Heledcaptivitycaptive,andreceived gifts formen."There is a fulness of blessings of every sort andshape; a fulness of grace to pardon, of grace to regenerate, of grace tosanctify,ofgracetopreserve,andofgracetoperfect.Thereisafulnessatall times; a fulness of comfort in affliction; a fulness of guidance inprosperity.Afulnessofeverydivineattribute,ofwisdom,ofpower,oflove;a fulness which it were impossible to survey, much less to explore. "ItpleasedtheFatherthatinHimshouldallfulnessdwell."Oh,whatafulnessmustthisbeofwhichallreceive!Fulness,indeed,musttherebewhenthestreamisalwaysflowing,andyetthewellspringsupasfree,asrich,asfullasever.Come,believer,andgetallthyneedsupplied;asklargely,andthoushaltreceivelargely,forthis"fulness"isinexhaustible,andistreasuredupwherealltheneedymayreachit,eveninJesus,Immanuel—Godwithus.

Thisevening'sverse:

ButMarykeptallthesethings,andponderedtheminherheart.-Luke2:19

There was an exercise, on the part of this blessed woman, of threepowersofherbeing:hermemory—shekeptallthesethings;heraffections—shekept theminherheart;her intellect—shepondered them;so thatmemory,affection,andunderstanding,wereallexercisedabout the thingswhichshehadheard.Beloved,rememberwhatyouhaveheardofyourLordJesus, andwhatHehas done for you;makeyour heart the goldenpot ofmanna topreserve thememorialof theheavenlybreadwhereonyouhavefedindaysgoneby.LetyourmemorytreasureupeverythingaboutChristwhichyouhaveeither felt,orknown,orbelieved,and then letyour fondaffectionsholdHimfastforevermore.LovethepersonofyourLord!Bringforththealabasterboxofyourheart,eventhoughitbebroken,andletallthepreciousointmentofyouraffectioncomestreamingonHispiercedfeet.Let your intellect be exercised concerning theLord Jesus.Meditate uponwhatyouread:stopnotat thesurface;dive into thedepths.Benotas theswallow which toucheth the brook with her wing, but as the fish whichpenetratesthelowestwave.AbidewithyourLord:letHimnotbetoyouasawayfaringman,thattarriethforanight,butconstrainHim,saying,"Abidewithus, for theday is far spent."HoldHim,anddonot letHimgo.Theword"ponder,'meanstoweigh.Makereadythebalancesofjudgment.Oh,butwherearethescalesthatcanweightheLordChrist?"Hetakethuptheislesasavery little thing:"—whoshall takeHimup?"Heweigheth themountains in scales"— inwhat scales shallweweighHim?Be it so, ifyourunderstandingcannotcomprehend,letyouraffectionsapprehend;andifyourspiritcannotcompasstheLordJesusinthegraspofunderstanding,letitembraceHiminthearmsofaffection.

J a n u a r y 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

PerfectinChristJesus.-Colossians1:28

Doyounotfeelinyourownsoulthatperfectionisnotinyou?Doesnoteverydayteachyouthat?Everytearwhichtricklesfromyoureye,weeps"imperfection"; every harsh word which proceeds from your lip, mutters"imperfection."Youhave too frequentlyhadaviewofyourownheart todream for a moment of any perfection in yourself. But amidst this sadconsciousnessofimperfection,hereiscomfortforyou—youare"perfectinChristJesus."InGod'ssight,youare"completeinHim;"evennowyouare "accepted in theBeloved."But there is a secondperfection,yet toberealized,whichissuretoalltheseed.Isitnotdelightfultolookforwardtothetimewheneverystainofsinshallberemovedfromthebeliever,andheshallbepresented faultlessbefore the throne,without spot,orwrinkle,oranysuchthing?TheChurchofChristthenwillbesopure,thatnoteventheeye of Omniscience will see a spot or blemish in her; so holy and soglorious,thatHartdidnotgobeyondthetruthwhenhesaid—

WithmySaviour'sgarmentson,HolyastheHolyOne.

Then shallwe know, and taste, and feel the happiness of this vast butshort sentence, "Complete in Christ." Not till then shall we fullycomprehendtheheightsanddepthsofthesalvationofJesus.Dothnotthyheartleapforjoyatthethoughtofit?Blackasthouart,thoushaltbewhiteone day; filthy as thou art, thou shalt be clean. Oh, it is a marvelloussalvation this!Christ takesawormandtransformsit intoanangel;ChristtakesablackanddeformedthingandmakesitcleanandmatchlessinHisglory,peerlessinHisbeauty,andfittobethecompanionofseraphs.Omysoul,standandadmirethisblessedtruthofperfectioninChrist.

Thisevening'sverse:

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praisingGod for all thethingsthattheyhadheardandseen,asitwastolduntothem.-Luke2:20

Whatwasthesubjectoftheirpraise?TheypraisedGodforwhattheyhadheard— for the good tidings of great joy that a Saviour was born untothem.Let us copy them; let us also raise a song of thanksgiving thatwehaveheardofJesusandHissalvation.TheyalsopraisedGodforwhattheyhadseen.Thereisthesweetestmusic—whatwehaveexperienced,whatwehavefeltwithin,whatwehavemadeourown—"thethingswhichwehavemadetouchingtheKing."It isnotenoughtohearaboutJesus:merehearingmay tune the harp, but the fingers of living faithmust create themusic.IfyouhaveseenJesuswiththeGod-givingsightoffaith,suffernocobwebstolingeramongtheharpstrings,butloudtothepraiseofsovereigngrace,awakeyourpsalteryandharp.OnepointforwhichtheypraisedGodwas theagreementbetweenwhat theyhadheardandwhat theyhadseen.Observe the last sentence— "As it was told unto them." Have you notfoundthegospeltobeinyourselvesjustwhattheBiblesaiditwouldbe?Jesus saidHewould give you rest—have you not enjoyed the sweetestpeaceinHim?Hesaidyoushouldhavejoy,andcomfort,andlifethroughbelieving in Him— have you not received all these? Are not His waysways of pleasantness, andHis paths paths of peace? Surely you can saywith the queen of Sheba, "The half has not been toldme." I have foundChristmoresweet thanHisservantseversaidHewas. I lookeduponHislikenessastheypaintedit,butitwasameredaubcomparedwithHimself;fortheKinginHisbeautyoutshinesallimaginableloveliness.Surelywhatwehave"seen"keepspacewith,nay, farexceeds,whatwehave"heard."Let us, then, glorify and praise God for a Saviour so precious, and sosatisfying.

J a n u a r y 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Thethingswhicharenotseen.-2Corinthians4:18

In our Christian pilgrimage it iswell, for themost part, to be lookingforward.Forwardliesthecrown,andonwardisthegoal.Whetheritbeforhope, for joy, for consolation, or for the inspiring of our love, the futuremust, after all, be the grand object of the eye of faith. Looking into thefuturewe see sin cast out, the body of sin and death destroyed, the soulmadeperfect,andfittobeapartakeroftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight.Looking further yet, the believer's enlightened eye can see death's riverpassed, thegloomystreamforded,andthehillsof lightattainedonwhichstandeth the celestial city; he seeth himself enterwithin the pearly gates,hailedasmorethanconqueror,crownedbythehandofChrist,embracedinthearmsofJesus,glorifiedwithHim,andmadetosittogetherwithHimonHisthrone,evenasHehasovercomeandhassatdownwiththeFatheronHisthrone.Thethoughtofthisfuturemaywellrelievethedarknessofthepast and the gloom of the present. The joys of heaven will surelycompensateforthesorrowsofearth.Hush,hush,mydoubts!deathisbutanarrow stream, and thou shalt soon have forded it. Time, how short —eternity,howlong!Death,howbrief—immortality,howendless!MethinksIevennoweatofEshcol'sclusters,andsipofthewellwhichiswithinthegate.Theroadisso,soshort!Ishallsoonbethere.

WhentheworldmyheartisrendingWithitsheavieststormofcare,Mygladthoughtstoheavenascending,Findarefugefromdespair.Faith'sbrightvisionshallsustainmeTilllife'spilgrimageispast;Fearsmayvexandtroublespainme,Ishallreachmyhomeatlast.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thedovecameintohimintheevening.-Genesis8:11

Blessed be the Lord for another day ofmercy, even though I am nowwearywithitstoils.UntothepreserverofmenliftImysongofgratitude.Thedovefoundnorestoutoftheark,andthereforereturnedtoit;andmysoul has learned yet more fully than ever, this day, that there is nosatisfactiontobefoundinearthlythings—Godalonecangiveresttomyspirit.Astomybusiness,mypossessions,myfamily,myattainments,theseare allwell enough in theirway, but they cannot fulfil the desires ofmyimmortalnature."Returnuntothyrest,Omysoul,fortheLordhathdealtbountifullywith thee." Itwas at the still hour,when the gates of the daywere closing, thatwithwearywing thedove cameback to themaster:OLord,enablemethiseveningthustoreturntoJesus.Shecouldnotenduretospendanighthoveringovertherestlesswaste,notcanIbeartobeevenfor another hour away from Jesus, the rest ofmy heart, the home ofmyspirit.Shedidnotmerelyalightupontheroofof theark,she"camein tohim;" even so would my longing spirit look into the secret of the Lord,pierce to the interiorof truth,enter into thatwhich iswithin theveil, andreach to my Beloved in very deed. To Jesus must I come: short of thenearest and dearest intercourse with Him my panting spirit cannot stay.Blessed Lord Jesus, be with me, reveal Thyself, and abide with me allnight, so thatwhen I awake Imaybe stillwith thee. Inote that thedovebroughtinhermouthanolivebranchpluckedoff,thememorialofthepastday,andaprophecyofthefuture.HaveInopleasingrecordtobringhome?No pledge and earnest of lovingkindness yet to come? Yes, my Lord, IpresentTheemygratefulacknowledgmentsfortendermercieswhichhavebeenneweverymorning and fresh every evening; andnow, I prayThee,putforthThyhandandtakeThydoveintoThybosom.

J a n u a r y 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of themulberrytrees,thenthoushaltbestirthyself.-2Samuel5:24

The members of Christ's Church should be very prayerful, alwaysseeking the unction of the Holy One to rest upon their hearts, that thekingdomofChristmaycome,andthatHis"willbedoneonearth,evenasitis in heaven;" but there are times when God seems especially to favourZion, such seasonsought tobe to them like "the soundof a going in thetopsofthemulberrytrees."Weoughtthentobedoublyprayerful,doublyearnest,wrestlingmoreatthethronethanwehavebeenwonttodo.Actionshouldthenbepromptandvigorous.Thetideisflowing—nowletuspullmanfully for the shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostallabours.Christian,inyourselftherearetimes"whenthouhearestthesoundofagoinginthetopsofthemulberrytrees."Youhaveapeculiarpowerinprayer;theSpiritofGodgivesyoujoyandgladness;theScriptureisopento you; the promises are applied; you walk in the light of God'scountenance;youhavepeculiarfreedomandlibertyindevotion,andmorecloseness of communion with Christ than was your wont. Now, at suchjoyous periods when you hear the "sound of a going in the tops of themulberrytrees,"isthetimetobestiryourself;nowisthetimetogetridofany evil habit,whileGod theSpirit helpethyour infirmities.Spreadyoursail;butrememberwhatyousometimessing—

Icanonlyspreadthesail;Thou!Thou!mustbreathetheauspiciousgale.

Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want ofpreparationforit.SeekhelpofGod,thatyoumaybemoreearnestindutywhenmademorestronginfaith;thatyoumaybemoreconstantinprayerwhenyouhavemore liberty at the throne; that youmaybemoreholy inyourconversationwhilstyoulivemorecloselywithChrist.

Thisevening'sverse:

Inwhomalsowehaveobtainedaninheritance.-Ephesians1:11

WhenJesusgaveHimselfforus,Hegaveusalltherightsandprivilegeswhich went with Himself; so that now, although as eternal God, He hasessential rights towhichnocreaturemayventure topretend,yetasJesus,theMediator,thefederalHeadofthecovenantofgrace,Hehasnoheritageapart fromus.All thegloriousconsequencesofHisobedienceuntodeathare the joint riches of all who are in Him, and on whose behalf Heaccomplishedthedivinewill.See,Heentersintoglory,butnotforHimselfalone, for it is written, "Whither the Forerunner is for us entered." Heb.6:20.DoesHestandinthepresenceofGod?—"Heappearsinthepresenceof God for us." Heb. 9:24. Consider this, believer. You have no right toheaven in yourself: your right lies in Christ. If you are pardoned, it isthroughHis blood; if you are justified, it is throughHis righteousness; ifyouaresanctified,itisbecauseHeismadeofGoduntoyousanctification;if you shall be kept from falling, itwill be because you are preserved inChristJesus;andifyouareperfectedatthelast,itwillbebecauseyouarecompleteinHim.ThusJesusismagnified—forallisinHimandbyHim;thustheinheritanceismadecertaintous—foritisobtainedinHim;thuseachblessingisthesweeter,andevenheavenitselfthebrighter,becauseitis Jesus ourBeloved "inwhom"wehave obtained all.Where is themanwhoshallestimateourdivineportion?WeightherichesofChristinscales,andHis treasure in balances, and then think to count the treasureswhichbelongtothesaints.ReachthebottomofChrist'sseaofjoy,andthenhopetounderstand theblisswhichGodhathprepared for them that loveHim.OverleaptheboundariesofChrist'spossessions,andthendreamofalimittothefairinheritanceoftheelect."Allthingsareyours,foryeareChrist'sandChristisGod's."

J a n u a r y 3 1

Thismorning'sverse:

TheLordourRighteousness.-Jeremiah23:6

ItwillalwaysgiveaChristianthegreatestcalm,quiet,ease,andpeace,tothinkoftheperfectrighteousnessofChrist.HowoftenarethesaintsofGoddowncastandsad!Idonotthinktheyoughttobe.Idonotthinktheywould if theycouldalways see theirperfection inChrist.Thereare somewhoarealwaystalkingaboutcorruption,andthedepravityoftheheart,andtheinnateevilofthesoul.Thisisquitetrue,butwhynotgoalittlefurther,and remember thatwe are "perfect inChrist Jesus." It is nowonder thatthose who are dwelling upon their own corruption should wear suchdowncastlooks;butsurelyifwecalltomindthat"Christismadeuntousrighteousness," we shall be of good cheer.What though distresses afflictme, though Satan assault me, though there may be many things to beexperiencedbeforeIgettoheaven,thosearedoneformeinthecovenantofdivinegrace; there isnothingwantinginmyLord,Christhathdoneitall.On the cross He said, "It is finished!" and if it be finished, then am Icomplete inHim, and can rejoicewith joyunspeakable and full of glory,"Nothavingmineownrighteousness,whichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist,therighteousnesswhichisofGodbyfaith."Youwillnotfindonthissideheavenaholierpeoplethanthosewhoreceiveintotheirhearts thedoctrineofChrist's righteousness.Whenthebelieversays,"IliveonChristalone;IrestonHimsolelyforsalvation;andIbelievethat,howeverunworthy,IamstillsavedinJesus;"thenthererisesupasamotiveofgratitudethisthought—"ShallInotlivetoChrist?ShallInotloveHimandserveHim,seeingthatIamsavedbyHismerits?""TheloveofChristconstraineth us," "that they which live should not henceforth live untothemselves but unto Him which died for them." If saved by imputedrighteousness,weshallgreatlyvalueimpartedrighteousness.

Thisevening'sverse:

Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. - 2Samuel18:23

Runningisnoteverything, thereismuchinthewaywhichweselect:aswiftfootoverhillanddowndalewillnotkeeppacewithaslowertravelleruponlevelground.Howisitwithmyspiritualjourney,amIlabouringupthehillofmyownworksanddownintotheravinesofmyownhumiliationsand resolutions,ordo I runby theplainwayof"Believeand live"?Howblessed is it to wait upon the Lord by faith! The soul runs withoutweariness,andwalkswithoutfainting,inthewayofbelieving.ChristJesusisthewayoflife,andHeisaplainway,apleasantway,awaysuitableforthetotteringfeetandfeeblekneesoftremblingsinners:amIfoundinthisway,oramIhuntingafteranothertracksuchaspriestcraftormetaphysicsmay promiseme? I read of theway of holiness, that thewayfaringman,thoughafool,shallnoterrtherein:haveIbeendeliveredfromproudreasonandbeenbroughtasalittlechildtorestinJesus'loveandblood?Ifso,byGod'sgraceIshalloutrunthestrongestrunnerwhochoosesanyotherpath.ThistruthImayremembertomyprofitinmydailycaresandneeds.Itwillbe my wisest course to go at once to my God, and not to wander in aroundaboutmanner to this friend and that. He knowsmywants and canrelievethem,towhomshouldIrepairbuttoHimselfbythedirectappealofprayer,andtheplainargumentofthepromise."Straightforwardmakesthebestrunner."Iwillnotparlaywiththeservants,buthastentotheirmaster.

In reading thispassage, it strikesme that ifmenviewitheachother incommon matters, and one outruns the other, I ought to be in solemnearnestnesssotorunthatImayobtain.Lord,helpmetogirduptheloinsofmymind, andmay I press forward towards themark for theprize ofmyhighcallingofGodinChristJesus.

February

F e b r u a r y 1

Thismorning'sverse:

TheyshallsinginthewaysoftheLord.-Psalm138:5

ThetimewhenChristiansbegintosinginthewaysoftheLordiswhentheyfirst losetheirburdenat thefootoftheCross.Noteventhesongsoftheangelsseemsosweetasthefirstsongofrapturewhichgushesfromtheinmost soul of the forgiven child of God. You know how John Bunyandescribes it. He sayswhen poor Pilgrim lost his burden at the Cross, hegavethreegreatleaps,andwentonhiswaysinging—

BlestCross!blestSepulchre!blestratherbeTheManthattherewasputtoshameforme!

Believer, do you recollect the day when your fetters fell off? Do youremembertheplacewhenJesusmetyou,andsaid,"Ihavelovedtheewithaneverlastinglove;Ihaveblottedoutasacloudthytransgressions,andasathickcloudthysins;theyshallnotbementionedagainsttheeanymoreforever."Oh!whatasweetseason is thatwhenJesus takesaway thepainofsin.When the Lord first pardoned my sin, I was so joyous that I couldscarce refrain from dancing. I thought onmy road home from the housewhereIhadbeensetat liberty, that Imust tell thestones in thestreet thestoryofmydeliverance.So fullwasmysoulof joy, that Iwanted to tellevery snow-flake that was falling from heaven of the wondrous love ofJesus,whohadblottedoutthesinsofoneofthechiefofrebels.Butitisnotonlyat thecommencementof theChristian life thatbelievershavereasonforsong;aslongastheylivetheydiscovercausetosinginthewaysoftheLord, and their experience of His constant lovingkindness leads them tosay,"IwillblesstheLordatalltimes:Hispraiseshallcontinuallybeinmymouth."Seetoit,brother,thatthoumagnifiesttheLordthisday.

Longaswetreadthisdesertland,Newmerciesshallnewsongsdemand.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thylovetomewaswonderful.-2Samuel1:26

Come,dearreaders,leteachoneofusspeakforhimselfofthewonderfullove,notofJonathan,butofJesus.Wewillnot relatewhatwehavebeentold,butthethingswhichwehavetastedandhandled-oftheloveofChrist.Thylovetome,OJesus,waswonderfulwhenIwasastrangerwanderingfarfromThee,fulfillingthedesiresofthefleshandofthemind.Thyloverestrainedme fromcommitting the sinwhich is unto death, andwithheldme from self-destruction. Thy love held back the axe when Justice said,"Cut it down!whycumbereth it theground?"Thy lovedrewme into thewilderness,strippedmethere,andmademefeeltheguiltofmysin,andtheburden ofmine iniquity. Thy love spake thus comfortably tomewhen, Iwassoredismayed—"ComeuntoMe,andIwillgivetheerest."Oh,howmatchlessThylovewhen,inamoment,Thoudidstwashmysinsaway,andmakemypollutedsoul,whichwascrimsonwiththebloodofmynativity,and blackwith the grimeofmy transgressions, to bewhite as the drivensnow, and pure as the finest wool. How Thou didst commend Thy lovewhenThoudidstwhisperinmyears,"IamthineandthouartMine."Kindwere those accents when Thou saidst, "The Father Himself loveth you."Andsweet themoments,passingsweet,whenThoudeclaredst tome"theloveoftheSpirit."NevershallmysoulforgetthosechambersoffellowshipwhereThouhasunveiledThyself tome.HadMoseshiscleft in the rock,wherehesawthe train, thebackpartsofhisGod?We, too,havehadourcleftsintherock,wherewehaveseenthefullsplendoursoftheGodheadinthepersonofChrist.DidDavidremember thetracksof thewildgoat, theland of Jordan and the Hermonites? We, too, can remember spots tomemorydear,equaltotheseinblessedness.PreciousLordJesus,giveusafreshdraughtofThywondrouslovetobeginthemonthwith.Amen.

F e b r u a r y 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Withoutthesheddingofbloodisnoremission.-Hebrews9:22

This is thevoiceofunalterable truth. Innoneof theJewishceremoniesweresins,eventypically,removedwithoutblood-shedding.Innocase,bynomeanscansinbepardonedwithoutatonement.Itisclear,then,thatthereisnohopeformeoutofChrist;forthereisnootherblood-sheddingwhichisworthathoughtasanatonementforsin.AmI,then,believinginHim?IsthebloodofHisatonementtrulyappliedtomysoul?Allmenareonalevelas to their need of Him. If we be never somoral, generous, amiable, orpatriotic,therulewillnotbealteredtomakeanexceptionforus.SinwillyieldtonothinglesspotentthanthebloodofHimwhomGodhathsetforthasapropitiation.Whatablessingthatthereistheonewayofpardon!Whyshouldweseekanother?

PersonsofmerelyformalreligioncannotunderstandhowwecanrejoicethatalloursinsareforgivenusforChrist'ssake.Theirworks,andprayers,and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they beuneasy,fortheyareneglectingtheonegreatsalvation,andendeavouringtoget remissionwithoutblood.Mysoul, sitdown,andbehold the justiceofGodasboundtopunishsin;seethatpunishmentallexecuteduponthyLordJesus, and fall down in humble joy, andkiss the dear feet ofHimwhosebloodhasmadeatonementforthee.Itisinvainwhenconscienceisarousedtoflytofeelingsandevidencesforcomfort:thisisahabitwhichwelearnedin the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a guiltyconscienceisasightofJesussufferingonthecross."Thebloodisthelifethereof,"saystheLeviticallaw,andletusrestassuredthatit isthelifeoffaithandjoyandeveryotherholygrace.

Oh!howsweettoviewtheflowingOfmySaviour'spreciousblood;WithdivineassuranceknowingHehasmademypeacewithGod.

Thisevening'sverse:

Andtheseareancientthings.-1Chronicles4:22

Yetnotsoancientas thoseprecious thingswhichare thedelightofoursouls.Letusforamomentrecountthem,tellingthemoverasmiserscounttheirgold.ThesovereignchoiceoftheFather,bywhichHeelectedusuntoeternallife,orevertheearthwas,isamatterofvastantiquity,sincenodatecanbeconceivedfor itbythemindofman.Wewerechosenfrombeforethefoundationsof theworld.Everlastinglovewentwith thechoice,for itwasnotabareactofdivinewillbywhichweweresetapart,butthedivineaffectionswereconcerned.TheFatherlovedusinandfromthebeginning.Hereisathemefordailycontemplation.Theeternalpurposetoredeemusfromourforeseenruin,tocleanseandsanctifyus,andatlasttoglorifyus,was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by sidewith immutable love andabsolute sovereignty. The covenant is always described as beingeverlasting,andJesus, thesecondparty in it,hadHisgoingsforthofold;Hestruckhandsinsacredsuretyshiplongerethefirstofthestarsbegantoshine,anditwasinHimthattheelectwereordaineduntoeternallife.Thusin the divine purpose a most blessed covenant union was establishedbetween the Son of God andHis elect people, which will remain as thefoundationoftheirsafetywhentimeshallbenomore.Isitnotwelltobeconversantwiththeseancientthings?Isitnotshamefulthattheyshouldbeso much neglected and even rejected by the bulk of professors? If theyknew more of their own sin, would they not be more ready to adoredistinguishinggrace?Letusbothadmireandadoretonight,aswesing—

Amonumentofgrace,Asinnersavedbyblood;ThestreamsofloveItraceUptotheFountain,God;AndinHissacredbosomseeEternalthoughtsofLovetome.

F e b r u a r y 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Therefore,brethren,wearedebtors.-Romans8:12

AsGod'screatures,wearealldebtorstoHim:toobeyHimwithallourbody,andsoul,andstrength.HavingbrokenHiscommandments,asweallhave, we are debtors to His justice, and we owe to Him a vast amountwhichwearenotabletopay.ButoftheChristianitcanbesaidthathedoesnot owe God's justice anything, for Christ has paid the debt His peopleowed;forthisreasonthebelieverowesthemoretolove.IamadebtortoGod'sgraceandforgivingmercy;butIamnodebtortoHisjustice,forHewillneveraccusemeofadebtalreadypaid.Christsaid,"Itisfinished!"andbythatHemeant,thatwhateverHispeopleowedwaswipedawayforeverfromthebookofremembrance.Christ,totheuttermost,hassatisfieddivinejustice; the account is settled; the handwriting is nailed to the cross; thereceipt is given, andwe are debtors toGod's justice no longer.But then,becausewearenotdebtorstoourLordinthatsense,webecometentimesmoredebtorstoGodthanweshouldhavebeenotherwise.Christian,pauseand ponder for amoment.What a debtor thou art to divine sovereignty!HowmuchthouowesttoHisdisinterestedlove,forHegaveHisownSonthatHemightdie for thee.Considerhowmuchyouowe toHis forgivinggrace, that after ten thousand affrontsHe loves you as infinitely as ever.Considerwhat you owe toHis power; howHehas raised you fromyourdeathinsin;howHehaspreservedyourspirituallife;howHehaskeptyoufrom falling; and how, though a thousand enemies have beset your path,you have been able to hold on yourway.Considerwhat you owe toHisimmutability. Though you have changed a thousand times, He has notchangedonce.ThouartasdeepindebtasthoucanstbetoeveryattributeofGod. To God thou owest thyself, and all thou hast— yield thyself as alivingsacrifice,itisbutthyreasonableservice.

Thisevening'sverse:

Tellme...whereThoufeedest,whereThoumakestThyflocktorestatnoon.-Song1:7

These words express the desire of the believer after Christ, and hislonging for present communion with Him. Where doest Thou feed Thyflock?InThyhouse?Iwillgo,ifImayfindTheethere.Inprivateprayer?ThenIwillpraywithoutceasing.IntheWord?ThenIwillreaditdiligently.InThineordinances?ThenIwillwalkin themwithallmyheart.TellmewhereThoufeedest,forwhereverThoustandestastheShepherd,therewillIliedownasasheep;fornonebutThyselfcansupplymyneed.Icannotbesatisfied to be apart from Thee. My soul hungers and thirsts for therefreshmentofThypresence."WheredostThoumakeThyflocktorestatnoon?"forwhetheratdawnoratnoon,myonlyrestmustbewhereThouartandThybeloved flock.Mysoul's restmustbeagrace-given rest, andcanonlybefoundinThee.Whereistheshadowofthatrock?WhyshouldInot repose beneath it? "Why should I be as one that turneth aside by theflocksofthycompanions?"Thouhastcompanions—whyshouldInotbeone? Satan tellsme I am unworthy; but I alwayswas unworthy, and yetThouhastlonglovedme;andthereforemyunworthinesscannotbeabartomy having fellowship with Thee now. It is true I amweak in faith, andpronetofall,butmyveryfeeblenessisthereasonwhyIshouldalwaysbewhereThoufeedestThyflock,thatImaybestrengthened,andpreservedinsafetybesidethestillwaters.WhyshouldIturnaside?ThereisnoreasonwhyIshould,butthereareathousandreasonswhyIshouldnot,forJesusbeckonsmetocome.IfHewithdrewHimselfalittle,itisbuttomakemeprize His presencemore. Now that I am grieved and distressed at beingawayfromHim,HewillleadmeyetagaintothatshelterednookwherethelambsofHisfoldareshelteredfromtheburningsun.

F e b r u a r y 4

Thismorning'sverse:

TheloveoftheLord.-Hosea3:1

Believer, look back through all thine experience, and think of thewaywherebytheLordthyGodhasledtheeinthewilderness,andhowHehathfedandclothedtheeeveryday—howHehathbornewiththineillmanners—howHehathputupwithallthymurmurings,andallthylongingsaftertheflesh-potsofEgypt—howHehasopenedtherocktosupplythee,andfedtheewithmannathatcamedownfromheaven.ThinkofhowHisgracehasbeensufficientfortheeinallthytroubles—howHisbloodhasbeenapardontotheeinallthysins—howHisrodandHisstaffhavecomfortedthee.WhenthouhastthuslookedbackupontheloveoftheLord,thenletfaithsurveyHisloveinthefuture,forrememberthatChrist'scovenantandbloodhavesomethingmoreinthemthanthepast.Hewhohaslovedtheeandpardonedthee,shallneverceasetoloveandpardon.HeisAlpha,andHeshallbeOmegaalso:Heisfirst,andHeshallbelast.Therefore,bethinkthee,whenthoushaltpassthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,thouneedestfearnoevil,forHeiswiththee.WhenthoushaltstandinthecoldfloodsofJordan,thouneedestnotfear,fordeathcannotseparatetheefromHis love; and when thou shalt come into the mysteries of eternity thouneedestnot tremble, "For Iampersuaded, thatneitherdeath;nor life,norangels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things tocome,norheight,nordepth,noranyothercreature,shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichisinChristJesusourLord."Now,soul,isnot thy love refreshed? Does not this make thee love Jesus? Doth not aflight through illimitableplainsof theetherof love inflame thyheart andcompeltheetodelightthyselfintheLordthyGod?Surelyaswemeditateon"the loveof theLord,"ourheartsburnwithinus,andwe long to loveHimmore.

Thisevening'sverse:

Yourrefugefromtheavengerofblood.-Joshua20:3

It is said that in the landofCanaan, citiesof refugewere so arranged,thatanymanmightreachoneofthemwithinhalfadayattheutmost.Evensothewordofoursalvationisneartous;JesusisapresentSaviour,andthewaytoHimisshort;itisbutasimplerenunciationofourownmerit,andalayingholdofJesus,tobeourallinall.Withregardtotheroadstothecityof refuge, we are told that they were strictly preserved, every river wasbridged, and every obstruction removed, so that themanwho fledmightfindaneasypassagetothecity.Onceayeartheelderswentalongtheroadsandsawtotheirorder,sothatnothingmightimpedetheflightofanyone,andcausehim,throughdelay,tobeovertakenandslain.Howgraciouslydothe promises of the gospel remove stumbling blocks from the way!Wherevertherewereby-roadsandturnings,therewerefixeduphand-posts,withtheinscriptionuponthem—"Tothecityofrefuge!"Thisisapictureof the road to Christ Jesus. It is no roundabout road of the law; it is noobeyingthis,that,andtheother;itisastraightroad:"Believe,andlive."Itisaroadsohard,thatnoself-righteousmancanevertreadit,butsoeasy,thateverysinner,whoknowshimselftobeasinnermaybyitfindhiswaytoheaven.Nosoonerdidtheman-slayerreachtheoutworksofthecitythanhewassafe; itwasnotnecessaryforhimtopassfarwithinthewalls,butthesuburbsthemselvesweresufficientprotection.Learnhence,thatifyoudobuttouchthehemofChrist'sgarment,youshallbemadewhole;ifyoudobut layholduponhimwith"faithasagrainofmustardseed,"youaresafe.

AlittlegenuinegraceensuresThedeathofalloursins.

Onlywaste no time, loiter not by theway, for the avenger of blood isswiftoffoot;anditmaybeheisatyourheelsatthisstillhourofeventide.

F e b r u a r y 5

Thismorning'sverse:

TheFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld.-1John4:14

It is a sweet thought that Jesus Christ did not come forthwithoutHisFather'spermission,authority,consent,andassistance.Hewassentof theFather,thatHemightbetheSaviourofmen.Wearetooapttoforgetthat,while there are distinctions as to the persons in the Trinity, there are nodistinctions of honour. We too frequently ascribe the honour of oursalvation,oratleastthedepthsofitsbenevolence,moretoJesusChristthanwedotheFather.Thisisaverygreatmistake.WhatifJesuscame?DidnotHis Father send Him? If He spake wondrously, did not His Father pourgraceintoHislips,thatHemightbeanableministerofthenewcovenant?HewhoknoweththeFather,andtheSon,andtheHolyGhostasheshouldknow them, never setteth onebefore another in his love; he sees thematBethlehem,atGethsemane,andonCalvary,allequallyengagedintheworkof salvation.OChristian, hast thou put thy confidence in theManChristJesus?Hast thou placed thy reliance solely onHim?And art thou unitedwithHim?ThenbelievethatthouartuniteduntotheGodofheaven.Sinceto theMan Christ Jesus thou art brother, and holdest closest fellowship,thouartlinkedtherebywithGodtheEternal,and"theAncientofdays"isthyFatherandthyfriend.Didstthoueverconsiderthedepthofloveintheheart of Jehovah, when God the Father equipped His Son for the greatenterprise ofmercy? If not, be this thy day'smeditation. The Father sentHim! Contemplate that subject. Think how Jesus works what the Fatherwills. In thewoundsof thedyingSavioursee the loveof thegreat IAM.LeteverythoughtofJesusbealsoconnectedwiththeEternal,ever-blessedGod,for"ItpleasedtheLordtobruiseHim;HehathputHimtogrief."

Thisevening'sverse:

AtthattimeJesusanswered.-Matthew11:25

This is a singular way in which to commence a verse - "At that timeJesusanswered."Ifyouwill lookatthecontextyouwillnotperceivethatanypersonhadaskedHimaquestion,orthatHewasinconversationwithanyhumanbeing.Yetitiswritten,"Jesusansweredandsaid,IthankThee,O Father." When a man answers, he answers a person who has beenspeakingtohim.Who,then,hadspokentoChrist?HisFather.Yetthereisnorecordofit;andthisshouldteachusthatJesushadconstantfellowshipwithHisFather,andthatGodspakeintoHisheartsooften,socontinually,that itwasnot a circumstance singular enough tobe recorded. Itwas thehabitandlifeofJesustotalkwithGod.EvenasJesuswas,isthisworld,soare we; let us therefore learn the lesson which this simple statementconcerningHim teaches us.Maywe likewise have silent fellowshipwiththeFather,sothatoftenwemayanswerHim,andthoughtheworldwottethnottowhomwespeak,mayweberespondingtothatsecretvoiceunheardof any other ear, which our own ear, opened by the Spirit of God,recognizeswithjoy.Godhasspokentous,letusspeaktoGod—eithertosetoursealthatGodistrueandfaithfultoHispromise,ortoconfessthesinofwhichtheSpiritofGodhasconvincedus,ortoacknowledgethemercywhichGod'sprovidencehasgiven,or toexpressassent to thegreat truthswhich God the Holy Ghost has opened to our understanding. What aprivilegeisintimatecommunionwiththeFatherofourspirits!Itisasecrethidden from the world, a joy with which even the nearest friendintermeddleth not. If wewould hear thewhispers of God's love, our earmustbepurgedandfittedtolistentoHisvoice.Thisveryeveningmayourheartsbeinsuchastate,thatwhenGodspeakstous,we,likeJesus,maybepreparedatoncetoanswerHim.

F e b r u a r y 6

Thismorning'sverse:

Prayingalways.-Ephesians6:18

Whatmultitudesofprayerswehaveputupfromthefirstmomentwhenwe learned topray.Our firstprayerwasaprayer forourselves;weaskedthatGodwouldhavemercyuponus,andblotoutoursin.Heheardus.ButwhenHehadblottedoutoursinslikeacloud,thenwehadmoreprayersforourselves.Wehavehadtoprayforsanctifyinggrace,forconstrainingandrestraininggrace;wehavebeenledtocraveforafreshassuranceoffaith,forthecomfortableapplicationofthepromise,fordeliveranceinthehourof temptation, for help in the timeof duty, and for succour in the dayoftrial. We have been compelled to go to God for our souls, as constantbeggars asking for everything. Bear witness, children of God, you haveneverbeenabletogetanythingforyoursoulselsewhere.Allthebreadyoursoulhaseatenhascomedownfromheaven,andall thewaterofwhich ithasdrankhas flowedfromthe livingrock—ChristJesus theLord.Yoursoulhasnevergrownrichinitself;ithasalwaysbeenapensioneruponthedailybountyofGod;andhenceyourprayershaveascendedtoheavenforarange of spiritual mercies all but infinite. Your wants were innumerable,andthereforethesupplieshavebeeninfinitelygreat,andyourprayershavebeenasvariedasthemercieshavebeencountless.Thenhaveyounotcauseto say, "I love the Lord, because He hath heard the voice of mysupplication"?Forasyourprayershavebeenmany,soalsohavebeenGod'sanswerstothem.Hehasheardyouinthedayoftrouble,hasstrengthenedyou, and helped you, evenwhen you dishonouredHimby trembling anddoubting at themercy-seat.Remember this, and let it fill your heartwithgratitude toGod,whohas thusgraciouslyheardyourpoorweakprayers."BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallHisbenefits."

Thisevening'sverse:

Prayoneforanother.-James5:16

Asanencouragementcheerfully tooffer intercessoryprayer, rememberthatsuchprayeristhesweetestGodeverhears,fortheprayerofChristisofthischaracter.InalltheincensewhichourGreatHighPriestnowputsintothegoldencenser, there isnotasinglegrainforHimself.His intercessionmustbe themostacceptableofall supplications—and themore likeourprayeristoChrist's,thesweeteritwillbe;thuswhilepetitionsforourselveswillbeaccepted,ourpleadingsforothers,havinginthemmoreofthefruitsof the Spirit, more love, more faith, more brotherly kindness, will be,throughthepreciousmeritsofJesus,thesweetestoblationthatwecanofferto God, the very fat of our sacrifice. Remember, again, that intercessoryprayerisexceedinglyprevalent.Whatwondersithaswrought!TheWordofGodteemswithitsmarvellousdeeds.Believer,thouhastamightyengineinthy hand, use it well, use it constantly, use it with faith, and thou shaltsurelybeabenefactortothybrethren.WhenthouhasttheKing'sear,speaktoHimforthesufferingmembersofHisbody.Whenthouartfavouredtodrawverynear toHis throne,andtheKingsaith to thee,"Ask,andIwillgivetheewhatthouwilt,"letthypetitionsbe,notforthyselfalone,butforthe many who need His aid. If thou hast grace at all, and art not anintercessor,thatgracemustbesmallasagrainofmustardseed.Thouhastjustenoughgracetofloatthysoulclearfromthequicksand,butthouhastno deep floods of grace, or else thouwouldst carry in thy joyous bark aweightycargoofthewantsofothers,andthouwouldstbringbackfromthyLord, for them, rich blessings which but for thee they might not haveobtained:—

Oh,letmyhandsforgettheirskill,Mytonguebesilent,cold,andstill,Thisboundingheartforgettobeat,IfIforgetthemercy-seat!

F e b r u a r y 7

Thismorning'sverse:

Arise,anddepart.-Micah2:10

Thehourisapproachingwhenthemessagewillcometous,asitcomestoall—"Arise,andgoforthfromthehomeinwhichthouhastdwelt,fromthe city inwhich thou hast done thy business, from thy family, from thyfriends. Arise, and take thy last journey." And what know we of thejourney?Andwhatknowweofthecountrytowhichwearebound?Alittlewehavereadthereof,andsomewhathasbeenrevealedtousbytheSpirit;buthowlittledoweknowoftherealmsofthefuture!Weknowthatthereisablackandstormyrivercalled"Death."Godbidsuscrossit,promisingtobewithus.And,afterdeath,whatcometh?Whatwonder-worldwillopenupon our astonished sight?What scene of glory will be unfolded to ourview?No traveller has ever returned to tell.Butwe know enough of theheavenly land to make us welcome our summons thither with joy andgladness. The journey of deathmay be dark, but wemay go forth on itfearlessly, knowing that God is with us as we walk through the gloomyvalley,and thereforeweneedfearnoevil.Weshallbedeparting fromallwehaveknownandlovedhere,butweshallbegoingtoourFather'shouse— toourFather'shome,where Jesus is— to that royal "citywhichhathfoundations, whose builder and maker is God." This shall be our lastremoval,todwellforeverwithHimwelove,inthemidstofHispeople,inthepresenceofGod.Christian,meditatemuchonheaven,itwillhelptheetopresson,and to forget the toilof theway.Thisvaleof tears isbut thepathwaytothebettercountry:thisworldofwoeisbutthestepping-stonetoaworldofbliss.

Prepareus,Lord,bygracedivine,ForThybrightcourtsonhigh;Thenbidourspiritsrise,andjoinThechorusofthesky.

Thisevening'sverse:

Andtheyheardagreatvoicefromheavensayinguntothem,Comeuphither.-Revelation11:12

Without considering thesewords in their prophetical connection, let usregard themD as the invitation of our great Forerunner toHis sanctifiedpeople. In due time there shall be heard "a great voice from heaven" toeverybeliever, saying, "Comeuphither."This shouldbe to the saints thesubjectof joyful anticipation. Insteadofdreading the timewhenweshallleavethisworldtogountotheFather,weshouldbepantingforthehourofouremancipation.Oursongshouldbe—

MyheartiswithHimonHisthrone,Andillcanbrookdelay;Eachmomentlisteningforthevoice,'Riseupandcomeaway.'

Wearenotcalleddowntothegrave,butuptotheskies.Ourheaven-bornspiritsshouldlongfortheirnativeair.Yetshouldthecelestialsummonsbetheobjectofpatientwaiting.OurGodknowsbestwhentobidus"Comeupthither."Wemustnotwishtoantedatetheperiodofourdeparture.Iknowthatstronglovewillmakeuscry,

OLordofHosts,thewavesdivide,Andlandusallinheaven;

but patience must have her perfect work. God ordains with accuratewisdom themost fitting time for the redeemed to abide below. Surely, iftherecouldberegrets inheaven, thesaintsmightmourn that theydidnotlive longer here to do more good. Oh, for more sheaves for my Lord'sgarner!more jewels forHiscrown!Buthow,unless therebemorework?True, there is the other side of it, that, living so briefly, our sins are thefewer;butoh!whenwearefullyservingGod,andHeisgivingustoscatterpreciousseed,andreapahundredfold,wewouldevensayitiswellforustoabidewhereweare.WhetherourMastershallsay"go,"or"stay,"letusbeequallywellpleasedsolongasHeindulgesuswithHispresence.

F e b r u a r y 8

Thismorning'sverse:

ThoushaltcallhisnameJesus.-Matthew1:21

Whenapersonisdear,everythingconnectedwithhimbecomesdearforhissake.Thus,sopreciousisthepersonoftheLordJesusintheestimationof all true believers, that everything about Him they consider to beinestimablebeyondallprice."AllThygarmentssmellofmyrrh,andaloes,and cassia," saidDavid, as if the very vestments of the Saviourwere sosweetenedbyHispersonthathecouldnotbutlovethem.Certainitis,thatthereisnotaspotwherethathallowedfoothathtrodden—thereisnotaword which those blessed lips have uttered— nor a thought which HislovingWordhasrevealed—whichisnot touspreciousbeyondallprice.AndthisistrueofthenamesofChrist—theyareallsweetinthebeliever'sear.WhetherHebecalledtheHusbandoftheChurch,herBridegroom,herFriend; whether He be styled the Lamb slain from the foundation of theworld—theKing,theProphet,orthePriest—everytitleofourMaster—Shiloh, Emmanuel, Wonderful, the Mighty Counsellor— every name islike the honeycombdroppingwith honey, and luscious are the drops thatdistilfromit.Butiftherebeonenamesweeterthananotherinthebeliever'sear,itisthenameofJesus.Jesus!itisthenamewhichmovestheharpsofheaventomelody.Jesus!thelifeofallourjoys.Iftherebeonenamemorecharming,morepreciousthananother,itisthisname.Itiswovenintotheverywarpandwoofofourpsalmody.Manyofourhymnsbeginwithit,andscarcelyany,thataregoodforanything,endwithoutit.Itisthesumtotalofalldelights.Itisthemusicwithwhichthebellsofheavenring;asonginaword;anoceanforcomprehension,althoughadropforbrevity;amatchlessoratoriointwosyllables;agatheringupofthehallelujahsofeternityinfiveletters.

Jesus,IloveThycharmingname,'Tismusictomineear.

Thisevening'sverse:

HeshallsaveHispeoplefromtheirsins.-Matthew1:21

Manypersons,iftheyareaskedwhattheyunderstandbysalvation,willreply, "Being saved fromhell and taken to heaven."This is one result ofsalvation,butitisnotonetitheofwhatiscontainedinthatboon.ItistrueourLordJesusChristdoesredeemallHispeoplefromthewrathtocome;Hesavesthemfromthefearfulcondemnationwhichtheirsinshadbroughtupon them;butHis triumph is farmorecomplete than this.He savesHispeople"fromtheirsins."Oh!sweetdeliverancefromourworstfoes.WhereChristworksasavingwork,HecastsSatanfromhisthrone,andwillnotlethimbemaster any longer.Noman is a trueChristian if sin reigns in hismortal body.Sinwill be inus— itwill never beutterly expelled till thespiritentersglory;butitwillneverhavedominion.Therewillbeastrivingfordominion—alustingagainstthenewlawandthenewspiritwhichGodhasimplanted—butsinwillnevergettheupperhandsoastobeabsolutemonarchofournature.ChristwillbeMasteroftheheart,andsinmustbemortified.TheLionofthetribeofJudahshallprevail,andthedragonshallbe cast out. Professor! is sin subdued in you? If your life is unholy yourheart is unchanged, and if your heart is unchanged you are an unsavedperson. If the Saviour has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you ahatredofsinandaloveofholiness,Hehasdonenothinginyouofasavingcharacter. The grace which does not make a man better than others is aworthless counterfeit.Christ savesHis people, not in their sins, but fromthem. "Without holiness noman shall see theLord." "Let every one thatnameththenameofChristdepartfrominiquity."Ifnotsavedfromsin,howshallwehopetobecountedamongHispeople.Lord,savemenowfromallevil,andenablemetohonourmySaviour.

F e b r u a r y 9

Thismorning'sverse:

AndDavidenquiredoftheLord.-2Samuel5:23

WhenDavidmade this enquiry he had just fought the Philistines, andgainedasignalvictory.ThePhilistinescameupingreathosts,but,bythehelpofGod,Davidhadeasilyputthemtoflight.Note,however,thatwhenthey came a second time, David did not go up to fight them withoutenquiringoftheLord.Oncehehadbeenvictorious,andhemighthavesaid,asmanyhave inothercases,"Ishallbevictoriousagain; Imayrestquitesure that if I have conquered once I shall triumph yet again.WhereforeshouldI tarry toseekat theLord'shands?"Notso,David.HehadgainedonebattlebythestrengthoftheLord;hewouldnotventureuponanotheruntilhehadensuredthesame.Heenquired,"ShallIgoupagainstthem?"Hewaited untilGod's signwas given. Learn fromDavid to take no stepwithoutGod.Christian,ifthouwouldstknowthepathofduty,takeGodforthycompass;ifthouwouldststeerthyshipthroughthedarkbillows,putthetiller into thehandof theAlmighty.Manyarockmightbeescaped, ifwewould letourFather take thehelm;manya shoalorquicksandwemightwell avoid, if we would leave to His sovereign will to choose and tocommand.ThePuritansaid,"AssureaseveraChristiancarvesforhimself,he'llcuthisownfingers;"thisisagreattruth.Saidanotherolddivine,"HethatgoesbeforethecloudofGod'sprovidencegoesonafool'serrand;"andsohedoes.WemustmarkGod'sprovidenceleadingus;andifprovidencetarries,tarrytillprovidencecomes.Hewhogoesbeforeprovidence,willbeverygladtorunbackagain."Iwillinstructtheeandteachtheeinthewaywhichthoushaltgo,"isGod'spromisetoHispeople.Letus,then,takeallour perplexities toHim, and say, "Lord,whatwilt thou haveme to do?"LeavenotthychamberthismorningwithoutenquiringoftheLord.

Thisevening'sverse:

Leadusnotintotemptation;butdeliverusfromevil[or,theevilone].-Luke11:4

Whatwearetaughttoseekorshuninprayer,weshouldequallypursueor avoid in action.Very earnestly, therefore, shouldwe avoid temptation,seekingtowalksoguardedlyinthepathofobedience,thatwemaynevertemptthedeviltotemptus.Wearenottoenterthethicketinsearchofthelion.Dearlymightwepay for suchpresumption.This lionmaycrossourpath or leap upon us from the thicket, but we have nothing to do withhunting him.He thatmeetethwith him, even thoughhewinneth the day,willfinditasternstruggle.LettheChristianpraythathemaybesparedtheencounter.OurSaviour,whohadexperienceofwhattemptationmeant,thusearnestly admonished His disciples — "Pray that ye enter not intotemptation."

Butletusdoaswewill,weshallbetempted;hencetheprayer"deliverus from evil."God had one Sonwithout sin; butHe has no sonwithouttemptation.Thenaturalman is born to trouble as the sparks flyupwards,and theChristianman isborn to temptation just ascertainly.Wemustbealways on our watch against Satan, because, like a thief, he gives nointimationofhisapproach.BelieverswhohavehadexperienceofthewaysofSatan,know that therearecertainseasonswhenhewillmostprobablymakeanattack,justasatcertainseasonsbleakwindsmaybeexpected;thustheChristianisputonadoubleguardbyfearofdanger,andthedangerisavertedbypreparingtomeetit.Preventionisbetterthancure:itisbettertobesowellarmedthatthedevilwillnotattackyou,thantoenduretheperilsofthefight,eventhoughyoucomeoffaconqueror.Praythiseveningfirstthatyoumaynotbetempted,andnextthatiftemptationbepermitted,youmaybedeliveredfromtheevilone.

F e b r u a r y 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Iknowhowtoabound.-Philippians4:12

There aremanywho know "how to be abased" who have not learned"howtoabound."Whentheyaresetuponthetopofapinnacletheirheadsgrowdizzy,and theyare ready to fall.TheChristian faroftenerdisgraceshisprofessioninprosperitythaninadversity.It isadangerousthingtobeprosperous.Thecrucibleofadversity isa lesssevere trial to theChristianthanthefining-potofprosperity.Oh,whatleannessofsoulandneglectofspiritualthingshavebeenbroughtonthroughtheverymerciesandbountiesofGod!Yetthisisnotamatterofnecessity,fortheapostletellsusthatheknewhowtoabound.Whenhehadmuchheknewhowtouseit.Abundantgraceenabledhimtobearabundantprosperity.Whenhehadafullsailhewas loaded with much ballast, and so floated safely. It needs more thanhumanskilltocarrythebrimmingcupofmortaljoywithasteadyhand,yetPaul had learned that skill, for he declares, "In all things I am instructedboth tobefullandtobehungry."It isadivine lessontoknowhowtobefull, for the Israeliteswere full once, butwhile the fleshwas yet in theirmouth, thewrathofGod cameupon them.Manyhave asked formerciesthat theymight satisfy their own hearts' lust. Fulness of bread has oftenmadefulnessofblood,andthathasbroughtonwantonnessofspirit.WhenwehavemuchofGod'sprovidentialmercies,itoftenhappensthatwehavebut little of God's grace, and little gratitude for the bounties we havereceived.WearefullandweforgetGod:satisfiedwithearth,wearecontenttodowithoutheaven.Restassureditishardertoknowhowtobefullthanit is toknowhowtobehungry—sodesperate is the tendencyofhumannature to pride and forgetfulness ofGod. Take care that you ask in yourprayersthatGodwouldteachyou"howtobefull."

LetnotthegiftsThylovebestowsEstrangeourheartsfromThee.

Thisevening'sverse:

Ihaveblottedout,asathickcloud,thytransgressions,and,asacloud,thysins:returnuntoMe;forIhaveredeemedthee.-Isaiah44:22

Attentively observe THE INSTRUCTIVE SIMILITUDE: our sins arelike a cloud. As clouds are of many shapes and shades, so are ourtransgressions. As clouds obscure the light of the sun, and darken thelandscapebeneath,sodooursinshidefromusthelightofJehovah'sface,andcauseustositintheshadowofdeath.Theyareearth-bornthings,andrise from themiry places of our nature; andwhen so collected that theirmeasureisfull,theythreatenuswithstormandtempest.Alas!that,unlikeclouds,oursinsyieldusnogenialshowers,butratherthreatentodelugeuswithafieryfloodofdestruction.Oyeblackcloudsofsin,howcanitbefairweatherwithoursoulswhileyeremain?

LetourjoyfuleyedwelluponTHENOTABLEACTofdivinemercy—"blotting out." God Himself appears upon the scene, and in divinebenignity, insteadofmanifestingHisanger, revealsHisgrace:Heatonceand for ever effectually removes the mischief, not by blowing away thecloud, but by blotting it out from existence once for all. Against thejustifiedmannosinremains,thegreattransactionofthecrosshaseternallyremovedHistransgressionsfromhim.OnCalvary'ssummitthegreatdeed,bywhichthesinofall thechosenwasforeverputaway,wascompletelyandeffectuallyperformed.

Practically let us obey THE GRACIOUS COMMAND, "return untome."WhyshouldpardonedsinnersliveatadistancefromtheirGod?Ifwehave been forgiven all our sins, let no legal fear withhold us from theboldest access to ourLord. Let backslidings be bemoaned, but let us notpersevereinthem.TothegreatestpossiblenearnessofcommunionwiththeLord, let us, in the power of theHoly Spirit, strivemightily to return.OLord,thisnightrestoreus!

F e b r u a r y 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Andtheytookknowledgeofthem,thattheyhadbeenwithJesus.-Acts4:13

AChristianshouldbeastrikinglikenessofJesusChrist.YouhavereadlivesofChrist,beautifullyandeloquentlywritten,butthebestlifeofChristisHislivingbiography,writtenoutinthewordsandactionsofHispeople.Ifwewerewhatweprofess tobe, andwhatwe shouldbe,we shouldbepictures of Christ; yea, such striking likenesses of Him, that the worldwouldnothavetoholdusupbythehourtogether,andsay,"Well,itseemssomewhat of a likeness;" but they would, when they once beheld us,exclaim, "He has beenwith Jesus; he has been taught ofHim; he is likeHim; he has caught the very idea of the holy Man of Nazareth, and heworks itout inhis lifeandevery-dayactions."AChristianshouldbe likeChrist inhisboldness.Neverblush toownyour religion;yourprofessionwill never disgraceyou: take care younever disgrace that.Be like Jesus,veryvaliantforyourGod.ImitateHiminyour lovingspirit; thinkkindly,speakkindly,anddokindly, thatmenmaysayofyou,"HehasbeenwithJesus."ImitateJesusinHisholiness.WasHezealousforHisMaster?Sobeyou;evergoaboutdoinggood.Letnottimebewasted:it is tooprecious.WasHeself-denying,neverlookingtoHisowninterest?Bethesame.WasHe devout? Be you fervent in your prayers. Had He deference to HisFather'swill? So submit yourselves toHim.WasHe patient? So learn toendure.And best of all, as the highest portraiture of Jesus, try to forgiveyour enemies, as He did; and let those sublime words of your Master,"Father,forgivethem;fortheyknownotwhattheydo,"alwaysringinyourears.Forgive,asyouhopetobeforgiven.Heapcoalsoffireontheheadofyour foebyyourkindness tohim.Goodforevil, recollect, isgodlike.Begodlike,then;andinallwaysandbyallmeans,solivethatallmaysayofyou,"HehasbeenwithJesus."

Thisevening'sverse:

Thouhastleftthyfirstlove.-Revelation2:4

Evertoberememberedisthatbestandbrightestofhours,whenfirstwesawtheLord,lostourburden,receivedtherollofpromise,rejoicedinfullsalvation,andwentonourwayinpeace.Itwasspringtimeinthesoul;thewinter was past; the mutterings of Sinai's thunders were hushed; theflashings of its lightnings were no more perceived; God was beheld asreconciled; the law threatened no vengeance, justice demanded nopunishment.Thentheflowersappearedinourheart;hope,love,peace,andpatiencesprungfromthesod;thehyacinthofrepentance,thesnowdropofpure holiness, the crocus of golden faith, the daffodil of early love, alldeckedthegardenofthesoul.Thetimeofthesingingofbirdswascome,and we rejoiced with thanksgiving; we magnified the holy name of ourforgivingGod,andourresolvewas,"Lord,IamThine,whollyThine;allIam,andallIhave,IwoulddevotetoThee.ThouhastbroughtmewithThyblood— letme spendmyself andbe spent inThy service. In life and indeathletmebeconsecratedtoThee."Howhavewekeptthisresolve?OurespousalloveburnedwithaholyflameofdevoutednesstoJesus—isitthesamenow?MightnotJesuswellsaytous,"Ihavesomewhatagainstthee,becausethouhastlefttheyfirstlove"?Alas!itisbutlittlewehavedoneforourMaster'sglory.Ourwinterhaslastedalltoolong.Weareascoldasicewhenweshouldfeelasummer'sglowandbloomwithsacredflowers.Wegive toGod pencewhenHe deserveth pounds, nay, deserveth our heart'sbloodtobecoinedintheserviceofHischurchandofHistruth.Butshallwecontinuethus?OLord,afterThouhastsorichlyblessedus,shallwebeungratefulandbecomeindifferenttoThygoodcauseandwork?Oquickenus thatwemayreturn toour first love,anddoour firstworks!Sendusagenialspring,OSunofRighteousness.

F e b r u a r y 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Foras thesufferingsofChristaboundinus,soourconsolationalsoaboundethbyChrist.-2Corinthians1:5

There is a blessed proportion.TheRuler of Providence bears a pair ofscales—in thissideHeputsHispeople's trials,andin thatHeputs theirconsolations.Whenthescaleoftrialisnearlyempty,youwillalwaysfindthescaleofconsolationinnearlythesamecondition;andwhenthescaleoftrialsisfull,youwillfindthescaleofconsolationjustasheavy.Whentheblack clouds gather most, the light is the more brightly revealed to us.Whenthenightlowersandthetempestiscomingon,theHeavenlyCaptainisalwaysclosest toHiscrew.It isablessedthing,thatwhenwearemostcastdown, then it is thatwearemost liftedupby theconsolationsof theSpirit.Onereasonis,becausetrialsmakemoreroomforconsolation.Greathearts can only bemade by great troubles.The spade of trouble digs thereservoir of comfort deeper, andmakesmore room for consolation. Godcomesintoourheart—Hefindsitfull—Hebeginstobreakourcomfortsand tomake it empty; then there ismore room for grace.The humbler aman lies, themorecomforthewillalwayshave,becausehewillbemorefitted to receive it. Another reasonwhywe are oftenmost happy in ourtroubles, is this—thenwehave theclosestdealingswithGod.Whenthebarn is full, man can live without God: when the purse is bursting withgold,wetrytodowithoutsomuchprayer.Butoncetakeourgourdsaway,andwewantourGod;oncecleansetheidolsoutofthehouse,thenwearecompelledtohonourJehovah."OutofthedepthshaveIcrieduntothee,OLord."Thereisnocrysogoodasthatwhichcomesfromthebottomofthemountains;noprayerhalfsoheartyasthatwhichcomesupfromthedepthsofthesoul,throughdeeptrialsandafflictions.HencetheybringustoGod,and we are happier; for nearness to God is happiness. Come, troubledbeliever, fret not over your heavy troubles, for they are the heralds ofweightymercies.

Thisevening'sverse:

HeshallgiveyouanotherComforter,thatHemayabidewithyouforever.-John14:16

GreatFather revealedHimself tobelieversofoldbefore thecomingofHis Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the GodAlmighty.Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessedSon inHis own properperson,wasthedelightofHispeople'seyes.AtthetimeoftheRedeemer'sascension,theHolySpiritbecametheheadofthepresentdispensation,andHispowerwasgloriouslymanifestedinandafterPentecost.Heremainsatthishour thepresentImmanuel—Godwithus,dwelling inandwithHispeople, quickening, guiding, and ruling in their midst. Is His presencerecognizedas itought tobe?WecannotcontrolHisworking;He ismostsovereigninallHisoperations,butarewesufficientlyanxioustoobtainHishelp, or sufficientlywatchful lest we provokeHim towithdrawHis aid?Without Him we can do nothing, but by His almighty energy the mostextraordinary results can be produced: everything depends upon hismanifestingorconcealingHispower.Dowealways lookup toHimbothforour inner life andouroutward servicewith the respectfuldependencewhich is fitting? Do we not too often run before His call and actindependently of His aid? Let us humble ourselves this evening for pastneglects,andnowentreattheheavenlydewtorestuponus,thesacredoiltoanoint us, the celestial flame to burn within us. The Holy Ghost is notemporarygift,Heabideswiththesaints.WehavebuttoseekHimaright,andHewillbefoundofus.Heisjealous,butHeispitiful;ifHeleavesinanger,Hereturnsinmercy.Condescendingandtender,Hedoesnotwearyofus,butawaitstobegraciousstill.

Untoahardness,voidoflove,LetsupplyinggracetocrosshisartDropfromabove.

F e b r u a r y 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Behold,whatmannerof love theFatherhathbestoweduponus, thatweshouldbecalledthesonsofGod:thereforetheworldknowethusnot,becauseitknewHimnot.Beloved,nowarewethesonsofGod.-1John3:1-2

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.Considerwhowewere,andwhatwefeelourselves tobeevennowwhencorruptionispowerfulinus,andyouwillwonderatouradoption.Yetwearecalled"thesonsofGod."Whatahighrelationshipisthatofason,andwhatprivilegesitbrings!Whatcareandtendernessthesonexpectsfromhisfather,andwhatlovethefatherfeelstowardstheson!Butallthat,andmorethanthat,wenowhavethroughChrist.Asfor thetemporarydrawbackofsufferingwiththeelderbrother,thisweacceptasanhonour:"Thereforetheworld knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."We are content to beunknownwithHiminHishumiliation,forwearetobeexaltedwithHim."Beloved,nowarewethesonsofGod."Thatiseasytoread,butitisnotsoeasytofeel.Howisitwithyourheartthismorning?Areyouinthelowestdepthsofsorrow?Doescorruptionrisewithinyourspirit,andgraceseemlike a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you?Fearnot,itisneitheryourgracesnorfeelingsonwhichyouaretolive:youmustlivesimplybyfaithonChrist.Withallthesethingsagainstus,now—intheverydepthsofoursorrow,whereverwemaybe—now,asmuchinthevalleyasonthemountain,"Beloved,nowarewethesonsofGod.""Ah,but," you say, "see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; myrighteousness does not shinewith apparent glory." But read the next: "Itdoth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, whenHe shallappear,weshallbelikeHim."TheHolySpiritshallpurifyourminds,anddivinepowershallrefineourbodies,thenshallweseeHimasHeis.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thereisthereforenownocondemnation.-Romans8:1

Come,mysoul, think thouof this.Believing inJesus, thouartactuallyandeffectuallyclearedfromguilt;thouartledoutofthyprison.Thouartnomoreinfettersasabond-slave;thouartdeliverednowfromthebondageofthelaw;thouartfreedfromsin,andcanstwalkat largeasafreeman,thySaviour'sbloodhasprocured thy fulldischarge.Thouhast a rightnow toapproach thy Father's throne. No flames of vengeance are there to scaretheenow;nofierysword;justicecannotsmitetheinnocent.Thydisabilitiesaretakenaway:thouwastonceunabletoseethyFather'sface:thoucanstseeitnow.ThoucouldstnotspeakwithHim:butnowthouhastaccesswithboldness.Oncetherewasafearofhelluponthee;butthouhastnofearofitnow,forhowcantherebepunishmentfortheguiltless?Hewhobelievethisnotcondemned,andcannotbepunished.Andmorethanall,theprivilegesthoumightsthaveenjoyed, if thouhadstneversinned,are thinenowthouart justified.All theblessingswhich thouwouldst havehad if thouhadstkeptthelaw,andmore,arethine,becauseChristhaskeptitforthee.Allthelove and the acceptancewhich perfect obedience could have obtained ofGod,belong to thee,becauseChristwasperfectlyobedienton thybehalf,and hath imputed all His merits to thy account, that thou mightst beexceedingrichthroughHim,whoforthysakebecameexceedingpoor.Oh!howgreatthedebtofloveandgratitudethouowesttothySaviour!

Adebtortomercyalone,OfcovenantmercyIsing;NorfearwithThyrighteousnesson,Mypersonandofferingstobring:TheterrorsoflawandofGod,Withmecanhavenothingtodo;MySaviour'sobedienceandbloodHideallmytransgressionsfromview.

F e b r u a r y 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Andhisallowancewasacontinualallowancegivenhimoftheking,adailyrateforeveryday,allthedaysofhislife."2Kings25:30

Jehoiachinwasnotsentawayfromtheking'spalacewithastoretolasthimformonths,buthisprovisionwasgivenhimasadailypension.HereinhewellpicturesthehappypositionofalltheLord'speople.Adailyportionisallthatamanreallywants.Wedonotneedtomorrow'ssupplies;thatdayhasnotyetdawned,and itswantsareasyetunborn.The thirstwhichwemaysufferinthemonthofJunedoesnotneedtobequenchedinFebruary,forwedonotfeelityet;ifwehaveenoughforeachdayasthedaysarriveweshallneverknowwant.Sufficient for theday isall thatwecanenjoy.We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day's supply of food andraiment; the surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety ofwatchingagainstathief.Onestaffaidsatraveller,butabundleofstavesisaheavyburden.Enough isnotonly asgoodas a feast, but is all that theveriestgluttoncantrulyenjoy.Thisisallthatweshouldexpect;acravingformorethanthisisungrateful.WhenourFatherdoesnotgiveusmore,weshould be contentwith his daily allowance. Jehoiachin's case is ours,wehaveasureportion,aportiongivenusoftheking,agraciousportion,andaperpetualportion.Hereissurelygroundforthankfulness.

BelovedChristian reader, inmatters of grace you need a daily supply.Youhavenostoreofstrength.Daybydaymustyouseekhelpfromabove.Itisaverysweetassurancethatadailyportionisprovidedforyou.Intheword,throughtheministry,bymeditation,inprayer,andwaitinguponGodyoushall receive renewedstrength. InJesusallneedful thingsare laidupforyou.Thenenjoyyourcontinualallowance.Nevergohungrywhilethedailybreadofgraceisonthetableofmercy.

Thisevening'sverse:

Shewashealedimmediately.-Luke8:47

OneofthemosttouchingandteachingoftheSaviour'smiraclesisbeforeusto-night.Thewomanwasveryignorant.SheimaginedthatvirtuecameoutofChristbya lawofnecessity,withoutHisknowledgeordirectwill.Moreover, shewas a stranger to thegenerosityof Jesus' character, or shewould not have gone behind to steal the curewhichHewas so ready tobestow.Misery shouldalwaysplace itself right in the faceofmercy.HadsheknowntheloveofJesus'heart,shewouldhavesaid,"IhavebuttoputmyselfwhereHecanseeme—HisomnisciencewillteachHimmycase,and His love at once will work my cure." We admire her faith, but wemarvelatherignorance.Aftershehadobtainedthecure,sherejoicedwithtrembling:gladwasshethatthedivinevirtuehadwroughtamarvelinher;but she feared lest Christ should retract the blessing, and put a negativeupon the grant ofHis grace: little did she comprehend the fulness ofHislove!WehavenotsoclearaviewofHimaswecouldwish;weknownottheheightsanddepthsofHislove;butweknowofasuretythatHeistoogoodtowithdrawfromatremblingsoulthegiftwhichithasbeenabletoobtain.Buthereis themarvelof it: littleaswasherknowledge,herfaith,because itwas real faith, savedher, and savedheratonce.Therewasnotedious delay— faith's miracle was instantaneous. If we have faith as agrainofmustardseed,salvationisourpresentandeternalpossession.Ifinthe listof theLord'schildrenwearewrittenas the feeblestof the family,yet, being heirs through faith, no power, human or devilish, can eject usfromsalvation. Ifwedarenot leanourheadsuponHisbosomwithJohn,yet ifwe can venture in the press behindHim, and touch the hemof hisgarment,wearemadewhole.Courage,timidone!thyfaithhathsavedthee;goinpeace."Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod."

F e b r u a r y 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

ToHimbeglorybothnowandforever.-2Peter3:18

Heaven will be full of the ceaseless praises of Jesus. Eternity! thineunnumberedyearsshallspeedtheireverlastingcourse,butforeverandforever, "to Him be glory." Is He not a "Priest for ever after the order ofMelchisedek"? "To Him be glory." Is He not king for ever?—King ofkingsandLordoflords,theeverlastingFather?"ToHimbegloryforever."NevershallHispraisescease.Thatwhichwasboughtwithblooddeservesto last while immortality endures. The glory of the cross must never beeclipsed; the lustre of the grave and of the resurrection must never bedimmed.OJesus! thoushaltbepraisedforever.Longas immortalspiritslive—longastheFather'sthroneendures—forever,forever,untoTheeshallbeglory.Believer,youareanticipating the timewhenyoushall jointhesaintsaboveinascribingallglorytoJesus;butareyouglorifyingHimnow?Theapostle'swordsare, "ToHimbeglorybothnowand for ever."Willyounotthisdaymakeityourprayer?"Lord,helpmetoglorifyThee;Iampoor, helpme to glorifyThee by contentment; I am sick, helpme togive Thee honour by patience; I have talents, help me to extol Thee byspendingthemforThee;Ihavetime,Lord,helpmetoredeemit,thatImayservethee;Ihaveahearttofeel,Lord,letthatheartfeelnolovebutThine,andglowwithnoflamebutaffectionforThee;Ihaveaheadtothink,Lord,helpmetothinkofTheeandforThee;Thouhastputmeinthisworldforsomething,Lord,showmewhatthat is,andhelpmetoworkoutmylife-purpose:Icannotdomuch,butas thewidowput inher twomites,whichwere all her living, so, Lord, I cast my time and eternity too into Thytreasury;IamallThine;takeme,andenablemetoglorifyTheenow,inallthatIsay,inallthatIdo,andwithallthatIhave."

Thisevening'sverse:

WherebytheyhavemadeTheeglad.-Psalm45:8

Andwho are thus privileged tomake theSaviour glad?His church—His people.But is it possible?Hemakes us glad, but how canwemakeHimglad?Byourlove.Ah!wethinkitsocold,sofaint;andso,indeed,wemust sorrowfullyconfess it tobe,but it isverysweet toChrist.HearHisowneulogyofthatloveinthegoldenCanticle:"Howfairis thylove,mysister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine!" See, lovingheart,howHedelightsinyou.WhenyouleanyourheadonHisbosom,younotonlyreceive,butyougiveHimjoy;whenyougazewithloveuponHisall-glorious face, you not only obtain comfort, but impart delight. Ourpraise,toogivesHimjoy—notthesongofthelipsalone,butthemelodyof theheart's deepgratitude.Ourgifts, too, areverypleasant toHim;Helovestoseeuslayourtime,ourtalents,oursubstanceuponthealtar,notforthevalueofwhatwegive,but for thesakeof themotive fromwhich thegiftsprings.ToHimthelowlyofferingsofHissaintsaremoreacceptablethan the thousands of gold and silver. Holiness is like frankincense andmyrrhtoHim.Forgiveyourenemy,andyoumakeChristglad;distributeofyoursubstancetothepoor,andHerejoices;bethemeansofsavingsouls,andyougiveHimtoseeofthetravailofHissoul;proclaimHisgospel,andyou are a sweet savour untoHim; go among the ignorant and lift up thecross, and you have givenHim honour. It is in your power even now tobreakthealabasterbox,andpourthepreciousoilofjoyuponHishead,asdidthewomanofold,whosememorialistothisdaysetforthwhereverthegospelispreached.Willyoubebackwardthen?WillyounotperfumeyourbelovedLordwith themyrrhandaloes,andcassis,ofyourheart'spraise?Yes,yeivorypalaces,yeshallhearthesongsofthesaints!

F e b r u a r y 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content. -Philippians4:11

Thesewordsshowusthatcontentmentisnotanaturalpropensityofman."Ill weeds grow apace." Covetousness, discontent, andmurmuring are asnatural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles andbrambles; theycomeupnaturallyenough,because theyare indigenous toearth: and so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fastenoughwithoutanyeducation.Butthepreciousthingsoftheearthmustbecultivated. Ifwewouldhavewheat,wemustploughandsow; ifwewantflowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener's care. Now,contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and ifwewould have it, itmust be cultivated; itwill not grow in us by nature; it is the new naturealone thatcanproduce it,andeven thenwemustbespeciallycarefulandwatchful thatwemaintainandcultivate thegracewhichGodhassowninus.Paulsays,"Ihavelearned...tobecontent;"asmuchastosay,hedidnotknowhowatonetime.Itcosthimsomepainstoattaintothemysteryofthatgreat truth.Nodoubthe sometimes thoughthehad learned, and thenbrokedown.Andwhenatlasthehadattaineduntoit,andcouldsay,"Ihavelearned inwhatsoeverstateIam, therewith tobecontent,"hewasanold,grey-headedman,uponthebordersofthegrave—apoorprisonershutupin Nero's dungeon at Rome. We might well be willing to endure Paul'sinfirmities, andshare thecolddungeonwithhim, ifwe toomightbyanymeansattainuntohisgooddegree.Donotindulgethenotionthatyoucanbecontentedwithlearning,orlearnwithoutdiscipline.Itisnotapowerthatmaybeexercisednaturally,butasciencetobeacquiredgradually.Weknowthisfromexperience.Brother,hushthatmurmur,natural thoughitbe,andcontinueadiligentpupilintheCollegeofContent.

Thisevening'sverse:

ThygoodSpirit.-Nehemiah9:20

Common, too common is the sin of forgetting theHoly Spirit. This isfolly and ingratitude. He deserves well at our hands, for He is good,supremelygood.AsGod,Heisgoodessentially.Hesharesinthethreefoldascription of Holy, holy, holy, which ascends to the Triune Jehovah.Unmixed purity and truth, and grace is He. He is good benevolently,tenderlybearingwithourwaywardness,strivingwithour rebelliouswills;quickeningusfromourdeathinsin,andthentrainingusfortheskiesasalovingnursefostersherchild.Howgenerous,forgiving,andtender is thispatientSpiritofGod.Heisgoodoperatively.AllHisworksaregoodinthemost eminent degree: He suggests good thoughts, prompts good actions,revealsgoodtruths,appliesgoodpromises,assistsingoodattainments,andleadstogoodresults.ThereisnospiritualgoodinalltheworldofwhichHeis not the author and sustainer, and heaven itself will owe the perfectcharacter of its redeemed inhabitants to His work. He is good officially;whether as Comforter, Instructor, Guide, Sanctifier, Quickener, orIntercessor,He fulfilsHis officewell, and eachwork is fraughtwith thehighest good to the church of God. They who yield to His influencesbecomegood, theywhoobeyHis impulsesdogood, theywho liveunderHispowerreceivegood.Letusthenacttowardssogoodapersonaccordingtothedictatesofgratitude.LetusrevereHisperson,andadoreHimasGodoverall,blessed forever; letusownHispower,andourneedofHimbywaitinguponHiminallourholyenterprises;letushourlyseekHisaid,andnevergrieveHim;andletusspeaktoHispraisewheneveroccasionoccurs.ThechurchwillneverprosperuntilmorereverentlyitbelievesintheHolyGhost. He is so good and kind, that it is sad indeed that He should begrievedbyslightsandnegligences.

F e b r u a r y 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

IsaacdweltbythewellLahai-roi.-Genesis25:11

HagarhadoncefounddeliverancethereandIshmaelhaddrankfromthewatersograciouslyrevealedby theGodwho livethandseeth thesonsofmen;butthiswasamerelycasualvisit,suchasworldlingspaytotheLordintimesofneed,whenitservestheirturn.TheycrytoHimintrouble,butforsakeHiminprosperity.Isaacdweltthere,andmadethewellofthelivingandall-seeingGodhisconstantsourceofsupply.Theusualtenorofaman'slife, the dwelling of his soul, is the true test of his state. Perhaps theprovidential visitation experienced byHagar struck Isaac'smind, and ledhimtoreveretheplace;itsmysticalnameendearedittohim;hisfrequentmusings by its brim at eventide made him familiar with the well; hismeetingRebeccatherehadmadehisspirit feelathomenear thespot;butbestofall,thefactthathethereenjoyedfellowshipwiththelivingGod,hadmadehimselectthathallowedgroundforhisdwelling.LetuslearntoliveinthepresenceofthelivingGod;letuspraytheHolySpiritthatthisday,and every other day, wemay feel, "Thou God seest me."May the LordJehovahbeasawell tous,delightful,comforting,unfailing, springingupuntoeternallife.Thebottleofthecreaturecracksanddriesup,butthewellof theCreatornever fails;happy ishewhodwellsat thewell,andsohasabundant and constant supplies near at hand. The Lord has been a surehelper toothers:HisnameisShaddai,GodAll-sufficient;ourheartshaveoftenhadmostdelightfulintercoursewithHim;throughHimoursoulhasfoundhergloriousHusband, theLordJesus;andinHimthisdaywelive,andmove,andhaveourbeing;letus,then,dwellinclosestfellowshipwithHim.GloriousLord,constrainusthatwemayneverleaveThee,butdwellbythewellofthelivingGod.

Thisevening'sverse:

WhereastheLordwasthere.-Ezekiel35:10

Edom'sprincessawthewholecountryleftdesolate,andcounteduponitseasy conquest; but there was one great difficulty in their way — quiteunknown to them— "The Lordwas there"; and in His presence lay thespecialsecurityofthechosenland.Whatevermaybethemachinationsanddevices of the enemies of God's people, there is still the same effectualbarriertothwarttheirdesign.ThesaintsareGod'sheritage,andHeisinthemidstofthem,andwillprotectHisown.Whatcomfortthisassuranceyieldsus inour troubles and spiritual conflicts!Weare constantlyopposed, andyetperpetuallypreserved!HowoftenSatan shootshis arrowsagainst ourfaith,butourfaithdefies thepowerofhell's fierydarts; theyarenotonlyturnedaside,buttheyarequencheduponitsshield,for"theLordisthere."OurgoodworksarethesubjectsofSatan'sattacks.Asaintneveryethadavirtueoragracewhichwasnotthetargetforhellishbullets:whetheritwashope bright and sparkling, or love warm and fervent, or patience all-enduring,orzealflaminglikecoalsoffire,theoldenemyofeverythingthatis goodhas tried todestroy it.Theonly reasonwhyanythingvirtuousorlovelysurvivesinusisthis,"theLordisthere."

If the Lord be with us through life, we need not fear for our dyingconfidence;forwhenwecometodie,weshallfindthat"theLordisthere";where the billows aremost tempestuous, and thewater ismost chill,weshallfeelthebottom,andknowthatitisgood:ourfeetshallstandupontheRock of Ages when time is passing away. Beloved, from the first of aChristian'slifetothelast,theonlyreasonwhyhedoesnotperishisbecause"the Lord is there."When the God of everlasting love shall change andleaveHiselecttoperish,thenmaytheChurchofGodbedestroyed;butnottillthen,becauseitiswritten,JEHOVAHSHAMMAH,"TheLordisthere."

F e b r u a r y 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Shewmewhereforethoucontendestwithme.-Job10:2

Perhaps,Otriedsoul,theLordisdoingthistodevelopthygraces.Therearesomeofthygraceswhichwouldneverbediscoveredifitwerenotforthytrials.Dostthounotknowthatthyfaithneverlookssograndinsummerweatherasitdoesinwinter?Loveistoooftenlikeaglow-worm,showingbutlittlelightexceptitbeinthemidstofsurroundingdarkness.Hopeitselfislikeastar—nottobeseeninthesunshineofprosperity,andonlytobediscoveredinthenightofadversity.AfflictionsareoftentheblackfoilsinwhichGoddothsetthejewelsofHischildren'sgraces,tomakethemshinethebetter.Itwasbutalittlewhileagothatonthykneesthouwastsaying,"Lord, I fear Ihavenofaith: letmeknowthat Ihavefaith."Wasnot thisreally, thoughperhapsunconsciously,praying for trials?—forhowcanstthouknowthatthouhastfaithuntilthyfaithisexercised?Dependuponit,Godoften sendsus trials that ourgracesmaybediscovered, and thatwemaybecertifiedoftheirexistence.Besides,itisnotmerelydiscovery,realgrowthingraceistheresultofsanctifiedtrials.GodoftentakesawayourcomfortsandourprivilegesinordertomakeusbetterChristians.HetrainsHis soldiers,not in tentsof easeand luxury,butby turning themout andusing them to forced marches and hard service. He makes them fordthroughstreams,andswimthroughrivers,andclimbmountains,andwalkmany a longmile with heavy knapsacks of sorrow on their backs.Well,Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which thou artpassing?IsnottheLordbringingoutyourgraces,andmakingthemgrow?IsnotthisthereasonwhyHeiscontendingwithyou?

Trialsmakethepromisesweet;Trialsgivenewlifetoprayer;TrialsbringmetoHisfeet,Laymelow,andkeepmethere.

Thisevening'sverse:

Father,Ihavesinned.-Luke15:18

It is quite certain that those whom Christ has washed in His preciousblood need notmake a confession of sin, as culprits or criminals, beforeGod theJudge, forChristhas forever takenawayall their sins ina legalsense,so that theynolongerstandwheretheycanbecondemned,butareonce for all accepted in the Beloved; but having become children, andoffendingaschildren,oughttheynoteverydaytogobeforetheirheavenlyFather and confess their sin, and acknowledge their iniquity in thatcharacter?Nature teaches that it is the duty of erring children tomake aconfessiontotheirearthlyfather,andthegraceofGodintheheartteachesus that we, as Christians, owe the same duty to our heavenly father.Wedailyoffend,andoughtnottorestwithoutdailypardon.For,supposingthatmytrespassesagainstmyFatherarenotatoncetakentoHimtobewashedaway by the cleansing power of the Lord Jesus, what will be theconsequence?IfIhavenotsoughtforgivenessandbeenwashedfromtheseoffencesagainstmyFather,IshallfeelatadistancefromHim;IshalldoubtHis lovetome;Ishall trembleatHim;Ishallbeafraid topray toHim:Ishallgrowliketheprodigal,who,althoughstillachild,wasyetfarofffromhisfather.Butif,withachild'ssorrowatoffendingsograciousandlovingaParent, I go toHim and tellHim all, and rest not till I realize that I amforgiven,thenIshallfeelaholylovetomyFather,andshallgothroughmyChristian career, not only as saved, but as one enjoying present peace inGod through Jesus Christ my Lord. There is a wide distinction betweenconfessing sin as a culprit, and confessing sin as a child. The Father'sbosom is theplace for penitent confessions.Wehavebeen cleansedonceforall,butourfeetstillneedtobewashedfromthedefilementofourdailywalkaschildrenofGod.

F e b r u a r y 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

ThussaiththeLordGod;IwillyetforthisbeenquiredofbythehouseofIsrael,todoitforthem.-Ezekiel36:37

Prayer is the forerunner ofmercy.Turn to sacred history, and youwillfindthatscarcelyeverdidagreatmercycometothisworldunheraldedbysupplication. You have found this true in your own personal experience.God has given youmany an unsolicited favour, but still great prayer hasalways been the prelude of greatmercywith you.When you first foundpeace through the blood of the cross, you had been praying much, andearnestly interceding with God that He would remove your doubts, anddeliveryou fromyourdistresses.Yourassurancewas the resultofprayer.When at any time you have had high and rapturous joys, you have beenobligedtolookuponthemasanswerstoyourprayers.Whenyouhavehadgreatdeliverancesoutofsoretroubles,andmightyhelpsingreatdangers,you have been able to say, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, anddeliveredmefromallmyfears."Prayerisalwaystheprefacetoblessing.Itgoes before the blessing as the blessing's shadow.When the sunlight ofGod'smerciesrisesuponournecessities, itcasts theshadowofprayerfardownupon theplain.Or, touseanother illustration,whenGodpilesupahillofmercies,HeHimselfshinesbehindthem,andHecastsonourspiritstheshadowofprayer,sothatwemayrestcertain,ifwearemuchinprayer,ourpleadingsaretheshadowsofmercy.Prayeristhusconnectedwiththeblessingtoshowusthevalueofit.Ifwehadtheblessingswithoutaskingfor them, we should think them common things; but prayer makes ourmerciesmorepreciousthandiamonds.Thethingsweaskforareprecious,but we do not realize their preciousness until we have sought for themearnestly.

Prayermakesthedarken'dcloudwithdraw;PrayerclimbstheladderJacobsaw;<br/>Givesexercisetofaithandlove;Bringseveryblessingfromabove.

Thisevening'sverse:

HefirstfindethhisownbrotherSimon.-John1:41

This case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual life isvigorous.AssoonasamanhasfoundChrist,hebeginstofindothers.Iwillnotbelievethatthouhasttastedofthehoneyofthegospelifthoucansteatitallthyself.Truegraceputsanendtoallspiritualmonopoly.Andrewfirstfound his own brother Simon, and then others. Relationship has a verystrongdemanduponourfirstindividualefforts.Andrew,thoudidstwelltobegin with Simon. I doubt whether there are not some Christians givingawaytractsatotherpeople'shouseswhowoulddowelltogiveawayatractattheirown—whethertherearenotsomeengagedinworksofusefulnessabroadwhoareneglectingtheirspecialsphereofusefulnessathome.Thoumaystorthoumaystnotbecalledtoevangelizethepeopleinanyparticularlocality,butcertainly thouartcalled toseeafter thineownservants, thineown kinsfolk and acquaintance. Let thy religion begin at home. Manytradesmen export their best commodities— theChristian should not.Heshouldhaveallhisconversationeverywhereofthebestsavour;butlethimhaveacaretoputforththesweetestfruitofspirituallifeandtestimonyinhisownfamily.WhenAndrewwent tofindhisbrother,helittle imaginedhoweminentSimonwouldbecome.SimonPeterwasworthtenAndrewssofaraswecangatherfromsacredhistory,andyetAndrewwasinstrumentalinbringinghimtoJesus.Youmaybeverydeficientintalentyourself,andyet you may be the means of drawing to Christ one who shall becomeeminent in grace and service. Ah! dear friend, you little know thepossibilitieswhichareinyou.Youmaybutspeakawordtoachild,andinthat child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir theChristian church in years to come. Andrew has only two talents, but hefindsPeter.Gothouanddolikewise.

F e b r u a r y 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

God,thatcomforteththosethatarecastdown.-2Corinthians7:6

AndwhocomfortethlikeHim?Gotosomepoor,melancholy,distressedchildofGod;tellhimsweetpromises,andwhisperinhisearchoicewordsof comfort; he is like the deaf adder, he listens not to the voice of thecharmer,charmheneversowisely.Heisdrinkinggallandwormwood,andcomfort him as you may, it will be only a note or two of mournfulresignation thatyouwillget fromhim;youwillbring forthnopsalmsofpraise,nohallelujahs,nojoyfulsonnets.ButletGodcometoHischild,letHimliftuphiscountenance,andthemourner'seyesglistenwithhope.Doyounothearhimsing—

"'Tisparadise,ifthouarthere;Ifthoudepart,'tishell?"

Youcouldnothavecheeredhim:buttheLordhasdoneit;"HeistheGodofallcomfort."ThereisnobalminGilead,butthereisbalminGod.Thereisnophysicianamongthecreatures,buttheCreatorisJehovah-rophi.Itismarvellous how one sweet word of God will make whole songs forChristians.OnewordofGodislikeapieceofgold,andtheChristianisthegoldbeater, and can hammer that promise out forwholeweeks. So, then,poorChristian, thouneedestnotsitdownindespair.GototheComforter,andaskHimtogivetheeconsolation.Thouartapoordrywell.Youhavehearditsaid,thatwhenapumpisdry,youmustpourwaterdownitfirstofall,andthenyouwillgetwater,andso,Christian,whenthouartdry,gotoGod,askHimtoshedabroadHisjoyinthyheart,andthenthyjoyshallbefull. Do not go to earthly acquaintances, for you will find them Job'scomfortersafterall;butgofirstandforemosttothy"God,thatcomforteththose thatarecastdown,"andyouwillsoonsay,"In themultitudeofmythoughtswithinmeThycomfortsdelightmysoul."

Thisevening'sverse:

ThenwasJesusledupoftheSpiritintothewildernesstobetemptedofthedevil.-Matthew4:1

AHolycharacterdoesnotaverttemptation—Jesuswastempted.WhenSatantemptsus,hissparksfallupontinder;butinChrist'scase,itwaslikestrikingsparksonwater;yettheenemycontinuedhisevilwork.Now,ifthedevilgoesonstrikingwhenthereisnoresult,howmuchmorewillhedoitwhenheknowswhatinflammablestuffourheartsaremadeof.Thoughyoubecomegreatlysanctifiedby theHolyGhost,expect that thegreatdogofhellwillbarkatyoustill.Inthehauntsofmenweexpecttobetempted,butevenseclusionwillnotguardusfromthesametrial.JesusChristwas ledawayfromhumansocietyintothewilderness,andwastemptedofthedevil.Solitudehasitscharmsanditsbenefits,andmaybeusefulincheckingthelust of the eye and the pride of life; but the devilwill followus into themostlovelyretreats.Donotsupposethatitisonlytheworldly-mindedwhohave dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritual-mindedpersonsendurethesame;andintheholiestpositionwemaysufferthedarkesttemptation.TheutmostconsecrationofspiritwillnotinsureyouagainstSatanictemptation.Christwasconsecratedthroughandthrough.ItwasHismeatanddrinktodothewillofHimthatsentHim:andyetHewastempted!YourheartsmayglowwithaseraphicflameoflovetoJesus,andyetthedevilwilltrytobringyoudowntoLaodiceanlukewarmness.IfyouwilltellmewhenGodpermitsaChristiantolayasidehisarmour,IwilltellyouwhenSatanhasleftofftemptation.Liketheoldknightsinwartime,wemust sleepwith helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiverwillseizeourfirstunguardedhourtomakeushisprey.TheLordkeepuswatchfulinallseasons,andgiveusafinalescapefromthejawofthelionandthepawofthebear.

F e b r u a r y 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Hehathsaid.-Hebrews13:5

If we can only grasp thesewords by faith, we have an all-conqueringweaponinourhand.Whatdoubtwillnotbeslainbythistwo-edgedsword?WhatfearistherewhichshallnotfallsmittenwithadeadlywoundbeforethisarrowfromthebowofGod'scovenant?Willnot thedistressesoflifeand the pangs of death; will not the corruptions within, and the snareswithout;willnot the trials fromabove,and the temptations frombeneath,all seem but light afflictions, when we can hide ourselves beneath thebulwarkof"Hehathsaid"?Yes;whetherfordelightinourquietude,orforstrength inourconflict, "Hehathsaid"mustbeourdaily resort.And thismayteachustheextremevalueofsearchingtheScriptures.Theremaybeapromise in theWordwhichwouldexactly fit your case,butyoumaynotknowofit,andthereforeyoumissitscomfort.Youarelikeprisonersinadungeon,andtheremaybeonekeyin thebunchwhichwouldunlockthedoor,andyoumightbefree;butifyouwillnotlookforit,youmayremaina prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand. Theremay be a potentmedicine in the great pharmacopoeia of Scripture, and you may yetcontinuesickunlessyouwillexamineandsearchtheScripturestodiscoverwhat"Hehathsaid."Shouldyounot,besidesreadingtheBible,storeyourmemoriesrichlywiththepromisesofGod?Youcanrecollectthesayingsofgreatmen;youtreasureuptheversesofrenownedpoets;oughtyounottobeprofound inyourknowledgeof thewordsofGod, so thatyoumaybeabletoquotethemreadilywhenyouwouldsolveadifficulty,oroverthrowadoubt?Since"Hehathsaid"isthesourceofallwisdom,andthefountainofallcomfort, letitdwellinyourichly,as"Awellofwater,springingupuntoeverlastinglife."Soshallyougrowhealthy,strong,andhappyinthedivinelife.

Thisevening'sverse:

Understandestthouwhatthoureadest?-Acts8:30

Weshouldbeablerteachersofothers,andlessliabletobecarriedaboutby every wind of doctrine, if we sought to have a more intelligentunderstandingof theWordofGod.As theHolyGhost, theAuthorof theScripturesisHewhoalonecanenlightenusrightlytounderstandthem,weshouldconstantlyaskHis teaching,andHisguidance intoall truth.Whenthe prophetDanielwould interpretNebuchadnezzar's dream,what did hedo?He set himself to earnest prayer thatGodwould open up the vision.The apostle John, in his vision at Patmos, saw a book sealedwith sevensealswhichnonewasfoundworthy toopen,orsomuchas to lookupon.ThebookwasafterwardsopenedbytheLionofthetribeofJudah,whohadprevailed toopen it;but it iswritten first—"Iweptmuch."The tearsofJohn,whichwerehisliquidprayers,were,sofarashewasconcerned,thesacredkeysbywhich thefoldedbookwasopened.Therefore, if, foryourown and others' profiting, you desire to be "filledwith the knowledge ofGod'swillinallwisdomandspiritualunderstanding,"rememberthatprayerisyourbestmeansof study: likeDaniel, you shallunderstand thedream,and the interpretation thereof,when you have sought untoGod; and likeJohnyoushallseethesevensealsofprecioustruthunloosed,afteryouhaveweptmuch.Stonesarenotbroken,exceptbyanearnestuseofthehammer;and the stone-breaker must go down on his knees. Use the hammer ofdiligence,andletthekneeofprayerbeexercised,andthereisnotastonydoctrineinrevelationwhichisusefulforyoutounderstand,whichwillnotflyintoshiversundertheexerciseofprayerandfaith.Youmayforceyourwaythroughanythingwiththeleverageofprayer.Thoughtsandreasoningsare like the steelwedgeswhich give a hold upon truth; but prayer is thelever,theprisewhichforcesopentheironchestofsacredmystery,thatwemaygetthetreasurehiddenwithin.

F e b r u a r y 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were madestrongbythehandsofthemightyGodofJacob.-Genesis49:24

ThatstrengthwhichGodgivestoHisJosephsisrealstrength;itisnotaboasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but which ends insmoke; it is true — divine strength. Why does Joseph stand againsttemptation?BecauseGod gives him aid. There is nought thatwe can dowithoutthepowerofGod.Alltruestrengthcomesfrom"themightyGodofJacob."NoticeinwhatablessedlyfamiliarwayGodgivesthisstrengthtoJoseph—"The armsof his handsweremade strongby the hands of themightyGod of Jacob." ThusGod is represented as puttingHis hands onJoseph'shands,placingHisarmsonJoseph'sarms.Likeasafatherteacheshischildren,sotheLordteachesthemthatfearHim.HeputsHisarmsuponthem. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent,stoopsfromHisthroneandlaysHishanduponthechild'shand,stretchingHisarmuponthearmofJoseph,thathemaybemadestrong!Thisstrengthwasalsocovenantstrength,foritisascribedto"themightyGodofJacob."Now, wherever you read of the God of Jacob in the Bible, you shouldremember the covenant with Jacob. Christians love to think of God'scovenant.Allthepower,allthegrace,alltheblessings,allthemercies,allthecomforts,allthethingswehave,flowtousfromthewell-head,throughthecovenant.Iftherewerenocovenant,thenweshouldfailindeed;forallgraceproceedsfromit,aslightandheatfromthesun.Noangelsascendordescend,saveuponthatladderwhichJacobsaw,atthetopofwhichstoodacovenantGod.Christian,itmaybethatthearchershavesorelygrievedyou,andshotatyou,andwoundedyou,butstillyourbowabidesinstrength;besure,then,toascribealltheglorytoJacob'sGod.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheLordisslowtoanger,andgreatinpower.-Nahum1:3

Jehovah "is slow to anger." When mercy cometh into the world shedriveth winged steeds; the axles of her chariot-wheels are red hot withspeed; butwhenwrath goeth forth, it toileth onwith tardy footsteps, forGodtakethnopleasureinthesinner'sdeath.God'srodofmercyiseverinHishandsoutstretched;Hisswordof justice is in itsscabbard,helddownbythatpiercedhandoflovewhichbledforthesinsofmen."TheLordisslow to anger," because He is GREAT IN POWER. He is truly great inpower who hath power over himself. When God's power doth restrainHimself, then it is power indeed: the power that binds omnipotence isomnipotence surpassed. A man who has a strong mind can bear to beinsultedlong,andonlyresentsthewrongwhenasenseofrightdemandshisaction.Theweakmindisirritatedatalittle:thestrongmindbearsitlikearockwhichmovethnot,thoughathousandbreakersdashuponit,andcasttheirpitifulmaliceinsprayuponitssummit.GodmarkethHisenemies,andyetHebestirsnotHimself,butholdethinHisanger.IfHewerelessdivinethan He is, He would long ere this have sent forth the whole of Histhunders, and emptied the magazines of heaven; He would long ere thishaveblastedtheearthwiththewondrousfiresofitslowerregions,andmanwouldhavebeenutterlydestroyed;butthegreatnessofhispowerbringsusmercy.Dear reader,what is your state this evening?Can you by humblefaith looktoJesus,andsay,"Mysubstitute,Thouartmyrock,mytrust"?Then,beloved,benotafraidofGod'spower;forbyfaithyouhavefledtoChrist for refuge, the power of God need no more terrify you, than theshieldandswordof thewarriorneed terrify thosewhomhe loves.RatherrejoicethatHewhois"greatinpower"isyourFatherandFriend.

F e b r u a r y 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Iwillneverleavethee.-Hebrews13:5

No promise is of private interpretation.WhateverGod has said to anyonesaint,Hehas said toall.WhenHeopensawell forone, it is that allmaydrink.WhenHeopenethagranary-doortogiveoutfood,theremaybesome one starvingman who is the occasion of its being opened, but allhungry saints may come and feed too. Whether He gave the word toAbrahamor toMoses,mattersnot,Obeliever;Hehasgiven it to theeasoneofthecovenantedseed.Thereisnotahighblessingtooloftyforthee,norawidemercytooextensiveforthee.Liftupnowthineeyestothenorthandtothesouth, totheeastandtothewest,forall this is thine.ClimbtoPisgah'stop,andviewtheutmostlimitofthedivinepromise,forthelandisallthineown.Thereisnotabrookoflivingwaterofwhichthoumaystnotdrink.Ifthelandflowethwithmilkandhoney,eatthehoneyanddrinkthemilk, forbothare thine.Be thoubold tobelieve, forHehathsaid,"Iwillneverleavethee,norforsakethee."Inthispromise,GodgivestoHispeopleeverything."Iwillneverleavethee."ThennoattributeofGodcanceasetobe engaged for us. Is He mighty? He will show Himself strong on thebehalfof them that trustHim. IsHe love?Thenwith lovingkindnesswillHehavemercyuponus.WhateverattributesmaycomposethecharacterofDeity,everyoneofthemtoitsfullestextentshallbeengagedonourside.Toput everything in one, there is nothingyou canwant, there is nothingyoucanaskfor,thereisnothingyoucanneedintimeorineternity,thereisnothingliving,nothingdying,thereisnothinginthisworld,nothinginthenext world, there is nothing now, nothing at the resurrection-morning,nothinginheavenwhichisnotcontainedinthistext—"Iwillneverleavethee,norforsakethee."

Thisevening'sverse:

Takeupthecross,andfollowMe.-Mark10:21

Youhavenotthemakingofyourowncross,althoughunbeliefisamastercarpenter at cross-making; neither are you permitted to choose your owncross, although self-willwould fainbe lord andmaster; but your cross isprepared and appointed foryoubydivine love, andyouare cheerfully toacceptit;youaretotakeupthecrossasyourchosenbadgeandburden,andnottostandcavillingatit.ThisnightJesusbidsyousubmityourshouldertoHiseasyyoke.Donotkickat it inpetulance,or trampleon it invain-glory,orfallunderitindespair,orrunawayfromitinfear,buttakeituplikeatruefollowerofJesus.Jesuswasacross-bearer;Heleadsthewayinthepathofsorrow.Surelyyoucouldnotdesireabetterguide!And ifHecarriedacross,whatnoblerburdenwouldyoudesire?TheViaCrucisisthewayofsafety;fearnottotreaditsthornypaths.

Beloved, the cross is not made of feathers, or lined with velvet, it isheavy and galling to disobedient shoulders; but it is not an iron cross,thoughyour fearshavepainted itwith ironcolours, it is awoodencross,andamancancarryit,fortheManofsorrowstriedtheload.Takeupyourcross, andby thepowerof theSpirit ofGodyouwill soonbe so in lovewithit,thatlikeMoses,youwouldnotexchangethereproachofChristforallthetreasuresofEgypt.RememberthatJesuscarriedit,anditwillsmellsweetly; remember that it will soon be followed by the crown, and thethought of the coming weight of glory will greatly lighten the presentheavinessoftrouble.TheLordhelpyoutobowyourspiritinsubmissiontothedivinewillereyoufallasleepthisnight,thatwakingwithto-morrow'ssun,youmaygoforthtotheday'scrosswiththeholyandsubmissivespiritwhichbecomesafolloweroftheCrucified.

F e b r u a r y 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall beshowersofblessing.-Ezekiel34:26

Hereissovereignmercy—"Iwillgivethemtheshowerinitsseason."Isit not sovereign, divine mercy? — for who can say, "I will give themshowers," except God? There is only one voice which can speak to theclouds,andbid thembeget therain.Whosendethdowntherainupontheearth?Whoscattereththeshowersuponthegreenherb?DonotI,theLord?SograceisthegiftofGod,andisnottobecreatedbyman.Itisalsoneededgrace.What would the ground do without showers? You may break theclods,youmaysowyourseeds,butwhatcanyoudowithouttherain?Asabsolutelyneedfulisthedivineblessing.Invainyoulabour,untilGodtheplenteousshowerbestows,andsendssalvationdown.Then,itisplenteousgrace."Iwillsendthemshowers."Itdoesnotsay,"Iwillsendthemdrops,"but"showers."Soitiswithgrace.IfGodgivesablessing,Heusuallygivesit insuchameasurethatthereisnotroomenoughtoreceiveit.Plenteousgrace! Ah! we want plenteous grace to keep us humble, to make usprayerful,tomakeusholy;plenteousgracetomakeuszealous,topreserveusthroughthislife,andatlasttolandusinheaven.Wecannotdowithoutsaturatingshowersofgrace.Again,itisseasonablegrace."Iwillcausetheshowertocomedowninhisseason."Whatisthyseasonthismorning?Isittheseasonofdrought?Thenthatistheseasonforshowers.Isitaseasonofgreatheavinessandblackclouds?Thenthatistheseasonforshowers."Asthydayssoshallthystrengthbe."Andhereisavariedblessing."Iwillgivetheeshowersofblessing."Thewordisintheplural.AllkindsofblessingsGodwillsend.AllGod'sblessingsgotogether,likelinksinagoldenchain.IfHegivesconvertinggrace,Hewillalsogivecomfortinggrace.Hewillsend"showersofblessing."Lookupto-day,Oparchedplant,andopenthyleavesandflowersforaheavenlywatering.

Thisevening'sverse:

OLordofhosts,howlongwiltthounothavemercyuponJerusalem?.. . And the Lord answered the angel . . . with good words andcomfortablewords.-Zechariah1:12,13

Whatasweetanswertoananxiousenquiry!Thisnightletusrejoiceinit.OZion,therearegoodthingsinstoreforthee;thytimeoftravailshallsoonbeover; thy children shall bebrought forth; thy captivity shall end.Bearpatientlytherodforaseason,andunderthedarknessstilltrustinGod,forHisloveburnethtowardsthee.Godlovesthechurchwithalovetoodeepforhumanimagination:HelovesherwithallHis infiniteheart.Thereforelethersonsbeofgoodcourage;shecannotbefarfromprosperitytowhomGod speaketh "good words and comfortable words." What thesecomfortable words are the prophet goes on to tell us: "I am jealous forJerusalemandforZionwithagreatjealousy."TheLordlovesHischurchsomuchthatHecannotbearthatsheshouldgoastraytoothers;andwhenshehas done so, He cannot endure that she should suffer too much or tooheavily.Hewillnothavehisenemiesafflicther:Heisdispleasedwiththembecause they increase her misery. When God seems most to leave Hischurch,Hisheart iswarm towardsher.Historyshows thatwheneverGodusesarodtochastenHisservants,Healwaysbreaksitafterwards,asifHeloathed the rodwhichgavehischildrenpain. "Likeasa fatherpitiethhischildren,sotheLordpitieththemthatfearHim."GodhathnotforgottenusbecauseHesmites—Hisblowsarenoevidencesofwantoflove.IfthisistrueofHischurchcollectively,itisofnecessitytruealsoofeachindividualmember.YoumayfearthattheLordhaspassedyouby,butitisnotso:Hewho counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger offorgettingHisownchildren.Heknowsyour caseas thoroughlyas ifyouwere the only creature He ever made, or the only saint He ever loved.ApproachHimandbeatpeace.

F e b r u a r y 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Thewrathtocome.-Matthew3:7

Itispleasanttopassoveracountryafterastormhasspentitself;tosmellthe freshness of theherbs after the rainhas passed away, and to note thedropswhile they glisten like purest diamonds in the sunlight. That is theposition of a Christian. He is going through a land where the storm hasspentitselfuponHisSaviour'shead,andiftherebeafewdropsofsorrowfalling, they distil from clouds of mercy, and Jesus cheers him by theassurance that they are not for his destruction. But how terrible is it towitnesstheapproachofatempest:tonotetheforewarningsofthestorm;tomarkthebirdsofheavenastheydrooptheirwings;toseethecattleastheylay their heads low in terror; to discern the face of the sky as it growethblack, and look to the sunwhich shineth not, and the heavenswhich areangryandfrowning!Howterribletoawaitthedreadadvanceofahurricane— such as occurs, sometimes, in the tropics — to wait in terribleapprehension till the wind shall rush forth in fury, tearing up trees fromtheir roots, forcing rocks from their pedestals, and hurling down all thedwelling-placesofman!Andyet, sinner, this isyourpresentposition.Nohot drops have as yet fallen, but a shower of fire is coming.No terriblewindshowlaroundyou,butGod's tempest isgathering itsdreadartillery.Asyetthewater-floodsaredammedupbymercy,buttheflood-gatesshallsoonbeopened:thethunderboltsofGodareyetinHisstorehouse,butlo!thetempesthastens,andhowawfulshallthatmomentbewhenGod,robedin vengeance, shallmarch forth in fury!Where, where, where, O sinner,wiltthouhidethyhead,orwhitherwiltthouflee?OthatthehandofmercymaynowleadyoutoChrist!Heisfreelysetbeforeyouinthegospel:Hisrivensideistherockofshelter.ThouknowestthyneedofHim;believeinHim,castthyselfuponHim,andthenthefuryshallbeoverpastforever.

Thisevening'sverse:

ButJonahroseuptofleeuntoTarshishfromthepresenceoftheLord,andwentdowntoJoppa.-Jonah1:3

InsteadofgoingtoNinevehtopreachtheWord,asGodbadehim,Jonahdisliked the work, andwent down to Joppa to escape from it. There areoccasions when God's servants shrink from duty. But what is theconsequence?WhatdidJonahlosebyhisconduct?Helostthepresenceandcomfortable enjoyment ofGod's love.Whenwe serve our Lord Jesus asbelievers should do, our God is with us; and thoughwe have the wholeworld against us, if we have God with us, what does it matter? But themomentwestartback,andseekourowninventions,weareatseawithoutapilot.Thenmaywebitterlylamentandgroanout,"OmyGod,wherehastThougone?HowcouldIhavebeensofoolishastoshunThyservice,andin thiswayto loseall thebrightshiningsofThyface?This isaprice toohigh.Letmereturntomyallegiance,thatImayrejoiceinThypresence."Inthenextplace,Jonahlostallpeaceofmind.Sinsoondestroysabeliever'scomfort.Itisthepoisonousupastree,fromwhoseleavesdistildeadlydropswhichdestroythelifeofjoyandpeace.Jonahlosteverythinguponwhichhemighthavedrawnforcomfortinanyothercase.Hecouldnotpleadthepromiseof divineprotection, for hewasnot inGod'sways; he couldnotsay, "Lord, I meet with these difficulties in the discharge of my duty,therefore helpme through them."Hewas reapinghis owndeeds; hewasfilledwithhisownways.Christian,donotplaytheJonah,unlessyouwishtohaveallthewavesandthebillowsrollingoveryourhead.YouwillfindinthelongrunthatitisfarhardertoshuntheworkandwillofGodthantoatonceyieldyourselftoit.Jonahlosthistime,forhehadtogotoTarshishafterall.ItishardtocontendwithGod;letusyieldourselvesatonce.

F e b r u a r y 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

SalvationisoftheLord.-Jonah2:9

SalvationistheworkofGod.ItisHealonewhoquickensthesoul"deadin trespasses and sins," and it is He also who maintains the soul in itsspirituallife.Heisboth"AlphaandOmega.""SalvationisoftheLord."IfIamprayerful,Godmakesmeprayerful;ifIhavegraces,theyareGod'sgiftstome;ifIholdoninaconsistentlife,itisbecauseHeupholdsmewithHishand. I do nothing whatever towards my own preservation, except whatGodHimselffirstdoesinme.WhateverIhave,allmygoodnessisof theLordalone.WhereinIsin,thatismyown;butwhereinIactrightly,thatisofGod,wholly and completely. If I have repulsed a spiritual enemy, theLord'sstrengthnervedmyarm.DoIlivebeforemenaconsecratedlife?Itis not I, but Christwho liveth inme.Am I sanctified? I did not cleansemyself:God'sHolySpiritsanctifiesme.AmIweanedfromtheworld?Iamweaned by God's chastisements sanctified to my good. Do I grow inknowledge?ThegreatInstructorteachesme.Allmyjewelswerefashionedbyheavenlyart.IfindinGodallthatIwant;butIfindinmyselfnothingbutsinandmisery."Heonlyismyrockandmysalvation."DoIfeedontheWord?ThatWordwouldbenofoodformeunlesstheLordmadeitfoodformy soul, and helpedme to feed upon it. Do I live on themanna whichcomes down from heaven?What is that manna but Jesus Christ himselfincarnate,whosebodyandwhosebloodIeatanddrink?AmIcontinuallyreceivingfreshincreaseofstrength?WheredoIgathermymight?Myhelpcometh from heaven's hills:without Jesus I can do nothing.As a branchcannotbringforthfruitexceptitabideinthevine,nomorecanI,exceptIabide in Him. What Jonah learned in the great deep, let me learn thismorninginmycloset:"SalvationisoftheLord."

Thisevening'sverse:

Behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronouncehimcleanthathaththeplague.-Leviticus13:13

Strangeenough this regulationappears,yet therewaswisdom in it, forthethrowingoutofthediseaseprovedthattheconstitutionwassound.Thisevening itmaybewell forus to see the typical teachingof so singular arule.We,too,arelepers,andmayreadthelawoftheleperasapplicabletoourselves. When a man sees himself to be altogether lost and ruined,covered all over with the defilement of sin, and in no part free frompollution;whenhedisclaimsallrighteousnessofhisown,andpleadsguiltybeforetheLord,thenheiscleanthroughthebloodofJesus,andthegraceofGod.Hidden,unfelt,unconfessediniquity is thetrueleprosy;butwhensinisseenandfelt, ithasreceiveditsdeathblow,andtheLordlookswitheyesofmercyuponthesoulafflictedwithit.Nothingismoredeadlythanself-righteousness, ormore hopeful than contrition.Wemust confess thatwe are "nothing else but sin," for no confession short of thiswill be thewholetruth;andiftheHolySpiritbeatworkwithus,convincingusofsin,therewillbenodifficultyaboutmakingsuchanacknowledgment—itwillspring spontaneously fromour lips.What comfort does the text afford totruly awakened sinners: the very circumstance which so grievouslydiscouragedthemishereturnedintoasignandsymptomofahopefulstate!Stripping comes before clothing; digging out the foundation is the firstthinginbuilding—andathoroughsenseofsinisoneoftheearliestworksofgraceintheheart.Othoupoorleproussinner,utterlydestituteofasoundspot,takeheartfromthetext,andcomeasthouarttoJesus—

"Forletourdebtsbewhattheymay,howevergreatorsmall,Assoonaswehavenoughttopay,ourLordforgivesusall. 'Tisperfectpovertyalonethatsetsthesoulatlarge:Whilewecancallonemiteourown,wehavenofulldischarge."

F e b r u a r y 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

ThouhastmadetheLord,whichismyrefuge,eventheMostHigh,thyhabitation.-Psalm91:9

The Israelites in the wilderness were continually exposed to change.Wheneverthepillarstayeditsmotion,thetentswerepitched;buttomorrow,erethemorningsunhadrisen,thetrumpetsounded,thearkwasinmotion,andthefiery,cloudypillarwasleadingthewaythroughthenarrowdefilesofthemountain,upthehillside,oralongthearidwasteofthewilderness.They had scarcely time to rest a little before they heard the sound of"Away!this isnotyourrest;youmuststillbeonwardjourneyingtowardsCanaan!"Theywere never long in one place. Evenwells and palm treescould not detain them. Yet they had an abiding home in their God, Hiscloudypillarwastheirroof-tree,anditsflamebynighttheirhouseholdfire.They must go onward from place to place, continually changing, neverhavingtimetosettle,andtosay,"Nowwearesecure;inthisplaceweshalldwell.""Yet,"saysMoses,"thoughwearealwayschanging,Lord,thouhastbeenourdwelling-place throughoutallgenerations."TheChristianknowsnochangewithregardtoGod.Hemayberichto-dayandpoorto-morrow;hemaybe sickly to-dayandwell to-morrow;hemaybe inhappiness to-day,to-morrowhemaybedistressed—butthereisnochangewithregardtohis relationship toGod. IfHe lovedmeyesterday,He lovesme to-day.My unmoving mansion of rest is my blessed Lord. Let prospects beblighted; let hopes be blasted; let joy be withered; let mildews destroyeverything; I have lost nothing ofwhat I have inGod.He is "my stronghabitationwhereuntoIcancontinuallyresort."Iamapilgrimintheworld,butathomeinmyGod.IntheearthIwander,butinGodIdwellinaquiethabitation.

Thisevening'sverse:

Whosegoings forthhavebeen fromofold, fromeverlasting. -Micah5:2

TheLord Jesus had goings forth forHis people as their representativebeforethethrone,longbeforetheyappeareduponthestageoftime.Itwas"from everlasting" that He signed the compact with His Father, that Hewould pay blood for blood, suffering for suffering, agony for agony, anddeathfordeath,inthebehalfofHispeople;itwas"fromeverlasting"thatHe gaveHimself upwithout amurmuringword.That from the crownofHisheadtothesoleofHisfootHemightsweatgreatdropsofblood,thatHemightbespitupon,pierced,mocked,rentasunder,andcrushedbeneaththe pains of death.His goings forth as our Suretywere from everlasting.Pause,mysoul,andwonder!ThouhastgoingsforthinthepersonofJesus"fromeverlasting."NotonlywhenthouwastbornintotheworlddidChristlovethee,butHisdelightswerewiththesonsofmenbeforetherewereanysonsofmen.OftendidHethinkofthem;fromeverlastingtoeverlastingHehadsetHisaffectionuponthem.What!mysoul,hasHebeensolongaboutthysalvation,andwillnotHeaccomplishit?Hashefromeverlastingbeengoingforthtosaveme,andwillHelosemenow?What!hasHecarriedmein His hand, as His precious jewel, and will He now let me slip frombetweenHisfingers?Didhechoosemebeforethemountainswerebroughtforth,orthechannelsofthedeepweredigged,andwillHerejectmenow?Impossible!IamsureHewouldnothavelovedmesolongifHehadnotbeen a changelessLover. IfHe couldgrowwearyofme,Hewouldhavebeen tiredofme longbeforenow. IfHehadnot lovedmewitha loveasdeepashell,andasstrongasdeath,Hewouldhave turnedfromme longago. Oh, joy above all joys, to know that I am His everlasting andinalienableinheritance,giventoHimbyHisFatherorevertheearthwas!Everlastingloveshallbethepillowformyheadthisnight.

F e b r u a r y 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

MyexpectationisfromHim.-Psalm62:5

Itisthebeliever'sprivilegetousethislanguage.Ifheislookingforaughtfromtheworld,itisapoor"expectation"indeed.ButifhelookstoGodforthe supply of his wants, whether in temporal or spiritual blessings, hisexpectation"willnotbeavainone.Constantlyhemaydrawfromthebankoffaith,andgethisneedsuppliedoutoftherichesofGod'slovingkindness.ThisIknow,IhadratherhaveGodformybankerthanalltheRothschilds.MyLordnever fails tohonourHispromises;andwhenwebring them toHis throne,He never sends themback unanswered.Therefore IwillwaitonlyatHisdoor,forHeeveropensitwiththehandofmunificentgrace.AtthishourIwilltryHimanew.Butwehave"expectations"beyondthislife.We shall die soon; and then our "expectation is from Him." Do we notexpect thatwhenwe lie upon the bed of sicknessHewill send angels tocarry us toHis bosom?We believe thatwhen the pulse is faint, and theheart heaves heavily, some angelic messenger shall stand and look withloving eyes upon us, and whisper, "Sister spirit, come away!" As weapproach the heavenly gate, we expect to hear the welcome invitation,"Come,yeblessedofmyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld."Weareexpectingharpsofgoldandcrownsofglory; we are hoping soon to be amongst the multitude of shining onesbeforethethrone;wearelookingforwardandlongingforthetimewhenweshallbelikeourgloriousLord—for"WeshallseeHimasHeis."Thenifthesebethine"expectations,"Omysoul,liveforGod;livewiththedesireand resolve to glorify Him from whom cometh all thy supplies, and ofwhosegraceinthyelection,redemption,andcalling,itisthatthouhastany"expectation"ofcomingglory.

Thisevening'sverse:

The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail,accordingtothewordoftheLord,whichHespakebyElijah.-1Kings17:16

See the faithfulness of divine love. You observe that this woman haddailynecessities.Shehadherselfandhersontofeedina timeoffamine;andnow,inaddition,theprophetElijahwastobefedtoo.Butthoughtheneed was threefold, yet the supply of meal wasted not, for she had aconstantsupply.Eachdayshemadecallsuponthebarrel,butyeteachdayitremainedthesame.You,dearreader,havedailynecessities,andbecausetheycomesofrequently,youareapttofearthatthebarrelofmealwillonedaybeempty,andthecruseofoilwillfailyou.Restassuredthat,accordingtotheWordofGod,thisshallnotbethecase.Eachday,thoughitbringitstrouble, shallbring itshelp;and thoughyoushould live tooutnumber theyearsofMethuselah,andthoughyourneedsshouldbeasmanyasthesandsof the seashore, yet shall God's grace and mercy last through all yournecessities,andyoushallneverknowareal lack.For three longyears, inthiswidow'sdays,theheavensneversawacloud,andthestarsneverwepta holy tear of dew upon the wicked earth: famine, and desolation, anddeath, made the land a howling wilderness, but this woman never washungry,butalwaysjoyfulinabundance.Soshallitbewithyou.Youshallseethesinner'shopeperish,forhetrustshisnativestrength;youshallseetheproudPharisee'sconfidencetotter,forhebuildshishopeuponthesand;you shall see even your own schemes blasted and withered, but youyourselfshallfindthatyourplaceofdefenceshallbethemunitionofrocks:"Yourbreadshallbegivenyou,andyourwatershallbesure."BetterhaveGodforyourguardian,thantheBankofEnglandforyourpossession.YoumightspendthewealthoftheIndies,buttheinfiniterichesofGodyoucanneverexhaust.

F e b r u a r y 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

WithlovingkindnesshaveIdrawnthee.-Jeremiah31:3

Thethundersofthelawandtheterrorsofjudgmentareallusedtobringus to Christ; but the final victory is effected by lovingkindness. Theprodigal set out to his father's house froma senseof need; but his fathersawhimagreatwayoff,andrantomeethim;sothatthelaststepshetooktowardshisfather'shousewerewiththekissstillwarmuponhischeek,andthewelcomestillmusicalinhisears.

"LawandterrorsdobuthardenAllthewhiletheyworkalone;Butasenseofblood-boughtpardonWilldissolveaheartofstone."

TheMastercameonenighttothedoor,andknockedwiththeironhandofthelaw;thedoorshookandtrembleduponitshinges;butthemanpiledeverypieceoffurniturewhichhecouldfindagainstthedoor,forhesaid,"Iwillnotadmittheman."TheMasterturnedaway,butby-and-byeHecameback,andwithHisownsofthand,usingmostthatpartwherethenailhadpenetrated,Heknockedagain—oh,sosoftlyand tenderly.This time thedoordidnotshake,but,strangetosay,itopened,andthereuponhiskneestheonceunwillinghostwasfoundrejoicingtoreceivehisguest."Comein,comein;thouhastsoknockedthatmybowelsaremovedforthee.Icouldnotthinkofthypiercedhandleavingitsblood-markonmydoor,andofthygoing away houseless, 'Thy head filledwith dew, and thy lockswith thedropsofthenight.'Iyield,Iyield,Thylovehaswonmyheart."Soineverycase: lovingkindnesswins the day.WhatMoseswith the tablets of stonecouldneverdo,ChristdoeswithHispiercedhand.Suchisthedoctrineofeffectual calling.Do Iunderstand it experimentally?Can I say, "Hedrewme, and I followed on, glad to confess the voice divine?" If so,mayHecontinue todrawme, tillat last Ishallsitdownat themarriagesupperoftheLamb.

Thisevening'sverse:

Nowwehavereceived . . . the spiritwhich isofGod; thatwemightknowthethingsthatarefreelygiventousofGod.-1Corinthians2:12

Dearreader,haveyoureceivedthespiritwhichisofGod,wroughtbytheHolyGhostinyoursoul?ThenecessityoftheworkoftheHolySpiritintheheartmaybeclearly seen from this fact, that allwhichhasbeendonebyGodtheFather,andbyGodtheSon,mustbe ineffectual tous,unless theSpiritshallrevealthesethingstooursouls.Whateffectdoesthedoctrineofelection have upon any man until the Spirit of God enters into him?ElectionisadeadletterinmyconsciousnessuntiltheSpiritofGodcallsmeout of darkness intomarvellous light.Then throughmycalling, I seemyelection,andknowingmyself tobecalledofGod, Iknowmyself tohavebeen chosen in the eternal purpose.A covenantwasmadewith the LordJesusChrist, byHis Father; butwhat avails that covenant to us until theHolySpirit bringsus itsblessings, andopensourhearts to receive them?There hang the blessings on the nail— Christ Jesus; but being short ofstature,wecannotreachthem;theSpiritofGodtakesthemdownandhandsthem to us, and thus they become actually ours. Covenant blessings inthemselvesarelikethemannaintheskies,faroutofmortalreach,butthespirit ofGod opens thewindows of heaven and scatters the living breadaroundthecampof thespiritualIsrael.Christ'sfinishedworkis likewinestoredinthewine-vat;throughunbeliefwecanneitherdrawnordrink.TheHolySpiritdipsourvesselintothispreciouswine,andthenwedrink;butwithouttheSpiritweareastrulydeadinsinasthoughtheFatherneverhadelected,andthoughtheSonhadneverboughtuswithHisblood.TheHolySpirit is absolutely necessary to our well-being. Let us walk lovinglytowardsHimandtrembleatthethoughtofgrievingHim.

March

M a r c h 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Awake,Onorthwind; and come, thou south; blowuponmygarden,thatthespicesthereofmayflowout.-SongOfSolomon4:16

Anything is better than the dead calm of indifference. Our souls maywiselydesirethenorthwindoftroubleifthatalonecanbesanctifiedtothedrawing forthof theperfumeofourgraces.So long as it cannotbe said,"TheLordwasnot in thewind,"wewillnotshrinkfromthemostwintryblast thateverblewuponplantsofgrace.Didnot thespouseinthisversehumblysubmitherselftothereproofsofherBeloved;onlyentreatingHimtosendforthHisgraceinsomeform,andmakingnostipulationas to thepeculiar manner in which it should come? Did she not, like ourselves,becomesoutterlywearyofdeadnessandunholycalmthatshesighedforanyvisitationwhichwouldbraceher toaction?Yet shedesires thewarmsouth wind of comfort, too, the smiles of divine love, the joy of theRedeemer's presence; these are often mightily effectual to arouse oursluggish life.Shedesireseitheroneor theother,orboth;so thatshemaybutbeabletodelightherBelovedwiththespicesofhergarden.Shecannotendure tobeunprofitable,norcanwe.Howcheeringa thought that Jesuscanfindcomfortinourpoorfeeblegraces.Canitbe?Itseemsfartoogoodtobetrue.Wellmaywecourttrialorevendeathitselfifweshalltherebybeaided to make glad Immanuel's heart. O that our heart were crushed toatoms if only by such bruising our sweet Lord Jesus could be glorified.Graces unexercised are as sweet perfumes slumbering in the cups of theflowers: the wisdom of the great Husbandman overrules diverse andoppositecausestoproducetheonedesiredresult,andmakesbothafflictionandconsolationdrawforththegratefulodoursoffaith,love,patience,hope,resignation,joy,andtheotherfairflowersofthegarden.Mayweknowbysweetexperience,whatthismeans.

Thisevening'sverse:

Heisprecious.-1Peter2:7

Asall the rivers run into the sea, soalldelightscentre inourBeloved.TheglancesofHiseyesoutshinethesun:thebeautiesofHisfacearefairerthan the choicest flowers: no fragrance is like the breath of His mouth.Gems of the mine, and pearls from the sea, are worthless things whenmeasuredbyHispreciousness.Peter tellsus thatJesus isprecious,buthedidnotandcouldnottellushowprecious,norcouldanyofuscomputethevalueofGod'sunspeakablegift.Wordscannotsetforththepreciousnessofthe Lord Jesus to His people, nor fully tell how essential He is to theirsatisfaction and happiness. Believer, have you not found in the midst ofplentyasorefamineifyourLordhasbeenabsent?Thesunwasshining,butChrist hadhiddenHimself, and all theworldwasblack toyou;or itwasnight,andsincethebrightandmorningstarwasgone,nootherstarcouldyieldyousomuchasarayoflight.Whatahowlingwildernessisthisworldwithout our Lord! If once He hideth Himself from us, withered are theflowers of our garden; our pleasant fruits decay; the birds suspend theirsongs,andatempestoverturnsourhopes.Allearth'scandlescannotmakedaylightiftheSunofRighteousnessbeeclipsed.Heisthesoulofoursoul,thelightofourlight,thelifeofourlife.Dearreader,whatwouldstthoudointheworldwithoutHim,whenthouwakestupandlookestforwardtotheday'sbattle?Whatwouldstthoudoatnight,whenthoucomesthomejadedandweary, if therewere no door of fellowship between thee andChrist?BlessedbeHisname,HewillnotsufferustotryourlotwithoutHim,forJesus never forsakesHis own.Yet, let the thought ofwhat lifewould bewithoutHimenhanceHispreciousness.

M a r c h 2

Thismorning'sverse:

But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen everymanhisshare,andhiscoulter,andhisax,andhismattock.-1Samuel13:20

WeareengagedinagreatwarwiththePhilistinesofevil.Everyweaponwithin our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving, allmustbebroughtintoaction,andtalentswhichhavebeenthoughttoomeanforservice,mustnowbeemployed.Coulter,andaxe,andmattock,mayallbe useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, andkillingneednotbe elegantlydone, so longas it is doneeffectually.Eachmoment of time, in season or out of season; each fragment of ability,educatedoruntutored;eachopportunity, favourableorunfavourable,mustbeused,forourfoesaremanyandourforcebutslender.

Most of our tools want sharpening; we need quickness of perception,tact, energy, promptness, in a word, complete adaptation for the Lord'swork.PracticalcommonsenseisaveryscarcethingamongtheconductorsofChristianenterprises.Wemightlearnfromourenemiesifwewould,andso make the Philistines sharpen our weapons. This morning let us noteenoughtosharpenourzealduringthisdaybytheaidoftheHolySpirit.Seethe energy of the Papists, how they compass sea and land to make oneproselyte, are they to monopolize all the earnestness? Mark the heathendevotees,what tortures they endure in the service of their idols! are theyalonetoexhibitpatienceandself-sacrifice?Observetheprinceofdarkness,how persevering in his endeavours, how unabashed in his attempts, howdaring inhisplans,howthoughtful inhisplots,howenergetic inall!Thedevilsareunitedasonemanintheirinfamousrebellion,whilewebelieversin Jesus are divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work withunanimity.OthatfromSatan'sinfernalindustrywemaylearntogoaboutlikegoodSamaritans,seekingwhomwemaybless!

Thisevening'sverse:

Untome,whoamlessthantheleastofallsaints,isthisgracegiven,that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches ofChrist.-Ephesians3:8

The apostle Paul felt it a great privilege to be allowed to preach thegospel.Hedidnotlookuponhiscallingasadrudgery,butheentereduponitwithintensedelight.YetwhilePaulwasthusthankfulforhisoffice,hissuccessinitgreatlyhumbledhim.Thefulleravesselbecomes,thedeeperitsinks in the water. Idlers may indulge a fond conceit of their abilities,because they are untried; but the earnest worker soon learns his ownweakness. If you seek humility, try hard work; if you would know yournothingness, attempt some great thing for Jesus. If you would feel howutterlypowerlessyouareapartfromthelivingGod,attemptespeciallythegreatworkofproclaiming theunsearchable richesofChrist,andyouwillknow, as you never knew before, what a weak unworthy thing you are.Althoughtheapostlethusknewandconfessedhisweakness,hewasneverperplexedastothesubjectofhisministry.Fromhisfirstsermontohislast,Paul preachedChrist, and nothing butChrist.He lifted up the cross, andextolledtheSonofGodwhobledthereon.Followhisexampleinallyourpersonaleffortstospreadthegladtidingsofsalvation,andlet"ChristandHimcrucified"beyoureverrecurringtheme.TheChristianshouldbelikethose lovely spring flowers which, when the sun is shining, open theirgolden cups, as if saying, "Fill uswith thy beams!" butwhen the sun ishidden behind a cloud, they close their cups and droop their heads. Soshould theChristian feel the sweet influence of Jesus; Jesusmust be hissun, and he must be the flower which yields itself to the Sun ofRighteousness. Oh! to speak of Christ alone, this is the subject which isboth"seedforthesower,andbreadfortheeater."Thisisthelivecoalforthelipofthespeaker,andthemaster-keytotheheartofthehearer.

M a r c h 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Ihavechosentheeinthefurnaceofaffliction."Isaiah48:10

Comfort thyself, tried believer, with this thought: God saith, "I havechosentheeinthefurnaceofaffliction."Doesnotthewordcomelikeasoftshower,assuagingthefuryoftheflame?Yea,isitnotanasbestosarmour,against which the heat hath no power? Let affliction come— God haschosenme.Poverty,thoumayststrideinatmydoor,butGodisinthehousealready,andHehaschosenme.Sickness,thoumaystintrude,butIhaveabalsamready—Godhaschosenme.Whateverbefallsme in thisvaleoftears, I know that He has "chosen" me. If, believer, thou requirest stillgreatercomfort, remember thatyouhave theSonofManwithyou in thefurnace. In that silent chamber of yours, there sitteth by your side Onewhom thouhastnot seen,butwhom thou lovest; andofttimeswhen thouknowest it not, He makes all thy bed in thy affliction, and smooths thypillow for thee.Thouart inpoverty;but in that lovelyhouseof thine theLord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into thesedesolate places, thatHemay visit thee. Thy friend sticks closely to thee.ThoucanstnotseeHim,butthoumaystfeelthepressureofHishands.DostthounothearHisvoice?EveninthevalleyoftheshadowofdeathHesays,"Fearnot,Iamwiththee;benotdismayed,forIamthyGod."Rememberthat noble speech of Caesar: "Fear not, thou carriest Caesar and all hisfortune."Fearnot,Christian; Jesus iswith thee. Inall thy fiery trials,Hispresenceisboththycomfortandsafety.HewillneverleaveonewhomHehaschosenforHisown."Fearnot,forIamwiththee,"isHissurewordofpromise to His chosen ones in the "furnace of affliction."Wilt thou not,then,takefastholdofChrist,andsay—

"Throughfloodsandflames,ifJesuslead,I'llfollowwhereHegoes."

Thisevening'sverse:

HesawtheSpiritofGoddescendinglikeadove.-Matthew3:16

As the Spirit ofGod descended upon the Lord Jesus, the head, soHealso, in measure, descends upon the members of the mystical body. HisdescentistousafterthesamefashionasthatinwhichitfelluponourLord.There is often a singular rapidity about it; or everwe are aware, we areimpelledonwardandheavenwardbeyondallexpectation.Yetistherenoneofthehurryofearthlyhaste,forthewingsofthedoveareassoftastheyareswift.Quietnessseemsessentialtomanyspiritualoperations;theLordisinthestillsmallvoice,andlikethedew,Hisgraceisdistilledinsilence.Thedovehaseverbeenthechosentypeofpurity,andtheHolySpiritisholinessitself.WhereHe cometh, everything that is pure and lovely, and of goodreport,ismadetoabound,andsinanduncleannessdepart.PeacereignsalsowheretheHolyDovecomeswithpower;Hebearstheolivebranchwhichshows that thewaters of divinewrath are assuaged.Gentleness is a sureresult of the Sacred Dove's transforming power: hearts touched by Hisbenigninfluencearemeekandlowlyhenceforthandforever.Harmlessnessfollows,asamatterofcourse;eaglesandravensmayhunttheirprey—theturtledovecanendurewrong,butcannotinflictit.Wemustbeharmlessasdoves.Thedove isanaptpictureof love, thevoiceof the turtle is fullofaffection;andso,thesoulvisitedbytheblessedSpirit,aboundsinlovetoGod,inlovetothebrethren,andinlovetosinners;andaboveall,inlovetoJesus. The brooding of the Spirit ofGod upon the face of the deep, firstproducedorderand life,and inourhearts,Hecausesandfostersnewlifeandlight.BlessedSpirit,asThoudidstrestuponourdearRedeemer,evensorestuponusfromthistimeforwardandforever.

M a r c h 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Mygraceissufficientforthee.-2Corinthians12:9

IfnoneofGod'ssaintswerepoorandtried,weshouldnotknowhalfsowelltheconsolationsofdivinegrace.Whenwefindthewandererwhohasnotwheretolayhishead,whoyetcansay,"StillwillItrustintheor,whenwesee thepauper starvingonbreadandwater,whostillglories in Jesus;whenweseethebereavedwidowoverwhelmedinaffliction,andyethavingfaith in Christ, oh! what honour it reflects on the gospel. God's grace isillustratedandmagnifiedinthepovertyandtrialsofbelievers.Saintsbearupundereverydiscouragement,believingthatallthingsworktogetherfortheir good, and that out of apparent evils a real blessing shall ultimatelyspring—thattheirGodwilleitherworkadeliveranceforthemspeedily,ormostassuredlysupporttheminthetrouble,aslongasHeispleasedtokeepthem in it. This patience of the saints proves the power of divine grace.Thereisalighthouseoutatsea:itisacalmnight—Icannottellwhetherthe edifice is firm; the tempestmust rage about it, and then I shall knowwhether it will stand. So with the Spirit's work: if it were not on manyoccasionssurroundedwithtempestuouswaters,weshouldnotknowthatitwastrueandstrong;ifthewindsdidnotblowuponit,weshouldnotknowhowfirmandsecureitwas.Themaster-worksofGodarethosemenwhostandinthemidstofdifficulties,stedfast,unmoveable,—

"Calmmidthebewilderingcry,Confidentofvictory."

HewhowouldglorifyhisGodmustsethisaccountuponmeetingwithmanytrials.NomancanbeillustriousbeforetheLordunlesshisconflictsbemany.Ifthen,yoursbeamuch-triedpath,rejoiceinit,becauseyouwillthebettershowforththeall-sufficientgraceofGod.AsforHisfailingyou,never dream of it— hate the thought. TheGodwho has been sufficientuntilnow,shouldbetrustedtotheend.

Thisevening'sverse:

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house. -Psalm36:8

Sheba'squeenwasamazedatthesumptuousnessofSolomon'stable.Shelostallheartwhenshesawtheprovisionofasingleday;andshemarvelledequallyatthecompanyofservantswhowerefeastedattheroyalboard.ButwhatisthistothehospitalitiesoftheGodofgrace?Tenthousandthousandof his people are daily fed; hungry and thirsty, they bring large appetiteswiththemtothebanquet,butnotoneof themreturnsunsatisfied; thereisenoughforeach,enoughforall,enoughforevermore.ThoughthehostthatfeedatJehovah'stableiscountlessasthestarsofheaven,yeteachonehashisportionofmeat.Thinkhowmuchgraceonesaintrequires,somuchthatnothing but the Infinite could supply him for one day; and yet the Lordspreads His table, not for one, but many saints, not for one day, but formanyyears; not formanyyears only, but for generation after generation.Observethefullfeastingspokenofinthetext,theguestsatmercy'sbanquetare satisfied, nay,more "abundantly satisfied;" and that notwithordinaryfare, butwith fatness, the peculiar fatness ofGod's own house; and suchfeasting is guaranteed by a faithful promise to all those children ofmenwhoputtheirtrustundertheshadowofJehovah'swings.IoncethoughtifImight but get the broken meat at God's back door of grace I should besatisfied; like thewomanwho said, "Thedogs eatof the crumbs that fallfromthemaster'stable;"butnochildofGodiseverservedwithscrapsandleavings; like Mephibosheth, they all eat from the king's own table. Inmatters of grace, we all have Benjamin'smess—we all have ten timesmorethanwecouldhaveexpected,andthoughournecessitiesaregreat,yetareweoftenamazedatthemarvellousplentyofgracewhichGodgivesusexperimentallytoenjoy.

M a r c h 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Letusnotsleep,asdoothers.-1Thessalonians5:6

There aremanyways of promotingChristianwakefulness.Among therest, letmestronglyadviseChristianstoconversetogetherconcerningtheways of the Lord. Christian and Hopeful, as they journeyed towards theCelestialCity,saidtothemselves,"Topreventdrowsinessinthisplace,letus fall intogooddiscourse."Christian enquired, "Brother,where shallwebegin?" And Hopeful answered, "Where God began with us." ThenChristiansangthissong—

"Whensaintsdosleepygrow,letthemcomehither,Andhearhowthesetwopilgrimstalktogether;Yea,letthemlearnofthem,inanywise,Thustokeepopentheirdrowsyslumb'ringeyes.Saints'fellowship,ifitbemanagedwell,Keepsthemawake,andthatinspiteofhell."

Christianswhoisolatethemselvesandwalkalone,areveryliabletogrowdrowsy.HoldChristiancompany,andyouwillbekeptwakefulby it,andrefreshedandencouragedtomakequickerprogress in theroadtoheaven.Butasyouthustake"sweetcounsel"withothersinthewaysofGod,takecarethatthethemeofyourconverseistheLordJesus.LettheeyeoffaithbeconstantlylookinguntoHim;letyourheartbefullofHim;letyourlipsspeakofHisworth.Friend,liveneartothecross,andthouwiltnotsleep.Labour to impress thyselfwith a deep sense of the value of the place towhich thou art going. If thou rememberest that thou art going to heaven,thouwiltnotsleepontheroad.Ifthouthinkestthathellisbehindthee,andthedevilpursuingthee,thouwiltnotloiter.Wouldthemanslayersleepwiththe avenger of blood behind him, and the city of refuge before him?Christian,wilt thousleepwhilst thepearlygatesareopen—thesongsofangelswaitingfortheetojointhem—acrownofgoldreadyforthybrow?Ah!no;inholyfellowshipcontinuetowatchandpraythatyeenternotintotemptation.

Thisevening'sverse:

Sayuntomysoul,Iamthysalvation.-Psalm35:3

Whatdoesthissweetprayerteachme?Itshallbemyevening'spetition;butfirstletityieldmeaninstructivemeditation.ThetextinformsmefirstofallthatDavidhadhisdoubts;forwhyshouldhepray,"Sayuntomysoul,I am thy salvation," if hewere not sometimes exercisedwith doubts andfears?Letme,then,beofgoodcheer,forIamnottheonlysaintwhohastocomplainofweaknessoffaith.IfDaviddoubted,IneednotconcludethatIamnoChristianbecauseIhavedoubts.ThetextremindsmethatDavidwasnot contentwhile hehaddoubts and fears, but he repaired at once to themercy-seattoprayforassurance;forhevalueditasmuchfinegold.Itoomust labour after an abiding senseofmy acceptance in theBeloved, andmusthavenojoywhenHisloveisnotshedabroadinmysoul.WhenmyBridegroomisgonefromme,mysoulmustandwillfast.IlearnalsothatDavidknewwheretoobtainfullassurance.HewenttohisGodinprayer,crying,"SayuntomysoulIamthysalvation."ImustbemuchalonewithGodifIwouldhaveaclearsenseofJesus'love.Letmyprayerscease,andmyeyeof faithwillgrowdim.Much inprayer,much inheaven; slow inprayer,slowinprogress. Inotice thatDavidwouldnotbesatisfiedunlesshisassurancehadadivinesource."Sayuntomysoul."Lord,doThousayit!NothingshortofadivinetestimonyinthesoulwillevercontentthetrueChristian.Moreover,Davidcouldnotrestunlesshisassurancehadavividpersonalityaboutit."Sayuntomysoul,Iamthysalvation."Lord,ifThoushouldstsaythistoallthesaints,itwerenothing,unlessThoushouldstsayittome.Lord,Ihavesinned;IdeservenotThysmile;Iscarcelydaretoaskit;butoh! say tomysoul, even tomysoul, "I am thy salvation."Letmehaveapresent,personal,infallible,indisputablesensethatIamThine,andthatThouartmine.

M a r c h 6

Thismorning'sverse:

Yemustbebornagain.-John3:7

Regenerationisasubjectwhichliesattheverybasisofsalvation,andweshould be very diligent to take heed that we really are "born again," fortherearemanywhofancytheyare,whoarenot.Beassuredthatthenameof a Christian is not the nature of a Christian; and that being born in aChristianland,andbeingrecognizedasprofessingtheChristianreligionisof no avail whatever, unless there be somethingmore added to it— thebeing "born again," is a matter so mysterious, that human words cannotdescribeit."Thewindblowethwhereitlisteth,andthouhearestthesoundthereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so iseveryone that isbornof theSpirit."Nevertheless, it isachangewhich isknown and felt: known by works of holiness, and felt by a graciousexperience.Thisgreatworkissupernatural.It isnotanoperationwhichamanperforms forhimself:anewprinciple is infused,whichworks in theheart,renewsthesoul,andaffectstheentireman.Itisnotachangeofmyname,butarenewalofmynature,sothatIamnotthemanIusedtobe,buta newman inChrist Jesus.Towash and dress a corpse is a far differentthingfrommakingitalive:mancandotheone,Godalonecandotheother.Ifyouhavethen,been"bornagain,"youracknowledgmentwillbe,"OLordJesus,theeverlastingFather,ThouartmyspiritualParent;unlessThySpirithadbreathedintomethebreathofanew,holy,andspirituallife,Ihadbeentothisday'deadintrespassesandsins.'MyheavenlylifeiswhollyderivedfromThee,toTheeIascribeit.'MylifeishidwithChristinGod.'ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivethinme."MaytheLordenableustobewellassuredonthisvitalpoint,fortobeunregenerateistobeunsaved,unpardoned,withoutGod,andwithouthope.

Thisevening'sverse:

Beforedestructiontheheartofmanishaughty.-Proverbs18:12

Itisanoldandcommonsaying,that"comingeventscasttheirshadowsbeforethem;"thewisemanteachesusthatahaughtyheartisthepropheticpreludeofevil.Pride isas safely thesignofdestructionas thechangeofmercuryintheweather-glassisthesignofrain;andfarmoreinfalliblysothan that.Whenmen have ridden the high horse, destruction has alwaysovertakenthem.LetDavid'sachingheartshowthatthereisaneclipseofaman's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness. 2 Sam. 24:10. SeeNebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth,devouringgrass likeoxen,untilhisnailshadgrownlikebird'sclaws,andhishairlikeeagle'sfeathers.Dan.4:33.Pridemadetheboasterabeast,asoncebeforeitmadeanangeladevil.Godhateshighlooks,andneverfailstobring themdown.,All thearrowsofGodareaimedatproudhearts.OChristian, is thine heart haughty this evening? For pride can get into theChristian'sheartaswellasintothesinner's;itcandeludehimintodreamingthatheis"richandincreasedingoods,andhathneedofnothing."Artthouglorying in thygracesor thy talents?Art thouproudof thyself, that thouhasthadholyframesandsweetexperiences?Mark thee, reader, there isadestructioncomingtotheealso.Thyflauntingpoppiesofself-conceitwillbepulledupbytheroots,thymushroomgraceswillwitherintheburningheat,andthyself-sufficiencyshallbecomeasstrawforthedunghill.Ifweforgettoliveatthefootofthecrossindeepestlowlinessofspirit,GodwillnotforgettomakeussmartunderHisrod.Adestructionwillcometothee,Oundulyexaltedbeliever,thedestructionofthyjoysandofthycomforts,though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He thatglorieth,lethimgloryintheLord."

M a r c h 7

Thismorning'sverse:

HavefaithinGod.-Mark11:22

Faithisthefootofthesoulbywhichitcanmarchalongtheroadofthecommandments.Lovecanmakethefeetmovemoreswiftly;butfaithisthefoot which carries the soul. Faith is the oil enabling the wheels of holydevotionandofearnestpietytomovewell;andwithoutfaiththewheelsaretakenfromthechariot,andwedragheavily.WithfaithIcandoallthings;without faith I shall neither have the inclination nor the power to doanythingintheserviceofGod.IfyouwouldfindthemenwhoserveGodthebest,youmustlookforthemenofthemostfaith.Littlefaithwillsaveaman,butlittlefaithcannotdogreatthingsforGod.PoorLittle-faithcouldnothave fought "Apollyon;" it needed "Christian" todo that.PoorLittle-faithcouldnothaveslain"GiantDespair;"itrequired"Great-heart's"armtoknockthatmonsterdown.Littlefaithwillgotoheavenmostcertainly,butitoften has to hide itself in a nut-shell, and it frequently loses all but itsjewels.Little-faithsays,"Itisaroughroad,besetwithsharpthorns,andfullofdangers;Iamafraidtogo;"butGreat-faithremembersthepromise,"Thyshoesshallbeironandbrass;asthydays,soshallthystrengthbe:"andsosheboldlyventures.Little-faithstandsdesponding,minglinghertearswiththe flood;butGreat-faith sings, "When thoupassest through thewaters, Iwillbewiththee;andthroughtherivers,theyshallnotoverflowthee:"andshefordsthestreamatonce.Wouldyoubecomfortableandhappy?Wouldyou enjoy religion?Would you have the religion of cheerfulness and notthat of gloom? Then "have faith in God." If you love darkness, and aresatisfiedtodwellingloomandmisery,thenbecontentwithlittlefaith;butifyoulovethesunshine,andwouldsingsongsofrejoicing,covetearnestlythisbestgift,"greatfaith."

Thisevening'sverse:

ltisbettertotrustintheLord,thantoputconfidenceinman.-Psalm118:8

Doubtlessthereaderhasbeentriedwiththetemptationtorelyuponthethings which are seen, instead of resting alone upon the invisible God.Christians often look to man for help and counsel, and mar the noblesimplicityoftheirrelianceupontheirGod.Doesthisevening'sportionmeettheeyeofachildofGodanxiousabout temporals, thenwouldwereasonwithhimawhile.Youtrust inJesus,andonly inJesus, foryoursalvation,thenwhyareyou troubled? "Becauseofmygreat care." Is it notwritten,"CastthyburdenupontheLord"?"Becarefulfornothing,butineverythingbyprayerandsupplicationmakeknownyourwantsuntoGod."CannotyoutrustGodfortemporals?"Ah!IwishIcould."IfyoucannottrustGodfortemporals, how dare you trustHim for spirituals?Can you trustHim foryoursoul'sredemption,andnotrelyuponHimforafewlessermercies?IsnotGodenough for thyneed,or isHis all-sufficiency toonarrow for thywants? Dost thou want another eye beside that of Him who sees everysecretthing?IsHisheartfaint?IsHisarmweary?Ifso,seekanotherGod;but ifHebe infinite,omnipotent, faithful, true,andall-wise,whygaddestthouabroadsomuchtoseekanotherconfidence?Whydost thourake theearthtofindanotherfoundation,whenthisisstrongenoughtobearalltheweightwhich thou canst ever build thereon? Christian,mix not only thywinewithwater, do not alloy thy gold of faithwith the dross of humanconfidence.Wait thou only uponGod, and let thine expectation be fromHim. Covet not Jonah's gourd, but rest in Jonah's God. Let the sandyfoundationsofterrestrialtrustbethechoiceoffools,butdothou,likeonewhoforeseesthestorm,buildforthyselfanabidingplaceupontheRockofAges.

M a r c h 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Wemust throughmuch tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. -Acts14:22

God'speoplehave their trials. ItwasneverdesignedbyGod,whenHechoseHispeople,thattheyshouldbeanuntriedpeople.Theywerechosenin the furnaceof affliction; theywerenever chosen toworldlypeace andearthly joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains ofmortalitywas neverpromisedthem;butwhentheirLorddrewupthecharterofprivileges,Heincludedchastisementsamongstthethingstowhichtheyshouldinevitablybe heirs. Trials are a part of our lot; they were predestinated for us inChrist's last legacy.Sosurelyas thestarsare fashionedbyhishands,andtheir orbits fixed by Him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: He hasordainedtheirseasonandtheirplace,theirintensityandtheeffecttheyshallhaveuponus.Goodmenmustneverexpecttoescapetroubles;iftheydo,theywillbedisappointed,fornoneoftheirpredecessorshavebeenwithoutthem.MarkthepatienceofJob;rememberAbraham,forhehadhistrials,andbyhis faithunder them,hebecame the "Fatherof the faithful."Notewell thebiographiesof all thepatriarchs, prophets, apostles, andmartyrs,and you shall discover none of thosewhomGodmade vessels ofmercy,whowerenotmadetopass throughthefireofaffliction.It isordainedofoldthatthecrossoftroubleshouldbeengravedoneveryvesselofmercy,as theroyalmarkwherebytheKing'svesselsofhonouraredistinguished.But although tribulation is thus the path ofGod's children, they have thecomfort of knowing that their Master has traversed it before them; theyhaveHispresenceandsympathytocheerthem,Hisgracetosupportthem,andHis example to teach themhow toendure; andwhen they reach"thekingdom," it will more than make amends for the "much tribulation"throughwhichtheypassedtoenterit.

Thisevening'sverse:

ShecalledhisnameBen-oni(sonofsorrow),buthisfathercalledhimBenjamin(sonofmyrighthand).-Genesis35:18

To every matter there is a bright as well as a dark side. Rachel wasoverwhelmedwiththesorrowofherowntravailanddeath;Jacob,thoughweepingthemother'sloss,couldseethemercyofthechild'sbirth.Itiswellfor us if,while the fleshmourns over trials, our faith triumphs in divinefaithfulness. Samson's lion yielded honey, and so will our adversities, ifrightlyconsidered.Thestormyseafeedsmultitudeswithitsfishes;thewildwoodbloomswithbeauteousflowerets;thestormywindsweepsawaythepestilence, and the biting frost loosens the soil. Dark clouds distil brightdrops,andblackearthgrowsgayflowers.Aveinofgoodistobefoundineverymineofevil.Sadheartshavepeculiar skill indiscovering themostdisadvantageous point of view from which to gaze upon a trial; if therewereonlyonesloughintheworld,theywouldsoonbeuptotheirnecksinit, and if there were only one lion in the desert they would hear it roar.Aboutusallthereisatingeofthiswretchedfolly,andweareapt,attimes,likeJacob,tocry,"Allthesethingsareagainstme."Faith'swayofwalkingistocastallcareupontheLord,andthentoanticipategoodresultsfromtheworst calamities. Like Gideon's men, she does not fret over the brokenpitcher,but rejoices that the lampblazes forth themore.Outof theroughoyster-shellofdifficultysheextractstherarepearlofhonour,andfromthedeep ocean-caves of distress she uplifts the priceless coral of experience.Whenherfloodofprosperityebbs,shefindstreasureshidinthesands;andwhenhersunofdelightgoesdown,sheturnshertelescopeofhopetothestarry promises of heaven.When death itself appears, faith points to thelightofresurrectionbeyondthegrave,thusmakingourdyingBenonitobeourlivingBenjamin.

M a r c h 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Yea,Heisaltogetherlovely.-Song5:16

ThesuperlativebeautyofJesus isall-attracting; it isnotsomuch tobeadmired as to be loved. He ismore than pleasant and fair, He is lovely.SurelythepeopleofGodcanfullyjustifytheuseofthisgoldenword,forHe is the object of their warmest love, a love founded on the intrinsicexcellenceofHisperson, thecompleteperfectionofHischarms.Look,Odisciples of Jesus, to your Master's lips, and say, "Are they not mostsweet?"DonotHiswordscauseyourheartstoburnwithinyouasHetalkswithyoubytheway?YeworshippersofImmanuel,lookuptoHisheadofmuchfinegold,andtellme,arenotHisthoughtspreciousuntoyou?Isnotyour adoration sweetened with affection as ye humbly bow before thatcountenancewhich is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars? Is there not acharminHiseveryfeature,andisnotHiswholepersonfragrantwithsucha savour of His good ointments, that therefore the virgins love Him? Isthere one member of His glorious body which is not attractive?— oneportionofHispersonwhich isnota fresh loadstone toour souls?—oneofficewhich isnota strongcord tobindyourheart?Our love isnotasasealsetuponHisheartoflovealone;itisfasteneduponHisarmofpoweralso;noristhereasinglepartofHimuponwhichitdoesnotfixitself.WeanointHiswholepersonwiththesweetspikenardofourferventlove.Hiswhole lifewewould imitate;Hiswholecharacterwewould transcribe. Inallotherbeingsweseesomelack,inHimthereisallperfection.Thebesteven of His favoured saints have had blots upon their garments andwrinkles upon their brows;He is nothing but loveliness.All earthly sunshavetheirspots:thefairworlditselfhathitswilderness;wecannotlovethewholeofthemostlovelything;butChristJesusisgoldwithoutalloy-lightwithoutdarkness—glorywithoutcloud—"Yea,Heisaltogetherlovely."

Thisevening'sverse:

AbideinMe.-John15:4

CommunionwithChristisacertaincureforeveryill.Whetheritbethewormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, closefellowshipwiththeLordJesuswilltakebitternessfromtheone,andsatietyfromtheother.LiveneartoJesus,Christian,andit ismatterofsecondaryimportancewhetherthoulivestonthemountainofhonourorinthevalleyof humiliation. Living near to Jesus, thou art covered with the wings ofGod,andunderneath theeare theeverlastingarms.Letnothingkeep theefrom that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soulweddedtoTHEWELL-BELOVED.Benotcontentwithaninterviewnowandthen,butseekalwaystoretainHiscompany,foronlyinHispresencehastthoueithercomfortorsafety.Jesusshouldnotbeuntousafriendwhocallsuponusnowandthen,butonewithwhomwewalkevermore.Thouhastadifficultroadbeforethee:see,Otravellertoheaven,thatthougonotwithoutthyguide.Thouhasttopassthroughthefieryfurnace;enteritnotunless,likeShadrach,Meshach,andAbednego,thouhasttheSonofGodtobethycompanion.ThouhasttostormtheJerichoofthineowncorruptions:attemptnotthewarfareuntil,likeJoshua,thouhastseentheCaptainoftheLord'shost,withHissworddrawninHishand.ThouarttomeettheEsauofthymanytemptations:meethimnotuntilatJabbok'sbrookthouhastlaidholdupontheangel,andprevailed.Ineverycase,ineverycondition,thouwiltneedJesus;butmostofall,whentheirongatesofdeathshallopentothee.Keepthouclosetothysoul'sHusband,leanthyheaduponHisbosom,asktoberefreshedwiththespicedwineofHispomegranate,andthoushaltbe found ofHim at the last,without spot, orwrinkle, or any such thing.Seeing thouhast livedwithHim,and lived inHimhere, thou shalt abidewithHimforever.

M a r c h 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

InmyprosperityIsaidIshallneverbemoved.-Psalm30:6

"Moab settled on his lees, he hath not been emptied from vessel tovessel." Give a man wealth; let his ships bring home continually richfreights; let the winds and waves appear to be his servants to bear hisvesselsacrossthebosomofthemightydeep;lethislandsyieldabundantly:let theweatherbepropitious tohiscrops; letuninterruptedsuccessattendhim; let him stand among men as a successful merchant; let him enjoycontinuedhealth; allowhimwithbracednerve andbrilliant eye tomarchthrough theworld, and live happily; give him the buoyant spirit; let himhavethesongperpetuallyonhislips;lethiseyebeeversparklingwithjoy—andthenaturalconsequenceofsuchaneasystatetoanyman,lethimbethebestChristianwhoeverbreathed,willbepresumption;evenDavidsaid,"I shall never bemoved;" andwe are not better thanDavid, nor half sogood.Brother,bewareofthesmoothplacesoftheway;ifyouaretreadingthem,orifthewayberough,thankGodforit.IfGodshouldalwaysrockus in thecradleofprosperity; ifwewerealwaysdandledon thekneesoffortune;ifwehadnotsomestainonthealabasterpillar;iftherewerenotafewclouds in thesky; ifwehadnotsomebitterdrops in thewineof thislife, we should become intoxicated with pleasure, we should dream "westand;"andstandweshould,butitwouldbeuponapinnacle;likethemanasleepuponthemast,eachmomentweshouldbeinjeopardy.

WeblessGod, then, forourafflictions;we thankHimforourchanges;we extol His name for losses of property; for we feel that had He notchastened us thus,wemight have become too secure.Continuedworldlyprosperityisafierytrial.

"Afflictions,thoughtheyseemsevere,Inmercyoftaresent."

Thisevening'sverse:

Man...isoffewdays,andfulloftrouble.-Job14:1

Itmaybeofgreatservicetous,beforewefallasleep,torememberthismournful fact, for itmay lead us to set loose by earthly things. There isnothingverypleasantintherecollectionthatwearenotabovetheshaftsofadversity,butitmayhumbleusandpreventourboastinglikethePsalmistin our morning's portion. "My mountain standeth firm: I shall never bemoved."Itmaystayusfromtakingtoodeeprootinthissoilfromwhichwearesosoontobetransplantedintotheheavenlygarden.Letusrecollectthefrail tenure upon which we hold our temporal mercies. If we wouldrememberthatallthetreesofeartharemarkedforthewoodman'saxe,weshouldnotbesoreadytobuildournestsinthem.Weshouldlove,butweshould lovewith the lovewhich expects death, andwhich reckons uponseparations.Ourdearrelationsarebutloanedtous,andthehourwhenwemustreturnthemtothelender'shandmaybeevenatthedoor.Thelikeiscertainlytrueofourworldlygoods.Donotrichestaketothemselveswingsand flyaway?Ourhealth is equallyprecarious.Frail flowersof the field,wemustnotreckonuponbloomingforever.Thereisatimeappointedforweaknessandsickness,whenweshallhavetoglorifyGodbysuffering,andnot by earnest activity.There is no single point inwhichwe canhope toescapefromthesharparrowsofaffliction;outofourfewdaysthereisnotone secure from sorrow.Man's life is a cask full of bitter wine; he wholooksforjoyinithadbetterseekforhoneyinanoceanofbrine.Belovedreader, set not your affectionsupon thingsof earth: but seek those thingswhich are above, for here the moth devoureth, and the thief breakeththrough,buttherealljoysareperpetualandeternal.Thepathoftroubleisthewayhome.Lord,makethisthoughtapillowformanyawearyhead!

M a r c h 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Sin...exceedingsinful.-Romans7:13

Bewareoflightthoughtsofsin.Atthetimeofconversion,theconscienceisso tender, thatweareafraidof theslightestsin.Youngconvertshaveaholy timidity, a godly fear lest they should offend againstGod.But alas!very soon the fine bloom upon these first ripe fruits is removed by theroughhandlingofthesurroundingworld:thesensitiveplantofyoungpietyturns into awillow in after life, toopliant, too easilyyielding. It is sadlytrue, that even a Christian may grow by degrees so callous, that the sinwhichonce startledhimdoesnotalarmhim in the least.Bydegreesmengetfamiliarwithsin.Theear inwhichthecannonhasbeenboomingwillnotnoticeslightsounds.Atfirstalittlesinstartlesus;butsoonwesay,"Isitnotalittleone?"Thentherecomesanother,larger,andthenanother,untilby degreeswe begin to regard sin as but a little ill; and then follows anunholypresumption:"Wehavenotfallenintoopensin.True,wetrippedalittle,butwe stoodupright in themain.Wemayhaveutteredoneunholyword,butasforthemostofourconversation,ithasbeenconsistent."Sowepalliatesin;wethrowacloakoverit;wecallitbydaintynames.Christian,bewarehowthouthinkestlightlyofsin.Takeheedlestthoufallbylittleandlittle.Sin,alittlething?Isitnotapoison?Whoknowsitsdeadliness?Sin,alittlething?Donotthelittlefoxesspoilthegrapes?Dothnotthetinycoralinsect build a rock which wrecks a navy? Do not little strokes fell loftyoaks?Willnotcontinualdroppingswearawaystones?Sin,alittlething?ItgirdedtheRedeemer'sheadwiththorns,andpiercedHisheart!ItmadeHimsuffer anguish, bitterness, andwoe.Could youweigh the least sin in thescalesof eternity,youwould fly from it as froma serpent, andabhor theleast appearance of evil. Look upon all sin as that which crucified theSaviour,andyouwillseeittobe"exceedingsinful."

Thisevening'sverse:

Thoushaltbecalled,Soughtout.-Isaiah62:12

ThesurpassinggraceofGodisseenveryclearlyinthatwewerenotonlysought,butsoughtout.Menseekforathingwhichislostuponthefloorofthehouse,butinsuchacasethereisonlyseeking,notseekingout.Thelossismoreperplexingandthesearchmoreperseveringwhenathingissoughtout.Weweremingledwiththemire:wewereaswhensomepreciouspieceofgoldfallsintothesewer,andmengatheroutandcarefullyinspectamassof abominable filth, and continue to stir and rake, and search among theheapuntilthetreasureisfound.Or,touseanotherfigure,wewerelostinalabyrinth;wewanderedhitherand thither, andwhenmercycameafteruswiththegospel,itdidnotfindusatthefirstcoming,ithadtosearchforusand seek us out; for we as lost sheep were so desperately lost, and hadwanderedintosuchastrangecountry,thatitdidnotseempossiblethateventhe Good Shepherd should track our devious roamings. Glory be tounconquerable grace, we were sought out! No gloom could hide us, nofilthinesscouldconcealus,wewerefoundandbroughthome.Glorybetoinfinitelove,GodtheHolySpiritrestoredus!

ThelivesofsomeofGod'speople,iftheycouldbewrittenwouldfilluswith holy astonishment. Strange andmarvellous are thewayswhichGodused in their case to find His own. Blessed be His name, He neverrelinquishesthesearchuntilthechosenaresoughtouteffectually.Theyarenot a people sought to-day and cast away to-morrow. Almightiness andwisdomcombinedwillmakenofailures,theyshallbecalled,"Soughtout!"That any should be sought out ismatchless grace, but thatwe should besoughtoutisgracebeyonddegree!WecanfindnoreasonforitbutGod'sownsovereignlove,andcanonlyliftupourheartinwonder,andpraisetheLordthatthisnightwewearthenameof"Soughtout."

M a r c h 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Thoushaltlovethyneighbour.-Matthew5:43

"Lovethyneighbour."Perhapsherollsinriches,andthouartpoor,andlivinginthylittlecotside-by-sidewithhislordlymansion;thouseesteverydayhisestates,hisfinelinen,andhissumptuousbanquets;Godhasgivenhimthesegifts,covetnothiswealth,andthinknohardthoughtsconcerninghim.Becontentwith thineown lot, if thoucanstnotbetter it,butdonotlookuponthyneighbour,andwishthathewereasthyself.Lovehim,andthenthouwiltnotenvyhim.

Mayhap,ontheotherhand, thouartrich,andneartheeresidethepoor.Donotscorntocallthemneighbour.Ownthatthouartboundtolovethem.Theworldcallsthemthyinferiors.Inwhataretheyinferior?Theyarefarmorethineequalsthanthineinferiors,for"Godhathmadeofonebloodallpeoplethatdwelluponthefaceoftheearth."Itisthycoatwhichisbetterthan theirs,but thouartbynomeansbetter than they.Theyaremen,andwhatartthoumorethanthat?Takeheedthatthoulovethyneighboureventhoughhebeinrags,orsunkeninthedepthsofpoverty.

But,perhaps,yousay,"Icannotlovemyneighbours,becauseforallIdothey return ingratitude and contempt." So much the more room for theheroismoflove.Wouldstthoubeafeather-bedwarrior,insteadofbearingtheroughfightoflove?Hewhodaresthemost,shallwinthemost;andifrough be thy path of love, tread it boldly, still loving thy neighboursthroughthickandthin.Heapcoalsoffireontheirheads,andiftheybehardtoplease,seeknottopleasethem,buttopleasethyMaster;andrememberif they spurn thy love, thyMasterhathnot spurned it, and thydeed is asacceptabletoHimasifithadbeenacceptabletothem.Lovethyneighbour,forinsodoingthouartfollowingthefootstepsofChrist.

Thisevening'sverse:

Towhombelongestthou?-1Samuel30:13

No neutralities can exist in religion. We are either ranked under thebannerofPrinceImmanuel,toserveandfightHisbattles,orwearevassalsoftheblackprince,Satan."Towhombelongestthou?"

Reader,letmeassistyouinyourresponse.Haveyoubeen"bornagain"?Ifyouhave,youbelongtoChrist,butwithoutthenewbirthyoucannotbeHis.Inwhomdoyoutrust?ForthosewhobelieveinJesusarethesonsofGod.Whoseworkareyoudoing?Youaresuretoserveyourmaster,forhewhomyouserveistherebyownedtobeyourlord.Whatcompanydoyoukeep?IfyoubelongtoJesus,youwill fraternizewith thosewhowear thelivery of the cross. "Birds of a feather flock together." What is yourconversation?Isitheavenlyorisitearthly?WhathaveyoulearnedofyourMaster?— for servants learnmuch from theirmasters towhom they areapprenticed.IfyouhaveservedyourtimewithJesus,itwillbesaidofyou,asitwasofPeterandJohn,"Theytookknowledgeofthem,thattheyhadbeenwithJesus."

We press the question, "To whom belongest thou?" Answer honestlybeforeyougivesleeptoyoureyes.IfyouarenotChrist'syouareinahardservice—Runawayfromyourcruelmaster!EnterintotheserviceoftheLordofLove,andyoushallenjoyalifeofblessedness.IfyouareChrist'sletmeadviseyoutodofourthings.YoubelongtoJesus—obeyhim;lethiswordbeyourlaw;letHiswishbeyourwill.YoubelongtotheBeloved,then loveHim; letyourheart embraceHim; letyourwhole soulbe filledwithHim.YoubelongtotheSonofGod,thentrusthim;restnowherebutonhim.Youbelongto theKingofkings, thenbedecidedforHim.Thus,without your being branded upon the brow, all will know to whom youbelong.

M a r c h 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Whysitwehereuntilwedie?-2Kings7:3

Dear reader, this little bookwasmainly intended for the edification ofbelievers, but if you are yet unsaved, our heart yearns over you: andwewouldfainsayawordwhichmaybeblessedtoyou.OpenyourBible,andread thestoryof the lepers,andmark theirposition,whichwasmuch thesameasyours.Ifyouremainwhereyouareyoumustperish;ifyougotoJesusyoucanbutdie."Nothingventure,nothingwin,"is theoldproverb,andinyourcasetheventureisnogreatone.Ifyousitstillinsullendespair,no one can pity you when your ruin comes; but if you die with mercysought,ifsuchathingwerepossible,youwouldbetheobjectofuniversalsympathy.NoneescapewhorefusetolooktoJesus;butyouknowthat,atany rate, some are saved who believe in Him, for certain of your ownacquaintanceshavereceivedmercy:thenwhynotyou?TheNinevitessaid,"Who can tell?" Act upon the same hope, and try the Lord's mercy. Toperishissoawful,thatiftherewerebutastrawtocatchat,theinstinctofself-preservation should lead you to stretch out your hand.We have thusbeentalkingtoyouonyourownunbelievingground,wewouldnowassureyou,asfromtheLord,thatifyouseekHimHewillbefoundofyou.JesuscastsoutnonewhocomeuntoHim.YoushallnotperishifyoutrustHim;on the contrary, you shall find treasure far richer than the poor lepersgatheredinSyria'sdesertedcamp.MaytheHolySpiritemboldenyoutogoat once, and you shall not believe in vain.Whenyou are saved yourself,publish the good news to others. Hold not your peace; tell the King'shouseholdfirst,andunitewiththeminfellowship;lettheporterofthecity,theminister, be informed of your discovery, and then proclaim the goodnewsineveryplace.TheLordsavetheeerethesungoesdownthisday.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thenheput forthhishand,andtookher,andpulledher inuntohimintotheark.-Genesis8:9

Weariedoutwithherwanderings,thedovereturnsatlengthtothearkasheronlyrestingplace.Howheavilysheflies—shewilldrop—shewillneverreachtheark!Butshestruggleson.Noahhasbeenlookingoutforhisdovealldaylong,andisreadytoreceiveher.Shehasjuststrengthtoreachtheedgeoftheark,shecanhardlyalightuponit,andisreadytodrop,whenNoahputsforthhishandandpullsherinuntohim.Markthat:"pulledherin unto him." She did not fly right in herself, butwas too fearful, or toowearytodoso.Sheflewasfarasshecould,andthenheputforthhishandandpulledherinuntohim.Thisactofmercywasshowntothewanderingdove,andshewasnotchiddenforherwanderings.Justasshewasshewaspulled into the ark. So you, seeking sinner, with all your sin, will bereceived. "Only return"— those are God's two graciouswords— "onlyreturn."What!nothingelse?No,"onlyreturn."Shehadnoolivebranchinhermouththistime,nothingatallbutjustherselfandherwanderings;butitis "only return," and she does return, and Noah pulls her in. Fly, thouwanderer; fly thou fainting one, dove as thou art, though thou thinkestthyself to be black as the raven with the mire of sin, back, back to theSaviour. Every moment thou waitest does but increase thy misery; thineattemptstoplumethyselfandmakethyselffitforJesusareallvanity.ComethoutoHimjustasthouart."Return,thoubackslidingIsrael."Hedoesnotsay,"Return, thourepentingIsrael"(there issuchan invitationdoubtless),but"thoubackslidingone,"asabacksliderwithallthybackslidingsaboutthee,Return,return,return!Jesusiswaitingforthee!HewillstretchforthHishandand"pulltheein"—intoHimself,thyheart'struehome.

M a r c h 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Lethimthatthinkethhestandethtakeheedlesthefall.-1Corinthians10:12

Itisacuriousfact,thatthereissuchathingasbeingproudofgrace.Aman says, "I have great faith, I shall not fall; poor little faithmay, but Inever shall." "Ihave fervent love," says another, "I can stand, there isnodangerofmygoingastray."Hewhoboastsofgracehaslittlegracetoboastof.Somewhodothisimaginethattheirgracescankeepthem,knowingnotthat the streammust flow constantly from the fountain head, or else thebrookwillsoonbedry.Ifacontinuousstreamofoilcomesnottothelamp,thoughitburnbrightlyto-day,itwillsmoketo-morrow,andnoxiouswillbeits scent. Take heed that thou gloriest not in thy graces, but let all thyglorying and confidence be in Christ andHis strength, for only so canstthoubekept fromfalling.Bemuchmore inprayer.Spend longer time inholy adoration.Read theScripturesmore earnestly and constantly.Watchyour livesmorecarefully.Livenearer toGod.Take thebestexamples foryourpattern.Letyourconversationberedolentofheaven.Letyourheartsbe perfumed with affection for men's souls. So live that men may takeknowledgeofyouthatyouhavebeenwithJesus,andhavelearnedofHim;andwhen thathappydayshall come,whenHewhomyou love shall say,"Comeuphigher,"may itbeyourhappiness tohearHimsay,"Thouhastfoughtagoodfight, thouhast finishedthycourse,andhenceforth there islaid up for thee a crown of righteousness which fadeth not away." On,Christian, with care and caution! On, with holy fear and trembling! On,withfaithandconfidenceinJesusalone,andletyourconstantpetitionbe,"Upholdmeaccording toThyword."He isable, andHealone, "Tokeepyou from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence ofHisglorywithexceedingjoy."

Thisevening'sverse:

Iwilltakeheedtomyways.-Psalm39:1

Fellow-pilgrim,saynotinyourheart,"Iwillgohitherandthither,andIshallnotsin;"foryouareneversooutofdangerofsinningastoboastofsecurity.Theroadisverymiry,itwillbehardtopickyourpathsoasnottosoilyourgarments.Thisisaworldofpitch;youwillneedtowatchoften,ifinhandlingityouaretokeepyourhandsclean.Thereisarobberateveryturnof the road to robyouofyour jewels; there is a temptation in everymercy;thereisasnareineveryjoy;andifyoueverreachheaven,itwillbeamiracleofdivinegracetobeascribedentirelytoyourFather'spower.Beon your guard.When aman carries a bomb-shell in his hand, he shouldmindthathedoesnotgonearacandle;andyoutoomusttakecarethatyouenternotintotemptation.Evenyourcommonactionsareedgedtools;youmustmindhowyouhandlethem.ThereisnothinginthisworldtofosteraChristian'spiety,buteverythingtodestroyit.HowanxiousshouldyoubetolookuptoGod,thatHemaykeepyou!Yourprayershouldbe,"Holdthoumeup,andIshallbesafe."Havingprayed,youmustalsowatch;guardingevery thought, word, and action, with holy jealousy. Do not exposeyourselvesunnecessarily;butifcalledtoexposure,ifyouarebiddentogowhere thedarts are flying, never venture forthwithout your shield; for ifoncethedevilfindsyouwithoutyourbuckler,hewillrejoicethathishourof triumph is come, and will soonmake you fall down wounded by hisarrows.Thoughslainyoucannotbe;woundedyoumaybe."Besober;bevigilant, danger may be in an hour when all seemeth securest to thee."Therefore,takeheedtothyways,andwatchuntoprayer.Nomaneverfellintoerror throughbeingtoowatchful.MaytheHolySpiritguideus inallourways,soshalltheyalwayspleasetheLord.

M a r c h 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

BestronginthegracethatisinChristJesus.-2Timothy2:1

ChristhasgracewithoutmeasureinHimself,butHehathnotretaineditforHimself.As the reservoir empties itself into the pipes, so hathChristemptiedoutHisgraceforHispeople."OfHisfulnesshaveallwereceived,andgraceforgrace."Heseemsonlytohaveinordertodispensetous.Hestandslikethefountain,alwaysflowing,butonlyrunninginordertosupplytheemptypitchersandthethirstylipswhichdrawnighuntoit.Likeatree,Hebears sweet fruit, not to hangonboughs, but to begatheredby thosewhoneed.Grace,whetheritsworkbetopardon,tocleanse,topreserve,tostrengthen, to enlighten, to quicken, or to restore, is ever to be had fromHimfreelyandwithoutprice;nor is thereone formof theworkofgracewhichHe has not bestowed uponHis people. As the blood of the body,though flowing from the heart, belongs equally to everymember, so theinfluencesofgrace are the inheritanceof every saint united to theLamb;and herein there is a sweet communion between Christ and His Church,inasmuch as they both receive the same grace. Christ is the head uponwhichtheoilisfirstpoured;butthesameoilrunstotheveryskirtsofthegarments, so that the meanest saint has an unction of the same costlymoistureasthatwhichfelluponthehead.Thisistruecommunionwhenthesapofgrace flows from the stem to thebranch, andwhen it is perceivedthat the stem itself is sustained by the very nourishmentwhich feeds thebranch.Aswedaybyday receivegrace fromJesus, andmoreconstantlyrecognizeitascomingfromHim,weshallbeholdHimincommunionwithus,andenjoythefelicityofcommunionwithHim.Letusmakedailyuseofourriches,andeverrepairtoHimastoourownLordincovenant, takingfromHim the supply of allwe needwith asmuch boldness asmen takemoneyfromtheirownpurse.

Thisevening'sverse:

Hediditwithallhisheartandprospered.-2Chronicles31:21

Thisisnounusualoccurrence;itisthegeneralruleofthemoraluniversethatthosemenprosperwhodotheirworkwithalltheirhearts,whilethoseare almost certain to failwho go to their labour leaving half their heartsbehind them. God does not give harvests to idlemen except harvests ofthistles,nor isHepleased tosendwealth to thosewhowillnotdig in thefieldtofinditshidtreasure.Itisuniversallyconfessedthatifamanwouldprosper,hemustbediligentinbusiness.Itisthesameinreligionasitisinother things. If youwould prosper in yourwork for Jesus, let it be heartwork, and let it be done with all your heart. Put as much force, energy,heartiness,andearnestnessintoreligionaseveryoudointobusiness,foritdeserves farmore.TheHolySpirit helpsour infirmities, butHedoesnotencourageouridleness;Helovesactivebelievers.WhoarethemostusefulmenintheChristianchurch?ThemenwhodowhattheyundertakeforGodwithalltheirhearts.WhoarethemostsuccessfulSabbath-schoolteachers?Themosttalented?No;themostzealous;themenwhoseheartsareonfire,those are the men who see their Lord riding forth prosperously in themajestyofHissalvation.Whole-heartednessshows itself inperseverance;theremaybefailureatfirst,buttheearnestworkerwillsay,"ItistheLord'swork, and it must be done; my Lord has bidden me do it, and in HisstrengthIwillaccomplishit."Christian,artthouthus"withallthineheart"servingthyMaster?RemembertheearnestnessofJesus!Thinkwhatheart-workwasHis!Hecouldsay,"ThezealofThinehousehatheatenMeup."WhenHesweatgreatdropsofblood,itwasnolightburdenHehadtocarryuponthoseblessedshoulders;andwhenHepouredoutHisheart,itwasnoweakeffortHewasmaking for the salvationofHispeople.Was Jesus inearnest,andarewelukewarm?

M a r c h 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

Iamastrangerwiththee.-Psalm39:12

Yes,OLord,withThee,butnottoThee.AllmynaturalalienationfromThee, Thy grace has effectually removed; and now, in fellowship withThyself,Iwalkthroughthissinfulworldasapilgriminaforeigncountry.Thou art a stranger in Thine own world. Man forgets Thee, dishonoursThee,setsupnewlawsandaliencustoms,andknowsTheenot.WhenThydear Son came untoHis own,His own receivedHim not.Hewas in theworld, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.NeverwasforeignersospeckledabirdamongthedenizensofanylandasThybelovedSon amongHismother's brethren. It is nomarvel, then, if Iwho live the lifeof Jesus, shouldbeunknownanda strangerherebelow.Lord,IwouldnotbeacitizenwhereJesuswasanalien.Hispiercedhandhasloosenedthecordswhichonceboundmysoultoearth,andnowIfindmyselfastrangerintheland.MyspeechseemstotheseBabyloniansamongwhom I dwell an outlandish tongue, my manners are singular, and myactions are strange.ATartarwouldbemore at home inCheapside than Icouldeverbeinthehauntsofsinners.Buthereisthesweetnessofmylot:Iama strangerwithThee.Thouartmy fellow-sufferer,my fellow-pilgrim.Oh,whatjoytowanderinsuchblessedsociety!Myheartburnswithinmebythewaywhenthoudostspeaktome,andthoughIbeasojourner,Iamfarmore blest than thosewho sit on thrones, and farmore at home thanthosewhodwellintheirceiledhouses.

"Tomeremainsnorplace,nortime:

Mycountryisineveryclime;IcanbecalmandfreefromcareOnanyshore,sinceGodisthere.

Whileplaceweseek,orplaceweshun,Thesoulfindshappinessinnone:ButwithaGodtoguideourway,'Tisequaljoytogoorstay."

Thisevening'sverse:

KeepbackThyservantalsofrompresumptuoussins.-Psalm19:13

Suchwastheprayerofthe"manafterGod'sownheart."DidholyDavidneedtopraythus?Howneedful,then,mustsuchaprayerbeforusbabesingrace!Itisasifhesaid,"Keepmeback,orIshallrushheadlongovertheprecipiceofsin."Ourevilnature, likean ill-temperedhorse, isapt to runaway.May thegraceofGodput thebridleupon it, andhold it in, that itrushnotintomischief.Whatmightnotthebestofusdoifitwerenotforthe checkswhich theLord setsuponusboth inprovidenceand ingrace!Thepsalmist'sprayerisdirectedagainsttheworstformofsin—thatwhichisdonewithdeliberationandwilfulness.Eventheholiestneedtobe"keptback"fromthevilesttransgressions.ItisasolemnthingtofindtheapostlePaul warning saints against the most loathsome sins. "Mortify thereforeyour members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness,inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which isidolatry."What! do saints want warning against such sins as these? Yes,theydo.Thewhitestrobes,unlesstheirpuritybepreservedbydivinegrace,will be defiled by the blackest spots. ExperiencedChristian, boast not inyourexperience;youwilltripyetifyoulookawayfromHimwhoisabletokeepyou from falling.Yewhose love is fervent,whose faith is constant,whosehopesarebright,saynot,"Weshallneversin,"butrathercry,"Leadusnot into temptation."There isenough tinder in theheartof thebestofmentolightafirethatshallburntothelowesthell,unlessGodshallquenchthesparksastheyfall.WhowouldhavedreamedthatrighteousLotcouldbe found drunken, and committing uncleanness? Hazael said, "Is Thyservantadog,thatheshoulddothisthing?"andweareveryapttousethesameself-righteousquestion.Mayinfinitewisdomcureusofthemadnessofself-confidence.

M a r c h 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

Rememberthepoor.-Galatians2:10

WhydoesGodallowsomanyofHischildrentobepoor?Hecouldmakethemall rich ifHepleased;He could laybagsof gold at their doors;Hecould send them a large annual income; or He could scatter round theirhouses abundance of provisions, as once hemade the quails lie in heapsround the camp of Israel, and rained bread out of heaven to feed them.Thereisnonecessitythattheyshouldbepoor,exceptthatHeseesittobebest."ThecattleuponathousandhillsareHis"—Hecouldsupplythem;He couldmake the richest, the greatest, and themightiest bring all theirpowerandrichestothefeetofHischildren,fortheheartsofallmenareinHis control. But He does not choose to do so; He allows them to sufferwant,Heallowsthemtopineinpenuryandobscurity.Whyisthis?Therearemany reasons: one is, to give us, who are favouredwith enough, anopportunityofshowingourlovetoJesus.WeshowourlovetoChristwhenwesingofHimandwhenwepraytoHim;butiftherewerenosonsofneedintheworldweshouldlosethesweetprivilegeofevidencingourlove,byministeringinalms-givingtoHispoorerbrethren;Hehasordainedthatthusweshouldprovethatourlovestandethnotinwordonly,butindeedandintruth.IfwetrulyloveChrist,weshallcareforthosewhoarelovedbyHim.ThosewhoaredeartoHimwillbedeartous.Letusthenlookuponitnotas a duty but as a privilege to relieve the poor of the Lord's flock —remembering thewords of theLord Jesus, "Inasmuch as ye have done ituntooneoftheleastofthesemybrethren,yehavedoneituntome."Surelythisassuranceissweetenough,andthismotivestrongenoughtoleadustohelpotherswithawillinghandandalovingheart—recollectingthatallwedoforHispeopleisgraciouslyacceptedbyChristasdonetoHimself.

Thisevening'sverse:

Blessedare thepeacemakers: for theyshallbecalled thechildrenofGod.-Matthew5:9

This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number ofperfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Saviour placed thepeacemaker the seventh upon the list because hemost nearly approachestheperfectmaninChristJesus.Hewhowouldhaveperfectblessedness,sofar as it canbe enjoyedon earth,must attain to this seventhbenediction,andbecomeapeacemaker.Thereisasignificancealsointhepositionofthetext.Theversewhichprecedesitspeaksoftheblessednessof"thepureinheart:fortheyshallseeGod."Itiswelltounderstandthatwearetobe"firstpure,thenpeaceable."Ourpeaceablenessisnevertobeacompactwithsin,or toleration of evil.Wemust set our faces like flints against everythingwhich is contrary to God and His holiness: purity being in our souls asettledmatter,wecangoontopeaceableness.Notlessdoestheversethatfollows seem to have been put there on purpose.However peaceablewemaybe in thisworld, yetwe shall bemisrepresented andmisunderstood:and no marvel, for even the Prince of Peace, by His very peacefulness,broughtfireupontheearth.HeHimself,thoughHelovedmankind,anddidnoill,was"despisedandrejectedofmen,amanofsorrowsandacquaintedwithgrief."Lest,therefore,thepeaceableinheartshouldbesurprisedwhentheymeet with enemies, it is added in the following verse, "Blessed aretheywhicharepersecutedforrighteousness'sake:fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven."Thus,thepeacemakersarenotonlypronouncedtobeblessed,buttheyarecompassedaboutwithblessings.Lord,giveusgracetoclimbtothisseventhbeatitude!Purifyourmindsthatwemaybe"firstpure,thenpeaceable," and fortify our souls, that our peaceablenessmay not lead usintocowardiceanddespair,whenforThysakewearepersecuted.

M a r c h 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

YeareallthechildrenofGodbyfaithinChristJesus.-Galatians3:26

The fatherhood ofGod is common to all his children.Ah!Little-faith,youhaveoftensaid,"OhthatIhadthecourageofGreat-heart,thatIcouldwieldhisswordandbeasvaliantashe!But,alas,Istumbleateverystraw,andashadowmakesmeafraid."Listthee,Little-faith.Great-heartisGod'schild, and you areGod's child too; andGreat-heart is not onewhitmoreGod's child than you are. Peter and Paul, the highly- favoured apostles,were of the family of the Most High; and so are you also; the weakChristianisasmuchachildofGodasthestrongone.

"Thiscov'nantstandssecure,Thoughearth'soldpillarsbow;<br/>Thestrong,thefeeble,andtheweak,AreoneinJesusnow."

Allthenamesareinthesamefamilyregister.Onemayhavemoregracethan another, but God our heavenly Father has the same tender hearttowardsall.Onemaydomoremightyworks,andmaybringmoreglorytohisFather,buthewhosenameis the least in thekingdomofheavenisasmuchthechildofGodashewhostandsamongtheKing'smightymen.Letthischeerandcomfortus,whenwedrawneartoGodandsay,"OurFather."

Yet,whilewe are comfortedbyknowing this, let us not rest contentedwithweakfaith,butask, like theApostles, tohave it increased.Howeverfeebleourfaithmaybe,ifitberealfaithinChrist,weshallreachheavenatlast, butwe shallnothonourourMastermuchonourpilgrimage,neithershallweaboundinjoyandpeace.IfthenyouwouldlivetoChrist'sglory,and be happy inHis service, seek to be filledwith the spirit of adoptionmoreandmorecompletely,tillperfectloveshallcastoutfear.

Thisevening'sverse:

AstheFatherhathlovedMe,sohaveIlovedyou.-John15:9

AstheFatherlovestheSon,inthesamemannerJesuslovesHispeople.What is that divine method? He loved Him without beginning, and thusJesuslovesHismembers."Ihavelovedtheewithaneverlastinglove."Youcan trace the beginning of human affection; you can easily find thebeginning of your love to Christ, but His love to us is a stream whosesourceishiddenineternity.GodtheFatherlovesJesuswithoutanychange.Christian, take this for your comfort, that there is no change in JesusChrist'slovetothosewhorestinHim.YesterdayyouwereonTabor'stop,andyousaid, "He lovesme:" to-dayyouare in thevalleyofhumiliation,butHelovesyoustillthesame.OnthehillMizar,andamongtheHermons,youheardHisvoice,whichspakesosweetlywiththeturtle-notesoflove;andnowonthesea,oreveninthesea,whenallHiswavesandbillowsgooveryou,Hisheart is faithful toHisancientchoice.TheFather loves theSonwithout any end, and thus does theSon loveHis people.Saint, thouneedest not fear the loosing of the silver cord, forHis love for theewillnevercease.RestconfidentthatevendowntothegraveChristwillgowithyou,andthatupagainfromitHewillbeyourguideto thecelestialhills.Moreover, the Father loves the Son without any measure, and the sameimmeasurablelovetheSonbestowsuponHischosenones.ThewholeheartofChristisdedicatedtoHispeople.He"lovedusandgaveHimselfforus."Hisisalovewhichpassethknowledge.Ah!wehaveindeedanimmutableSaviour, a precious Saviour, one who loves without measure, withoutchange,withoutbeginning,andwithoutend,evenastheFatherlovesHim!Thereismuchfoodhereforthosewhoknowhowtodigestit.MaytheHolyGhostleadusintoitsmarrowandfatness!

M a r c h 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Stronginfaith.-Romans4:20

Christian,takegoodcareofthyfaith;forrecollectfaithistheonlywaywhereby thou canst obtain blessings. If we want blessings from God,nothingcanfetchthemdownbutfaith.Prayercannotdrawdownanswers,fromGod'sthroneexceptitbetheearnestprayerofthemanwhobelieves.FaithistheangelicmessengerbetweenthesoulandtheLordJesusinglory.Letthatangelbewithdrawn,wecanneithersendupprayer,norreceivetheanswers.Faith is the telegraphicwirewhich linksearthandheaven—onwhichGod'smessagesofloveflysofast, thatbeforewecallHeanswers,andwhileweareyetspeakingHehearsus.Butifthattelegraphicwireoffaithbesnapped,howcanwereceive thepromise?AmI in trouble?—Icanobtainhelpfor troublebyfaith.AmIbeatenaboutbytheenemy?—mysoulonherdearRefugeleansbyfaith.Buttakefaithaway—invainIcall toGod.There isno roadbetwixtmysoulandheaven. In thedeepestwintertimefaithisaroadonwhichthehorsesofprayermaytravel—ay,andallthebetterforthebitingfrost;butblockadetheroad,andhowcanwecommunicate with the Great King? Faith links me with divinity. Faithclothes me with the power of God. Faith engages on my side theomnipotence of Jehovah. Faith ensures every attribute of God in mydefence.Ithelpsmetodefythehostsofhell.Itmakesmemarchtriumphantoverthenecksofmyenemies.ButwithoutfaithhowcanIreceiveanythingoftheLord?Letnothimthatwavereth—whoislikeawaveoftheSea—expectthathewillreceiveanythingofGod!O,then,Christian,watchwellthy faith; forwith it thoucanstwinall things,howeverpoor thouart,butwithout it thou canst obtain nothing. "If thou canst believe, all things arepossibletohimthatbelieveth."

Thisevening'sverse:

Andshedideat,andwassufficed,andleft.-Ruth2:14

Wheneverwe are privileged to eat of the breadwhich Jesus gives,weare, likeRuth, satisfiedwith the full and sweet repast.When Jesus is thehost no guest goes empty from the table. Our head is satisfied with theprecioustruthwhichChristreveals;ourheart iscontentwithJesus,as thealtogether lovelyobjectofaffection;ourhope issatisfied, forwhomhaveweinheavenbutJesus?andourdesireissatiated,forwhatcanwewishformore than "to know Christ and to be found in Him"? Jesus fills ourconscience till it is at perfect peace; our judgmentwithpersuasionof thecertaintyofHis teachings;ourmemorywith recollectionsofwhatHehasdone,andour imaginationwith theprospectsofwhatHe isyet todo.AsRuthwas"sufficed,andleft,"soisitwithus.Wehavehaddeepdraughts;wehavethoughtthatwecouldtakeinallofChrist;butwhenwehavedoneourbestwehavehadtoleaveavastremainder.WehavesatatthetableoftheLord'slove,andsaid,"Nothingbuttheinfinitecaneversatisfyme;IamsuchagreatsinnerthatImusthaveinfinitemerittowashmysinaway;"butwehavehadoursinremoved,andfoundthattherewasmerittospare;wehave had our hunger relieved at the feast of sacred love, and found thattherewasaredundanceofspiritualmeatremaining.Therearecertainsweetthingsin theWordofGodwhichwehavenotenjoyedyet,andwhichweareobligedtoleaveforawhile;forwearelikethedisciplestowhomJesussaid, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear themnow." Yes, there are graces to which we have not attained; places offellowship nearer to Christ which we have not reached; and heights ofcommunion which our feet have not climbed. At every banquet of lovethere aremanybasketsof fragments left.Let usmagnify the liberalityofourgloriousBoaz.

M a r c h 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Mybeloved.-Song2:8

Thiswas a golden namewhich the ancientChurch in hermost joyousmomentswaswonttogivetotheAnointedoftheLord.Whenthetimeofthesingingofbirdswascome,andthevoiceoftheturtlewasheardinherland, her love-notewas sweeter than either, as she sang, "My beloved ismineandIamHis:Hefeedethamongthelilies."EverinhersongofsongsdothshecallHimbythatdelightfulname,"Mybeloved!"Eveninthelongwinter, when idolatry had withered the garden of the Lord, her prophetsfoundspace to layaside theburdenof theLord fora littleseason,and tosay, as Esaias did, "Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of mybelovedtouchingHisvineyard."ThoughthesaintshadneverseenHisface,thoughasyetHewasnotmadeflesh,norhaddweltamongus,norhadmanbeheldHisglory,yetHewastheconsolationofIsrael,thehopeandjoyofallthechosen,the"beloved"ofallthosewhowereuprightbeforetheMostHigh.We, in the summer days of the Church, are alsowont to speak ofChristasthebestbelovedofoursoul,andtofeelthatHeisveryprecious,the "chiefest among ten thousand,and thealtogether lovely."So true is itthattheChurchlovesJesus,andclaimsHimasherbeloved,thattheapostledarestodefythewholeuniversetoseparateherfromtheloveofChrist,anddeclares that neither persecutions, distress, affliction, peril, or the swordhavebeenabletodoit;nay,hejoyouslyboasts,"InallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughHimthatlovedus."

OthatweknewmoreofThee,Thoueverpreciousone!MysolepossessionisThylove;Inearthbeneath,orheavenabove,Ihavenootherstore;AndthoughwithferventsuitIpray,AndimportuneTheedaybyday,IaskTheenothingmore.

Thisevening'sverse:

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church. -Ephesians5:25

WhatagoldenexampleChristgivestoHisdisciples!Fewmasterscouldventuretosay,"Ifyouwouldpractisemyteaching,imitatemylife;"butasthe life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, He can point toHimself as the paragon of holiness, as well as the teacher of it. TheChristian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Under nocircumstancesoughtwetobecontentunlesswereflectthegracewhichwasinHim.Asahusband, theChristian is to lookupon theportraitofChristJesus,andheistopaintaccordingtothatcopy.ThetrueChristianistobesuch a husband as Christ was to His church. The love of a husband isspecial.TheLordJesuscherishesforthechurchapeculiaraffection,whichissetuponherabovetherestofmankind:"Iprayforthem,Ipraynotforthe world." The elect church is the favourite of heaven, the treasure ofChrist,thecrownofHishead,thebraceletofHisarm,thebreastplateofHisheart,theverycentreandcoreofHislove.Ahusbandshouldlovehiswifewithaconstantlove,forthusJesuslovesHischurch.HedoesnotvaryinHisaffection.HemaychangeinHisdisplayofaffection,buttheaffectionitself is still the same.A husband should love hiswifewith an enduringlove,fornothing"shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichis inChrist JesusourLord."A truehusband loveshiswifewith aheartylove,ferventandintense.Itisnotmerelip-service.Ah!beloved,whatmorecouldChristhavedoneinproofofHislovethanHehasdone?JesushasadelightedlovetowardsHisspouse:Heprizesheraffection,anddelightsinher with sweet complacence. Believer, you wonder at Jesus' love; youadmireit—areyouimitatingit?Inyourdomesticrelationshipsistheruleandmeasureofyourlove—"evenasChristlovedthechurch"?

M a r c h 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Yeshallbescattered,everymantohisown,andshallleavemealone.-John16:32

FewhadfellowshipwiththesorrowsofGethsemane.Themajorityofthediscipleswerenotsufficientlyadvancedingrace tobeadmitted tobeholdthemysteriesof"theagony."Occupiedwiththepassoverfeastattheirownhouses, they represent the many who live upon the letter, but are merebabesastothespiritofthegospel.Totwelve,nay,toelevenonlywastheprivilegegiven toenterGethsemaneandsee"thisgreat sight."Outof theeleven, eightwere left at a distance; they had fellowship, but not of thatintimatesorttowhichmengreatlybelovedareadmitted.Onlythreehighlyfavoured ones could approach the veil of our Lord's mysterious sorrow:withinthatveileventhesemustnotintrude;astone's-castdistancemustbeleftbetween.Hemust tread thewine-pressalone, andof thepeople theremustbenonewithHim.Peterand the twosonsofZebedee, represent thefew eminent, experienced saints,whomay bewritten down as "Fathers;"thesehavingdonebusinessongreatwaters,caninsomedegreemeasurethehugeAtlanticwavesoftheirRedeemer'spassion.Tosomeselectedspiritsitisgiven,forthegoodofothers,andtostrengthenthemforfuture,special,andtremendousconflict,toentertheinnercircleandhearthepleadingsofthesufferingHighPriest;theyhavefellowshipwithHiminhissufferings,andaremadeconformableuntoHisdeath.Yeteventhesecannotpenetratethe secretplacesof theSaviour'swoe. "Thineunknownsufferings" is theremarkableexpressionoftheGreekliturgy:therewasaninnerchamberinourMaster'sgrief,shutoutfromhumanknowledgeandfellowship.ThereJesusis"leftalone."HereJesuswasmorethaneveran"Unspeakablegift!"IsnotWattsrightwhenhesings—

"Andalltheunknownjoyshegives,Wereboughtwithagoniesunknown."

Thisevening'sverse:

CanstthoubindthesweetinfluencesofPleiades,orloosethebandsofOrion?-Job38:31

Ifinclinedtoboastofourabilities,thegrandeurofnaturemaysoonshowushowpunyweare.Wecannotmovetheleastofallthetwinklingstars,orquenchsomuchasoneof thebeamsof themorning.Wespeakofpower,buttheheavenslaughustoscorn.WhenthePleiadesshineforthinspringwithvernaljoywecannotrestraintheirinfluences,andwhenOrionreignsaloft, and the year is bound in winter's fetters, we cannot relax the icybands. The seasons revolve according to the divine appointment, neithercanthewholeraceofmeneffectachangetherein.Lord,whatisman?

In the spiritual, as in the natural world, man's power is limited on allhands.WhentheHolySpiritshedsabroadHisdelightsinthesoul,nonecandisturb;allthecunningandmaliceofmenareineffectualtostaythegenialquickeningpoweroftheComforter.WhenHedeignstovisitachurchandreviveit,themostinveterateenemiescannotresistthegoodwork;theymayridicule it, but they can nomore restrain it than they can push back thespringwhenthePleiadesrulethehour.Godwillsit,andsoitmustbe.Ontheotherhand, if theLord insovereignty,or in justice,bindupamansothatheisinsoulbondage,whocangivehimliberty?Healonecanremovethewinterofspiritualdeathfromanindividualorapeople.HeloosesthebandsofOrion,andnonebutHe.WhatablessingitisthatHecandoit.OthatHewouldperform thewonder to-night.Lord, endmywinter, and letmy spring begin. I cannotwith allmy longings raisemy soul out of herdeath and dulness, but all things are possible with Thee. I need celestialinfluences,theclearshiningsofThylove,thebeamsofThygrace,thelightofThycountenance, theseare thePleiades tome. I suffermuch fromsinand temptation, these aremywintry signs,my terribleOrion.Lord,workwondersinme,andforme.Amen.

M a r c h 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed. -Matthew26:39

ThereareseveralinstructivefeaturesinourSaviour'sprayerinHishourof trial. Itwas lonely prayer.Hewithdrew even fromHis three favoureddisciples.Believer,bemuchinsolitaryprayer,especially in timesof trial.Familyprayer,socialprayer,prayerintheChurch,willnotsuffice,theseareveryprecious,butthebestbeatenspicewillsmokeinyourcenserinyourprivatedevotions,wherenoearhearsbutGod's.

Itwashumbleprayer.LukesaysHeknelt,butanotherevangelistsaysHe"fellonHisface."Where,then,mustbeTHYplace,thouhumbleservantofthe greatMaster?What dust and ashes should cover thy head! Humilitygivesusgoodfoot-holdinprayer.ThereisnohopeofprevalencewithGodunlessweabaseourselvesthatHemayexaltusinduetime.

Itwas filialprayer. "Abba,Father."Youwill find it a stronghold in theday of trial to plead your adoption.You have no rights as a subject, youhaveforfeitedthembyyourtreason;butnothingcanforfeitachild'srighttoafather'sprotection.Benotafraidtosay,"MyFather,hearmycry."

Observethatitwasperseveringprayer.Heprayedthreetimes.Ceasenotuntil you prevail. Be as the importunatewidow,whose continual comingearnedwhat her first supplication could notwin.Continue in prayer, andwatchinthesamewiththanksgiving.

Lastly, itwastheprayerofresignation."Nevertheless,notasIwill,butas thouwilt."Yield,andGodyields.Let itbeasGodwills,andGodwilldetermine for the best. Be thou content to leave thy prayer in his hands,whoknowswhentogive,andhowtogive,andwhattogive,andwhattowithhold. So pleading, earnestly, importunately, yet with humility andresignation,thoushaltsurelyprevail.

Thisevening'sverse:

Father, Iwill that they also,whomThouhast givenMe, bewithMewhereIam.-John17:24

Odeath!whydostthoutouchthetreebeneathwhosespreadingbrancheswearinesshathrest?Whydostthousnatchawaytheexcellentoftheearth,inwhomisallourdelight?Ifthoumustusethineaxe,useituponthetreeswhichyieldnofruit;thoumightestbethankedthen.Butwhywiltthoufellthegoodly cedarsofLebanon?O stay thine axe, and spare the righteous.Butno, itmustnotbe;deathsmites thegoodliestofourfriends; themostgenerous, the most prayerful, the most holy, the most devoted must die.Andwhy?ItisthroughJesus'prevailingprayer—"Father,Iwillthattheyalso,whomThouhastgivenMe,bewithMewhereIam."Itisthatwhichbearsthemoneagle'swingstoheaven.Everytimeabelievermountsfromthisearthtoparadise,it isananswertoChrist'sprayer.Agoodolddivineremarks, "Many times Jesus and His people pull against one another inprayer.Youbendyourkneeinprayerandsay'Father,IwillthatThysaintsbewithmewhere I am';Christ says, 'Father, Iwill that they also,whomThouhastgivenMe,bewithMewhereIam.'"Thusthediscipleisatcross-purposeswithhisLord.Thesoulcannotbeinbothplaces:thebelovedonecannotbewithChristandwithyoutoo.Now,whichpleadershallwintheday?Ifyouhadyourchoice;iftheKingshouldstepfromHisthrone,andsay,"Herearetwosupplicantsprayinginoppositiontooneanother,whichshallbeanswered?"Oh!Iamsure,thoughitwereagony,youwouldstartfromyourfeet,andsay,"Jesus,notmywill,butThinebedone."Youwouldgive up your prayer for your loved one's life, if you could realize thethoughts thatChrist ispraying in theoppositedirection—"Father, Iwillthattheyalso,whomThouhastgivenMe,bewithMewhereIam."Lord,Thoushalthavethem.Byfaithweletthemgo.

M a r c h 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to theground.-Luke22:44

ThementalpressurearisingfromourLord'sstrugglewithtemptation,soforcedhisframetoanunnaturalexcitement,thathisporessentforthgreatdropsofbloodwhichfelldowntotheground.ThisproveshowtremendousmusthavebeentheweightofsinwhenitwasabletocrushtheSavioursothathedistilledgreatdropsofblood!Thisdemonstratesthemightypowerof his love. It is a very pretty observation of old IsaacAmbrose that thegumwhich exudes from the treewithout cutting is always the best. Thisprecious camphire-tree yielded most sweet spices when it was woundedundertheknottywhips,andwhenitwaspiercedbythenailsonthecross;but see, it giveth forth its best spice when there is no whip, no nail, nowound.ThissetsforththevoluntarinessofChrist'ssufferings,sincewithoutalancethebloodflowedfreely.Noneedtoputontheleech,orapplytheknife; itflowsspontaneously.Noneedfortherulers tocry,"Springup,Owell;"ofitselfitflowsincrimsontorrents.Ifmensuffergreatpainofmindapparentlythebloodrushestotheheart.Thecheeksarepale;afaintingfitcomeson;thebloodhasgoneinwardasiftonourishtheinnermanwhilepassingthroughitstrial.ButseeourSaviourinHisagony;heissoutterlyobliviousofself,thatinsteadofhisagonydrivinghisbloodtothehearttonourish himself, it drives it outward to bedew the earth. The agony ofChrist, inasmuchasitpourshimoutupontheground,picturesthefulnessoftheofferingwhichhemadeformen.

Dowenot perceivehow intensemust havebeen thewrestling throughwhich he passed, andwillwe not hear its voice to us? "Ye have not yetresisteduntoblood,strivingagainstsin."BeholdthegreatApostleandHighPriest of our profession, and sweat even to blood rather thanyield to thegreattempterofyoursouls.

Thisevening'sverse:

I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones wouldimmediatelycryout.-Luke19:40

Butcouldthestonescryout?AssuredlytheycouldifHewhoopensthemouth of the dumb should bid them lift up their voice. Certainly if theywere to speak, they would have much to testify in praise of Him whocreated themby thewordofHispower; theycouldextol thewisdomandpoweroftheirMakerwhocalledthemintobeing.Shallnotwespeakwellof Him who made us anew, and out of stones raised up children untoAbraham?Theoldrockscouldtellofchaosandorder,andthehandiworkof God in successive stages of creation's drama; and cannot we talk ofGod'sdecrees,ofGod'sgreatworkinancient times, inall thatHedidforHischurchinthedaysofold?Ifthestonesweretospeak,theycouldtelloftheirbreaker,howhetookthemfromthequarry,andmadethemfitforthetemple, andcannotwe tellofourgloriousBreaker,whobrokeourheartswiththehammerofHisword,thatHemightbuildusintoHistemple?Ifthestonesshouldcryouttheywouldmagnifytheirbuilder,whopolishedthemandfashionedthemafterthesimilitudeofapalace;andshallnotwetalkofourArchitectandBuilder,whohasputusinourplaceinthetempleofthelivingGod?Ifthestonescouldcryout,theymighthavealong,longstorytotellbywayofmemorial,formanyatimehathagreatstonebeenrolledasamemorialbeforetheLord;andwetoocantestifyofEbenezers,stonesof help, pillars of remembrance. The broken stones of the law cry outagainstus,butChristHimself,whohasrolledawaythestonefromthedoorofthesepulchre,speaksforus.Stonesmightwellcryout,butwewillnotletthem:wewillhushtheirnoisewithours;wewillbreakforthintosacredsong,andblessthemajestyoftheMostHigh,allourdaysglorifyingHimwhoiscalledbyJacobtheShepherdandStoneofIsrael.

M a r c h 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Hewasheardinthathefeared.-Hebrews5:7

Did this fear arise from the infernal suggestion that He was utterlyforsaken.Theremaybe sterner trials than this, but surely it is oneof theworsttobeutterlyforsaken?"See,"saidSatan,"thouhastafriendnowhere!ThyFatherhathshutupthebowelsofHiscompassionagainstthee.Notanangel in His courts will stretch out his hand to help thee. All heaven isalienated fromThee;Thouart leftalone.See thecompanionswithwhomThouhasttakensweetcounsel,whataretheyworth?SonofMary,seethereThybrotherJames,seethereThyloveddiscipleJohn,andThyboldapostlePeter,how thecowardssleepwhenThouart inThysufferings!Lo!Thouhastnofriendleftinheavenorearth.AllhellisagainstThee.Ihavestirredup mine infernal den. I have sent my missives throughout all regionssummoningeveryprinceofdarkness to set uponThee thisnight, andwewillsparenoarrows,wewilluseallourinfernalmighttooverwhelmThee:and what wilt Thou do, Thou solitary one?" It may be, this was thetemptation;wethinkitwas,becausetheappearanceofanangeluntoHimstrengtheningHimremoved that fear.Hewasheard in thatHefeared;Hewas nomore alone, but heavenwaswithHim. Itmay be that this is thereasonofHiscomingthreetimestoHisdisciples—asHartputsit—

"BackwardsandforwardsthriceHeran,AsifHesoughtsomehelpfromman."

Hewould see forHimselfwhether itwere really true that allmen hadforsakenHim;Hefoundthemallasleep;butperhapsHegainedsomefaintcomfort from the thought that theywere sleeping,not from treachery,butfromsorrow,thespiritindeedwaswilling,butthefleshwasweak.Atanyrate,HewasheardinthatHefeared.JesuswasheardinHisdeepestwoe;mysoul,thoushaltbeheardalso.

Thisevening'sverse:

InthathourJesusrejoicedinspirit.-Luke10:21

The Saviour was "a man of sorrows," but every thoughtful mind hasdiscovered the fact that down deep in His innermost soul He carried aninexhaustible treasuryof refinedandheavenly joy.Ofall thehumanrace,therewasneveramanwhohadadeeper,purer,ormoreabidingpeacethanourLordJesusChrist."HewasanointedwiththeoilofgladnessaboveHisfellows."Hisvastbenevolencemust, fromtheverynatureof things,haveafforded Him the deepest possible delight, for benevolence is joy. Therewere a few remarkable seasons when this joymanifested itself. "At thathour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord ofheaven and earth." Christ had His songs, though it was night with Him;though His face wasmarred, and His countenance had lost the lustre ofearthlyhappiness,yetsometimesitwaslitupwithamatchlesssplendourofunparalleledsatisfaction,asHethoughtupontherecompenseofthereward,andinthemidstofthecongregationsangHispraiseuntoGod.Inthis,theLord Jesus is a blessed picture of His church on earth. At this hour thechurch expects to walk in sympathy with her Lord along a thorny road;throughmuchtribulationsheisforcingherwaytothecrown.Tobearthecrossisheroffice,andtobescornedandcountedanalienbyhermother'schildrenisherlot;andyetthechurchhasadeepwellofjoy,ofwhichnonecandrinkbutherownchildren.Therearestoresofwine,andoil,andcorn,hidden in themidst of our Jerusalem, upon which the saints of God areevermoresustainedandnurtured;andsometimes,asinourSaviour'scase,we have our seasons of intense delight, for "There is a river, the streamswhereof shall make glad the city of our God." Exiles thoughwe be, werejoiceinourKing;yea,inHimweexceedinglyrejoice,whileinHisnamewesetupourbanners.

M a r c h 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

BetrayestthoutheSonofManwithakiss?-Luke22:48

Thekissesofanenemyaredeceitful."Letmebeonmyguardwhentheworldputsonalovingface,foritwill,ifpossible,betraymeasitdidmyMaster,withakiss.Whenever aman is about to stab religion,heusuallyprofesses very great reverence for it. Let me beware of the sleek-facedhypocrisy which is armour-bearer to heresy and infidelity. Knowing thedeceivablenessofunrighteousness,letmebewiseasaserpenttodetectandavoidthedesignsoftheenemy.Theyoungman,voidofunderstanding,wasledastraybythekissofthestrangewoman:maymysoulbesograciouslyinstructedallthisday,that"themuchfairspeech"oftheworldmayhavenoeffectuponme.HolySpirit,letmenot,apoorfrailsonofman,bebetrayedwithakiss!

ButwhatifIshouldbeguiltyofthesameaccursedsinasJudas,thatsonofperdition?IhavebeenbaptizedintothenameoftheLordJesus;IamamemberofHisvisibleChurch;Isitatthecommuniontable:allthesearesomanykissesofmylips.AmIsincereinthem?Ifnot,Iamabasetraitor.DoIliveintheworldascarelesslyasothersdo,andyetmakeaprofessionofbeingafollowerofJesus?ThenImustexposereligiontoridicule,andleadmen to speakevilof theholynamebywhich I amcalled.Surely if I actthusinconsistentlyIamaJudas,anditwerebetterformethatIhadneverbeenborn.DareIhopethatIamclearinthismatter?Then,OLord,keepme so.OLord,makeme sincere and true. Preserveme from every falseway.NeverletmebetraymySaviour.IdoloveThee,Jesus,andthoughIoftengrieveThee,yet Iwoulddesire toabidefaithfulevenuntodeath.OGod, forbid that I shouldbeahigh-soaringprofessor,and then fallat lastintothelakeoffire,becauseIbetrayedmyMasterwithakiss.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheSonofman.-John3:13

HowconstantlyourMasterused the title, the "Sonofman!" IfHehadchosen,Hemight alwayshave spokenofHimself as theSonofGod, theEverlastingFather,theWonderful,theCounsellor,thePrinceofPeace;butbehold the lowlinessofJesus!Heprefers tocallHimself theSonofman.LetuslearnalessonofhumilityfromourSaviour;letusnevercourtgreattitles nor proud degrees. There is here, however, a far sweeter thought.Jesuslovedmanhoodsomuch,thatHedelightedtohonourit;andsinceitisahighhonour,andindeed,thegreatestdignityofmanhood,thatJesusistheSonofman,Heiswonttodisplaythisname,thatHemayasitwerehangroyalstarsuponthebreastofmanhood,andshowforththeloveofGodtoAbraham's seed. Son ofman—wheneverHe said thatword,He shed ahalo round the head of Adam's children. Yet there is perhaps a morepreciousthoughtstill.JesusChristcalledHimselftheSonofmantoexpressHisonenessandsympathywithHispeople.HethusremindsusthatHeistheonewhomwemayapproachwithout fear.Asaman,wemay take toHimallourgriefsandtroubles,forHeknowsthembyexperience;inthatHeHimself hath suffered as the "Son ofman,"He is able to succor andcomfortus.Allhail,Thoublessed Jesus! inasmuchasThouart evermoreusing the sweet namewhich acknowledges that Thou art a brother and anearkinsman,itistousadeartokenofThygrace,Thyhumility,Thylove.

"OhseehowJesustrustsHimselfUntoourchildishlove,AsthoughbyHisfreewayswithusOurearnestnesstoprove!

HissacrednameacommonwordOnearthHelovestohear;ThereisnomajestyinHimWhichlovemaynotcomenear."

M a r c h 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

Jesussaiduntothem,IfyeseekMe,letthesegotheirway.-John18:8

Mark,mysoul,thecarewhichJesusmanifestedeveninHishouroftrial,towards the sheepofHishand!The rulingpassion is strong indeath.HeresignsHimselftotheenemy,butHeinterposesawordofpowertosetHisdisciplesfree.AstoHimself, likeasheepbeforehershearersHeisdumband opened not His mouth, but for His disciples' sake He speaks withAlmightyenergy.Hereinislove,constant,self-forgetting,faithfullove.Butistherenotfarmoreherethanistobefounduponthesurface?Havewenotthe very soul and spirit of the atonement in these words? The GoodShepherd lays down His life for the sheep, and pleads that they mustthereforegofree.TheSuretyisbound,andjusticedemandsthat thoseforwhomHestandsasubstituteshouldgo theirway. In themidstofEgypt'sbondage,thatvoiceringsasawordofpower,"Letthesegotheirway."Outof slaveryof sinandSatan the redeemedmust come. Ineverycellof thedungeons ofDespair, the sound is echoed, "Let these go theirway," andforth come Despondency and Much-afraid. Satan hears the well-knownvoice,andliftshisfootfromtheneckofthefallen;andDeathhearsit,andthegraveopenshergatestoletthedeadarise.Theirwayisoneofprogress,holiness,triumph,glory,andnoneshalldaretostaytheminit.Nolionshallbeontheirway,neithershallanyravenousbeastgoupthereon."Thehindof themorning" has drawn the cruel hunters upon himself, and now themosttimidroesandhindsofthefieldmaygrazeatperfectpeaceamongtheliliesofhis loves.The thunder-cloudhasburstover theCrossofCalvary,andthepilgrimsofZionshallneverbesmittenbytheboltsofvengeance.Come,myheart,rejoiceintheimmunitywhichthyRedeemerhassecuredthee,andblessHisnamealltheday,andeveryday.

Thisevening'sverse:

WhenHe cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. -Mark8:38

IfwehavebeenpartakerswithJesus inHisshame,weshallbesharerswithHiminthelustrewhichshallsurroundHimwhenHeappearsagaininglory.Artthou,belovedone,withChristJesus?DoesavitalunionknittheetoHim?Then thouart to-daywithHiminHisshame; thouhast takenupHiscross,andgonewithHimwithoutthecampbearingHisreproach;thoushaltdoubtlessbewithHimwhenthecrossisexchangedforthecrown.Butjudgethyselfthisevening;forifthouartnotwithHimintheregeneration,neither shalt thoubewithHimwhenHe shall come inHis glory. If thoustartbackfromtheblacksideofcommunion,thoushaltnotunderstanditsbright,itshappyperiod,whentheKingshallcome,andallHisholyangelswithHim.What!areangelswithHim?AndyetHetooknotupangels—HetookuptheseedofAbraham.AretheholyangelswithHim?Come,mysoul,ifthouartindeedHisownbeloved,thoucanstnotbefarfromHim.IfHis friends andHisneighbours are called together to seeHisglory,whatthinkestthouifthouartmarriedtoHim?Shaltthoubedistant?Thoughitbeadayofjudgment,yetthoucanstnotbefarfromthatheartwhich,havingadmittedangelsintointimacy,hasadmittedtheeintounion.HasHenotsaidto thee,Omy soul, "Iwill betroth thee untoMe in righteousness, and injudgment, and in lovingkindness"? Have not His own lips said it, "I ammarriedunto thee, andMydelight is in thee"? If the angels,whoarebutfriendsandneighbours,shallbewithHim,itisabundantlycertainthatHisownbelovedHephzibah,inwhomisallHisdelight,shallbeneartoHim,andsitatHisrighthand.Here isamorningstarofhopefor thee,ofsuchexceedingbrilliance,thatitmaywelllightupthedarkestandmostdesolateexperience.

M a r c h 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

ThenallthedisciplesforsookHimandfled.-Matthew26:56

He never deserted them, but they in cowardly fear of their lives, fledfrom Him in the very beginning of His sufferings. This is but oneinstructiveinstanceofthefrailtyofallbelieversiflefttothemselves;theyarebutsheepatthebest,andtheyfleewhenthewolfcometh.Theyhadallbeenwarnedofthedanger,andhadpromisedtodieratherthanleavetheirMaster;andyettheywereseizedwithsuddenpanic,andtooktotheirheels.Itmaybe,thatI,attheopeningofthisday,havebracedupmymindtobeara trial for the Lord's sake, and I imaginemyself to be certain to exhibitperfectfidelity;butletmebeveryjealousofmyself,lesthavingthesameevilheartofunbelief,IshoulddepartfrommyLordastheapostlesdid.Itisonethingtopromise,andquiteanothertoperform.Itwouldhavebeentotheir eternal honour to have stood at Jesus' side rightmanfully; they fledfromhonour;may I be kept from imitating them!Where else could theyhavebeensosafeasneartheirMaster,whocouldpresentlycallfortwelvelegionsofangels?Theyfledfromtheirtruesafety.OGod,letmenotplaythefoolalso.Divinegracecanmakethecowardbrave.Thesmokingflaxcan flame forth like fire on the altar when the Lordwills it. These veryapostleswhoweretimidashares,grewtobeboldas lionsafter theSpirithad descended upon them, and even so the Holy Spirit can make myrecreantspiritbravetoconfessmyLordandwitnessforHistruth.

What anguish must have filled the Saviour as He saw His friends sofaithless!ThiswasonebitteringredientinHiscup;butthatcupisdraineddry;letmenotputanotherdropinit.IfIforsakemyLord,IshallcrucifyHim afresh, and put Him to an open shame. Keepme, O blessed Spirit,fromanendsoshameful.

Thisevening'sverse:

And she said,Truth,Lord: yet thedogs eatof the crumbswhich fallfromtheirmaster'stable.-Matthew15:27

This woman gained comfort in her misery by thinking GREATTHOUGHTS OF CHRIST. The Master had talked about the children'sbread:"Now,"arguedshe,"sinceThouarttheMasterofthetableofgrace,Iknow that Thou art a generous housekeeper, and there is sure to beabundanceofbreadonThytable; therewillbesuchanabundanceforthechildrenthattherewillbecrumbstothrowonthefloorforthedogs,andthechildrenwill fare none theworse because the dogs are fed."She thoughtHimonewhokeptsogoodatablethatallthatsheneededwouldonlybeacrumbincomparison;yetremember,whatshewantedwastohavethedevilcastoutofherdaughter.Itwasaverygreatthingtoher,butshehadsuchahighesteemofChrist,thatshesaid,"ItisnothingtoHim,itisbutacrumbforChristtogive."Thisistheroyalroadtocomfort.Greatthoughtsofyoursinalonewilldriveyou todespair;butgreat thoughtsofChristwillpilotyou into the haven of peace. "My sins aremany, but oh! it is nothing toJesustotakethemallaway.Theweightofmyguiltpressesmedownasagiant's footwouldcrushaworm,but it isnomore thanagrainofdust toHim,becauseHehasalreadyborneitscurseinHisownbodyonthetree.ItwillbebutasmallthingforHimtogivemefullremission,althoughitwillbe an infiniteblessing forme to receive it."Thewomanopensher soul'smouthverywide,expectinggreat thingsofJesus,andHefills itwithHislove.Dearreader,dothesame.SheconfessedwhatChristlaidatherdoor,butshelaidfastholduponHim,anddrewargumentsevenoutofHishardwords;shebelievedgreatthingsofHim,andshethusovercameHim.SHEWONTHEVICTORYBYBELIEVINGINHIM.Hercase isan instanceofprevailingfaith;andifwewouldconquerlikeher,wemust imitatehertactics.

M a r c h 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

TheloveofChristwhichpassethknowledge.-Ephesians3:19

The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fulness, its greatness, itsfaithfulness, passeth all human comprehension.Where shall language befoundwhich shall describe Hismatchless, His unparalleled love towardsthe children ofmen? It is so vast and boundless that, as the swallowbutskimmeththewater,anddivethnotintoitsdepths,soalldescriptivewordsbut touch the surface,whiledepths immeasurable liebeneath.Wellmightthepoetsay,

"Olove,thoufathomlessabyss!"

for this love ofChrist is indeedmeasureless and fathomless; none canattainunto it.Beforewecanhaveany right ideaof the loveof Jesus,wemust understand His previous glory in its height of majesty, and Hisincarnationupontheearthinallitsdepthsofshame.ButwhocantellusthemajestyofChrist?WhenHewasenthronedinthehighestheavensHewasveryGodofveryGod;byHimwere theheavensmade,andall thehoststhereof.Hisownalmightyarmupheldthespheres;thepraisesofcherubimandseraphimperpetuallysurroundedHim;thefullchorusofthehallelujahsof the universe unceasingly flowed to the foot of his throne: He reignedsupremeaboveallHiscreatures,Godoverall,blessed forever.WhocantellHisheightofglorythen?Andwho,ontheotherhand,cantellhowlowHedescended?Tobeamanwassomething,tobeamanofsorrowswasfarmore;tobleed,anddie,andsuffer,theseweremuchforHimwhowastheSonofGod;buttosuffersuchunparalleledagony—toendureadeathofshameanddesertionbyHisFather, this is adepthof condescending lovewhich themost inspiredmindmustutterly fail to fathom.Herein is love!andtrulyitislovethat"passethknowledge."Oletthislovefillourheartswithadoringgratitude,andleadustopracticalmanifestationsofitspower.

Thisevening'sverse:

Iwillacceptyouwithyoursweetsavour.-Ezekiel20:41

ThemeritsofourgreatRedeemerareassweetsavourtotheMostHigh.WhetherwespeakoftheactiveorpassiverighteousnessofChrist,thereisanequalfragrance.TherewasasweetsavourinHisactivelifebywhichHehonouredthelawofGod,andmadeeveryprecepttoglitterlikeapreciousjewel in the pure setting of His own person. Such, too, was His passiveobedience, when He endured with unmurmuring submission, hunger andthirst, cold and nakedness, and at length sweat great drops of blood inGethsemane, gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them thatplucked out the hair, andwas fastened to the cruel wood, that HemightsufferthewrathofGodinourbehalf.ThesetwothingsaresweetbeforetheMostHigh;andforthesakeofHisdoingandHisdying,HissubstitutionarysufferingsandHisvicariousobedience,theLordourGodacceptsus.WhatapreciousnessmusttherebeinHimtoovercomeourwantofpreciousness!Whatasweetsavourtoputawayourillsavour!WhatacleansingpowerinHis blood to take away sin such as ours! and what glory in Hisrighteousness to make such unacceptable creatures to be accepted in theBeloved!Mark,believer,howsureandunchangingmustbeouracceptance,sinceitisinHim!TakecarethatyouneverdoubtyouracceptanceinJesus.Youcannot be acceptedwithoutChrist; but,whenyouhave receivedHismerit, you cannot be unaccepted. Notwithstanding all your doubts, andfears, and sins, Jehovah's gracious eye never looks upon you in anger;thoughHeseessin inyou, inyourself,yetwhenHelooksatyouthroughChrist, He sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are alwaysblessedanddeartotheFather'sheart.Thereforeliftupasong,andasyousee the smoking incense of the merit of the Saviour coming up, thisevening, before the sapphire throne, let the incense of your praise go upalso.

M a r c h 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

ThoughHewereaSon,yetlearnedHeobediencebythethingswhichHesuffered.-Hebrews5:8

Weare told that theCaptainofoursalvationwasmadeperfect throughsuffering,thereforewewhoaresinful,andwhoarefarfrombeingperfect,must notwonder ifwe are called topass through suffering too.Shall theheadbecrownedwiththorns,andshall theothermembersofthebodyberockedupon thedainty lapofease?MustChristpass throughseasofHisownbloodtowinthecrown,andarewetowalktoheavendryshodinsilverslippers?No,ourMaster'sexperienceteachesusthatsufferingisnecessary,andthetrue-bornchildofGodmustnot,wouldnot,escapeit ifhemight.ButthereisoneverycomfortingthoughtinthefactofChrist's"beingmadeperfect through suffering"— it is, that He can have complete sympathywithus."Heisnotanhighpriestthatcannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities."InthissympathyofChristwefindasustainingpower.Oneoftheearlymartyrssaid,"Icanbearitall,forJesussuffered,andHesuffersinmenow;Hesympathizeswithme,andthismakesmestrong."Believer,lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesusstrengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in Hissympathy;andrememberthat,tosufferisanhonourablething—tosufferforChristisglory.Theapostlesrejoicedthattheywerecountedworthytodo this. Just so far as theLord shallgiveusgrace to suffer forChrist, tosufferwithChrist,justsofardoesHehonourus.ThejewelsofaChristianare his afflictions. The regalia of the kingswhomGod hath anointed aretheir troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shunbeinghonoured.Letusnot turnasidefrombeingexalted.Griefsexaltus,andtroublesliftusup."Ifwesuffer,weshallalsoreignwithHim."

Thisevening'sverse:

IcalledHim,butHegavemenoanswer.-Song5:6

Prayer sometimes tarrieth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the Kingcometh forth to fill herbosomwith theblessingswhich she seeketh.TheLord, whenHe hath given great faith, has been known to try it by longdelayings.HehassufferedHisservants'voicestoechointheirearsasfroma brazen sky.They have knocked at the golden gate, but it has remainedimmovable,as though itwere rustedupon itshinges.LikeJeremiah, theyhavecried,"ThouhastcoveredThyselfwithacloud,thatourprayershouldnotpass through."Thushave truesaintscontinuedlonginpatientwaitingwithout reply, not because their prayers were not vehement, nor becausetheywereunaccepted,butbecause it sopleasedHimwho isaSovereign,andwhogivesaccordingtoHisownpleasure.IfitpleasesHimtobidourpatienceexerciseitself,shallHenotdoasHewillswithHisown!Beggarsmust not be choosers either as to time, place, or form. But we must becarefulnottotakedelaysinprayerfordenials:God'slong-datedbillswillbepunctuallyhonoured;wemustnotsufferSatantoshakeourconfidencein the God of truth by pointing to our unanswered prayers. Unansweredpetitionsarenotunheard.Godkeepsafileforourprayers—theyarenotblownawaybythewind,theyaretreasuredintheKing'sarchives.Thisisaregistry in the court of heaven wherein every prayer is recorded. Triedbeliever,thyLordhathatear-bottleinwhichthecostlydropsofsacredgriefareputaway,andabook inwhich thyholygroaningsarenumbered.By-and-by,thysuitshallprevail.Canstthounotbecontenttowaitalittle?WillnotthyLord'stimebebetterthanthytime?By-and-byHewillcomfortablyappear,tothysoul'sjoy,andmaketheeputawaythesackclothandashesoflongwaiting,andputonthescarletandfinelinenoffullfruition.

M a r c h 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Hewasnumberedwiththetransgressors.-Isaiah53:12

Why did Jesus suffer Himself to be enrolled amongst sinners? Thiswonderfulcondescensionwasjustifiedbymanypowerfulreasons.InsuchacharacterHecouldthebetterbecometheiradvocate.Insometrialsthereisan identificationof the counsellorwith theclient,nor can theybe lookeduponintheeyeofthelawasapartfromoneanother.Now,whenthesinnerisbroughttothebar,JesusappearsthereHimself.Hestandstoanswertheaccusation. He points to His side, His hands, His feet, and challengesJusticetobringanythingagainstthesinnerswhomHerepresents;HepleadsHis blood, and pleads so triumphantly, being numbered with them andhavingapartwiththem,thattheJudgeproclaims,"Letthemgotheirway;deliver them fromgoingdown into thepit, forHehath founda ransom."Our Lord Jesus was numbered with the transgressors in order that theymightfeeltheirheartsdrawntowardsHim.Whocanbeafraidofonewhoiswritteninthesamelistwithus?SurelywemaycomeboldlytoHim,andconfessourguilt.Hewhoisnumberedwithuscannotcondemnus.WasHenotputdown in the transgressor's list thatwemightbewritten in the redrollofthesaints?Hewasholy,andwrittenamongtheholy;wewereguilty,andnumberedamongtheguilty;HetransfersHisnamefromyonderlisttothis black indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment andwritten in the roll of acceptance, for there is a complete transfer madebetween Jesus andHispeople.Allour estateofmisery and sin Jesushastaken;andallthatJesushascomestous.Hisrighteousness,Hisblood,andeverythingthatHehathHegivesusasourdowry.Rejoice,believer,inyouruniontoHimwhowasnumberedamongthetransgressors;andprovethatyouaretrulysavedbybeingmanifestlynumberedwiththosewhoarenewcreaturesinHim.

Thisevening'sverse:

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. -Lamentations3:40

Thespousewhofondlylovesherabsenthusbandlongsforhisreturn;alongprotractedseparationfromherlordisasemi-deathtoherspirit:andsowithsoulswholovetheSaviourmuch,theymustseeHisface,theycannotbear thatHe shouldbe awayupon themountainsofBether, andnomoreholdcommunionwith them.A reproachingglance,anuplifted fingerwillbegrievous to lovingchildren,whofear tooffend their tender father,andare only happy in his smile.Beloved, itwas so oncewith you.A text ofScripture, a threatening, a touch of the rod of affliction, and youwent toyourFather'sfeet,crying,"ShowmewhereforeThoucontendestwithme?"Isitsonow?AreyoucontenttofollowJesusafaroff?Canyoucontemplatesuspended communionwith Christ without alarm?Can you bear to haveyourBelovedwalkingcontrarytoyou,becauseyouwalkcontrarytoHim?HaveyoursinsseparatedbetweenyouandyourGod,andisyourheartatrest?Oletmeaffectionatelywarnyou,for it isagrievousthingwhenwecan live contentedlywithout the present enjoyment of the Saviour's face.Let us labour to feel what an evil thing this is— little love to our owndying Saviour, little joy in our precious Jesus, little fellowship with theBeloved! Hold a true Lent in your souls, while you sorrow over yourhardness of heart. Do not stop at sorrow! Remember where you firstreceivedsalvation.Goatoncetothecross.There,andthereonly,canyougetyourspiritquickened.Nomatterhowhard,how insensible,howdeadwe may have become, let us go again in all the rags and poverty, anddefilementofournaturalcondition.Letusclaspthatcross,letuslookintothoselanguideyes,letusbatheinthatfountainfilledwithblood—thiswillbringbacktousourfirst love;thiswillrestorethesimplicityofourfaith,andthetendernessofourheart.

M a r c h 3 1

Thismorning'sverse:

WithHisstripeswearehealed.-Isaiah53:5

Pilate delivered our Lord to the lictors to be scourged. The Romanscourge was a most dreadful instrument of torture. It was made of thesinews of oxen, and sharp boneswere inter-twisted every here and thereamong thesinews;so thatevery time the lashcamedown thesepiecesofbone inflictedfearful laceration,and toreoff thefleshfromthebone.TheSaviourwas,nodoubt,boundtothecolumn,andthusbeaten.Hehadbeenbeatenbefore;butthisoftheRomanlictorswasprobablythemostsevereofHis flagellations.Mysoul,standhereandweepoverHispoorstrickenbody.

Believer in Jesus, can you gaze uponHimwithout tears, asHe standsbeforeyou themirrorofagonizing love?He isatonce fairas the lily forinnocence,andredastherosewiththecrimsonofHisownblood.AswefeelthesureandblessedhealingwhichHisstripeshavewroughtinus,doesnotourheartmeltatoncewith loveandgrief?Ifeverwehave lovedourLord Jesus, surely we must feel that affection glowing now within ourbosoms.

"SeehowthepatientJesusstands,InsultedinHislowestcase!SinnershaveboundtheAlmighty'shands,AndspitintheirCreator'sface.

WiththornsHistemplesgor'dandgash'dSendstreamsofbloodfromeverypart;Hisback'swithknottedscourgeslash'd.ButsharperscourgestearHisheart."

Wewouldfaingotoourchambersandweep;butsinceourbusinesscallsusaway,wewillfirstprayourBelovedtoprinttheimageofHisbleedingselfuponthetabletsofourheartsalltheday,andatnightfallwewillreturnto communewithHim, and sorrow that our sin shouldhave costHim so

dear.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndRizpahthedaughterofAiahtooksackcloth,andspreaditforherupontherock,fromthebeginningofharvestuntilwaterdroppeduponthemoutofheaven,andsufferedneitherthebirdsoftheairtorestonthembyday,northebeastsofthefieldbynight.-2Samuel21:10

If the love of a woman to her slain sons could make her prolong hermournful vigil for so long a period, shall we weary of considering thesufferingsofourblessedLord?Shedroveawaythebirdsofprey,andshallnotwechasefromourmeditationsthoseworldlyandsinfulthoughtswhichdefilebothourmindsandthesacredthemesuponwhichweareoccupied?Away, ye birds of evil wing! Leave ye the sacrifice alone! She bore theheatsofsummer,thenightdewsandtherains,unshelteredandalone.Sleepwas chased from her weeping eyes: her heart was too full for slumber.Beholdhowshelovedherchildren!ShallRizpahthusendure,andshallwestartatthefirstlittleinconvenienceortrial?ArewesuchcowardsthatwecannotbeartosufferwithourLord?Shechasedawayeventhewildbeasts,with courage unusual in her sex, and will not we be ready to encountereveryfoeforJesus'sake?Theseherchildrenwereslainbyotherhandsthanhers,andyetsheweptandwatched:whatoughtwetodowhohavebyoursinscrucifiedourLord?Ourobligationsareboundless,ourloveshouldbefervent and our repentance thorough. Towatchwith Jesus should be ourbusiness, toprotectHishonourouroccupation, to abidebyHis crossoursolace.ThoseghastlycorpsesmightwellhaveaffrightedRizpah,especiallyby night, but in our Lord, at whose cross-foot we are sitting, there isnothing revolting, but everything attractive. Never was living beauty soenchantingasadyingSaviour.Jesus,wewillwatchwithTheeyetawhile,anddoThougraciouslyunveilThyselftous;thenshallwenotsitbeneathsackcloth,butinaroyalpavilion.

April

A p r i l 1

Thismorning'sverse:

LetHimkissmewiththekissesofHismouth.-SongOfSolomon1:2

ForseveraldayswehavebeendwellingupontheSaviour'spassion,andfor some little time to come we shall linger there. In beginning a newmonth,letusseekthesamedesiresafterourLordasthosewhichglowedintheheartoftheelectspouse.SeehowsheleapsatoncetoHim;therearenoprefatorywords;shedoesnotevenmentionHisname;sheisintheheartofher theme at once, for she speaks ofHimwhowas the onlyHim in theworld to her. How bold is her love! it was much condescension whichpermittedtheweepingpenitenttoanointHisfeetwithspikenard—itwasrichlovewhichallowedthegentleMarytositatHisfeetandlearnofHim—buthere, love, strong, fervent love, aspires tohigher tokensof regard,and closer signs of fellowship. Esther trembled in the presence ofAhasuerus,butthespouseinjoyfullibertyofperfectloveknowsnofear.Ifwehavereceivedthesamefreespirit,wealsomayaskthelike.Bykisseswe suppose to be intended those varied manifestations of affection bywhich the believer is made to enjoy the love of Jesus. The kiss ofreconciliation we enjoyed at our conversion, and it was sweet as honeydroppingfromthecomb.Thekissofacceptanceisstillwarmonourbrow,asweknowthatHehathacceptedourpersonsandourworksthroughrichgrace.Thekissofdaily,presentcommunion,isthatwhichwepantaftertoberepeateddayafterday,tillitischangedintothekissofreception,whichremoves the soul fromearth, and thekiss of consummationwhich fills itwiththejoyofheaven.Faithisourwalk,butfellowshipsensiblyfeltisourrest.Faithistheroad,butcommunionwithJesusisthewellfromwhichthepilgrimdrinks.Oloverofoursouls,benotstrangetous;letthelipsofThyblessingmeet the lipsofour asking; let the lipsofThy fulness touch thelipsofourneed,andstraightwaythekisswillbeeffected.

Thisevening'sverse:

ItistimetoseektheLord.-Hosea10:12

ThismonthofAprilissaidtoderiveitsnamefromtheLatinverbaperio,which signifies to open, because all the buds and blossoms are nowopening, andwe have arrived at the gates of the flowery year.Reader, ifyou are yet unsaved, may your heart, in accord with the universalawakening of nature, be opened to receive the Lord. Every blossomingflowerwarnsyou that it is time toseek theLord;benotoutof tunewithnature,butletyourheartbudandbloomwithholydesires.Doyoutellmethatthewarmbloodofyouthleapsinyourveins?then,Ientreatyou,giveyourvigour to theLord. Itwasmyunspeakablehappiness tobecalled inearlyyouth,andIcouldfainpraisetheLordeverydayfor it.Salvationispriceless, let itcomewhenitmay,butoh!anearlysalvationhasadoublevalue in it.Youngmenandmaidens, sinceyoumayperishereyou reachyour prime, "It is time to seek the Lord." Ye who feel the first signs ofdecay,quickenyourpace:thathollowcough,thathecticflush,arewarningswhichyoumustnottriflewith;withyouitisindeedtimetoseektheLord.DidIobservealittlegreymingledwithyouronceluxurioustresses?Yearsare stealing on apace, and death is drawing nearer by hastymarches, leteachreturnofspringarouseyoutosetyourhouseinorder.Dearreader,ifyouarenowadvanced in life, letmeentreatand imploreyou todelaynolonger.Thereisadayofgraceforyounow—bethankfulforthat,butitisalimitedseasonandgrowsshortereverytimethatclockticks.Hereinthissilentchamber,onthisfirstnightofanothermonth,IspeaktoyouasbestIcan by paper and ink, and frommy inmost soul, as God's servant, I laybeforeyouthiswarning,"ItistimetoseektheLord."Slightnotthatwork,itmaybeyourlastcallfromdestruction, thefinalsyllablefromthelipofgrace.

A p r i l 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Heansweredhimtoneveraword.-Matthew27:14

HehadneverbeenslowofspeechwhenHecouldblessthesonsofmen,butHewouldnotsayasinglewordforHimself."NevermanspakelikethisMan," and never man was silent like Him.Was this singular silence theindexofHisperfect self-sacrifice?Did it show thatHewouldnotutter awordtostaytheslaughterofHissacredperson,whichHehaddedicatedasanofferingforus?HadHesoentirelysurrenderedHimselfthatHewouldnotinterfereinHisownbehalf,evenintheminutestdegree,butbeboundandslainanunstruggling,uncomplainingvictim?Wasthissilenceatypeofthedefenselessnessof sin?Nothingcanbe said inpalliationor excuseofhumanguilt;and,therefore,HewhoboreitswholeweightstoodspeechlessbeforeHisjudge.Isnotpatientsilencethebestreplytoagainsayingworld?Calmenduranceanswerssomequestionsinfinitelymoreconclusivelythantheloftiesteloquence.ThebestapologistsforChristianityintheearlydayswere itsmartyrs. The anvil breaks a host of hammers by quietly bearingtheir blows. Did not the silent Lamb of God furnish us with a grandexampleofwisdom?Whereeverywordwasoccasionfornewblasphemy,itwasthelineofdutytoaffordnofuelfortheflameofsin.Theambiguousandthefalse,theunworthyandmean,willerelongoverthrowandconfutethemselves,andthereforethetruecanaffordtobequiet,andfindssilenceto be its wisdom. Evidently our Lord, by His silence, furnished aremarkablefulfillmentofprophecy.AlongdefenceofHimselfwouldhavebeencontrary to Isaiah'sprediction."He is ledasa lamb to theslaughter,andasasheepbeforehershearersisdumb,soHeopenethnotHismouth."ByHisquietHeconclusivelyprovedHimselftobethetrueLambofGod.AssuchwesaluteHimthismorning.Bewithus,Jesus,andinthesilenceofourheart,letushearthevoiceofThylove.

Thisevening'sverse:

HeshallseeHisseed;HeshallprolongHisdays,andthepleasureoftheLordshallprosperinHishand.-Isaiah53:10

Pleadforthespeedyfulfillmentofthispromise,allyewholovetheLord.It is easy work to pray when we are grounded and bottomed, as to ourdesires,uponGod'sownpromise.HowcanHethatgavethewordrefusetokeep it? Immutable veracity cannot demean itself by a lie, and eternalfaithfulnesscannotdegradeitselfbyneglect.GodmustblessHisSon,HiscovenantbindsHimtoit.ThatwhichtheSpiritpromptsustoaskforJesus,isthatwhichGoddecreestogiveHim.Wheneveryouareprayingforthekingdom of Christ, let your eyes behold the dawning of the blessed daywhichdrawethnear,whentheCrucifiedshallreceiveHiscoronationintheplacewheremenrejectedHim.Courage,youthatprayerfullyworkandtoilforChristwithsuccessoftheverysmallestkind,itshallnotbesoalways;bettertimesarebeforeyou.Youreyescannotseetheblissfulfuture:borrowthetelescopeoffaith;wipethemistybreathofyourdoubtsfromtheglass;look through it and behold the coming glory. Reader, let us ask, do youmakethisyourconstantprayer?RememberthatthesameChristwhotellsustosay,"Giveusthisdayourdailybread,"hadfirstgivenusthispetition,"HallowedbeThyname;Thykingdomcome;Thywillbedoneinearthasitisinheaven."Letnotyourprayersbeallconcerningyourownsins,yourownwants,yourownimperfections,yourowntrials,butletthemclimbthestarry ladder,andgetup toChristHimself,and then,asyoudrawnigh totheblood-sprinkledmercy-seat,offerthisprayercontinually,"Lord,extendthe kingdom of Thy dear Son." Such a petition, fervently presented,willelevatethespiritofallyourdevotions.MindthatyouprovethesincerityofyourprayerbylabouringtopromotetheLord'sglory.

A p r i l 3

Thismorning'sverse:

TheytookJesus,andledHimaway.-John19:16

Hehadbeenallnightinagony,HehadspenttheearlymorningatthehallofCaiaphas,Hehadbeenhurried fromCaiaphas toPilate, fromPilate toHerod, and fromHerod back again to Pilate;He had, therefore, but littlestrengthleft,andyetneitherrefreshmentnorrestwerepermittedHim.TheywereeagerforHisblood,andthereforeledHimouttodie,loadedwiththecross.Odolorousprocession!WellmaySalem'sdaughtersweep.Mysoul,dothouweepalso.

What learnwe here aswe see our blessed Lord led forth?Dowe notperceivethattruthwhichwassetforthinshadowbythescapegoat?Didnotthehigh-priestbring thescapegoat,andputbothhishandsupon itshead,confessingthesinsofthepeople,thatthusthosesinsmightbelaiduponthegoat,andceasefromthepeople?Thenthegoatwasledawaybyafitmanintothewilderness,anditcarriedawaythesinsofthepeople,sothatiftheyweresoughtfortheycouldnotbefound.NowweseeJesusbroughtbeforethepriestsandrulers,whopronounceHimguilty;GodHimselfimputesoursins toHim, "theLord hath laid onHim the iniquity of us all;" "Hewasmadesinforus;"and,asthesubstituteforourguilt,bearingoursinuponHis shoulders, represented by the cross; we see the great Scapegoat ledawaybytheappointedofficersofjustice.Beloved,canyoufeelassuredthatHecarriedyoursin?Asyoulookat thecrossuponHisshoulders,does itrepresent your sin? There is oneway bywhich you can tell whetherHecarriedyoursinornot.HaveyoulaidyourhanduponHishead,confessedyoursin,andtrustedinHim?Thenyoursinliesnotonyou;ithasallbeentransferredbyblessedimputationtoChrist,andHebearsitonHisshoulderasaloadheavierthanthecross.

Letnotthepicturevanishtillyouhaverejoicedinyourowndeliverance,andadoredthelovingRedeemeruponwhomyouriniquitieswerelaid.

Thisevening'sverse:

Allwe like sheephavegoneastray;wehave turnedeveryone tohisownway;andtheLordhathlaidonHimtheiniquityofusall.-Isaiah53:6

Here a confessionof sin common to all the elect people ofGod.Theyhaveallfallen,andtherefore,incommonchorus,theyallsay,fromthefirstwho entered heaven to the lastwho shall enter there, "Allwe like sheephave gone astray." The confession,while thus unanimous, is also specialand particular: "We have turned every one to his own way." There is apeculiar sinfulness about every one of the individuals; all are sinful, buteach onewith some special aggravation not found in his fellow. It is themark of genuine repentance that while it naturally associates itself withotherpenitents, it also takesup apositionof loneliness. "Wehave turnedeveryonetohisownway,"isaconfessionthateachmanhadsinnedagainstlightpeculiartohimself,orsinnedwithanaggravationwhichhecouldnotperceive in others. This confession is unreserved; there is not a word todetractfromitsforce,norasyllablebywayofexcuse.Theconfessionisagivingupofallpleasofself-righteousness.Itisthedeclarationofmenwhoare consciouslyguilty—guiltywith aggravations, guiltywithout excuse:theystandwith theirweaponsof rebellionbroken inpieces,andcry,"Allwelikesheephavegoneastray;wehaveturnedeveryonetohisownway."Yetwehearnodolorouswailingsattending thisconfessionofsin; for thenext sentence makes it almost a song. "The Lord hath laid on Him theiniquity of us all." It is the most grievous sentence of the three, but itoverflowswith comfort.Strange is it thatwheremiserywas concentratedmercyreigned;wheresorrowreachedherclimaxwearysoulsfindrest.TheSaviour bruised is the healing of bruised hearts. See how the lowliestpenitencegivesplacetoassuredconfidencethroughsimplygazingatChristonthecross!

A p r i l 4

Thismorning'sverse:

ForHe hathmadeHim to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that wemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinHim.-2Corinthians5:21

MourningChristian!whyweepest thou?Art thoumourning over thineown corruptions? Look to thy perfect Lord, and remember, thou artcomplete inHim; thouart inGod's sightasperfectas if thouhadstneversinned;nay,more than that, theLordourRighteousnesshathputadivinegarmentuponthee,sothatthouhastmorethantherighteousnessofman—thouhasttherighteousnessofGod.OThouwhoartmourningbyreasonofinbred sin and depravity, remember, none of thy sins can condemn thee.Thouhastlearnedtohatesin;butthouhastlearnedalsotoknowthatsinisnotthine—itwaslaiduponChrist'shead.Thystandingisnotinthyself—itisinChrist;thineacceptanceisnotinthyself,butinthyLord;thouartasmuchacceptedofGodto-day,withallthysinfulness,asthouwiltbewhenthoustandestbeforeHisthrone,freefromallcorruption.O,Ibeseechthee,lay hold on this precious thought, perfection in Christ! For thou art"complete in Him."With thy Saviour's garment on, thou art holy as theHolyone. "Who is he that condemneth? It isChrist that died, yea rather,thatisrisenagain,whoisevenattherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus."Christian,letthyheartrejoice,forthouart"acceptedinthebeloved"—whathastthoutofear?Letthyfaceeverwearasmile;livenearthyMaster;liveinthesuburbsoftheCelestialCity;forsoon,whenthytimehascome,thoushaltriseupwherethyJesussits,andreignatHisrighthand;andallthisbecausethedivineLord"wasmadetobesinforus,whoknewnosin;thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinHim."

Thisevening'sverse:

Comeye,andletusgouptothemountainoftheLord.-Isaiah2:3

Itisexceedinglybeneficialtooursoulstomountabovethispresentevilworld to something nobler and better. The cares of this world and thedeceitfulnessofrichesareapttochokeeverythinggoodwithinus,andwegrowfretful,desponding,perhapsproudandcarnal.Itiswellforustocutdown these thornsandbriers, forheavenly seed sownamong them isnotlikelytoyieldaharvest;andwhereshallwefindabettersicklewithwhichto cut them down than communion with God and the things of thekingdom? In the valleys of Switzerland many of the inhabitants aredeformed,andallwearasicklyappearance,fortheatmosphereischargedwithmiasma, and is close and stagnant; but up yonder, on themountain,youfindahardyrace,whobreathetheclearfreshairasitblowsfromthevirginsnowsoftheAlpinesummits.Itwouldbewellifthedwellersinthevalleycouldfrequentlyleavetheirabodesamongthemarshesandthefevermists,andinhalethebracingelementuponthehills.ItistosuchanexploitofclimbingthatIinviteyouthisevening.MaytheSpiritofGodassistustoleavethemistsoffearandthefeversofanxiety,andalltheillswhichgatherin thisvalleyofearth,andtoascendthemountainsofanticipatedjoyandblessedness.MayGodtheHolySpiritcutthecordsthatkeepusherebelow,andassistustomount!Wesittoooftenlikechainedeaglesfastenedtotherock, only that, unlike the eagle,we begin to love our chain, andwould,perhaps,ifitcamereallytothetest,beloathtohaveitsnapped.MayGodnowgrantusgrace,ifwecannotescapefromthechainastoourflesh,yettodosoastoourspirits;andleavingthebody,likeaservant,atthefootofthehill,mayoursoul,likeAbraham,attainthetopofthemountain,theretoindulgeincommunionwiththeMostHigh.

A p r i l 5

Thismorning'sverse:

OnHimtheylaid thecross, thatHemightbear itafterJesus.-Luke23:26

WeseeinSimon'scarryingthecrossapictureoftheworkoftheChurchthroughout all generations; she is the cross-bearer after Jesus.Mark then,Christian,Jesusdoesnotsuffersoastoexcludeyoursuffering.Hebearsacross, not that you may escape it, but that you may endure it. Christexemptsyoufromsin,butnotfromsorrow.Rememberthat,andexpecttosuffer.

But let us comfort ourselves with this thought, that in our case, as inSimon's,itisnotourcross,butChrist'scrosswhichwecarry.Whenyouaremolested for your piety; when your religion brings the trial of cruelmockingsuponyou,thenrememberitisnotyourcross,itisChrist'scross;andhowdelightfulisittocarrythecrossofourLordJesus!

YoucarrythecrossafterHim.Youhaveblessedcompany;yourpathismarked with the footprints of your Lord. The mark of His blood-redshoulderisuponthatheavyburden.'TisHiscross,andHegoesbeforeyouasashepherdgoesbeforehissheep.Takeupyourcrossdaily,andfollowHim.

Do not forget, also, that you bear this cross in partnership. It is theopinionofsomethatSimononlycarriedoneendofthecross,andnotthewholeofit.Thatisverypossible;Christmayhavecarriedtheheavierpart,against the transverse beam, and Simonmay have borne the lighter end.Certainly it is so with you; you do but carry the light end of the cross,Christboretheheavierend.

And remember, though Simon had to bear the cross for a very littlewhile,itgavehimlastinghonour.Evensothecrosswecarryisonlyforalittlewhileatmost,andthenweshallreceivethecrown,theglory.Surelywe should love the cross, and, instead of shrinking from it, count it very

dear,whenitworksoutforus"afarmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglory."

Thisevening'sverse:

Beforehonourishumility.-Proverbs15:33

Humiliationofsoulalwaysbringsapositiveblessingwithit.Ifweemptyourhearts of selfGodwill fill themwithHis love.Hewhodesires closecommunionwithChrist should remember theword of the Lord, "To thisman will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, andtremblethatMyword."Stoopifyouwouldclimbtoheaven.Dowenotsayof Jesus, "He descended that Hemight ascend"? somust you.Youmustgrowdownwards,thatyoumaygrowupwards;forthesweetestfellowshipwith heaven is to be had by humble souls, and by them alone.Godwilldenynoblessing toa thoroughlyhumbledspirit. "Blessedare thepoor inspirit:fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven,"withallitsrichesandtreasures.ThewholeexchequerofGodshallbemadeoverbydeedofgifttothesoulwhich is humble enough to be able to receive it without growing proudbecause of it.God blesses us all up to the fullmeasure and extremity ofwhatitissafeforHimtodo.Ifyoudonotgetablessing,itisbecauseitisnot safe for you to have one. If our heavenly Father were to let yourunhumbledspiritwinavictoryinHisholywar,youwouldpilferthecrownforyourself, andmeetingwitha freshenemyyouwould fall avictim; sothatyouarekeptlowforyourownsafety.Whenamanissincerelyhumble,and never ventures to touch so much as a grain of the praise, there isscarcelyanylimittowhatGodwilldoforhim.HumilitymakesusreadytobeblessedbytheGodofallgrace,andfitsus todealefficientlywithourfellowmen.Truehumilityisaflowerwhichwilladornanygarden.Thisisasaucewithwhichyoumayseasoneverydishoflife,andyouwillfindanimprovement in every case.Whether it be prayer or praise,whether it beworkorsuffering,thegenuinesaltofhumilitycannotbeusedinexcess.

A p r i l 6

Thismorning'sverse:

LetusgoforththereforeuntoHimwithoutthecamp.-Hebrews13:13

Jesus, bearing His cross, went forth to suffer without the gate. TheChristian'sreasonforleavingthecampoftheworld'ssinandreligionisnotbecausehelovestobesingular,butbecauseJesusdidso;andthedisciplemust follow hisMaster. Christ was "not of the world:" His life and Histestimonywereaconstantprotestagainstconformitywiththeworld.NeverwassuchoverflowingaffectionformenasyoufindinHim;butstillHewasseparate from sinners. In likemannerChrist's peoplemust "go forthuntoHim."Theymusttaketheirposition"withoutthecamp,"aswitness-bearersforthetruth.Theymustbepreparedtotreadthestraightandnarrowpath.Theymusthavebold,unflinching, lion-likehearts, lovingChristfirst,andHistruthnext,andChristandHistruthbeyondalltheworld.JesuswouldhaveHispeople "go forthwithout thecamp" for theirownsanctification.Youcannotgrowingrace toanyhighdegreewhileyouareconformedtothe world. The life of separation may be a path of sorrow, but it is thehighwayofsafety;andthoughtheseparatedlifemaycostyoumanypangs,andmakeeverydayabattle,yetitisahappylifeafterall.NojoycanexcelthatofthesoldierofChrist:JesusrevealsHimselfsograciously,andgivessuchsweetrefreshment, that thewarriorfeelsmorecalmandpeace inhisdailystrifethanothersintheirhoursofrest.Thehighwayofholinessisthehighwayofcommunion.ItisthusweshallhopetowinthecrownifweareenabledbydivinegracefaithfullytofollowChrist"withoutthecamp."Thecrownofglorywillfollowthecrossofseparation.Amoment'sshamewillbewell recompensed by eternal honour; a little while of witness-bearingwillseemnothingwhenweare"foreverwiththeLord."

Thisevening'sverse:

InthenameoftheLordIwilldestroythem.-Psalm118:12

OurLord Jesus, byHis death, did not purchase a right to a part of usonly, but to the entire man. He contemplated in His passion thesanctificationofuswholly,spirit,soul,andbody;thatinthistriplekingdomHeHimselfmight reign supremewithout a rival. It is thebusinessof thenewbornnaturewhichGodhasgiventotheregeneratetoassert therightsof theLordJesusChrist.Mysoul, so faras thouartachildofGod, thoumust conquer all the restof thyselfwhichyet remainsunblest; thoumustsubdueall thypowersandpassionsto thesilversceptreofJesus'graciousreign, and thoumust never be satisfied till Hewho is King by purchasebecomes also King by gracious coronation, and reigns in thee supreme.Seeing,then,thatsinhasnorighttoanypartofus,wegoaboutagoodandlawfulwarfarewhenwe seek, in the nameofGod, to drive it out.Omybody, thou art a member of Christ: shall I tolerate thy subjection to theprince of darkness? O my soul, Christ has suffered for thy sins, andredeemedtheewithHismostpreciousblood:shallIsufferthymemorytobecomea storehouseof evil, or thypassions tobe firebrandsof iniquity?ShallIsurrendermyjudgmenttobepervertedbyerror,ormywilltobeledinfettersofiniquity?No,mysoul,thouartChrist's,andsinhathnorighttothee.

Becourageousconcerningthis,OChristian!benotdispirited,asthoughyourspiritualenemiescouldneverbedestroyed.Youareabletoovercomethem— not in your own strength— theweakest of themwould be toomuch for you in that; but you can and shall overcome them through thebloodoftheLamb.Donotask,"HowshallIdispossessthem,fortheyaregreaterandmightierthanI?"butgotothestrongforstrength,waithumblyuponGod,andthemightyGodofJacobwillsurelycometotherescue,andyoushallsingofvictorythroughHisgrace.

A p r i l 7

Thismorning'sverse:

Oyesonsofmen,howlongwillyeturnmygloryintoshame?-Psalm4:2

Aninstructivewriterhasmadeamournfullistofthehonourswhichtheblinded people of Israel awarded to their long-expected King. (1.) Theygave Him a procession of honour, in which Roman legionaries, Jewishpriests,menandwomen,tookapart,HeHimselfbearingHiscross.ThisisthetriumphwhichtheworldawardstoHimwhocomestooverthrowman'sdirestfoes.DerisiveshoutsareHisonlyacclamations,andcrueltauntsHisonly paeans of praise. (2.) They presentedHimwith thewine of honour.Insteadofagoldencupofgenerouswine theyofferedHim thecriminal'sstupefyingdeath-draught,whichHerefusedbecauseHewouldpreserveanuninjuredtastewherewithtotasteofdeath;andafterwardswhenHecried,"Ithirst,"theygaveHimvinegarmixedwithgall,thrusttoHismouthuponasponge.Oh!wretched,detestableinhospitalitytotheKing'sSon.(3.)Hewasprovidedwithaguardofhonour,whoshowedtheiresteemofHimbygambling overHis garments,which they had seized as their booty. Suchwas the body-guard of the adored of heaven; a quaternion of brutalgamblers.(4.)AthroneofhonourwasfoundforHimuponthebloodytree;noeasierplaceofrestwouldrebelmenyieldtotheirliegeLord.Thecrosswas, in fact, the full expression of the world's feeling towards Him;"There,"theyseemedtosay,"ThouSonofGod,thisisthemannerinwhichGod Himself should be treated, could we reach Him." (5.) The title ofhonour was nominally "King of the Jews," but that the blinded nationdistinctlyrepudiated,andreallycalledHim"Kingofthieves,"bypreferringBarabbas,andbyplacingJesusintheplaceofhighestshamebetweentwothieves.Hisglorywas thus inall things turned intoshameby thesonsofmen,but it shallyetgladden theeyesof saintsandangels,worldwithoutend.

Thisevening'sverse:

Deliverme frombloodguiltiness,OGod,ThouGodofmy salvation;andmytongueshallsingaloudofThyrighteousness.-Psalm51:14

In this SOLEMN CONFESSION, it is pleasing to observe that Davidplainlynameshissin.Hedoesnotcallitmanslaughter,norspeakofitasanimprudence bywhich an unfortunate accident occurred to aworthyman,buthecallsitbyitstruename,bloodguiltiness.HedidnotactuallykillthehusbandofBathsheba;butstill itwasplanned inDavid'sheart thatUriahshould be slain, and he was before the Lord his murderer. Learn inconfessiontobehonestwithGod.Donotgivefairnamestofoulsins;callthemwhatyouwill,theywillsmellnosweeter.WhatGodseesthemtobe,that do you labour to feel them to be; and with all openness of heartacknowledge their real character. Observe, that David was evidentlyoppressedwiththeheinousnessofhissin.Itiseasytousewords,butitisdifficult tofeel theirmeaning.Thefifty-firstPsalmis thephotographofacontrite spirit.Letus seekafter the likebrokennessofheart; forhoweverexcellent our words may be, if our heart is not conscious of the hell-deservingnessofsin,wecannotexpecttofindforgiveness.

OurtexthasinitANEARNESTPRAYER—itisaddressedtotheGodofsalvation.ItisHisprerogativetoforgive;itisHisverynameandofficetosavethosewhoseekHisface.Betterstill,thetextcallsHimtheGodofmy salvation. Yes, blessed be His name, while I am yet going to HimthroughJesus'blood,IcanrejoiceintheGodofmysalvation.

ThepsalmistendswithACOMMENDABLEVOW:ifGodwilldeliverhimhewillsing—nay,more,hewill"singaloud."Whocansinginanyother style of such amercy as this! But note the subject of the song—"THY RIGHTEOUSNESS." We must sing of the finished work of apreciousSaviour; andhewhoknowsmostof forgiving lovewill sing theloudest.

A p r i l 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Iftheydothesethingsinagreentree,whatshallbedoneinthedry?-Luke23:31

Amongotherinterpretationsofthissuggestivequestion,thefollowingisfullofteaching:"Iftheinnocentsubstituteforsinners,sufferthus,whatwillbedonewhenthesinnerhimself—thedrytree—shallfallintothehandsofanangryGod?"WhenGodsawJesus in thesinner'splace,HedidnotspareHim;andwhenHefindstheunregeneratewithoutChrist,Hewillnotsparethem.Osinner,JesuswasledawaybyHisenemies:soshallyoubedraggedawaybyfiendstotheplaceappointedforyou.JesuswasdesertedofGod; and ifHe,whowas only imputedly a sinner,was deserted, howmuchmore shall you be? "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" what an awfulshriek!Butwhat shall be your crywhen you shall say, "OGod!OGod!whyhastThouforsakenme?"andtheanswershallcomeback,"BecauseyehavesetatnoughtallMycounsel,andwouldnoneofMyreproof: Ialsowill laughatyour calamity; Iwillmockwhenyour fear cometh." IfGodsparednotHisownSon,howmuchlesswillHespareyou!Whatwhipsofburning wire will be yours when conscience shall smite you with all itsterrors.Yerichest,yemerriest,yemostself-righteoussinners—whowouldstandinyourplacewhenGodshallsay,"Awake,Osword,againstthemanthatrejectedMe;smitehim,andlethimfeelthesmartforever"?Jesuswasspitupon:sinner,whatshamewillbeyours!WecannotsumupinonewordallthemassofsorrowswhichmetupontheheadofJesuswhodiedforus,therefore it is impossible for us to tell youwhat streams,what oceans ofgriefmustrolloveryourspiritifyoudieasyounoware.Youmaydieso,youmay die now. By the agonies of Christ, by His wounds and by Hisblood,donotbringuponyourselvesthewrathtocome!TrustintheSonofGod,andyoushallneverdie.

Thisevening'sverse:

Iwillfearnoevil:forThouartwithme.-Psalm23:4

Behold,howindependentofoutwardcircumstancestheHolyGhostcanmaketheChristian!Whatabrightlightmayshinewithinuswhenitisalldarkwithout!Howfirm,howhappy,howcalm,howpeacefulwemaybe,whentheworldshakestoandfro,andthepillarsoftheearthareremoved!Evendeath itself,withall its terrible influences,hasnopower tosuspendthemusicofaChristian'sheart,butrathermakesthatmusicbecomemoresweet,moreclear,moreheavenly,tillthelastkindactwhichdeathcandoistolettheearthlystrainmeltintotheheavenlychorus,thetemporaljoyintotheeternalbliss!Letushaveconfidence,then,intheblessedSpirit'spowertocomfortus.Dear reader,areyou lookingforward topoverty?Fearnot;thedivineSpiritcangiveyou,inyourwant,agreaterplentythantherichhaveintheirabundance.Youknownotwhatjoysmaybestoredupforyouinthecottagearoundwhichgracewillplanttherosesofcontent.Areyouconscious of a growing failure of your bodily powers?Do you expect tosufferlongnightsoflanguishinganddaysofpain?Obenotsad!Thatbedmaybecomea throne toyou.Youlittleknowhoweverypangthatshootsthroughyourbodymaybearefiningfiretoconsumeyourdross—abeamofglorytolightupthesecretpartsofyoursoul.Aretheeyesgrowingdim?Jesus will be your light. Do the ears fail you? Jesus' name will be yoursoul'sbestmusic, andHispersonyourdeardelight.Socratesused to say,"Philosopherscanbehappywithoutmusic;"andChristianscanbehappierthanphilosopherswhenalloutwardcausesof rejoicingarewithdrawn. InThee,myGod,myheartshalltriumph,comewhatmayofillswithout!Bythypower,OblessedSpirit,myheart shall be exceedingglad, thoughallthingsshouldfailmeherebelow.

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Thismorning'sverse:

And there followedHim a great company of people, and of women,whichalsobewailedandlamentedHim.-Luke23:27

Amid the rabble routwhichhounded theRedeemer toHisdoom, thereweresomegracioussoulswhosebitteranguishsoughtventinwailingandlamentations—fitmusictoaccompanythatmarchofwoe.Whenmysoulcan,inimagination,seetheSaviourbearingHiscrosstoCalvary,shejoinsthegodlywomenandweepswiththem;for,indeed,thereistruecauseforgrief — cause lying deeper than those mourning women thought. Theybewailed innocence maltreated, goodness persecuted, love bleeding,meeknessabouttodie;butmyhearthasadeeperandmorebittercausetomourn.Mysinswerethescourgeswhichlaceratedthoseblessedshoulders,andcrownedwiththornthosebleedingbrows:mysinscried"CrucifyHim!crucifyHim!"andlaidthecrossuponHisgraciousshoulders.Hisbeingledforth to die is sorrow enough for one eternity: but my having been Hismurderer,ismore,infinitelymore,griefthanonepoorfountainoftearscanexpress.

Why thosewomen loved andwept itwere not hard to guess: but theycould not have had greater reasons for love and grief thanmy heart has.Nain's widow saw her son restored— but I myself have been raised tonewnessoflife.Peter'swife'smotherwascuredofthefever—butIofthegreater plague of sin.Out ofMagdalene seven devilswere cast— but awholelegionoutofme.MaryandMarthawerefavouredwithvisits—butHedwellswithme.HismotherbareHisbody—butHeisformedinmethehopeofglory.Innothingbehindtheholywomenindebt,letmenotbebehindthemingratitudeorsorrow.

"Loveandgriefmyheartdividing,WithmytearsHisfeetI'lllave—Constantstillinheartabiding,WeepforHimwhodiedtosave."

Thisevening'sverse:

Thygentlenesshathmademegreat.-Psalm18:35

Thewordsarecapableofbeingtranslated,"Thygoodnesshathmademegreat."Davidgratefullyascribedallhisgreatnessnottohisowngoodness,but the goodness of God. "Thy providence," is another reading; andprovidenceisnothingmorethangoodnessinaction.Goodnessisthebudofwhich providence is the flower, or goodness is the seed of whichprovidenceistheharvest.Somerenderit,"Thyhelp,"whichisbutanotherword for providence; providence being the firm ally of the saints, aidingthem in the serviceof theirLord.Or again, "Thyhumilityhathmademegreat." "Thy condescension" may, perhaps, serve as a comprehensivereading, combining the ideas mentioned, including that of humility. It isGod'smakingHimselflittlewhichisthecauseofourbeingmadegreat.Weare so little, that if God should manifest His greatness withoutcondescension,weshouldbetrampledunderHisfeet;butGod,whomuststooptoviewtheskies,andbowtoseewhatangelsdo, turnsHiseyeyetlower,andlookstothelowlyandcontrite,andmakesthemgreat.Thereareyet other readings, as for instance, the Septuagint, which reads, "Thydiscipline"—Thyfatherlycorrection—"hathmademegreat;"while theChaldeeparaphrasereads,"Thywordhath increasedme."Still the idea isthe same. David ascribes all his own greatness to the condescendinggoodness of his Father in heaven. May this sentiment be echoed in ourhearts thiseveningwhilewecastourcrownsat Jesus' feet, andcry, "Thygentlenesshathmademegreat."HowmarvelloushasbeenourexperienceofGod'sgentleness!HowgentlehavebeenHiscorrections!HowgentleHisforbearance! How gentle His teachings! How gentle His drawings!Meditate upon this theme, O believer. Let gratitude be awakened; lethumilitybedeepened;letlovebequickenederethoufallestasleepto-night.

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Thismorning'sverse:

TheplacewhichiscalledCalvary.-Luke23:33

ThehillofcomfortisthehillofCalvary;thehouseofconsolationisbuiltwiththewoodofthecross;thetempleofheavenlyblessingisfoundeduponthe riven rock— rivenby the spearwhichpiercedHis side.No scene insacredhistoryevergladdensthesoullikeCalvary'stragedy.

"Isitnotstrange,thedarkesthourThateverdawnedonsinfulearth,Shouldtouchtheheartwithsofterpower,Forcomfort,thananangel'smirth?ThattotheCrossthemourner'seyeshouldturn,SoonerthanwherethestarsofBethlehemburn?"

Lightspringsfromthemidday-midnightofGolgotha,andeveryherbofthefieldbloomssweetlybeneaththeshadowoftheonceaccursedtree.Inthat place of thirst, grace hath dug a fountain which ever gusheth withwaters pure as crystal, each drop capable of alleviating the woes ofmankind.Youwhohavehadyour seasonsof conflict,will confess that itwasnotatOlivetthatyoueverfoundcomfort,notonthehillofSinai,noronTabor;butGethsemane,Gabbatha,andGolgothahavebeenameansofcomforttoyou.ThebitterherbsofGethsemanehaveoftentakenawaythebittersofyourlife;thescourgeofGabbathahasoftenscourgedawayyourcares,andthegroansofCalvaryyieldsuscomfortrareandrich.WenevershouldhaveknownChrist'sloveinallitsheightsanddepthsifHehadnotdied;norcouldweguesstheFather'sdeepaffectionifHehadnotgivenHisSontodie.Thecommonmerciesweenjoyallsingoflove,justasthesea-shell,whenweputittoourears,whispersofthedeepseawhenceitcame;but if we desire to hear the ocean itself, wemust not look at every-dayblessings, but at the transactions of the crucifixion.Hewhowould knowlove,lethimretiretoCalvaryandseetheManofsorrowsdie.

Thisevening'sverse:

FortherestoodbymethisnighttheangelofGod.-Acts27:23

Tempest and long darkness, coupledwith imminent risk of shipwreck,hadbrought thecrewof thevessel intoasadcase;onemanaloneamongthem remained perfectly calm, and by his word the rest were reassured.Paul was the only man who had heart enough to say, "Sirs, be of goodcheer." There were veteran Roman legionaries on board, and brave oldmariners,andyet theirpoorJewishprisonerhadmorespirit than theyall.HehadasecretFriendwhokepthiscourageup.TheLordJesusdespatcheda heavenlymessenger to whisper words of consolation in the ear of Hisfaithfulservant, thereforeheworeashiningcountenanceandspake likeamanatease.

IfwefeartheLord,wemaylookfortimelyinterpositionswhenourcaseis at its worst. Angels are not kept from us by storms, or hindered bydarkness.Seraphsthinkitnohumiliationtovisitthepoorestoftheheavenlyfamily.Ifangel'svisitsarefewandfarbetweenatordinarytimes,theyshallbefrequentinournightsoftempestandtossing.Friendsmaydropfromuswhenweareunderpressure,butourintercoursewiththeinhabitantsoftheangelicworld shall bemore abundant; and in the strength of love-words,brought to us from the throne by theway of Jacob's ladder, we shall bestrongtodoexploits.Dearreader,isthisanhourofdistresswithyou?thenaskforpeculiarhelp.Jesusistheangelofthecovenant,andifHispresencebenowearnestlysought,itwillnotbedenied.Whatthatpresencebringsinheart-cheer those remember who, like Paul, have had the angel of Godstandingbytheminanightofstorm,whenanchorswouldnolongerhold,androckswerenigh.

"OangelofmyGod,benear,Amidthedarknesshushmyfear;Loudroarsthewildtempestuoussea,Thypresence,Lord,shallcomfortme."

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Thismorning'sverse:

Iampouredoutlikewater,andallmybonesareoutofjoint.-Psalm22:14

Didearthorheaveneverbeholdasadderspectacleofwoe!Insoulandbody,ourLordfeltHimself tobeweakaswaterpouredupontheground.TheplacingofthecrossinitssockethadshakenHimwithgreatviolence,had strained all the ligaments, pained every nerve, and more or lessdislocatedallHisbones.BurdenedwithHisownweight,theaugustsuffererfeltthestrainincreasingeverymomentofthosesixlonghours.Hissenseoffaintness and general weakness were overpowering; while to His ownconsciousness He became nothing but a mass of misery and swooningsickness. When Daniel saw the great vision, he thus describes hissensations, "There remainedno strength inme, formyvigourwas turnedinto corruption, and I retained no strength:" how much more faint musthavebeenourgreaterProphetwhenHesawthedreadvisionofthewrathofGod,andfeltitinHisownsoul!Tous,sensationssuchasourLordenduredwould have been insupportable, and kind unconsciousness would havecometoourrescue;butinHiscase,Hewaswounded,andfeltthesword;Hedrainedthecupandtastedeverydrop.

"OKingofGrief!(atitlestrange,yettrueToTheeofallkingsonlydue)OKingofWounds!howshallIgrieveforThee,Whoinallgriefpreventestme!"

AswekneelbeforeournowascendedSaviour'sthrone,letusrememberwellthewaybywhichHeprepareditasathroneofgraceforus;letusinspirit drink of His cup, that we may be strengthened for our hour ofheaviness whenever it may come. In His natural body every membersuffered,andsomustitbeinthespiritual;butasoutofallHisgriefsandwoesHisbodycameforthuninjuredtogloryandpower,evensoshallHismysticalbodycomethroughthefurnacewithnotsomuchasthesmellof

fireuponit.

Thisevening'sverse:

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. -Psalm25:18

It iswell for uswhen prayers about our sorrows are linkedwith pleasconcerningour sins—when,beingunderGod'shand,wearenotwhollytakenupwithourpain,butrememberouroffencesagainstGod.Itiswell,also,totakebothsorrowandsintothesameplace.ItwastoGodthatDavidcarried his sorrow: it was toGod thatDavid confessed his sin.Observe,then,wemust takeoursorrowstoGod.Evenyourlittlesorrowsyoumayroll upon God, for He counteth the hairs of your head; and your greatsorrowsyoumaycommittoHim,forHeholdeththeoceaninthehollowofHishand.GotoHim,whateveryourpresenttroublemaybe,andyoushallfindHimableandwillingtorelieveyou.ButwemusttakeoursinstoGodtoo.Wemustcarrythemtothecross,thatthebloodmayfalluponthem,topurgeawaytheirguilt,andtodestroytheirdefilingpower.

Thespeciallessonofthetextisthis:—thatwearetogototheLordwithsorrowsandwithsinsintherightspirit.NotethatallDavidasksconcerninghis sorrow is, "Look upon mine affliction and my pain;" but the nextpetitionisvastlymoreexpress,definite,decided,plain—"Forgiveallmysins" Many sufferers would have put it, "Remove my affliction and mypain,andlookatmysins."ButDaviddoesnotsayso;hecries,"Lord,asformyafflictionandmypain,IwillnotdictatetoThywisdom.Lord,lookat them, I will leave them to Thee, I should be glad to have my painremoved,butdoasThouwilt;butasformysins,Lord,IknowwhatIwantwith them; Imust have them forgiven; I cannot endure to lie under theircurseforamoment."AChristiancountssorrowlighterinthescalethansin;he can bear that his troubles should continue, but he cannot support theburdenofhistransgressions.

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Thismorning'sverse:

Myheart is likewax; it ismelted in themidstofmybowels. -Psalm22:14

OurblessedLordexperiencedaterriblesinkingandmeltingofsoul."Thespirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who canbear?"Deepdepressionofspiritisthemostgrievousofalltrials;allbesidesisasnothing.WellmightthesufferingSaviourcrytoHisGod,"Benotfarfromme,"foraboveallotherseasonsamanneedshisGodwhenhisheartismeltedwithinhimbecauseof heaviness.Believer, comenear the crossthis morning, and humbly adore the King of glory as having once beenbrought far lower, in mental distress and inward anguish, than any oneamongus;andmarkHisfitnesstobecomeafaithfulHighPriest,whocanbetouchedwithafeelingofourinfirmities.Especiallyletthoseofuswhosesadness springs directly from the withdrawal of a present sense of ourFather'slove,enterintonearandintimatecommunionwithJesus.Letusnotgiveway to despair, since through this dark room theMaster has passedbefore us. Our souls may sometimes long and faint, and thirst even toanguish,tobeholdthelightoftheLord'scountenance:atsuchtimesletusstayourselveswiththesweetfactofthesympathyofourgreatHighPriest.OurdropsofsorrowmaywellbeforgottenintheoceanofHisgriefs;buthowhighoughtourlovetorise!Comein,OstronganddeeploveofJesus,liketheseaatthefloodinspringtides,coverallmypowers,drownallmysins,washoutallmycares,liftupmyearth-boundsoul,andfloatitrightuptomyLord'sfeet,andthereletmelie,apoorbrokenshell,washedupbyHislove,havingnovirtueorvalue;andonlyventuringtowhispertoHimthatifHewillputHiseartome,HewillhearwithinmyheartfaintechoesofthevastwavesofHisownlovewhichhavebroughtmewhereit ismydelighttolie,evenatHisfeetforever.

Thisevening'sverse:

Theking'sgarden.-Nehemiah3:15

Mentionof theking'sgardenbyNehemiahbrings tomind theparadisewhichtheKingofkingspreparedforAdam.Sinhasutterlyruinedthatfairabodeofalldelights,anddrivenforththechildrenofmentotilltheground,whichyieldsthornsandbriersuntothem.Mysoul,rememberthefall,foritwas thy fall.Weepmuchbecause theLordof lovewassoshamefully ill-treated by the head of the human race, of which thou art a member, asundeserving as any. Behold how dragons and demons dwell on this fairearth,whichoncewasagardenofdelights.

See yonder another King's garden, which the King waters with Hisbloodysweat—Gethsemane,whosebitterherbsaresweeterfartorenewedsoulsthanevenEden'slusciousfruits.Therethemischiefoftheserpentinthefirstgardenwasundone:therethecursewasliftedfromearth,andborneby thewoman'spromisedseed.Mysoul,bethink theemuchof theagonyandthepassion;resorttothegardenoftheolive-press,andviewthygreatRedeemerrescuingtheefromthylostestate.Thisisthegardenofgardensindeed,whereinthesoulmayseetheguiltofsinandthepoweroflove,twosightswhichsurpassallothers.

Is therenootherKing'sgarden?Yes,myheart, thouart,orshouldstbesuch.Howdotheflowersflourish?Doanychoicefruitsappear?DoestheKingwalkwithin,andrestinthebowersofmyspirit?Letmeseethattheplants are trimmed and watered, and the mischievous foxes hunted out.Come,Lord,andlettheheavenlywindblowatThycoming,thatthespicesofThygardenmayflowabroad.NormustIforgettheKing'sgardenofthechurch. O Lord, send prosperity unto it. Rebuild her walls, nourish herplants, ripen her fruits, and from the hugewilderness, reclaim the barrenwaste,andmakethereof"aKing'sgarden."

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Thismorning'sverse:

A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me. - Song Of Solomon1:13

Myrrh may well be chosen as the type of Jesus on account of itspreciousness, its perfume, its pleasantness, its healing, preserving,disinfecting qualities, and its connection with sacrifice. But why is Hecomparedto"abundleofmyrrh"?First,forplenty.Heisnotadropof it,He is a casket full.He is not a sprigor flowerof it, but awholebundle.ThereisenoughinChristforallmynecessities;letmenotbeslowtoavailmyself of Him. Our well-beloved is compared to a "bundle" again, forvariety: for there is inChristnotonly theone thingneedful,but in "Himdwelleth all the fulness of theGodhead bodily," everything needful is inHim.TakeJesusinHisdifferentcharacters,andyouwillseeamarvellousvariety—Prophet,Priest,King,Husband,Friend,Shepherd.ConsiderHiminHislife,death,resurrection,ascension,secondadvent;viewHiminHisvirtue, gentleness, courage, self-denial, love, faithfulness, truth,righteousness — everywhere He is a bundle of preciousness. He is a"bundleofmyrrh"forpreservation—notloosemyrrhtiedup,myrrhtobestoredinacasket.WemustvalueHimasourbesttreasure;wemustprizeHiswordsandHisordinances;andwemustkeepourthoughtsofHimandknowledge of Him as under lock and key, lest the devil should stealanything from us.Moreover, Jesus is a "bundle of myrrh" for speciality.Theemblemsuggeststheideaofdistinguishing,discriminatinggrace.Frombeforethefoundationoftheworld,HewassetapartforHispeople;andHegives forth His perfume only to thosewho understand how to enter intocommunionwithHim,tohaveclosedealingswithHim.Oh!blessedpeoplewhom the Lord hath admitted into His secrets, and for whom He setsHimselfapart.Oh!choiceandhappywhoarethusmadetosay,"Abundleofmyrrhismywell-beloveduntome."

Thisevening'sverse:

Andheshallputhishandupontheheadoftheburnt-offering;anditshallbeacceptedforhimtomakeatonementforhim.-Leviticus1:4

Our Lord's being made "sin for us" is set forth here by the verysignificanttransferofsintothebullock,whichwasmadebytheeldersofthepeople.Thelayingofthehandwasnotameretouchofcontact,forinsomeotherplacesofScripturetheoriginalwordhasthemeaningofleaningheavily,asintheexpression,"Thywrathliethharduponme"(Psalm88:7).Surely this is the very essence and nature of faith, which doth not onlybringusintocontactwiththegreatSubstitute,butteachesustoleanuponHimwithalltheburdenofourguilt.JehovahmadetomeetupontheheadoftheSubstitutealltheoffencesofHiscovenantpeople,buteachoneofthechosen is brought personally to ratify this solemn covenant act,when bygrace he is enabled by faith to lay his hand upon the head of the "Lambslainfrombeforethefoundationoftheworld."Believer,doyourememberthat rapturous day when you first realized pardon through Jesus the sin-bearer? Can you not make glad confession, and join with the writer insaying, "My soul recalls her day of deliverancewith delight. Ladenwithguilt and full of fears, I sawmySaviour asmySubstitute, and I laidmyhanduponHim;oh!howtimidlyatfirst,butcouragegrewandconfidencewasconfirmeduntilIleanedmysoulentirelyuponHim;andnowitismyunceasingjoytoknowthatmysinsarenolongerimputedtome,butlaidonHim, and like the debts of the wounded traveller, Jesus, like the goodSamaritan,has saidof allmy future sinfulness, 'Set that toMyaccount.'"Blesseddiscovery!Eternalsolaceofagratefulheart!

"Mynumeroussinstransferr'dtoHim,Shallnevermorebefound,LostinHisblood'satoningstream,Whereeverycrimeisdrown'd!"

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Thismorning'sverse:

All they that seeme laughme to scorn: they shoot out the lip, theyshakethehead.-Psalm22:7

MockerywasagreatingredientinourLord'swoe.JudasmockedHiminthegarden; the chiefpriests and scribes laughedHim to scorn;Herod setHim at nought; the servants and the soldiers jeered at Him, and brutallyinsultedHim;PilateandhisguardsridiculedHisroyalty;andonthetreeallsorts of horrid jests and hideous taunts were hurled at Him. Ridicule isalwayshard tobear,butwhenweare in intensepain it is soheartless, socruel,thatitcutsustothequick.ImaginetheSaviourcrucified,rackedwithanguishfarbeyondallmortalguess,andthenpicturethatmotleymultitude,allwaggingtheirheadsorthrustingoutthelipinbitterestcontemptofonepoorsufferingvictim!SurelytheremusthavebeensomethingmoreinthecrucifiedOnethantheycouldsee,orelsesuchagreatandmingledcrowdwouldnotunanimouslyhavehonouredHimwithsuchcontempt.Wasitnotevil confessing, in the verymoment of its greatest apparent triumph, thatafterall itcoulddonomore thanmockat thatvictoriousgoodnesswhichwas then reigningon thecross?O Jesus, "despisedand rejectedofmen,"how couldst Thou die for men who treated Thee so ill? Herein is loveamazing,lovedivine,yea,lovebeyonddegree.We,too,havedespisedTheeinthedaysofourunregeneracy,andevensinceournewbirthwehavesettheworldonhighinourhearts,andyetThoubleedesttohealourwounds,anddiesttogiveuslife.OthatwecouldsetTheeonaglorioushighthronein allmen's hearts!Wewould ring outThypraises over land and sea tillmenshouldasuniversallyadoreasoncetheydidunanimouslyreject.

ThycreatureswrongThee,OThousovereignGood!Thouartnotloved,becausenotunderstood:Thisgrievesmemost,thatvainpursuitsbeguileUngratefulmen,regardlessofThysmile.

Thisevening'sverse:

Sayyetotherighteous,thatitshallbewellwithhim.-Isaiah3:10

It is well with the righteous ALWAYS. If it had said, "Say ye to therighteous, that it is well with him in his prosperity,"wemust have beenthankfulforsogreataboon,forprosperityisanhourofperil,anditisagiftfromheaventobesecuredfromitssnares:or if ithadbeenwritten,"It iswellwithhimwhenunderpersecution,"wemusthavebeenthankfulforsosustaininganassurance,forpersecutionishardtobear;butwhennotimeismentioned,all timeis included.God's"shalls"mustbeunderstoodalwaysintheirlargestsense.Fromthebeginningoftheyeartotheendoftheyear,fromthefirstgatheringofeveningshadowsuntiltheday-starshines,inallconditionsandunderallcircumstances,itshallbewellwiththerighteous.Itissowellwithhimthatwecouldnotimagineittobebetter,forheiswellfed,hefeedsuponthefleshandbloodofJesus;heiswellclothed,hewearstheimputedrighteousnessofChrist;heiswellhoused,hedwellsinGod;heiswellmarried,hissoulisknitinbondsofmarriageuniontoChrist;heiswell provided for, for the Lord is his Shepherd; he is well endowed, forheavenishisinheritance.Itiswellwiththerighteous—wellupondivineauthority;themouthofGodspeaksthecomfortingassurance.Obeloved,ifGoddeclaresthatalliswell,tenthousanddevilsmaydeclareittobeill,butwelaughthemalltoscorn.BlessedbeGodforafaithwhichenablesustobelieveGodwhenthecreaturescontradictHim.Itis,saystheWord,atalltimeswellwiththee,thourighteousone;then,beloved,ifthoucanstnotseeit, let God's word stand thee in stead of sight; yea, believe it on divineauthoritymoreconfidentlythanifthineeyesandthyfeelingstoldittothee.WhomGodblessesisblestindeed,andwhatHislipdeclaresistruthmostsureandsteadfast.

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Thismorning'sverse:

MyGod,myGod,whyhastThouforsakenme?-Psalm22:1

WeherebeholdtheSaviourinthedepthofHissorrows.Nootherplaceso well shows the griefs of Christ as Calvary, and no other moment atCalvary isso fullofagonyas that inwhichHiscry rends theair—"MyGod, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" At this moment physicalweakness was united with acute mental torture from the shame andignominythroughwhichHehadtopass;andtomakeHisgriefculminatewith emphasis, He suffered spiritual agony surpassing all expression,resulting from the departure ofHis Father's presence. Thiswas the blackmidnight of His horror; then it was that He descended the abyss ofsuffering.Nomancanenterintothefullmeaningofthesewords.Someofus think at times that we could cry, "MyGod, my God, why hast Thouforsakenme?"ThereareseasonswhenthebrightnessofourFather'ssmileis eclipsed by clouds and darkness; but let us remember that God neverdoesreallyforsakeus.Itisonlyaseemingforsakingwithus,butinChrist'scaseitwasarealforsaking.WegrieveatalittlewithdrawalofourFather'slove; but the real turning away of God's face from His Son, who shallcalculatehowdeeptheagonywhichitcausedHim?

Inourcase,ourcryisoftendictatedbyunbelief:inHiscase,itwastheutteranceofadreadfulfact,forGodhadreallyturnedawayfromHimforaseason. O thou poor, distressed soul, who once lived in the sunshine ofGod's face, but art now in darkness, remember that He has not reallyforsaken thee.God in the clouds is asmuch ourGod aswhenHe shinesforth inall the lustreofHisgrace;butsinceeventhe thought thatHehasforsakenusgivesus agony,whatmust thewoeof theSaviourhavebeenwhenHeexclaimed,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastThouforsakenme?"

Thisevening'sverse:

Liftthemupforever.-Psalm28:9

God'speopleneedliftingup.Theyareveryheavybynature.Theyhavenowings,or,iftheyhave,theyarelikethedoveofoldwhichlayamongthepots; and they need divine grace tomake themmount onwings coveredwithsilver,andwithfeathersofyellowgold.Bynaturesparksflyupward,butthesinfulsoulsofmenfalldownward.OLord,"liftthemupforever!"Davidhimselfsaid,"UntoThee,OGod,doIliftupmysoul,"andheherefeelsthenecessitythatothermen'ssoulsshouldbeliftedupaswellashisown.Whenyouaskthisblessingforyourself,forgetnottoseekitforothersalso.There are threeways inwhichGod's people require to be lifted up.Theyrequiretobeelevatedincharacter.Liftthemup,OLord;donotsufferThypeopletobeliketheworld'speople!Theworldliethinthewickedone;lift them out of it! The world's people are looking after silver and gold,seeking theirownpleasures,and thegratificationof their lusts;but,Lord,liftThypeopleupaboveallthis;keepthemfrombeing"muck-rakers,"asJohnBunyancalls themanwhowasalwaysscrapingaftergold!Set thoutheir hearts upon their risen Lord and the heavenly heritage! Moreover,believersneedtobeprosperedinconflict.Inthebattle,iftheyseemtofall,OLord,bepleasedtogivethemthevictory.Ifthefootofthefoebeupontheirnecks foramoment,help themtograsp theswordof theSpirit,andeventuallytowinthebattle.Lord,liftupThychildren'sspiritsinthedayofconflict; let them not sit in the dust, mourning for ever. Suffer not theadversarytovexthemsore,andmakethemfret;butiftheyhavebeen,likeHannah,persecuted,letthemsingofthemercyofadeliveringGod.

Wemay also ask ourLord to lift themup at the last!Lift themup bytakingthemhome, lift theirbodiesfromthetomb,andraise theirsouls toThineeternalkingdominglory.

A p r i l 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

ThepreciousbloodofChrist.-1Peter1:19

Standing at the foot of the cross,we see hands, and feet, and side, alldistillingcrimsonstreamsofpreciousblood.Itis"precious"becauseofitsredeemingandatoningefficacy.ByitthesinsofChrist'speopleareatonedfor; they are redeemed from under the law; they are reconciled to God,madeonewithHim.Christ'sbloodisalso"precious"initscleansingpower;it"cleansethfromallsin.""Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,theyshallbeaswhite as snow." Through Jesus' blood there is not a spot left upon anybeliever,nowrinklenoranysuch thingremains.Opreciousblood,whichmakesusclean,removingthestainsofabundantiniquity,andpermittingustostandacceptedintheBeloved,notwithstandingthemanywaysinwhichwe have rebelled against our God. The blood of Christ is likewise"precious" in itspreservingpower.Weare safe from thedestroyingangelunderthesprinkledblood.RememberitisGod'sseeingthebloodwhichisthetruereasonforourbeingspared.Hereiscomfortforuswhentheeyeoffaith is dim, for God's eye is still the same. The blood of Christ is"precious"alsoinitssanctifyinginfluence.Thesamebloodwhichjustifiesbytakingawaysin,doesinitsafter-action,quickenthenewnatureandleaditonwardtosubduesinandtofollowoutthecommandsofGod.Thereisnomotive for holiness so great as that which streams from the veins ofJesus.And"precious,"unspeakablyprecious, is thisblood,because ithasanovercomingpower. It iswritten,"Theyovercame through thebloodoftheLamb."Howcouldtheydootherwise?HewhofightswiththepreciousbloodofJesus,fightswithaweaponwhichcannotknowdefeat.Thebloodof Jesus! sindiesat itspresence,deathceases tobedeath:heaven'sgatesare opened. The blood of Jesus! we shall march on, conquering and toconquer,solongaswecantrustitspower!

Thisevening'sverse:

Andhishandsweresteadyuntil thegoingdownof thesun.-Exodus17:12

So mighty was the prayer of Moses, that all depended upon it. ThepetitionsofMosesdiscomfitedtheenemymorethanthefightingofJoshua.Yetbothwereneeded.No,inthesoul'sconflict,forceandfervour,decisionanddevotion,valourandvehemence,mustjointheirforces,andallwillbewell.Youmustwrestlewithyour sin, but themajor part of thewrestlingmustbedonealoneinprivatewithGod.Prayer, likeMoses',holdsupthetokenof thecovenantbefore theLord.The rodwas theemblemofGod'sworkingwithMoses, thesymbolofGod'sgovernment in Israel.Learn,Opleadingsaint,toholdupthepromiseandtheoathofGodbeforeHim.TheLord cannotdenyHisowndeclarations.Holdup the rodofpromise, andhavewhatyouwill.

Mosesgrewweary,andthenhisfriendsassistedhim.Whenatanytimeyour prayer flags, let faith support one hand, and let holy hopeuplift theother, and prayer seating itself upon the stone of Israel, the rock of oursalvation, will persevere and prevail. Beware of faintness in devotion; ifMoses felt it,who can escape? It is far easier to fightwith sin in public,than to pray against it in private. It is remarked that Joshua never grewwearyinthefighting,butMosesdidgrowwearyinthepraying;themorespiritualanexercise,themoredifficultitisforfleshandbloodtomaintainit. Let us cry, then, for special strength, andmay the Spirit ofGod,whohelpethourinfirmities,asHeallowedhelptoMoses,enableuslikehimtocontinuewithourhandssteady"until thegoingdownof thesun;" till theeveningoflifeisover;tillweshallcometotherisingofabettersuninthelandwhereprayerisswallowedupinpraise.

A p r i l 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

We are come to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better thingsthanthatofAbel.-Hebrews12:24

Reader,haveyoucome to thebloodof sprinkling?Thequestion isnotwhether you have come to a knowledge of doctrine, or an observance ofceremonies,or toacertain formofexperience,buthaveyoucome to thebloodofJesus?ThebloodofJesusisthelifeofallvitalgodliness.Ifyouhave truly come to Jesus, we know how you came — the Holy Spiritsweetly brought you there. You came to the blood of sprinklingwith nomeritsofyourown.Guilty,lost,andhelpless,youcametotakethatblood,and that blood alone, as your everlasting hope.You came to the cross ofChrist,withatremblingandanachingheart;andoh!whataprecioussounditwastoyoutohearthevoiceofthebloodofJesus!ThedroppingofHisbloodisasthemusicofheaventothepenitentsonsofearth.Wearefullofsin,buttheSaviourbidsusliftoureyestoHim,andaswegazeuponHisstreamingwounds, each drop of blood, as it falls, cries, "It is finished; Ihavemadeanendofsin;Ihavebroughtineverlastingrighteousness."Oh!sweet language of the precious blood of Jesus! If you have come to thatbloodonce,youwillcometoitconstantly.Yourlifewillbe"LookinguntoJesus." Your whole conduct will be epitomized in this — "To whomcoming."NottowhomIhavecome,buttowhomIamalwayscoming.Ifthouhastevercome to thebloodofsprinkling, thouwilt feel thyneedofcomingtoiteveryday.Hewhodoesnotdesiretowashiniteveryday,hasnever washed in it at all. The believer ever feels it to be his joy andprivilegethatthereisstillafountainopened.Pastexperiencesaredoubtfulfood forChristians; apresentcoming toChrist alonecangiveus joyandcomfort.Thismorning letussprinkleourdoor-post freshwithblood,andthen feastupon theLamb, assured that thedestroyingangelmustpassusby.

Thisevening'sverse:

WewouldseeJesus.-John12:21

Evermoretheworldling'scryis,Whowillshowusanygood?"Heseekssatisfactioninearthlycomforts,enjoyments,andriches.Butthequickenedsinnerknowsofonlyonegood."OthatIknewwhereImightfindHIM!"Whenheistrulyawakenedtofeelhisguilt, ifyoucouldpourthegoldofIndiaathisfeet,hewouldsay,"Takeitaway:IwanttofindHIM."Itisablessed thing for aman,whenhehasbroughthisdesires intoa focus, sothat they all centre in oneobject.Whenhe has fifty different desires, hisheartresemblesamereofstagnantwater,spreadoutintoamarsh,breedingmiasma and pestilence; but when all his desires are brought into onechannel, his heart becomes like a river of purewater, running swiftly tofertilizethefields.Happyishewhohathonedesire,ifthatonedesirebesetonChrist, though itmay not yet have been realized. If Jesus be a soul'sdesire,itisablessedsignofdivineworkwithin.Suchamanwillneverbecontentwithmereordinances.Hewillsay,"IwantChrist;ImusthaveHim—mereordinancesareofnouse tome; IwantHimself;donotoffermethese;youoffermetheemptypitcher,whileIamdyingofthirst;givemewater,orIdie.Jesusismysoul'sdesire.IwouldseeJesus!"

Is this thy condition, my reader, at this moment? Hast thou but onedesire,andisthatafterChrist?Thenthouartnotfarfromthekingdomofheaven.Hast thoubut onewish in thy heart, and that onewish that thoumaystbewashedfromallthysinsinJesus'blood?Canstthoureallysay,"IwouldgiveallIhavetobeaChristian;IwouldgiveupeverythingIhaveandhope for, if Imight but feel that I have an interest inChrist"?Then,despiteallthyfears,beofgoodcheer,theLordloveththee,andthoushaltcome out into daylight soon, and rejoice in the liberty wherewith Christmakesmenfree.

A p r i l 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Sheboundthescarletlineinthewindow.-Joshua2:21

Rahab depended for her preservation upon the promise of the spies,whomshelookeduponastherepresentativesoftheGodofIsrael.Herfaithwassimpleandfirm,butitwasveryobedient.Totiethescarletlineinthewindowwas a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk ofomitting it.Come,mysoul, is therenotherea lessonfor thee?Hast thoubeenattentive to all thyLord'swill, even though someofHis commandsshould seem non-essential? Hast thou observed in his own way the twoordinances of believers' baptism and theLord's Supper?These neglected,arguemuchunlovingdisobedienceinthyheart.Behenceforthinallthingsblameless,eventothetyingofathread,ifthatbematterofcommand.

ThisactofRahabsetsforthayetmoresolemnlesson.HaveIimplicitlytrustedinthepreciousbloodofJesus?HaveItiedthescarletcord,aswithaGordianknotinmywindow,sothatmytrustcanneverberemoved?OrcanIlookouttowardstheDeadSeaofmysins,ortheJerusalemofmyhopes,without seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with itsblessedpower?Thepasser-bycanseeacordofsoconspicuousacolour,ifit hangs from the window: it will be well for me if my life makes theefficacyoftheatonementconspicuoustoallonlookers.Whatistheretobeashamedof?Letmenordevilsgazeiftheywill,thebloodismyboastandmysong.Mysoul, there isOnewhowill see that scarlet line,evenwhenfromweaknessoffaiththoucanstnotseeitthyself;Jehovah,theAvenger,willseeitandpassoverthee.Jericho'swallsfellflat:Rahab'shousewasonthe wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my nature is built into the wall ofhumanity,andyetwhendestructionsmites therace, Ishallbesecure.Mysoul,tiethescarletthreadinthewindowafresh,andrestinpeace.

Thisevening'sverse:

Andthousaidst,Iwillsurelydotheegood.-Genesis32:12

When Jacobwas on the other side of the brook Jabbok, andEsauwascoming with armed men, he earnestly sought God's protection, and as amaster reasonhepleaded, "AndThou saidst, Iwill surelydo theegood."Oh, the force of that plea! He was holding God to His word— "Thousaidst."TheattributeofGod'sfaithfulnessisasplendidhornofthealtartolayholdupon;butthepromise,whichhasinittheattributeandsomethingmore,isayetmightierholdfast—"Thousaidst,Iwillsurelydotheegood."AndhasHesaid,andshallHenotdoit?"LetGodbetrue,andeverymanaliar."Shall notHebe true?ShallHenot keepHisword?Shall not everywordthatcomethoutofHislipsstandfastandbefulfilled?Solomon,attheopeningofthetemple,usedthissamemightyplea.HepleadedwithGodtorememberthewordwhichHehadspokentohisfatherDavid,andtoblessthatplace.Whenamangivesapromissorynote,hishonourisengaged;hesignshishand,andhemustdischargeitwhentheduetimecomes,orelsehe loses credit. It shall never be said thatGod dishonoursHis bills. Thecredit of theMostHigh neverwas impeached, and never shall be.He ispunctual to the moment: He never is before His time, but He never isbehindit.SearchGod'swordthrough,andcompareitwiththeexperienceofGod'speople,andyoushallfindthetwotallyfromthefirst to thelast.ManyahoarypatriarchhassaidwithJoshua,"NotonethinghathfailedofallthegoodthingswhichtheLordyourGodspakeconcerningyou;allarecometopass."Ifyouhaveadivinepromise,youneednotpleaditwithan"if,"youmayurgeitwithcertainty.TheLordmeanttofulfilthepromise,orHewouldnothavegivenit.GoddoesnotgiveHiswordsmerelytoquietus,andtokeepushopefulforawhilewiththeintentionofputtingusoffatlast;butwhenHespeaks,itisbecauseHemeanstodoasHehassaid.

A p r i l 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Behold, the veil of the templewas rent in twain from the top to thebottom.-Matthew27:51

Nomeanmiraclewaswrought in the rending of so strong and thick aveil;butitwasnotintendedmerelyasadisplayofpower—manylessonswerehereintaughtus.Theoldlawofordinanceswasputaway,andlikeaworn-outvesture,rentandlaidaside.WhenJesusdied,thesacrificeswereall finished, because all fulfilled inHim, and therefore the place of theirpresentation was marked with an evident token of decay. That rent alsorevealedallthehiddenthingsoftheolddispensation:themercy-seatcouldnowbeseen,andthegloryofGodgleamedforthaboveit.Bythedeathofour Lord Jesus we have a clear revelation of God, for He was "not asMoses,whoputaveiloverhisface."Lifeandimmortalityarenowbroughtto light, and things which have been hidden since the foundation of theworld aremanifest inHim.The annual ceremony of atonementwas thusabolished.Theatoningbloodwhichwasonceeveryyearsprinkledwithintheveil,wasnowofferedonceforallbythegreatHighPriest,andthereforetheplaceofthesymbolicalritewasbrokenup.Nobloodofbullocksoroflambs is needed now, for Jesus has enteredwithin the veilwith his ownblood.HenceaccesstoGodisnowpermitted,andistheprivilegeofeverybeliever inChrist Jesus.There isnosmall space laidopen throughwhichwemay peer at themercy-seat, but the rent reaches from the top to thebottom.Wemaycomewithboldness to the throneof theheavenlygrace.Shall we err if we say that the opening of the Holy of Holies in thismarvellousmannerbyourLord'sexpiringcrywasthetypeoftheopeningof the gates of paradise to all the saints by virtue of the Passion? OurbleedingLordhaththekeyofheaven;Heopenethandnomanshutteth;letusenterinwithHimintotheheavenlyplaces,andsitwithHimtheretillourcommonenemiesshallbemadeHisfootstool.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheAmen.-Revelation3:14

ThewordAMENsolemnlyconfirmsthatwhichwentbefore;andJesusisthegreatConfirmer;immutable,foreveris"theAmen"inallHispromises.Sinner,Iwouldcomforttheewiththisreflection.JesusChristsaid,"Comeuntomeallyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest."IfyoucometoHim,Hewillsay"Amen"inyoursoul;Hispromiseshallbetrue toyou.Hesaid in thedaysofHis flesh,"ThebruisedreedIwillnotbreak."Othoupoor,broken,bruisedheart,ifthoucomesttoHim,Hewillsay "Amen" to thee, and that shall be true in thy soul as in hundreds ofcases inbygoneyears.Christian, is not this very comforting to thee also,thatthereisnotawordwhichhasgoneoutoftheSaviour'slipswhichHehaseverretracted?ThewordsofJesusshallstandwhenheavenandearthshallpassaway.Ifthougettestaholdofbuthalfapromise,thoushaltfindittrue.Bewareofhimwhoiscalled"Clip-promise,"whowilldestroymuchofthecomfortofGod'sword.

JesusisYeaandAmeninallHisoffices.HewasaPriesttopardonandcleanseonce,HeisAmenasPrieststill.HewasaKingtoruleandreignforHispeople,andtodefendthemwithHismightyarm,HeisanAmenKing,thesamestill.HewasaProphetofold,toforetellgoodthingstocome,Hislipsaremostsweet,anddropwithhoneystill—HeisanAmenProphet.He is Amen as to the merit of His blood; He is Amen as to Hisrighteousness.That sacred robe shall remainmost fair andgloriouswhennatureshalldecay.He isAmen ineverysingle titlewhichHebears;yourHusband, never seeking a divorce; your Friend, sticking closer than abrother;yourShepherd,withyouindeath'sdarkvale;yourHelpandyourDeliverer; your Castle and your High Tower; the Horn of your strength,yourconfidence,yourjoy,yourallinall,andyourYeaandAmeninall.

A p r i l 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

ThatthroughdeathHemightdestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath.-Hebrews2:14

OchildofGod,deathhathlostitssting,becausethedevil'spoweroveritisdestroyed.Thenceasetofeardying.AskgracefromGodtheHolyGhost,thatbyan intimateknowledgeanda firmbeliefof thyRedeemer'sdeath,thoumayst be strengthened for that dread hour. Living near the cross ofCalvary thoumayst thinkofdeathwithpleasure, andwelcome itwhen itcomeswithintensedelight.ItissweettodieintheLord:itisacovenant-blessingtosleepinJesus.Deathisnolongerbanishment,itisareturnfromexile, a going home to themanymansionswhere the loved ones alreadydwell.Thedistancebetweenglorifiedspirits inheavenandmilitantsaintson earth seems great; but it is not so. We are not far from home— amomentwillbringusthere.Thesailisspread;thesoulislauncheduponthedeep.Howlongwillbeitsvoyage?Howmanywearyingwindsmustbeatuponthesailereitshallbereefedintheportofpeace?Howlongshallthatsoulbetosseduponthewavesbeforeitcomestothatseawhichknowsnostorm?Listentotheanswer,"Absentfromthebody,presentwiththeLord."Yonshiphasjustdeparted,butitisalreadyatitshaven.Itdidbutspreaditssailanditwasthere.Likethatshipofold,upontheLakeofGalilee,astormhadtossed it,butJesussaid,"Peace,bestill,"and immediately itcametoland.Thinknot thata longperiod intervenesbetween the instantofdeathandtheeternityofglory.Whentheeyescloseonearththeyopeninheaven.Thehorsesoffirearenotaninstantontheroad.Then,OchildofGod,whatistherefortheetofearindeath,seeingthatthroughthedeathofthyLorditscurseandstingaredestroyed?andnowitisbutaJacob'sladderwhosefootisinthedarkgrave,butitstopreachestogloryeverlasting.

Thisevening'sverse:

FighttheLord'sbattles.-1Samuel18:17

ThesacramentalhostofGod'selectiswarringstillonearth,JesusChristbeingtheCaptainoftheirsalvation.Hehassaid,"Lo!Iamwithyoualway,even unto the end of theworld."Hark to the shouts ofwar!Now let thepeopleofGodstandfastintheirranks,andletnoman'sheartfailhim.ItistruethatjustnowinEnglandthebattleisturnedagainstus,andunlesstheLord Jesus shall lift His sword, we know not what may become of thechurchofGodinthisland;butletusbeofgoodcourage,andplaytheman.ThereneverwasadaywhenProtestantismseemedtotremblemoreinthescales than now that a fierce effort is making to restore the Romishantichrist to his ancient seat.We greatlywant a bold voice and a stronghand to preach and publish the old gospel for which martyrs bled andconfessorsdied.TheSaviour is,byHisSpirit,stillonearth; let thischeerus. He is ever in the midst of the fight, and therefore the battle is notdoubtful.Andastheconflictrages,whatasweetsatisfactionitistoknowthat the Lord Jesus, in His office as our great Intercessor, is prevalentlypleading forHis people!O anxious gazer, look not somuch at the battlebelow, for there thou shalt be enshrouded in smoke, and amazed withgarmentsrolledinblood;butliftthineeyesyonderwheretheSaviourlivesandpleads,forwhileHeintercedes,thecauseofGodissafe.Letusfightasif it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all dependsuponHim.

Now,by the liliesofChristianpurity,andby the rosesof theSaviour'satonement,bytheroesandbythehindsofthefield,wechargeyouwhoareloversofJesus,todovaliantlyintheHolyWar,fortruthandrighteousness,forthekingdomandcrownjewelsofyourMaster.Onward!"forthebattleisnotyoursbutGod's."

A p r i l 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

IknowthatmyRedeemerliveth.-Job19:25

The marrow of Job's comfort lies in that little word "My" — "MyRedeemer," and in the fact that theRedeemer lives.Oh! to get hold of alivingChrist.Wemust get a property inHim beforewe can enjoyHim.What is gold in themine tome?Men are beggars inPeru, and beg theirbreadinCalifornia.Itisgoldinmypursewhichwillsatisfymynecessities,bypurchasingthebreadIneed.SoaRedeemerwhodoesnotredeemme,anavengerwhowillneverstandupformyblood,ofwhatavailweresuch?Rest not content until by faith you can say "Yes, I castmyself uponmylivingLord;andHeismine."ItmaybeyouholdHimwithafeeblehand;you half think it presumption to say, "He lives as my Redeemer;" yet,rememberifyouhavebutfaithasagrainofmustardseed, that littlefaithentitles you to say it. But there is also another word here, expressive ofJob's strong confidence, "I know." To say, "I hope so, I trust so" iscomfortable;and thereare thousands in thefoldofJesuswhohardlyevergetmuchfurther.Buttoreachtheessenceofconsolationyoumustsay,"Iknow." Ifs,buts,andperhapses,aresuremurderersofpeaceandcomfort.Doubtsaredrearythingsintimesofsorrow.Likewaspstheystingthesoul!IfIhaveanysuspicionthatChristisnotmine,thenthereisvinegarmingledwiththegallofdeath;butifIknowthatJesuslivesforme,thendarknessisnot dark: even the night is light about me. Surely if Job, in those agesbeforethecomingandadventofChrist,couldsay,"Iknow,"weshouldnotspeak less positively. God forbid that our positiveness should bepresumption.Letusseethatourevidencesareright,lestwebuilduponanungroundedhope;andthenletusnotbesatisfiedwiththemerefoundation,for it is from the upper rooms that we get the widest prospect. A livingRedeemer,trulymine,isjoyunspeakable.

Thisevening'sverse:

WhoisevenattherighthandofGod.-Romans8:34

He who was once despised and rejected of men, now occupies thehonourablepositionofabelovedandhonouredSon.TherighthandofGodis the place of majesty and favour. Our Lord Jesus is His people'srepresentative.When He died for them they had rest; He rose again forthem, theyhad liberty;whenHesatdownatHisFather's righthand, theyhadfavour,andhonour,anddignity.TheraisingandelevationofChrististhe elevation, the acceptance, and enshrinement, the glorifying of allHispeople,forHeistheirheadandrepresentative.ThissittingattherighthandofGod,then,istobeviewedastheacceptanceofthepersonoftheSurety,the reception of the Representative, and therefore, the acceptance of oursouls.Osaint,seeinthisthysurefreedomfromcondemnation."Whoishethat condemneth?"Who shall condemn the men who are in Jesus at therighthandofGod?

Therighthandistheplaceofpower.ChristattherighthandofGodhathallpower inheavenand inearth.Whoshall fight against thepeoplewhohavesuchpowervestedintheirCaptain?Omysoul,whatcandestroytheeifOmnipotencebethyhelper?IftheaegisoftheAlmightycoverthee,whatsword can smite thee? Rest thou secure. If Jesus is thine all-prevailingKing, and hath trodden thine enemies beneathHis feet; if sin, death, andhell are all vanquished by Him, and thou art represented in Him, by nopossibilitycanstthoubedestroyed.

"Jesu'stremendousnamePutsallourfoestoflight:Jesus,themeek,theangryLamb,ALionisinfight.

"Byallhell'shostwithstood;Weallhell'shosto'erthrow;Andconqueringthem,throughJesu'sbloodWestilltoconquergo."

A p r i l 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

HimhathGodexalted.-Acts5:31

Jesus, our Lord, once crucified, dead and buried, now sits upon thethroneofglory.ThehighestplacethatheavenaffordsisHisbyundisputedright. It is sweet to remember that the exaltation ofChrist in heaven is arepresentative exaltation. He is exalted at the Father's right hand, andthoughasJehovahHehademinentglories,inwhichfinitecreaturescannotshare,yetastheMediator,thehonourswhichJesuswearsinheavenaretheheritage of all the saints. It is delightful to reflect how close is Christ'sunionwithHispeople.WeareactuallyonewithHim;wearemembersofHisbody;andHisexaltationisourexaltation.Hewillgiveus tosituponHisthrone,evenasHehasovercome,andissetdownwithHisFatheronHisthrone;Hehasacrown,andHegivesuscrownstoo;Hehasathrone,butHe is not contentwithhaving a throne toHimself, onHis right handtheremustbeHisqueen,arrayedin"goldofOphir."HecannotbeglorifiedwithoutHisbride.Lookup,believer,toJesusnow;lettheeyeofyourfaithbeholdHimwithmanycrownsuponHishead;andrememberthatyouwillonedaybelikeHim,whenyoushallseeHimasHeis;youshallnotbesogreatasHeis,youshallnotbesodivine,butstillyoushall,inameasure,sharethesamehonours,andenjoythesamehappinessandthesamedignitywhichHepossesses.Becontent to liveunknownfora littlewhile,and towalk your weary way through the fields of poverty, or up the hills ofaffliction; forby-and-byyoushall reignwithChrist, forHehas"madeuskings and priests unto God, and we shall reign for ever and ever." Oh!,wonderfulthoughtforthechildrenofGod!WehaveChristforourgloriousrepresentative inheaven'scourtsnow,andsoonHewillcomeandreceiveustoHimself,tobewithHimthere,tobeholdHisglory,andtoshareHisjoy.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thoushaltnotbeafraidfortheterrorbynight.-Psalm91:5

Whatis thisterror?Itmaybethecryoffire,orthenoiseofthieves,orfanciedappearances,ortheshriekofsuddensicknessordeath.Weliveintheworldofdeathandsorrow,wemaythereforelookforillsaswellinthenight-watchesasbeneaththeglareofhebroilingsun.Norshouldthisalarmus,forbetheterrorwhatitmay,thepromiseisthatthebelievershallnotbeafraid.Whyshouldhe?Letusputitmoreclosely,whyshouldwe?GodourFather is here, and will be here all through the lonely hours; He is analmighty Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a faithful Friend. Nothing canhappen without His direction, for even hell itself is under His control.Darkness isnotdarktoHim.HehaspromisedtobeawalloffirearoundHispeople—andwhocanbreakthroughsuchabarrier?Worldlingsmaywellbeafraid,fortheyhaveanangryGodabovethem,aguiltyconsciencewithinthem,andayawninghellbeneaththem;butwewhorestinJesusaresavedfromallthesethroughrichmercy.Ifwegivewaytofoolishfearweshall dishonour our profession, and lead others to doubt the reality ofgodliness.We ought to be afraid of being afraid, lest we should vex theHoly Spirit by foolish distrust. Down, then, ye dismal forebodings andgroundlessapprehensions,Godhasnotforgottentobegracious,norshutupHistendermercies,itmaybenightinthesoul,butthereneedbenoterror,for theGodof lovechangesnot.Childrenof lightmaywalk indarkness,but they are not therefore cast away, nay, they are now enabled to provetheiradoptionbytrustingintheirheavenlyFatherashypocritescannotdo.

"Thoughthenightbedarkanddreary,DarknesscannothidefromThee;ThouartHe,who,neverweary,WatchestwhereThypeoplebe."

A p r i l 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Nay,inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughHimthatlovedus.-Romans8:37

Wego toChrist for forgiveness, and then toooften look to the law forpower to fight our sins. Paul thus rebukes us, "O foolishGalatians, whohathbewitchedyou, thatyeshouldnotobey the truth?Thisonlywould Ilearn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by thehearingoffaith?areyesofoolish?havingbegunintheSpirit,areyenowmadeperfectbytheflesh?"TakeyoursinstoChrist'scross,fortheoldmancanonlybecrucifiedthere:wearecrucifiedwithHim.Theonlyweapontofight sin with is the spear which pierced the side of Jesus. To give anillustration—youwant toovercomeanangry temper, howdoyougo towork? It is very possible you have never tried the rightway of going toJesuswithit.HowdidIgetsalvation?IcametoJesusjustasIwas,andItrustedHimtosaveme.Imustkillmyangrytemperinthesameway?ItistheonlywayinwhichIcaneverkillit.Imustgotothecrosswithit,andsaytoJesus,"Lord,ItrustTheetodelivermefromit."Thisistheonlywaytogiveitadeath-blow.Areyoucovetous?Doyoufeeltheworldentangleyou?Youmaystruggleagainst thisevilsolongasyouplease,butif itbeyourbesettingsin,youwillneverbedeliveredfromitinanywaybutbythebloodofJesus.TakeittoChrist.TellHim,"Lord,IhavetrustedThee,andThyname is Jesus, forThoudost saveThypeople from their sins;Lord,this is oneofmy sins; saveme from it!"Ordinances arenothingwithoutChristasameansofmortification.Yourprayers,andyourrepentances,andyour tears— thewhole of them put together— areworth nothing apartfromHim."NonebutJesuscandohelplesssinnersgood;"orhelplesssaintseither. You must be conquerors through Him who hath loved you, ifconquerorsatall.OurlaurelsmustgrowamongHisolivesinGethsemane.

Thisevening'sverse:

Lo,inthemidstofthethrone...stoodaLambasithadbeenslain.-Revelation5:6

Why should our exalted Lord appear in His wounds in glory? ThewoundsofJesusareHisglories,Hisjewels,Hissacredornaments.Totheeyeof thebeliever, Jesus ispassing fairbecauseHe is "whiteand ruddy"whitewith innocence,andruddywithHisownblood.WeseeHimas thelily of matchless purity, and as the rose crimsoned with His own gore.ChristislovelyuponOlivetandTabor,andbythesea,butoh!thereneverwassuchamatchlessChristasHethatdidhanguponthecross.Therewebeheld allHis beauties in perfection, allHis attributes developed, allHislovedrawnout,allHischaracterexpressed.Beloved,thewoundsofJesusarefarmorefairinoureyesthanallthesplendourandpompofkings.Thethornycrownismorethananimperialdiadem.ItistruethatHebearsnotnowthesceptreofreed,buttherewasagloryinitthatneverflashedfromsceptreof gold. Jesuswears the appearanceof a slainLambasHis courtdress inwhichHewooedour souls, and redeemed thembyHiscompleteatonement.NoraretheseonlytheornamentsofChrist:theyarethetrophiesofHisloveandofHisvictory.Hehasdividedthespoilwiththestrong.HehasredeemedforHimselfagreatmultitudewhomnomancannumber,andthesescarsarethememorialsofthefight.Ah!ifChristthuslovestoretainthe thought of His sufferings for His people, how precious should hiswoundsbetous!

"BeholdhoweverywoundofHisApreciousbalmdistils,Whichhealsthescarsthatsinhadmade,Andcuresallmortalills.

"ThosewoundsaremouthsthatpreachHisgrace;TheensignsofHislove;ThesealsofourexpectedblissInparadiseabove."

A p r i l 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Andbecauseofallthiswemakeasurecovenant.-Nehemiah9:38

Therearemanyoccasionsinourexperiencewhenwemayveryrightly,and with benefit, renew our covenant with God. After recovery fromsicknesswhen, likeHezekiah,wehavehadanew termofyearsadded toour life,wemayfitlydo it.Afteranydeliverancefromtrouble,whenourjoysbudforthanew,letusagainvisitthefootofthecross,andrenewourconsecration.Especially, letusdothisafteranysinwhichhasgrievedtheHolySpirit,orbroughtdishonouruponthecauseofGod;letusthenlooktothatbloodwhichcanmakeuswhiterthansnow,andagainofferourselvesuntotheLord.WeshouldnotonlyletourtroublesconfirmourdedicationtoGod,butourprosperityshoulddothesame.Ifweevermeetwithoccasionswhich deserve to be called "crowning mercies" then, surely, if He hathcrownedus,weoughtalsotocrownourGod;letusbringforthanewallthejewelsof thedivine regaliawhichhavebeen stored in the jewel-closetofourheart,andletourGodsituponthethroneofourlove,arrayedinroyalapparel.Ifwewouldlearntoprofitbyourprosperity,weshouldnotneedsomuchadversity.Ifwewouldgatherfromakissallthegooditmightconferupon us, we should not so often smart under the rod. Have we latelyreceivedsomeblessingwhichwelittleexpected?HastheLordputourfeetinalargeroom?Canwesingofmerciesmultiplied?Thenthisisthedaytoputourhanduponthehornsofthealtar,andsay,"Bindmehere,myGod;bind me here with cords, even for ever." Inasmuch as we need thefulfillmentofnewpromisesfromGod,letusofferrenewedprayersthatouroldvowsmaynotbedishonoured.Letus thismorningmakewithHimasurecovenant,becauseof thepainsof Jesuswhich for the lastmonthwehavebeenconsideringwithgratitude.

Thisevening'sverse:

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds iscome, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. - Song OfSolomon2:12

Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us toappreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances itspresent delights. After periods of depression of spirit, it is delightful tobehold again the light of the Sun of Righteousness; then our slumberinggraces rise from their lethargy, like thecrocusand thedaffodil from theirbeds of earth; then is our heart made merry with delicious notes ofgratitude, far more melodious than the warbling of birds — and thecomforting assurance of peace, infinitelymore delightful than the turtle'snote, is heard within the soul. Now is the time for the soul to seekcommunion with her Beloved; now must she rise from her nativesordidness,andcomeawayfromheroldassociations.Ifwedonothoistthesail when the breeze is favourable, we shall be blameworthy: times ofrefreshingoughtnottopassoverusunimproved.WhenJesusHimselfvisitsusintenderness,andentreatsustoarise,canwebesobaseastorefuseHisrequest?HehasHimselfrisenthatHemaydrawusafterHim:HenowbyHisHolySpirithasrevivedus,thatwemay,innewnessoflife,ascendintothe heavenlies, and hold communion with Himself. Let our wintry statesuffice us for coldness and indifference; when the Lord creates a springwithin, let our sap flow with vigour, and our branch blossom with highresolve. O Lord, if it be not spring time inmy chilly heart, I pray Theemakeitso,forIamheartilywearyoflivingatadistancefromThee.Oh!thelonganddrearywinter,whenwiltThoubringittoanend?Come,HolySpirit,andrenewmysoul!quickenThoume!restoreme,andhavemercyonme!ThisverynightIwouldearnestlyimploretheLordtotakepityuponHisservant,andsendmeahappyrevivalofspirituallife!

A p r i l 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Riseupmylove,myfairone,andcomeaway.-SongOfSolomon2:10

Lo, I hear the voice ofmyBeloved!He speaks tome!Fairweather issmilingupon the faceof theearth, andHewouldnothavemespirituallyasleepwhilenatureisallaroundmeawakingfromherwinter'srest.Hebidsme"Riseup,"andwellHemay,forIhavelongenoughbeenlyingamongthepotsofworldliness.Heisrisen,IamriseninHim,whythenshouldIcleaveuntothedust?Fromlowerloves,desires,pursuits,andaspirations,IwouldrisetowardsHim.Hecallsmebythesweettitleof"Mylove,"andcountsmefair;thisisagoodargumentformyrising.IfHehasthusexaltedme,andthinksmethuscomely,howcanIlingerinthetentsofKedarandfind congenial associates among the sons of men? He bids me "Comeaway." Further and further from everything selfish, grovelling, worldly,sinful,Hecallsme;yea,fromtheoutwardlyreligiousworldwhichknowsHimnot,andhasnosympathywiththemysteryofthehigherlife,Hecallsme."Comeaway"hasnoharshsoundinit tomyear,forwhat is theretoholdmeinthiswildernessofvanityandsin?OmyLord,wouldthatIcouldcomeaway,butIamtakenamongthethorns,andcannotescapefromthemas I would. I would, if it were possible, have neither eyes, nor ears, norheartforsin.ThoucallestmetoThyselfbysaying"Comeaway,"andthisisamelodiouscall indeed.TocometoTheeis tocomehomefromexile, tocometolandoutof theragingstorm,tocometorestafter longlabour, tocome to the goal ofmydesires and the summit ofmywishes.ButLord,howcanastonerise,howcanalumpofclaycomeawayfromthehorriblepit?Oraiseme,drawme.Thygracecandoit.SendforthThyHolySpirittokindlesacredflamesofloveinmyheart,andIwillcontinuetoriseuntilIleavelifeandtimebehindme,andindeedcomeaway.

Thisevening'sverse:

IfanymanhearMyvoice,andopenthedoor,Iwillcomeintohim.-Revelation3:20

Whatisyourdesirethisevening?Isitsetuponheavenlythings?Doyoulong to enjoy the high doctrine of eternal love?Do you desire liberty inveryclosecommunionwithGod?Doyouaspiretoknowtheheights,anddepths, and lengths, andbreadths?Thenyoumustdrawear to Jesus;youmust get a clear sight ofHim inHis preciousness and completeness: youmust view Him in His work, in His offices, in His person. He whounderstandsChrist,receivesananointingfromtheHolyOne,bywhichHeknowsallthings.Christisthegreatmaster-keyofallthechambersofGod:there isno treasure-houseofGodwhichwillnotopenandyieldupall itswealthtothesoulthatlivesneartoJesus.Areyousaying,"OthatHewoulddwellinmybosom"?"WouldthatHewouldmakemyheartHisdwelling-placeforever"?Openthedoor,beloved,andHewillcomeintoyoursouls.Hehaslongbeenknocking,andallwiththisobject,thatHemaysupwithyou,andyouwithHim.Hesupswithyoubecauseyoufindthehouseortheheart,andyouwithHimbecauseHebringstheprovision.Hecouldnotsupwithyouifitwerenotinyourheart,youfindingthehouse;norcouldyousupwithHim,foryouhaveabarecupboard,ifHedidnotbringprovisionwithHim.Flingwide,then,theportalsofyoursoul.Hewillcomewiththatlovewhich you long to feel;Hewill comewith that joy intowhich youcannotworkyourpoordepressedspirit;Hewillbringthepeacewhichnowyouhavenot;HewillcomewithHisflagonsofwineandsweetapplesoflove, and cheer you till you have no other sickness but that of "loveo'erpowering, love divine." Only open the door to Him, drive out Hisenemies,giveHimthekeysofyourheart,andHewilldwellthereforever.Oh,wondrouslove,thatbringssuchaguesttodwellinsuchaheart!

A p r i l 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

ThisdoinremembranceofMe.-1Corinthians11:24

Itseemsthen,thatChristiansmayforgetChrist!Therecouldbenoneedfor this lovingexhortation, if therewerenotafearfulsupposition thatourmemoriesmightprovetreacherous.Noristhisabaresupposition:itis,alas!too well confirmed in our experience, not as a possibility, but as alamentable fact. It appears almost impossible that those who have beenredeemedby thebloodof thedyingLamb, and lovedwithaneverlastinglovebytheeternalSonofGod,shouldforgetthatgraciousSaviour;but,ifstartlingtotheear,itis,alas!tooapparenttotheeyetoallowustodenythecrime.ForgetHimwhoneverforgotus!ForgetHimwhopouredHisbloodforth forour sins!ForgetHimwho loveduseven to thedeath!Can itbepossible?Yes,itisnotonlypossible,butconscienceconfessesthatitistoosadlya faultwithallofus, thatwesufferHim tobeasawayfaringmantarryingbutforanight.Hewhomweshouldmaketheabidingtenantofourmemories is but a visitor therein. The cross where one would think thatmemorywouldlinger,andunmindfulnesswouldbeanunknownintruder,isdesecratedby thefeetof forgetfulness.Doesnotyourconsciencesay thatthis is true?DoyounotfindyourselvesforgetfulofJesus?Somecreaturesteals away your heart, and you are unmindful ofHim uponwhom youraffection ought to be set. Some earthly business engrosses your attentionwhen you should fix your eye steadily upon the cross. It is the incessantturmoilof theworld, theconstant attractionofearthly thingswhich takesawaythesoulfromChrist.Whilememorytoowellpreservesapoisonousweed, it suffereth theroseofSharon towither.Letuschargeourselves tobindaheavenlyforget-me-notaboutourheartsforJesusourBeloved,and,whateverelseweletslip,letusholdfasttoHim.

Thisevening'sverse:

Blessedishethatwatcheth.-Revelation16:15

"Wediedaily,"saidtheapostle.ThiswasthelifeoftheearlyChristians;theywenteverywherewiththeirlivesintheirhands.Wearenotinthisdaycalled topass throughthesamefearfulpersecutions: ifwewere, theLordwouldgiveusgrace tobear the test;but the testsofChristian life, at thepresentmoment, though outwardly not so terrible, are yetmore likely toovercomeusthaneventhoseofthefieryage.Wehavetobearthesneeroftheworld—thatislittle;itsblandishments,itssoftwords,itsoilyspeeches,its fawning, its hypocrisy, are farworse.Ourdanger is lestwegrow richandbecomeproud,lestwegiveourselvesuptothefashionsofthispresentevilworld,andloseourfaith.Orifwealthbenotthetrial,worldlycareisquiteasmischievous.Ifwecannotbetorninpiecesbytheroaringlion,ifwemaybehuggedtodeathbythebear,thedevillittlecareswhichitis,solongashedestroysourlovetoChrist,andourconfidenceinHim.IfearmethattheChristianchurchisfarmorelikelytoloseherintegrityinthesesoftandsilkendaysthaninthoseroughertimes.Wemustbeawakenow,forwetraversetheenchantedground,andaremostlikelytofallasleeptoourownundoing, unless our faith in Jesus be a reality, and our love to Jesus avehementflame.Manyinthesedaysofeasyprofessionarelikelytoprovetares,andnotwheat;hypocriteswithfairmasksontheirfaces,butnotthetrue-bornchildrenof thelivingGod.Christian,donot thinkthat thesearetimesinwhichyoucandispensewithwatchfulnessorwithholyardour;youneed these thingsmore than ever, andmayGod the eternalSpirit displayHis omnipotence in you, that youmay be able to say, in all these softerthings, aswell as in the rougher, "We aremore than conquerors throughHimthatlovedus."

A p r i l 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

God,evenourownGod.-Psalm67:6

ItisstrangehowlittleusewemakeofthespiritualblessingswhichGodgives us, but it is stranger still how little use wemake of GodHimself.ThoughHeis"ourownGod,"weapplyourselvesbutlittletoHim,andaskbutlittleofHim.HowseldomdoweaskcounselatthehandsoftheLord!Howoftendowegoaboutourbusiness,withoutseekingHisguidance!Inour troubles how constantly do we strive to bear our burdens ourselves,insteadofcastingthemupontheLord,thatHemaysustainus!Thisisnotbecausewemaynot,fortheLordseemstosay,"Iamthine,soul,comeandmakeuseofmeasthouwilt;thoumaystfreelycometomystore,andtheoftenerthemorewelcome."ItisourownfaultifwemakenotfreewiththerichesofourGod.Then,sincethouhastsuchafriend,andHeinvitesthee,draw fromHimdaily.Neverwantwhilst thouhast aGod togo to;neverfearorfaintwhilstthouhastGodtohelpthee;gotothytreasureandtakewhateverthouneedest—thereisallthatthoucanstwant.LearnthedivineskillofmakingGodallthingstothee.Hecansupplytheewithall,or,betterstill,Hecanbetotheeinsteadofall.Letmeurgethee,then,tomakeuseofthyGod.MakeuseofHiminprayer.GotoHimoften,becauseHeis thyGod.O,wiltthoufailtousesogreataprivilege?FlytoHim,tellHimallthy wants. Use Him constantly by faith at all times. If some darkprovidence has beclouded thee, use thy God as a "sun;" if some strongenemyhasbesetthee,findinJehovaha"shield,"forHeisasunandshieldtoHispeople.Ifthouhastlostthywayinthemazesoflife,useHimasa"guide,"forHewilldirectthee.Whateverthouart,andwhereverthouart,rememberGodisjustwhatthouwantest,andjustwherethouwantest,andthatHecandoallthouwantest.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheLordisKingforeverandever.-Psalm10:16

JesusChristisnodespoticclaimantofdivineright,butHeisreallyandtrulytheLord'sanointed!"IthathpleasedtheFatherthatinHimshouldallfulnessdwell."Godhathgiven toHimallpowerandallauthority.As theSonofman,He isnowheadoverall things toHischurch,andHereignsover heaven, and earth, and hell, with the keys of life and death at Hisgirdle. Certain princes have delighted to call themselves kings by thepopularwill,andcertainlyourLordJesusChristissuchinHischurch.Ifitcouldbeput to thevotewhetherHe shouldbeKing in the church, everybelieving heart would crown Him. O that we could crown Him moregloriouslythanwedo!Wewouldcountnoexpensetobewastedthatcouldglorify Christ. Suffering would be pleasure, and loss would be gain, iftherebywecouldsurroundHisbrowwithbrightercrowns,andmakeHimmoregloriousintheeyesofmenandangels.Yes,Heshallreign.LonglivetheKing!AllhailtoThee,KingJesus!Goforth,yevirginsoulswholoveyourLord,bowatHisfeet,strewHiswaywiththeliliesofyourlove,andtherosesofyourgratitude:"Bringforththeroyaldiadem,andcrownHimLordofall."Moreover,ourLordJesusisKinginZionbyrightofconquest:Hehas takenandcarriedbystormtheheartsofHispeople,andhasslaintheirenemieswhoheldthemincruelbondage.IntheRedSeaofHisownblood,ourRedeemerhasdrownedthePharaohofoursins:shallHenotbeKinginJeshurun?Hehasdeliveredusfromtheironyokeandheavycurseofthelaw:shallnottheLiberatorbecrowned?WeareHisportion,whomHehastakenoutofthehandoftheAmoritewithHisswordandwithHisbow:whoshallsnatchHisconquest fromHishand?Allhail,KingJesus!wegladlyownThygentlesway!Rule inourhearts forever,Thou lovelyPrinceofPeace.

A p r i l 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Remember theworduntoThyservant,uponwhichThouhastcausedmetohope.-Psalm119:49

Whateveryourespecialneedmaybe,youmayreadilyfindsomepromiseintheBiblesuitedtoit.Areyoufaintandfeeblebecauseyourwayisroughandyouareweary?Hereisthepromise—"Hegivethpowertothefaint."Whenyoureadsuchapromise,takeitbacktothegreatPromiser,andaskHimtofulfilHisownword.AreyouseekingafterChrist,andthirstingforclosercommunionwithHim?Thispromiseshineslikeastaruponyou—"Blessedaretheythathungerandthirstafterrighteousness,fortheyshallbefilled."Take thatpromise to the thronecontinually;donotpleadanythingelse,butgotoGodoverandoveragainwiththis—"Lord,Thouhastsaidit,doasThouhastsaid."Areyoudistressedbecauseofsin,andburdenedwiththeheavyloadofyouriniquities?Listentothesewords—"I,evenI,amHethatblottethoutthytransgressions,andwillnomorerememberthysins."YouhavenomeritofyourowntopleadwhyHeshouldpardonyou,but plead His written engagements and He will perform them. Are youafraid lestyoushouldnotbeable toholdon to theend, lest,afterhavingthought yourself a child ofGod, you should prove a castaway? If that isyour state, take this word of grace to the throne and plead it: "Themountainsmaydepart,andthehillsmayberemoved,but thecovenantofMyloveshallnotdepartfromthee."IfyouhavelostthesweetsenseoftheSaviour'spresence,andareseekingHimwithasorrowfulheart,rememberthepromises: "ReturnuntoMe, and Iwill returnuntoyou;" "For a smallmoment have I forsaken thee, butwith greatmercieswill I gather thee."Banquet your faith upon God's own word, and whatever your fears orwants,repairtotheBankofFaithwithyourFather'snoteofhand,saying,"RemembertheworduntoThyservant,uponwhichThouhastcausedmetohope."

Thisevening'sverse:

AllthehouseofIsraelareimpudentandhardhearted.-Ezekiel3:7

Are thereno exceptions?No,notone.Even the favoured race are thusdescribed.Arethebestsobad?—thenwhatmusttheworstbe?Come,myheart,considerhowfar thouhastashare in thisuniversalaccusation,andwhileconsidering,be ready to take shameunto thyselfherein thoumaysthavebeenguilty.Thefirstchargeisimpudence,orhardnessofforehead,awantofholyshame,anunhallowedboldnessinevil.Beforemyconversion,I could sin and feel no compunction, hear of my guilt and yet remainunhumbled, and even confess my iniquity and manifest no inwardhumiliationonaccountofit.ForasinnertogotoGod'shouseandpretendtopraytoHimandpraiseHimarguesabrazen-facednessoftheworstkind!Alas!since thedayofmynewbirthIhavedoubtedmyLord toHisface,murmured unblushingly in His presence, worshipped before Him in aslovenlymanner,andsinnedwithoutbewailingmyselfconcerningit.Ifmyforeheadwerenotasanadamant,harderthanflint,Ishouldhavefarmoreholyfear,andafardeepercontritionofspirit.Woeisme,IamoneoftheimpudenthouseofIsrael.Thesecondchargeishardheartedness,andImustnotventuretopleadinnocenthere.OnceIhadnothingbutaheartofstone,andalthoughthroughgraceInowhaveanewandfleshyheart,muchofmyformerobduracyremains.IamnotaffectedbythedeathofJesusasIoughttobe;neitheramImovedbytheruinofmyfellowmen,thewickednessofthetimes,thechastisementofmyheavenlyFather,andmyownfailures,asI should be. O that my heart would melt at the recital of my Saviour'ssufferings and death. Would to God I were rid of this nether millstonewithinme,thishatefulbodyofdeath.BlessedbethenameoftheLord,thedisease is not incurable, the Saviour's precious blood is the universalsolvent,andme,evenme, itwilleffectually soften, tillmyheartmeltsaswaxbeforethefire.

A p r i l 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Thouartmyhopeinthedayofevil.-Jeremiah17:17

ThepathoftheChristianisnotalwaysbrightwithsunshine;hehashisseasonsofdarknessandof storm.True, it iswritten inGod'sWord, "Herwaysarewaysofpleasantness,andallherpathsarepeace;"anditisagreattruth, that religion iscalculated togiveamanhappinessbelowaswellasblissabove;butexperiencetellsusthatifthecourseofthejustbe"Astheshining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day," yetsometimes that light is eclipsed. At certain periods clouds cover thebeliever'ssun,andhewalksindarknessandseesnolight.TherearemanywhohaverejoicedinthepresenceofGodforaseason;theyhavebaskedinthesunshineintheearlierstagesoftheirChristiancareer;theyhavewalkedalong the "green pastures" by the side of the "still waters," but suddenlytheyfind theglorioussky isclouded; insteadof theLandofGoshen theyhave to tread the sandy desert; in the place of sweet waters, they findtroubledstreams,bittertotheirtaste,andtheysay,"Surely,ifIwereachildofGod, thiswouldnothappen."Oh! saynot so, thouwhoartwalking indarkness.ThebestofGod'ssaintsmustdrinkthewormwood;thedearestofHis children must bear the cross. No Christian has enjoyed perpetualprosperity;nobelievercanalwayskeephisharpfromthewillows.Perhapsthe Lord allotted you at first a smooth and unclouded path, because youwereweakandtimid.Hetemperedthewindtotheshornlamb,butnowthatyou are stronger in the spiritual life, you must enter upon the riper androugher experience of God's full-grown children. We need winds andtempests to exercise our faith, to tear off the rotten bough of self-dependence,andtorootusmorefirmlyinChrist.Thedayofevilrevealstousthevalueofourglorioushope.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheLordtakethpleasureinHispeople.-Psalm149:4

HowcomprehensiveistheloveofJesus!ThereisnopartofHispeople'sinterestswhichHedoesnotconsider,andthereisnothingwhichconcernstheirwelfarewhichisnot important toHim.NotmerelydoesHethinkofyou,believer,asanimmortalbeing,butasamortalbeingtoo.Donotdenyitordoubtit:"Theveryhairsofyourheadareallnumbered.""ThestepsofagoodmanareorderedbytheLord:andhedelightethinHisway"Itwereasad thing for us if thismantle of lovedid not cover all our concerns, forwhatmischiefmightbewroughttousinthatpartofourbusinesswhichdidnotcomeunderourgraciousLord's inspection!Believer, restassured thatthe heart of Jesus cares about your meaner affairs. The breadth of HistenderloveissuchthatyoumayresorttoHiminallmatters;forinallyourafflictionsHe isafflicted,and likeasa fatherpitiethhischildren, sodothHepityyou.ThemeanestinterestsofallHissaintsareallborneuponthebroad bosom of the Son of God. Oh, what a heart is His, that doth notmerely comprehend the persons ofHis people, but comprehends also thediverseandinnumerableconcernsofallthosepersons!Dostthouthink,OChristian, that thou canstmeasure the love ofChrist? Think ofwhatHislovehasbroughtthee—justification,adoption,sanctification,eternallife!TherichesofHisgoodnessareunsearchable;thoushaltneverbeabletotellthemoutorevenconceivethem.Oh,thebreadthoftheloveofChrist!Shallsuchaloveasthishavehalfourhearts?Shallithaveacoldloveinreturn?ShallJesus'marvellouslovingkindnessandtendercaremeetwithbutfaintresponse and tardy acknowledgment?Omy soul, tune thy harp to a gladsong of thanksgiving! Go to thy rest rejoicing, for thou art no desolatewanderer, but a beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, anddefendedbythyLord.

A p r i l 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

AndallthechildrenofIsraelmurmured.-Numbers14:2

TherearemurmurersamongstChristiansnow,astherewereinthecampofIsraelofold.Therearethosewho,whentherodfalls,cryoutagainsttheafflictive dispensation. They ask, "Why am I thus afflicted?What have Idonetobechastenedinthismanner?"Awordwiththee,Omurmurer!Whyshouldst thou murmur against the dispensations of thy heavenly Father?CanHetreattheemorehardlythanthoudeservest?Considerwhatarebelthouwastonce,butHehaspardonedthee!Surely,ifHeinHiswisdomseesfit now to chasten thee, thou shouldst not complain. After all, art thousmittenashardlyas thysinsdeserve?Consider thecorruptionwhichis inthybreast,andthenwiltthouwonderthatthereneedssomuchoftherodtofetchitout?Weighthyself,anddiscernhowmuchdrossismingledwiththygold;anddost thouthinkthefire toohot topurgeawaysomuchdrossasthouhast?Doesnotthatproudrebelliousspiritofthineprovethatthyheartis not thoroughly sanctified?Are not thosemurmuringwords contrary totheholysubmissivenatureofGod'schildren?Isnotthecorrectionneeded?But if thouwiltmurmur against the chastening, take heed, for it will gohardwithmurmurers.GodalwayschastisesHischildren twice, if theydonot bear the first stroke patiently. But know one thing— "He doth notafflict willingly, nor grieve the children ofmen."All His corrections aresent in love, topurify thee, and todraw theenearer toHimself.Surely itmust help thee to bear the chasteningwith resignation if thou art able torecognizethyFather'shand.For"whomtheLordlovethHechasteneth,andscourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, Goddealeth with you as with sons." "Murmur not as some of them alsomurmuredandweredestroyedofthedestroyer."

Thisevening'sverse:

HowpreciousalsoareThythoughtsuntome,OGod.-Psalm139:17

Divineomniscienceaffordsnocomfort to theungodlymind,but to thechildofGoditoverflowswithconsolation.Godisalwaysthinkinguponus,neverturnsasideHismindfromus,hasusalwaysbeforeHiseyes;andthisis precisely as we would have it, for it would be dreadful to exist for amoment beyond the observation of our heavenlyFather.His thoughts arealways tender, loving, wise, prudent, far-reaching, and they bring to uscountlessbenefits:henceitisachoicedelighttorememberthem.TheLordalwaysdidthinkuponHispeople:hencetheirelectionandthecovenantofgracebywhichtheirsalvationissecured;Healwayswillthinkuponthem:hencetheirfinalperseverancebywhichtheyshallbebroughtsafelytotheirfinalrest.InallourwanderingsthewatchfulglanceoftheEternalWatcherisevermorefixeduponus—weneverroambeyondtheShepherd'seye.InoursorrowsHeobservesusincessantly,andnotapangescapesHim;inourtoilsHemarksallourweariness,andwritesinHisbookallthestrugglesofHisfaithfulones.ThesethoughtsoftheLordencompassusinallourpaths,andpenetratetheinnermostregionofourbeing.Notanerveortissue,valveorvessel,ofourbodilyorganizationisuncaredfor;allthelittlesofourlittleworldarethoughtuponbythegreatGod.

Dearreader,isthisprecioustoyou?thenholdtoit.Neverbeledastrayby thosephilosophic foolswhopreachupan impersonalGod,and talkofself-existent, self-governingmatter.TheLord livethand thinkethuponus,thisisatruthfartoopreciousforustobelightlyrobbedofit.Thenoticeofanoblemanisvaluedsohighlythathewhohasitcountshisfortunemade;butwhat is it tobe thoughtofby theKingofkings! If theLord thinkethuponus,alliswell,andwemayrejoiceevermore.

May

M a y 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Hischeeksareasabedofspices,assweetflowers."Song5:13

Lo, the flowerymonth is come!Marchwinds andApril showers havedonetheirwork,andtheearthisallbedeckedwithbeauty.Comemysoul,put on thine holiday attire and go forth to gather garlands of heavenlythoughts.Thouknowestwhithertobetakethyself,fortothee"thebedsofspices"arewellknown,and thouhast sooften smelt theperfumeof "thesweet flowers," that thouwilt go at once to thywell-belovedand find allloveliness,alljoyinHim.Thatcheekoncesorudelysmittenwitharod,oftbedewedwithtearsofsympathyandthendefiledwithspittle—thatcheekasitsmileswithmercyisasfragrantaromatictomyheart.ThoudidstnothideThyfacefromshameandspitting,OLordJesus,andthereforeIwillfindmydearestdelight inpraisingThee.Thosecheekswere furrowedbytheploughofgrief,andcrimsonedwithredlinesofbloodfromThythorn-crownedtemples;suchmarksofloveunboundedcannotbutcharmmysoulfarmorethan"pillarsofperfume."IfImaynotseethewholeofHisfaceIwould behold His cheeks, for the least glimpse of Him is exceedinglyrefreshingtomyspiritualsenseandyieldsavarietyofdelights.InJesusIfindnotonlyfragrance,butabedofspices;notoneflower,butallmannerofsweetflowers.Heistomemyroseandmylily,myheart's-easeandmyclusterofcamphire.WhenHeiswithmeitisMayalltheyearround,andmysoulgoesforthtowashherhappyfaceinthemorning-dewofHisgrace,andtosolaceherselfwiththesingingofthebirdsofHispromises.PreciousLord Jesus, let me in very deed know the blessedness which dwells inabiding,unbrokenfellowshipwithThee.Iamapoorworthlessone,whosecheek Thou hast deigned to kiss! O let me kiss Thee in return with thekissesofmylips.

Thisevening'sverse:

"IamtheroseofSharon."Song2:1

Whatever there may be of beauty in the material world, Jesus Christpossesses all that in the spiritual world in a tenfold degree. Amongstflowers the rose is deemed the sweetest, but Jesus is infinitely morebeautifulinthegardenofthesoulthantherosecaninthegardensofearth.Hetakesthefirstplaceasthefairestamongtenthousand.Heisthesun,andallothersarethestars;theheavensandthedayaredarkincomparisonwithHim,fortheKinginHisbeautytranscendsall."IamtheroseofSharon."Thiswas thebest and rarestof roses. Jesus isnot "the rose"alone,He is"the rose of Sharon," just asHe callsHis righteousness "gold," and thenadds,"thegoldofOphir"—thebestofthebest.Heispositivelylovely,andsuperlatively the loveliest. There is variety in His charms. The rose isdelightfultotheeye,anditsscentispleasantandrefreshing;soeachofthesensesofthesoul,whetheritbethetasteorfeeling,thehearing,thesight,or the spiritual smell, finds appropriate gratification in Jesus. Even therecollectionofHis love issweet.Take theroseofSharon,andpull it leaffrom leaf, and layby the leaves in the jarofmemory, andyou shall findeach leaf fragrant long afterwards, filling the housewith perfume.Christsatisfies thehighest tasteof themost educated spirit to thevery full.Thegreatestamateurinperfumesisquitesatisfiedwiththerose:andwhenthesoulhasarrivedatherhighestpitchoftruetaste,sheshallstillbecontentwith Christ, nay, she shall be the better able to appreciate Him. HeavenitselfpossessesnothingwhichexcelstheroseofSharon.WhatemblemcanfullysetforthHisbeauty?Humanspeechandearth-bornthingsfailtotellofHim.Earth'schoicestcharmscommingled,feeblypictureHisaboundingpreciousness.Blessedrose,bloominmyheartforever!

M a y 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"IpraynotthatThoushouldsttakethemoutoftheworld."John17:15

ItisasweetandblessedeventwhichwilloccurtoallbelieversinGod'sown time— the going home to be with Jesus. In a fewmore years theLord's soldiers,who are now fighting "the good fight of faith"will havedonewithconflict,andhaveenteredintothejoyoftheirLord.ButalthoughChristpraysthatHispeoplemayeventuallybewithHimwhereHeis,Hedoes not ask that they may be taken at once away from this world toheaven.Hewishesthemtostayhere.Yethowfrequentlydoestheweariedpilgrimputuptheprayer,"OthatIhadwingslikeadove!forthenwouldIflyawayandbeatrest;"butChristdoesnotpraylikethat,HeleavesusinHisFather's hands, until, like shocks of corn fully ripe,we shall each begathered into our Master's garner. Jesus does not plead for our instantremoval by death, for to abide in the flesh is needful for others if notprofitable for ourselves. He asks that wemay be kept from evil, but Heneverasksforustobeadmittedtotheinheritanceinglorytillweareoffullage. Christians oftenwant to die when they have any trouble. Ask themwhy,andtheytellyou,"BecausewewouldbewiththeLord."WefearitisnotsomuchbecausetheyarelongingtobewiththeLord,asbecausetheydesiretogetridoftheirtroubles;elsetheywouldfeelthesamewishtodieatothertimeswhennotunderthepressureoftrial.Theywanttogohome,notsomuchfortheSaviour'scompany,astobeatrest.NowitisquiterighttodesiretodepartifwecandoitinthesamespiritthatPauldid,becausetobewithChristisfarbetter,butthewishtoescapefromtroubleisaselfishone.Rather letyourcareandwishbe toglorifyGodbyyour lifehereaslongasHepleases,eventhoughitbeinthemidstoftoil,andconflict,andsuffering,andleaveHimtosaywhen"itisenough."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thesealldiedinfaith."Hebrews11:13

BeholdtheepitaphofallthoseblessedsaintswhofellasleepbeforethecomingofourLord!Itmattersnothinghowelsetheydied,whetherofoldage,orbyviolentmeans;thisonepoint,inwhichtheyallagree,isthemostworthyofrecord,"theyalldiedinfaith."Infaiththeylived—itwastheircomfort, their guide, their motive and their support; and in the samespiritualgracetheydied,endingtheirlife-songinthesweetstraininwhichtheyhad so longcontinued.Theydidnotdie resting in the fleshorupontheir own attainments; they made no advance from their first way ofacceptancewithGod, but held to theway of faith to the end. Faith is asprecioustodiebyastoliveby.

Dying in faith has distinct reference to the past. They believed thepromises which had gone before, and were assured that their sins wereblotted out through themercy ofGod.Dying in faith has to dowith thepresent. These saints were confident of their acceptance with God, theyenjoyedthebeamsofHislove,andrestedinHisfaithfulness.Dyinginfaithlooks into the future. They fell asleep, affirming that theMessiahwouldsurelycome,andthatwhenHewouldinthelastdaysappearupontheearth,theywouldrisefromtheirgravestobeholdHim.Tothemthepainsofdeathwerebut thebirth-pangsofabetter state.Takecourage,mysoul, as thoureadest this epitaph.Thy course, through grace, is one of faith, and sightseldomcheersthee;thishasalsobeenthepathwayofthebrightestandthebest.Faithwastheorbitinwhichthesestarsofthefirstmagnitudemovedall thetimeof theirshininghere;andhappyart thouthat it is thine.Lookanewto-nighttoJesus,theauthorandfinisherofthyfaith,andthankHimforgivingtheelikepreciousfaithwithsoulsnowinglory.

M a y 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Intheworldyeshallhavetribulation."John16:33

Art thou asking the reason of this, believer? Look upward to thyheavenlyFather,andbeholdHimpureandholy.Dostthouknowthatthouartoneday tobe likeHim?Wilt thoueasilybeconformed toHis image?Wilt thou not requiremuch refining in the furnace of affliction to purifythee?Will itbeaneasythingtogetridofthycorruptions,andmaketheeperfect even as thyFatherwhich is inheaven is perfect?Next,Christian,turnthineeyedownward.Dostthouknowwhatfoesthouhastbeneaththyfeet?ThouwastonceaservantofSatan,andnokingwillwillinglylosehissubjects. Dost thou think that Satan will let thee alone? No, he will bealways at thee, for he "goeth about like a roaring lion, seekingwhomhemay devour." Expect trouble, therefore, Christian, when thou lookestbeneath thee. Then look around thee. Where art thou? Thou art in anenemy'scountry,astrangerandasojourner.Theworldisnotthyfriend.Ifitbe,thenthouartnotGod'sfriend,forhewhoisthefriendoftheworldisthe enemy of God. Be assured that thou shalt find foe-men everywhere.Whenthousleepest,thinkthatthouartrestingonthebattlefield;whenthouwalkest,suspectanambushineveryhedge.Asmosquitoesaresaidtobitestrangersmore thannatives, sowill the trialsof earthbe sharpest toyou.Lastly,lookwithinthee,intothineownheartandobservewhatisthere.Sinandselfarestillwithin.Ah!ifthouhadstnodeviltotemptthee,noenemiestofightthee,andnoworldtoensnarethee,thouwouldststillfindinthyselfevilenoughtobeasoretroubletothee,for"theheartisdeceitfulaboveallthings, and desperatelywicked."Expect trouble then, but despondnot onaccountofit,forGodiswiththeetohelpandtostrengthenthee.Hehathsaid,"Iwillbewiththeeintrouble;Iwilldelivertheeandhonourthee."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Averypresenthelp."Psalm46:1

Covenant blessings are not meant to be looked at only, but to beappropriated. Even our Lord Jesus is given to us for our present use.Believer, thou dost notmake use ofChrist as thou oughtest to do.Whenthouartintrouble,whydostthounottellHimallthygrief?HasHenotasympathizingheart,andcanHenotcomfortandrelievethee?No,thouartgoing about to all thy friends, save thy best Friend, and telling thy taleeverywhereexceptintothebosomofthyLord.Artthouburdenedwiththisday'ssins?Here isa fountainfilledwithblood:use it, saint,use it.Hasasense of guilt returned upon thee? The pardoning grace of Jesusmay beproved again and again. Come to Him at once for cleansing. Dost thoudeplore thyweakness?He is thy strength:whynot lean uponHim?Dostthoufeelnaked?Comehither,soul;putontherobeofJesus'righteousness.Standnotlookingatit,butwearit.Stripoffthineownrighteousness,andthineownfears too:puton thefairwhite linen, for itwasmeant towear.Dost thou feel thyself sick? Pull the night-bell of prayer, and call up theBelovedPhysician!Hewillgivethecordialthatwillrevivethee.Thouartpoor,butthenthouhast"akinsman,amightymanofwealth."What!wiltthounotgotoHim,andaskHimtogivetheeofHisabundance,whenHehasgiventheethispromise,thatthoushaltbejointheirwithHim,andhasmadeoverall thatHe isandall thatHehas tobe thine?There isnothingChristdislikesmorethanforHispeopletomakeashow-thingofHim,andnottouseHim.Helovestobeemployedbyus.ThemoreburdensweputonHisshoulders,themorepreciouswillHebetous.

"LetusbesimplewithHim,then,Notbackward,stiff,orcold,AsthoughourBethlehemcouldbeWhatSinaiwasofold."

M a y 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Shallamanmakegodsuntohimself,andtheyarenogods."Jeremiah16:20

One great besetting sin of ancient Israelwas idolatry, and the spiritualIsraelarevexedwithatendencytothesamefolly.Remphan'sstarshinesnolonger, and the women weep no more for Tammuz, but Mammon stillintrudeshisgoldencalf, and theshrinesofpridearenot forsaken.Self invariousformsstrugglestosubduethechosenonesunderitsdominion,andthe flesh sets up its altarswherever it can find space for them.Favouritechildrenareoften thecauseofmuch sin inbelievers; theLord isgrievedwhenHeseesusdotinguponthemabovemeasure;theywill livetobeasgreatacursetousasAbsalomwastoDavid,ortheywillbetakenfromustoleaveourhomesdesolate.IfChristiansdesiretogrowthornstostufftheirsleeplesspillows,letthemdoteontheirdearones.

Itistrulysaidthat"theyarenogods,"fortheobjectsofourfoolishloveare very doubtful blessings, the solace which they yield us now isdangerous, and the helpwhich they can give us in the hour of trouble islittle indeed.Why, then, arewe so bewitchedwith vanities?We pity thepoor heathenwho adore a god of stone, and yet worship a god of gold.Whereisthevastsuperioritybetweenagodoffleshandoneofwood?Theprinciple,thesin,thefollyisthesameineithercase,onlythatinoursthecrimeismoreaggravatedbecausewehavemorelight,andsininthefaceofit.Theheathenbowstoafalsedeity,butthetrueGodhehasneverknown;wecommittwoevils,inasmuchasweforsakethelivingGodandturnuntoidols.MaytheLordpurgeusallfromthisgrievousiniquity!

"ThedearestidolIhaveknown,Whate'erthatidolbe;Helpmetotearitfromthythrone,Andworshiponlythee."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible."1Peter1:23

Petermostearnestlyexhortedthescatteredsaintstoloveeachother"witha pure heart fervently" and hewisely fetched his argument, not from thelaw,fromnature,orfromphilosophy,butfromthathighanddivinenaturewhichGod hath implanted inHis people. Just as some judicious tutor ofprinces might labour to beget and foster in them a kingly spirit anddignified behaviour, finding arguments in their position and descent, so,looking upon God's people as heirs of glory, princes of the blood royal,descendantsoftheKingofkings,earth'struestandoldestaristocracy,Petersaith to them,"See thatye loveoneanother,becauseofyournoblebirth,being born of incorruptible seed; because of your pedigree, beingdescended from God, the Creator of all things; and because of yourimmortal destiny, for you shall never pass away, though the glory of thefleshshallfade,andevenitsexistenceshallcease."Itwouldbewellif,inthe spirit of humility, we recognized the true dignity of our regeneratednature,andliveduptoit.WhatisaChristian?Ifyoucomparehimwithaking,headdspriestlysanctitytoroyaldignity.Theking'sroyaltyoftenliethonlyinhiscrown,butwithaChristianitisinfusedintohisinmostnature.Heisasmuchabovehisfellowsthroughhisnewbirth,asamanisabovethebeastthatperisheth.Surelyheoughttocarryhimself,inallhisdealings,as one who is not of the multitude, but chosen out of the world,distinguishedbysovereigngrace,writtenamong"thepeculiarpeople"andwhothereforecannotgrovelinthedustasothers,norliveafterthemanneroftheworld'scitizens.Letthedignityofyournature,andthebrightnessofyourprospects,ObelieversinChrist,constrainyoutocleaveuntoholiness,andtoavoidtheveryappearanceofevil.

M a y 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"IwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople."2Corinthians6:16

What a sweet title: "My people!" What a cheering revelation: "TheirGod!"Howmuchofmeaningiscouchedinthosetwowords,"Mypeople!"Hereisspeciality.ThewholeworldisGod's; theheaven,eventheheavenofheavensistheLord's,andHereignethamongthechildrenofmen;butofthosewhomHehathchosen,whomHehathpurchasedtoHimself,HesaithwhatHesaithnotofothers—"Mypeople"Inthiswordthereistheideaofproprietorship.Inaspecialmannerthe"Lord'sportionisHispeople;JacobisthelotofHisinheritance."AllthenationsuponearthareHis;thewholeworldisinHispower;yetareHispeople,Hischosen,moreespeciallyHispossession;forHehasdonemoreforthemthanothers;HehasboughtthemwithHisblood;HehasbroughtthemnightoHimself;HehassetHisgreatheartuponthem;Hehaslovedthemwithaneverlastinglove,alovewhichmanywaterscannotquench,andwhichtherevolutionsoftimeshallneversufficeintheleastdegreetodiminish.Dearfriends,canyou,byfaith,seeyourselvesinthatnumber?Canyoulookuptoheavenandsay,"MyLordandmyGod:minebythatsweetrelationshipwhichentitlesmetocallTheeFather;minebythathallowedfellowshipwhichIdelighttoholdwithTheewhenThouartpleasedtomanifestThyselfuntomeasThoudostnotuntothe world?" Canst thou read the Book of Inspiration, and find there theindenturesofthysalvation?Canstthoureadthytitlewritinpreciousblood?Canst thou, by humble faith, lay hold of Jesus' garments, and say, "MyChrist"?Ifthoucanst,thenGodsaithofthee,andofotherslikethee,"Mypeople;" for, ifGodbe yourGod, andChrist yourChrist, theLord has aspecial,peculiarfavourtoyou;youaretheobjectofHischoice,acceptedinHisbelovedSon.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hethathandlethamatterwiselyshallfindgood:andwhosotrustethintheLord,happyishe."Proverbs16:20

Wisdom is man's true strength; and, under its guidance, he bestaccomplishestheendsofhisbeing.Wiselyhandlingthematteroflifegivestoman the richest enjoyment, andpresents thenoblest occupation for hispowers; hence by it he finds good in the fullest sense.Without wisdom,man is as thewild ass's colt, running hither and thither,wasting strengthwhichmightbeprofitablyemployed.Wisdomisthecompassbywhichmanistosteeracrossthetracklesswasteoflife;withoutitheisaderelictvessel,thesportofwindsandwaves.Amanmustbeprudent insuchaworldasthis, or he will find no good, but be betrayed into unnumbered ills. Thepilgrimwillsorelywoundhisfeetamongthebriersofthewoodoflifeifhedo not pick his stepswith the utmost caution.Hewho is in awildernessinfestedwithrobberbandsmusthandlematterswiselyifhewouldjourneysafely.If,trainedbytheGreatTeacher,wefollowwhereHeleads,weshallfind good, even while in this dark abode; there are celestial fruits to begatheredthissideofEden'sbowers,andsongsofparadisetobesungamidthe groves of earth. But where shall this wisdom be found?Many havedreamedof it, but havenot possessed it.Where shallwe learn it?Let uslisten to the voice of the Lord, for He hath declared the secret; He hathrevealedtothesonsofmenwhereintruewisdomlieth,andwehaveitinthetext, "Whoso trusteth in theLord,happy ishe."The trueway tohandleamatter wisely is to trust in the Lord. This is the sure clue to the mostintricatelabyrinthsoflife,followitandfindeternalbliss.HewhotrustsintheLordhasadiplomaforwisdomgrantedbyinspiration:happyishenow,andhappiershallhebeabove.Lord,inthissweeteventidewalkwithmeinthegarden,andteachmethewisdomoffaith.

M a y 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"WedwellinHim."1John4:13

Doyouwantahouseforyoursoul?Doyouask,"Whatisthepurchase?"Itissomethinglessthanproudhumannaturewillliketogive.Itiswithoutmoneyandwithoutprice.Ah!youwouldliketopayarespectablerent!YouwouldlovetodosomethingtowinChrist?Thenyoucannothavethehouse,foritis"withoutprice."WillyoutakemyMaster'shouseonaleaseforalleternity,with nothing to pay for it, nothing but the ground-rent of lovingand servingHim for ever?Will you take Jesus and "dwell inHim?"See,thishouseisfurnishedwithallyouwant,itisfilledwithrichesmorethanyouwillspendaslongasyoulive.HereyoucanhaveintimatecommunionwithChristandfeastonHislove;herearetableswell-storedwithfoodforyoutoliveonforever;init,whenweary,youcanfindrestwithJesus;andfrom ityoucan lookout and seeheaven itself.Willyouhave thehouse?Ah!ifyouarehouseless,youwillsay,"Ishouldliketohavethehouse;butmayIhaveit?"Yes;thereisthekey—thekeyis,"CometoJesus.""But,"you say, "I am too shabby for such a house." Never mind; there aregarments inside. Ifyou feelguiltyandcondemned,come;and though thehouseistoogoodforyou,Christwillmakeyougoodenoughforthehouseby-and-by.Hewillwashyouandcleanseyou,andyouwillyetbeabletosing, "We dwell inHim." Believer: thrice happy art thou to have such adwelling-place! Greatly privileged thou art, for thou hast a "stronghabitation" inwhich thouarteversafe.And"dwelling inHim," thouhastnot only a perfect and secure house, but an everlasting one. When thisworldshallhavemeltedlikeadream,ourhouseshalllive,andstandmoreimperishablethanmarble,moresolidthangranite,self-existentasGod,foritisGodHimself—"WedwellinHim."

Thisevening'sverse:

"AllthedaysofmyappointedtimewillIwait."Job14:14

A little stay on earthwillmakeheavenmore heavenly.Nothingmakesrest so sweet as toil; nothing renders security so pleasant as exposure toalarms.Thebitterquassiacupsofearthwillgivearelishtothenewwinewhich sparkles in the golden bowls of glory. Our battered armour andscarredcountenanceswill rendermore illustriousourvictoryabove,whenwearewelcomedto theseatsof thosewhohaveovercometheworld.WeshouldnothavefullfellowshipwithChristifwedidnotforawhilesojournbelow,forHewasbaptizedwithabaptismofsufferingamongmen,andwemustbebaptizedwiththesameifwewouldsharehiskingdom.FellowshipwithChristissohonourablethatthesorestsorrowisalightpricebywhichtoprocureit.Anotherreasonforourlingeringhereisforthegoodofothers.Wewouldnotwishtoenterheaventillourworkisdone,anditmaybethatweareyetordainedtoministerlighttosoulsbenightedinthewildernessofsin.OurprolongedstayhereisdoubtlessforGod'sglory.Atriedsaint,likeawell-cutdiamond,glittersmuchintheKing'scrown.Nothingreflectssomuchhonouronaworkmanasaprotractedandseveretrialofhiswork,anditstriumphantenduranceoftheordealwithoutgivingwayinanypart.WeareGod'sworkmanship,inwhomHewillbeglorifiedbyourafflictions.Itisfor thehonourofJesusthatweendurethetrialofourfaithwithsacredjoy.LeteachmansurrenderhisownlongingstothegloryofJesus,andfeel,"IfmylyinginthedustwouldelevatemyLordbysomuchasaninch,letmestilllieamongthepotsofearth.IftoliveonearthforeverwouldmakemyLordmoreglorious,itshouldbemyheaventobeshutoutofheaven."Ourtimeisfixedandsettledbyeternaldecree.Letusnotbeanxiousaboutit,butwaitwithpatiencetillthegatesofpearlshallopen.

M a y 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Great multitudes followedHim, andHe healed them all."Matthew12:15

WhatamassofhideoussicknessmusthavethrustitselfundertheeyeofJesus!YetwereadnotthatHewasdisgusted,butpatientlywaitedoneverycase. What a singular variety of evils must have met at His feet! Whatsickening ulcers and putrefying sores! Yet He was ready for every newshape of themonster evil, andwas victor over it in every form. Let thearrowflyfromwhatquarteritmight,Hequencheditsfierypower.Theheatoffever,orthecoldofdropsy;thelethargyofpalsy,ortherageofmadness;thefilthofleprosy,orthedarknessofophthalmia—allknewthepowerofHisword, and fled atHis command. In every corner of the fieldHewastriumphant over evil, and received the homage of delivered captives. Hecame, He saw, He conquered everywhere. It is even so this morning.Whatevermy own casemay be, the beloved Physician can healme; andwhatevermaybethestateofotherswhomImayrememberatthismomentinprayer,ImayhavehopeinJesusthatHewillbeabletohealthemoftheirsins.Mychild,myfriend,mydearestone,Icanhavehopeforeach,forall,whenIrememberthehealingpowerofmyLord;andonmyownaccount,howeverseveremystrugglewithsinsandinfirmities,Imayyetbeofgoodcheer.Hewhoonearthwalkedthehospitals,stilldispensesHisgrace,andworkswondersamongthesonsofmen:letmegotoHimatonceinrightearnest.

Letme praiseHim, thismorning, as I remember howHewroughtHisspiritual cures, which bring Him most renown. It was by taking uponHimself our sicknesses. "By His stripes we are healed." The Church onearthisfullofsoulshealedbyourbelovedPhysician;andtheinhabitantsofheaven itself confess that "He healed them all." Come, then, my soul,publishabroadthevirtueofHisgrace,andletitbe"totheLordforaname,foraneverlastingsignwhichshallnotbecutoff."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Jesussaithuntohim,Rise,takeupthybed,andwalk."John5:8

Likemanyothers,theimpotentmanhadbeenwaitingforawondertobewrought, and a sign tobegiven.Wearilydidhewatch the I pool, butnoangelcame,orcamenotforhim;yet,thinkingittobehisonlychance,hewaitedstill,andknewnotthattherewasOnenearhimwhosewordcouldheal him in amoment.Manyare in the sameplight: they arewaiting forsome singular emotion, remarkable impression, or celestial vision; theywait in vain andwatch for nought. Even supposing that, in a few cases,remarkablesignsareseen,yetthesearerare,andnomanhasarighttolookfor them in his own case; noman especiallywho feels his impotency toavail himselfof themovingof thewater even if it came. It is avery sadreflectionthattensofthousandsarenowwaitingintheuseofmeans,andordinances, and vows, and resolutions, and have so waited time out ofmind,invain,utterlyinvain.MeanwhilethesepoorsoulsforgetthepresentSaviour,whobidsthemlookuntoHimandbesaved.Hecouldhealthematonce,buttheyprefertowaitforanangelandawonder.TotrustHimisthesure way to every blessing, and He is worthy of the most implicitconfidence;butunbeliefmakesthempreferthecoldporchesofBethesdatothewarmbosomofHis love.O that theLordmay turnHiseyeupon themultitudeswhoareinthiscaseto-night;mayHeforgivetheslightswhichtheyputuponHisdivinepower,andcall themby that sweetconstrainingvoice,torisefromthebedofdespair,andintheenergyoffaithtakeuptheirbed andwalk. O Lord, hear our prayer for all such at this calm hour ofsunset,anderethedaybreakethmaytheylookandlive.

Courteousreader,isthereanythinginthisportionforyou?

M a y 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"Shethatwashealedwistnotwhoitwas."John5:13

Yearsareshorttothehappyandhealthy;butthirty-eightyearsofdiseasemusthavedraggedaverywearylengthalongthelifeofthepoorimpotentman.WhenJesus,therefore,healedhimbyaword,whilehelayatthepoolofBethesda,hewasdelightfully sensibleof a change.Even so the sinnerwho has for weeks and months been paralyzed with despair, and haswearilysighedforsalvation,isveryconsciousofthechangewhentheLordJesusspeaksthewordofpower,andgivesjoyandpeaceinbelieving.Theevilremovedis toogreat toberemovedwithoutourdiscerningit; thelifeimpartedistooremarkabletobepossessedandremaininoperative;andthechangewrought is toomarvellous not to be perceived.Yet the poormanwas ignorantof theauthorofhiscure;heknewnot thesacrednessofHisperson, the officeswhich he sustained, or the errandwhich broughtHimamongmen.MuchignoranceofJesusmayremaininheartswhichyetfeelthe power of His blood. We must not hastily condemn men for lack ofknowledge;butwherewecanseethefaithwhichsavesthesoul,wemustbelieve that salvation has been bestowed. The Holy Spirit makes menpenitentslongbeforeHemakesthemdivines;andhewhobelieveswhatheknows, shall soon know more clearly what he believes. Ignorance is,however,anevil;forthispoormanwasmuchtantalizedbythePharisees,andwas quite unable to copewith them. It is good to be able to answergainsayers;butwecannotdosoifweknownottheLordJesusclearlyandwithunderstanding.Thecureofhisignorance,however,soonfollowedthecureofhisinfirmity,forhewasvisitedbytheLordinthetemple;andafterthatgraciousmanifestation,hewasfoundtestifyingthat"itwasJesuswhohadmadehimwhole."Lord,ifThouhastsavedme,showmeThyself,thatImaydeclareTheetothesonsofmen.

Thisevening'sverse:

"AcquaintnowthyselfwithHim."Job22:21

Ifwewouldrightly"acquaintourselveswithGod,andbeatpeace,"wemustknowHimasHehas revealedHimself,notonly in theunityofHisessenceandsubsistence,butalsointhepluralityofHispersons.Godsaid,"Let usmakeman inour own image"— let notmanbe content until heknowssomethingofthe"us"fromwhomhisbeingwasderived.EndeavourtoknowtheFather;buryyourheadinHisbosomindeeprepentance,andconfessthatyouarenotworthytobecalledHisson;receivethekissofHislove;let theringwhichisthetokenofHiseternalfaithfulnessbeonyourfinger; sit atHis table and let your heartmakemerry inHis grace.Thenpress forward and seek to know much of the Son of God who is thebrightnessofHisFather's glory, andyet inunspeakable condescensionofgracebecamemanforoursakes;knowHiminthesingularcomplexityofHis nature: eternalGod, and yet suffering, finiteman; followHim asHewalksthewaterswiththetreadofdeity,andasHesitsuponthewellintheweariness of humanity. Be not satisfied unless you knowmuch of JesusChristasyourFriend,yourBrother,yourHusband,yourall.ForgetnottheHolySpirit;endeavour toobtainaclearviewofHisnatureandcharacter,Hisattributes,andHisworks.BeholdthatSpiritoftheLord,whofirstofallmoveduponchaos, andbrought forthorder;whonowvisits the chaosofyour soul, andcreates theorderofholiness.BeholdHimas theLordandgiverofspirituallife,theIlluminator,theInstructor,theComforter,andtheSanctifier.BeholdHimas,likeholyunction,HedescendsupontheheadofJesus, and then afterwards rests upon you who are as the skirts of Hisgarments. Such an intelligent, scriptural, and experimental belief in theTrinityinUnityisyoursifyoutrulyknowGod;andsuchknowledgebringspeaceindeed.

M a y 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Whohathblesseduswithallspiritualblessings."Ephesians1:3

Allthegoodnessofthepast, thepresent,andthefuture,ChristbestowsuponHispeople.InthemysteriousagesofthepasttheLordJesuswasHisFather'sfirstelect,andinHiselectionHegaveusaninterest,forwewerechosen inHim frombefore the foundationof theworld.Hehad fromalleternitytheprerogativesofSonship,asHisFather'sonly-begottenandwell-beloved Son, and He has, in the riches of His grace, by adoption andregeneration,elevatedustosonshipalso,sothattousHehasgiven"powertobecome the sonsofGod."The eternal covenant, basedupon suretishipandconfirmedbyoath, isours,forourstrongconsolationandsecurity.Inthe everlasting settlements of predestinating wisdom and omnipotentdecree, the eyeof theLord Jesuswas ever fixedonus; andwemay restassuredthatinthewholerollofdestinythereisnotalinewhichmilitatesagainst the interestsofHis redeemed.Thegreatbetrothalof thePrinceofGloryisours,foritistousthatHeisaffianced,asthesacrednuptialsshallere longdeclare to an assembleduniverse.Themarvellous incarnationofthe God of heaven, with all the amazing condescension and humiliationwhichattendedit,isours.Thebloodysweat,thescourge,thecross,areoursfor ever. Whatever blissful consequences flow from perfect obedience,finishedatonement,resurrection,ascension,orintercession,allareoursbyHisowngift.UponHisbreastplateheisnowbearingournames;andinHisauthoritativepleadingsatthethroneHeremembersourpersonsandpleadsour cause.Hisdominionoverprincipalities andpowers, andHis absolutemajesty inheaven,Heemploys for thebenefitof themwho trust inHim.HishighestateisasmuchatourserviceaswasHisconditionofabasement.He who gave Himself for us in the depths of woe and death, doth notwithdrawthegrantnowthatHeisenthronedinthehighestheavens.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Come,mybeloved, letusgo forth into the field . . . letussee if thevineflourish."Song7:11,12

Thechurchwasabouttoengageinearnestlabour,anddesiredherLord'scompany in it.Shedoesnot say, "Iwillgo,"but"letusgo." It isblessedworkingwhenJesusisatourside!ItisthebusinessofGod'speopletobetrimmersofGod'svines.Likeourfirstparents,weareputintothegardenoftheLordforusefulness;letusthereforegoforthintothefield.Observethatthechurch,whensheisinherrightmind,inallhermanylaboursdesirestoenjoycommunionwithChrist.SomeimaginethattheycannotserveChristactively,andyethavefellowshipwithHim:theyaremistaken.Doubtlessitisveryeasytofritterawayourinwardlifeinoutwardexercises,andcometocomplainwiththespouse,"Theymademekeeperofthevineyards;butmineownvineyardhaveInotkept:"butthereisnoreasonwhythisshouldbethecaseexceptourownfollyandneglect.Certainisit thataprofessormaydonothing,andyetgrowquiteas lifeless in spiritual thingsas thosewhoaremostbusy.Marywasnotpraisedforsittingstill;butforhersittingatJesus'feet.Evenso,Christiansarenottobepraisedforneglectingdutiesunder thepretenceofhavingsecretfellowshipwithJesus: it isnotsitting,butsittingatJesus'feetwhichiscommendable.Donotthinkthatactivityisinitselfanevil:itisagreatblessing,andameansofgracetous.Paulcalleditagracegiventohimtobeallowedtopreach;andeveryformofChristianservicemaybecomeapersonalblessingtothoseengagedinit.Thosewhohave most fellowship with Christ are not recluses or hermits, who havemuch time to spare, but indefatigable labourerswhoare toiling for Jesus,andwho, in their toil, haveHim side by sidewith them, so that they areworkerstogetherwithGod.Letusrememberthen,inanythingwehavetodoforJesus, thatwecandoit,andshoulddoit inclosecommunionwithHim.

M a y 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"ButnowisChristrisenfromthedead."1Corinthians15:20

ThewholesystemofChristianityrestsuponthefactthat"Christisrisenfromthedead;"for,"IfChristbenotrisen,thenisourpreachingvain,andyourfaithisalsovain:yeareyetinyoursins."ThedivinityofChristfindsitssurestproofinHisresurrection,sinceHewas"DeclaredtobetheSonofGodwithpower,accordingtothespiritofholiness,bytheresurrectionfromthedead." Itwouldnotbeunreasonable todoubtHisDeity ifHehadnotrisen.Moreover,Christ's sovereigntydependsuponHis resurrection, "FortothisendChristbothdied,androse,andrevived,thatHemightbeLordbothofthedeadandliving."Again,ourjustification,thatchoiceblessingofthecovenant,islinkedwithChrist'striumphantvictoryoverdeathandthegrave;for"Hewasdeliveredforouroffences,andwasraisedagainforourjustification." Nay, more, our very regeneration is connected with Hisresurrection, for we are "Begotten again unto a lively hope by theresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedead."Andmostcertainlyourultimateresurrectionrestshere,for,"If theSpiritofHimthatraisedupJesusfromthe dead dwell in you,He that raised upChrist from the dead shall alsoquickenyourmortalbodiesbyHisSpiritthatdwellethinyou."IfChristbenotrisen,thenshallwenotrise;butifHeberisenthentheywhoareasleepinChristhavenotperished,butintheirfleshshallsurelybeholdtheirGod.Thus, the silver thread of resurrection runs through all the believer'sblessings, from his regeneration onwards to his eternal glory, and bindsthem together. How important then will this glorious fact be in hisestimation, and howwill he rejoice that beyond a doubt it is established,that"nowisChristrisenfromthedead."

"Thepromiseisfulfill'd,Redemption'sworkisdone,Justicewithmercy'sreconciled,ForGodhasraisedHisSon."

Thisevening'sverse:

"TheonlybegottenoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth."John1:14

Believer,YOUcanbearyour testimonythatChrist is theonlybegottenoftheFather,aswellasthefirstbegottenfromthedead.Youcansay,"Heisdivinetome,ifHebehumantoalltheworldbeside.Hehasdonethatforme which none but a God could do. He has subdued my stubborn will,meltedaheartofadamant,openedgatesofbrass,andsnappedbarsofiron.Hehathturnedformemymourningintolaughter,andmydesolationintojoy;Hehathledmycaptivitycaptive,andmademyheartrejoicewithjoyunspeakableandfullofglory.Letothers thinkas theywillofHim, tomeHemustbetheonlybegottenoftheFather:blessedbeHisname.AndHeisfullofgrace.Ah!hadHenotbeenIshouldneverhavebeensaved.HedrewmewhenIstruggledtoescapefromHisgrace;andwhenatlastIcamealltrembling like a condemned culprit to Hismercy-seat He said, 'Thy sinswhicharemanyareallforgiventhee:beofgoodcheer.'AndHeisfulloftruth.TruehaveHispromisesbeen,notonehasfailed.IbearwitnessthatneverservanthadsuchamasterasIhave;neverbrothersuchakinsmanasHehasbeentome;neverspousesuchahusbandasChristhasbeentomysoul;neversinnerabetterSaviour;nevermournerabettercomforter thanChristhathbeentomyspirit.IwantnonebesideHim.InlifeHeismylife,andindeathHeshallbethedeathofdeath;inpovertyChristismyriches;insicknessHemakesmybed;indarknessHeismystar,andinbrightnessHeismysun;Heisthemannaofthecampinthewilderness,andHeshallbethenewcornofthehostwhentheycometoCanaan.Jesusistomeallgraceandnowrath,alltruthandnofalsehood:andoftruthandgraceHeisfull, infinitely full.My soul, this night, blesswith all thymight 'the onlyBegotten.'"

M a y 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Iamwithyoualway."Matthew28:20

ItiswellthereisOnewhoiseverthesame,andwhoiseverwithus.Itiswellthereisonestablerockamidstthebillowsoftheseaoflife.Omysoul,setnotthineaffectionsuponrusting,moth-eaten,decayingtreasures,butsetthineheartuponHimwhoabidesforeverfaithful tothee.Buildnot thinehouse upon the moving quicksands of a deceitful world, but found thyhopesuponthisrock,which,amiddescendingrainandroaringfloods,shallstandimmovablysecure.Mysoul,Ichargethee,layupthytreasureintheonlysecurecabinet;storethyjewelswherethoucanstneverlosethem.PutthineallinChrist;setallthineaffectionsonHisperson,allthyhopeinHismerit,allthytrustinHisefficaciousblood,allthyjoyinHispresence,andso thoumayest laughat loss,anddefydestruction.Remember thatall theflowers in the world's garden fade by turns, and the day cometh whennothing will be left but the black, cold earth. Death's black extinguishermust soon put out thy candle.Oh! how sweet to have sunlightwhen thecandle is gone!The dark floodmust soon roll between thee and all thouhast; thenwed thineheart toHimwhowillnever leave thee; trust thyselfwithHimwhowillgowith thee through theblackandsurgingcurrentofdeath's stream, and who will land thee safely on the celestial shore, andmaketheesitwithHiminheavenlyplacesforever.Go,sorrowingsonofaffliction, tell thysecrets to theFriendwhostickethcloser thanabrother.Trust all thy concernswithHimwho never can be taken from thee,whowillnever leave thee,andwhowillnever let thee leaveHim,even"JesusChrist, the sameyesterday, and to-day, and for ever." "Lo, I amwithyoualway,"isenoughformysoultoliveupon,letwhowillforsakeme.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Onlybethoustrongandverycourageous."Joshua1:7

Our God's tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for thestateoftheirinwardfeelings.Hedesiresthemtobeofgoodcourage.Someesteemitasmallthingforabelievertobevexedwithdoubtsandfears,butGodthinksnotso.FromthistextitisplainthatourMasterwouldnothaveus entangled with fears. He would have us without carefulness, withoutdoubt, without cowardice. Our Master does not think so lightly of ourunbeliefaswedo.Whenwearedespondingweare subject toagrievousmalady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the belovedPhysician.OurLordlovethnottoseeourcountenancesad.ItwasalawofAhasuerus that no one should come into the king's court dressed inmourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may comemourning as we are; but still He would have us put off the spirit ofheaviness, and put on the garment of praise, for there ismuch reason torejoice.TheChristianmanoughttobeofacourageousspirit,inorderthathemay glorify theLord by enduring trials in an heroicmanner. If he befearful and fainthearted, it will dishonour his God. Besides, what a badexample it is. This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is anepidemic which soon spreads amongst the Lord's flock. One downcastbelievermakestwentysoulssad.Moreover,unlessyourcourageiskeptupSatan will be too much for you. Let your spirit be joyful in God yourSaviour,thejoyoftheLordshallbeyourstrength,andnofiendofhellshallmake headway against you: but cowardice throws down the banner.Moreover,labourislighttoamanofcheerfulspirit;andsuccesswaitsuponcheerfulness.Themanwhotoils,rejoicinginhisGod,believingwithallhisheart, has success guaranteed. He who sows in hope shall reap in joy;therefore,dearreader,"bethoustrong,andverycourageous."

M a y 1 2

TThismorning'sverse:

"Andwillmanifestmyselftohim."John14:21

TheLordJesusgivesspecialrevelationsofHimselftoHispeople.EvenifScripturedidnotdeclarethis,therearemanyofthechildrenofGodwhocould testify the truth of it from their own experience. They have hadmanifestationsoftheirLordandSaviourJesusChristinapeculiarmanner,such as no mere reading or hearing could afford. In the biographies ofeminent saints,youwill findmany instances recorded inwhich Jesushasbeenpleased,inaveryspecialmannertospeaktotheirsouls,andtounfoldthe wonders of His person; yea, so have their souls been steeped inhappinessthattheyhavethoughtthemselvestobeinheaven,whereastheywere not there, though theywerewell nigh on the threshold of it— forwhen Jesus manifests Himself to His people, it is heaven on earth; it isparadise in embryo; it is bliss begun. Especial manifestations of Christexerciseaholyinfluenceonthebeliever'sheart.Oneeffectwillbehumility.Ifamansays,"Ihavehadsuch-and-suchspiritualcommunications,Iamagreatman,"hehasneverhadanycommunionwith Jesusat all; for "Godhathrespectunto the lowly:but theproudHeknowethafaroff."Hedoesnotneed tocomenear them toknow them,andwillnevergive themanyvisitsoflove.Anothereffectwillbehappiness;forinGod'spresencetherearepleasuresforevermore.Holinesswillbesuretofollow.Amanwhohasno holiness has never had this manifestation. Some men profess a greatdeal;butwemustnotbelieveanyoneunlessweseethathisdeedsanswertowhathesays."Benotdeceived;Godisnotmocked."HewillnotbestowHis favours upon the wicked: for while He will not cast away a perfectman,neitherwillHerespectanevildoer.ThustherewillbethreeeffectsofnearnesstoJesus—humility,happiness,andholiness.MayGodgivethemtothee,Christian!

Thisevening'sverse:

"FearnottogodownintoEgypt;forIwilltheremakeoftheeagreatnation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surelybringtheeupagain."Genesis46:3,4

Jacob must have shuddered at the thought of leaving the land of hisfather's sojourning, and dwelling among heathen strangers. It was a newscene,andlikelytobeatryingone:whoshallventureamongcouriersofaforeignmonarchwithoutanxiety?Yetthewaywasevidentlyappointedforhim, and therefore he resolved to go. This is frequently the position ofbelievers now — they are called to perils and temptations altogetheruntried: at such seasons let them imitate Jacob's example by offeringsacrificesofprayeruntoGod,andseekingHisdirection;letthemnottakeastepuntil theyhavewaitedupontheLordforHisblessing: then theywillhaveJacob'scompaniontobetheirfriendandhelper.Howblessedtofeelassured that the Lord is with us in all our ways, and condescends to godown into our humiliations and banishments with us! Even beyond theocean our Father's love beams like the sun in its strength. We cannothesitate to go where Jehovah promises His presence; even the valley ofdeathshade grows bright with the radiance of this assurance. MarchingonwardswithfaithintheirGod,believersshallhaveJacob'spromise.Theyshall be brought up again, whether it be from the troubles of life or thechambersofdeath.Jacob'sseedcameoutofEgyptinduetime,andsoshallallthefaithfulpassunscathedthroughthetribulationoflife,andtheterrorof death. Let us exercise Jacob's confidence. "Fear not," is the Lord'scommandandHisdivine encouragement to thosewhoatHisbidding arelaunching upon new seas; the divine presence and preservation forbid somuchasoneunbelievingfear.WithoutourGodweshouldfeartomove;butwhenHebidsusto,itwouldbedangeroustotarry.Reader,goforward,andfearnot.

M a y 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."Psalm30:5

Christian!Ifthouartinanightoftrial,thinkofthemorrow;cheerupthyheartwiththethoughtofthecomingofthyLord.Bepatient,for

"Lo!Hecomeswithcloudsdescending."

Be patient! The Husbandman waits until He reaps His harvest. Bepatient; for you know who has said, "Behold, I come quickly; and myrewardiswithme,togivetoeverymanaccordingashisworkshallbe."Ifyouareneversowretchednow,remember

"Afewmorerollingsuns,atmost,WilllandtheeonfairCanaan'scoast."

Thyheadmaybecrownedwiththornytroublesnow,butitshallwearastarrycrownerelong;thyhandmaybefilledwithcares—itshallsweepthe stringsof theharpof heaven soon.Thygarmentsmaybe soiledwithdust now; they shall be white by-and-by. Wait a little longer. Ah! howdespicableourtroublesandtrialswillseemwhenwelookbackuponthem!Lookingatthemhereintheprospect,theyseemimmense;butwhenwegettoheavenweshallthen

"Withtransportingjoysrecount,Thelaboursofourfeet."

Our trialswill thenseemlightandmomentaryafflictions.Letusgoonboldly; if thenightbenever sodark, themorningcometh,which ismorethan they can saywho are shut up in the darkness of hell.Doyou knowwhatitisthustoliveonthefuture—toliveonexpectation—toantedateheaven?Happybeliever, tohavesosure,socomfortingahope.Itmaybeall darknow,but itwill soonbe light; itmaybe all trial now,but itwillsoonbeallhappiness.Whatmatters it though"weepingmayendurefora

night,"when"joycomethinthemorning?"

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thouartmyportion,OLord."Psalm119:57

Lookatthypossessions,Obeliever,andcomparethyportionwiththelotof thy fellowmen. Some of them have their portion in the field; they arerich,andtheirharvestsyieldthemagoldenincrease;butwhatareharvestscompared with thy God, who is the God of harvests?What are burstinggranariescomparedwithHim,whoistheHusbandman,andfeedstheewiththe bread of heaven? Some have their portion in the city; theirwealth isabundant,andflowstotheminconstantstreams,untiltheybecomeaveryreservoirofgold;butwhat isgoldcomparedwith thyGod?Thoucouldstnot live on it; thy spiritual life could not be sustained by it. Put it on atroubledconscience,andcoulditallayitspangs?Applyittoadespondingheart,andseeifitcouldstayasolitarygroan,orgiveonegrieftheless?ButthouhastGod,and inHim thouhastmore thangoldor richesevercouldbuy.Somehavetheirportioninthatwhichmostmenlove—applauseandfame; but ask thyself, is not thy Godmore to thee than that?What if amyriadclarionsshouldbeloudinthineapplause,wouldthispreparetheetopasstheJordan,orcheertheeinprospectofjudgment?No,therearegriefsinlifewhichwealthcannotalleviate;andthereisthedeepneedofadyinghour, for which no riches can provide. But when thou hast God for thyportion,thouhastmorethanallelseputtogether.InHimeverywantismet,whether in lifeor indeath.WithGodfor thyportionthouart richindeed,forHewillsupplythyneed,comfortthyheart,assuagethygrief,guidethysteps, bewith thee in the dark valley, and then take thee home, to enjoyHim as thy portion for ever. "I have enough," said Esau; this is the bestthingaworldlymancansay,butJacobreplies,"Ihaveallthings,"whichisanotetoohighforcarnalminds.

M a y 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"JointheirswithChrist."Romans8:17

TheboundlessrealmsofHisFather'suniverseareChrist'sbyprescriptiveright.As"heirofallthings,"HeisthesoleproprietorofthevastcreationofGod,andHehasadmittedustoclaimthewholeasours,byvirtueofthatdeedofjoint-heir-shipwhichtheLordhathratifiedwithHischosenpeople.The golden streets of paradise, the pearly gates, the river of life, thetranscendentbliss,andtheunutterableglory,are,byourblessedLord,madeovertousforoureverlastingpossession.AllthatHehasHeshareswithHispeople. The crown royal He has placed upon the head of His Church,appointing her a kingdom, and calling her sons a royal priesthood, agenerationofpriestsandkings.HeuncrownedHimselfthatwemighthaveacoronationofglory;HewouldnotsituponHisownthroneuntilHehadprocured a place upon it for allwho overcome byHis blood.Crown thehead and the whole body shares the honour. Behold here the reward ofeveryChristianconqueror!Christ'sthrone,crown,sceptre,palace,treasure,robes, heritage, are yours. Far superior to the jealousy, selfishness, andgreed, which admit of no participation of their advantages, Christ deemsHishappinesscompletedbyHispeoplesharing it. "Theglorywhich thougavestmehaveIgiventhem.""ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou,thatMyjoymightremaininyou,andthatyourjoymightbefull."ThesmilesofHisFatherareallthesweetertoHim,becauseHispeoplesharethem.ThehonoursofHiskingdomaremorepleasing,becauseHispeopleappearwithHim in glory.More valuable to Him are His conquests, since they havetaught His people to overcome. He delights in His throne, because on itthere is aplace for them.He rejoices inHis royal robes, sinceover themHis skirts are spread. He delights the more in His joy, because He callsthemtoenterintoit.

Thisevening'sverse:

"He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in Hisbosom."Isaiah40:11

WhoisHeofwhomsuchgraciouswordsarespoken?HeisTHEGOODSHEPHERD.WhydothHecarrythelambsinHisbosom?BecauseHehatha tender heart, and anyweakness at oncemeltsHis heart. The sighs, theignorance, the feebleness of the little ones of His flock draw forth Hiscompassion.ItisHisoffice,asafaithfulHighPriest,toconsidertheweak.Besides,Hepurchasedthemwithblood,theyareHisproperty:HemustandwillcareforthatwhichcostHimsodear.ThenHeisresponsibleforeachlamb,boundbycovenantengagementsnottoloseone.Moreover,theyareallapartofHisgloryandreward.

But how may we understand the expression, "He will carry them"?SometimesHe carries themby not permitting them to enduremuch trial.Providence deals tenderly with them. Often they are "carried" by beingfilledwithanunusualdegreeof love, so that theybearupandstand fast.Though their knowledge may not be deep, they have great sweetness inwhat they do know. FrequentlyHe "carries" themby giving them a verysimplefaith,whichtakesthepromisejustasitstands,andbelievinglyrunswitheverytroublestraighttoJesus.Thesimplicityoftheirfaithgivesthemanunusualdegreeofconfidence,whichcarriesthemabovetheworld.

"HecarriesthelambsinHisbosom."Hereisboundlessaffection.WouldHeput them inHisbosom ifHedidnot love themmuch?Here is tendernearness: sonear are they, that theycouldnotpossiblybenearer.Here ishallowed familiarity: there areprecious love-passagesbetweenChrist andHisweakones.Here is perfect safety: inHisbosomwhocanhurt them?They must hurt the Shepherd first. Here is perfect rest and sweetestcomfort.SurelywearenotsufficientlysensibleoftheinfinitetendernessofJesus!

M a y 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Allthatbelievearejustified."Acts13:39

The believer in Christ receives a present justification. Faith does notproducethisfruitby-and-by,butnow.Sofarasjustificationistheresultoffaith,itisgiventothesoulinthemomentwhenitcloseswithChrist,andacceptsHimasitsall inall.AretheywhostandbeforethethroneofGodjustifiednow?—so arewe, as truly and as clearly justified as theywhowalkinwhiteandsingmelodiouspraisestocelestialharps.ThethiefuponthecrosswasjustifiedthemomentthatheturnedtheeyeoffaithtoJesus;andPaul, theaged,afteryearsofservice,wasnotmorejustifiedthanwasthethiefwithnoserviceatall.Weareto-dayacceptedintheBeloved,to-day absolved from sin, to-day acquitted at the bar of God. Oh! soul-transporting thought! There are some clusters of Eshcol's vine whichweshallnotbeable togather tillweenterheaven;but this isaboughwhichrunneth over thewall. This is not as the corn of the land,whichwe cannever eat till we cross the Jordan; but this is part of the manna in thewilderness,aportionofourdailynutrimentwithwhichGodsuppliesusinourjourneyingtoandfro.Wearenow—evennowpardoned;evennowareour sins put away; even now we stand in the sight of God accepted, asthoughwehadneverbeenguilty."ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus."ThereisnotasinintheBookofGod,evennow,againstoneofHispeople.Whodareth to layanything to theircharge?There is neither speck, nor spot, norwrinkle, nor any such thingremaininguponanyonebelieverinthematterofjustificationinthesightoftheJudgeofalltheearth.Letpresentprivilegeawakenustopresentduty,andnow,whilelifelasts,letusspendandbespentforoursweetLordJesus.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Madeperfect."Hebrews12:23

RecollectthattherearetwokindsofperfectionwhichtheChristianneeds—theperfectionofjustificationinthepersonofJesus,andtheperfectionofsanctificationwroughtinhimbytheHolySpirit.Atpresent,corruptionyetremainseveninthebreastsoftheregenerate—experiencesoonteachesusthis.Withinusarestilllustsandevilimaginations.ButIrejoicetoknowthatthedayiscomingwhenGodshallfinishtheworkwhichHehasbegun;andHeshallpresentmysoul,notonlyperfectinChrist,butperfectthroughtheSpirit,withoutspotorblemish,oranysuchthing.CanitbetruethatthispoorsinfulheartofmineistobecomeholyevenasGodisholy?Canitbethat this spirit,which often cries, "Owretchedman that I am!who shalldeliverme from the body of this sin and death?" shall get rid of sin anddeath— that I shall have no evil things to vexmy ears, and no unholythoughtstodisturbmypeace?Oh,happyhour!mayitbehastened!WhenIcrosstheJordan,theworkofsanctificationwillbefinished;butnottillthatmomentshallIevenclaimperfectioninmyself.Thenmyspiritshallhaveits lastbaptism in theHolySpirit's fire.Methinks I long todie to receivethat last and final purificationwhich shall usherme into heaven.Not anangelmorepurethanIshallbe,forIshallbeabletosay,inadoublesense,"Iamclean,"throughJesus'blood,andthroughtheSpirit'swork.Oh,howshouldweextolthepoweroftheHolyGhostinthusmakingusfittostandbefore our Father in heaven! Yet let not the hope of perfection hereaftermakeuscontentwithimperfectionnow.Ifitdoesthis,ourhopecannotbegenuine;foragoodhopeisapurifyingthing,evennow.Theworkofgracemustbeabidinginusnoworitcannotbeperfectedthen.Letusprayto"befilled with the Spirit," that wemay bring forth increasingly the fruits ofrighteousness.

M a y 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Whogivethusrichlyallthingstoenjoy."1Timothy6:17

Our Lord Jesus is ever giving, and does not for a solitary instantwithdrawHishand.Aslongasthereisavesselofgracenotyetfulltothebrim, the oil shall not be stayed. He is a sun ever-shining; He ismannaalwaysfallingroundthecamp;Heisarockinthedesert,eversendingoutstreams of life from His smitten side; the rain of His grace is alwaysdropping;theriverofHisbountyisever-flowing,andthewell-springofHisloveisconstantlyoverflowing.AstheKingcanneverdie,soHisgracecanneverfail.DailywepluckHisfruit,anddailyHisbranchesbenddowntoour hand with a fresh store of mercy. There are seven feast-days in Hisweeks,andasmanyasarethedays,somanyarethebanquetsinHisyears.WhohaseverreturnedfromHisdoorunblessed?WhohaseverrisenfromHistableunsatisfied,orfromHisbosomun-emparadised?Hismerciesareneweverymorningandfresheveryevening.WhocanknowthenumberofHisbenefits, or recount the list ofHisbounties?Every sandwhichdropsfromtheglassoftimeisbutthetardyfollowerofamyriadofmercies.ThewingsofourhoursarecoveredwiththesilverofHiskindness,andwiththeyellowgoldofHisaffection.Theriveroftimebearsfromthemountainsofeternity thegoldensandsofHis favour.Thecountlessstarsarebutas thestandardbearersofamore innumerablehostofblessings.Whocancountthedustof thebenefitswhichHebestowsonJacob,or tell thenumberofthefourthpartofHismerciestowardsIsrael?HowshallmysoulextolHimwho daily loadeth us with benefits, and who crowneth us with loving-kindness? O that my praise could be as ceaseless as His bounty! Omiserabletongue,howcanstthoubesilent?Wakeup,Ipraythee,lestIcalltheenomoremyglory,butmyshame."Awake,psalteryandharp:Imyselfwillawakerightearly."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Andhesaid,ThussaiththeLord,Makethisvalleyfullofditches.ForthussaiththeLord,Yeshallnotseewind,neithershallyeseerain;yetthat valley shall be filledwithwater, that yemaydrink,both yeandyourcattle,andyourbeasts."2Kings3:16,17

Thearmiesofthethreekingswerefamishingforwantofwater:Godwasabout to send it, and in these words the prophet announced the comingblessing.Herewasacaseofhumanhelplessness:notadropofwatercouldallthevaliantmenprocurefromtheskiesorfindinthewellsofearth.ThusoftenthepeopleoftheLordareattheirwits'end;theyseethevanityofthecreature,andlearnexperimentallywheretheirhelpistobefound.Stillthepeoplewere tomakeabelievingpreparation for thedivineblessing; theywere todig the trenches inwhich theprecious liquidwouldbeheld.Thechurchmustbyhervariedagencies,efforts,andprayers,makeherselfreadytobeblessed; shemustmake thepools, and theLordwill fill them.Thismust be done in faith, in the full assurance that the blessing is about todescend.By-and-bytherewasasingularbestowaloftheneededboon.NotasinElijah'scasedidtheshowerpourfromtheclouds,butinasilentandmysteriousmannerthepoolswerefilled.TheLordhasHisownsovereignmodesofaction:Heisnottiedtomannerandtimeasweare,butdoethasHe pleases among the sons ofmen. It is ours thankfully to receive fromHim, and not to dictate to Him. We must also notice the remarkableabundanceofthesupply—therewasenoughfortheneedofall.Andsoitisinthegospelblessing;allthewantsofthecongregationandoftheentirechurchshallbemetbythedivinepowerinanswertoprayer;andaboveallthis,victoryshallbespeedilygiventothearmiesoftheLord.

WhatamIdoingforJesus?WhattrenchesamIdigging?OLord,makemereadytoreceivetheblessingwhichThouartsowillingtobestow.

M a y 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"SotowalkevenasHewalked."1John2:6

Why shouldChristians imitateChrist?They should do it for their ownsakes.Iftheydesiretobeinahealthystateofsoul—iftheywouldescapethesicknessofsin,andenjoythevigourofgrowinggrace,letJesusbetheirmodel.Fortheirownhappiness'sake,iftheywoulddrinkwineonthelees,wellrefined;iftheywouldenjoyholyandhappycommunionwithJesus;iftheywouldbeliftedupabovethecaresandtroublesofthisworld,letthemwalkevenasHewalked.Thereisnothingwhichcansoassistyoutowalktowards heavenwith good speed, aswearing the image of Jesus on yourhearttoruleallitsmotions.Itiswhen,bythepoweroftheHolySpirit,youare enabled to walk with Jesus in His very footsteps, that you are mosthappy,andmostknowntobethesonsofGod.Peterafaroffisbothunsafeand uneasy. Next, for religion's sake, strive to be like Jesus. Ah! poorreligion,thouhastbeensorelyshotatbycruelfoes,butthouhastnotbeenwoundedone-halfsodangerouslybythyfoesasbythyfriends.Whomadethosewounds in the fair hand ofGodliness?The professorwho used thedagger of hypocrisy. Themanwhowith pretences, enters the fold, beingnoughtbutawolfinsheep'sclothing,worriestheflockmorethanthelionoutside. There is no weapon half so deadly as a Judas-kiss. Inconsistentprofessorsinjurethegospelmorethanthesneeringcriticortheinfidel.But,especiallyforChrist'sownsake,imitateHisexample.Christian,lovestthouthy Saviour? Is His name precious to thee? Is His cause dear to thee?Wouldst thousee thekingdomsof theworldbecomeHis? Is it thydesirethatHeshouldbeglorified?Art thou longing thatsoulsshouldbewontoHim? If so, imitate Jesus;be an "epistleofChrist, knownand readof allmen."

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThouartMyservant;Ihavechosenthee."Isaiah41:9

IfwehavereceivedthegraceofGodinourhearts,itspracticaleffecthasbeen to make us God's servants. We may be unfaithful servants, wecertainly are unprofitable ones, but yet, blessed beHis name,we areHisservants, wearing His livery, feeding at His table, and obeying Hiscommands.Wewereoncetheservantsofsin,butHewhomadeusfreehasnow takenus intoHis familyand taughtusobedience toHiswill.WedonotserveourMasterperfectly,butwewouldifwecould.AswehearGod'svoicesayinguntous,"ThouartMyservant,"wecananswerwithDavid,"Iamthyservant;Thouhastloosedmybonds."ButtheLordcallsusnotonlyHis servants, butHis chosen ones— "I have chosen thee."We have notchosenHimfirst,butHehathchosenus.IfwebeGod'sservants,wewerenotalwaysso;tosovereigngracethechangemustbeascribed.Theeyeofsovereigntysingledusout,andthevoiceofunchanginggracedeclared,"Ihave loved theewith an everlasting love."Long ere time began or spacewascreatedGodhadwrittenuponHisheartthenamesofHiselectpeople,had predestinated them to be conformed unto the image ofHis Son, andordainedthemheirsofallthefulnessofHislove,Hisgrace,andHisglory.Whatcomfortishere!HastheLordlovedussolong,andwillHeyetcastusaway?Heknewhowstiffneckedweshouldbe,Heunderstoodthatourheartswereevil,andyetHemadethechoice.Ah!ourSaviourisnoficklelover.Hedothnot feel enchanted for awhilewith somegleamsofbeautyfrom His church's eye, and then afterwards cast her off because of herunfaithfulness. Nay, He married her in old eternity; and it is written ofJehovah,"Hehatethputtingaway."TheeternalchoiceisabonduponourgratitudeanduponHisfaithfulnesswhichneithercandisown.

M a y 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"InHim dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye arecompleteinHim."Colossians2:9,10

AlltheattributesofChrist,asGodandman,areatourdisposal.AllthefulnessoftheGodhead,whateverthatmarvelloustermmaycomprehend,isourstomakeuscomplete.HecannotendowuswiththeattributesofDeity;but He has done all that can be done, for He hasmade evenHis divinepower and Godhead subservient to our salvation. His omnipotence,omniscience,omnipresence,immutabilityandinfallibility,areallcombinedfor our defence. Arise, believer, and behold the Lord Jesus yoking thewhole of His divine Godhead to the chariot of salvation! How vast Hisgrace, how firmHis faithfulness, howunswervingHis immutability, howinfiniteHispower,howlimitlessHisknowledge!AllthesearebytheLordJesus made the pillars of the temple of salvation; and all, withoutdiminution of their infinity, are covenanted to us as our perpetualinheritance.The fathomless loveof theSaviour'sheart is everydropof itours;everysinewinthearmofmight,everyjewelinthecrownofmajesty,theimmensityofdivineknowledge,andthesternnessofdivinejustice,allareours,andshallbeemployedforus.ThewholeofChrist,inHisadorablecharacterastheSonofGod,isbyHimselfmadeovertousmostrichlytoenjoy. His wisdom is our direction, His knowledge our instruction, Hispower our protection, His justice our surety, His love our comfort, Hismercyoursolace,andHisimmutabilityourtrust.Hemakesnoreserve,butopenstherecessesoftheMountofGodandbidsusdiginitsminesforthehidden treasures. "All, all, all are yours," saith He, "be ye satisfied withfavourandfullofthegoodnessoftheLord."Oh!howsweetthustobeholdJesus,andtocalluponHimwiththecertainconfidencethatinseekingtheinterpositionofHisloveorpower,wearebutaskingforthatwhichHehasalreadyfaithfullypromised.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Afterward."Hebrews12:11

HowhappyaretriedChristians,afterwards.Nocalmmoredeepthanthatwhichsucceedsastorm.Whohasnotrejoicedinclearshiningsafterrain?Victoriousbanquetsareforwell-exercisedsoldiers.Afterkillingthelionweeatthehoney;afterclimbingtheHillDifficulty,wesitdowninthearbourto rest; after traversing the Valley of Humiliation, after fighting withApollyon,theshiningoneappears,withthehealingbranchfromthetreeoflife.Oursorrows,likethepassingkeelsofthevesselsuponthesea,leaveasilver lineofholylightbehindthem"afterwards."It ispeace,sweet,deeppeace, which follows the horrible turmoil which once reigned in ourtormented,guiltysouls.See, then, thehappyestateofaChristian!Hehashisbestthingslast,andhethereforeinthisworldreceiveshisworstthingsfirst. But even his worst things are "afterward" good things, harshploughingsyieldingjoyfulharvests.Evennowhegrowsrichbyhislosses,herisesbyhisfalls,helivesbydying,andbecomesfullbybeingemptied;if, then, his grievous afflictionsyieldhim somuchpeaceable fruit in thislife,whatshallbethefullvintageofjoy"afterwards"inheaven?Ifhisdarknightsareasbrightastheworld'sdays,whatshallhisdaysbe?Ifevenhisstarlightismoresplendidthanthesun,whatmusthissunlightbe?Ifhecansinginadungeon,howsweetlywillhesinginheaven!IfhecanpraisetheLordinthefires,howwillheextolHimbeforetheeternalthrone!Ifevilbegood to him now,whatwill the overflowing goodness ofGod be to himthen?Oh,blessed"afterward!"WhowouldnotbeaChristian?Whowouldnot bear the present cross for the crown which cometh afterwards? Buthereinisworkforpatience,fortherestisnotforto-day,northetriumphforthepresent,but"afterward."Wait,Osoul,andletpatiencehaveherperfectwork.

M a y 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servantsupontheearth."Ecclesiastes10:7

Upstartsfrequentlyusurpthehighestplaces,whilethetrulygreatpineinobscurity. This is a riddle in providence whose solution will one daygladdentheheartsoftheupright;butitissocommonafact,thatnoneofusshouldmurmur if it should fall toourown lot.WhenourLordwasuponearth,althoughHeisthePrinceofthekingsoftheearth,yetHewalkedthefootpathofwearinessandserviceastheServantofservants:whatwonderisit if His followers, who are princes of the blood, should also be lookeddown upon as inferior and contemptible persons? The world is upsidedown,andtherefore,thefirstarelastandthelastfirst.SeehowtheservilesonsofSatanlorditintheearth!Whatahighhorsetheyride!Howtheyliftup their horn on high!Haman is in the court,whileMordecai sits in thegate;Davidwandersonthemountains,whileSaulreignsinstate;Elijahiscomplaining in the cavewhile Jezebel is boasting in the palace; yetwhowouldwish to take theplacesof theproud rebels?andwho,on theotherhand,mightnotenvythedespisedsaints?Whenthewheelturns,thosewhoare lowest rise,and thehighestsink.Patience, then,believer,eternitywillrightthewrongsoftime.

Letusnotfall intotheerrorof lettingourpassionsandcarnalappetitesrideintriumph,whileournoblerpowerswalkinthedust.Gracemustreignas a prince, and make the members of the body instruments ofrighteousness. The Holy Spirit loves order, and He therefore sets ourpowersandfacultiesinduerankandplace,givingthehighestroomtothosespiritual facultieswhich linkuswith thegreatKing; letusnotdisturb thedivinearrangement,butaskforgracethatwemaykeepunderourbodyandbringitintosubjection.Wewerenotnewcreatedtoallowourpassionstoruleoverus,butthatwe,askings,mayreigninChristJesusoverthetriplekingdomofspirit,soul,andbody,tothegloryofGodtheFather.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Andherequestedforhimselfthathemightdie."1Kings19:4

Itwasaremarkablethingthatthemanwhowasnevertodie,forwhomGodhadordainedaninfinitelybetterlot,themanwhoshouldbecarriedtoheaveninachariotoffire,andbetranslated,thatheshouldnotseedeath—should thus pray, "Letme die, I amno better thanmy fathers."Wehavehereamemorableproof thatGoddoesnotalwaysanswerprayer inkind,thoughHealwaysdoesineffect.HegaveEliassomethingbetterthanthatwhichheaskedfor,andthusreallyheardandansweredhim.Strangewasitthatthelion-heartedElijahshouldbesodepressedbyJezebel'sthreatastoasktodie,andblessedlykindwasitonthepartofourheavenlyFatherthatHedidnottakeHisdespondingservantathisword.Thereisalimittothedoctrineof theprayeroffaith.Wearenot toexpect thatGodwillgiveuseverythingwechoosetoaskfor.Weknowthatwesometimesask,anddonotreceive,becauseweaskamiss.Ifweaskforthatwhichisnotpromised—ifweruncountertothespiritwhichtheLordwouldhaveuscultivate—ifweaskcontrarytoHiswill,ortothedecreesofHisprovidence—ifweaskmerelyforthegratificationofourownease,andwithoutaneyetoHisglory,wemustnotexpectthatweshallreceive.Yet,whenweaskinfaith,nothing doubting, if we receive not the precise thing asked for, we shallreceiveanequivalent,andmorethananequivalent,forit.Asoneremarks,"IftheLorddoesnotpayinsilver,Hewillingold;andifHedoesnotpayingold,Hewillindiamonds."IfHedoesnotgiveyoupreciselywhatyouaskfor,Hewillgiveyouthatwhichistantamounttoit,andthatwhichyouwillgreatlyrejoicetoreceiveinlieuthereof.Bethen,dearreader,muchinprayer, and make this evening a season of earnest intercession, but takeheedwhatyouask.

M a y 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"Marvellouslovingkindness."Psalm17:7

Whenwegiveourheartswithouralms,wegivewell,butwemustoftenplead to a failure in this respect. Not so our Master and our Lord. HisfavoursarealwaysperformedwiththeloveofHisheart.HedoesnotsendtousthecoldmeatandthebrokenpiecesfromthetableofHisluxury,butHedipsourmorsel inHisowndish, and seasonsourprovisionswith thespices ofHis fragrant affections.WhenHeputs thegolden tokensofHisgraceintoourpalms,Heaccompaniesthegiftwithsuchawarmpressureofourhand,thatthemannerofHisgivingisaspreciousastheboonitself.HewillcomeintoourhousesuponHiserrandsofkindness,andHewillnotactas some austere visitors do in the poorman's cottage, butHe sits by ourside,notdespisingourpoverty,norblamingourweakness.Beloved,withwhatsmilesdoesHespeak!WhatgoldensentencesdropfromHisgraciouslips!What embracesof affectiondoesHebestowuponus! IfHehadbutgivenusfarthings,thewayofHisgivingwouldhavegildedthem;butasitis,thecostlyalmsaresetinagoldenbasketbyHispleasantcarriage.ItisimpossibletodoubtthesincerityofHischarity,forthereisableedingheartstamped upon the face of all His benefactions. He giveth liberally andupbraidethnot.NotonehintthatweareburdensometoHim;notonecoldlookforHispoorpensioners;butHerejoicesinHismercy,andpressesustoHisbosomwhileHeispouringoutHislifeforus.ThereisafragranceinHis spikenard which nothing but His heart could produce; there is asweetness in His honey-comb which could not be in it unless the veryessence of His soul's affection had been mingled with it. Oh! the rarecommunionwhich such singularheartinesseffecteth!Maywecontinuallytasteandknowtheblessednessofit!

Thisevening'sverse:

"Idrewthemwithcordsofaman,withbandsoflove."Hosea11:4

OurheavenlyFatheroftendrawsuswiththecordsoflove;butah!howbackwardweare to run towardsHim!Howslowlydowe respond toHisgentle impulses!Hedrawsus toexerciseamoresimplefaith inHim;butwe have not yet attained to Abraham's confidence; we do not leave ourworldlycareswithGod,but,likeMartha,wecumberourselveswithmuchserving.Ourmeagre faithbrings leanness intoour souls;wedonotopenourmouthswide,thoughGodhaspromisedtofillthem.DoesHenotthiseveningdrawustotrustHim?CanwenothearHimsay,"Come,Mychild,andtrustMe.Theveilisrent;enterintoMypresence,andapproachboldlyto the throneofMygrace. Iamworthyof thyfullestconfidence,cast thycares on Me. Shake thyself from the dust of thy cares, and put on thybeautifulgarmentsofjoy."But,alas!thoughcalledwithtonesoflovetotheblessed exercise of this comforting grace, we will not come. At anothertimeHedrawsustoclosercommunionwithHimself.WehavebeensittingonthedoorstepofGod'shouse,andHebidsusadvanceintothebanquetinghallandsupwithHim,butwedeclinethehonour.Therearesecretroomsnot yet opened to us; Jesus invites us to enter them, but we hold back.Shameonourcoldhearts!WearebutpoorloversofoursweetLordJesus,not fit to be His servants, much less to be His brides, and yet He hathexaltedustobeboneofHisboneandfleshofHisflesh,marriedtoHimbyagloriousmarriage-covenant.Hereinislove!Butitislovewhichtakesnodenial. If we obey not the gentle drawings of His love, He will sendafflictiontodriveusintocloserintimacywithHimself.HaveusnearerHewill.What foolish childrenwe are to refuse those bands of love, and sobringuponourbacksthatscourgeofsmallcords,whichJesusknowshowtouse!

M a y 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"IfsobeyehavetastedthattheLordisgracious."1Peter2:3

If:—then,thisisnotamattertobetakenforgrantedconcerningeveryoneofthehumanrace."If:"—thenthereisapossibilityandaprobabilitythatsomemaynothavetastedthattheLordisgracious."If:"—thenthisisnotageneralbutaspecialmercy;andit isneedfultoenquirewhetherweknowthegraceofGodbyinwardexperience.There isnospiritualfavourwhichmaynotbeamatterforheart-searching.

Butwhilethisshouldbeamatterofearnestandprayerfulinquiry,nooneoughttobecontentwhilstthereisanysuchthingasan"if"abouthishavingtastedthattheLordisgracious.Ajealousandholydistrustofselfmaygiverisetothequestioneveninthebeliever'sheart,butthecontinuanceofsucha doubt would be an evil indeed. We must not rest without a desperatestruggletoclasptheSaviourinthearmsoffaith,andsay,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved,andIampersuadedthatheisabletokeepthatwhichIhavecommitteduntohim."Donotrest,Obeliever,tillthouhastafullassuranceof thine interest in Jesus. Let nothing satisfy thee till, by the infalliblewitnessoftheHolySpiritbearingwitnesswiththyspirit,thouartcertifiedthat thou art a child of God. Oh, trifle not here; let no "perhaps" and"peradventure" and "if" and "maybe" satisfy thy soul. Build on eternalverities, and verily build upon them.Get the suremercies ofDavid, andsurelygetthem.Letthineanchorbecastintothatwhichiswithintheveil,andsee to it that thysoulbe linked to theanchorbyacable thatwillnotbreak.Advancebeyondthesedreary"ifs;"abidenomoreinthewildernessofdoubts and fears; cross the Jordanof distrust, and enter theCanaanofpeace,where theCanaanitestill lingers,butwhere the landceasethnot toflowwithmilkandhoney.

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThereiscorninEgypt."Genesis42:2

Faminepinchedall thenations,and itseemedinevitable thatJacobandhisfamilyshouldsuffergreatwant;buttheGodofprovidence,whoneverforgetstheobjectsofelectinglove,hadstoredagranaryforHispeoplebygivingtheEgyptianswarningof thescarcity,andleadingthemtotreasureupthegrainoftheyearsofplenty.LittledidJacobexpectdeliverancefromEgypt,but therewas thecorn instoreforhim.Believer, thoughall thingsareapparentlyagainstthee,restassuredthatGodhasmadeareservationonthybehalf; in the rollof thygriefs there isa savingclause.SomehowHewilldeliverthee,andsomewhereHewillprovideforthee.Thequarterfromwhich thy rescue shall arisemaybeaveryunexpectedone,buthelpwillassuredlycomeinthineextremity,andthoushaltmagnifythenameoftheLord. Ifmendonot feed thee, ravens shall; and if earth yieldnotwheat,heaven shall drop with manna. Therefore be of good courage, and restquietlyintheLord.GodcanmakethesunriseinthewestifHepleases,andmakethesourceofdistressthechannelofdelight.ThecorninEgyptwasallinthehandsofthebelovedJoseph;heopenedorclosedthegranariesatwill.Andso the richesofprovidenceareall in theabsolutepowerofourLord Jesus, who will dispense them liberally to His people. Joseph wasabundantlyreadytosuccourhisownfamily;andJesusisunceasinginHisfaithfulcareforHisbrethren.Ourbusinessistogoafterthehelpwhichisprovidedforus:wemustnotsitstill indespondency,butbestirourselves.PrayerwillbearussoonintothepresenceofourroyalBrother:oncebeforeHisthronewehaveonlytoaskandhave:Hisstoresarenotexhausted;thereiscornstill:Hisheartisnothard,Hewillgivethecorntous.Lord,forgiveourunbelief,andthiseveningconstrainustodrawlargelyfromThyfulnessandreceivegraceforgrace.

M a y 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Heledthemforthbytherightway."Psalm107:7

Changefulexperienceoftenleadstheanxiousbelievertoenquire"Whyisit thuswithme?" I lookedfor light,but lo,darknesscame; forpeace,butbeholdtrouble.Isaidinmyheart,mymountainstandethfirm,Ishallneverbemoved. Lord, thou dost hide Thy face, and I am troubled. It was butyesterday that I could read my title clear; to-day my evidences arebedimmed,andmyhopesareclouded.YesterdayIcouldclimbtoPisgah'stop,andviewthelandscapeo'er,andrejoicewithconfidenceinmyfutureinheritance; to-day,my spirit has no hopes, butmany fears; no joys, butmuchdistress. Is thispartofGod'splanwithme?Can thisbe theway inwhichGodwould bringme to heaven?Yes, it is even so.The eclipse ofyour faith, thedarknessofyourmind, the faintingofyourhope,all thesethings are but parts of God's method of making you ripe for the greatinheritanceuponwhichyoushallsoonenter.Thesetrialsareforthetestingand strengthening of your faith— they are waves that wash you furtherupon the rock— they are winds which waft your ship themore swiftlytowardsthedesiredhaven.AccordingtoDavid'swords,soitmightbesaidof you, "so He bringeth them to their desired haven." By honour anddishonour,byevilreportandbygoodreport,byplentyandbypoverty,byjoyandbydistress,bypersecutionandbypeace,byallthesethingsisthelifeofyoursoulsmaintained,andbyeachoftheseareyouhelpedonyourway.Oh,thinknot,believer,thatyoursorrowsareoutofGod'splan;theyare necessary parts of it. "We must, through much tribulation, enter thekingdom." Learn, then, even to "count it all joywhen ye fall into diverstemptations."

"Oletmytremblingsoulbestill,AndwaitThywise,Thyholywill!Icannot,Lord,Thypurposesee,YetalliswellsinceruledbyThee."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Behold,Thouartfair,myBeloved."Song1:16

FromeverypointourWell-belovedismostfair.OurvariousexperiencesaremeantbyourheavenlyFather tofurnishfreshstandpointsfromwhichwemayviewthelovelinessofJesus;howamiableareourtrialswhentheycarryusaloftwherewemaygainclearerviewsofJesusthanordinarylifecouldaffordus!WehaveseenHimfromthetopofAmana,fromthetopofShenirandHermon,andHehasshoneuponusas thesun inhisstrength;butwehaveseenHimalso"fromthelions'dens,fromthemountainsoftheleopards,"andHehaslostnoneofHisloveliness.Fromthelanguishingofasick bed, from the borders of the grave, havewe turned our eyes to oursoul'sspouse,andHehasneverbeenotherwisethan"allfair."ManyofHissaintshavelookeduponHimfromthegloomofdungeons,andfromtheredflamesofthestake,yethavetheyneverutteredanillwordofHim,buthavediedextollingHissurpassingcharms.Oh,nobleandpleasantemploymentto be for ever gazing at our sweet Lord Jesus! Is it not unspeakablydelightful to view the Saviour in all His offices, and to perceive Himmatchlessineach?—toshiftthekaleidoscope,asitwere,andtofindfreshcombinationsofpeerlessgraces?Inthemangerandineternity,onthecrossandonHisthrone,inthegardenandinHiskingdom,amongthievesorinthe midst of cherubim, He is everywhere "altogether lovely." ExaminecarefullyeverylittleactofHislife,andeverytraitofHischaracter,andHeis as lovely in theminute as in themajestic. JudgeHimasyouwill, youcannot censure; weigh Him as you please, and He will not be foundwanting.Eternity shallnotdiscover theshadowofa spot inourBeloved,but rather, as ages revolve, His hidden glories shall shine forth with yetmore inconceivable splendour, and His unutterable loveliness shall moreandmoreravishallcelestialminds.

M a y 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheLordwillperfectthatwhichconcernethme."Psalm138:8

MostmanifestlytheconfidencewhichthePsalmisthereexpressedwasadivine confidence. He did not say, "I have grace enough to perfect thatwhichconcernethme—myfaithissosteadythatitwillnotstagger—myloveissowarmthatitwillnevergrowcold—myresolutionissofirmthatnothing can move it; no, his dependence was on the Lord alone. If weindulgeinanyconfidencewhichisnotgroundedontheRockofages,ourconfidenceisworsethanadream,itwillfalluponus,andcoveruswithitsruins,tooursorrowandconfusion.AllthatNaturespinstimewillunravel,to the eternal confusion of allwho are clothed therein.ThePsalmistwaswise,he resteduponnothingshortof theLord'swork. It is theLordwhohasbegunthegoodworkwithinus;itisHewhohascarriediton;andifhedoes not finish it, it neverwill be complete. If there be one stitch in thecelestialgarmentofourrighteousnesswhichwearetoinsertourselves,thenwearelost;butthisisourconfidence,theLordwhobeganwillperfect.Hehasdoneitall,mustdoitall,andwilldoitall.Ourconfidencemustnotbeinwhatwehavedone,norinwhatwehaveresolvedtodo,butentirelyinwhat theLordwill do.Unbelief insinuates—"Youwill never be able tostand.Lookattheevilofyourheart,youcanneverconquersin;rememberthesinfulpleasuresandtemptationsoftheworldthatbesetyou,youwillbecertainlyalluredbythemandledastray."Ah!yes,weshouldindeedperishiflefttoourownstrength.Ifwehadalonetonavigateourfrailvesselsoversoroughasea,wemightwellgiveupthevoyageindespair;but,thanksbeto God, He will perfect that which concerneth us, and bring us to thedesired haven.We can never be too confident when we confide in Himalone,andnevertoomuchconcernedtohavesuchatrust.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thouhastboughtmenosweetcanewithmoney."Isaiah43:24

Worshippersatthetemplewerewonttobringpresentsofsweetperfumesto be burned upon the altar of God: but Israel, in the time of herbacksliding,becameungenerous,andmadebutfewvotiveofferingstoherLord:thiswasanevidenceofcoldnessofhearttowardsGodandHishouse.Reader,doesthisneveroccurwithyou?Mightnotthecomplaintofthetextbeoccasionally,ifnotfrequently,broughtagainstyou?Thosewhoarepoorinpocket,ifrichinfaith,willbeacceptednonethelessbecausetheirgiftsaresmall;but,poorreader,doyougiveinfairproportiontotheLord,oristhe widow's mite kept back from the sacred treasury? The rich believershouldbethankfulforthetalententrustedtohim,butshouldnotforgethislarge responsibility, forwheremuch is givenmuchwill be required; but,richreader,areyoumindfulofyourobligations,andrenderingtotheLordaccordingto thebenefit received?JesusgaveHisbloodforus,whatshallwegivetoHim?WeareHis,andallthatwehave,forHehaspurchasedusunto Himself — can we act as if we were our own? O for moreconsecration!andtothisend,Oformorelove!BlessedJesus,howgooditis of Thee to accept our sweet cane bought with money! nothing is toocostlyasatributetoThineunrivalledlove,andyetThoudostreceivewithfavour thesmallestsincere tokenofaffection!Thoudost receiveourpoorforget-me-notsandlove-tokensas thoughtheywere intrinsicallyprecious,though indeed they are but as the bunch ofwild flowerswhich the childbringstoitsmother.NevermaywegrowniggardlytowardsThee,andfromthishournevermaywehearTheecomplainofusagainforwithholdingthegiftsofourlove.WewillgiveTheethefirstfruitsofourincrease,andpayTheetithesofall,andthenwewillconfess"ofThineownhavewegivenThee."

M a y 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Blessed be God, which hath nor turned away my prayer." Psalm66:20

In lookingbackupon thecharacterofourprayers, ifwedo ithonestly,weshallbefilledwithwonderthatGodhaseveransweredthem.TheremaybesomewhothinktheirIprayersworthyofacceptance—asthePhariseedid;butthetrueChristian,inamoreenlightenedretrospect,weepsoverhisprayers, and if he could retrace his steps he would desire to pray moreearnestly.Remember,Christian,howcoldthyprayershavebeen.WheninthyclosetthoushouldsthavewrestledasJacobdid;butinsteadthereof,thypetitions have been faint and few — far removed from that humble,believing, persevering faith, which cries, "I will not let Thee go exceptThoublessme."Yet,wonderfultosay,Godhasheardthesecoldprayersofthine,andnotonlyheard,butansweredthem.Reflectalso,howinfrequenthavebeenthyprayers,unlessthouhastbeenintrouble,andthenthouhastgone often to themercy-seat: butwhen deliverance has come,where hasbeen thy constant supplication? Yet, notwithstanding thou hast ceased topray as once thou didst, God has not ceased to bless. When thou hastneglectedthemercy-seat,Godhasnotdesertedit,butthebrightlightoftheShekinahhasalwaysbeenvisiblebetweenthewingsofthecherubim.Oh!it ismarvellous that the Lord should regard those intermittent spasms ofimportunitywhichcomeandgowithournecessities.WhataGodisHethusto hear the prayers of thosewho come toHimwhen they have pressingwants, but neglectHimwhen they have received amercy;who approachHimwhentheyareforcedtocome,butwhoalmostforgettoaddressHimwhenmerciesareplentifulandsorrowsarefew.LetHisgraciouskindnessin hearing such prayers touch our hearts, so that we may henceforth befound"PrayingalwayswithallprayerandsupplicationintheSpirit."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Only let your conversationbeas it becometh thegospel ofChrist."Philippians1:27

Theword "conversation" does notmerelymean our talk and conversewith one another, but the whole course of our life and behaviour in theworld. The Greek word signifies the actions and the privileges ofcitizenship:andthuswearecommandedtoletouractions,ascitizensoftheNew Jerusalem, be such as becometh the gospel of Christ.What sort ofconversation is this? In the first place, the gospel is very simple. SoChristiansshouldbesimpleandplainintheirhabits.Thereshouldbeaboutour manner, our speech, our dress, our whole behaviour, that simplicitywhichistheverysoulofbeauty.Thegospelispre-eminentlytrue,itisgoldwithout dross; and the Christian's life will be lustreless and valuelesswithout the jewel of truth.The gospel is a very fearless gospel, it boldlyproclaimsthetruth,whethermenlikeitornot:wemustbeequallyfaithfulandunflinching.But thegospel is alsoverygentle.Mark this spirit in itsFounder: "abruised reedHewillnotbreak."Someprofessorsare sharperthanathorn-hedge;suchmenarenotlikeJesus.Letusseektowinothersbythegentlenessofourwordsandacts.Thegospelisveryloving.ItisthemessageoftheGodoflovetoalostandfallenrace.Christ'slastcommandtoHisdiscipleswas,"Loveoneanother."Oformorereal,heartyunionandlovetoallthesaints;formoretendercompassiontowardsthesoulsoftheworst and vilest ofmen!Wemust not forget that the gospel of Christ isholy.Itneverexcusessin: itpardonsit,butonlythroughanatonement.Ifour life is to resemble the gospel, wemust shun, notmerely the grosservices, but everything that would hinder our perfect conformity to Christ.ForHissake,forourownsakes,andforthesakesofothers,wemuststrivedaybydaytoletourconversationbemoreinaccordancewithHisgospel.

M a y 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Forsakemenot,OLord."Psalm38:21

FrequentlywepraythatGodwouldnotforsakeusinthehouroftrialandtemptation,butwetoomuchforgetthatwehaveneedtousethisprayeratalltimes.Thereisnomomentofourlife,howeverholy,inwhichwecandowithout His constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, incommunionorintemptation,wealikeneedtheprayer,"Forsakemenot,OLord.""HoldThoumeup,andIshallbesafe."Alittlechild,whilelearningtowalk, always needs the nurse's aid. The ship left by the pilot drifts atoncefromhercourse.Wecannotdowithoutcontinuedaidfromabove;letit then be your prayer to-day, "Forsake me not. Father, forsake not Thychild, lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd, forsake not Thylamb, lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Husbandman,forsakenotThyplant,lestitwitheranddie.'Forsakemenot,OLord,'now;andforsakemenotatanymomentofmylife.Forsakemenotinmyjoys,lest they absorbmy heart. Forsakeme not inmy sorrows, lest ImurmuragainstThee.Forsakemenot in thedayofmy repentance, lest I lose thehopeofpardon,andfallintodespair;andforsakemenotinthedayofmystrongestfaith, lestfaithdegenerateintopresumption.Forsakemenot,forwithoutTheeIamweak,butwithTheeIamstrong.Forsakemenot,formypathisdangerous,andfullofsnares,andIcannotdowithoutThyguidance.Thehenforsakesnotherbrood,doThouthenevermorecovermewithThyfeathers, and permitme under Thywings to findmy refuge. 'Be not farfromme,OLord,fortroubleisnear,forthereisnonetohelp.' 'Leavemenot,neitherforsakeme,OGodofmysalvation!'"

"Oeverinourcleansedbreast,BidThineEternalSpiritrest;AndmakeoursecretsoultobeAtemplepureandworthyThee."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Andtheyroseupthesamehour,andreturnedJerusalem...andtheytold what things were done in the way, and how He was known ofthem."Luke24:33,35

When the two disciples had reached Emmaus, and were refreshingthemselves at the evening meal, the mysterious stranger who had soenchanted them upon the road, took bread and brake it, made Himselfknowntothem,andthenvanishedoutoftheirsight.TheyhadconstrainedHimtoabidewiththem,becausethedaywasfarspent;butnow,althoughitwasmuch later, their lovewasa lamp to their feet, yea,wings also; theyforgot the darkness, their weariness was all gone, and forthwith theyjourneyedbackthethreescorefurlongstotellthegladsomenewsofarisenLord,whohadappearedtothembytheway.TheyreachedtheChristiansinJerusalem,andwere receivedbyaburstof joyfulnewsbefore theycouldtell their own tale. These early Christians were all on fire to speak ofChrist's resurrection, and to proclaim what they knew of the Lord; theymadecommonpropertyoftheirexperiences.Thiseveninglettheirexampleimpressusdeeply.WetoomustbearourwitnessconcerningJesus.John'saccount of the sepulchre needed to be supplemented by Peter; andMarycouldspeakofsomethingfurtherstill;combined,wehaveafulltestimonyfromwhichnothingcanbespared.Wehaveeachofuspeculiargiftsandspecialmanifestations;buttheoneobjectGodhasinviewistheperfectingof the whole body of Christ. We must, therefore, bring our spiritualpossessionsandlaythemattheapostle'sfeet,andmakedistributionuntoallofwhatGodhasgiventous.Keepbacknopartof theprecioustruth,butspeakwhatyouknow,and testifywhatyouhaveseen.Letnot the toilordarkness, or possible unbelief of your friends, weigh onemoment in thescale.Up,andbemarching to theplaceofduty,and there tellwhatgreatthingsGodhasshowntoyoursoul.

M a y 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm55:22

Care,eventhoughexerciseduponlegitimateobjects,ifcarriedtoexcess,has in it the nature of sin.Theprecept to avoid anxious care is earnestlyinculcatedbyourSaviour,againandagain;itisreiteratedbytheapostles;anditisonewhichcannotbeneglectedwithoutinvolvingtransgression:forthe very essence of anxious care is the imagining thatwe arewiser thanGod,andthethrustingourselvesintoHisplacetodoforHimthatwhichHehasundertakentodoforus.WeattempttothinkofthatwhichwefancyHewill forget;we labour to take uponourselves ourweary burden, as ifHewere unable or unwilling to take it for us.Now this disobedience toHisplainprecept,thisunbeliefinHisWord,thispresumptioninintrudinguponHisprovince, is all sinful.Yetmore than this, anxiouscareoften leads toactsofsin.HewhocannotcalmlyleavehisaffairsinGod'shand,butwillcarryhisownburden, isvery likely tobe tempted tousewrongmeans tohelp himself.This sin leads to a forsaking ofGod as our counsellor, andresorting instead to humanwisdom.This is going to the "broken cistern"instead of to the "fountain;" a sin which was laid against Israel of old.Anxietymakes us doubtGod's lovingkindness, and thus our love toHimgrowscold;wefeelmistrust,andthusgrievetheSpiritofGod,sothatourprayersbecomehindered,ourconsistentexamplemarred,andourlifeoneof self-seeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander farfromHim;butifthroughsimplefaithinHispromise,wecasteachburdenasitcomesuponHim,andare"carefulfornothing"becauseHeundertakestocareforus,itwillkeepusclosetoHim,andstrengthenusagainstmuchtemptation."ThouwiltkeephiminperfectpeacewhosemindisstayedonThee,becausehetrustethinThee."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Continueinthefaith."Acts14:22

Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not abeginningonlyin thewaysofGod,butalsoacontinuancein thesameaslongaslifelasts.ItiswithaChristianasitwaswiththegreatNapoleon:hesaid,"ConquesthasmademewhatIam,andconquestmustmaintainme."So,underGod,dearbrotherintheLord,conquesthasmadeyouwhatyouare, and conquestmust sustain you.Yourmottomust be, "Excelsior."Heonly isa trueconqueror,andshallbecrownedat the last,whocontinuethtillwar'strumpetisblownnomore.Perseveranceis,therefore,thetargetofall our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being aChristianforatime,ifshecanbuttemptyoutoceaseyourpilgrimage,andsettledowntobuyandsellwithher inVanityFair.Thefleshwillseek toensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. "It iswearyworkbeingapilgrim;come,giveitup.AmIalwaystobemortified?AmIneverto be indulged?Giveme at least a furlough from this constantwarfare."Satanwillmakemanya fierceattackonyourperseverance; itwillbe themark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he willinsinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He willendeavour tomakeyouwearyof suffering, hewillwhisper, "CurseGod,anddie."Orhewillattackyoursteadfastness:"Whatisthegoodofbeingsozealous?Bequietliketherest;sleepasdoothers,andletyourlampgooutastheothervirginsdo."Orhewillassailyourdoctrinalsentiments:"Whydoyouholdtothesedenominationalcreeds?Sensiblemenaregettingmoreliberal;theyareremovingtheoldlandmarks:fallinwiththetimes."Wearyourshield,Christian,therefore,closeuponyourarmour,andcrymightilyuntoGod,thatbyHisSpirityoumayenduretotheend.

M a y 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"SoMephiboshethdweltinJerusalem:forhedideatcontinuallyattheking'stable;andwaslameonbothhisfeet."2Samuel9:13

Mephibosheth was no great ornament to a royal table, yet he had acontinualplaceatDavid'sboard,becausethekingcouldseeinhisfacethefeaturesofthebelovedJonathan.LikeMephibosheth,wemaycryuntotheKingofGlory,"WhatisThyservant,thatThoushouldstlookuponsuchadead dog as I am?" but still the Lord indulges us with most familiarintercourse with Himself, because He sees in our countenances theremembranceofHisdearly-belovedJesus.TheLord'speoplearedear foranother'ssake.SuchisthelovewhichtheFatherbearstoHisonlybegotten,that for His sake He raises His lowly brethren from poverty andbanishment, to courtly companionship, noble rank, and royal provision.Theirdeformityshallnotrobthemoftheirprivileges.Lamenessisnobartosonship;thecrippleisasmuchtheheirasifhecouldrunlikeAsahel.Ourrightdoesnotlimp,thoughourmightmay.Aking'stableisanoblehiding-placeforlamelegs,andatthegospelfeastwelearntogloryininfirmities,because the power ofChrist resteth upon us.Yet grievous disabilitymaymarthepersonsofthebest-lovedsaints.HereisonefeastedbyDavid,andyetsolameinbothhisfeetthathecouldnotgoupwiththekingwhenhefled from thecity, andwas thereforemalignedand injuredbyhis servantZiba.Saintswhosefaithisweak,andwhoseknowledgeisslender,aregreatlosers; they are exposed to many enemies, and cannot follow the kingwhithersoever he goeth. This disease frequently arises from falls. Badnursing in their spiritual infancy often causes converts to fall into adespondencyfromwhichtheyneverrecover,andsininothercasesbringsbrokenbones.Lord,helpthelametoleaplikeanhart,andsatisfyallThypeoplewiththebreadofThytable!

Thisevening'sverse:

"Whatisthyservant,thatthoushouldestlookuponsuchadeaddogasIam?"2Samuel9:8

IfMephiboshethwas thushumbledbyDavid'skindness,what shallwebeinthepresenceofourgraciousLord?Themoregracewehave,thelesswe shall think of ourselves, for grace, like light, reveals our impurity.Eminentsaintshavescarcelyknowntowhat tocompare themselves, theirsense of unworthiness has been so clear and keen. "I am," says holyRutherford,"adryandwitheredbranch,apieceofdeadcarcass,drybones,andnotabletostepoverastraw."Inanotherplacehewrites,"Exceptastoopen outbreakings, I want nothing of what Judas and Cain had." Themeanestobjectsinnatureappeartothehumbledmindtohaveapreferenceaboveitself,becausetheyhavenevercontractedsin:adogmaybegreedy,fierce,orfilthy,butithasnoconsciencetoviolate,noHolySpirittoresist.Adogmaybeaworthlessanimal,andyetbyalittlekindnessitissoonwontoloveitsmaster,andisfaithfuluntodeath;butweforgetthegoodnessofthe Lord, and follow not at His call. The term "dead dog" is the mostexpressiveofalltermsofcontempt,butitisnonetoostrongtoexpresstheself-abhorrenceofinstructedbelievers.Theydonotaffectmockmodesty,theymeanwhattheysay,theyhaveweighedthemselvesinthebalancesofthesanctuary,andfoundoutthevanityoftheirnature.Atbest,wearebutclay,animateddust,merewalkinghillocks;butviewedassinners,wearemonsters indeed.Let itbepublished inheavenasawonder, that theLordJesus should set His heart's love upon such as we are. Dust and ashesthoughwebe,wemustandwill "magnify theexceedinggreatnessofHisgrace."Could notHis heart find rest in heaven?MustHe needs come tothese tentsofKedarforaspouse,andchooseabrideuponwhomthesunhadlooked?Oheavensandearth,breakforthintoasong,andgiveallglorytooursweetLordJesus.

M a y 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"WhomHejustified,themHealsoglorified."Romans8:30

Here is a precious truth for thee, believer. Thoumayest be poor, or insuffering, or unknown, but for thine encouragement take a review of thy"calling"andtheconsequencesthatflowfromit,andespeciallythatblessedresultherespokenof.AssurelyasthouartGod'schildtoday,sosurelyshallall thy trialssoonbeatanend,and thoushaltberich toall the intentsofbliss.Waitawhile,andthatwearyheadshallwearthecrownofglory,andthathandoflabourshallgraspthepalm-branchofvictory.Lamentnotthytroubles,butratherrejoicethaterelongthouwiltbewhere"thereshallbeneither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Thechariotsoffireareatthydoor,andamomentwillsufficetobeartheetotheglorified.Theeverlastingsongisalmostonthylip.Theportalsofheavenstandopenforthee.Thinknotthatthoucanstfailofenteringintorest.IfHehath called thee, nothing can divide thee from His love. Distress cannotseverthebond;thefireofpersecutioncannotburnthelink;thehammerofhellcannotbreakthechain.Thouartsecure;thatvoicewhichcalledtheeatfirst,shallcalltheeyetagainfromearthtoheaven,fromdeath'sdarkgloomto immortality'sunutteredsplendours.Restassured, theheartofHimwhohasjustifiedtheebeatswithinfinitelovetowardsthee.Thoushaltsoonbewith the glorified,where thy portion is; thou art onlywaiting here to bemademeetfortheinheritance,andthatdone,thewingsofangelsshallwafttheefaraway,tothemountofpeace,andjoy,andblessedness,where,

"Farfromaworldofgriefandsin,WithGodeternallyshutin,"

thoushaltrestforeverandever.

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThisIrecalltomymind,thereforehaveIhope."Lamentations3:21

Memory is frequently thebondslaveofdespondency.Despairingmindscall to remembrance every dark foreboding in the past, and dilate uponevery gloomy feature in the present; thus memory, clothed in sackcloth,presents to the mind a cup of mingled gall and wormwood. There is,however,nonecessityforthis.Wisdomcanreadilytransformmemoryintoanangelofcomfort.Thatsamerecollectionwhichinitslefthandbringssomanygloomyomens,maybetrainedtobearinitsrightawealthofhopefulsigns.Sheneednotwearacrownofiron,shemayencircleherbrowwithafilletofgold,allspangledwithstars.ThusitwasinJeremiah'sexperience:inthepreviousversememoryhadbroughthimtodeephumiliationofsoul:"Mysoulhaththemstillinremembrance,andishumbledinme";andnowthis samememory restored him to life and comfort. "This I recall tomymind, therefore have I hope." Like a two-edged sword, hismemory firstkilledhispridewithoneedge,andthenslewhisdespairwiththeother.Asageneral principle, if we would exercise our memories more wisely, wemight, in our very darkest distress, strike a match which wouldinstantaneously kindle the lamp of comfort. There is no need forGod tocreateanewthingupontheearthinordertorestorebelieverstojoy;iftheywouldprayerfullyraketheashesof thepast, theywouldfindlightfor thepresent;andiftheywouldturntothebookoftruthandthethroneofgrace,their candle would soon shine as aforetime. Be it ours to remember thelovingkindnessoftheLord,andtorehearseHisdeedsofgrace.Letusopenthevolumeofrecollectionwhichissorichlyilluminatedwithmemorialsofmercy, andwe shall soon be happy. Thusmemorymay be, as Coleridgecallsit,"thebosom-springofjoy,"andwhentheDivineComforterbendsittoHisservice,itmaybechiefamongearthlycomforters.

M a y 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thouhatestwickedness."Psalm45:7

"Beyeangry,andsinnot."Therecanhardlybegoodnessinamanifhebenotangryatsin;hewholovestruthmusthateeveryfalseway.HowourLord Jesus hated itwhen the temptation came!Thrice it assailedHim indifferent forms,buteverHemet itwith,"Get theebehindme,Satan."Hehated it in others; none the less fervently because He showed His hateoftenerintearsofpitythaninwordsofrebuke;yetwhatlanguagecouldbemore stern,moreElijah-like, than thewords, "Woeuntoyou, scribes andPharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretencemakelongprayer."Hehatedwickedness,somuchthatHebledtowoundittotheheart;Hediedthatitmightdie;HewasburiedthatHemightburyitinHistomb;andHerosethatHemightforevertrampleitbeneathHisfeet.ChristisintheGospel,andthatGospelisopposedtowickednessineveryshape.Wickednessarraysitselfinfairgarments,andimitatesthelanguageof holiness; but the precepts of Jesus, like His famous scourge of smallcords,chaseitoutofthetemple,andwillnottolerateitintheChurch.So,too, intheheartwhereJesusreigns,whatwarthereisbetweenChristandBelial! And when our Redeemer shall come to be our Judge, thosethundering words, "Depart, ye cursed" which are, indeed, but aprolongation of His life-teaching concerning sin, shall manifest Hisabhorrence of iniquity. As warm as is His love to sinners, so hot is Hishatredof sin; as perfect as isHis righteousness, so complete shall be thedestruction of every form of wickedness. O thou glorious champion ofright, and destroyer of wrong, for this cause hath God, even Thy God,anointedtheewiththeoilofgladnessaboveThyfellows.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Cursedbe themanbefore theLord, that risethupandbuildeth thiscityJericho."Joshua6:26

Since he was cursed who rebuilt Jericho, I much more the man wholabourstorestorePoperyamongus.Inourfathers'daysthegiganticwallsofPoperyfellbythepoweroftheirfaith,theperseveranceoftheirefforts,andtheblastoftheirgospeltrumpets;andnowtherearesomewhowouldrebuildthataccursedsystemuponitsoldfoundation.OLord,bepleasedtothwarttheirunrighteousendeavours,andpulldowneverystonewhichtheybuild. It should be a serious businesswith us to be thoroughlypurgedofeveryerrorwhichmayhavea tendency to foster thespiritofPopery,andwhenwehavemadeacleansweepathomeweshouldseekineverywaytoopposeitsalltoorapidspreadabroadinthechurchandintheworld.Thislast can be done in secret by fervent prayer, and in public by decidedtestimony.Wemustwarnwith judicious boldness thosewho are inclinedtowardstheerrorsofRome;wemustinstructtheyoungingospeltruth,andtellthemoftheblackdoingsofPoperyintheoldentimes.Wemustaidinspreadingthelightmorethoroughlythroughtheland,forpriests,likeowls,hatedaylight.ArewedoingallwecanforJesusandthegospel?Ifnot,ournegligence plays into the hands of the priestcraft.What are we doing tospread the Bible, which is the Pope's bane and poison? Are we castingabroad good, sound gospel writings? Luther once said, "The devil hatesgoosequills"and,doubtless,hehasgoodreason,forreadywriters,bytheHoly Spirit's blessing, have done his kingdom much damage. If thethousandswhowill read this shortword thisnightwilldoall theycan tohindertherebuildingofthisaccursedJericho,theLord'sgloryshallspeedamongthesonsofmen.Reader,whatcanyoudo?Whatwillyoudo?

M a y 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"Takeusthefoxes,thelittlefoxesthatspoilthevines."Song2:15

Alittlethornmaycausemuchsuffering.Alittlecloudmayhidethesun.Little foxesspoil thevines;and littlesinsdomischief to the tenderheart.These little sins burrow in the soul, andmake it so full of thatwhich ishateful to Christ, that He will hold no comfortable fellowship andcommunionwithus.AgreatsincannotdestroyaChristian,butalittlesincanmakehimmiserable. JesuswillnotwalkwithHispeopleunless theydrive out every known sin. He says, "If ye keepMy commandments, yeshallabideinMylove,evenasIhavekeptMyFather'scommandmentsandabide in His love." Some Christians very seldom enjoy their Saviour'spresence.Howisthis?Surelyitmustbeanafflictionforatenderchildtobeseparatedfromhisfather.ArtthouachildofGod,andyetsatisfiedtogoonwithoutseeingthyFather'sface?What!thouthespouseofChrist,andyetcontentwithoutHiscompany!Surely, thouhastfallenintoasadstate,forthechastespouseofChristmournslikeadovewithouthermate,whenhehaslefther.Ask,then,thequestion,whathasdrivenChristfromthee?HehidesHisfacebehindthewallofthysins.Thatwallmaybebuiltupoflittlepebbles,aseasilyasofgreatstones.Theseaismadeofdrops;therocksaremadeofgrains:and theseawhichdivides thee fromChristmaybe filledwiththedropsofthylittlesins;andtherockwhichhaswellnighwreckedthybarque,mayhavebeenmadebythedailyworkingofthecoralinsectsofthylittlesins.IfthouwouldstlivewithChrist,andwalkwithChrist,andseeChrist, andhave fellowshipwithChrist, takeheedof "the little foxesthatspoilthevines,forourvineshavetendergrapes."JesusinvitesyoutogowithHimandtakethem.Hewillsurely,likeSamson,takethefoxesatonceandeasily.GowithHimtothehunting.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thathenceforthweshouldnotservesin."Romans6:6

Christian,what hast thou to dowith sin?Hath it not cost thee enoughalready?Burnt child,wilt thou playwith the fire?What!when thou hastalreadybeenbetweenthejawsofthelion,wiltthoustepasecondtimeintohisden?Hastthounothadenoughoftheoldserpent?Didhenotpoisonallthy veins once, andwilt thou play upon the hole of the asp, and put thyhand upon the cockatrice's den a second time? Oh, be not so mad! sofoolish! Did sin ever yield thee real pleasure? Didst thou find solidsatisfaction in it? Ifso,goback to thineolddrudgery,andwear thechainagain, if it delight thee. But inasmuch as sin did never give theewhat itpromisedtobestow,butdeludedtheewithlies,benotasecondtimesnaredby the old fowler — be free, and let the remembrance of thy ancientbondageforbid thee toenter thenetagain!It iscontrary to thedesignsofeternallove,whichallhaveaneyetothypurityandholiness;thereforerunnot counter to the purposes of thy Lord.Another thought should restraintheefromsin.Christianscanneversincheaply;theypayaheavypriceforiniquity. Transgression destroys peace of mind, obscures fellowship withJesus, hinders prayer, brings darkness over the soul; therefore be not theserf and bondman of sin. There is yet a higher argument: each time you"serve sin"youhave "Crucified theLord afresh, andputHim to anopenshame."Canyoubearthatthought?Oh!ifyouhavefallenintoanyspecialsin during this day, it may be my Master has sent this admonition thisevening,tobringyoubackbeforeyouhavebacksliddenveryfar.TurntheetoJesusanew;HehasnotforgottenHislovetothee;Hisgraceisstill thesame.Withweepingandrepentance,comethoutoHisfootstool,andthoushaltbeoncemore received intoHisheart; thou shalt be setupona rockagain,andthygoingsshallbeestablished.

M a y 3 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"ThekingalsohimselfpassedoverthebrookKidron."2Samuel15:23

David passed that gloomy brook when flying with his mourningcompany from his traitor son. The man after God's own heart was notexempt from trouble, nay, his lifewas full of it.Hewas both the Lord'sAnointed,andtheLord'sAfflicted.Whythenshouldweexpecttoescape?At sorrow'sgates thenoblest ofour racehavewaitedwith asheson theirheads,wherefore then shouldwe complain as though some strange thinghadhappeneduntous?

TheKINGof kings himselfwas not favouredwith amore cheerful orroyal road.He passed over the filthy ditch ofKidron, throughwhich thefilth of Jerusalem flowed.Godhad oneSonwithout sin, but not a singlechildwithouttherod.ItisagreatjoytobelievethatJesushasbeentemptedin all points like as we are. What is our Kidron this morning? Is it afaithless friend, a sad bereavement, a slanderous reproach, a darkforeboding?TheKinghaspassedoverallthese.Isitbodilypain,poverty,persecution, or contempt?Over each of theseKidrons theKing has gonebeforeus."InallourafflictionsHewasafflicted."Theideaofstrangenessinourtrialsmustbebanishedatonceandforever,forHewhoistheHeadofallsaints,knowsbyexperiencethegriefwhichwethinksopeculiar.AllthecitizensofZionmustbefreeoftheHonourableCompanyofMourners,ofwhichthePrinceImmanuelisHeadandCaptain.

Notwithstanding theabasementofDavid,heyet returned in triumph tohiscity,andDavid'sLordarosevictoriousfromthegrave;letusthenbeofgood courage, forwe also shallwin the day.We shall yetwith joy drawwateroutofthewellsofsalvation,thoughnowforaseasonwehavetopassby thenoxiousstreamsof sinandsorrow.Courage, soldiersof theCross,theKinghimselftriumphedaftergoingoverKidron,andsoshallyou.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Whohealethallthydiseases."Psalm103:3

Humblingasisthestatement,yetthefactiscertain,thatweareallmoreorlesssufferingunderthediseaseofsin.WhatacomforttoknowthatwehaveagreatPhysicianwhoisbothableandwillingtohealus!LetusthinkofHimawhileto-night.Hiscuresareveryspeedy—thereislifeinalookatHim;Hiscuresareradical—Hestrikesatthecentreofthedisease;andhence,Hiscuresaresureandcertain.Heneverfails,andthediseaseneverreturns. There is no relapsewhere Christ heals; no fear that His patientsshouldbemerelypatchedupforaseason,Hemakesnewmenof them:anewheartalsodoesHegivethem,andarightspiritdoesHeputwiththem.Heiswellskilledinalldiseases.Physiciansgenerallyhavesomespecialite.Althoughtheymayknowalittleaboutalmostallourpainsandills,thereisusually one disease which they have studied above all others; but JesusChrist is thoroughlyacquaintedwith thewholeofhumannature.He isasmuchathomewithonesinneraswithanother,andneveryetdidHemeetwith an out-of-the-way case that was difficult to Him. He has hadextraordinary complications of strange diseases to deal with, but He hasknownexactlywithoneglanceofHiseyehowtotreatthepatient.Heistheonly universal doctor; and the medicine He gives is the only truecatholicon, healing in every instance.Whatever our spiritualmaladymaybe, we should apply at once to this Divine Physician. There is nobrokennessofheartwhichJesuscannotbindup."Hisbloodcleansethfromallsin."WehavebuttothinkofthemyriadswhohavebeendeliveredfromallsortsofdiseasesthroughthepowerandvirtueofHistouch,andweshalljoyfully put ourselves inHis hands.We trustHim, and sin dies;we loveHim,andgrace lives;wewait forHimandgrace is strengthened;we seeHimasheis,andgraceisperfectedforever.

June

J u n e 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Theeveningandthemorningwerethefirstday."Genesis1:5

Wasitsoeveninthebeginning?Didlightanddarknessdividetherealmoftimeinthefirstday?ThenlittlewonderisitifIhavealsochangesinmycircumstancesfromthesunshineofprosperitytothemidnightofadversity.Itwillnot alwaysbe theblazeofnooneven inmysoulconcerns, Imustexpect at seasons tomourn the absence ofmy former joys, and seekmyBelovedinthenight.NoramIaloneinthis,foralltheLord'sbelovedoneshavehad tosing themingledsongof judgmentandofmercy,of trialanddeliverance, ofmourning and of delight. It is one of the arrangements ofDivineprovidencethatdayandnightshallnotceaseeitherinthespiritualornaturalcreationtillwereachthelandofwhichitiswritten,"thereisnonightthere."WhatourheavenlyFatherordainsiswiseandgood.

What, then,mysoul, is itbest for thee todo?Learn first tobecontentwith this divine order, and bewilling, with Job, to receive evil from thehandoftheLordaswellasgood.Studynext,tomaketheoutgoingsofthemorningandtheeveningtorejoice.PraisetheLordforthesunofjoywhenit rises, and for the gloom of evening as it falls. There is beauty both insunrise and sunset, sing of it, and glorify the Lord. Like the nightingale,pour forth thynotesatallhours.Believe that thenight isasusefulas theday. The dews of grace fall heavily in the night of sorrow. The stars ofpromise shine forth gloriously amid the darkness of grief. Continue thyserviceunderallchanges. If in theday thywatchwordbe labour,atnightexchange it for watch. Every hour has its duty, do thou continue in thycallingastheLord'sservantuntilHeshallsuddenlyappearinHisglory.Mysoul,thineeveningofoldageanddeathisdrawingnear,dreaditnot,foritispartoftheday;andtheLordhassaid,"Iwillcoverhimallthedaylong."

Thisevening'sverse:

"HewillmakeherwildernesslikeEden."Isaiah51:3

Methinks, I see in vision a howling wilderness, a great and terribledesert, like to the Sahara. I perceive nothing in it to relieve the eye, allaround I amweariedwith a vision of hot and arid sand, strewnwith tenthousand bleaching skeletons of wretched men who have expired inanguish,havinglosttheirwayinthepitilesswaste.Whatanappallingsight!How horrible! a sea of sand without a bound, and without an oasis, acheerless graveyard for a race forlorn! But behold and wonder! Upon asudden,upspringingfromthescorchingsandIseeaplantofrenown;andasitgrowsitbuds,thebudexpands—itisarose,andatitssidealilybowsitsmodesthead;and,miracleofmiracles!asthefragranceofthoseflowersisdiffusedthewildernessistransformedintoafruitfulfield,andallaroundit blossoms exceedingly, the glory of Lebanon is given unto it, theexcellencyofCarmelandSharon.CallitnotSahara,callitParadise.Speaknotofitanylongerasthevalleyofdeathshade,forwheretheskeletonslaybleachinginthesun,beholdaresurrectionisproclaimed,andupspringthedead,amightyarmy,fulloflifeimmortal.Jesusisthatplantofrenown,andHis presence makes all things new. Nor is the wonder less in eachindividual'ssalvation.YonderIbeholdyou,dearreader,castout,aninfant,unswathed, unwashed, defiled with your own blood, left to be food forbeastsofprey.Butlo,ajewelhasbeenthrownintoyourbosombyadivinehand, and for its sake you have been pitied and tended by divineprovidence, you are washed and cleansed from your defilement, you areadopted into heaven's family, the fair seal of love is upon your forehead,andtheringoffaithfulness isonyourhand—youarenowaprinceuntoGod,thoughonceanorphan,castaway.Oprizeexceedinglythematchlesspowerandgracewhichchangesdesertsintogardens,andmakesthebarrenhearttosingforjoy.

J u n e 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against theflesh."Galatians5:17

In every believer's heart there is a constant struggle between the oldnatureandthenew.Theoldnatureisveryactive,andlosesnoopportunityof plying all the weapons of its deadly armoury against newborn grace;whileontheotherhand, thenewnatureiseveronthewatchtoresistanddestroyitsenemy.Gracewithinuswillemployprayer,andfaith,andhope,and love, tocastout theevil; it takesunto it the"wholearmourofGod,"and wrestles earnestly. These two opposing natures will never cease tostruggle so long as we are in this world. The battle of "Christian" with"Apollyon"lastedthreehours,butthebattleofChristianwithhimselflastedall the way from theWicket Gate in the river Jordan. The enemy is sosecurelyentrenchedwithinusthathecanneverbedrivenoutwhilewearein thisbody:butalthoughwearecloselybeset,andofteninsoreconflict,wehaveanAlmightyhelper,evenJesus,theCaptainofoursalvation,whoiseverwithus,andwhoassuresusthatweshalleventuallycomeoffmorethanconquerorsthroughHim.Withsuchassistancethenew-bornnatureismorethanamatchforitsfoes.Areyoufightingwiththeadversaryto-day?AreSatan,theworld,andtheflesh,allagainstyou?Benotdiscouragednordismayed.Fight on!ForGodHimself iswith you; JehovahNissi is yourbanner,andJehovahRophiisthehealerofyourwounds.Fearnot,youshallovercome, for who can defeat Omnipotence? Fight on, "looking untoJesus";andthoughlongandsternbetheconflict,sweetwillbethevictory,andgloriousthepromisedreward.

"Fromstrengthtostrengthgoon;Wrestle,andfight,andpray,Treadallthepowersofdarknessdown,Andwinthewell-foughtday."

Thisevening'sverse:

"GoodMaster."Matthew19:16

If the youngman in the gospel used this title in speaking to ourLord,howmuchmorefitlymayIthusaddressHim!HeisindeedmyMasterinboth senses, a rulingMaster anda teachingMaster. I delight to runuponHiserrands,andtositatHisfeet.IambothHisservantandHisdisciple,andcount itmyhighesthonour toownthedoublecharacter. IfHeshouldaskmewhyIcallHim"good,"Ishouldhaveareadyanswer.Itistruethat"thereisnonegoodbutone,thatis,God,"butthenHeisGod,andallthegoodnessofDeityshinesforthinHim.Inmyexperience,IhavefoundHimgood, so good, indeed, that all the good I have has come tome throughHim.HewasgoodtomewhenIwasdeadinsin,forHeraisedmebyHisSpirit's power;Hehasbeengood tome in allmyneeds, trials, struggles,and sorrows. Never could there be a better Master, for His service isfreedom, His rule is love: I wish I were one thousandth part as good aservant.WhenHe teachesmeasmyRabbi,He isunspeakablygood,Hisdoctrine is divine, His manner is condescending, His spirit is gentlenessitself. No error mingles with His instruction— pure is the golden truthwhichHebringsforth,andallHisteachingsleadtogoodness,sanctifyingaswellasedifyingthedisciple.AngelsfindHimagoodMasteranddelighttopaytheirhomageatHisfootstool.TheancientsaintsprovedHimtobeagood Master, and each of them rejoiced to sing, "I am Thy servant, OLord!"Myownhumble testimonymust certainlybe to the sameeffect. Iwillbear thiswitnessbeforemyfriendsandneighbours, forpossibly theymaybeledbymytestimonytoseekmyLordJesusastheirMaster.Othattheywoulddoso!Theywouldneverrepentsowiseadeed.Iftheywouldbut takeHis easyyoke, theywould find themselves in so royal a servicethattheywouldenlistinitforever.

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thesewerepotters, and those thatdwelt amongplantsandhedges:theretheydweltwiththekingforhiswork."1Chronicles4:23

Potterswere the very highest grade ofworkers, but "the king" needed

potters,andthereforetheywereinroyalservice,althoughthematerialuponwhich theyworkedwasnothingbutclay.We, too,maybeengagedin themost menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great privilege to doanythingfor"theking";andthereforewewillabideinourcalling,hopingthat,"althoughwehavelienamongthepots,yetshallwebeasthewingsofa dove coveredwith silver, and her featherswith yellow gold." The texttellsusofthosewhodweltamongplantsandhedges,havingrough,rustic,hedgingandditchingworktodo.Theymayhavedesiredtoliveinthecity,amiditslife,society,andrefinement,buttheykepttheirappointedplaces,for they also were doing the king's work. The place of our habitation isfixed,andwearenottoremovefromitoutofwhimandcaprice,butseektoservetheLordinit,bybeingablessingtothoseamongwhomwereside.These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt "with theking" and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the kingthere.Nolawfulplace,orgraciousoccupation,howevermean,candebarusfrom communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarminglodging-houses, workhouses, or gaols, we may go with the king. In allworksof faithwemaycountuponJesu's fellowship. It iswhenweare inHiswork thatwemay reckonuponHis smile.YeunknownworkerswhoareoccupiedforyourLordamidthedirtandwretchednessofthelowestofthe low,beofgoodcheer, for jewelshavebeen foundupondunghillserenow, earthen pots have been filledwith heavenly treasure, and ill weedshavebeen transformed into precious flowers.Dwell yewith theKing forHiswork,andwhenHewritesHischroniclesyournameshallberecorded.

Thisevening'sverse:

"HehumbledHimself."Philippians2:8

Jesusisthegreatteacheroflowlinessofheart.WeneeddailytolearnofHim. See the Master taking a towel and washing His disciples' feet!FollowerofChrist,wiltthounothumblethyself?SeeHimastheServantofservants, and surely thou canst not be proud! Is not this sentence thecompendium of His biography, "He humbled Himself"? Was He not onearth always stripping off first one robe of honour and then another, till,naked,Hewas fastened to the cross, and theredidHenot emptyoutHisinmostself,pouringoutHislife-blood,givingupforallofus,tilltheylaid

Him penniless in a borrowed grave? How low was our dear Redeemerbrought!How then canwe be proud? Stand at the foot of the cross, andcount the purple drops bywhich you have been cleansed; see the thorn-crown;markHisscourgedshoulders, stillgushingwithencrimsoned rills;see hands and feet given up to the rough iron, and His whole self tomockery and scorn; see the bitterness, and the pangs, and the throes ofinwardgrief, showing themselves inHisoutwardframe;hear the thrillingshriek,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastThouforsakenMe?"Andifyoudonotlieprostrateonthegroundbeforethatcross,youhaveneverseenit:ifyouarenothumbledinthepresenceofJesus,youdonotknowHim.YouweresolostthatnothingcouldsaveyoubutthesacrificeofGod'sonlybegotten.Thinkof that, andas Jesus stooped foryou,bowyourself in lowliness atHis feet.AsenseofChrist'samazing love toushasagreater tendency tohumbleusthanevenaconsciousnessofourownguilt.MaytheLordbringusincontemplationtoCalvary,thenourpositionwillnolongerbethatofthepompousmanofpride,butweshalltakethehumbleplaceofonewholovesmuchbecausemuchhasbeenforgivenhim.Pridecannotlivebeneaththecross.Letussitthereandlearnourlesson,andthenriseandcarryitintopractice.

J u n e 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"ThekindnessandloveofGodourSaviour."Titus3:4

HowsweetitistobeholdtheSaviourcommuningwithHisownbelovedpeople!Therecanbenothingmoredelightfulthan,bytheDivineSpirit,tobeledintothisfertilefieldofdelight.Letthemindforaninstantconsiderthe history of the Redeemer's love, and a thousand enchanting acts ofaffectionwillsuggestthemselves,allofwhichhavehadfortheirdesigntheweavingof theheart intoChrist,and the intertwistingof the thoughtsandemotionsof the renewed soulwith themindof Jesus.Whenwemeditateuponthisamazinglove,andbeholdtheall-gloriousKinsmanoftheChurchendowingherwithallHisancientwealth,oursoulsmaywellfaintforjoy.Who ishe thatcanendure suchaweightof love?Thatpartial senseof itwhichtheHolySpiritissometimespleasedtoafford,ismorethanthesoulcancontain;howtransportingmustbeacompleteviewofit!Whenthesoulshall have understanding to discern all the Saviour's gifts, wisdomwherewithtoestimatethem,andtimeinwhichtomeditateuponthem,suchastheworldtocomewillaffordus,weshallthencommunewithJesusinanearermannerthanatpresent.Butwhocanimaginethesweetnessofsuchfellowship? Itmust be one of the thingswhich have not entered into theheartofman,butwhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatloveHim.Oh,toburstopenthedoorofourJoseph'sgranaries,andseetheplentywhichHehathstoredupforus!Thiswilloverwhelmuswithlove.Byfaithwesee,asinaglassdarkly,thereflectedimageofHisunboundedtreasures,butwhenwe shall actually see the heavenly things themselves,with our own eyes,how deepwill be the stream of fellowship inwhich our soul shall batheitself! Till then our loudest sonnets shall be reserved for our lovingbenefactor, JesusChristourLord,whose love tous iswonderful,passingtheloveofwomen.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Receivedupintoglory."1Timothy3:16

Wehaveseenourwell-belovedLordinthedaysofHisflesh,humiliatedand sore vexed; for He was "despised and rejected of men, a man ofsorrows,andacquaintedwithgrief."Hewhosebrightnessisasthemorning,worethesackclothofsorrowasHisdailydress:shamewasHismantle,andreproachwasHisvesture.Yetnow,inasmuchasHehastriumphedoverallthe powers of darkness upon the bloody tree, our faith beholds ourKingreturningwithdyedgarmentsfromEdom,robedinthesplendourofvictory.How glorious must He have been in the eyes of seraphs, when a cloudreceivedHimoutofmortalsight,andHeascendeduptoheaven!NowHewears the glory which He had with God or ever the earth was, and yetanother glory above all — that which He has well earned in the fightagainstsin,death,andhell.AsvictorHewearstheillustriouscrown.Harkhow the song swells high! It is a new and sweeter song: "Worthy is theLambthatwasslain,forHehathredeemedusuntoGodbyHisblood!"Hewears thegloryofanIntercessorwhocanneverfail,ofaPrincewhocanneverbedefeated,ofaConquerorwhohasvanquishedeveryfoe,ofaLordwho has the heart's allegiance of every subject. Jesuswears all the glorywhichthepompofheavencanbestowuponHim,whichtenthousandtimesten thousand angels can minister to Him. You cannot with your utmoststretchofimaginationconceiveHisexceedinggreatness;yettherewillbeafurtherrevelationofitwhenHeshalldescendfromheaveningreatpower,withalltheholyangels—"ThenshallHesituponthethroneofHisglory."Oh,thesplendourofthatglory!ItwillravishHispeople'shearts.Noristhisthe close, for eternity shall soundHis praise, "Thy throne,OGod, is forever and ever!" Reader, if you would joy in Christ's glory hereafter, Hemustbegloriousinyoursightnow.IsHeso?

J u n e 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheLordshuthimin."Genesis7:16

Noahwas shut in away fromall theworldby thehandof divine love.The door of electing purpose interposes between us and theworldwhichliethinthewickedone.WearenotoftheworldevenasourLordJesuswasnotof theworld. Into the sin, thegaiety, thepursuitsof themultitudewecannotenter;wecannotplayinthestreetsofVanityFairwiththechildrenofdarkness,forourheavenlyFatherhasshutusin.NoahwasshutinwithhisGod."Comethouintotheark,"wastheLord'sinvitation,bywhichHeclearly showed that He Himself intended to dwell in the ark with Hisservantandhisfamily.ThusallthechosendwellinGodandGodinthem.HappypeopletobeenclosedinthesamecirclewhichcontainsGodintheTrinityofHispersons,Father,Son,andSpirit.Letusneverbeinattentivetothat gracious call, "Come,my people, enter thou into thy chambers, andshut thydoors about thee, andhide thyself as itwere for a littlemomentuntil the indignationbeoverpast."Noahwassoshut in thatnoevilcouldreachhim.Floodsdidbutlifthimheavenward,andwindsdidbutwafthimonhisway.Outsideofthearkallwasruin,butinsideallwasrestandpeace.WithoutChristweperish,but inChristJesus there isperfectsafety.Noahwassoshutinthathecouldnotevendesiretocomeout,andthosewhoareinChristJesusareinHimforever.Theyshallgonomoreoutforever,foreternalfaithfulnesshasshutthemin,andinfernalmalicecannotdragthemout.ThePrince of the house ofDavid shutteth and nomanopeneth; andwhenonceinthelastdaysasMasterofthehouseHeshallriseupandshutthedoor,itwillbeinvainformereprofessorstoknock,andcryLord,Lordopenuntous,for thatsamedoorwhichshuts inthewisevirginswillshutoutthefoolishforever.Lord,shutmeinbyThygrace.

Thisevening'sverse:

"HethatlovethnotknowethnotGod."1John4:8

Thedistinguishingmarkof aChristian is his confidence in the loveofChrist,andtheyieldingofhisaffectionstoChristinreturn.First,faithsetshersealuponthemanbyenablingthesoultosaywiththeapostle,"ChristlovedmeandgaveHimselfforme."Thenlovegivesthecountersign,andstampsupontheheartgratitudeandlovetoJesusinreturn."WeloveHimbecauseHe first lovedus." In thosegrandold ages,which are theheroicperiodoftheChristianreligion,thisdoublemarkwasclearlytobeseeninall believers in Jesus; they were men who knew the love of Christ, andresteduponitasamanleanethuponastaffwhosetrustinesshehastried.Thelovewhichtheyfelt towardstheLordwasnotaquietemotionwhichtheyhidwithinthemselvesinthesecretchamberoftheirsouls,andwhichtheyonlyspakeofintheirprivateassemblieswhentheymetonthefirstdayoftheweek,andsanghymnsinhonourofChristJesusthecrucified,butitwasapassionwiththemofsuchavehementandall-consumingenergy,thatitwasvisible inall theiractions, spoke in theircommon talk,and lookedout of their eyes even in their commonest glances. Love to Jesus was aflamewhichfeduponthecoreandheartoftheirbeing;and,therefore,fromitsownforceburneditswayintotheouterman,andshonethere.Zealforthe glory ofKing Jesuswas the seal andmark of all genuineChristians.Because of their dependence upon Christ's love they dared much, andbecauseoftheirlovetoChristtheydidmuch,anditisthesamenow.Thechildren ofGod are ruled in their inmost powers by love— the love ofChrist constraineth them; they rejoice that divine love is set upon them,theyfeel it shedabroad in theirheartsby theHolyGhost,which isgivenuntothem,andthenbyforceofgratitudetheylovetheSaviourwithapureheart,fervently.Myreader,doyouloveHim?Ereyousleepgiveanhonestanswertoaweightyquestion!

J u n e 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Behold,Iamvile."Job40:4

One cheeringword, poor lost sinner, for thee!You think youmust notcometoGodbecauseYOUarevile.Now,thereisnotasaintlivingonearthbuthasbeenmadetofeelthatheisvile.IfJob,andIsaiah,andPaulwereallobligedtosay"Iamvile,"oh,poorsinner,wiltthoubeashamedtojoininthesameconfession?Ifdivinegracedoesnoteradicateallsinfromthebeliever,howdostthouhopetodoitthyself?andifGodlovesHispeoplewhiletheyareyetvile,dostthouthinkthyvilenesswillpreventHislovingthee?BelieveonJesus,thououtcastoftheworld'ssociety!Jesuscallsthee,andsuchasthouart.

"Nottherighteous,nottherighteous;

Sinners,Jesuscametocall."

Even now say, "Thou hast died for sinners; I am a sinner, Lord Jesus,sprinkle Thy blood on me"; if thou wilt confess thy sin thou shalt findpardon.If,now,withallthyheart,thouwiltsay,"Iamvile,washme,"thoushaltbewashednow.IftheHolySpiritshallenabletheefromthyhearttocry

JustasIam,withoutonepleaButthatThybloodwasshedforme,Andthatthoubidd'stmecometoThee,OLambofGod,Icome!"

thou shalt rise from reading this morning's portion with all thy sinspardoned;andthoughthoudidstwakethismorningwitheverysinthatmanhath ever committed on thy head, thou shalt rest to-night accepted in theBeloved;thoughoncedegradedwiththeragsofsin,thoushaltbeadornedwitharobeofrighteousness,andappearwhiteastheangelsare.For"now,"mark it, "Now is the accepted time." If thou "believest on Him whojustifieth the ungodly thou art saved."Oh!may theHolySpirit give thee

savingfaithinHimwhoreceivesthevilest.

Thisevening'sverse:

"AretheyIsraelites?soamI."2Corinthians11:22

We have here A PERSONAL CLAIM, and one that needs proof. Theapostleknew thatHisclaimwas indisputable,but therearemanypersonswhohavenorighttothetitlewhoyetclaimtobelongtotheIsraelofGod.Ifwearewithconfidencedeclaring,"SoamIalsoanIsraelite,"letusonlysayitafterhavingsearchedourheartasinthepresenceofGod.ButifwecangiveproofthatwearefollowingJesus,ifwecanfromtheheartsay,"ItrustHimwholly,trustHimonly,trustHimsimply,trustHimnow,andtrustHimever,"thenthepositionwhichthesaintsofGodholdbelongstous—alltheirenjoymentsareourpossessions;wemaybetheveryleastinIsrael,"lessthantheleastofallsaints,"yetsincethemerciesofGodbelongtothesaintsASSAINTS, and not as advanced saints, orwell-taught saints,wemayput in our plea, and say, "Are they Israelites? so am I; therefore thepromisesaremine,graceismine,glorywillbemine."Theclaim,rightfullymade, is one which will yield untold comfort. When God's people arerejoicing that theyareHis,what ahappiness if theycan say, "SoAMI!"When they speak of being pardoned, and justified, and accepted in theBeloved,howjoyfultorespond,"ThroughthegraceofGod,SOAMI."Butthisclaimnotonlyhasitsenjoymentsandprivileges,butalsoitsconditionsand duties. We must share with God's people in cloud as well as insunshine.When we hear them spoken of with contempt and ridicule forbeingChristians,wemustcomeboldlyforwardandsay,"SoamI."WhenweseethemworkingforChrist,givingtheirtime,theirtalent,theirwholeheart to Jesus, we must be able to say, "So do I." O let us prove ourgratitude by our devotion, and live as those who, having claimed aprivilege,arewillingtotaketheresponsibilityconnectedwithit.

J u n e 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"YethatlovetheLordhateevil."Psalm97:10

Thouhastgoodreasonto"hateevil,"foronlyconsiderwhatharmithasalreadywroughtthee.Oh,whataworldofmischiefsinhasbroughtintothyheart! Sin blinded thee so that thou couldst not see the beauty of theSaviour; it made thee deaf so that thou couldst not hear the Redeemer'stender invitations. Sin turned thy feet into the way of death, and pouredpoisonintotheveryfountainofthybeing;ittaintedthyheart,andmadeit"deceitful above all things, and desperatelywicked."Oh,what a creaturethou wast when evil had done its utmost with thee, before divine graceinterposed!Thouwastanheirofwrathevenasothers;thoudidst"runwiththemultitudetodoevil."Suchwereallofus;butPaulremindsus,"butyearewashed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of theLordJesus,andbytheSpiritofourGod."Wehavegoodreason,indeed,forhatingevilwhenwelookbackandtraceitsdeadlyworkings.Suchmischiefdidevildous,thatoursoulswouldhavebeenlosthadnotomnipotentloveinterferedtoredeemus.Evennowit isanactiveenemy,everwatchingtodoushurt,andtodragustoperdition.Therefore"hateevil,"OChristians,unless you desire trouble. If youwould strew your pathwith thorns, andplant nettles in your death-pillow, then neglect to "hate evil"; but if youwouldliveahappylife,anddieapeacefuldeath,thenwalkinallthewaysofholiness,hatingevil,evenuntotheend.IfyoutrulyloveyourSaviour,andwouldhonourHim,then"hateevil."WeknowofnocurefortheloveofevilinaChristianlikeabundantintercoursewiththeLordJesus.DwellmuchwithHim,anditisimpossibleforyoutobeatpeacewithsin.

"OrdermyfootstepsbyThyWord,Andmakemyheartsincere;Letsinhavenodominion,Lord,Butkeepmyconscienceclear."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Bezealous."Revelation3:19

If youwould see souls converted, if youwould hear the cry that "thekingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if youwould place crowns upon the head of the Saviour, and His throne liftedhigh, then be filled with zeal. For, under God, the way of the world'sconversionmustbebythezealofthechurch.Everygraceshalldoexploits,but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage willfollowintheirplaces,butzealmustleadthevan.Itisnottheextentofyourknowledge,thoughthatisuseful;itisnottheextentofyourtalent,thoughthat isnot tobedespised; it isyourzeal that shalldogreatexploits.ThiszealisthefruitoftheHolySpirit:itdrawsitsvitalforcefromthecontinuedoperationsof theHolyGhost inthesoul.Ifourinner lifedwindles, ifourheartbeatsslowlybeforeGod,weshallnotknowzeal;butifallbestrongand vigorouswithin, thenwe cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see thekingdomofChristcome,andHiswilldoneonearth,evenasitisinheaven.AdeepsenseofgratitudewillnourishChristianzeal.Lookingtotheholeofthepitwhenceweweredigged,we find abundant reasonwhywe shouldspendandbespentforGod.Andzealisalsostimulatedbythethoughtoftheeternalfuture.Itlookswithtearfuleyesdowntotheflamesofhell,andit cannot slumber: it looksupwithanxiousgaze to thegloriesofheaven,anditcannotbutbestir itself.Itfeelsthattimeisshortcomparedwiththeworktobedone,andthereforeitdevotesall that ithas to thecauseof itsLord.AnditiseverstrengthenedbytheremembranceofChrist'sexample.Hewasclothedwithzealaswithacloak.Howswiftthechariot-wheelsofdutywentwithHim!Heknewnoloiteringbytheway.LetusprovethatweareHisdisciplesbymanifestingthesamespiritofzeal.

J u n e 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"There fell down many slain, because the war was of God."1Chronicles5:22

Warrior, fightingunder thebannerof theLordJesus,observe thisversewithholyjoy,forasitwasinthedaysofoldsoisitnow,ifthewarbeofGodthevictoryissure.ThesonsofReuben,andtheGadites,andthehalftribe of Manasseh could barely muster five and forty thousand fightingmen,andyet in theirwarwith theHagarites, theyslew"men,anhundredthousand," "for they cried to God in the battle, andHewas entreated ofthem,because theyput their trust inHim."TheLord savethnotbymanynorbyfew;itisourstogoforthinJehovah'snameifwebebutahandfulofmen,fortheLordofHostsiswithusforourCaptain.Theydidnotneglectbuckler, and sword, and bow, neither did they place their trust in theseweapons;wemustuseallfittingmeans,butourconfidencemustrestintheLord alone, for He is the sword and the shield of His people. The greatreason of their extraordinary success lay in the fact that "thewarwas ofGod."Beloved,infightingwithsinwithoutandwithin,witherrordoctrinalor practical, with spiritualwickedness in high places or low places,withdevilsand thedevil'sallies,youarewagingJehovah'swar,andunlessHehimselfcanbeworsted,youneednotfeardefeat.Quailnotbeforesuperiornumbers, shrink not from difficulties or impossibilities, flinch not atwounds or death, smite with the two-edged sword of the Spirit, and theslain shall lie in heaps. The battle is the Lord's and He will deliver Hisenemies intoour hands.With steadfast foot, stronghand, dauntless heart,and flaming zeal, rush to the conflict, and the hosts of evil shall fly likechaffbeforethegale.

Standup!standupforJesus!Tohimthatovercometh,Thestrifewillnotbelong;Acrownoflifeshallbe;Thisdaythenoiseofbattle,HewiththeKingofgloryThenextthevictor'ssong:Shallreigneternally.

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThoushaltseenowwhetherMywordshallcometopassuntotheeornot."Numbers11:23

GodhadmadeapositivepromisetoMosesthatforthespaceofawholemonth Hewould feed the vast host in the wilderness with flesh.Moses,beingovertakenbyafitofunbelief,lookstotheoutwardmeans,andisataloss toknowhow thepromise canbe fulfilled.He looked to the creatureinsteadoftheCreator.ButdoththeCreatorexpectthecreaturetofulfilHispromiseforHim?No;HewhomakesthepromiseeverfulfilsitbyHisownunaided omnipotence. If He speaks, it is done— done by Himself. Hispromisesdonot depend for their fulfillmentupon the co-operationof thepuny strengthofman.Wecanatonceperceive themistakewhichMosesmade. And yet how commonly we do the same! God has promised tosupplyourneeds,andwelooktothecreaturetodowhatGodhaspromisedtodo;andthen,becauseweperceivethecreaturetobeweakandfeeble,weindulgeinunbelief.Whylookwetothatquarteratall?Willyoulooktothenorthpoletogatherfruitsripenedinthesun?Verily,youwouldactnomorefoolishlyifyedidthisthanwhenyoulooktotheweakforstrength,andtothecreaturetodotheCreator'swork.Letus,then,putthequestionontherightfooting.Thegroundoffaithisnotthesufficiencyofthevisiblemeansfor theperformanceof thepromise,but theall-sufficiencyof theinvisibleGod,whowillmostsurelydoasHehathsaid.Ifafterclearlyseeingthattheonus lieswith the Lord and notwith the creature, we dare to indulge inmistrust, thequestionofGodcomeshomemightilytous:"HastheLord'shandwaxedshort?"Mayithappen,too,inHismercy,thatwiththequestionthere may flash upon our souls that blessed declaration, "Thou shalt seenowwhetherMywordshallcometopassuntotheeornot."

J u n e 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheLordhathdonegreatthingsforus,whereofweareglad."Psalm126:3

SomeChristiansaresadlypronetolookonthedarksideofeverything,andtodwellmoreuponwhattheyhavegonethroughthanuponwhatGodhasdoneforthem.AskfortheirimpressionoftheChristianlife,andtheywill describe their continual conflicts, their deep afflictions, their sadadversities,andthesinfulnessoftheirhearts,yetwithscarcelyanyallusionto themercy and help which God has vouchsafed them. But a Christianwhosesoulisinahealthystate,willcomeforwardjoyously,andsay,"Iwillspeak,notaboutmyself,buttothehonourofmyGod.Hehathbroughtmeupoutofanhorriblepit,andoutofthemiryclay,andsetmyfeetuponarock,andestablishedmygoings:andHehathputanewsonginmymouth,evenpraiseuntoourGod.TheLordhathdonegreatthingsforme,whereofIamglad."SuchanabstractofexperienceasthisistheverybestthatanychildofGodcanpresent.Itistruethatweenduretrials,butitisjustastruethatwearedeliveredoutof them. It is true thatwehaveourcorruptions,andmournfullydoweknowthis,butitisquiteastruethatwehaveanall-sufficientSaviour,whoovercomesthesecorruptions,anddeliversusfromtheirdominion. In lookingback, itwouldbewrong todeny thatwehavebeen in the Slough of Despond, and have crept along the Valley ofHumiliation, but itwould be equallywicked to forget thatwe have beenthroughthemsafelyandprofitably;wehavenotremainedinthem,thankstoourAlmightyHelperandLeader,whohasbroughtus"outintoawealthyplace."Thedeeperourtroubles,thelouderourthankstoGod,whohasledus through all, and preserved us until now. Our griefs cannot mar themelodyofourpraise,wereckonthemtobethebasspartofourlife'ssong,"Hehathdonegreatthingsforus,whereofweareglad."

Thisevening'sverse:

"SearchtheScriptures."John5:39

TheGreekword here rendered search signifies a strict, close, diligent,curioussearch,suchasmenmakewhen theyareseekinggold,orhunterswhentheyareinearnestaftergame.Wemustnotrestcontentwithhavinggivenasuperficial reading toachapteror two,butwith thecandleof theSpiritwemustdeliberatelyseekoutthehiddenmeaningoftheword.HolyScripture requires searching—muchof it canonlybe learnedbycarefulstudy. There ismilk for babes, but alsomeat for strongmen. The rabbiswisely say that amountain ofmatter hangs upon every word, yea, uponevery title of Scripture. Tertullian exclaims, "I adore the fulness of theScriptures."NomanwhomerelyskimsthebookofGodcanprofitthereby;wemustdigandmineuntilweobtainthehidtreasure.Thedoorofthewordonlyopenstothekeyofdiligence.TheScripturesclaimsearching.TheyarethewritingsofGod,bearingthedivinestampandimprimatur—whoshalldaretotreatthemwithlevity?HewhodespisesthemdespisestheGodwhowrote them.Godforbid thatanyofusshould leaveourBibles tobecomeswiftwitnessesagainstusinthegreatdayofaccount.ThewordofGodwillrepaysearching.Goddoesnotbidussiftamountainofchaffwithhereandthereagrainofwheatinit,buttheBibleiswinnowedcorn—wehavebuttoopenthegranarydoorandfindit.Scripturegrowsuponthestudent.Itisfullofsurprises.UndertheteachingoftheHolySpirit,tothesearchingeyeit glows with splendour of revelation, like a vast temple paved withwroughtgold, and roofedwith rubies, emeralds, and allmannerof gems.No merchandise like the merchandise of Scripture truth. Lastly, theScriptures reveal Jesus: "They are they which testify of Me." No morepowerfulmotivecanbeurgeduponBible readers than this:hewho findsJesus finds life, heaven, all things. Happy he who, searching his Bible,discovershisSaviour.

J u n e 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"WeliveuntotheLord."Romans14:8

IfGodhadwilledit,eachofusmighthaveenteredheavenatthemomentof conversion. It was not absolutely necessary for our preparation forimmortalitythatweshouldtarryhere.Itispossibleforamantobetakentoheaven, and to be found meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of thesaints in light, thoughhehasbut justbelieved in Jesus. It is true thatoursanctificationisalongandcontinuedprocess,andweshallnotbeperfectedtillwelayasideourbodiesandenterwithintheveil;butnevertheless,hadthe Lord so willed it, He might have changed us from imperfection toperfection, and have taken us to heaven at once.Why then arewe here?WouldGodkeepHischildrenoutofparadiseasinglemomentlongerthanwasnecessary?Whyis thearmyof the livingGodstillon thebattle-fieldwhenonechargemightgive them thevictory?WhyareHischildren stillwandering hither and thither through amaze,when a solitaryword fromHis lipswould bring them into the centre of their hopes in heaven? Theanswer is— they are here that theymay "live unto the Lord," andmaybringotherstoknowHislove.Weremainonearthassowerstoscattergoodseed; as ploughmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishingsalvation.We are here as the "salt of the earth," to be a blessing to theworld. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here asworkersforHim,andas"workerstogetherwithHim."Letusseethatourlifeanswerethitsend.Letusliveearnest,useful,holylives,to"thepraiseof thegloryofHisgrace."MeanwhilewelongtobewithHim,anddailysing—

"MyheartiswithHimonHisthrone,Andillcanbrookdelay;Eachmomentlisteningforthevoice,'Riseup,andcomeaway.'"

Thisevening'sverse:

"TheyaretheywhichtestifyofMe."John5:39

Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega of the Bible. He is the constanttheme of its sacred pages; from first to last they testify of Him. At thecreationweat oncediscernHimasoneof the sacredTrinity;we catch aglimpseofHiminthepromiseofthewoman'sseed;weseeHimtypifiedinthe ark of Noah; we walk with Abraham, as He seesMessiah's day; wedwellinthetentsofIsaacandJacob,feedinguponthegraciouspromise;wehearthevenerableIsraeltalkingofShiloh;andinthenumeroustypesofthelaw,wefind theRedeemerabundantly foreshadowed.Prophetsandkings,priestsandpreachers,alllookoneway—theyallstandasthecherubsdidovertheark,desiringtolookwithin,andtoreadthemysteryofGod'sgreatpropitiation.StillmoremanifestlyintheNewTestamentwefindourLordtheonepervadingsubject.Itisnotaningothereandthere,ordustofgoldthinlyscattered,buthereyoustanduponasolidfloorofgold;forthewholesubstance of the New Testament is Jesus crucified, and even its closingsentence isbejewelledwith theRedeemer'sname.Weshouldalways readScripture in this light;weshouldconsider theword tobeasamirror intowhichChristlooksdownfromheaven;andthenwe,lookingintoit,seeHisfacereflectedasinaglass—darkly,itistrue,butstillinsuchawayastobeablessedpreparationforseeingHimasweshallseeHimfacetoface.This volume contains Jesus Christ's letters to us, perfumed by His love.ThesepagesarethegarmentsofourKing,andtheyallsmellofmyrrh,andaloes,andcassia.ScriptureistheroyalchariotinwhichJesusrides,anditispaved with love for the daughters of Jerusalem. The Scriptures are theswaddling bands of the holy child Jesus; unroll them and you find yourSaviour.ThequintessenceofthewordofGodisChrist.

J u n e 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"WeloveHimbecauseHefirstlovedus."1John4:19

There isno light in theplanetbut thatwhichproceedeth from the sun;andthereisnotruelovetoJesusintheheartbut thatwhichcomethfromtheLordJesushimself.Fromthisoverflowingfountainoftheinfiniteloveof God, all our love to Godmust spring. Thismust ever be a great andcertain truth, thatwe loveHim for no other reason than becauseHe firstloved us. Our love to Him is the fair offspring of His love to us. Coldadmiration, when studying the works of God, anyonemay have, but thewarmthoflovecanonlybekindledintheheartbyGod'sSpirit.HowgreatthewonderthatsuchasweshouldeverhavebeenbroughttoloveJesusatall!HowmarvellousthatwhenwehadrebelledagainstHim,Heshould,byadisplayofsuchamazinglove,seektodrawusback.No!nevershouldwehavehadagrainoflovetowardsGodunlessithadbeensowninusbythesweetseedofHislovetous.Love,then,hasforitsparenttheloveofGodshed abroad in the heart: but after it is thus divinely born, it must bedivinelynourished.Love isanexotic; it isnotaplantwhichwill flourishnaturallyinhumansoil,itmustbewateredfromabove.LovetoJesusisaflowerofadelicatenature,andifitreceivednonourishmentbutthatwhichcouldbedrawnfromtherockofourhearts itwouldsoonwither.Aslovecomesfromheaven,soitmustfeedonheavenlybread.Itcannotexistinthewildernessunlessitbefedbymannafromonhigh.Lovemustfeedonlove.TheverysoulandlifeofourlovetoGodisHislovetous.

"Ilovethee,Lord,butwithnoloveofmine,ForIhavenonetogive;Ilovethee,Lord;butalltheloveisthine,ForbythyloveIlive.Iamasnothing,andrejoicetobeEmptied,andlost,andswallowedupinthee."

Thisevening'sverse:

"TherebrakeHethearrowsofthebow,theshield,andthesword,andthebattle."Psalm76:3

OurRedeemer'sgloriouscryof"Itisfinished,"wasthedeath-knellofalltheadversariesofHispeople,thebreakingof"theandthebattle."Beholdthe hero of Golgotha using His cross as an anvil, and His woes as ahammer,dashingtoshiversbundleafterbundleofoursins,thosepoisoned"arrowsofthebow";tramplingoneveryindictment,anddestroyingeveryaccusation.WhatgloriousblowsthemightyBreakergiveswithahammerfarmore ponderous than the fabledweapon of Thor!How the diabolicaldarts fly to fragments, and the infernal bucklers are broken like potters'vessels!Behold,HedrawsfromitssheathofhellishworkmanshipthedreadswordofSatanicpower!HesnapsitacrossHisknee,asamanbreaksthedrywoodofafagot,andcastsitintothefire.Beloved,nosinofabelievercannowbeanarrowmortallytowoundhim,nocondemnationcannowbeasword tokillhim, for thepunishmentofoursinwasbornebyChrist,afullatonementwasmadeforallouriniquitiesbyourblessedSubstituteandSurety.Whonowaccuseth?Whonowcondemneth?Christhathdied,yearather,hathrisenagain.Jesushasemptiedthequiversofhell,hasquenchedevery fiery dart, and broken off the head of every arrow of wrath; theground is strewn with the splinters and relics of the weapons of hell'swarfare,whichareonlyvisibletoustoremindusofourformerdanger,andof our great deliverance. Sin hath no more dominion over us. Jesus hasmadeanendofit,andputitawayforever.Othouenemy,destructionsarecometoaperpetualend.TalkyeofallthewondrousworksoftheLord,yewhomakementionofHisname,keepnotsilence,neitherbyday,norwhenthesungoethtohisrest.BlesstheLord,Omysoul.

J u n e 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thou art weighed in the balances and art found wanting." Daniel5:27

ItiswellfrequentlytoweighourselvesinthescaleofGod'sWord.Youwill find it a holy exercise to read some psalm of David, and, as youmeditateuponeachverse, toaskyourself, "Can I say this?Have I felt asDavid felt?Hasmyheart everbeenbrokenonaccountof sin, ashiswaswhen he penned his penitential psalms? Has my soul been full of trueconfidence in the hour of difficulty as his was when he sang of God'smercies in thecaveofAdullam,or in theholdsofEngedi?Do I take thecupofsalvationandcalluponthenameoftheLord?"ThenturntothelifeofChrist,andasyouread,askyourselveshowfaryouareconformedtoHislikeness. Endeavour to discover whether you have the meekness, thehumility, the lovely spirit which He constantly inculcated and displayed.Take,then,theepistles,andseewhetheryoucangowiththeapostleinwhathesaidofhisexperience.Haveyouevercriedoutashedid—"Owretchedman that I am!who shall deliverme from thebodyof this death"?Haveyoueverfelthisself-abasement?Haveyouseemedtoyourselfthechiefofsinners,andless thantheleastofallsaints?Haveyouknownanythingofhisdevotion?Couldyou joinwithhimandsay,"Forme to live isChrist,and to die is gain"? Ifwe thus readGod'sWord as a test of our spiritualcondition,weshallhavegoodreasontostopmanyatimeandsay,"Lord,IfeelIhaveneveryetbeenhere,Obringmehere!givemetruepenitence,suchasthisIreadof.Givemerealfaith;givemewarmerzeal;inflamemewithmore fervent love; grantme the grace ofmeekness;makememorelike Jesus. Let me no longer be 'found wanting,' when weighed in thebalances of the sanctuary, lest I be found wanting in the scales ofjudgment.""Judgeyourselvesthatyebenotjudged."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Whohathsavedus,andcalleduswithanholycalling."2Timothy1:9

The apostle uses the perfect tense and says, "Who hath saved us."Believers inChrist Jesus are saved.Theyarenot lookeduponaspersonswho are in a hopeful state, and may ultimately be saved, but they arealreadysaved.Salvationisnotablessingtobeenjoyeduponthedyingbed,and to be sung of in a future state above, but a matter to be obtained,received, promised, and enjoyed now.TheChristian is perfectly saved inGod's purpose;God has ordained himunto salvation, and that purpose iscomplete.Heissavedalsoastothepricewhichhasbeenpaidforhim:"Itis finished"was the cry of the Saviour ereHe died. The believer is alsoperfectlysavedinHiscovenanthead,forashefellinAdam,sohelivesinChrist. This complete salvation is accompanied by a holy calling. ThosewhomtheSavioursaveduponthecrossareinduetimeeffectuallycalledbythepowerofGodtheHolySpirituntoholiness:theyleavetheirsins;theyendeavour to be like Christ; they choose holiness, not out of anycompulsion, but from the stress of a new nature, which leads them torejoiceinholinessjustasnaturallyasaforetimetheydelightedinsin.Godneitherchosethemnorcalledthembecausetheywereholy,butHecalledthem that theymightbeholy,andholiness is thebeautyproducedbyHisworkmanship in them.Theexcellencieswhichwesee inabelieverareasmuch thework ofGod as the atonement itself. Thus is brought out verysweetlythefulnessofthegraceofGod.Salvationmustbeofgrace,becausetheLordistheauthorofit:andwhatmotivebutgracecouldmoveHimtosavetheguilty?Salvationmustbeofgrace,becausetheLordworksinsuchamannerthatourrighteousnessisforeverexcluded.Suchisthebeliever'sprivilege—apresentsalvation;suchistheevidencethatheiscalledtoit—aholylife.

J u n e 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation22:17

Jesussays,"takefreely."Hewantsnopaymentorpreparation.Heseeksno recommendation from our virtuous emotions. If you have no goodfeelings,ifyoubebutwilling,youareinvited;thereforecome!Youhavenobeliefandnorepentance,—cometoHim,andHewillgive themtoyou.Comejustasyouare,andtake"Freely,"withoutmoneyandwithoutprice.HegivesHimself toneedyones.Thedrinking fountainsat thecornersofourstreetsarevaluableinstitutions;andwecanhardlyimagineanyonesofoolishastofeelforhispurse,whenhestandsbeforeoneofthem,andtocry,"IcannotdrinkbecauseIhavenotfivepoundsinmypocket."Howeverpoorthemanis,thereisthefountain,andjustasheishemaydrinkofit.Thirstypassengers,astheygoby,whethertheyaredressedinfustianorinbroadcloth,donotlookforanywarrantfordrinking;itsbeingthereistheirwarrantfortakingitswaterfreely.Theliberalityofsomegoodfriendshasput the refreshing crystal there and we take it, and ask no questions.Perhapstheonlypersonswhoneedgothirstythroughthestreetwherethereis a drinking fountain, are the fine ladies andgentlemenwho are in theircarriages.Theyareverythirsty,butcannotthinkofbeingsovulgarastogetout to drink. It would demean them, they think, to drink at a commondrinking fountain: so they ridebywithparched lips.Oh,howmany thereare who are rich in their own goodworks and cannot therefore come toChrist!"Iwillnotbesaved,"theysay,"inthesamewayastheharlotortheswearer."What!gotoheaveninthesamewayasachimneysweep.Isthereno pathway to glory but the pathwhich led the thief there? Iwill not besavedthatway.Suchproudboastersmustremainwithoutthelivingwater;but, "WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFEFREELY."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Removefarfrommevanityandlies."Proverbs30:8

"OmyGod,benotfarfromme."Psalm38:21.Herewehavetwogreatlessons—whattodeprecateandwhattosupplicate.ThehappieststateofaChristianistheholieststate.Asthereisthemostheatnearesttothesun,sothereis themosthappinessnearest toChrist.NoChristianenjoyscomfortwhenhiseyesarefixedonvanity—hefindsnosatisfactionunlesshissoulisquickenedinthewaysofGod.Theworldmaywinhappinesselsewhere,buthecannot. Idonotblameungodlymenfor rushing to theirpleasures.Why should I?Let themhave their fill.That is all theyhave to enjoy.Aconvertedwifewhodespairedofherhusbandwasalwaysverykindtohim,forshesaid,"I fear that this is theonlyworld inwhichhewillbehappy,andthereforeIhavemadeupmymindtomakehimashappyasIcaninit."Christians must seek their delights in a higher sphere than the insipidfrivolitiesorsinfulenjoymentsoftheworld.Vainpursuitsaredangeroustorenewedsouls.Wehaveheardofaphilosopherwho,whilehelookeduptothestars,fellintoapit;buthowdeeplydotheyfallwholookdown.Theirfallisfatal.NoChristianissafewhenhissoulisslothful,andhisGodisfarfrom him. Every Christian is always safe as to the great matter of hisstandinginChrist,butheisnotsafeasregardshisexperienceinholiness,and communion with Jesus in this life. Satan does not often attack aChristianwhois livingnear toGod.It iswhentheChristiandepartsfromhisGod, becomes spiritually starved, and endeavours to feed on vanities,thatthedevildiscovershisvantagehour.Hemaysometimesstandfoottofootwith the child ofGodwho is active in hisMaster's service, but thebattle isgenerally short:hewhoslipsashegoesdown into theValleyofHumiliation,everytimehetakesafalsestepinvitesApollyontoassailhim.OforgracetowalkhumblywithourGod!

J u n e 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"DelightthyselfalsointheLord."Psalm37:4

Theteachingofthesewordsmustseemverysurprisingtothosewhoarestrangers to vital godliness, but to the sincere believer it is only theinculcationofarecognizedtruth.Thelifeofthebelieverisheredescribedas a delight in God, and we are thus certified of the great fact that truereligion overflows with happiness and joy. Ungodly persons and mereprofessorsneverlookuponreligionasajoyfulthing;tothemitisservice,duty,ornecessity,butneverpleasureordelight.Iftheyattendtoreligionatall,itiseitherthattheymaygainthereby,orelsebecausetheydarenotdootherwise.Thethoughtofdelightinreligionissostrangetomostmen,thatno two words in their language stand further apart than "holiness" and"delight."ButbelieverswhoknowChrist,understandthatdelightandfaithare so blessedly united, that the gates of hell cannot prevail to separatethem.TheywholoveGodwithalltheirhearts,findthatHiswaysarewaysof pleasantness, and all His paths are peace. Such joys, such brimfuldelights, such overflowing blessednesses, do the saints discover in theirLord, that so far fromservingHim fromcustom, theywould followHimthoughalltheworldcastoutHisnameasevil.WefearnotGodbecauseofanycompulsion;ourfaithisnofetter,ourprofessionisnobondage,wearenotdragged toholiness,nordriven toduty.No,ourpiety isourpleasure,ourhopeisourhappiness,ourdutyisourdelight.

Delightandtruereligionareasalliedasrootandflower;asindivisibleastruthandcertainty;theyare,infact,twopreciousjewelsglitteringsidebysideinasettingofgold.

"'TiswhenwetasteThylove,Ourjoysdivinelygrow,Unspeakablelikethoseabove,Andheavenbeginsbelow."

Thisevening'sverse:

"OLord,tousbelongethconfusionofface...becausewehavesinnedagainstThee."Daniel9:8

Adeepsenseandclearsightofsin,itsheinousness,andthepunishmentwhich it deserves, should make us lie low before the throne. We havesinnedasChristians.Alas!thatitshouldbeso.Favouredaswehavebeen,wehaveyetbeenungrateful:privilegedbeyondmost,wehavenotbroughtforth fruit in proportion.Who is there, although hemay long have beenengaged in theChristianwarfare, thatwill not blushwhenhe looksbackupon thepast?As forourdaysbeforewewere regenerated,may theybeforgivenandforgotten;butsincethen,thoughwehavenotsinnedasbefore,yetwehavesinnedagainstlightandagainstlove—lightwhichhasreallypenetratedourminds,andloveinwhichwehaverejoiced.Oh,theatrocityofthesinofapardonedsoul!AnunpardonedsinnersinscheaplycomparedwiththesinofoneofGod'sownelectones,whohashadcommunionwithChristand leanedhisheaduponJesus'bosom.LookatDavid!Manywilltalkofhissin,but Iprayyou lookathis repentance,andhearhisbrokenbones, as each one of themmoans out its dolorous confession!Mark histears, as they fall upon the ground, and the deep sighs with which heaccompanies the softened music of his harp! We have erred: let us,therefore, seek the spirit of penitence. Look, again, at Peter! We speakmuch of Peter's denying his Master. Remember, it is written, "He weptbitterly."HavewenodenialsofourLordtobelamentedwithtears?Alas!these sins of ours, before and after conversion, would consign us to theplaceofinextinguishablefireifitwerenotforthesovereignmercywhichhasmadeustodiffer,snatchinguslikebrandsfromtheburning.Mysoul,bowdownunder a sense of thy natural sinfulness, andworship thyGod.Admirethegracewhichsavesthee—themercywhichsparesthee—thelovewhichpardonsthee!

J u n e 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"AndSarahsaid,Godhathmademetolaugh,sothatallthathearwilllaughwithme."Genesis21:6

Itwasfarabovethepowerofnature,andevencontrarytoitslaws,thattheagedSarahshouldbehonouredwithason;andevensoitisbeyondallordinary rules that I, apoor,helpless,undonesinner, should findgrace tobearaboutinmysoultheindwellingSpiritoftheLordJesus.I,whooncedespaired, as well I might, for my nature was as dry, and withered, andbarren, and accursed as a howlingwilderness, even I have beenmade tobring forth fruit untoholiness.Wellmaymymouthbe filledwith joyouslaughter,becauseofthesingular,surprisinggracewhichIhavereceivedofthe Lord, for I have found Jesus, the promised seed, andHe ismine forever. This day will I lift up psalms of triumph unto the Lord who hasrememberedmylowestate,for"myheartrejoicethintheLord;minehornisexaltedintheLord;mymouthisenlargedovermineenemies,becauseIrejoiceinThysalvation."

Iwouldhaveall those thathearofmygreatdeliverance fromhell,andmymost blessedvisitation fromonhigh, laugh for joywithme. Iwouldsurprisemy familywithmy abundant peace; I would delightmy friendswith my ever-increasing happiness; I would edify the Church with mygratefulconfessions;andeven impress theworldwith thecheerfulnessofmydailyconversation.BunyantellsusthatMercylaughedinhersleep,andnowonderwhenshedreamedofJesus;myjoyshallnotstopshortofherswhilemyBelovedis the themeofmydaily thoughts.TheLordJesus isadeep seaof joy:my soul shall dive therein, shall be swallowedup in thedelightsofHissociety.SarahlookedonherIsaac,andlaughedwithexcessofrapture,andallherfriendslaughedwithher;andthou,mysoul,lookonthyJesus,andbidheavenandearthuniteinthyjoyunspeakable.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Heopeneth,andnomanshutteth."Revelation3:7

Jesus is the keeper of the gates of paradise and before every believingsoulHesettethanopendoor,whichnomanordevilshallbeabletocloseagainstit.WhatjoyitwillbetofindthatfaithinHimisthegoldenkeytotheeverlastingdoors.Mysoul,dostthoucarrythiskeyinthybosom,orartthoutrustingtosomedeceitfulpick-lock,whichwillfailtheeatlast?Hearthisparableof thepreacher,and remember it.ThegreatKinghasmadeabanquet, andHehasproclaimed toall theworld thatnone shall enterbutthosewho bringwith them the fairest flower that blooms. The spirits ofmenadvancetothegatebythousands,andtheybringeachonetheflowerwhichhe esteems thequeenof thegarden; but in crowds they aredrivenfromtheroyalpresence,andenternot into thefestivehalls.Somebear intheirhandthedeadlynightshadeofsuperstition,ortheflauntingpoppiesofRome,or thehemlockofself- righteousness,but thesearenotdear to theKing, the bearers are shut out of the pearly gates. My soul, hast thougathered the rose of Sharon?Dost thouwear the lily of the valley in thybosomconstantly?Ifso,whenthoucomestuptothegatesofheaventhouwiltknowitsvalue,forthouhastonlytoshowthischoicestofflowers,andthePorterwillopen:notforamomentwillHedenytheeadmission,fortothatrosethePorteropenethever.ThoushaltfindthywaywiththeroseofSharon in thy hand up to the throne of God Himself, for heaven itselfpossessesnothingthatexcelsitsradiantbeauty,andofall theflowersthatbloominparadisethereisnonethatcanrivalthelilyofthevalley.Mysoul,get Calvary's blood-red rose into thy hand by faith, by love wear it, bycommunionpreserveit,bydailywatchfulnessmakeit thineall inall,andthou shalt be blessed beyond all bliss, happy beyond a dream. Jesus, bemineforever,myGod,myheaven,myall.

J u n e 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"AndIgiveuntothemeternallife,andtheyshallneverperish."John10:28

TheChristianshouldneverthinkorspeaklightlyofunbelief.Forachildof God to mistrust His love, His truth, His faithfulness, must be greatlydispleasing to Him. How can we ever grieve Him by doubting Hisupholding grace? Christian! it is contrary to every promise of God'spreciousWord that thou shouldst ever be forgotten or left to perish. If itcouldbeso,howcouldHebetruewhohassaid,"Canawomanforgethersucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of herwomb?Yea,theymayforget,yetwillIneverforgetthee."Whatwerethevalue of that promise — "The mountains shall depart, and the hills beremoved; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall thecovenantofMypeaceberemoved,saiththeLordthathathmercyonthee."Wherewere the truthofChrist'swords—"I giveuntoMy sheep eternallife; and they shallneverperish,neither shall anymanpluck themoutofMyhand.MyFather,whichgavethemMe,isgreaterthanall;andnomanisabletopluckthemoutofMyFather'shand."Wherewerethedoctrinesofgrace? They would be all disproved if one child of God should perish.Wherewere the veracity of God, His honour, His power, His grace, Hiscovenant,Hisoath,ifanyofthoseforwhomChristhasdied,andwhohaveput their trust in Him, should nevertheless be cast away? Banish thoseunbelieving fearswhich so dishonourGod.Arise, shake thyself from thedust,andputonthybeautifulgarments.RememberitissinfultodoubtHisWordwhereinHehas promised thee that thou shalt never perish.Let theeternallifewithintheeexpressitselfinconfidentrejoicing.

"Thegospelbearsmyspiritup:AfaithfulandunchangingGodLaysthefoundationformyhope,Inoaths,andpromises,andblood."

Thisevening'sverse:

"TheLordismylightandmysalvation;whomshallIfear?theLordisthestrengthofmylife;ofwhomshallIbeafraid?"Psalm27:1

"TheLordismylightandmysalvation."Hereispersonalinterest,"mylight," "my salvation"; the soul is assured of it, and therefore declares itboldly.Intothesoulatthenewbirthdivinelightispouredastheprecursorofsalvation;wherethereisnotenoughlighttorevealourowndarknessandtomakeuslongfortheLordJesus,thereisnoevidenceofsalvation.AfterconversionourGodisourjoy,comfort,guide,teacher,andineverysenseourlight:Heislightwithin,lightaround,lightreflectedfromus,andlighttoberevealedtous.Note,itisnotsaidmerelythattheLordgiveslight,butthatHe is light; nor thatHe gives salvation, but thatHe is salvation; he,then,whobyfaithhaslaidholduponGod,hasallcovenantblessingsinhispossession.Thisbeingmadesureasafact, theargumentdrawnfromit isputintheformofaquestion,"WhomshallIfear?"Aquestionwhichisitsownanswer.Thepowersofdarknessarenottobefeared,fortheLord,ourlight,destroysthem;andthedamnationofhellisnottobedreadedbyus,fortheLordisoursalvation.ThisisaverydifferentchallengefromthatofboastfulGoliath, for it rests, not upon the conceited vigour of an arm offlesh, but upon the real powerof theomnipotent IAM. "TheLord is thestrength of my life." Here is a third glowing epithet, to show that thewriter'shopewasfastenedwithathreefoldcordwhichcouldnotbebroken.WemaywellaccumulatetermsofpraisewheretheLordlavishesdeedsofgrace.OurlifederivesallitsstrengthfromGod;andifHedeignstomakeusstrong,wecannotbeweakenedbyallthemachinationsoftheadversary."OfwhomshallIbeafraid?"Theboldquestionlooksintothefutureaswellasthepresent."IfGodbeforus,"whocanbeagainstus,eithernoworintimetocome?

J u n e 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Help,Lord."Psalm12:1

The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable,sententious, and suggestive. Davidmourned the fewness of faithfulmen,andthereforelifteduphisheartinsupplication—whenthecreaturefailed,heflewtotheCreator.Heevidentlyfelthisownweakness,orhewouldnothave cried for help; but at the same time he intended honestly to exerthimselfforthecauseoftruth,fortheword"help"isinapplicablewhereweourselvesdonothing.Thereismuchofdirectness,clearnessofperception,and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more,indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors. ThePsalmistrunsstraight-forwardtohisGod,withawell-consideredprayer;heknowswhatheisseeking,andwheretoseekit.Lord,teachustoprayinthesameblessedmanner.

The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providentialafflictionshowsuitableitisfortriedbelieverswhofindallhelpersfailingthem.Students, indoctrinaldifficulties,mayoftenobtainaidbyliftingupthis cry of "Help, Lord," to the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher. Spiritualwarriorsininwardconflictsmaysendtothethroneforreinforcements,andthiswillbeamodelfortheirrequest.Workersinheavenlylabourmaythusobtaingrace in timeofneed.Seeking sinners, indoubts and alarms,mayofferupthesameweightysupplication;infact,inallthesecases,times,andplaces, thiswill serve the turn of needy souls. "Help, Lord,"will suit uslivinganddying,sufferingorlabouring,rejoicingorsorrowing.InHimourhelpisfound,letusnotbeslacktocrytoHim.

The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered throughJesus.TheLord'scharacterassuresusthatHewillnotleaveHispeople;HisrelationshipasFatherandHusbandguaranteeusHisaid;HisgiftofJesusisa pledge of every good thing; and His sure promise stands, "Fear not, IWILLHELPTHEE."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it."Numbers21:17

FamouswasthewellofBeerinthewilderness,becauseitwasthesubjectofapromise:"ThatisthewellwhereoftheLordspakeuntoMoses,Gatherthepeopletogether,andIwillgivethemwater."Thepeopleneededwater,and it was promised by their gracious God. We need fresh supplies ofheavenlygrace,andinthecovenanttheLordhaspledgedHimselftogiveallwerequire.Thewellnextbecamethecauseofasong.Beforethewatergushed forth, cheerful faithprompted thepeople to sing;andas they sawthe crystal fount bubbling up, the music grew yet more joyous. In likemanner,wewhobelievethepromiseofGodshouldrejoiceintheprospectof divine revivals in our souls, and as we experience them our holy joyshouldoverflow.Arewe thirsting?Letusnotmurmur,but sing.Spiritualthirst is bitter to bear, butweneednot bear it— thepromise indicates awell; letusbeofgoodheart, and look for it.Moreover, thewellwas thecentreofprayer."Springup,Owell."WhatGodhasengaged togive,wemust enquire after, or wemanifest that we have neither desire nor faith.ThiseveningletusaskthattheScripturewehaveread,andourdevotionalexercises, may not be an empty formality, but a channel of grace to oursouls.O thatGod theHoly Spiritwouldwork in uswith allHismightypower,fillinguswithallthefulnessofGod.Lastly,thewellwastheobjectofeffort."Thenoblesof thepeoplediggeditwiththeirstaves."TheLordwould have us active in obtaining grace. Our staves are ill adapted fordigging in the sand, but we must use them to the utmost of our ability.Prayermustnotbeneglected;theassemblingofourselvestogethermustnotbe forsaken; ordinancesmust not be slighted. The Lordwill give usHispeacemost plenteously, but not in away of idleness. Let us, then, bestirourselvestoseekHiminwhomareallourfreshsprings.

J u n e 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"ThyRedeemer."Isaiah54:5

Jesus,theRedeemer,isaltogetheroursandoursforever.AlltheofficesofChristareheldonourbehalf.Heiskingforus,priestforus,andprophetforus.Wheneverwe readanew titleof theRedeemer, letus appropriateHimasoursunder thatnameasmuchasunderanyother.Theshepherd'sstaff, the father's rod, the captain's sword, the priest's mitre, the prince'ssceptre, theprophet'smantle,allareours.JesushathnodignitywhichHewill not employ for our exaltation, andnoprerogativewhichHewill notexercise for our defence. His fulness of Godhead is our unfailing,inexhaustibletreasure-house.

His manhood also, which he took upon him for us, is ours in all itsperfection.TousourgraciousLordcommunicates thespotlessvirtueofastainlesscharacter;toushegivesthemeritoriousefficacyofadevotedlife;onushebestowstherewardprocuredbyobedientsubmissionandincessantservice.Hemakestheunsulliedgarmentofhislifeourcoveringbeauty;theglittering virtues of his character our ornaments and jewels; and thesuperhumanmeeknessofhisdeathourboastandglory.Hebequeathsushismanger,fromwhichtolearnhowGodcamedowntoman;andhisCrosstoteachushowmanmaygouptoGod.AllHisthoughts,emotions,actions,utterances, miracles, and intercessions, were for us. He trod the road ofsorrowonourbehalf,andhathmadeovertousashisheavenlylegacythefull results of all the labours of his life. He is now as much ours asheretofore; and he blushes not to acknowledge himself "our Lord JesusChrist,"thoughheistheblessedandonlyPotentate,theKingofkings,andLordoflords.ChristeverywhereandeverywayisourChrist,foreverandevermostrichlytoenjoy.Omysoul,bythepoweroftheHolySpirit!callhimthismorning,"thyRedeemer."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Iamcomeintomygarden,mysister,myspouse."Song5:1

The heart of the believer is Christ's garden. He bought it with Hispreciousblood,andHeentersitandclaimsitasHisown.Agardenimpliesseparation. It is not theopen common; it is not awilderness; it iswalledaround, or hedged in. Would that we could see the wall of separationbetweenthechurchandtheworldmadebroaderandstronger.Itmakesonesad to hearChristians saying, "Well, there is no harm in this; there is noharminthat,"thusgettingasneartotheworldaspossible.Graceisatalowebbinthatsoulwhichcanevenraisethequestionofhowfaritmaygoinworldlyconformity.Agardenisaplaceofbeauty,itfarsurpassesthewilduncultivatedlands.ThegenuineChristianmustseektobemoreexcellentinhislifethanthebestmoralist,becauseChrist'sgardenoughttoproducethebestflowersinalltheworld.EventhebestispoorcomparedwithChrist'sdeservings; let us not put Him off with withering and dwarf plants. Therarest, richest,choicest liliesandrosesought tobloomin theplacewhichJesuscallsHisown.Thegardenisaplaceofgrowth.Thesaintsarenottoremainundeveloped,alwaysmerebudsandblossoms.Weshouldgrowingrace,andintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist.Growthshould be rapidwhere Jesus is theHusbandman, and theHoly Spirit thedewfromabove.Agardenisaplaceofretirement.SotheLordJesusChristwould have us reserve our souls as a place in which He can manifestHimself,asHedothnotuntotheworld.OthatChristiansweremoreretired,thattheykepttheirheartsmorecloselyshutupforChrist!Weoftenworryandtroubleourselves,likeMartha,withmuchserving,sothatwehavenottheroomforChristthatMaryhad,anddonotsitatHisfeetasweshould.TheLordgrantthesweetshowersofHisgracetowaterHisgardenthisday.

J u n e 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"AndtheywereallfilledwiththeHolyGhost."Acts2:4

RichweretheblessingsofthisdayifallofuswerefilledwiththeHolyGhost. The consequences of this sacred filling of the soul it would beimpossible tooverestimate.Life, comfort, light, purity,power,peace; andmany other precious blessings are inseparable from the Spirit's benignpresence.Assacredoil,Heanointstheheadofthebeliever,setshimaparttothepriesthoodofsaints,andgiveshimgracetoexecutehisofficearight.AstheonlytrulypurifyingwaterHecleansesusfromthepowerofsinandsanctifies us unto holiness,working in us towill and to do of theLord'sgoodpleasure.Asthelight,Hemanifestedtousatfirstourlostestate,andnowHerevealstheLordJesustousandinus,andguidesusinthewayofrighteousness. Enlightened by His pure celestial ray, we are no moredarknessbutlightintheLord.Asfire,Hebothpurgesusfromdross,andsetsourconsecratednatureonablaze.HeisthesacrificialflamebywhichweareenabledtoofferourwholesoulsasalivingsacrificeuntoGod.Asheavenlydew,Heremovesourbarrennessandfertilizesourlives.OthatHewould drop from above upon us at this early hour! Such morning dewwouldbeasweetcommencementfor theday.Asthedove,withwingsofpeaceful loveHebroodsoverHisChurchandover thesoulsofbelievers,andasaComforterHedispelsthecaresanddoubtswhichmarthepeaceofHisbeloved.HedescendsuponthechosenasupontheLordinJordan,andbearswitness to their sonshipbyworking in thema filial spiritbywhichthey cryAbba, Father.As thewind,He brings the breath of life tomen;blowingwhereHelistethHeperformsthequickeningoperationsbywhichthe spiritual creation is animated and sustained. Would to God, that wemightfeelHispresencethisdayandeveryday.

Thisevening'sverse:

"MyBelovedismine,andIamHis:Hefeedethamongthelilies.Untilthedaybreak,and the shadows fleeaway, turn,myBeloved,andbeThoulikearoeorayounghartuponthemountainsofBether."Song2:16,17

SurelyiftherebeahappyverseintheBibleitisthis—"MyBelovedismine,andIamHis."Sopeaceful,sofullofassurance,sooverrunningwithhappinessandcontentmentisit,thatitmightwellhavebeenwrittenbythesamehandwhichpennedthetwenty-thirdPsalm.Yetthoughtheprospectisexceeding fair and lovely— earth cannot show its superior— it is notentirelyasunlitlandscape.Thereisacloudintheskywhichcastsashadowoverthescene.Listen,"Untilthedaybreak,andtheshadowsfleeaway."

Thereisaword,too,aboutthe"mountainsofBether,"or,"themountainsofdivision,"andtoourlove,anythinglikedivisionisbitterness.Beloved,thismaybe your present state ofmind; youdonot doubt your salvation;you know that Christ is yours, but you are not feasting with Him. Youunderstand your vital interest in Him, so that you have no shadow of adoubtofyourbeingHis,andofHisbeingyours,butstillHis lefthandisnot under your head, nor doth His right hand embrace you. A shade ofsadness is cast over your heart, perhaps by affliction, certainly by thetemporaryabsenceofyourLord,soevenwhileexclaiming,"IamHis,"youareforcedtotaketoyourknees,andtopray,"Untilthedaybreak,andtheshadowsfleeaway,turn,myBeloved."

"WhereisHe?"asksthesoul.Andtheanswercomes,"Hefeedethamongthelilies."IfwewouldfindChrist,wemustgetintocommunionwithHispeople,wemustcometotheordinanceswithHissaints.Oh,foraneveningglimpseofHim!Oh,tosupwithHimto-night!

J u n e 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"For,lo,Iwillcommand,andIwillsiftthehouseofIsraelamongallnations,likeascornissiftedinasieve,yetshallnottheleastgrainfallupontheearth."Amos9:9

Everysiftingcomesbydivinecommandandpermission.Satanmustaskleavebefore he can lay a finger upon Job.Nay,more, in some senseoursiftings are directly thework of heaven, for the text says, "Iwill sift thehouseofIsrael."Satan,likeadrudge,mayholdthesieve,hopingtodestroythecorn;buttheoverrulinghandoftheMasterisaccomplishingthepurityofthegrainbytheveryprocesswhichtheenemyintendedtobedestructive.Precious, but much sifted corn of the Lord's floor, be comforted by theblessed fact that theLorddirectethboth flail and sieve toHisownglory,andtothineeternalprofit.

The Lord Jesuswill surely use the fanwhich is inHis hand, andwilldivide theprecious from thevile.All arenot Israel that areof Israel; theheap on the barn floor is not clean provender, and hence thewinnowingprocessmustbeperformed.Inthesievetrueweightalonehaspower.Husksand chaff being devoid of substance must fly before the wind, and onlysolidcornwillremain.

ObservethecompletesafetyoftheLord'swheat;eventheleastgrainhasapromiseofpreservation.GodHimself sifts,and therefore it is sternandterriblework;Hesiftstheminallplaces,"amongallnations";Hesiftstheminthemosteffectualmanner,"likeascornissiftedinasieve";andyetforall this,not thesmallest, lightest,ormostshrivelledgrain, ispermitted tofall totheground.EveryindividualbelieverispreciousinthesightoftheLord,ashepherdwouldnotloseonesheep,norajewelleronediamond,noramotheronechild,noramanonelimbofhisbody,norwilltheLordloseone of His redeemed people. However little we may be, if we are theLord's,wemayrejoicethatwearepreservedinChristJesus.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Straightwaytheyforsooktheirnets,andfollowedHim."Mark1:18

When theyheard the call of Jesus,Simon andAndrewobeyed at oncewithoutdemur.Ifwewouldalways,punctuallyandwithresolutezeal,putin practice what we hear upon the spot, or at the first fit occasion, ourattendanceatthemeansofgrace,andourreadingofgoodbooks,couldnotfailtoenrichusspiritually.Hewillnotlosehisloafwhohastakencareatoncetoeatit,neithercanhebedeprivedofthebenefitofthedoctrinewhohasalreadyacteduponit.Mostreadersandhearersbecomemovedsofarasto purpose to amend; but, alas! the proposal is a blossomwhich has notbeenknit,andthereforenofruitcomesofit;theywait,theywaver,andthenthey forget, till, like theponds in nights of frost,when the sun shines byday,theyareonlythawedintimetobefrozenagain.Thatfatalto-morrowisblood-redwiththemurderoffairresolutions;itistheslaughter-houseofthe innocents. We are very concerned that our little book of "EveningReadings"shouldnotbe fruitless,and thereforewepray that readersmaynotbereadersonly,butdoers,oftheword.Thepracticeoftruthisthemostprofitablereadingofit.Shouldthereaderbeimpressedwithanydutywhileperusing these pages, let him hasten to fulfil it before the holy glow hasdepartedfromhissoul,andlethimleavehisnets,andallthathehas,soonerthanbefoundrebellioustotheMaster'scall.Donotgiveplacetothedevilbydelay!Hastewhileopportunityandquickeningareinhappyconjunction.Donotbe caught inyourownnets, butbreak themeshesofworldliness,andawaywhereglorycallsyou.Happyis thewriterwhoshallmeetwithreaders resolved to carry out his teachings: his harvest shall be ahundredfold, and hisMaster shall have great honour.Would to God thatsuchmight be our rewardupon these briefmeditations andhurriedhints.Grantit,OLord,untothyservant!

J u n e 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thouartfairerthanthechildrenofmen."Psalm45:2

TheentirepersonofJesusisbutasonegem,andHislifeisallalongbutone impression of the seal. He is altogether complete; not only in Hisseveral parts, but as a gracious all-gloriouswhole.His character is not amassof fair coloursmixedconfusedly,noraheapofprecious stones laidcarelesslyoneuponanother;Heisapictureofbeautyandabreastplateofglory.InHim,allthe"thingsofgoodrepute"areintheirproperplaces,andassistinadorningeachother.NotonefeatureinHisgloriouspersonattractsattentionattheexpenseofothers;butHeisperfectlyandaltogetherlovely.

Oh,Jesus!Thypower,Thygrace,Thyjustice,Thytenderness,Thytruth,Thymajesty,andThineimmutabilitymakeupsuchaman,orrathersuchaGod-man, as neither heaven nor earth hath seen elsewhere. Thy infancy,Thy eternity, Thy sufferings, Thy triumphs, Thy death, and Thineimmortality,areallwoveninonegorgeoustapestry,withoutseamorrent.Thouartmusicwithoutdiscord;Thouartmany,andyetnotdivided;Thouart all things, and yet not diverse. As all the colours blend into oneresplendent rainbow, so all the glories of heaven and earthmeet inThee,andunitesowondrously,thatthereisnonelikeTheeinallthings;nay,ifallthevirtuesofthemostexcellentwereboundinonebundle,theycouldnotrivalThee,Thoumirrorofallperfection.Thouhastbeenanointedwiththeholyoilofmyrrhandcassia,whichThyGodhathreservedforTheealone;andasforThyfragrance,itisastheholyperfume,thelikeofwhichnoneother can evermingle, evenwith the art of the apothecary; each spice isfragrant,butthecompoundisdivine.

"Oh,sacredsymmetry!oh,rareconnectionOfmanyperfects,tomakeoneperfection!Oh,heavenlymusic,whereallpartsdomeetInonesweetstrain,tomakeoneperfectsweet!"

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThefoundationofGodstandethsure."2Timothy2:19

Thefoundationuponwhichourfaithrestsisthis,that"GodwasinChristreconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses untothem."Thegreatfactonwhichgenuinefaithreliesis, that"theWordwasmadefleshanddweltamongus,"andthat"Christalsohathsufferedforsin,thejustfortheunjust,thatHemightbringustoGod";"WhoHimselfbareoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree";"ForthechastisementofourpeacewasuponHim,andbyHis stripeswearehealed." Inoneword, thegreatpillar of the Christian's hope is substitution. The vicarious sacrifice ofChristfortheguilty,ChristbeingmadesinforusthatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinHim,Christofferingupatrueandproperexpiatoryandsubstitutionarysacrificeintheroom,place,andsteadofasmanyastheFathergaveHim,whoareknown toGodbyname,andare recognized intheirownheartsbytheirtrustinginJesus—thisisthecardinalfactofthegospel.Ifthisfoundationwereremoved,whatcouldwedo?ButitstandethfirmasthethroneofGod.Weknowit;werestonit;werejoiceinit;andourdelight is tohold it, tomeditateupon it, and toproclaim it,whilewedesiretobeactuatedandmovedbygratitudeforitineverypartofourlifeandconversation.Inthesedaysadirectattackismadeuponthedoctrineoftheatonement.Mencannotbearsubstitution.TheygnashtheirteethatthethoughtoftheLambofGodbearingthesinofman.Butwe,whoknowbyexperience the preciousness of this truth, will proclaim it in defiance ofthemconfidently andunceasingly.Wewill neither dilute it nor change it,norfritteritawayinanyshapeorfashion.ItshallstillbeChrist,apositivesubstitute, bearing human guilt and suffering in the stead of men. Wecannot,darenot,giveitup,foritisourlife,anddespiteeverycontroversywefeelthat"NeverthelessthefoundationofGodstandethsure."

J u n e 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Heshallbuildthetempleof theLord;andHeshallbeartheglory."Zechariah6:13

ChristHimselfisthebuilderofHisspiritualtemple,andHehasbuiltitonthemountainsofHisunchangeableaffection,Hisomnipotentgrace,andHisinfallibletruthfulness.ButasitwasinSolomon'stemple,sointhis;thematerialsneedmakingready.Therearethe"CedarsofLebanon,"buttheyare not framed for the building; they are not cut down, and shaped, andmadeintothoseplanksofcedar,whoseodoriferousbeautyshallmakegladthecourtsoftheLord'shouseinParadise.Therearealsotheroughstonesstill in the quarry, they must be hewn thence, and squared. All this isChrist's own work. Each individual believer is being prepared, andpolished,andmadereadyforhisplaceinthetemple;butChrist'sownhandperforms the preparation-work. Afflictions cannot sanctify, excepting astheyareusedbyHimtothisend.Ourprayersandeffortscannotmakeusreadyforheaven,apartfromthehandofJesus,whofashionethourheartsaright.

AsinthebuildingofSolomon'stemple,"therewasneitherhammer,noraxe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house," because all was broughtperfectly ready for the exact spot it was to occupy— so is it with thetemplewhichJesusbuilds;themakingreadyisalldoneonearth.Whenwereach heaven, there will be no sanctifying us there, no squaring us withaffliction,noplaninguswithsuffering.No,wemustbemademeethere—all thatChristwill do beforehand; andwhenHe has done it,we shall beferried by a loving hand across the stream of death, and brought to theheavenlyJerusalem,toabideaseternalpillarsinthetempleofourLord.

"BeneathHiseyeandcare,Theedificeshallrise,Majestic,strong,andfair,Andshineabovetheskies."

Thisevening'sverse:

"That those things which cannot be shaken may remain." Hebrews12:27

Wehavemanythingsinourpossessionatthepresentmomentwhichcanbeshaken,anditillbecomesaChristianmantosetmuchstorebythem,forthereisnothingstablebeneaththeserollingskies;changeiswrittenuponallthings.Yet,wehavecertain"thingswhichcannotbeshaken,"andI inviteyou this evening to thinkof them, that if the thingswhichcanbe shakenshouldallbetakenaway,youmayderiverealcomfortfromthethingsthatcannotbeshaken,whichwill remain.Whateveryour losseshavebeen,ormay be, you enjoy present salvation.You are standing at the foot ofHiscross,trustingaloneinthemeritofJesus'preciousblood,andnoriseorfallof the markets can interfere with your salvation in Him; no breaking ofbanks,nofailuresandbankruptciescantouchthat.ThenyouareachildofGodthisevening.GodisyourFather.Nochangeofcircumstancescaneverrobyouof that.Althoughby lossesbrought topoverty,andstrippedbare,you can say, "He is my Father still. In my Father's house are manymansions; thereforewill I not be troubled."You have another permanentblessing,namely, the loveofJesusChrist.Hewho isGodandMan lovesyouwith all the strength ofHis affectionate nature—nothing can affectthat.Thefigtreemaynotblossom,andtheflocksmayceasefromthefield,itmatters not to themanwho can sing, "MyBeloved ismine, and I amHis." Our best portion and richest heritage we cannot lose. Whatevertroublescome, letusplay theman; letusshowthatwearenotsuch littlechildrenastobecastdownbywhatmayhappeninthispoorfleetingstateof time.Our country is Immanuel's land, our hope is above the sky, andtherefore,calmasthesummer'socean;wewillseethewreckofeverythingearthborn,andyetrejoiceintheGodofoursalvation.

J u n e 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Ephraimisacakenotturned."Hosea7:8

Acakenotturnedisuncookedononeside;andsoEphraimwas,inmanyrespects, untouched by divine grace: though there was some partialobedience,therewasverymuchrebellionleft.Mysoul,Ichargethee,seewhetherthisbethycase.ArtthouthoroughinthethingsofGod?Hasgracegone through the very centre of thy being so as to be felt in its divineoperations inall thypowers, thyactions, thywords,and thy thoughts?Tobe sanctified, spirit, soul, and body, should be thine aim and prayer; andalthoughsanctificationmaynotbeperfectintheeanywhereindegree,yetitmustbeuniversalinitsaction;theremustnotbetheappearanceofholinessinoneplaceandreigningsininanother,elsethou,too,wiltbeacakenotturned.

Acakenotturnedissoonburntonthesidenearestthefire,andalthoughnomancanhavetoomuchreligion,therearesomewhoseemburntblackwith bigoted zeal for that part of truth which they have received, or arecharred to a cinder with a vainglorious Pharisaic ostentation of thosereligiousperformanceswhich suit their humour.The assumed appearanceof superior sanctity frequently accompanies a total absence of all vitalgodliness.Thesaintinpublicisadevilinprivate.Hedealsinflourbydayandinsootbynight.Thecakewhichisburnedononeside,isdoughontheother.

Ifitbesowithme,OLord,turnme!TurnmyunsanctifiednaturetothefireofThyloveandletitfeelthesacredglow,andletmyburntsidecoolalittlewhileIlearnmyownweaknessandwantofheatwhenIamremovedfromThyheavenlyflame.Letmenotbefoundadouble-mindedman,butoneentirelyunderthepowerfulinfluenceofreigninggrace;forwellIknowif I am left likeacakeunturned, andamnotonboth sides the subjectofThygrace,Imustbeconsumedforeveramideverlastingburnings.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Waitingfortheadoption."Romans8:23

Even in this world saints are God's children, butmen cannot discoverthemtobeso,exceptbycertainmoralcharacteristics.Theadoptionisnotmanifested,thechildrenarenotyetopenlydeclared.AmongtheRomansamanmightadoptachild,andkeepitprivateforalongtime:buttherewasasecond adoption in public; when the child was brought before theconstituted authorities its former garmentswere taken off, and the fatherwhotookittobehischildgaveitraimentsuitabletoitsnewconditionoflife."Beloved,nowarewethesonsofGod,anditdothnotyetappearwhatweshallbe."Wearenotyetarrayed in theapparelwhichbefits theroyalfamilyofheaven;wearewearinginthisfleshandbloodjustwhatweworeasthesonsofAdam;butweknowthat"whenHeshallappear"whoisthe"first-bornamongmanybrethren,"weshallbelikeHim,weshallseeHimasHe is.Cannotyou imagine that a child taken from the lowest ranksofsociety,andadoptedbyaRomansenator,wouldsaytohimself,"Ilongforthe day when I shall be publicly adopted. Then I shall leave off theseplebeiangarments,andberobedasbecomesmysenatorialrank"?Happyinwhathehas received, for thatvery reasonhegroans toget the fulnessofwhatispromisedhim.Soitiswithustoday.Wearewaitingtillweshallputonourpropergarments,andshallbemanifestedasthechildrenofGod.Weareyoungnobles,andhavenotyetwornourcoronets.Weareyoungbrides,andthemarriagedayisnotyetcome,andbytheloveourSpousebearsus,we are led to long and sigh for the bridal morning. Our very happinessmakesusgroanaftermore;ourjoy,likeaswollenspring,longstowelluplikeanIcelandgeyser,leapingtotheskies,anditheavesandgroanswithinourspiritforwantofspaceandroombywhichtomanifestitselftomen.

J u n e 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Acertainwomanof the company liftedupher voice, and saiduntoHim, Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which thouhast sucked. ButHe said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear thewordofGod,andkeepit."Luke11:27,28

It is fondly imagined by some that itmust have involved very specialprivilegestohavebeenthemotherofourLord,becausetheysupposedthatshe had the benefit of looking intoHis very heart in away inwhichwecannot hope to do. There may be an appearance of plausibility in thesupposition, but not much.We do not know that Mary knew more thanothers;whatshedidknowshedidwelltolayupinherheart;butshedoesnotappearfromanythingwereadintheEvangeliststohavebeenabetter-instructedbelieverthananyotherofChrist'sdisciples.Allthatsheknewwealsomaydiscover.Doyouwonderthatweshouldsayso?Hereisatexttoprove it: "Thesecretof theLord iswith them that fearHim,andHewillshowthemHiscovenant."RemembertheMaster'swords—"HenceforthIcallyounotservants;fortheservantknowethnotwhathisLorddoeth:butIhavecalledyoufriends;forallthingsthatIhaveheardofmyFatherIhavemadeknownuntoyou."Soblessedlydoes thisDivineRevealerofsecretstellusHisheart,thatHekeepethbacknothingwhichisprofitabletous;Hisownassuranceis,"If itwerenotso,Iwouldhavetoldyou."DothHenotthisdaymanifestHimselfuntousasHedothnotuntotheworld?Itisevenso;andthereforewewillnotignorantlycryout,"Blessedisthewombthatbarethee,"butwewillintelligentlyblessGodthat,havingheardtheWordandkeptit,wehavefirstofallastrueacommunionwiththeSaviourastheVirginhad,andinthesecondplaceastrueanacquaintancewiththesecretsofHisheartasshecanbesupposedtohaveobtained.Happysoultobethusprivileged!

Thisevening'sverse:

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said . . . Be itknownuntothee,Oking,thatwewillnotservethygods."Daniel3:16,18

The narrative of themanly courage andmarvellous deliverance of thethreeholychildren,orratherchampions,iswellcalculatedtoexciteinthemindsofbelieversfirmnessandsteadfastnessinupholdingthetruthintheteeth of tyranny and in the very jaws of death. Let young Christiansespeciallylearnfromtheirexample,bothinmattersoffaithinreligion,andmattersofuprightnessinbusiness,nevertosacrificetheirconsciences.Loseallratherthanloseyourintegrity,andwhenallelseisgone,stillholdfastaclearconscienceastherarestjewelwhichcanadornthebosomofamortal.Be not guided by the will-o'-the-wisp of policy, but by the pole-star ofdivineauthority.Followtherightatallhazards.Whenyouseenopresentadvantage,walkbyfaithandnotbysight.DoGodthehonourtotrustHimwhenitcomestomattersoflossforthesakeofprinciple.SeewhetherHewillbeyourdebtor!SeeifHedothnoteveninthislifeproveHiswordthat"Godliness,withcontentment,isgreatgain,"andthattheywho"seekfirstthe kingdom of God and His righteousness, shall have all these thingsaddeduntothem."Shouldithappenthat,intheprovidenceofGod,youarealoserbyconscience,youshallfindthatiftheLordpaysyounotbackinthesilverofearthlyprosperity,HewilldischargeHispromiseinthegoldofspiritualjoy.Rememberthataman'slifeconsistethnotintheabundanceofthatwhichhepossesseth.Towearaguilelessspirit,tohaveaheartvoidofoffence, to have the favour and smile of God, is greater riches than themines ofOphir could yield, or the traffic ofTyre couldwin. "Better is adinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and inward contentiontherewith."Anounceofheart's-easeisworthatonofgold.

J u n e 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Gettheeupintothehighmountain."Isaiah40:9

Our knowledge of Christ is somewhat like climbing one of ourWelshmountains.Whenyouareatthebaseyouseebutlittle:themountainitselfappearstobebutone-halfashighasitreallyis.Confinedinalittlevalley,youdiscoverscarcelyanythingbuttheripplingbrooksastheydescendintothestreamatthefootofthemountain.Climbthefirstrisingknoll,andthevalleylengthensandwidensbeneathyourfeet.Gohigher,andyouseethecountry for four or five miles round, and you are delighted with thewideningprospect.Mountstill,andthesceneenlarges;tillatlast,whenyouareonthesummit,andlookeast,west,north,andsouth,youseealmostallEngland lying before you. Yonder is a forest in some distant county,perhapstwohundredmilesaway,andherethesea,andthereashiningriverand the smoking chimneys of amanufacturing town, or themasts of theshipsinabusyport.Allthesethingspleaseanddelightyou,andyousay,"Icould not have imagined that so much could be seen at this elevation."Now,theChristianlifeisofthesameorder.WhenwefirstbelieveinChristweseebutlittleofHim.ThehigherweclimbthemorewediscoverofHisbeauties. But who has ever gained the summit?Who has known all theheights and depths of the love of Christ which passes knowledge? Paul,whengrownold,sittinggrey-haired,shiveringinadungeoninRome,couldsaywithgreateremphasisthanwecan,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved,"foreachexperiencehadbeenliketheclimbingofahill,eachtrialhadbeenlikeascendinganothersummit,andhisdeathseemedlikegainingthetopofthemountain, fromwhich he could see thewhole of the faithfulness and theloveofHimtowhomhehadcommittedhissoul.Gettheeup,dearfriend,intothehighmountain.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thedovefoundnorestforthesoleofherfoot."Genesis8:9

Reader, can you find rest apart from the ark, Christ Jesus? Then beassuredthatyourreligionisvain.AreyousatisfiedwithanythingshortofaconsciousknowledgeofyourunionandinterestinChrist?Thenwoeuntoyou. If you profess to be aChristian, yet find full satisfaction inworldlypleasures and pursuits, your profession is false. If your soul can stretchherselfatrest,andfindthebedlongenough,andthecoverletbroadenoughto cover her in the chambers of sin, then you are a hypocrite, and farenoughfromanyrightthoughtsofChristorperceptionofHispreciousness.Butif,ontheotherhand,youfeelthatifyoucouldindulgeinsinwithoutpunishment, yet itwouldbe a punishmentof itself; and that if you couldhave thewholeworld, and abide in it for ever, itwould be quite enoughmiserynottobepartedfromit;foryourGod—yourGod—iswhatyoursoulcravesafter;thenbeofgoodcourage,thouartachildofGod.Withallthysinsandimperfections,takethistothycomfort:ifthysoulhasnorestinsin, thouarenot as the sinner is! If thouart still cryingafter andcravingaftersomethingbetter,Christhasnotforgottenthee,forthouhastnotquiteforgotten Him. The believer cannot do without his Lord; words areinadequatetoexpresshisthoughtsofHim.Wecannotliveonthesandsofthe wilderness, we want the manna which drops from on high; our skinbottles of creature confidence cannot yieldus a dropofmoisture, butwedrinkoftherockwhichfollowsus,andthatrockisChrist.WhenyoufeedonHimyoursoulcansing,"Hehathsatisfiedmymouthwithgoodthings,sothatmyyouthisrenewedliketheeagle's,"butifyouhaveHimnot,yourburstingwinevatandwell-filledbarncangiveyounosortofsatisfaction:ratherlamentovertheminthewordsofwisdom,"Vanityofvanities,allisvanity!"

J u n e 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Artthoubecomelikeuntous?"Isaiah14:10

Whatmustbetheapostateprofessor'sdoomwhenhisnakedsoulappearsbefore God? How will he bear that voice, "Depart, ye cursed; thou hastrejected me, and I reject thee; thou hast played the harlot, and departedfromMe:Ialsohavebanishedtheeforeverfrommypresence,andwillnothavemercyuponthee."Whatwillbe thiswretch'sshameat the lastgreatdaywhen, before assembledmultitudes, the apostate shall be unmasked?See the profane, and sinners who never professed religion, liftingthemselvesup from theirbedsof fire topoint athim. "Therehe is," saysone, "will he preach the gospel in hell?" "There he is," says another, "herebukedmeforcursing,andwasahypocritehimself!""Aha!"saysanother,"here comes a psalm-singing Methodist — one who was always at hismeeting;heisthemanwhoboastedofhisbeingsureofeverlastinglife;andhere he is!" No greater eagerness will ever be seen among Satanictormentors,thaninthatdaywhendevilsdragthehypocrite'ssouldowntoperdition.Bunyanpicturesthiswithmassivebutawfulgrandeurofpoetrywhen he speaks of the back-way to hell. Seven devils bound the wretchwithninecords,anddraggedhimfromtheroadtoheaven,inwhichhehadprofessedtowalk,andthrusthimthroughtheback-doorintohell.Mindthatback-way to hell, professors! "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in thefaith."Lookwelltoyourstate;seewhetheryoubeinChristornot.Itistheeasiest thing in theworld to give a lenient verdictwhen oneself is to betried;butO,bejustandtruehere.Bejusttoall,butberigoroustoyourself.Rememberifitbenotarockonwhichyoubuild,whenthehouseshallfall,greatwill be the fall of it.Omay theLordgiveyou sincerity, constancy,andfirmness;andinnoday,howeverevil,mayyoubeledtoturnaside.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."2Peter1:4

Vanishforeverallthoughtofindulgingthefleshifyouwouldliveinthepower of your risen Lord. It were ill that a man who is alive in Christshoulddwell in thecorruptionofsin."Whyseekye the livingamong thedead?" said the angel to Magdalene. Should the living dwell in thesepulchre?Should divine life be immured in the charnel house of fleshlylust?HowcanwepartakeofthecupoftheLordandyetdrinkthecupofBelial?Surely, believer, fromopen lusts and sinsyou aredelivered: haveyou also escaped from the more secret and delusive lime-twigs of theSatanic fowler? Have you come forth from the lust of pride? Have youescaped fromslothfulness?Haveyoucleanescaped fromcarnal security?Areyouseekingdaybydaytoliveaboveworldliness,theprideoflife,andtheensnaringviceofavarice?Remember,it isforthisthatyouhavebeenenrichedwiththetreasuresofGod.IfyoubeindeedthechosenofGod,andbelovedbyHim,donotsufferallthelavishtreasureofgracetobewasteduponyou.Followafterholiness; it is theChristian's crownandglory.Anunholychurch!itisuselesstotheworld,andofnoesteemamongmen.Itisanabomination,hell'slaughter,heaven'sabhorrence.Theworstevilswhichhaveevercomeupontheworldhavebeenbroughtuponherbyanunholychurch.OChristian, thevowsofGodareuponyou.YouareGod'spriest:act as such. You are God's king: reign over your lusts. You are God'schosen: do not associate with Belial. Heaven is your portion: live like aheavenly spirit, so shall you prove that you have true faith in Jesus, fortherecannotbefaithintheheartunlesstherebeholinessinthelife.

"Lord,IdesiretoliveasoneWhobearsablood-boughtname,AsonewhofearsbutgrievingThee,Andknowsnoothershame."

J u n e 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Onlyyeshallnotgoveryfaraway."Exodus8:28

Thisisacraftywordfromthelipofthearch-tyrantPharaoh.IfthepoorbondagedIsraelitesmustneedsgooutofEgypt,thenhebargainswiththemthatitshallnotbeveryfaraway;nottoofarforthemtoescapetheterrorofhisarms,andtheobservationofhisspies.Afterthesamefashion,theworldlovesnotthenon-conformityofnonconformity,orthedissidenceofdissent,itwouldhaveusbemorecharitableandnotcarrymatterswithtoosevereahand. Death to the world, and burial with Christ, are experiences whichcarnalminds treatwithridicule,andhence theordinancewhichsets themforthisalmostuniversallyneglected,andevencontemned.Worldlywisdomrecommendsthepathofcompromise,andtalksof"moderation."Accordingto this carnal policy, purity is admitted to be very desirable, but we arewarnedagainstbeingtooprecise;truthisofcoursetobefollowed,buterroris not to be severely denounced. "Yes," says the world, "be spirituallyminded by all means, but do not deny yourself a little gay society, anoccasionalball,andaChristmasvisittoatheatre.What'sthegoodofcryingdownathingwhenitissofashionable,andeverybodydoesit?"Multitudesofprofessorsyield to thiscunningadvice, to theirowneternal ruin. IfwewouldfollowtheLordwholly,wemustgorightawayintothewildernessofseparation, and leave the Egypt of the carnal world behind us.Wemustleaveitsmaxims,itspleasures,anditsreligiontoo,andgofarawaytotheplacewhere theLordcallsHis sanctifiedones.When the town ison fire,ourhousecannotbetoofarfromtheflames.Whentheplagueisabroad,amancannotbetoofarfromitshaunts.Thefurtherfromaviperthebetter,andthefurtherfromworldlyconformitythebetter.Toalltruebelieversletthe trumpet-call be sounded, "Come ye out from among them, be yeseparate."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called."1Corinthians7:20

Somepersons have the foolish notion that the onlyway inwhich theycanliveforGodisbybecomingministers,missionaries,orBiblewomen.Alas!howmanywouldbeshutoutfromanyopportunityofmagnifyingtheMostHighifthiswerethecase.Beloved,itisnotoffice,itisearnestness;itisnotposition,itisgracewhichwillenableustoglorifyGod.Godismostsurelyglorified in thatcobbler'sstall,where thegodlyworker,ashepliestheawl,singsof theSaviour's love,ay,glorifiedfarmore than inmanyaprebendalstallwhereofficialreligiousnessperformsitsscantyduties.Thename of Jesus is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives hishorse,andblesseshisGod,orspeakstohisfellowlabourerbytheroadside,as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, likeBoanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our servingHiminourpropervocations.Takecare,dearreader,thatyoudonotforsakethe path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take care you do notdishonouryourprofessionwhileinit.Thinklittleofyourselves,butdonotthinktoolittleofyourcallings.Everylawfultrademaybesanctifiedbythegospeltonoblestends.TurntotheBible,andyouwillfindthemostmenialformsof labourconnectedeitherwithmostdaringdeedsof faith,orwithpersons whose lives have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be notdiscontentedwithyourcalling.WhateverGodhasmadeyourposition,oryour work, abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you tosomethingelse.LetyourfirstcarebetoglorifyGodtotheutmostofyourpowerwhereyouare.FillyourpresentspheretoHispraise,andifHeneedsyou in another He will show it you. This evening lay aside vexatiousambition,andembracepeacefulcontent.

J u n e 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"LookinguntoJesus."Hebrews12:2

ItisevertheHolySpirit'sworktoturnoureyesawayfromselftoJesus;butSatan'swork is just theoppositeof this, forhe isconstantly trying tomake us regard ourselves instead ofChrist.He insinuates, "Your sins aretoogreatforpardon;youhavenofaith;youdonotrepentenough;youwillneverbeabletocontinuetotheend;youhavenotthejoyofHischildren;youhavesuchawaveringholdofJesus."Allthesearethoughtsaboutself,andwe shall never find comfort or assurance by lookingwithin. But theHolySpirit turnsoureyesentirelyawayfromself:Hetellsusthatwearenothing, but that "Christ is all in all." Remember, therefore, it is not thyholdofChristthatsavesthee—itisChrist;itisnotthyjoyinChristthatsaves thee—it isChrist; it isnotevenfaith inChrist, though thatbe theinstrument—itisChrist'sbloodandmerits;therefore,looknotsomuchtothyhandwithwhichthouartgraspingChrist,astoChrist;looknottothyhope,buttoJesus,thesourceofthyhope;looknottothyfaith,buttoJesus,the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness bylookingatourprayers,ourdoings,orourfeelings; it iswhatJesus is,notwhatweare,thatgivesresttothesoul.IfwewouldatonceovercomeSatanandhavepeacewithGod, itmustbeby"lookinguntoJesus."Keep thineeye simplyonHim; letHisdeath,His sufferings,Hismerits,Hisglories,Hisintercession,befreshuponthymind;whenthouwakestinthemorninglook toHim;when thou liest downatnight look toHim.Oh! let not thyhopesorfearscomebetweentheeandJesus;followhardafterHim,andHewillneverfailthee.

"MyhopeisbuiltonnothinglessThanJesu'sbloodandrighteousness:Idarenottrustthesweetestframe,ButwhollyleanonJesu'sname."

Thisevening'sverse:

"ButAaron'srodswalloweduptheirrods."Exodus7:12

This incident is an instructiveemblemof the surevictoryof thedivinehandiworkoverallopposition.Wheneveradivineprincipleiscastintotheheart, though thedevilmay fashionacounterfeit, andproduce swarmsofopponents,assureaseverGodisinthework,itwillswallowupallitsfoes.IfGod'sgracetakespossessionofaman,theworld'smagiciansmaythrowdownall their rods;andevery rodmaybeascunningandpoisonousasaserpent,butAaron'srodwillswallowuptheirrods.Thesweetattractionsofthecrosswillwooandwintheman'sheart,andhewholivedonlyforthisdeceitfulearthwillnowhaveaneyefor theupperspheres,andawing tomount into celestial heights.When grace has won the day the worldlingseekstheworldtocome.Thesamefactistobeobservedinthelifeofthebeliever.Whatmultitudesoffoeshasourfaithhadtomeet!Ouroldsins—the devil threw them down before us, and they turned to serpents.Whathostsofthem!Ah,butthecrossofJesusdestroysthemall.FaithinChristmakesshortworkofalloursins.Thenthedevilhaslaunchedforthanotherhostofserpentsintheformofworldlytrials,temptations,unbelief;butfaithinJesusismorethanamatchforthem,andovercomesthemall.Thesameabsorbing principle shines in the faithful service of God! With anenthusiastic love for Jesus difficulties are surmounted, sacrifices becomepleasures, sufferings are honours. But if religion is thus a consumingpassionintheheart,thenitfollowsthattherearemanypersonswhoprofessreligionbuthaveitnot;forwhattheyhavewillnotbearthistest.Examineyourself, my reader, on this point. Aaron's rod proved its heaven-givenpower. Is your religion doing so? If Christ be anything He must beeverything.OrestnottillloveandfaithinJesusbethemasterpassionsofyoursoul!

J u n e 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him."1Thessalonians4:14

Letusnotimaginethatthesoulsleepsininsensibility."Todayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise,"isthewhisperofChristtoeverydyingsaint.They"sleepinJesus,"buttheirsoulsarebeforethethroneofGod,praisingHimdayandnightinHistemple,singinghallelujahstoHimwhowashedthemfrom their sins inHis blood. The body sleeps in its lonely bed of earth,beneath the coverlet of grass.Butwhat is this sleep?The idea connectedwithsleepis"rest,"andthatisthethoughtwhichtheSpiritofGodwouldconveytous.SleepmakeseachnightaSabbathfortheday.Sleepshutsfastthe door of the soul, and bids all intruders tarry for awhile, that the lifewithinmayenteritssummergardenofease.Thetoil-wornbelieverquietlysleeps,asdoesthewearychildwhenitslumbersonitsmother'sbreast.Oh!happy they who die in the Lord; they rest from their labours, and theirworksdofollowthem.TheirquietreposeshallneverbebrokenuntilGodshallrousethemtogivethemtheirfullreward.Guardedbyangelwatchers,curtainedbyeternalmysteries, theysleepon, theheritorsofglory, till thefulness of time shall bring the fulness of redemption. What an awakingshallbetheirs!Theywerelaidintheirlastrestingplace,wearyandworn,butsuchtheyshallnotrise.Theywenttotheirrestwiththefurrowedbrow,and the wasted features, but they wake up in beauty and glory. Theshrivelledseed,sodestituteof formandcomeliness, rises fromthedustabeauteous flower. The winter of the grave gives way to the spring ofredemptionandthesummerofglory.Blessedisdeath,sinceit,throughthedivinepower,disrobesusof thiswork-daygarment, toclotheuswith theweddinggarmentofincorruption.Blessedarethosewho"sleepinJesus."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Howbeit, in the business of the ambassadors of the princes ofBabylon,whosentuntohimtoenquireofthewonderthatwasdoneintheland,Godlefthim,totryhim,thatHemightknowallthatwasinhisheart."2Chronicles32:31

Hezekiahwasgrowing so inwardlygreat, andpridinghimself somuchupon the favour ofGod, that self-righteousness crept in, and through hiscarnal security, the grace of God was for a time, in its more activeoperations, withdrawn. Here is quite enough to account with theBabylonians;forifthegraceofGodshouldleavethebestChristian,thereisenoughofsininhishearttomakehimtheworstoftransgressors.Iflefttoyourselves,youwhoarewarmestforChristwouldcooldownlikeLaodiceainto sickening lukewarmness: you who are sound in the faith would bewhitewiththeleprosyoffalsedoctrine;youwhonowwalkbeforetheLordin excellency and integrity would reel to and fro, and stagger with adrunkennessofevilpassion.Likethemoon,weborrowourlight;brightaswe arewhen grace shines on us,we are darkness itselfwhen the Sun ofRighteousness withdraws Himself. Therefore let us cry to God never toleave us. "Lord, take not thyHolySpirit fromus!Withdrawnot fromusThine indwellinggrace!HastThounot said, 'I theLorddokeep it; Iwillwateriteverymoment:lestanyhurtit,Iwillkeepitnightandday'?Lord,keep us everywhere. Keep us when in the valley, that we murmur notagainstThyhumblinghand;keepuswhenon themountain, thatwewaxnotgiddythroughbeingliftedup;keepusinyouth,whenourpassionsarestrong; keep us in old age,whenbecoming conceited of ourwisdom,wemaythereforeprovegreaterfoolsthantheyoungandgiddy;keepuswhenwecometodie,lest,attheverylast,weshoulddenyThee!Keepusliving,keepusdying,keepuslabouring,keepussuffering,keepusfighting,keepusresting,keepuseverywhere,foreverywhereweneedThee,OourGod!"

J u n e 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"AndtheglorywhichThougavestmeIhavegiventhem."John17:22

BeholdthesuperlativeliberalityoftheLordJesus,forHehathgivenusHisall.AlthoughatitheofHispossessionswouldhavemadeauniverseofangelsrichbeyondallthought,yetwasHenotcontentuntilHehadgivenusallthatHehad.ItwouldhavebeensurprisinggraceifHehadallowedustoeatthecrumbsofHisbountybeneaththetableofHismercy;butHewilldonothingbyhalves,HemakesussitwithHimandsharethefeast.HadHegivenus some smallpension fromHis royal coffers,we shouldhavehadcause to love Him eternally; but no, He will have His bride as rich asHimself, andHewill not have a glory or a grace inwhich she shall notshare.He has not been contentwith less thanmaking us joint-heirswithHimself,sothatwemighthaveequalpossessions.HehasemptiedallHisestateintothecoffersoftheChurch,andhathallthingscommonwithHisredeemed.There is not one room inHis house the key ofwhichHewillwithholdfromHispeople.HegivesthemfulllibertytotakeallthatHehathto be their own; He loves them to make free with His treasure, andappropriate asmuch as they canpossibly carry.Theboundless fulness ofHis all-sufficiency is as free to the believer as the air he breathes.Christhathput theflagonofHis loveandgrace to thebeliever's lip,andbiddenhimdrinkonforever;forcouldhedrainit,heiswelcometodoso,andashecannotexhaustit,heisbiddentodrinkabundantly,foritisallhisown.Whattruerproofoffellowshipcanheavenorearthafford?

"WhenIstandbeforethethroneDressedinbeautynotmyown;WhenIseeTheeasThouart,LoveTheewithunsinningheart;Then,Lord,shallIfullyknow—Nottillthen—howmuchIowe."

Thisevening'sverse:

"AhLordGod,behold,Thouhastmade theheavenand theearthbythygreatpowerandstretchedoutarm,andthereisnothingtoohardforThee."Jeremiah32:17

At the very timewhen theChaldeans surrounded Jerusalem, andwhenthe sword, famine and pestilence had desolated the land, Jeremiah wascommanded by God to purchase a field, and have the deed of transferlegallysealedandwitnessed.Thiswasastrangepurchaseforarationalmantomake. Prudence could not justify it, for itwas buyingwith scarcely aprobabilitythatthepersonpurchasingcouldeverenjoythepossession.ButitwasenoughforJeremiahthathisGodhadbiddenhim,forwellheknewthatGodwillbejustifiedofallHischildren.Hereasonedthus:"Ah,LordGod!Thoucanstmakethisplotofgroundofusetome;Thoucanstridthislandoftheseoppressors;Thoucanstmakemeyetsitundermyvineandmyfig-tree in the heritage which I have bought; for Thou didst make theheavensandtheearth,andthereisnothingtoohardforThee."Thisgaveamajestytotheearlysaints,thattheydaredtodoatGod'scommandthingswhichcarnalreasonwouldcondemn.WhetheritbeaNoahwhoistobuildashipondryland,anAbrahamwhoistoofferuphisonlyson,oraMoseswho is to despise the treasures of Egypt, or a Joshua who is to besiegeJerichosevendays,usingnoweaponsbuttheblastsoframs'horns,theyallactuponGod'scommand,contrarytothedictatesofcarnalreason;andtheLordgivesthemarichrewardastheresultoftheirobedientfaith.WouldtoGodwehadinthereligionofthesemoderntimesamorepotentinfusionofthisheroicfaithinGod.Ifwewouldventuremoreuponthenakedpromiseof God, we should enter a world of wonders to which as yet we arestrangers.LetJeremiah'splaceofconfidencebeours—nothingistoohardfortheGodthatcreatedtheheavensandtheearth.

July

J u l y 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Insummerandinwintershallitbe."Zechariah14:8

ThestreamsoflivingwaterwhichflowfromJerusalemarenotdriedupbytheparchingheatsofsultrymidsummeranymorethantheywerefrozenby the coldwinds of blusteringwinter.Rejoice,Omy soul, that thou artspared to testify of the faithfulness of the Lord. The seasons change andthouchangest,butthyLordabidesevermorethesame,andthestreamsofHis love are as deep, as broad and as full as ever. The heats of businesscaresandscorchingtrialsmakemeneedthecoolinginfluencesoftheriverofHisgrace;Imaygoatonceanddrinktothefullfromtheinexhaustiblefountain, for in summer and inwinter it pours forth its flood. The upperspringsarenever scanty, andblessedbe thenameof theLord, thenetherspringscannotfaileither.ElijahfoundCherithdryup,butJehovahwasstillthe same God of providence. Job said his brethren were like deceitfulbrooks,buthefoundhisGodanoverflowingriverofconsolation.TheNileis the great confidence of Egypt, but its floods are variable; our Lord isevermorethesame.ByturningthecourseoftheEuphrates,CyrustookthecityofBabylon,butnopower,humanorinfernal,candivertthecurrentofdivine grace. The tracks of ancient rivers have been found all dry anddesolate,but thestreamswhich take their riseon themountainsofdivinesovereigntyandinfiniteloveshalleverbefulltothebrim.Generationsmeltaway,butthecourseofgraceisunaltered.TheriverofGodmaysingwithgreatertruththanthebrookinthepoem—-

"Menmaycome,andmenmaygo,ButIgoonforever."

Howhappyart thou,my soul, tobe ledbeside such stillwaters!neverwandertootherstreams,lestthouheartheLord'srebuke,"WhathastthoutodointhewayofEgypttodrinkofthemuddyriver?"

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thevoiceof theLordGodwalking in thegarden in the coolof theday."Genesis3:8

My soul, now that the cool of the day has come, retire awhile andhearken to the voice of thy God. He is always ready to speakwith theewhenthouartpreparedtohear.If therebeanyslownesstocommuneit isnotonHispart,butaltogetheronthineown,forHestandsatthedoorandknocks, and ifHispeoplewillbutopenHe rejoices toenter.But inwhatstateismyheart,whichismyLord'sgarden?MayIventuretohopethatitiswelltrimmedandwatered,andisbringingforthfruitfitforHim?Ifnot,Hewill havemuch to reprove,but still I prayHim to comeuntome, fornothing can so certainly bring my heart into a right condition as thepresence of the Sun of Righteousness, who brings healing in His wings.Come, therefore, O Lord, my God, my soul invites Thee earnestly, andwaitsforTheeeagerly.Cometome,OJesus,mywell-beloved,andplantfresh flowers inmygarden, such as I see blooming in suchperfection inThymatchless character! Come,Omy Father,who art theHusbandman,anddealwithme inThy tenderness andprudence!Come,OHolySpirit,and bedew my whole nature, as the herbs are now moistened with theeveningdews.OthatGodwouldspeaktome.Speak,Lord,forThyservantheareth!OthatHewouldwalkwithme;IamreadytogiveupmywholeheartandmindtoHim,andeveryotherthoughtishushed.Iamonlyaskingwhat He delights to give. I am sure that He will condescend to havefellowshipwithme,forHehasgivenmeHisHolySpirittoabidewithmeforever.Sweet is thecool twilight,wheneverystarseemsliketheeyeofheaven,andthecoolwindisasthebreathofcelestiallove.MyFather,myelderBrother,mysweetComforter,speaknowinlovingkindness,forThouhastopenedmineearandIamnotrebellious.

J u l y 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"OurheartshallrejoiceinHim."Psalm33:21

BlessedisthefactthatChristianscanrejoiceeveninthedeepestdistress;althoughtroublemaysurroundthem, theystillsing;and, likemanybirds,theysingbestintheircages.Thewavesmayrolloverthem,buttheirsoulssoonrisetothesurfaceandseethelightofGod'scountenance;theyhaveabuoyancyaboutthemwhichkeepstheirheadalwaysabovethewater,andhelpsthemtosingamidthetempest,"Godiswithmestill."Towhomshallthe glory be given? Oh! to Jesus— it is all by Jesus. Trouble does notnecessarilybringconsolationwithittothebeliever,butthepresenceoftheSonofGodinthefieryfurnacewithhimfillshisheartwithjoy.Heissickandsuffering,butJesusvisitshimandmakeshisbedforhim.Heisdying,andthecoldchillywatersofJordanaregatheringabouthimuptotheneck,butJesusputsHisarmsaroundhim,andcries,"Fearnot,beloved;todieistobeblessed;thewatersofdeathhavetheirfountain-headinheaven;theyare not bitter, they are sweet as nectar, for they flow from the throne ofGod." As the departing saint wades through the stream, and the billowsgatheraroundhim,andheartandfleshfailhim, thesamevoicesoundsinhisears,"Fearnot;Iamwiththee;benotdismayed;IamthyGod."Ashenearsthebordersoftheinfiniteunknown,andisalmostaffrightedtoentertherealmofshades,Jesussays,"Fearnot,itisyourFather'sgoodpleasuretogiveyouthekingdom."Thusstrengthenedandconsoled,thebelieverisnot afraid to die; nay, he is evenwilling to depart, for since he has seenJesus as the morning star, he longs to gaze upon Him as the sun in hisstrength.Truly, thepresenceofJesus isall theheavenwedesire.He isatonce

"Thegloryofourbrightestdays;Thecomfortofournights."

Thisevening'sverse:

"UntoTheewillIcry,OLordmyrock;benotsilenttome:lest,ifThoubesilenttome,Ibecomelikethemthatgodownintothepit."Psalm28:1

Acryisthenaturalexpressionofsorrow,andasuitableutterancewhenallothermodesofappealfailus;butthecrymustbealonedirectedtotheLord, for to cry toman is towaste our entreaties upon the air.Whenweconsiderthereadinessof theLordtohear,andHisabilitytoaid,weshallsee good reason for directing all our appeals at once to the God of oursalvation.Itwillbeinvaintocalltotherocksinthedayofjudgment,butourRockattendstoourcries.

"Benotsilenttome."Mereformalistsmaybecontentwithoutanswerstotheirprayers,butgenuinesuppliantscannot;theyarenotsatisfiedwiththeresultsofprayer itself incalming themindandsubduing thewill—theymustgofurther,andobtainactualrepliesfromheaven,ortheycannotrest;and those replies they long to receive at once, theydread even a little ofGod'ssilence.God'svoiceisoftensoterriblethatitshakesthewilderness;but His silence is equally full of awe to an eager suppliant. When GodseemstocloseHisear,wemustnotthereforecloseourmouths,butrathercrywithmoreearnestness; forwhenournotegrows shrillwitheagernessandgrief,Hewillnotlongdenyusahearing.WhatadreadfulcaseshouldwebeiniftheLordshouldbecomeforeversilenttoourprayers?"Lest,ifThou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit."DeprivedoftheGodwhoanswersprayer,weshouldbeinamorepitiableplightthanthedeadinthegrave,andshouldsoonsinktothesamelevelasthelostinhell.Wemusthaveanswerstoprayer:oursisanurgentcaseofdirenecessity;surely theLordwillspeakpeace toouragitatedminds, forHenevercanfinditinHishearttopermitHisownelecttoperish.

J u l y 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"The illfavoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the sevenwellfavouredandfatkine."Genesis41:4

Pharaoh'sdreamhastoooftenbeenmywakingexperience.Mydaysofslothhave ruinouslydestroyedall that Ihadachieved in timesof zealousindustry; my seasons of coldness have frozen all the genial glow of myperiodsoffervencyandenthusiasm;andmyfitsofworldlinesshavethrownmebackfrommyadvancesinthedivinelife.Ihadneedtobewareofleanprayers,leanpraises,leanduties,andleanexperiences,forthesewilleatupthe fat ofmy comfort and peace. If I neglect prayer for never so short atime, I lose all the spirituality towhich I had attained; if I drawno freshsuppliesfromheaven,theoldcorninmygranaryissoonconsumedbythefaminewhich rages inmysoul.When thecaterpillarsof indifference, thecankerwormsofworldliness,andthepalmerwormsofself-indulgence, laymyheartcompletelydesolate,andmakemysoultolanguish,allmyformerfruitfulnessandgrowthingraceavailsmenothingwhatever.HowanxiousshouldIbetohavenolean-flesheddays,noill-favouredhours!IfeverydayI journeyed towards the goal of my desires I should soon reach it, butbacksliding leavesme still far off from the prize ofmyhigh calling, androbsmeoftheadvanceswhichIhadsolaboriouslymade.Theonlywayinwhich all my days can be as the "fat kine," is to feed them in the rightmeadow, tospend themwith theLord, inHisservice, inHiscompany, inHisfear,andinHisway.Whyshouldnoteveryyearbericherthanthepast,in love,andusefulness,and joy?—Iamnearer thecelestialhills, Ihavehadmore experienceofmyLord, and shouldbemore likeHim.OLord,keepfarfrommethecurseofleannessofsoul;letmenothavetocry,"Myleanness,myleanness,woeuntome!"butmayIbewell-fedandnourishedinThyhouse,thatImaypraiseThyname.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Ifwesuffer,weshallalsoreignwithHim."2Timothy2:12

WemustnotimaginethatwearesufferingforChrist,andwithChrist,ifwearenotinChrist.Belovedfriend,areyoutrustingtoJesusonly?Ifnot,whateveryoumayhavetomournoveronearth,youarenot"sufferingwithChrist,"landhavenohopeofreigningwithHiminheaven.NeitherarewetoconcludethatallaChristian'ssufferingsaresufferingswithChrist,foritisessentialthathebecalledbyGodtosuffer.Ifwearerashandimprudent,andrunintopositionsforwhichneitherprovidencenorgracehasfittedus,we ought to questionwhetherwe are not rather sinning than communingwithJesus.Ifweletpassiontaketheplaceofjudgment,andself-willreigninstead of Scriptural authority, we shall fight the Lord's battles with thedevil'sweapons,and ifwecutourownfingerswemustnotbesurprised.Again, in troubleswhich come upon us as the result of sin,wemust notdreamthatwearesufferingwithChrist.WhenMiriamspokeevilofMoses,and the leprosy polluted her, she was not suffering for God. Moreover,sufferingwhichGodacceptsmusthaveGod'sgloryas its end. If I sufferthat Imayearnaname,orwinapplause, Ishallgetnoother reward thanthatof thePharisee. It is requisitealso that love toJesus,and love toHiselect, be ever the mainspring of all our patience. We must manifest theSpiritofChristinmeekness,gentleness,andforgiveness.LetussearchandseeifwetrulysufferwithJesus.Andifwedothussuffer,whatisour"lightaffliction"comparedwith reigningwithHim?Oh it is soblessed tobe inthe furnace with Christ, and such an honour to stand in the pillory withHim,thatiftherewerenofuturereward,wemightcountourselveshappyinpresenthonour;butwhen the recompense is soeternal, so infinitelymorethanwehadanyrighttoexpect,shallwenottakeupthecrosswithalacrity,andgoonourwayrejoicing?

J u l y 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"SanctifythemthroughThytruth."John17:17

Sanctificationbeginsinregeneration.TheSpiritofGodinfusesintomanthatnewlivingprinciplebywhichhebecomes"anewcreature" inChristJesus.Thiswork,whichbeginsinthenewbirth,iscarriedonintwoways—mortification,wherebythelustsoftheflesharesubduedandkeptunder;andvivification,bywhichthelifewhichGodhasputwithinusismadetobe a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. This is carried onevery day in what is called "perseverance," by which the Christian ispreservedandcontinuedinagraciousstate,andismadetoaboundingoodworks unto the praise and glory of God; and it culminates or comes toperfection,in"glory,"whenthesoul,beingthoroughlypurged,iscaughtupto dwell with holy beings at the right hand of theMajesty on high. Butwhile theSpirit ofGod is thus the author of sanctification, yet there is avisibleagencyemployedwhichmustnotbeforgotten."Sanctifythem,"saidJesus, "through thy truth: thy word is truth." The passages of ScripturewhichprovethattheinstrumentofoursanctificationistheWordofGodareverymany.TheSpiritofGodbringstoourmindsthepreceptsanddoctrinesoftruth,andappliesthemwithpower.Theseareheardintheear,andbeingreceived in the heart, they work in us to will and to do of God's goodpleasure.Thetruthisthesanctifier,andifwedonothearorreadthetruth,weshallnotgrowinsanctification.Weonlyprogressinsoundlivingasweprogressinsoundunderstanding."Thywordisalampuntomyfeetandalight unto my path." Do not say of any error, "It is a mere matter ofopinion."Noman indulges an error of judgment,without sooner or latertoleratinganerrorinpractice.Holdfastthetruth,forbysoholdingthetruthshallyoubesanctifiedbytheSpiritofGod.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hethathathcleanhands,andapureheart;whohathnotlifteduphissouluntovanity,norsworndeceitfully."Psalm24:4

Outwardpracticalholiness is averypreciousmarkofgrace. It is tobefearedthatmanyprofessorshavepervertedthedoctrineof justificationbyfaith insuchawayas to treatgoodworkswithcontempt; if so, theywillreceiveeverlastingcontemptatthelastgreatday.Ifourhandsarenotclean,letuswashtheminJesus'preciousblood,andsoletusliftuppurehandsuntoGod.But"cleanhands"willnotsuffice,unlesstheyareconnectedwith"apureheart."Truereligionisheart-work.Wemaywashtheoutsideofthecupandtheplatteraslongasweplease,butiftheinwardpartsbefilthy,weare filthy altogether in the sight of God, for our hearts are more trulyourselves than our hands are; the very life of our being lies in the innernature, andhence the imperativeneedofpuritywithin.Thepure inheartshallseeGod,allothersarebutblindbats.

Themanwhoisbornforheaven"hathnotlifteduphissouluntovanity."Allmenhave their joys, bywhich their souls are liftedup; theworldlingliftsuphissoul incarnaldelights,whicharemereemptyvanities;but thesaint lovesmoresubstantial things; likeJehoshaphat,heis liftedupin thewaysoftheLord.Hewhoiscontentwithhusks,willbereckonedwiththeswine.Doestheworldsatisfythee?Thenthouhastthyrewardandportioninthislife;makemuchofit,forthoushaltknownootherjoy.

"Norsworndeceitfully."Thesaintsaremenofhonourstill.TheChristianman'sword is his only oath; but that is as good as twenty oaths of othermen.False speakingwill shut anymanoutofheaven, for a liar shall notenterintoGod'shouse,whatevermaybehisprofessionsordoings.Reader,doesthetextbeforeuscondemnthee,ordostthouhopetoascendintothehilloftheLord?

J u l y 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Calledtobesaints."Romans1:7

Weareveryapttoregardtheapostolicsaintsasiftheywere"saints"inamoreespecialmannerthantheotherchildrenofGod.Allare"saints"whomGodhascalledbyHisgrace,andsanctifiedbyHisSpirit;butweareapttolookupontheapostlesasextraordinarybeings,scarcelysubjecttothesameweaknessesandtemptationsasourselves.Yetinsodoingweareforgetfulofthistruth,thattheneareramanlivestoGodthemoreintenselyhashetomournoverhisownevilheart;andthemorehisMasterhonourshiminHisservice, themorealsodoth theevilof thefleshvexandteasehimdaybyday.The fact is, ifwehadseen theapostlePaul,weshouldhave thoughthimremarkablyliketherestofthechosenfamily:andifwehadtalkedwithhim,weshouldhavesaid,"Wefindthathisexperienceandoursaremuchthesame.Heismorefaithful,moreholy,andmoredeeplytaughtthanweare, but he has the selfsame trials to endure.Nay, in some respects he ismoresorelytriedthanourselves."Donot,then,lookupontheancientsaintsasbeingexempteitherfrominfirmitiesorsins;anddonotregardthemwiththatmysticreverencewhichwillalmostmakeusidolators.Theirholinessisattainableevenbyus.Weare"calledtobesaints"bythatsamevoicewhichconstrainedthemtotheirhighvocation.ItisaChristian'sdutytoforcehiswayintotheinnercircleofsaintship;andifthesesaintsweresuperiortousin their attainments, as they certainly were, let us follow them; let usemulatetheirardourandholiness.Wehavethesamelightthattheyhad,thesamegrace is accessible tous, andwhy shouldwe rest satisfieduntilwehaveequalledtheminheavenlycharacter?TheylivedwithJesus,theylivedforJesus, thereforetheygrewlikeJesus.LetuslivebythesameSpiritastheydid,"lookinguntoJesus,"andoursaintshipwillsoonbeapparent.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Trustye in theLord forever: for in theLordJehovahiseverlastingstrength."Isaiah26:4

SeeingthatwehavesuchaGodtotrustto,letusrestuponHimwithallourweight;letusresolutelydriveoutallunbelief,andendeavourtogetridof doubts and fears, which so much mar our comfort; since there is noexcuse for fearwhereGod is the foundationofour trust.A lovingparentwould be sorely grieved if his child could not trust him; and howungenerous,howunkindisourconductwhenweputsolittleconfidenceinourheavenlyFatherwhohasnever failedus,andwhoneverwill. Itwerewell ifdoubtingwerebanishedfromthehouseholdofGod;but it is tobefearedthatoldUnbeliefisasnimblenowadaysaswhenthepsalmistasked,"IsHismercycleangoneforever?WillHebefavourablenomore?"Davidhad not made any very lengthy trial of the mighty sword of the giantGoliath,andyethesaid,"Thereisnonelikeit."Hehadtrieditonceinthehourofhisyouthfulvictory,andithadproveditselftobeoftherightmetal,andthereforehepraisediteverafterwards;evensoshouldwespeakwellofour God, there is none like unto Him in the heaven above or the earthbeneath; "Towhom thenwill ye likenMe, or shall I be equal? saith theHoly One." There is no rock like unto the rock of Jacob, our enemiesthemselvesbeingjudges.Sofarfromsufferingdoubtstoliveinourhearts,wewilltakethewholedetestablecrew,asElijahdidtheprophetsofBaal,andslaythemoverthebrook;andforastreamtokillthemat,wewillselectthesacredtorrentwhichwellsforthfromourSaviour'swoundedside.Wehavebeeninmanytrials,butwehaveneveryetbeencastwherewecouldnotfindinourGodallthatweneeded.LetusthenbeencouragedtotrustintheLord for ever, assured thatHis ever lasting strengthwill be, as it hasbeen,oursuccourandstay.

J u l y 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Whosohearkenethuntomeshalldwellsafely,andshallbequietfromfearofevil."Proverbs1:33

Divine love is rendered conspicuous when it I shines in the midst ofjudgments. Fair is that lone star which smiles through the rifts of thethunderclouds;brightistheoasiswhichbloomsinthewildernessofsand;so fair and so bright is love in the midst of wrath. When the IsraelitesprovokedtheMostHighbytheircontinuedidolatry,Hepunishedthembywithholding both dew and rain, so that their land was visited by a sorefamine; but while He did this, He took care that His own chosen onesshouldbesecure.Ifallotherbrooksaredry,yetshalltherebeonereservedforElijah;andwhen that fails,Godshall stillpreserve forhimaplaceofsustenance;nay,notonlyso,theLordhadnotsimplyone"Elijah,"butHehadaremnantaccordingtotheelectionofgrace,whowerehiddenbyfiftiesinacave,andthoughthewholelandwassubjecttofamine,yetthesefiftiesin thecavewere fed,and fed fromAhab's table toobyHis faithful,God-fearing steward,Obadiah.Let us from this draw the inference, that comewhatmay,God'speoplearesafe.Letconvulsionsshakethesolidearth,letthe skies themselves be rent in twain, yet amid the wreck of worlds thebelievershallbeassecureasinthecalmesthourofrest.IfGodcannotsaveHis people under heaven, He will save them in heaven. If the worldbecomes too hot to hold them, then heaven shall be the place of theirreceptionandtheirsafety.Beyethenconfident,whenyehearofwars,andrumours ofwars. Let no agitation distress you, but be quiet from fear ofevil.Whatsoevercomethupon theearth,you,beneath thebroadwingsofJehovah, shall be secure. Stay yourself upon His promise; rest in Hisfaithfulness,andbiddefiancetotheblackestfuture,forthereisnothinginitdirefulforyou.Yoursoleconcernshouldbetoshowforthtotheworldtheblessednessofhearkeningtothevoiceofwisdom.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Howmanyaremineiniquitiesandsins?"Job13:23

HaveyoueverreallyweighedandconsideredhowgreatthesinofGod'speopleis?Thinkhowheinousisyourowntransgression,andyouwillfindthatnotonlydoesasinhereandthere toweruplikeanalp,but thatyouriniquitiesareheapeduponeachother,asintheoldfableofthegiantswhopiledPelianuponOssa,mountainuponmountain.WhatanaggregateofsinthereisinthelifeofoneofthemostsanctifiedofGod'schildren!Attempttomultiply this, thesinofoneonly,by themultitudeof theredeemed,"anumberwhichnomancannumber,"andyouwillhavesomeconceptionofthegreatmassof theguilt of thepeople forwhomJesus shedHisblood.But we arrive at a more adequate idea of the magnitude of sin by thegreatnessoftheremedyprovided.ItisthebloodofJesusChrist,God'sonlyandwell-belovedSon.God'sSon!AngelscasttheircrownsbeforeHim!AllthechoralsymphoniesofheavensurroundHisgloriousthrone."Godoverall,blessedforever.Amen."AndyetHetakesuponHimselftheformofaservant, and is scourged and pierced, bruised and torn, and at last slain;since nothing but the blood of the incarnate Son of God could makeatonement for our offences.No humanmind can adequately estimate theinfinitevalueofthedivinesacrifice,forgreatasisthesinofGod'speople,theatonementwhichtakesitawayisimmeasurablygreater.Therefore,thebeliever,evenwhensinrollslikeablackflood,andtheremembranceofthepastisbitter,canyetstandbeforetheblazingthroneofthegreatandholyGod,andcry,"Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied;yearather,thathathrisenagain."Whiletherecollectionofhissinfillshimwithshameandsorrow,heat thesame timemakes ita foil to show thebrightnessofmercy—guiltisthedarknightinwhichthefairstarofdivineloveshineswithserenesplendour.

J u l y 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Brethren,prayforus."1Thessalonians5:25

Thisonemorningintheyearwereservedtorefreshthereader'smemoryuponthesubjectofprayerforministers,andwedomostearnestlyimploreevery Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text firstuttered by an apostle and now repeated by us. Brethren, our work isSolemnlymomentous, involvingweal orwoe to thousands;we treatwithsouls forGodoneternalbusiness, andourword is either a savourof lifeuntolife,orofdeathuntodeath.Averyheavyresponsibilityrestsuponus,anditwillbenosmallmercyifatthelastwebefoundclearofthebloodofallmen.AsofficersinChrist'sarmy,wearetheespecialmarkoftheenmityofmenanddevils;theywatchforourhalting,andlabourtotakeusbytheheels. Our sacred calling involves us in temptations fromwhich you areexempt,aboveallittoooftendrawsusawayfromourpersonalenjoymentof truth into a ministerial and official consideration of it.We meet withmany knotty cases, and our wits are at a non plus; we observe very sadbackslidings, andour hearts arewounded;we seemillionsperishing, andour spirits sink.Wewish to profit youbyour preaching;wedesire to beblest to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners;therefore, dear friends, intercede for uswith ourGod.Miserablemen areweifwemisstheaidofyourprayers,buthappyareweifweliveinyoursupplications. You do not look to us but to our Master for spiritualblessings, and yet howmany times hasHe given those blessings throughHisministers;askthen,againandagain,thatwemaybetheearthenvesselsinto which the Lord may put the treasure of the gospel. We, the wholecompanyofmissionaries,ministers, citymissionaries, and students,do inthenameofJesusbeseechyou

"BRETHREN,PRAYFORUS."

Thisevening'sverse:

"WhenIpassedbythee,Isaiduntothee,Live."Ezekiel16:6

Savedone,considergratefullythismandate(ofmercy.NotethatthisfiatofGodismajestic.Inourtext,weperceiveasinnerwithnothinginhimbutsin, expecting nothing but wrath; but the eternal Lord passes by in Hisglory; l He looks. He pauses, and He pronounces the solitary but royalword,"Live."TherespeaksaGod.WhobutHecouldventurethustodealwithlifeanddispenseitwithasinglesyllable?Again,thisfiatismanifold.WhenHe saith "Live," it includesmany things.Here is judicial life.Thesinnerisreadytobecondemned,butthemightyOnesaith,"Live,"andherisespardonedandabsolved.It isspirituallife.WeknewnotJesus—oureyescouldnotseeChrist,ourearscouldnothearHisvoice—Jehovahsaid"Live," and we were quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.Moreover,itincludesglory-life,whichistheperfectionofspirituallife."Isaiduntothee,Live:"andthatwordrollsonthroughalltheyearsoftimetilldeathcomes,andinthemidstoftheshadowsofdeath,theLord'svoiceisstill heard, "Live!" In themorning of the resurrection it is that self-samevoicewhichisechoedbythearch-angel,"Live,"andasholyspiritsrisetoheaventobeblestforever in thegloryof theirGod, it is in thepowerofthissameword,"Live."Noteagain,thatitisanirresistiblemandate.SaulofTarsusisontheroadtoDamascustoarrestthesaintsofthelivingGod.Avoiceisheardfromheavenandalightisseenabovethebrightnessofthesun, and Saul is crying out, "Lord,whatwilt thou haveme to do?" Thismandateisamandateoffreegrace.Whensinnersaresaved,itisonlyandsolelybecauseGodwilldo it tomagnifyHisfree,unpurchased,unsoughtgrace.Christians,seeyourposition,debtors tograce;showyourgratitudebyearnest,Christlike lives,andasGodhasbiddenyou live,see to it thatyouliveinearnest.

J u l y 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"TellmeIpraytheewhereinthygreatstrengthlieth."Judges16:6

Whereliesthesecretstrengthoffaith?Itliesinthefooditfeedson;forfaith studies what the promise is — an emanation of divine grace, anoverflowingof thegreatheartofGod;andfaithsays,"MyGodcouldnothavegiven thispromise, except from love andgrace; therefore it is quitecertain HisWord will be fulfilled." Then faith thinketh, "Who gave thispromise?"Itconsiderethnotsomuchitsgreatness,as,"Whoistheauthorof it?"She remembers that it isGodwho cannot lie—Godomnipotent,God immutable; and therefore concludeth that the promise must befulfilled; and forward she advances in this firm conviction. Sheremembereth,whythepromisewasgiven,—namely,forGod'sglory,andshefeelsperfectlysurethatGod'sgloryissafe,thatHewillneverstainHisown escutcheon, normar the lustre ofHis own crown; and therefore thepromisemustandwillstand.ThenfaithalsoconsidereththeamazingworkofChristasbeingaclearproofoftheFather'sintentiontofulfilHisword."He that sparednotHisownSon, but freelydeliveredHimup forus all,howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings?"Moreoverfaithlooks back upon the past, for her battles have strengthened her, and hervictorieshavegivenhercourage.SheremembersthatGodneverhasfailedher;nay, thatHeneverdidoncefailanyofHischildren.Sherecollectethtimesofgreatperil,whendeliverancecame;hoursofawfulneed,whenasherdayherstrengthwas found,andshecries,"No, Ineverwillbe led tothinkthatHecanchangeandleaveHisservantnow.HithertotheLordhathhelpedme,andHewillhelpmestill."Thusfaithviewseachpromiseinitsconnection with the promise-giver, and, because she does so, can withassurancesay,"Surelygoodnessandmercyshallfollowmeallthedaysofmylife!"

Thisevening'sverse:

"Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of mysalvation;onTheedoIwaitalltheday."Psalm25:5

Whenthebelieverhasbegunwith tremblingfeet towalk in thewayofthe Lord, he asks to be still led onward like a little child upheld by itsparent'shelpinghand,andhecravestobefurtherinstructedinthealphabetof truth. Experimental teaching is the burden of this prayer. David knewmuch,buthefelthisignorance,anddesiredtobestillintheLord'sschool:fourtimesoverintwoversesheappliesforascholarshipinthecollegeofgrace. Itwerewell formany professors if instead of following their owndevices, andcuttingoutnewpathsof thought for themselves, theywouldenquire for the goodoldways ofGod's own truth, and beseech theHolyGhost to give them sanctified understandings and teachable spirits. "Forthouart theGodofmy salvation."TheThree-One Jehovah is theAuthorand Perfecter of salvation to His people. Reader, is He the God of yoursalvation?DoyoufindintheFather'selection,intheSon'satonement,andintheSpirit'squickening,allthegroundsofyoureternalhopes?Ifso,youmayusethisasanargumentforobtainingfurtherblessings;iftheLordhasordainedtosaveyou,surelyHewillnotrefusetoinstructyouinHisways.ItisahappythingwhenwecanaddresstheLordwiththeconfidencewhichDavidheremanifests,itgivesusgreatpowerinprayer,andcomfortintrial."OnTheedoIwaitalltheday."Patienceisthefairhandmaidanddaughterof faith;wecheerfullywaitwhenwearecertain thatweshallnotwait invain. It isourdutyandourprivilege towaitupon theLord in service, inworship, in expectancy, in trust all the days of our life.Our faithwill betriedfaith,andifitbeofthetruekind,itwillbearcontinuedtrialwithoutyielding.We shall not growweary ofwaiting uponGod ifwe rememberhowlongandhowgraciouslyHeoncewaitedforus.

J u l y 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"ForgetnotallHisbenefits."Psalm103:2

ItisadelightfulandprofitableoccupationtomarkthehandofGodinthelivesofancientsaints,andtoobserveHisgoodnessindeliveringthem,Hismercy in pardoning them, and His faithfulness in keeping His covenantwiththem.ButwoulditnotbeevenmoreinterestingandprofitableforustoremarkthehandofGodinourownlives?OughtwenottolookuponourownhistoryasbeingatleastasfullofGod,asfullofHisgoodnessandofHis truth,asmuchaproofofHisfaithfulnessandveracity,as the livesofanyofthesaintswhohavegonebefore?WedoourLordaninjusticewhenwe suppose that He wrought all His mighty acts, and showed Himselfstrongforthoseintheearlytime,butdothnotperformwondersorlaybareHisarmforthesaintswhoarenowupontheearth.Letusreviewourownlives.Surelyinthesewemaydiscoversomehappyincidents,refreshingtoourselvesandglorifyingtoourGod.Haveyouhadnodeliverances?Haveyoupassedthroughnorivers,supportedbythedivinepresence?Haveyouwalkedthroughnofiresunharmed?Haveyouhadnomanifestations?Haveyouhadnochoicefavours?TheGodwhogaveSolomonthedesireofhisheart,hathHeneverlistenedtoyouandansweredyourrequests?ThatGodoflavishbountyofwhomDavidsang,"Whosatisfieththymouthwithgoodthings," hath He never satiated you with fatness? Have you never beenmade to liedown ingreenpastures?Haveyouneverbeen ledby thestillwaters?SurelythegoodnessofGodhasbeenthesametousastothesaintsof old.Let us, then,weaveHismercies into a song.Let us take thepuregoldofthankfulness,andthejewelsofpraiseandmakethemintoanothercrownfortheheadofJesus.Letoursoulsgiveforthmusicassweetandasexhilarating as came fromDavid's harp,whilewe praise theLordwhosemercyendurethforever.

Thisevening'sverse:

"AndGoddividedthelightfromthedarkness."Genesis1:4

Abelieverhastwoprinciplesatworkwithinhim.Inhisnaturalestatehewas subject to one principle only, which was darkness; now light hasentered,andthe twoprinciplesdisagree.Mark theapostlePaul'swords intheseventhchapterofRomans:"I find thena law, that,when Iwoulddogood, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after theinwardman:butIseeanotherlawinmymembers,warringagainstthelawofmymind,andbringingmeintocaptivitytothelawofsin,whichisinmymembers."How is this stateof thingsoccasioned?"TheLorddivided thelightfromthedarkness."Darkness,byitself, isquietandundisturbed,butwhentheLordsendsinlight,thereisaconflict,fortheoneisinoppositiontotheother:aconflictwhichwillneverceasetillthebelieverisaltogetherlightintheLord.IftherebeadivisionwithintheindividualChristian,thereiscertain tobeadivisionwithout.Sosoonas theLordgives toanymanlight,heproceedstoseparatehimselffromthedarknessaround;hesecedesfromamerelyworldlyreligionofoutwardceremonial,fornothingshortofthegospelofChristwillnowsatisfyhim,andhewithdrawshimself fromworldly society and frivolous amusements, and seeks the companyof thesaints,for"Weknowwehavepassedfromdeathuntolife,becausewelovethe brethren."The light gathers to itself, and the darkness to itself.WhatGodhasdivided, let usnever try tounite, but asChristwentwithout thecamp,bearingHisreproach,soletuscomeoutfromtheungodly,andbeapeculiar people.Hewas holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners;and, asHewas, sowe are to be nonconformists to theworld, dissentingfromallsin,anddistinguishedfromtherestofmankindbyourlikenesstoourMaster.

J u l y 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"Fellowcitizenswiththesaints."Ephesians2:19

What is meant by our being citizens in heaven? It means that we areunderheaven'sgovernment.Christthekingofheavenreignsinourhearts;our daily prayer is, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Theproclamationsissuedfromthethroneofgloryarefreelyreceivedbyus:thedecreesoftheGreatKingwecheerfullyobey.ThenascitizensoftheNewJerusalem,weshareheaven'shonours.Theglorywhichbelongstobeatifiedsaintsbelongstous,forwearealreadysonsofGod,alreadyprincesoftheblood imperial;alreadywewear thespotless robeofJesu's righteousness;alreadywehaveangelsforourservitors,saintsforourcompanions,Christfor our Brother, God for our Father, and a crown of immortality for ourreward. We share the honours of citizenship, for we have come to thegeneralassemblyandChurchofthefirst-bornwhosenamesarewritteninheaven.Ascitizens,wehavecommonrightstoallthepropertyofheaven.Oursareitsgatesofpearlandwallsofchrysolite;ourstheazurelightofthecitythatneedsnocandlenorlightofthesun;ourstheriverofthewateroflife,andthetwelvemanneroffruitswhichgrowonthetreesplantedonthebanks thereof; there isnought inheaventhatbelongethnot tous."Thingspresent, or things to come," all are ours. Also as citizens of heaven weenjoy its delights. Do they there rejoice over sinners that repent —prodigals that have returned? So do we. Do they chant the glories oftriumphantgrace?Wedothesame.DotheycasttheircrownsatJesu'sfeet?Such honours as we havewe cast there too. Are they charmedwithHissmile? It isnot less sweet touswhodwellbelow.Do they look forward,waitingforHissecondadvent?WealsolookandlongforHisappearing.If,then,wearethuscitizensofheaven,letourwalkandactionsbeconsistentwithourhighdignity.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Andtheeveningandthemorningwerethefirstday."Genesis1:5

Theeveningwas"darkness"andthemorningwas"light,"andyetthetwotogether are called by the name that is given to the light alone! This issomewhatremarkable,butithasanexactanalogyinspiritualexperience.Ineverybelieverthereisdarknessandlight,andyetheisnottobenamedasinnerbecausethereissininhim,butheistobenamedasaintbecausehepossessessomedegreeofholiness.Thiswillbeamostcomfortingthoughttothosewhoaremourningtheirinfirmities,andwhoask,"CanIbeachildofGodwhilethereissomuchdarknessinme?"Yes;foryou,liketheday,takenotyourname from theevening,but from themorning;andyouarespokenofinthewordofGodasifyouwereevennowperfectlyholyasyouwillbesoon.Youarecalledthechildof light, thoughthereisdarknessinyoustill.YouarenamedafterwhatisthepredominatingqualityinthesightofGod,whichwillonedaybe theonlyprincipleremaining.Observe thatthe evening comes first.Naturallywe are darkness first in order of time,andthegloomisoftenfirstinourmournfulapprehension,drivingustocryoutindeephumiliation,"Godbemercifultome,asinner."Theplaceofthemorning issecond, itdawnswhengraceovercomesnature. It isablessedaphorismofJohnBunyan,"Thatwhichislast,lastsforever."Thatwhichisfirst,yields indueseason to the last;butnothingcomesafter the last.Sothatthoughyouarenaturallydarkness,whenonceyoubecomelightintheLord,thereisnoeveningtofollow;"thysunshallnomoregodown."Thefirstdayinthislifeisaneveningandamorning;butthesecondday,whenwe shall bewithGod, for ever, shall be a daywith no evening, but one,sacred,high,eternalnoon.

J u l y 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"After that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish,strengthen,settleyou."1Peter5:10

Youhaveseen thearchofheavenas it spans theplain:gloriousare itscolours,andrareitshues.Itisbeautiful,but,alas,itpassesaway,andlo,itis not. The fair colours giveway to the fleecy clouds, and the sky is nolongerbrilliantwiththetintsofheaven.Itisnotestablished.Howcanitbe?Agloriousshowmadeupof transitorysun-beamsandpassingrain-drops,howcanitabide?ThegracesoftheChristiancharactermustnotresembletherainbowinitstransitorybeauty,but,onthecontrary,mustbestablished,settled,abiding.Seek,Obeliever,thateverygoodthingyouhavemaybeanabiding thing.Mayyourcharacternotbeawritingupon the sand,but aninscription upon the rock! May your faith be no "baseless fabric of avision," but may it be builded of material able to endure that awful firewhichshallconsumethewood,hay,andstubbleofthehypocrite.Mayyouberootedandgroundedin love.Mayyourconvictionsbedeep,your lovereal,yourdesiresearnest.Mayyourwholelifebesosettledandestablished,thatalltheblastsofhell,andallthestormsofearthshallneverbeabletoremoveyou.Butnoticehowthisblessingofbeing"stablishedinthefaith"isgained.Theapostle'swordspointustosufferingasthemeansemployed—"Afterthatyehavesufferedawhile."Itisofnousetohopethatweshallbewellrootedifnoroughwindspassoverus.Thoseoldgnarlingsontherootoftheoaktree,andthosestrangetwistingsofthebranches,alltellofthemanystormsthathavesweptoverit,andtheyarealsoindicatorsofthedepthintowhichtherootshaveforcedtheirway.SotheChristianismadestrong,andfirmlyrootedbyallthetrialsandstormsoflife.Shrinknotthenfrom the tempestuous winds of trial, but take comfort, believing that bytheirroughdisciplineGodisfulfillingthisbenedictiontoyou.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children,andtheirchildrenanothergeneration."Joel1:3

Inthissimpleway,byGod'sgrace,alivingtestimonyfortruthisalwaystobekept alive in the land— thebelovedof theLordare tohanddowntheirwitnessforthegospel,andthecovenanttotheirheirs,andtheseagaintotheirnextdescendants.Thisisourfirstduty,wearetobeginatthefamilyhearth:heisabadpreacherwhodoesnotcommencehisministryathome.Theheathenare tobe soughtbyallmeans,and thehighwaysandhedgesare to be searched, but home has a prior claim, andwoe unto thosewhoreverse the order of the Lord's arrangements. To teach our children is apersonal duty;we cannot delegate it toSundaySchoolTeachers, or otherfriendly aids, these can assist us, but cannot deliver us from the sacredobligation;proxies and sponsors arewickeddevices in this case:mothersand fathersmust, likeAbraham,command theirhouseholds in the fearofGod, and talkwith their offspring concerning thewondrousworks of theMostHigh.Parentalteachingisanaturalduty—whosofittolooktothechild's well-being as those who are the authors of his actual being? Toneglect the instruction of our offspring is worse than brutish. Familyreligionisnecessaryforthenation,forthefamilyitself,andforthechurchofGod.ByathousandplotsPoperyiscovertlyadvancinginourland,andone of the most effectual means for resisting its inroads is left almostneglected, namely, the instruction of children in the faith. Would thatparentswould awaken to a sense of the importance of thismatter. It is apleasantduty to talkof Jesus toour sons anddaughters, and themore sobecauseithasoftenprovedtobeanacceptedwork,forGodhassavedthechildren through the parents' prayers and admonitions. May every houseintowhichthisvolumeshallcomehonourtheLordandreceiveHissmile.

J u l y 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"SanctifiedbyGodtheFather."Jude1:1

"SanctifiedinChristJesus."1Corinthians1:2

"ThroughsanctificationoftheSpirit."1Peter1:2

Mark the union of the ThreeDivine Persons in all their gracious acts.HowunwiselydothosebelieverstalkwhomakepreferencesinthePersonsof the Trinity; who think of Jesus as if He were the embodiment ofeverything lovely and gracious, while the Father they regard as severelyjust, but destitute of kindness. Equallywrong are thosewhomagnify thedecreeoftheFather,andtheatonementoftheSon,soastodepreciatetheworkoftheSpirit.IndeedsofgracenoneofthePersonsoftheTrinityactapartfromtherest.Theyareasunitedintheirdeedsasintheiressence.Intheir love towards thechosen theyareone,and in theactionswhich flowfromthatgreatcentralsourcetheyarestillundivided.Speciallynoticethisin the matter of sanctification. While we may without mistake speak ofsanctificationas theworkof theSpirit,yetwemust takeheed thatwedonotviewitasiftheFatherandtheSonhadnoparttherein.Itiscorrecttospeak of sanctification as thework of the Father, of the Son, and of theSpirit.StilldothJehovahsay,"Letusmakemaninourownimageafterourlikeness,"and thusweare"hisworkmanship,created inChristJesusuntogoodworks,whichGodhathbeforeordainedthatweshouldwalkinthem."SeethevaluewhichGodsetsuponrealholiness,sincetheThreePersonsinthe Trinity are represented as co-working to produce a Church without"spot,orwrinkle,oranysuchthing."Andyou,believer,asthefollowerofChrist,must also set a high value on holiness—upon purity of life andgodliness of conversation.Value the blood ofChrist as the foundation ofyourhope,butneverspeakdisparaginglyoftheworkoftheSpiritwhichisyourmeetness for the inheritanceof thesaints in light.Thisday letussoliveastomanifesttheworkoftheTriuneGodinus.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hisheavenlykingdom."2Timothy4:18

Yonder city of the great King is a place of active service. RansomedspiritsserveHimdayandnightinHistemple.TheyneverceasetofulfilthegoodpleasureoftheirKing.Theyalways"rest,"sofaraseaseandfreedomfrom care is concerned; and never "rest," in the sense of indolence orinactivity. Jerusalem the golden is the place of communion with all thepeople of God. We shall sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in eternalfellowship.Weshallholdhighconversewiththenoblehostoftheelect,allreigningwithHimwhobyHis loveandHispotentarmhasbrought themsafely home.We shall not sing solos, but in chorus shall we praise ourKing.Heavenisaplaceofvictoryrealized.Whenever,Christian,thouhastachieved a victory over thy lusts—whenever after hard struggling, thouhastlaidatemptationdeadatthyfeet—thouhastinthathouraforetasteofthe joy thatawaits theewhentheLordshallshortly treadSatanunder thyfeet,andthoushaltfindthyselfmorethanconquerorthroughHimwhohathloved thee. Paradise is a place of security. When you enjoy the fullassuranceoffaith,youhavethepledgeofthatglorioussecuritywhichshallbeyourswhenyouareaperfectcitizenof theheavenlyJerusalem.Omysweethome,Jerusalem,thouhappyharbourofmysoul!Thanks,evennow,toHimwhose lovehath taughtme to long forThee;but louder thanks ineternity,whenIshallpossessthee.

"Mysoulhastastedofthegrapes,AndnowitlongstogoWheremydearLordHisvineyardkeepsAndalltheclustersgrow.

"Uponthetrueandlivingvine,Myfamish'dsoulwouldfeast,Andbanquetonthefruitdivine,Aneverlastingguest."

J u l y 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"GodsaidtoJonah,Doestthouwelltobeangry?"Jonah4:9

Anger isnotalwaysornecessarily sinful,but ithas sucha tendency torunwildthatwheneveritdisplaysitself,weshouldbequicktoquestionitscharacter,withthisenquiry,"Doestthouwelltobeangry?"Itmaybethatwe can answer, "YES."Very frequently anger is themadman's firebrand,butsometimesitisElijah'sfirefromheaven.Wedowellwhenweareangrywith sin, because of the wrong which it commits against our good andgraciousGod;orwithourselvesbecauseweremainsofoolishaftersomuchdivine instruction;orwithotherswhen the solecauseofanger is theevilwhichtheydo.Hewhoisnotangryattransgressionbecomesapartakerinit.Sinisaloathsomeandhatefulthing,andnorenewedheartcanpatientlyendureit.Godhimselfisangrywiththewickedeveryday,anditiswritteninHisWord,"YethatlovetheLord,hateevil."Farmorefrequentlyitistobefeared thatouranger innotcommendableoreven justifiable,and thenwemustanswer,"NO."Whyshouldwebefretfulwithchildren,passionatewithservants,andwrathfulwithcompanions?IssuchangerhonourabletoourChristianprofession,orglorifying toGod? Is it not theoldevilheartseekingtogaindominion,andshouldwenotresistitwithallthemightofournewbornnature.Manyprofessorsgivewaytotemperasthoughitwereuselesstoattemptresistance;butletthebelieverrememberthathemustbea conqueror in every point, or else he cannot be crowned. If we cannotcontrolourtempers,whathasgracedoneforus?SomeonetoldMr.Jaythatgracewasoftengraftedonacrab-stump."Yes,"saidhe,"butthefruitwillnotbecrabs."Wemustnotmakenaturalinfirmityanexcuseforsin,butwemustflytothecrossandpraytheLordtocrucifyourtempers,andrenewusingentlenessandmeeknessafterHisownimage.

Thisevening'sverse:

"WhenIcryuntoThee,thenshallmineenemiesturnback:thisIknow;forGodisforme."Psalm56:9

Itisimpossibleforanyhumanspeechtoexpressthefullmeaningofthisdelightfulphrase,"Godisforme."Hewas"forus"beforetheworldsweremade;Hewas"forus,"orHewouldnothavegivenHiswell-belovedson;Hewas"forus"whenHesmotetheOnly-begotten,andlaidthefullweightofHiswrathuponHim—Hewas"forus,"thoughHewasagainstHim;Hewas "for us," when we were ruined in the fall — He loved usnotwithstanding all; Hewas "for us,"whenwewere rebels againstHim,andwithahighhandwerebiddingHimdefiance;Hewas"forus,"orHewouldnothavebroughtushumblytoseekHisface.Hehasbeen"forus"inmanystruggles;wehavebeensummonedtoencounterhostsofdangers;wehavebeenassailedby temptations fromwithoutandwithin—howcouldwehaveremainedunharmedtothishourifHehadnotbeen"forus"?Heis"forus,"withalltheinfinityofHisbeing;withalltheomnipotenceofHislove; with all the infallibility of His wisdom; arrayed in all His divineattributes, He is "for us,"— eternally and immutably "for us"; "for us"when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like aworn out vesture; "for us"throughout eternity.And becauseHe is "for us," the voice of prayerwillalwaysensureHishelp."WhenIcryuntoThee,thenshallmineenemiesbeturnedback."Thisisnouncertainhope,butawellgroundedassurance—"this Iknow." IwilldirectmyprayeruntoThee,andwill lookupfor theanswer,assuredthatitwillcome,andthatmineenemiesshallbedefeated,"forGodisforme."Obeliever,howhappyartthouwiththeKingofkingsonthyside!HowsafewithsuchaProtector!Howsure thycausepleadedbysuchanAdvocate!IfGodbeforthee,whocanbeagainstthee?

J u l y 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Ifthouliftupthytooluponit,thouhastpollutedit."Exodus20:25

God'saltarwastobebuiltofunhewnstones,thatnotraceofhumanskillor labour might be seen upon it. Human wisdom delights to trim andarrange the doctrines of the cross into a systemmore artificial andmorecongenial with the depraved tastes of fallen nature; instead, however, ofimproving the gospel carnalwisdom pollutes it, until it becomes anothergospel,andnot the truthofGodatall.Allalterationsandamendmentsofthe Lord's ownWord are defilements and pollutions. The proud heart ofman isveryanxious tohaveahand in the justificationof the soulbeforeGod;preparationsforChristaredreamedof,humblingsandrepentingsaretrustedin,goodworksarecriedup,naturalabilityismuchvaunted,andbyallmeanstheattemptismadetoliftuphumantoolsuponthedivinealtar.Itwere well if sinners would remember that so far from perfecting theSaviour'swork,theircarnalconfidencesonlypolluteanddishonourit.TheLordalonemustbeexaltedintheworkofatonement,andnotasinglemarkofman'schiselorhammerwillbeendured.ThereisaninherentblasphemyinseekingtoaddtowhatChristJesusinHisdyingmomentsdeclaredtobefinished, or to improve that in which the Lord Jehovah finds perfectsatisfaction.Tremblingsinner,awaywiththytools,andfalluponthykneesinhumble supplication;andaccept theLord Jesus tobe thealtarof thineatonement,andrestinHimalone.

Many professors may take warning from this morning's text as to thedoctrines which they believe. There is among Christians far too muchinclinationtosquareandreconcilethetruthsofrevelation;thisisaformofirreverenceandunbelief,letusstriveagainstit,andreceivetruthaswefindit;rejoicingthatthedoctrinesoftheWordareunhewnstones,andsoareallthemorefittobuildanaltarfortheLord.

Thisevening'sverse:

"As it began to dawn, came Magdalene, to see the sepulchre."Matthew28:1

Let us learn fromMaryMagdalene how to obtain fellowshipwith theLordJesus.Noticehowshesought.ShesoughttheSaviourveryearlyinthemorning.IfthoucanstwaitforChrist,andbepatientinthehopeofhavingfellowship with Him at some distant season, thou wilt never havefellowshipatall; for theheart that is fittedforcommunionisahungeringandathirstingheart.ShesoughtHimalsowithverygreatboldness.Otherdisciplesfledfromthesepulchre,for theytrembledandwereamazed;butMary,itissaid,"stood"atthesepulchre.IfyouwouldhaveChristwithyou,seek Him boldly. Let nothing hold you back. Defy the world. Press onwhereothersflee.ShesoughtChristfaithfully—shestoodatthesepulchre.SomefindithardtostandbyalivingSaviour,butshestoodbyadeadone.LetusseekChristafterthismode,cleavingtotheveryleastthingthathastodowithHim, remaining faithful thoughall others should forsakeHim.Note further, she sought Jesus earnestly — she stood "weeping." Thosetear-droppingswere as spells that led theSaviour captive, andmadeHimcome forth and showHimself to her. If you desire Jesus' presence,weepafterit!IfyoucannotbehappyunlessHecomeandsaytoyou,"ThouartMybeloved,"youwillsoonhearHisvoice.Lastly,shesoughttheSaviouronly.What cared she for angels, she turned herself back from them; hersearchwasonlyforherLord.IfChristbeyouroneandonlylove,ifyourheart has cast out all rivals, you will not long lack the comfort of Hispresence. Mary Magdalene sought thus because she loved much. Let usarouse ourselves to the same intensity of affection; let our heart, likeMary's, be full of Christ, and our love, like hers, will be satisfied withnothingshortofHimself.OLord,revealThyselftousthisevening!

J u l y 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thefireshalleverbeburninguponthealtar;itshallnevergoout."Leviticus6:13

Keepthealtarofprivateprayerburning.Thisistheverylifeofallpiety.Thesanctuaryandfamilyaltarsborrowtheirfireshere, there-forelet thisburnwell.Secretdevotionistheveryessence,evidence,andbarometer,ofvitalandexperimentalreligion.

Burn here the fat of your sacrifices. Let your closet seasons be, ifpossible,regular,frequent,andundisturbed.Effectualprayeravailethmuch.Haveyounothingtoprayfor?LetussuggesttheChurch,theministry,yourownsoul,yourchildren,yourrelations,yourneighbours,yourcountry,andthecauseofGodandtruththroughouttheworld.Letusexamineourselveson this important matter. Do we engage with lukewarmness in privatedevotion?Isthefireofdevotionburningdimlyinourhearts?Dothechariotwheelsdragheavily?Ifso,letusbealarmedatthissignofdecay.Letusgowithweeping,andaskfortheSpiritofgraceandofsupplications.Letussetapart special seasons for extraordinary prayer. For if this fire should besmotheredbeneaththeashesofaworldlyconformity,itwilldimthefireonthe family altar, and lessen our influence both in the Church and in theworld.

The textwill also apply to the altar of theheart.This is a golden altarindeed.GodlovestoseetheheartsofHispeopleglowingtowardsHimself.LetusgivetoGodourhearts,allblazingwithlove,andseekHisgrace,thatthe firemaynever bequenched; for itwill not burn if theLorddoesnotkeepitburning.Manyfoeswillattempt toextinguishit;but if theunseenhandbehind thewallpour thereon the sacredoil, itwillblazehigher andhigher.LetususetextsofScriptureasfuelforourheart'sfire,theyarelivecoals;letusattendsermons,butaboveall,letusbemuchalonewithJesus.

Thisevening'sverse:

"HeappearedfirsttoMaryMagdalene."Mark16:9

Jesus"appearedfirsttoMaryMagdalene,"probablynotonlyonaccountof her great love and persevering seeking, but because, as the contextintimates,shehadbeenaspecialtrophyofChrist'sdeliveringpower.Learnfromthis,thatthegreatnessofoursinbeforeconversionshouldnotmakeus imagine that wemay not be specially favoured with the very highestgrade of fellowship. Shewas onewho had left all to become a constantattendantontheSaviour.Hewasherfirst,herchiefobject.Manywhowereon Christ's side did not take up Christ's cross; she did. She spent hersubstance in relievingHiswants. Ifwewould seemuch ofChrist, let usserveHim.Tellmewhotheyare thatsitoftenestunder thebannerofHislove,anddrinkdeepestdraughtsfromthecupofcommunion,andIamsuretheywillbethosewhogivemost,whoservebest,andwhoabideclosesttothe bleeding heart of their dear Lord. But notice how Christ revealedHimself to this sorrowing one— by a word, "Mary." It needed but oneword in His voice, and at once she knew Him, and her heart ownedallegiance by anotherword, her heartwas too full to saymore.That oneword would naturally be the most fitting for the occasion. It impliesobedience. She said, "Master." There is no state of mind in which thisconfessionofallegiancewillbetoocold.No,whenyourspiritglowsmostwith the heavenly fire, then you will say, "I am Thy servant, Thou hastloosedmybonds."Ifyoucansay,"Master,"ifyoufeelthatHiswillisyourwill,thenyoustandinahappy,holyplace.Hemusthavesaid,"Mary,"orelseyoucouldnothavesaid,"Rabboni."See,then,fromallthis,howChristhonoursthosewhohonourHim,howlovedrawsourBeloved,howitneedsbut oneword ofHis to turn ourweeping to rejoicing, howHis presencemakestheheart'ssunshine.

J u l y 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Theygatheredmannaeverymorning."Exodus16:21

Labour tomaintain a sense of thine entire dependenceupon theLord'sgoodwillandpleasureforthecontinuanceofthyrichestenjoyments.Nevertrytoliveontheoldmanna,norseektofindhelpinEgypt.AllmustcomefromJesus,or thouartundoneforever.Oldanointingswillnotsuffice toimpartunctiontothyspirit; thineheadmusthavefreshoilpoureduponitfromthegoldenhornofthesanctuary,oritwillceasefromitsglory.To-daythoumayestbeuponthesummitofthemountofGod,butHewhohasputthee theremust keep thee there, or thouwilt sink farmore speedily thanthou dreamest. Thy mountain only stands firm when He settles it in itsplace;ifHehideHisface,thouwiltsoonbetroubled.IftheSaviourshouldseefit,thereisnotawindowthroughwhichthouseestthelightofheavenwhichHecouldnotdarkeninaninstant.Joshuabadethesunstandstill,butJesuscanshrouditintotaldarkness.Hecanwithdrawthejoyofthineheart,thelightofthineeyes,andthestrengthofthylife;inHishandthycomfortslie,andatHiswilltheycandepartfromthee.ThishourlydependenceourLordisdeterminedthatweshallfeelandrecognize,forHeonlypermitsustoprayfor"dailybread,"andonlypromisesthat"asourdaysourstrengthshallbe."Isitnotbestforusthatitshouldbeso,thatwemayoftenrepairtoHis throne, andconstantlybe remindedofHis love?Oh!how rich thegracewhichsuppliesussocontinually,anddothnotrefrainitselfbecauseofour ingratitude! The golden shower never ceases, the cloud of blessingtarriesevermoreaboveourhabitation.OLordJesus,wewouldbowatThyfeet, conscious of our utter inability to do anythingwithoutThee, and inevery favour which we are privileged to receive, we would adore ThyblessednameandacknowledgeThineunexhaustedlove.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thoushaltarise,andhavemercyuponZion: for the time to favourher,yea, theset time iscome.ForThyservants rakepleasure inherstones,andfavourthedustthereof."Psalm102:13,14

A selfish man in trouble is exceedingly hard to comfort, because thespringsof his comfort entirelywithinhimself, andwhenhe is sad all hisspringsaredry.Butalarge-heartedmanfullofChristianphilanthropy,hasother springs from which to supply himself with comfort beside thosewhichliewithin.HecangotohisGodfirstofall,andtherefindabundanthelp;andhecandiscoverargumentsforconsolationinthingsrelatingtotheworldat large, tohiscountry, and,aboveall, to thechurch.David in thisPsalmwasexceedinglysorrowful;hewrote,"Iamlikeanowlofthedesert,Iwatch,andamasasparrowaloneuponthehousetop."Theonlywayinwhichhecouldcomforthimself,wasinthereflectionthatGodwouldarise,andhavemercy uponZion: thoughhewas sad, yetZion should prosper;howeverlowhisownestate,yetZionshouldarise.Christianman!learntocomfortthyselfinGod'sgraciousdealingtowardsthechurch.Thatwhichisso dear to thyMaster, should it not be dear above all else to thee?Whatthough thy way be dark, canst thou not gladden thine heart with thetriumphs of His cross and the spread of His truth? Our own personaltroublesareforgottenwhilewelook,notonlyuponwhatGodhasdone,andisdoingforZion,butonthegloriousthingsHewillyetdoforHischurch.Trythisreceipt,Obeliever,wheneverthouartsadofheartandinheavinessof spirit: forget thyself and thy little concerns, and seek the welfare andprosperityofZion.WhenthoubendestthykneeinprayertoGod,limitnotthy petition to the narrow circle of thine own life, tried though it be, butsendoutthylongingprayersforthechurch'sprosperity,"PrayforthepeaceofJerusalem,"andthineownsoulshallberefreshed.

J u l y 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." 1Thessalonians1:4

ManypersonswanttoknowtheirelectionbeforetheylooktoChrist,buttheycannotlearnitthus,itisonlytobediscoveredby"lookinguntoJesus."Ifyoudesiretoascertainyourownelection;—afterthefollowingmanner,shallyouassureyourheartbeforeGod.Doyoufeelyourself tobea lost,guiltysinner?gostraightway to thecrossofChrist,and tell Jesusso,andtellHimthatyouhavereadintheBible,"Himthatcomethuntome,Iwillinnowisecastout."TellHimthatHehassaid,"This isafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptation,thatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners."Look toJesusandbelieveonHim,andyoushallmakeproofofyourelectiondirectly,forsosurelyasthoubelievest,thouartelect.Ifyouwillgiveyourselfwhollyup toChristand trustHim, thenyouareoneofGod'schosenones;butifyoustopandsay,"IwanttoknowfirstwhetherIamelect,"youaskyouknownotwhat.GotoJesus,beyouneversoguilty,justasyouare.Leaveallcuriousinquiryaboutelectionalone.GostraighttoChrist andhide inHiswounds, andyoushallknowyourelection.TheassuranceoftheHolySpiritshallbegiventoyou,sothatyoushallbeabletosay,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved,andIampersuadedthatheisabletokeep thatwhich I have committed toHim."Christwas at the everlastingcouncil:Hecan tellyouwhetheryouwerechosenornot;butyoucannotfinditoutinanyotherway.GoandputyourtrustinHim,andHisanswerwill be — "I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore withlovingkindness have I drawn thee." There will be no doubt about Hishavingchosenyou,whenyouhavechosenHim.

"SonswearethroughGod'selection,WhoinJesusChristbelieve."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Letnotoneofthemescape."1Kings18:40

WhentheprophetElijahhadreceived theanswer tohisprayer,and thefire from heaven had consumed the sacrifice in the presence of all thepeople,hecalledupontheassembledIsraelitestotakethepriestsofBaal,andsternlycried,"Letnotoneofthemescape."HetookthemalldowntothebrookKishon,andslewthemthere.Somustitbewithoursins—theyarealldoomed,notonemustbepreserved.Ourdarlingsinmustdie.Spareitnotforitsmuchcrying.Strike,thoughitbeasdearasanIsaac.Strike,forGod struck at sin when it was laid upon His own Son. With sternunflinchingpurposemust you condemn todeath that sinwhichwasoncethe idolofyourheart.Doyouaskhowyouare toaccomplish this?Jesuswill be your power. You have grace to overcome sin given you in thecovenant of grace; you have strength to win the victory in the crusadeagainstinwardlusts,becauseChristJesushaspromisedtobewithyouevenunto the end. If you would triumph over darkness, set yourself in thepresenceoftheSunofRighteousness.Thereisnoplacesowelladaptedforthe discovery of sin, and recovery from its power and guilt, as theimmediatepresenceofGod.Jobneverknewhowtoget ridofsinhalfsowellashedidwhenhiseyeoffaithresteduponGod,andthenheabhorredhimself,andrepentedindustandashes.ThefinegoldoftheChristianisoftbecomingdim.Weneedthesacredfiretoconsumethedross.LetusflytoourGod,He isaconsuming fire;Hewillnotconsumeour spirit,butoursins.LetthegoodnessofGodexciteustoasacredjealousy,andtoaholyrevengeagainstthoseiniquitieswhicharehatefulinHissight.GoforthtobattlewithAmalekinHisstrength,andutterlydestroytheaccursedcrew:letnotoneofthemescape.

J u l y 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"Theyshallgohindmostwiththeirstandards."Numbers2:31

ThecampofDanbroughtuptherearwhenthearmiesofIsraelwereonthemarch.TheDanitesoccupiedthehindmostplace,butwhatmatteredtheposition, since they were as truly part of the host as were the foremosttribes; they followed the same fiery cloudy pillar, they ate of the samemanna, drank of the same spiritual rock, and journeyed to the sameinheritance. Come, my heart, cheer up, though last and least; it is thyprivilegetobeinthearmy,andtofareastheyfarewholeadthevan.Someone must be hindmost in honour and esteem, some one must do menialworkforJesus,andwhyshouldnotI?Inapoorvillage,amonganignorantpeasantry;orinabackstreet,amongdegradedsinners,Iwillworkon,and"gohindmostwithmystandard."

TheDanitesoccupiedaveryusefulplace.Stragglershave tobepickedup upon the march, and lost property has to be gathered from the field.Fiery spiritsmay dash forward over untrodden paths to learn fresh truth,andwinmoresoulstoJesus;butsomeofamoreconservativespiritmaybewellengagedinremindingthechurchofherancientfaith,andrestoringherfaintingsons.Everypositionhasitsduties,andtheslowlymovingchildrenofGodwillfindtheirpeculiarstateoneinwhichtheymaybeeminentlyablessingtothewholehost.

Therearguardisaplaceofdanger.Therearefoesbehindusaswellasbeforeus.Attacksmaycome fromanyquarter.We read thatAmalek fellupon Israel, and slew some of the hindmost of them. The experiencedChristian will find much work for his weapons in aiding those poordoubting, desponding, wavering, souls, who are hindmost in faith,knowledge,andjoy.Thesemustnotbeleftunaided,andthereforebeitthebusinessofwell-taughtsaints tobear theirstandardsamongthehindmost.Mysoul,dothoutenderlywatchtohelpthehindmostthisday.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in hispath."Joel2:8

Locustsalwayskeeptheirrank,andalthoughtheirnumberislegion,theydonotcrowduponeachother,soastothrowtheircolumnsintoconfusion.This remarkable fact in natural history showshow thoroughly the aLordhasinfusedthespiritoforderintoHisuniverse,sincethesmallestanimatecreatures are as much controlled by it as are the rolling spheres or theseraphicmessengers.Itwouldbewiseforbelieverstoberuledbythesameinfluence in all their spiritual life. In theirChristian graces no one virtueshouldusurp the sphereofanother,or eatout thevitalsof the rest for itsownsupport.Affectionmustnotsmotherhonesty,couragemustnotelbowweakness out of the field, modesty must not jostle energy, and patiencemust not slaughter resolution. So also with our duties, one must notinterfere with another; public usefulness must not injure private piety;churchworkmust notpush familyworship into a corner. It is ill toofferGodonedutystainedwiththebloodofanother.Eachthingisbeautifulinits season,butnototherwise. Itwas to thePharisee that Jesus said, "Thisoughtye tohavedone, andnot tohave left theotherundone."The sameruleappliestoourpersonalposition,wemusttakecaretoknowourplace,takeit,andkeeptoit.Wemustministeras theSpirithasgivenusability,andnotintrudeuponourfellowservant'sdomain.OurLordJesustaughtusnot to covet the high places, but to bewilling to be the least among thebrethren.Farfromusbeanenvious,ambitiousspirit,letusfeeltheforceoftheMaster'scommand,anddoasHebidsus,keepingrankwiththerestofthehost.To-nightletusseewhetherwearekeepingtheunityoftheSpiritinthebondsofpeace,andletourprayerbethat,inallthechurchesoftheLordJesus,peaceandordermayprevail.

J u l y 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheLordourGodhathshewedusHisglory."Deuteronomy5:24

God'sgreatdesigninallHisworksisthemanifestationofHisownglory.AnyaimlessthanthiswereunworthyofHimself.ButhowshallthegloryofGodbemanifestedtosuchfallencreaturesasweare?Man'seyeisnotsingle,hehaseverasideglancetowardshisownhonour,hastoohighanestimateofhisownpowers,andsoisnotqualifiedtobeholdthegloryoftheLord.Itisclear,then,thatselfmuststandoutoftheway,thattheremayberoomforGodtobeexalted;andthisisthereasonwhyHebringethHispeopleofttimes into straits anddifficulties, that, beingmadeconsciousoftheirownfollyandweakness,theymaybefittedtobeholdthemajestyofGodwhenHecomesforthtoworktheirdeliverance.Hewhoselifeisoneevenandsmoothpath,willseebutlittleofthegloryoftheLord,forhehasfewoccasionsofself-emptying,andhence,butlittlefitnessforbeingfilledwith the revelationofGod.Theywhonavigate little streams and shallowcreeks,knowbutlittleoftheGodoftempests;buttheywho"dobusinessingreat waters," these see His "wonders in the deep." Among the hugeAtlantic-wavesofbereavement,poverty,temptation,andreproach,welearnthepowerof Jehovah,becausewe feel the littlenessofman.ThankGod,then, ifyouhavebeenledbyaroughroad:it is thiswhichhasgivenyouyourexperienceofGod'sgreatnessandlovingkindness.Yourtroubleshaveenrichedyouwithawealthofknowledgetobegainedbynoothermeans:yourtrialshavebeenthecleftoftherockinwhichJehovahhassetyou,asHedidHisservantMoses,thatyoumightbeholdHisgloryasitpassedby.PraiseGodthatyouhavenotbeenlefttothedarknessandignorancewhichcontinued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight ofaffliction,youhavebeencapacitatedfortheoutshiningsofHisgloryinHiswonderfuldealingswithyou.

Thisevening'sverse:

"A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He notquench."Matthew12:20

What isweaker than thebruised reedor the smoking flax?A reed thatgrowethinthefenormarsh,letbutthewildducklightuponit,anditsnaps;letbutthefootofmanbrushagainstit,anditisbruisedandbroken;everywind that flits across the rivermoves it to and fro.You can conceive ofnothingmorefrailorbrittle,orwhoseexistenceismoreinjeopardy,thanabruised reed.Then look at the smoking flax—what is it? It has a sparkwithinit,itistrue,butitisalmostsmothered;aninfant'sbreathmightblowitout;nothinghasamoreprecariousexistencethanitsflame.Weakthingsare here described, yet Jesus says of them, "The smoking flax Iwill notquench;thebruisedreedIwillnotbreak."SomeofGod'schildrenaremadestrong todomightyworksforHim;GodhasHisSamsonshereand therewhocanpullupGaza'sgates,andcarrythemtothetopofthehill;Hehasafewmightieswhoare lion-likemen,but themajorityofHispeople are atimid,tremblingrace.Theyarelikestarlings,frightenedateverypasserby;a little fearful flock. If temptation comes, they are taken like birds in asnare;iftrialthreatens,theyarereadytofaint;theirfrailskiffistossedupanddownbyeverywave,theyaredriftedalonglikeaseabirdonthecrestof thebillows—weak things,without strength,withoutwisdom,withoutforesight.Yet,weakas theyare,andbecause theyaresoweak, theyhavethis promise made specially to them. Herein is grace and graciousness!Herein is loveand lovingkindness!Howitopens tous thecompassionofJesus—sogentle,tender,considerate!WeneednevershrinkbackfromHistouch.WeneedneverfearaharshwordfromHim;thoughHemightwellchide us for ourweakness,He rebuketh not.Bruised reeds shall have noblowsfromHim,andthesmokingflaxnodampingfrowns.

J u l y 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"Theearnestofourinheritance."Ephesians1:14

Oh! what enlightenment, what joys, what consolation, what delight ofheartisexperiencedbythatmanwhohaslearnedtofeedonJesus,andonJesusalone.YettherealizationwhichwehaveofChrist'spreciousnessis,inthislife,imperfectatthebest.Asanoldwritersays,"'Tisbutataste!"Wehavetasted"thattheLordisgracious,"butwedonotyetknowhowgoodandgraciousHeis,althoughwhatweknowofHissweetnessmakesuslongformore.WehaveenjoyedthefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,andtheyhavesetushungeringand thirsting for the fulnessof theheavenlyvintage.Wegroanwithin ourselves,waiting for the adoption.Herewe are like Israel in thewilderness,whohadbutonecluster fromEshcol, thereweshallbe in thevineyard. Here we see the manna falling small, like coriander seed, butthereshallweeatthebreadofheavenandtheoldcornofthekingdom.Wearebutbeginnersnowinspiritualeducation;foralthoughwehavelearnedthefirstlettersofthealphabet,wecannotreadwordsyet,muchlesscanweputsentencestogether;butasonesays,"Hethathasbeeninheavenbutfiveminutes, knowsmore than thegeneral assemblyof divineson earth."Wehave many ungratified desires at present, but soon every wish shall besatisfied; and all our powers shall find the sweetest employment in thateternalworldofjoy.OChristian,antedateheavenforafewyears.Withinaverylittletimethoushaltberidofallthytrialsandthytroubles.Thineeyesnowsuffusedwithtearsshallweepnolonger.Thoushaltgazeinineffablerapture upon the splendour ofHimwho sits upon the throne.Nay,more,uponHisthroneshaltthousit.ThetriumphofHisgloryshallbesharedbythee;Hiscrown,Hisjoy,Hisparadise,theseshallbethine,andthoushaltbeco-heirwithHimwhoistheheirofallthings.

Thisevening'sverse:

"AndnowwhathastthoutodointhewayofEgypt,todrinkthewatersofSihor?"Jeremiah2:18

Bysundrymiracles,bydiversmercies,bystrangedeliverancesJehovahhadprovedHimselftobeworthyofIsrael'strust.YettheybrokedownthehedgeswithwhichGodhadenclosedthemasasacredgarden;theyforsooktheirowntrueandlivingGod,andfollowedafterfalsegods.Constantlydidthe Lord reprove them for this infatuation, and our text contains oneinstanceofGod'sexpostulatingwiththem,"Whathastthoutodointhewayof Egypt, to drink the waters of the muddy river?"— for so it may betranslated. "Why dost thouwander afar and leave thine own cool streamfromLebanon?WhydostthouforsakeJerusalemtoturnasidetoNophandtoTahapanes?Whyartthousostrangelysetonmischief,thatthoucanstnotbecontentwiththegoodandhealthful,butwouldstfollowafterthatwhichisevilanddeceitful?"IstherenothereawordofexpostulationandwarningtotheChristian?Otruebeliever,calledbygraceandwashedinthepreciousbloodofJesus,thouhasttastedofbetterdrinkthanthemuddyriverofthisworld'spleasurecangive thee; thouhasthadfellowshipwithChrist; thouhast obtained the joy of seeing Jesus, and leaning thine head upon Hisbosom.Do the trifles, the songs, thehonours, themerrimentof this earthcontenttheeafterthat?Hastthoueatenthebreadofangels,andcanstthouliveonhusks?GoodRutherfordonce said, "Ihave tastedofChrist'sownmanna,and ithathputmymouthoutof taste for thebrownbreadof thisworld's joys."Methinks it should be so with thee. If thou art wanderingafter thewatersofEgypt,O returnquickly to theone living fountain: thewaters of Sihormay be sweet to the Egyptians, but theywill prove onlybitterness to thee.What hast thou to do with them? Jesus asks thee thisquestionthisevening—whatwiltthouanswerHim?

J u l y 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"The daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee." Isaiah37:22

ReassuredbytheWordoftheLord,thepoortremblingcitizensofZiongrewbold,andshook theirheadsatSennacherib'sboastful threats.Strongfaith enables the servants ofGod to lookwith calm contempt upon theirmost haughty foes. We know that our enemies are attemptingimpossibilities.Theyseektodestroytheeternallife,whichcannotdiewhileJesus lives; tooverthrow thecitadel, againstwhich thegatesofhell shallnotprevail.Theykickagainst thepricks to theirownwounding,andrushuponthebossesofJehovah'sbucklertotheirownhurt.

Weknowtheirweakness.Whataretheybutmen?Andwhatismanbutaworm?They roar and swell likewavesof the sea, foamingout theirownshame.WhentheLordariseth,theyshallflyaschaffbeforethewind,andbeconsumedascracklingthorns.Theirutterpowerlessnesstododamagetothe causeofGod andHis truth,maymake theweakest soldiers inZion'srankslaughthemtoscorn.

Aboveall,weknowthattheMostHighiswithus,andwhenHedressesHimself in arms, where are His enemies? If He cometh forth from Hisplace,thepotsherdsoftheearthwillnotlongcontendwiththeirMaker.Hisrodof iron shalldash them inpieces likeapotter'svessel, and theirveryremembranceshallperishfromtheearth.Away,then,allfears,thekingdomissafeintheKing'shands.Letusshoutforjoy,fortheLordreigneth,andHisfoesshallbeasstrawforthedunghill.

"AstrueasGod'sownwordistrue;Norearth,norhell,withalltheircrew,Againstusshallprevail.Ajest,andby-word,aretheygrown;Godiswithus,wearehisown,Ourvictorycannotfail."

Thisevening'sverse:

"WhygoImourning?"Psalm42:9

Canst thouanswer this,believer?Canst thou findany reasonwhy thouart so often mourning instead of rejoicing? Why yield to gloomyanticipations?Whotold thee that thenightwouldneverend inday?Whotold thee that the seaof circumstanceswould ebbout till there shouldbenothingleftbutlongleaguesofthemudofhorriblepoverty?Whotoldtheethat thewinter of thy discontentwould proceed from frost to frost, fromsnow, and ice, and hail, to deeper snow, and yetmore heavy tempest ofdespair?Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes afterebb, that springand summer succeedwinter?Hope thou then!Hope thouever!ForGodfailstheenot.DostthounotknowthatthyGodlovestheeinthemidstofallthis?Mountains,whenindarknesshidden,areasrealasinday, and God's love is as true to thee now as it was in thy brightestmoments. No father chastens always: thy Lord hates the rod asmuch asthoudost;Heonlycares touse it for that reasonwhichshouldmake theewillingtoreceiveit,namely,thatitworksthylastinggood.ThoushaltyetclimbJacob'sladderwiththeangels,andbeholdHimwhositsatthetopofit— thycovenantGod.Thoushaltyet, amidst the splendoursofeternity,forgetthetrialsoftime,oronlyrememberthemtoblesstheGodwholedthee through them,andwrought thy lastinggoodby them.Come, sing inthemidst of tribulation. Rejoice evenwhile passing through the furnace.Makethewildernesstoblossomliketherose!Causethedeserttoringwiththine exulting joys, for these light afflictionswill soon be over, and then"foreverwiththeLord,"thyblissshallneverwane.

"Faintnotnorfear,Hisarmsarenear,Hechangethnot,andthouartdear;Onlybelieveandthoushaltsee,ThatChristisallinalltothee."

J u l y 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Iammarrieduntoyou."Jeremiah3:14

Christ Jesus is joined unto His people in marriage-union. In love HeespousedHisChurchasachastevirgin,longbeforeshefellundertheyokeofbondage.FullofburningaffectionHetoiled,likeJacobforRachel,untilthewholeofherpurchase-moneyhadbeenpaid, andnow,having soughther byHis Spirit, and brought her to know and loveHim,He awaits theglorious hour when their mutual bliss shall be consummated at themarriage-supper of the Lamb. Not yet hath the glorious Bridegroompresented His betrothed, perfected and complete, before the Majesty ofheaven; not yet hath she actually entered upon the enjoyment of herdignitiesasHiswifeandqueen:sheisasyetawandererinaworldofwoe,adwellerinthetentsofKedar;butsheisevennowthebride,thespouseofJesus, dear toHis heart, precious inHis sight,written onHis hands, andunited with His person. On earth He exercises towards her all theaffectionate offices of Husband. He makes rich provision for her wants,paysallherdebts,allowsher toassumeHisname,andtoshareinallHiswealth.NorwillHe ever act otherwise to her.Theword divorceHewillnevermention,for"Hehatethputtingaway."Deathmustsevertheconjugaltiebetween themost lovingmortals,but it cannotdivide the linksof thisimmortalmarriage.Inheaventheymarrynot,butareastheangelsofGod;yetthereisthisonemarvellousexceptiontotherule,forinHeavenChristandHisChurch shall celebrate their joyous nuptials.This affinity as it ismore lasting, so is it more near than earthly wedlock. Let the love ofhusbandbeneversopureandfervent,itisbutafaintpictureoftheflamewhichburnsintheheartofJesus.PassingallhumanunionisthatmysticalcleavinguntotheChurch,forwhichChristleftHisFather,andbecameonefleshwithher.

Thisevening'sverse:

"BeholdtheMan!"John19:5

If therebeoneplacewhereourLordJesusmost fullybecomes the joyandcomfortofHispeople,itiswhereHeplungeddeepestintothedepthsofwoe.Comehither,gracioussouls,andbeholdtheManinthegardenofGethsemane;beholdHisheartsobrimmingwithlovethatHecannotholditin—sofullofsorrowthatitmustfindavent.BeholdthebloodysweatasitdistilsfromeveryporeofHisbody,andfallsupontheground.BeholdtheMan as they drive the nails intoHis hands and feet. Look up, repentingsinners,andseethesorrowfulimageofyoursufferingLord.MarkHim,astherubydropsstandonthethorn-crown,andadornwithpricelessgemsthediademoftheKingofMisery.BeholdtheManwhenallHisbonesareoutofjoint,andHeispouredoutlikewaterandbroughtintothedustofdeath;GodhathforsakenHim,andhellcompassethHimabout.Beholdandsee,wasthereeversorrowlikeuntoHissorrowthatisdoneuntoHim?Allyethat pass by draw near and look upon this spectacle of grief, unique,unparalleled,awondertomenandangels,aprodigyunmatched.BeholdtheEmperorofWoewhohadnoequalorrivalinHisagonies!GazeuponHim,yemourners,foriftherebenotconsolationinacrucifiedChristthereisnojoyinearthorheaven.IfintheransompriceofHisbloodtherebenothope,yeharpsofheaven,thereisnojoyinyou,andtherighthandofGodshallknownopleasures for evermore.Wehaveonly to sitmorecontinually atthecrossfoottobelesstroubledwithourdoubtsandwoes.WehavebuttoseeHissorrows,andoursorrowsweshallbeashamedtomention;wehavebut togaze intoHiswoundsandhealourown. Ifwewould livearight itmustbeby thecontemplationofHisdeath; ifwewouldrise todignity, itmustbebyconsideringHishumiliationandHissorrow.

J u l y 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Eventhouwastasoneofthem."Obadiah1:11

BrotherlykindnesswasduefromEdomtoIsraelinthetimeofneed,butinstead thereof, themen of Esaumade common causewith Israel's foes.Specialstressinthesentencebeforeusislaiduponthewordthou;aswhenCaesar cried to Brutus, "and thou Brutus"; a bad action may be all theworse,becauseofthepersonwhohascommittedit.Whenwesin,whoarethechosen favoritesofheaven,wesinwithanemphasis;ours isacryingoffence,becausewearesopeculiarly indulged. Ifanangelshould layhishand upon uswhenwe are doing evil, he need not use any other rebukethanthequestion,"Whatthou?Whatdostthouhere?"Muchforgiven,muchdelivered,muchinstructed,muchenriched,muchblessed,shallwedaretoputforthourhanduntoevil?Godforbid!

Afewminutesofconfessionmaybebeneficialtothee,gentlereader,thismorning.Hastthouneverbeenasthewicked?Ataneveningpartycertainmen laughed at uncleanness, and the jokewasnot altogether offensive tothine ear, even thouwast asoneof them.Whenhard thingswere spokenconcerning the ways of God, thou wast bashfully silent; and so, to on-lookers, thouwastasoneof them.Whenworldlingswerebarteringin themarket, and driving hard bargains, wast thou not as one of them?Whentheywerepursuingvanitywithahunter'sfoot,wertthounotasgreedyforgain as they were? Could any difference be discerned between thee andthem?Is thereanydifference?Herewecometoclosequarters.Behonestwith thineownsoul,andmakesure that thouartanewcreature inChristJesus;butwhenthisissure,walkjealously,lestanyshouldagainbeabletosay, "Even thouwast as one of them." Thouwouldst not desire to sharetheireternaldoom,whythenbe like themhere?Comenot thou into theirsecret,lestthoucomeintotheirruin.SidewiththeafflictedpeopleofGod,andnotwiththeworld.

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThebloodofJesusChristHisSoncleansethus fromallsin."1John1:7

"Cleanseth," says the text— not "shall cleanse." There aremultitudeswhothinkthatasadyinghopetheymaylookforwardtopardon.Oh!howinfinitely better to have cleansing now than to depend on the barepossibilityofforgivenesswhenIcometodie.Someimaginethatasenseofpardon is an attainment only obtainable after many years of Christianexperience.Butforgivenessofsinisapresentthing—aprivilegeforthisday,a joyfor thisveryhour.Themomentasinner trustsJesushe is fullyforgiven. The text, being written in the present tense, also indicatescontinuance;itwas"cleanseth"yesterday,itis"cleanseth"to-day,itwillbe"cleanseth" tomorrow: itwill be always sowith you,Christian, until youcrosstheriver;everyhouryoumaycometothisfountain,foritcleansethstill. Notice, likewise, the completeness of the cleansing, "The blood ofJesusChristHisSoncleansethus fromall sin"—notonly fromsin,but"from all sin." Reader, I cannot tell you the exceeding sweetness of thisword,butIprayGodtheHolyGhosttogiveyouatasteofit.ManifoldareoursinsagainstGod.Whetherthebillbelittleorgreat,thesamereceiptcandischarge one as the other. The blood of Jesus Christ is as blessed anddivine a payment for the transgressions of blaspheming Peter as for theshortcomingsoflovingJohn;ouriniquityisgone,allgoneatonce,andallgoneforever.Blessedcompleteness!Whatasweetthemetodwelluponasonegiveshimselftosleep.

"SinsagainstaholyGod;SinsagainstHisrighteouslaws;SinsagainstHislove,Hisblood;SinsagainstHisnameandcause;Sinsimmenseasisthesea-FromthemallHecleansethme."

J u l y 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Standstill,andseethesalvationoftheLord."Exodus14:13

ThesewordscontainGod'scommandtothebelieverwhenheisreducedtogreatstraitsandbroughtintoextraordinarydifficulties.Hecannotretreat;hecannotgoforward;heisshutupontherighthandandontheleft;whatishenowtodo?TheMaster'swordtohimis,"Standstill."ItwillbewellforhimifatsuchtimeshelistensonlytohisMaster'sword,forotherandeviladviserscomewiththeirsuggestions.Despairwhispers,"Liedownanddie;giveitallup."ButGodwouldhaveusputonacheerfulcourage,andeven in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness. Cowardicesays,"Retreat;gobacktotheworldling'swayofaction;youcannotplaytheChristian'spart,itistoodifficult.Relinquishyourprinciples."But,howevermuchSatanmayurgethiscourseuponyou,youcannotfollowitifyouareachildofGod.Hisdivinefiathasbidtheegofromstrengthtostrength,andso thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course.What,ifforawhilethouartcalledtostandstill,yetthisisbuttorenewthystrength for some greater advance in due time. Precipitancy cries, "dosomething.Stiryourself;tostandstillandwait,issheeridleness."Wemustbe doing something at once—wemust do it sowe think— instead oflookingtotheLord,whowillnotonlydosomethingbutwilldoeverything.Presumptionboasts, "If the seabebeforeyou,march into it andexpect amiracle." But Faith listens neither to Presumption, nor toDespair, nor toCowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but it hears God say, "Stand still," andimmovable as a rock it stands. "Stand still"; — keep the posture of anupright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully andpatientlyawaitingthedirectingvoice;anditwillnotbelongereGodshallsay to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Goforward."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hiscampisverygreat."Joel2:11

Consider, my soul, the mightiness of the Lord who is thy glory anddefence.Heisamanofwar,JehovahisHisname.AlltheforcesofheavenareatHisbeck,legionswaitatHisdoor,cherubimandseraphim;,watchersandholyones,principalitiesandpowers,areallattentivetoHiswill.Ifoureyeswerenotblindedbytheophthalmiaoftheflesh,weshouldseehorsesoffireandchariotsoffireroundabout theLord'sbeloved.Thepowersofnature are all subject to the absolute control of theCreator: stormywindandtempest,lightningandrain,andsnow,andhail,andthesoftdewsandcheering sunshine, come and go at His decree. The bands of Orion Helooseth,andbindeththesweetinfluencesofthePleiades.Earth,sea,andair,andtheplacesundertheearth,arethebarracksforJehovah'sgreatarmies;spaceisHiscampingground, light isHisbanner,andflameisHissword.WhenHegoethforthtowar,famineravagestheland,pestilencesmitesthenations, hurricane sweeps the sea, tornado shakes the mountains, andearthquakemakesthesolidworldtotremble.Asforanimatecreatures,theyall own His dominion, and from the great fish which swallowed theprophet,downto"allmannerofflies,"whichplaguedthefieldofZoan,allare His servants, and like the palmer-worm, the caterpillar, and thecankerworm,aresquadronsofHisgreatarmy,forHiscampisverygreat.Mysoul,seetoitthatthoubeatpeacewiththismightyKing,yea,more,besuretoenlistunderHisbanner,fortowaragainstHimismadness,andtoserve Him is glory. Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, is ready to receiverecruitsforthearmyoftheLord:ifIamnotalreadyenlistedletmegotoHim ere I sleep, and beg to be accepted throughHismerits; and if I bealready,asIhopeIam,asoldierofthecross,letmebeofgoodcourage;fortheenemyispowerlesscomparedwithmyLord,whosecampisverygreat.

J u l y 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Helefthisgarmentinherhand,andfled,andgothimout."Genesis39:12

Incontendingwithcertainsinsthereremainsnomodeofvictorybutbyflight. The ancient naturalists wrote much of basilisks, whose eyesfascinated theirvictimsandrendered themeasyvictims;so themeregazeofwickednessputsusinsolemndanger.Hewhowouldbesafefromactsofevilmusthasteawayfromoccasionsofit.Acovenantmustbemadewithoureyesnoteventolookuponthecauseoftemptation,forsuchsinsonlyneeda spark tobeginwith andablaze follows in an instant.Whowouldwantonlyentertheleper'sprisonandsleepamiditshorriblecorruption?Heonlywhodesires tobe leproushimselfwould thuscourtcontagion. If themarinerknewhowtoavoidastorm,hewoulddoanythingratherthanruntheriskofweatheringit.Cautiouspilotshavenodesiretotryhownearthequicksand they can sail, or how often they may touch a rock withoutspringingaleak;theiraimistokeepasnearlyaspossibleinthemidstofasafechannel.

This day I may be exposed to great peril, let me have the serpent'swisdomtokeepoutofitandavoidit.Thewingsofadovemaybeofmoreusetometo-daythanthejawsofalion.ItistrueImaybeanapparentloserbydeclining evil company, but I hadbetter leavemy cloak than losemycharacter;itisnotneedfulthatIshouldberich,butitisimperativeuponmetobepure.Notiesoffriendship,nochainsofbeauty,noflashingsoftalent,noshaftsof ridiculemust turnmefromthewise resolve to flee fromsin.ThedevilIamtoresistandhewillfleefromme,butthelustsoftheflesh,Imustflee,ortheywillsurelyovercomeme.OGodofholinesspreservethyJosephs, thatMadamBubblebewitch themnotwithher vile suggestions.May the horrible trinity of the world, the flesh, and the devil, neverovercomeus!

Thisevening'sverse:

"IntheirafflictiontheywillseekMeearly."Hosea5:15

LossesandadversitiesarefrequentlythemeanswhichthegreatShepherduses to fetch homeHiswandering sheep; like fierce dogs theyworry thewanderersback to thefold.There isnomaking lions tame if theyare toowell fed; theymust be brought down from their great strength, and theirstomachsmustbe lowered,and then theywillsubmit to the tamer'shand;andoftenhaveweseentheChristianrenderedobedienttotheLord'swillbystraitnessofbreadandhardlabour.Whenrichandincreasedingoodsmanyprofessors carry their heads much too loftily, and speak exceedingboastfully.LikeDavid,theyflatterthemselves,"Mymountainstandethfast;I shallneverbemoved."When theChristiangrowethwealthy, is ingoodrepute, hath good health, and a happy family, he too often admits Mr.CarnalSecurity tofeastathis table,andthenifhebea truechildofGodthereisarodpreparingforhim.Waitawhile,anditmaybeyouwillseehissubstancemeltawayasadream.Theregoesaportionofhisestate—howsoontheacreschangehands.Thatdebt, thatdishonouredbill—howfasthislossesrollin,wherewilltheyend?Itisablessedsignofdivinelifeifwhen these embarrassments occur one after another he begins to bedistressedabouthisbackslidings,andbetakeshimself tohisGod.Blessedarethewavesthatwashthemarinerupontherockofsalvation!Lossesinbusinessareoftensanctifiedtooursoul'senriching.IfthechosensoulwillnotcometotheLordfull-handed,itshallcomeempty.IfGod,inHisgrace,findethnoothermeansofmakingushonourHimamongmen,Hewillcastusintothedeep;ifwefailtohonourHimonthepinnacleofriches,Hewillbringusintothevalleyofpoverty.Yetfaintnot,heirofsorrow,whenthouartthusrebuked,ratherrecognizethelovinghandwhichchastens,andsay,"Iwillarise,andgountomyFather."

J u l y 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtueknowledge,etc."2Peter1:5,6

If thouwouldest enjoy theeminentgraceof the full assuranceof faith,under theblessedSpirit's influence, and assistance, dowhat theScripturetellsthee,"Givediligence."Takecarethatthyfaithisoftherightkind—that it is not amere belief of doctrine, but a simple faith, depending onChrist,andonChristalone.Givediligentheed to thycourage.PleadwithGod thatHewouldgive thee the face of a lion, that thoumayest,with aconsciousness of right, go on boldly. Study well the Scriptures, and getknowledge; for a knowledge of doctrinewill tend verymuch to confirmfaith.TrytounderstandGod'sWord;letitdwellinthyheartrichly.

When thou hast done this, "Add to thy knowledge temperance." Takeheedtothybody:betemperatewithout.Takeheedtothysoul:betemperatewithin.Gettemperanceoflip,life,heart,andthought.Addtothis,byGod'sHoly Spirit, patience; askHim to give thee that patiencewhich endurethaffliction,which,whenitistried,shallcomeforthasgold.Arrayyourselfwith patience, that you may not murmur nor be depressed in yourafflictions. When that grace is won look to godliness. Godliness issomethingmorethanreligion.MakeGod'sgloryyourobjectinlife;liveinHissight;dwellclosetoHim;seekforfellowshipwithHim;andthouhast"godliness";andtothataddbrotherlylove.Havealovetoallthesaints:andadd to that a charity, which openeth its arms to all men, and loves theirsouls.Whenyou are adornedwith these jewels, and just in proportion asyou practise these heavenly virtues, will you come to know by clearestevidence "your calling and election." "Give diligence," if you would getassurance,forlukewarmnessanddoubtingverynaturallygohandinhand.

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThatHemaysethimwithprinces."Psalm113:8

Ourspiritualprivilegesareofthehighestorder."Amongprinces"istheplaceof select society. "Trulyour fellowship iswith theFather, andwithHisSonJesusChrist."Speakofselectsociety,thereisnonelikethis!"Weare a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a royal priesthood." "We arecomeuntothegeneralassemblyandchurchofthefirst-born,whosenamesare written in heaven." The saints have courtly audience: princes haveadmittancetoroyaltywhencommonpeoplemuststandafaroff.ThechildofGodhasfreeaccesstotheinnercourtsofheaven."ForthroughHimwebothhaveaccessbyoneSpirituntotheFather.""Letuscomeboldly,"saystheapostle,"to the throneof theheavenlygrace."Amongprinces there isabundantwealth,butwhat is theabundanceofprincescomparedwith therichesofbelievers?for"allthingsareyours,andyeareChrist's,andChristisGod's.""HethatsparednotHisownSon,butdeliveredHimupforusall,how shallHe notwithHim also freely give us all things?" Princes havepeculiarpower.Aprinceofheaven'sempirehasgreatinfluence:hewieldsasceptreinhisowndomain;hesitsuponJesus'throne,for"HehathmadeuskingsandpriestsuntoGod,andweshallreignforeverandever."Wereignover theunitedkingdomof timeandeternity.Princes,again,havespecialhonour.Wemaylookdownuponallearth-borndignityfromtheeminenceuponwhichgracehasplacedus.Forwhat ishumangrandeur to this,"Hehath raisedusup together,andmadeussit together inheavenlyplaces inChrist Jesus"? We share the honour of Christ, and compared with this,earthly splendours are not worth a thought. Communion with Jesus is arichergemthaneverglitteredinimperialdiadem.UnionwiththeLordisacoronetofbeautyoutshiningalltheblazeofimperialpomp.

J u l y 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Exceedinggreatandpreciouspromises."2Peter1:4

Ifyouwouldknowexperimentallythepreciousnessofthepromises,andenjoy them in your own heart, meditate much upon them. There arepromiseswhicharelikegrapesinthewine-press;ifyouwilltreadthemthejuicewillflow.Thinkingoverthehallowedwordswilloftenbethepreludetotheirfulfillment.Whileyouaremusinguponthem,theboonwhichyouareseekingwillinsensiblycometoyou.ManyaChristianwhohasthirstedforthepromisehasfoundthefavourwhichitensuredgentlydistillingintohissoulevenwhilehehasbeenconsideringthedivinerecord;andhehasrejoicedthateverhewasledtolaythepromisenearhisheart.

But besidesmeditating upon the promises, seek in thy soul to receivethem as being the verywords ofGod. Speak to thy soul thus, "If Iweredealingwithaman'spromise,Ishouldcarefullyconsidertheabilityandthecharacterofthemanwhohadcovenantedwithme.SowiththepromiseofGod;myeyemustnotbesomuchfixeduponthegreatnessofthemercy—that may stagger me; as upon the greatness of the promiser— that willcheer me. My soul, it is God, even thy God, God that cannot lie, whospeakstothee.ThiswordofHiswhichthouartnowconsideringisastrueasHis own existence.He is aGod unchangeable.He has not altered thething which has gone out of His mouth, nor called back one singleconsolatorysentence.NordothHelackanypower;itistheGodthatmadetheheavensandtheearthwhohasspokenthus.NorcanHefailinwisdomastothetimewhenHewillbestowthefavours,forHeknowethwhenitisbest to give andwhen better towithhold. Therefore, seeing that it is thewordofaGodsotrue,soimmutable,sopowerful,sowise,Iwillandmustbelievethepromise."Ifwethusmeditateuponthepromises,andconsiderthe Promiser, we shall experience their sweetness, and obtain theirfulfillment.

Thisevening'sverse:

"WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?"Romans8:33

Mostblessedchallenge!Howunanswerable it is!Everysinof theelectwas laidupon thegreatChampionofoursalvation,andby theatonementcarriedaway.ThereisnosininGod'sbookagainstHispeople:HeseethnosininJacob,neitheriniquityinIsrael; theyarejustifiedinChristforever.Whentheguiltofsinwastakenaway,thepunishmentofsinwasremoved.For theChristian there isnostrokefromGod'sangryhand—nay,notsomuchasasinglefrownofpunitive justice.ThebelievermaybechastisedbyhisFather,butGodtheJudgehasnothingtosaytotheChristian,except"I have absolved thee: thou art acquitted." For the Christian there is nopenal death in thisworld,much less any second death.He is completelyfreedfromallthepunishmentaswellastheguiltofsin,andthepowerofsinisremovedtoo.Itmaystandinourway,andagitateuswithperpetualwarfare;butsinisaconqueredfoetoeverysoulinunionwithJesus.ThereisnosinwhichaChristiancannotovercomeifhewillonlyrelyuponhisGod todo it.Theywhowear thewhite robe inheavenovercame throughthebloodoftheLamb,andwemaydothesame.Nolustistoomighty,nobesettingsintoostronglyentrenched;wecanovercomethroughthepowerofChrist.Dobelieveit,Christian,thatthysinisacondemnedthing.Itmaykickandstruggle,but it isdoomed todie.Godhaswrittencondemnationacrossitsbrow.Christhascrucifiedit,"nailingittoHiscross."Gonowandmortify it, and theLordhelpyou to live toHispraise, for sinwithall itsguilt,shame,andfear,isgone.

"Here'spardonfortransgressionspast,Itmattersnothowblacktheircast;And,Omysoul,withwonderview,Forsinstocomehere'spardontoo."

J u l y 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"SofoolishwasI,andignorant;IwasasabeastbeforeThee."Psalm73:22

RememberthisistheconfessionofthemanafterGod'sownheart;andintelling us his inner life, hewrites, "So foolishwas I, and ignorant." Theword "foolish," here, means more than it signifies in ordinary language.David,inaformerverseofthePsalm,writes,"Iwasenviousatthefoolishwhen I saw the prosperity of thewicked,"which shows that the folly heintendedhad sin in it.Heputshimselfdownasbeing thus "foolish," andaddsawordwhichistogiveintensitytoit;"sofoolishwasI."Howfoolishhecouldnottell.Itwasasinfulfolly,afollywhichwasnottobeexcusedby frailty, but to be condemned because of its perverseness and wilfulignorance,forhehadbeenenviousofthepresentprosperityoftheungodly,forgetful of the dreadful end awaiting all such. And are we better thanDavid that we should call ourselves wise! Do we profess that we haveattainedperfection,ortohavebeensochastenedthattherodhastakenallourwilfulnessoutofus?Ah,thiswereprideindeed!IfDavidwasfoolish,howfoolishshouldwebeinourownesteemifwecouldbutseeourselves!Look back, believer: think of your doubting God when He has been sofaithfultoyou—thinkofyourfoolishoutcryof"Notso,myFather,"whenHecrossedHishandsinafflictiontogiveyouthelargerblessing;thinkofthe many times when you have read His providences in the dark,misinterpreted His dispensations, and groaned out, "All these things areagainstme,"whentheyareallworkingtogetherforyourgood!Thinkhowoften you have chosen sin because of its pleasure, when indeed, thatpleasurewasarootofbitternesstoyou!Surelyifweknowourownheartwemustpleadguilty to the indictmentofa sinful folly;andconsciousofthis "foolishness,"wemustmakeDavid's consequent resolveour own—"ThoushaltguidemewithThycounsel."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Whowentaboutdoinggood."Acts10:38

Fewwords,butyetanexquisiteminiatureoftheLordJesusChrist.Therearenotmanytouches,buttheyarethestrokesofamaster'spencil.OftheSaviourandonlyoftheSaviourisittrueinthefullest,broadest,andmostunqualifiedsense."Hewentaboutdoinggood."FromthisdescriptionitisevidentthatHedidgoodpersonally.TheevangelistsconstantlytellusthatHetouchedtheleperwithHisownfinger,thatHeanointedtheeyesoftheblind, and that in caseswhereHewas asked to speak thewordonly at adistance,Hedidnotusuallycomply,butwentHimselftothesickbed,andtherepersonallywroughtthecure.Alessontous,ifwewoulddogood,todoitourselves.Givealmswithyourownhand;akindlook,orword,willenhancethevalueofthegift.Speaktoafriendabouthissoul;yourlovingappealwillhavemoreinfluencethanawholelibraryoftracts.OurLord'smodeofdoinggoodsets forthHis incessantactivity!Hedidnotonly thegoodwhich came close to hand, but He "went about" onHis errands ofmercy.ThroughoutthewholelandofJudeatherewasscarcelyavillageorahamletwhichwasnotgladdenedbythesightofHim.Howthisreprovesthecreeping,loiteringmanner,inwhichmanyprofessorsservetheLord.Letusgirduptheloinsofourmind,andbenotwearyinwelldoing.Doesnotthetext imply that Jesus Christ went out of His way to do good? "Hewentabout doing good." He was never deterred by danger or difficulty. HesoughtouttheobjectsofHisgraciousintentions.Somustwe.Ifoldplanswill not answer,wemust try new ones, for fresh experiments sometimesachievemorethanregularmethods.Christ'sperseverance,andtheunityofHispurpose,arealsohintedat,andthepracticalapplicationofthesubjectmay be summed up in the words, "He hath left us an example that weshouldfollowinHissteps."

J u l y 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"NeverthelessIamcontinuallywithThee."Psalm73:23

"Nevertheless," — As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness andignorancewhichDavidhadjustbeenconfessingtoGod,notoneatomthelesswasittrueandcertainthatDavidwassavedandaccepted,andthattheblessingofbeingconstantlyinGod'spresencewasundoubtedlyhis.Fullyconsciousofhisownlostestate,andofthedeceitfulnessandvilenessofhisnature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings "nevertheless I amcontinually with Thee." Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph'sconfession and acknowledgment, endeavour in like spirit to say"nevertheless,sinceIbelongtoChristIamcontinuallywithGod!"Bythisismeant continuallyuponHismind,He is always thinkingofme formygood.ContinuallybeforeHiseye;—theeyeoftheLordneversleepeth,butisperpetuallywatchingovermywelfare.Continually inHishand, so thatnoneshallbeabletopluckmethence.ContinuallyonHisheart,wornthereasamemorial,evenasthehighpriestborethenamesofthetwelvetribesuponhisheartforever.Thoualwaysthinkestofme,OGod.ThebowelsofThy love continually yearn towards me. Thou art always makingprovidenceworkformygood.Thouhastsetmeasasignetuponthinearm;thyloveisstrongasdeath,manywaterscannotquenchit;neithercanthefloodsdrownit.Surprisinggrace!Thouseestme inChrist,and though inmyself abhorred, Thou beholdest me as wearing Christ's garments, andwashedinHisblood,andthusIstandacceptedinThypresence.IamthuscontinuallyinThyfavour—"continuallywithThee."Hereiscomfortforthe tried and afflicted soul; vexedwith the tempestwithin— look at thecalmwithout."Nevertheless"—Osayitinthyheart,andtakethepeaceitgives."NeverthelessIamcontinuallywithThee."

Thisevening'sverse:

"AllthattheFathergivethMeshallcometoMe."John6:37

Thisdeclarationinvolvesthedoctrineofelection:therearesomewhomtheFathergavetoChrist.Itinvolvesthedoctrineofeffectualcalling:thesewho are given must and shall come; however stoutly they may setthemselvesagainst it,yet theyshallbebroughtoutofdarknessintoGod'smarvellouslight.Itteachesustheindispensablenecessityoffaith;foreventhosewhoaregiventoChristarenotsavedexcepttheycometoJesus.Eventheymustcome,forthereisnootherwaytoheavenbutbythedoor,ChristJesus. All that the Father gives to our Redeemer must come to Him,thereforenonecancometoheavenexcepttheycometoChrist.

Oh! the power andmajesty which rest in the words "shall come." Hedoesnotsaytheyhavepowertocome,northeymaycomeiftheywill,butthey"shallcome."TheLordJesusdothbyHismessengers,Hisword,andHisSpirit,sweetlyandgraciouslycompelmentocomeinthattheymayeatofHismarriagesupper;andthisHedoes,notbyanyviolationof thefreeagencyofman,butbythepowerofHisgrace.Imayexercisepoweroveranother man's will, and yet that other man's will may be perfectly free,becausetheconstraintisexercisedinamanneraccordantwiththelawsofthe human mind. Jehovah Jesus knows how, by irresistible argumentsaddressed to the understanding, by mighty reasons appealing to theaffections, and by the mysterious influence of His Holy Spirit operatinguponallthepowersandpassionsofthesoul,sotosubduethewholeman,that whereas he was once rebellious, he yields cheerfully to Hisgovernment, subdued by sovereign love. But how shall those be knownwhomGodhathchosen?Bythisresult:thattheydowillinglyandjoyfullyaccept Christ, and come toHimwith simple and unfeigned faith, restinguponHimasall theirsalvationandall theirdesire.Reader,haveyouthuscometoJesus?

J u l y 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"Andwhenhethoughtthereon,hewept."Mark14:72

Ithasbeen thoughtbysomethatas longasPeter lived, thefountainofhistearsbegantoflowwheneverherememberedhisdenyinghisLord.Itisnotunlikelythatitwasso,(forhissinwasverygreat,andgraceinhimhadafterwards a perfect work. This same experience is common to all theredeemed family according to the degree inwhich the Spirit ofGod hasremoved thenaturalheartofstone.We, likePeter, rememberourboastfulpromise: "Thoughallmen shall forsakeThee,yetwill not I."Weeatourownwordswiththebitterherbsofrepentance.Whenwethinkofwhatwevowed we would be, and of what we have been, we may weep wholeshowersofgrief.HethoughtonhisdenyinghisLord.Theplaceinwhichhedidit,thelittlecausewhichledhimintosuchheinoussin,theoathsandblasphemies with which he sought to confirm his falsehood, and thedreadfulhardnessofheartwhichdrovehim todosoagainandyetagain.Canwe,whenweareremindedofoursins,andtheirexceedingsinfulness,remainstolidandstubborn?WillwenotmakeourhouseaBochim,andcryunto the Lord for renewed assurances of pardoning love?Maywe nevertakeadry-eyedlookatsin, lestere longwehavea tongueparchedin theflamesofhell.PeteralsothoughtuponhisMaster'slookoflove.TheLordfollowedup thecock'swarningvoicewithanadmonitory lookofsorrow,pity, and love. That glance was never out of Peter's mind so long as helived.Itwasfarmoreeffectualthantenthousandsermonswouldhavebeenwithout the Spirit. The penitent apostle would be sure to weep when herecollectedtheSaviour'sfullforgiveness,whichrestoredhimtohisformerplace.TothinkthatwehaveoffendedsokindandgoodaLordismorethansufficientreasonforbeingconstantweepers.Lord,smiteourrockyhearts,andmakethewatersflow.

Thisevening'sverse:

"HimthatcomethtoMeIwillinnowisecastout."John6:37

Nolimitissettothedurationofthispromise.Itdoesnotmerelysay,"Iwillnot castouta sinnerathis first coming,"but, "Iwill innowisecastout."Theoriginal reads, "Iwill not, not castout,"or "Iwill never, nevercastout."Thetextmeans,thatChristwillnotatfirstrejectabeliever;andthatasHewillnotdoitatfirst,soHewillnottothelast.

Butsupposethebelieversinsaftercoming?"Ifanymansinwehaveanadvocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." But suppose thatbelieversbackslide?"Iwillheal theirbacksliding,Iwill love themfreely:forMine anger is turned away from him." But believers may fall undertemptation!"God is faithful,whowillnotsufferyou tobe temptedabovethat ye are able; butwillwith the temptation alsomake away to escape,thatyemaybeabletobearit."ButthebelievermayfallintosinasDaviddid!Yes,butHewill"Purgethemwithhyssop,andtheyshallbeclean;Hewill wash them and they shall be whiter than snow"; "From all theiriniquitieswillIcleansethem."

"OnceinChrist,inChristforever,NothingfromHislovecansever."

"I give unto My sheep," saith He, "eternal life; and they shall neverperish,neithershallanymanpluckthemoutofMyhand."Whatsayestthoutothis,Otremblingfeeblemind?Isnotthisapreciousmercy,thatcomingtoChrist, thou dost not come toOnewhowill treat theewell for a littlewhile,andthensendtheeaboutthybusiness,butHewillreceivetheeandmaketheeHisbride,andthoushaltbeHisforever?Receivenolongerthespiritofbondageagaintofear,butthespiritofadoptionwherebythoushaltcry,Abba,Father!Oh!thegraceofthesewords:"Iwillinnowisecastout."

J u l y 3 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Iinthem."John17:23

IfsuchbetheunionwhichsubsistsbetweenoursoulsandthepersonofourLord,howdeepandbroadisthechannelofourcommunion!Thisisnonarrowpipe throughwhicha thread-like streammaywind itsway, it is achannel of amazing depth and breadth, along whose glorious length aponderousvolumeof livingwatermayroll its floods.BeholdHehathsetbeforeusanopendoor,letusnotbeslowtoenter.Thiscityofcommunionhathmanypearlygates,everyseveralgateisofonepearl,andeachgateisthrown open to the uttermost that wemay enter, assured of welcome. Ifthere were but one small loophole through which to talk with Jesus, itwouldbeahighprivilegetothrustawordoffellowshipthroughthenarrowdoor; howmuchwe are blessed in having so large an entrance!Had theLord Jesus been far away fromus,withmany a stormy sea between,weshouldhavelongedtosendamessengertoHimtocarryHimourloves,andbringustidingsfromHisFather'shouse;butseeHiskindness,HehasbuiltHis house next door to ours, nay, more, He takes lodging with us, andtabernacles in poor humble hearts, that so He may have perpetualintercoursewithus.Ohowfoolishmustwebe,ifwedonotliveinhabitualcommunionwithHim.Whentheroadislong,anddangerous,anddifficult,weneednotwonderthatfriendsseldommeeteachother,butwhentheylivetogether,shallJonathanforgethisDavid?Awifemaywhenherhusbandisupona journey, abidemanydayswithoutholdingconversewithhim,butshecouldneverenduretobeseparatedfromhimifsheknewhimtobeinoneof thechambersofherownhouse.Why,believer,dostnot thousitatHisbanquetofwine?SeekthyLord,forHeisnear;embraceHim,forHeisthyBrother.HoldHimfast,forHeisthineHusband;andpressHimtothineheart,forHeisofthineownflesh.

Thisevening'sverse:

"And theseare the singers . . . theywereemployed in thatworkdayandnight."1Chronicles9:33

Wellwasitsoorderedinthetemplethatthesacredchantneverceased:for evermore did the singers praise the Lord, whose mercy endureth forever.Asmercydidnotceasetoruleeitherbydayorbynight,soneitherdidmusichushitsholyministry.Myheart, thereisalessonsweetlytaughttotheeintheceaselesssongofZion'stemple,thoutooartaconstantdebtor,andseethoutoitthatthygratitude,likecharity,neverfaileth.God'spraiseisconstantinheaven,whichistobethyfinaldwelling-place,learnthoutopractisetheeternalhallelujah.Aroundtheearthasthesunscattershislight,hisbeamsawakengratefulbelieverstotunetheirmorninghymn,sothatbythe priesthood of the saints perpetual praise is kept up at all hours, theyswatheourglobe inamantleof thanksgiving,andgirdle itwithagoldenbeltofsong.

TheLordalwaysdeserves tobepraised forwhatHe is inHimself, forHis works of creation and providence, for His goodness towards Hiscreatures,andespeciallyforthetranscendentactofredemption,andallthemarvellousblessingflowingtherefrom.ItisalwaysbeneficialtopraisetheLord; itcheers thedayandbrightens thenight; it lightens toilandsoftenssorrow; and over earthly gladness it sheds a sanctifying radiance whichmakesitlessliabletoblinduswithitsglare.Havewenotsomethingtosingaboutatthismoment?Canwenotweaveasongoutofourpresentjoys,orourpastdeliverances,orourfuturehopes?Earthyieldshersummerfruits:thehayishoused, thegoldengraininvitesthesickle,andthesuntarryinglong to shine upon a fruitful earth, shortens the interval of shade thatwemaylengthenthehoursofdevoutworship.BytheloveofJesus, letusbestirreduptoclosethedaywithapsalmofsanctifiedgladness.

August

A u g u s t 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Letmenowgotothefield,andgleanearsofcorn.-Ruth2:2

Downcast and troubled Christian, come and glean to-day in the broadfieldofpromise.Hereareabundanceofpreciouspromises,whichexactlymeet thy wants. Take this one: "He will not break the bruised reed, norquench the smoking flax." Doth not that suit thy case? A reed, helpless,insignificant,andweak,abruised reed,outofwhichnomusiccancome;weakerthanweaknessitself;areed,andthatreedbruised,yet,Hewillnotbreak thee;buton thecontrary,will restoreand strengthen thee.Thouartlikethesmokingflax:nolight,nowarmth,cancomefromthee;butHewillnotquenchthee;HewillblowwithHissweetbreathofmercytillHefanstheetoaflame.Wouldstthougleananotherear?"ComeuntoMeallyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest."Whatsoftwords!Thyheart is tender, and the Master knows it, and therefore He speaketh sogentlytothee.WiltthounotobeyHim,andcometoHimevennow?Takeanotherearofcorn:"Fearnot,thouwormJacob,Iwillhelpthee,saiththeLordandthyRedeemer,theHolyOneofIsrael."Howcanstthoufearwithsuchawonderfulassuranceasthis?Thoumayestgathertenthousandsuchgolden ears as these! "I haveblottedout thy sins like a cloud, and like athick cloud thy transgressions."Or this, "Though your sins be as scarlet,theyshallbeaswhiteassnow;thoughtheyberedlikecrimson,theyshallbeaswool."Orthis,"TheSpiritandtheBridesay,Come,andlethimthatis athirst come, andwhosoeverwill let him take thewaterof life freely."Our Master's field is very rich; behold the handfuls. See, there they liebeforethee,poortimidbeliever!Gatherthemup,makethemthineown,forJesusbids thee take them.Benot afraid, onlybelieve!Grasp these sweetpromises,threshthemoutbymeditationandfeedonthemwithjoy.

Thisevening'sverse:

ThoucrownesttheyearwithThygoodness.-Psalm65:11

All theyear round, everyhourof everyday,God is richlyblessingus;bothwhenwesleepandwhenwewakeHismercywaitsuponus.Thesunmayleaveusalegacyofdarkness,butourGodneverceasestoshineuponHischildrenwithbeamsoflove.Likeariver,Hislovingkindnessisalwaysflowing, with a fulness inexhaustible as His own nature. Like theatmospherewhich constantly surrounds the earth, and is always ready tosupportthelifeofman,thebenevolenceofGodsurroundsallHiscreatures;init,asintheirelement,theylive,andmove,andhavetheirbeing.Yetasthe sun on summer days gladdens us with beamsmorewarm and brightthanatothertimes,andasriversareatcertainseasonsswollenbytherain,and as the atmosphere itself is sometimes fraughtwithmore fresh,morebracing,ormorebalmyinfluencesthanheretofore,sois itwiththemercyof God; it hath its golden hours; its days of overflow, when the LordmagnifiethHisgracebeforethesonsofmen.Amongsttheblessingsofthenethersprings,thejoyousdaysofharvestareaspecialseasonofexcessivefavour. It is thegloryofautumn that the ripegiftsofprovidenceare thenabundantly bestowed; it is the mellow season of realization, whereas allbeforewasbuthopeandexpectation.Greatisthejoyofharvest.Happyarethe reaperswhofill theirarmswith the liberalityofheaven.ThePsalmisttellsusthattheharvestisthecrowningoftheyear.Surelythesecrowningmercies call for crowning thanksgiving! Let us render it by the inwardemotionsofgratitude.Letourheartsbewarmed;letourspiritsremember,meditate,andthinkuponthisgoodnessoftheLord.ThenletuspraiseHimwithour lips,andlaudandmagnifyHisnamefromwhosebountyall thisgoodness flows.Let us glorifyGodbyyieldingour gifts toHis cause.Apracticalproofofourgratitudeisaspecialthank-offeringtotheLordoftheharvest.

A u g u s t 2

Thismorning'sverse:

WhoworkethallthingsafterthecounselofHisownwill.-Ephesians1:11

Our belief in God's wisdom supposes and necessitates that He has asettledpurposeandplanintheworkofsalvation.Whatwouldcreationhavebeenwithout His design? Is there a fish in the sea, or a fowl in the air,whichwas left tochancefor its formation?Nay, ineverybone, joint,andmuscle, sinew, gland, and blood-vessel, youmark the presence of aGodworkingeverythingaccording to thedesignof infinitewisdom.AndshallGodbepresentincreation,rulingoverall,andnotingrace?Shallthenewcreationhave the ficklegeniusof freewill topresideover itwhendivinecounselrulestheoldcreation?LookatProvidence!WhoknowethnotthatnotasparrowfallethtothegroundwithoutyourFather?Eventhehairsofyour head are all numbered. God weighs the mountains of our grief inscales,andthehillsofourtribulationinbalances.AndshalltherebeaGodinprovidenceandnotingrace?Shalltheshellbeordainedbywisdomandthe kernel be left to blind chance. No; He knows the end from thebeginning. He sees in its appointed place, not merely the corner-stonewhich He has laid in fair colours, in the blood of His dear Son, but Hebeholdsintheirordainedpositioneachofthechosenstonestakenoutofthequarryofnature,andpolishedbyHisgrace;Heseesthewholefromcornertocornice,frombasetoroof,fromfoundationtopinnacle.HehathinHismindaclearknowledgeofeverystonewhichshallbe laid in itspreparedspace, andhowvast the edifice shall be, andwhen the top-stone shall bebroughtforthwithshoutingsof"Grace!Grace!untoit."Atthelastitshallbe clearly seen that in every chosen vessel ofmercy, Jehovah did asHewilled with His own; and that in every part of the work of grace HeaccomplishedHispurpose,andglorifiedHisownname.

Thisevening'sverse:

Soshegleanedinthefielduntileven.-Ruth2:17</p>

LetmelearnfromRuth,thegleaner.Asshewentouttogathertheearsofcorn,somustIgoforthintothefieldsofprayer,meditation,theordinances,and hearing the word to gather spiritual food. The gleaner gathers herportion ear by ear; her gains are little by little: so must I be content tosearch for single truths, if there be no greater plenty of them. Every earhelpstomakeabundle,andeverygospellessonassistsinmakinguswiseuntosalvation.Thegleanerkeepshereyesopen:ifshestumbledamongthestubble in a dream, shewould have no load to carry home rejoicingly ateventide. I must be watchful in religious exercises lest they becomeunprofitabletome;IfearIhavelostmuchalready—OthatImayrightlyestimate my opportunities, and glean with greater diligence. The gleanerstoopsforallshefinds,andsomustI.Highspiritscriticizeandobject,butlowly minds glean and receive benefit. A humble heart is a great helptowards profitably hearing the gospel. The engrafted soul-savingword isnotreceivedexceptwithmeekness.Astiffbackmakesabadgleaner;down,masterpride,thouartavilerobber,nottobeenduredforamoment.Whatthe gleaner gathers she holds: if she dropped one ear to find another, theresultofherday'sworkwouldbebutscant;sheisascarefultoretainastoobtain, and so at last hergains aregreat.Howoftendo I forget all that Ihear; thesecond truthpushes thefirstoutofmyhead,andsomyreadingandhearingendinmuchadoaboutnothing!DoIfeeldulytheimportanceofstoringupthetruth?Ahungrybellymakesthegleanerwise;iftherebenocorninherhand,therewillbenobreadonhertable;shelaboursunderthesenseofnecessity,andhencehertreadisnimbleandhergraspisfirm;Ihaveevenagreaternecessity,Lord,helpmetofeelit,thatitmayurgemeonwardtogleaninfieldswhichyieldsoplenteousarewardtodiligence.

A u g u s t 3

Thismorning'sverse:

TheLambisthelightthereof.-Revelation21:23

QuietlycontemplatetheLambasthelightofheaven.LightinScriptureistheemblemofjoy.Thejoyofthesaintsinheaveniscomprisedinthis:Jesuschoseus,lovedus,boughtus,cleansedus,robedus,keptus,glorifiedus:wearehereentirelythroughtheLordJesus.Eachoneofthesethoughtsshall be to them like a cluster of the grapes of Eshcol. Light is also thecauseofbeauty.Noughtofbeautyisleftwhenlightisgone.Withoutlightnoradianceflashesfromthesapphire,nopeacefulrayproceedethfromthepearl; and thus all the beauty of the saints above comes from Jesus. Asplanets, they reflect the light of the Sun of Righteousness; they live asbeamsproceeding from the central orb. IfHewithdrew, theymustdie; ifHisglorywereveiled,theirglorymustexpire.Lightisalsotheemblemofknowledge. In heaven our knowledgewill be perfect, but the Lord JesusHimself will be the fountain of it. Dark providences, never understoodbefore,will thenbeclearlyseen,andall thatpuzzlesusnowwillbecomeplaintousinthelightoftheLamb.Oh!whatunfoldingstherewillbeandwhatglorifyingoftheGodoflove!Lightalsomeansmanifestation.Lightmanifests. In this world it doth not yet appear what we shall be. God'speople are a hidden people, but when Christ receives His people intoheaven,Hewill touch themwith thewand ofHis own love, and changethemintotheimageofHismanifestedglory.Theywerepoorandwretched,butwhatatransformation!Theywerestainedwithsin,butonetouchofHisfinger, and they are bright as the sun, and clear as crystal. Oh! what amanifestation! All this proceeds from the exalted Lamb.Whatever theremaybeofeffulgentsplendour,Jesusshallbe thecentreandsoulof itall.Oh!tobepresentandtoseeHiminHisownlight,theKingofkings,andLordoflords!

Thisevening'sverse:

ButasHewent.-Luke8:42

Jesus is passing through the throng to the house of Jairus, to raise theruler's dead daughter; but He is so profuse in goodness that He worksanothermiraclewhileupontheroad.WhileyetthisrodofAaronbearstheblossom of an unaccomplished wonder, it yields the ripe almonds of aperfectworkofmercy. It isenoughforus, ifwehavesomeonepurpose,straightway to go and accomplish it; it were imprudent to expend ourenergies by the way. Hastening to the rescue of a drowning friend, wecannot afford to exhaust our strength upon another in like danger. It isenoughforatreetoyieldonesortoffruit,andforamantofulfilhisownpeculiar calling.ButourMasterknowsno limit ofpowerorboundaryofmission.Heissoprolificofgrace,thatlikethesunwhichshinesasitrollsonward in itsorbit,Hispath is radiantwith lovingkindness.He isa swiftarrowoflove,whichnotonlyreachesitsordainedtarget,butperfumestheair throughwhich it flies.Virtue isevermoregoingoutofJesus,assweetodoursexhalefromflowers;anditalwayswillbeemanatingfromHim,aswaterfromasparklingfountain.Whatdelightfulencouragement this truthaffordsus!IfourLordissoreadytohealthesickandblesstheneedy,then,mysoul,benotthouslowtoputthyselfinHisway,thatHemaysmileonthee. Be not slack in asking, if He be so abundant in bestowing. Giveearnest heed to His word now, and at all times, that Jesus may speakthroughittothyheart.WhereHeistobefoundtheremakethyresort,thatthoumayst obtainHis blessing.WhenHe is present to heal,mayHe nothealthee?ButsurelyHeispresentevennow,forHealwayscomestoheartswhichneedHim.AnddostnotthouneedHim?Ah,Heknowshowmuch!ThouSonofDavid,turnThineeyeandlookuponthedistresswhichisnowbeforeThee,andmakeThysuppliantwhole.

A u g u s t 4

Thismorning'sverse:

ThepeoplethatdoknowtheirGodshallbestrong.-Daniel11:32

EverybelieverunderstandsthattoknowGodisthehighestandbestformof knowledge; and this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to theChristian.Itstrengthenshisfaith.BelieversareconstantlyspokenofintheScriptures as being persons who are enlightened and taught of the Lord;theyaresaidto"haveanunctionfromtheHolyOne,"anditistheSpirit'speculiaroffice to leadthemintoall truth,andall thisfor the increaseandthe fostering of their faith.Knowledge strengthens love, aswell as faith.Knowledgeopensthedoor,andthenthroughthatdoorweseeourSaviour.Or, to use another similitude, knowledge paints the portrait of Jesus, andwhenweseethatportraitthenweloveHim,wecannotloveaChristwhomwe do not know, at least, in some degree. If we know but little of theexcellencesofJesus,whatHehasdoneforus,andwhatHeisdoingnow,wecannotloveHimmuch;butthemoreweknowHim,themoreweshallloveHim.Knowledgealsostrengthenshope.Howcanwehopeforathingifwedonotknowofitsexistence?Hopemaybethetelescope,buttillwereceive instruction, our ignorance stands in the frontof theglass, andwecanseenothingwhatever;knowledge removes the interposingobject,andwhen we look through the bright optic glass we discern the glory to berevealed,andanticipate itwith joyousconfidence.Knowledgesuppliesusreasons for patience. How shall we have patience unless we knowsomethingofthesympathyofChrist,andunderstandthegoodwhichistocome out of the correction which our heavenly Father sends us? Nor isthere one single grace of the Christian which, under God, will not befostered and brought to perfection by holy knowledge. How important,then,isitthatweshouldgrownotonlyingrace,butinthe"knowledge"ofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist.

Thisevening'sverse:

I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all thelaboursofyourhands.-Haggai2:17

Howdestructiveisthehailtothestandingcrops,beatingoutthepreciousgrain upon the ground! How grateful ought we to be when the corn isspared so terrible a ruin! Let us offer unto the Lord thanksgiving. Evenmoretobedreadedarethosemysteriousdestroyers—smut,bunt,rust,andmildew.Theseturntheearintoamassofsoot,orrenderitputrid,ordryupthegrain,andallinamannersobeyondallhumancontrolthatthefarmeriscompelled to cry, "This is the finger ofGod." Innumerableminute fungicausethemischief,andwereitnotforthegoodnessofGod,theriderontheblackhorsewouldsoonscatterfamineovertheland.Infinitemercysparesthefoodofmen,butinviewoftheactiveagentswhicharereadytodestroytheharvest,rightwiselyarewetaughttopray,"Giveusthisdayourdailybread."Thecurseisabroad;wehaveconstantneedoftheblessing.Whenblightandmildewcometheyarechastisementsfromheaven,andmenmustlearntoheartherod,andHimthathathappointedit.

Spiritually, mildew is no uncommon evil. When our work is mostpromising this blight appears.Wehoped formany conversions, and lo! ageneral apathy, an abounding worldliness, or a cruel hardness of heart!Theremaybenoopensininthoseforwhomwearelabouring,butthereisadeficiencyof sincerityanddecisionsadlydisappointingourdesires.WelearnfromthisourdependenceupontheLord,andtheneedofprayerthatnoblightmay falluponourwork.Spiritualprideor slothwill soonbringuponusthedreadfulevil,andonlytheLordof theharvestcanremoveit.Mildew may even attack our own hearts, and shrivel our prayers andreligiousexercises.MayitpleasethegreatHusbandmantoavertsoseriousacalamity.Shine,blessedSunofRighteousness,anddrivetheblightsaway.

A u g u s t 5

Thismorning'sverse:

WeknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod.-Romans8:28

Uponsomepointsabelieverisabsolutelysure.Heknows,forinstance,that God sits in the stern-sheets of the vessel when it rocks most. Hebelieves that an invisible hand is always on the world's tiller, and thatwherever providence may drift, Jehovah steers it. That re-assuringknowledge prepares him for everything.He looks over the ragingwatersandseesthespiritofJesustreadingthebillows,andhehearsavoicesaying,"ItisI,benotafraid."HeknowstoothatGodisalwayswise,and,knowingthis,heisconfidentthattherecanbenoaccidents,nomistakes;thatnothingcanoccurwhichoughtnottoarise.Hecansay,"IfIshouldloseallIhave,itisbetterthatIshouldlosethanhave,ifGodsowills:theworstcalamityisthewisestandthekindestthingthatcouldbefalltomeifGodordainsit.""Weknow that all thingswork together forgood to them that loveGod."TheChristiandoesnotmerelyhold this asa theory,butheknows it asamatteroffact.Everythinghasworkedforgoodasyet;thepoisonousdrugsmixedinfitproportionshaveworkedthecure;thesharpcutsofthelancethavecleansedouttheproudfleshandfacilitatedthehealing.Everyeventasyethasworkedoutthemostdivinelyblessedresults;andso,believingthatGodrulesall, thatHegovernswisely, thatHebringsgoodoutofevil, thebeliever'sheartisassured,andheisenabledcalmlytomeeteachtrialasitcomes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, "Sendmewhatthouwilt,myGod,solongasitcomesfromThee;nevercamethereanillportionfromThytabletoanyofThychildren."

"Saynotmysoul,'FromwhencecanGodrelievemycare?RememberthatOmnipotencehasservantseverywhere.Hismethodissublime,Hisheartprofoundlykind,GodneverisbeforeHistime,andneverisbehind.'"

Thisevening'sverse:

Shallyourbrethrengotowar,andshallyesithere?-Numbers32:6

Kindred has its obligations. The Reubenites and Gadites would havebeenunbrotherly if theyhadclaimed the landwhichhadbeenconquered,andhadlefttherestofthepeopletofightfortheirportionsalone.Wehavereceivedmuchbymeansoftheeffortsandsufferingsofthesaintsinyearsgone by, and if we do notmake some return to the church of Christ bygivingherourbestenergies,weareunworthytobeenrolledinherranks.Others are combating the errors of the age manfully, or excavatingperishingonesfromamidtheruinsofthefall,andifwefoldourhandsinidlenesswehadneedbewarned,lestthecurseofMerozfalluponus.TheMasterofthevineyardsaith,"Whystandyehereallthedayidle?"Whatistheidler'sexcuse?PersonalserviceofJesusbecomesallthemorethedutyofallbecauseitischeerfullyandabundantlyrenderedbysome.Thetoilsofdevoted missionaries and fervent ministers shame us if we sit still inindolence.ShrinkingfromtrialisthetemptationofthosewhoareateaseinZion:theywouldfainescapethecrossandyetwearthecrown;tothemthequestion for this evening's meditation is very applicable. If the mostpreciousaretriedinthefire,arewetoescapethecrucible?Ifthediamondmust be vexed upon the wheel, are we to be made perfect withoutsuffering?Whohathcommandedthewindtoceasefromblowingbecauseour bark is on the deep?Why andwherefore shouldwe be treated betterthan our Lord? The firstborn felt the rod, and why not the youngerbrethren?Itisacowardlypridewhichwouldchooseadownypillowandasilken couch for a soldier of the cross. Wiser far is he who, being firstresigned to thedivinewill, growethby the energyof grace tobepleasedwithit,andsolearnstogatherliliesatthecrossfoot,and,likeSamson,tofindhoneyinthelion.

A u g u s t 6

Thismorning'sverse:

Watchman,whatofthenight?-Isaiah21:11

What enemies are abroad?Errors are a numeroushorde, andnewonesappeareveryhour:againstwhatheresyamItobeonmyguard?Sinscreepfrom their lurkingplaceswhen the darkness reigns; Imustmyselfmountthewatch-tower,andwatchuntoprayer.OurheavenlyProtectorforeseesalltheattackswhichareabout tobemadeuponus,andwhenasyet theevildesignedusisbutinthedesireofSatan,Hepraysforusthatourfaithfailnot, when we are sifted as wheat. Continue O gracious Watchman, toforewarnusofourfoes,andforZion'ssakeholdnotthypeace.

"Watchman,whatofthenight?"WhatweatheriscomingfortheChurch?Arethecloudslowering,orisitallclearandfairoverhead?Wemustcarefor the Church of God with anxious love; and now that Popery andinfidelity are both threatening, let us observe the signs of the times andprepareforconflict.

"Watchman,what of the night?"What stars are visible?What preciouspromises suit our present case? You sound the alarm, give us theconsolationalso.Christ,thepolestar,iseverfixedinHisplace,andallthestarsaresecureintherighthandoftheirLord.

Butwatchman,whencomes themorning?TheBridegroom tarries.AretherenosignsofHiscomingforthastheSunofRighteousness?Hasnotthemorningstararisenasthepledgeofday?Whenwillthedaydawn,andtheshadows flee away?O Jesus, ifThou comenot in person toThywaitingChurchthisday,yetcomeinSpirittomysighingheart,andmakeitsingforjoy.

"NowalltheearthisbrightandgladWiththefreshmorn;Butallmyheartiscold,anddarkandsad:Sunofthesoul,letmebeholdThydawn!Come,Jesus,Lord,

Oquicklycome,accordingtoThyword."

Thisevening'sverse:

LetthewholeearthbefilledwithHisglory;Amen,andAmen.-Psalm72:19

This isa largepetition.Tointercedeforawholecityneedsastretchoffaith,andthereare timeswhenaprayerforonemanisenoughtostaggerus. But how far-reaching was the psalmist's dying intercession! Howcomprehensive! How sublime! "Let the whole earth be filled with Hisglory."Itdothnotexemptasinglecountryhowevercrushedbythefootofsuperstition;itdothnotexcludeasinglenationhoweverbarbarous.Forthecannibalaswellasforthecivilized,forallclimesandracesthisprayerisuttered: thewholecircleof theearth itencompasses,andomitsnosonofAdam.Wemust be up and doing for ourMaster, or we cannot honestlyoffersuchaprayer.Thepetitionisnotaskedwithasincereheartunlessweendeavour,asGodshallhelpus,toextendthekingdomofourMaster.Aretherenotsomewhoneglectbothtopleadandtolabour?Reader,isityourprayer? Turn your eyes to Calvary. Behold the Lord of Life nailed to across,withthethorn-crownaboutHisbrow,withbleedinghead,andhands,andfeet.What!canyoulookuponthismiracleofmiracles,thedeathoftheSonofGod,withoutfeelingwithinyourbosomamarvellousadorationthatlanguagenevercanexpress?Andwhenyoufeelthebloodappliedtoyourconscience,andknowthatHehasblottedoutyoursins,youarenotamanunlessyoustartfromyourkneesandcry,"LetthewholeearthbefilledwithHisglory;Amen,andAmen."CanyoubowbeforetheCrucifiedinlovinghomage, and notwish to see yourMonarchmaster of theworld?Out onyouifyoucanpretend to loveyourPrince,anddesirenot toseeHimtheuniversalruler.Yourpietyisworthlessunlessitleadsyoutowishthatthesamemercywhichhasbeenextended toyoumaybless thewholeworld.Lord,itisharvest-time,putinThysickleandreap.

A u g u s t 7

Thismorning'sverse:

TheuprightloveThee-Song1:4

BelieversloveJesuswithadeeperaffectionthentheydaretogivetoanyother being. They would sooner lose father and mother then part withChrist.Theyholdallearthlycomfortswithaloosehand,buttheycarryHimfastlockedintheirbosoms.TheyvoluntarilydenythemselvesforHissake,buttheyarenottobedriventodenyHim.Itisscantlovewhichthefireofpersecutioncandryup;thetruebeliever'sloveisadeeperstreamthanthis.Men have laboured to divide the faithful from their Master, but theirattemptshavebeen fruitless ineveryage.Neithercrownsofhonour,nowfrownsofanger,haveuntiedthismorethanGordianknot.Thisisnoevery-day attachment which the world's powermay at length dissolve. Neithermannordevilhavefoundakeywhichopensthislock.NeverhasthecraftofSatanbeenmoreatfaultthanwhenhehasexerciseditinseekingtorendinsunderthisunionoftwodivinelyweldedhearts.Itiswritten,andnothingcanblotoutthesentence,"TheuprightloveThee."Theintensityoftheloveoftheupright,however,isnotsomuchtobejudgedbywhatitappearsasby what the upright long for. It is our daily lament that we cannot loveenough.Wouldthatourheartswerecapableofholdingmore,andreachingfurther.LikeSamuelRutherford,wesighandcry,"Oh,forasmuchloveaswould go round about the earth, and over heaven— yea, the heaven ofheavens,andtenthousandworlds—thatImightletalloutuponfair,fair,only fair Christ." Alas! our longest reach is but a span of love, and ouraffectionisbutasadropofabucketcomparedwithHisdeserts.Measureourlovebyourintentions,anditishighindeed;'tisthus,wetrust,ourLorddothjudgeofit.Oh,thatwecouldgivealltheloveinallheartsinonegreatmass,agatheringtogetherofalllovestoHimwhoisaltogetherlovely!

Thisevening'sverse:

Satanhinderedus.-1Thessalonians2:18

Sincethefirsthourinwhichgoodnesscameintoconflictwithevil,ithasneverceasedtobetrueinspiritualexperience,thatSatanhindersus.Fromallpointsofthecompass,allalongthelineofbattle,inthevanguardandintherear,at thedawnofdayandinthemidnighthour,Satanhindersus.Ifwetoilinthefield,heseekstobreaktheploughshare;ifwebuildthewall,helabourstocastdownthestones;ifwewouldserveGodinsufferingorinconflict—everywhereSatanhindersus.Hehindersuswhenweare firstcoming to JesusChrist.FierceconflictswehadwithSatanwhenwe firstlooked to the cross and lived. Now that we are saved, he endeavours tohinder the completeness of our personal character. You may becongratulatingyourself, "I have hithertowalked consistently; noman canchallenge my integrity." Beware of boasting, for your virtue will yet betried;Satanwilldirecthisenginesagainstthatveryvirtueforwhichyouarethemostfamous.Ifyouhavebeenhithertoafirmbeliever,yourfaithwillerelongbeattacked;ifyouhavebeenmeekasMoses,expecttobetemptedtospeakunadvisedlywithyourlips.Thebirdswillpeckatyourripestfruit,andthewildboarwilldashhistusksatyourchoicestvines.Satanissuretohinder uswhenwe are earnest in prayer.He checks our importunity, andweakensourfaithinorderthat,ifpossible,wemaymisstheblessing.Noris Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never arevivalofreligionwithoutarevivalofhisopposition.AssoonasEzraandNehemiah begin to labour, Sanballat and Tobiah are stirred up to hinderthem.Whatthen?WearenotalarmedbecauseSatanhinderethus,foritisaproofthatweareontheLord'sside,andaredoingtheLord'swork,andinHisstrengthweshallwinthevictory,andtriumphoverouradversary.

A u g u s t 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Theyweavethespider'sweb.-Isaiah59:5

See the spider'sweb, and behold in it amost suggestive picture of thehypocrite'sreligion.Itismeanttocatchhisprey:thespiderfattenshimselfon flies, and the Pharisee has his reward. Foolish persons are easilyentrapped by the loud professions of pretenders, and even the morejudicious cannot always escape. Philip baptized Simon Magus, whoseguileful declaration of faithwas so soon explodedby the stern rebuke ofPeter. Custom, reputation, praise, advancement, and other flies, are thesmallgamewhichhypocritestakeintheirnets.Aspider'swebisamarvelofskill:lookatitandadmirethecunninghunter'swiles.Isnotadeceiver'sreligionequallywonderful?Howdoeshemakesobarefacedalieappeartobeatruth?Howcanhemakehistinselanswersowellthepurposeofgold?Aspider'swebcomesallfromthecreature'sownbowels.Thebeegathersherwaxfromflowers,thespidersucksnoflowers,andyetshespinsouthermaterialtoanylength.Evensohypocritesfindtheirtrustandhopewithinthemselves; their anchor was forged on their own anvil, and their cabletwistedbytheirownhands.Theylaytheirownfoundation,andhewoutthepillarsoftheirownhouse,disdainingtobedebtorstothesovereigngraceofGod. But a spider's web is very frail. It is curiously wrought, but notenduringly manufactured. It is no match for the servant's broom, or thetraveller'sstaff.ThehypocriteneedsnobatteryofArmstrongstoblowhishope topieces, amerepuffofwindwilldo it.Hypocritical cobwebswillsooncomedownwhenthebesomofdestructionbeginsitspurifyingwork.Whichremindsusofonemorethought,viz.,thatsuchcobwebsarenottobeendured in theLord'shouse:Hewill see to it that theyand thosewhospin them shall be destroyed for ever. O my soul, be thou resting onsomething better than a spider's web. Be the Lord Jesus thine eternalhiding-place.

Thisevening'sverse:

Allthingsarepossibletohimthatbelieveth.-Mark9:23

Many professed Christians are always doubting and fearing, and theyforlornlythinkthatthisisthenecessarystateofbelievers.Thisisamistake,for"allthingsarepossibletohimthatbelieveth";anditispossibleforustomount into a state in which a doubt or a fear shall be but as a bird ofpassageflittingacrossthesoul,butneverlingeringthere.Whenyoureadofthehighandsweetcommunionsenjoyedbyfavouredsaints,yousighandmurmur in the chamber of your heart, "Alas! these are not for me." Oclimber,ifthouhastbutfaith,thoushaltyetstanduponthesunnypinnacleofthetemple,for"allthingsarepossibletohimthatbelieveth."Youhearofexploitswhichholymenhavedone for Jesus;what theyhave enjoyedofHim; how much they have been like Him; how they have been able toenduregreatpersecutionsforHissake;andyousay,"Ah!asforme,Iambutaworm;Icanneverattaintothis."Butthereisnothingwhichonesaintwas,thatyoumaynotbe.Thereisnoelevationofgrace,noattainmentofspirituality,noclearnessofassurance,nopostofduty,whichisnotopentoyou if you have but the power to believe. Lay aside your sackcloth andashes, and rise to thedignityofyour trueposition;youare little in Israelbecauseyouwillbe so,notbecause there is anynecessity for it. It isnotmeetthatthoushouldstgrovelinthedust,OchildofaKing.Ascend!Thegolden throneof assurance iswaiting for you!The crownof communionwithJesusisreadytobedeckyourbrow.Wrapyourselfinscarletandfinelinen,andfaresumptuouslyeveryday;forifthoubelievest,thoumaysteatthefatofkidneysofwheat; thy landshall flowwithmilkandhoney,andthy soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness. Gather goldensheavesofgrace, for theyawait thee in thefieldsof faith."All thingsarepossibletohimthatbelieveth."

A u g u s t 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Thecityhathnoneedofthesun,neitherofthemoon,toshineinit.-Revelation21:23

Yonderinthebetterworld,theinhabitantsareindependentofallcreaturecomforts.Theyhavenoneedofraiment;theirwhiterobesneverwearout,neithershalltheyeverbedefiled.Theyneednomedicinetohealdiseases,"for the inhabitantshallnotsay,Iamsick."Theyneednosleeptorecruittheirframes—theyrestnotdaynornight,butunweariedlypraiseHiminHis temple. They need no social relationship to minister comfort, andwhateverhappinesstheymayderivefromassociationwiththeirfellowsisnotessentialtotheirbliss,fortheirLord'ssocietyisenoughfortheirlargestdesires. They need no teachers there; they doubtless commune with oneanotherconcerningthethingsofGod,buttheydonotrequirethisbywayofinstruction; they shall all be taught of theLord.Ours are the alms at theking'sgate,buttheyfeastatthetableitself.Hereweleanuponthefriendlyarm,buttheretheyleanupontheirBelovedanduponHimalone.Herewemusthavethehelpofourcompanions,buttheretheyfindalltheywantinChristJesus.Herewelooktothemeatwhichperisheth,andtotheraimentwhichdecaysbefore themoth,but there they findeverything inGod.Weusethebuckettofetchuswaterfromthewell,buttheretheydrinkfromthefountainhead,andputtheirlipsdowntothelivingwater.Heretheangelsbring us blessings, but we shall want no messengers from heaven then.TheyshallneednoGabriels there tobring their love-notes fromGod, fortheretheyshallseeHimfacetoface.Oh!whatablessedtimeshallthatbewhenweshallhavemountedaboveeverysecondcauseandshallrestuponthe bare arm of God! What a glorious hour when God, and not Hiscreatures; theLord, and notHisworks, shall be our daily joy!Our soulsshallthenhaveattainedtheperfectionofbliss.

Thisevening'sverse:

HeappearedfirsttoMaryMagdalene,outofwhomHehadcastsevendevils.-Mark16:9

MaryofMagdalawasthevictimofafearfulevil.Shewaspossessedbynotonedevilonly,butseven.Thesedreadfulinmatescausedmuchpainandpollutiontothepoorframeinwhichtheyhadfoundalodging.Herswasahopeless,horriblecase.Shecouldnothelpherself,neithercouldanyhumansuccouravail.ButJesuspassedthatway,andunsought,andprobablyevenresistedbythepoordemoniac,Heutteredthewordofpower,andMaryofMagdala became a trophy of the healing power of Jesus. All the sevendemonslefther,lefthernevertoreturn,forciblyejectedbytheLordofall.What a blessed deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium todelight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven! Straightway shebecame a constant follower of Jesus, catchingHis everyword, followingHis devious steps, sharing His toilsome life; and withal she became Hisgeneroushelper,firstamongthatbandofhealedandgratefulwomenwhoministered unto Him of their substance. When Jesus was lifted up incrucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame: we find her firstbeholding from afar, and then drawing near to the foot of the cross. ShecouldnotdieonthecrosswithJesus,butshestoodasnearitasshecould,andwhenHisblessedbodywastakendown,shewatchedtoseehowandwhere it was laid. Shewas the faithful andwatchful believer, last at thesepulchrewhere Jesus slept, first at thegravewhenceHearose.HerholyfidelitymadeherafavouredbeholderofherbelovedRabboni,whodeignedtocallherbyhername,andtomakeherHismessengerofgoodnewstothetremblingdisciplesandPeter.Thusgracefoundheramaniacandmadeheraminister,castoutdevilsandgavehertobeholdangels,deliveredherfromSatan, and united her for ever to the Lord Jesus. May I also be such amiracleofgrace!

A u g u s t 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Christ,whoisourlife.-Colossians3:4

Paul'smarvellouslyrichexpressionindicates,thatChrististhesourceofour life. "YouhathHequickenedwhowere dead in trespasses and sins."That same voice which brought Lazarus out of the tomb raised us tonewnessoflife.Heisnowthesubstanceofourspirituallife.ItisbyHislifethatwe live;He is inus, thehopeofglory, the springofouractions, thecentral thoughtwhichmoveseveryother thought.Christ is thesustenanceof our life.What can theChristian feeduponbut Jesus' flesh andblood?"This is the breadwhich cometh down fromheaven, that amanmay eatthereof, and not die."Owayworn pilgrims in thiswilderness of sin, younevergetamorseltosatisfythehungerofyourspirits,exceptyefinditinHim!Christisthesolaceofourlife.AllourtruejoyscomefromHim;andintimesoftrouble,Hispresenceisourconsolation.ThereisnothingworthlivingforbutHim;andHislovingkindnessisbetterthanlife!Christistheobjectofourlife.Asspeedstheshiptowardstheport,sohastesthebelievertowardsthehavenofhisSaviour'sbosom.Asfliesthearrowtoitsgoal,soflies the Christian towards the perfecting of his fellowship with ChristJesus.Asthesoldierfightsforhiscaptain,andiscrownedinhiscaptain'svictory,sothebelievercontendsforChrist,andgetshistriumphoutofthetriumphsofhisMaster."ForhimtoliveisChrist."Christistheexemplarofourlife.Wherethereisthesamelifewithin,therewill,theremustbe,toagreat extent, the same developments without; and if we live in nearfellowshipwith theLordJesusweshallgrowlikeHim.WeshallsetHimbeforeusasourDivinecopy,andweshall seek to tread inHis footsteps,untilHe shall become the crownof our life in glory.Oh! how safe, howhonoured,howhappyistheChristian,sinceChristisourlife!

Thisevening'sverse:

TheSonofManhathpoweronearthtoforgivesins.-Matthew9:6

Behold one of the great Physician's mightiest arts: He has power toforgivesin!WhilehereHelivedbelow,before theransomhadbeenpaid,before the blood had been literally sprinkled on the mercy-seat, He hadpower to forgive sin.HathHenotpower todo itnow thatHehathdied?Whatpowermustdwell inHimwho to theutmost farthinghas faithfullydischarged thedebtsofHispeople!HehasboundlesspowernowthatHehasfinishedtransgressionandmadeanendofsin.Ifyedoubtit,seeHimrisingfromthedead!beholdHiminascendingsplendourraisedtotherighthandofGod!HearHimpleadingbeforetheeternalFather,pointingtoHiswounds,urgingthemeritofHissacredpassion!Whatpowertoforgiveishere! "He hath ascended on high, and received gifts for men." "He isexalted on high to give repentance and remission of sins." The mostcrimson sins are removed by the crimson ofHis blood.At thismoment,dearreader,whateverthysinfulness,Christhaspowertopardon,powertopardon thee, andmillions such as thou art.Awordwill speak it.He hasnothingmoretodotowinthypardon;alltheatoningworkisdone.Hecan,inanswer to thy tears, forgive thy sins today, andmake theeknow it.Hecan breathe into thy soul at this very moment a peace with God whichpassethallunderstanding,whichshallspringfromperfectremissionofthymanifoldiniquities.Dostthoubelievethat?Itrustthoubelievestit.Maystthou experiencenow thepowerof Jesus to forgive sin!Wasteno time inapplyingtothePhysicianofsouls,buthastentoHimwithwordslikethese:—

"Jesus!Master!hearmycry;Saveme,healmewithaword;FaintingatThyfeetIlie,Thoumywhisper'dplainthastheard."

A u g u s t 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

OhthatIwereasinmonthspast.-Job29:2

Numbers ofChristians can view the pastwith pleasure, but regard thepresentwithdissatisfaction;theylookbackuponthedayswhichtheyhavepassedincommuningwiththeLordasbeingthesweetestandthebesttheyhaveeverknown,butastothepresent, it iscladinasablegarbofgloomanddreariness.Once they livednear toJesus,butnowthey feel that theyhavewanderedfromHim,andtheysay,"OthatIwereasinmonthspast!"They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they have notpresent peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means ofgrace,orthatconscienceisnotsotender,orthattheyhavenotsomuchzealforGod'sglory.Thecausesofthismournfulstateofthingsaremanifold.Itmayarisethroughacomparativeneglectofprayer,foraneglectedclosetisthebeginningofallspiritualdecline.Oritmaybetheresultofidolatry.Theheart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; theaffections have been set on the things of earth, instead of the things ofheaven.AjealousGodwillnotbecontentwithadividedheart;Hemustbelovedfirstandbest.HewillwithdrawthesunshineofHispresencefromacold,wanderingheart.Or the causemaybe found in self-confidence andself-righteousness.Prideisbusyintheheart,andselfisexaltedinsteadoflyinglowatthefootofthecross.Christian,ifyouarenotnowasyou"wereinmonths past," do not rest satisfiedwithwishing for a return of formerhappiness,butgoatoncetoseekyourMaster,andtellHimyoursadstate.AskHis grace and strength to help you towalkmore closelywithHim;humbleyourselfbeforeHim,andHewillliftyouup,andgiveyouyetagaintoenjoythelightofHiscountenance.Donotsitdowntosighandlament;whilethebelovedPhysicianlivesthereishope,naythereisacertaintyofrecoveryfortheworstcases.

Thisevening'sverse:

Everlastingconsolation.-2Thessalonians2:16

"Consolation."There ismusic in theword: likeDavid'sharp, itcharmsaway the evil spirit of melancholy. It was a distinguished I honour toBarnabas to be called "the son of consolation"; nay, it is one of theillustrious names of a greater than Barnabas, for the Lord Jesus is "theconsolationofIsrael.""Everlastingconsolation"—hereisthecreamofall,for the eternity of comfort is the crown and glory of it. What is this"everlastingconsolation"?It includesasenseofpardonedsin.AChristianmanhasreceivedinhisheartthewitnessoftheSpiritthathisiniquitiesareput away like a cloud, andhis transgressions like a thick cloud. If sinbepardoned, isnot thataneverlastingconsolation?Next, theLordgivesHispeopleanabidingsenseofacceptanceinChrist.TheChristianknowsthatGod looks upon him as standing in unionwith Jesus.Union to the risenLord is a consolationof themost abidingorder; it is, in fact, everlasting.Letsicknessprostrateus,havewenotseenhundredsofbelieversashappyintheweaknessofdiseaseastheywouldhavebeeninthestrengthofhaleandbloominghealth?Letdeath'sarrowspierceustotheheart,ourcomfortdiesnot, forhavenotourears fulloftenheard thesongsofsaintsas theyhaverejoicedbecausethelivingloveofGodwasshedabroadintheirheartsin dying moments? Yes, a sense of acceptance in the Beloved is aneverlasting consolation. Moreover, the Christian has a conviction of hissecurity.GodhaspromisedtosavethosewhotrustinChrist:theChristiandoestrustinChrist,andhebelievesthatGodwillbeasgoodasHisword,andwillsavehim.HefeelsthatheissafebyvirtueofhisbeingboundupwiththepersonandworkofJesus.

A u g u s t 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

TheLordreigneth,lettheearthrejoice.-Psalm97:1

Causesfordisquietudetherearenonesolongasthisblessedsentenceistrue.OnearththeLord'spowerasreadilycontrolstherageofthewickedastherageofthesea;Hisloveaseasilyrefreshesthepoorwithmercyastheearthwith showers.Majesty gleams in flashes of fire amid the tempest'shorrors, and the glory of the Lord is seen in its grandeur in the fall ofempires,and thecrashof thrones. Inallourconflictsand tribulations,wemaybeholdthehandofthedivineKing.

"GodisGod;HeseesandhearsAllourtroubles,allourtears.Soul,forgetnot,'midthypains,Godo'erallforeverreigns."

In hell, evil spirits own,withmisery,His undoubted supremacy.Whenpermitted to roamabroad, it iswithachainat theirheel; thebit is in themouthofbehemoth,andthehookinthejawsofleviathan.Death'sdartsareunder theLord's lock, and the grave's prisons have divine power as theirwarder.The terriblevengeanceof the Judgeof all theearthmakes fiendscowerdownandtremble,evenasdogsinthekennelfearthehunter'swhip.

"Fearnotdeath,norSatan'sthrusts,GoddefendswhoinHimtrusts;Soul,remember,inthypains,Godo'erallforeverreigns."

InheavennonedoubtthesovereigntyoftheKingEternal,butallfallontheirfacestodoHimhomage.AngelsareHiscourtiers,theredeemedHisfavourites,andalldelighttoserveHimdayandnight.MaywesoonreachthecityofthegreatKing!

"Forthislife'slongnightofsadnessHewillgiveuspeaceandgladness.Soul,remember,inthypains,

Godo'erallforeverreigns."

Thisevening'sverse:

Thebowshallbeseeninthecloud.-Genesis9:14

The rainbow, the symbol of the covenant with Noah, is typical of ourLordJesus,whoistheLord'switnesstothepeople.Whenmayweexpecttoseethetokenofthecovenant?Therainbowisonlytobeseenpaintedupona cloud. When the sinner's conscience is dark with clouds, when heremembers his past sin, and mourneth and lamenteth before God, JesusChrist is revealed to him as the covenant Rainbow, displaying all theglorioushuesofthedivinecharacterandbetokeningpeace.Tothebeliever,when his trials and temptations surround him, it is sweet to behold thepersonofourLordJesusChrist—toseeHimbleeding,living,rising,andpleading for us. God's rainbow is hung over the cloud of our sins, oursorrows, and ourwoes, to prophesy deliverance. Nor does a cloud alonegivearainbow,theremustbethecrystaldropstoreflectthelightofthesun.So,oursorrowsmustnotonly threaten,but theymustreallyfalluponus.TherehadbeennoChristforusifthevengeanceofGodhadbeenmerelyathreateningcloud:punishmentmust fall in terribledropsupon theSurety.Untilthereisarealanguishinthesinner'sconscience,thereisnoChristforhim;untilthechastisementwhichhefeelsbecomesgrievous,hecannotseeJesus.Buttheremustalsobeasun;forcloudsanddropsofrainmakenotrainbowsunlessthesunshineth.Beloved,ourGod,whoisasthesuntous,alwaysshines,butwedonotalwaysseeHim—cloudshideHisface;butnomatterwhatdropsmaybefalling,orwhatcloudsmaybethreatening,ifHedoesbutshinetherewillbearainbowatonce.Itissaidthatwhenwesee the rainbow theshower isover.Certain it is, thatwhenChristcomes,ourtroublesremove;whenwebeholdJesus,oursinsvanish,andourdoubtsandfearssubside.WhenJesuswalks thewatersof thesea,howprofoundthecalm!

A u g u s t 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

ThecedarsofLebanonwhichHehathplanted.-Psalm104:16

Lebanon'scedarsareemblematicoftheChristian,inthattheyowetheirplantingentirelytotheLord.ThisisquitetrueofeverychildofGod.Heisnotman-planted,norself-planted,butGod-planted.ThemysterioushandofthedivineSpiritdroppedthelivingseedintoaheartwhichHehadHimselfprepared for its reception. Every true heir of heaven owns the greatHusbandman as his planter. Moreover, the cedars of Lebanon are notdependent upon man for their watering; they stand on the lofty rock,unmoistened by human irrigation; and yet our heavenly Father supplieththem.Thusit iswith theChristianwhohas learnedto livebyfaith.Heisindependentofman,evenintemporalthings;forhiscontinuedmaintenancehelookstotheLordhisGod,andtoHimalone.Thedewofheavenishisportion, and the God of heaven is his fountain. Again, the cedars ofLebanonarenotprotectedbyanymortalpower.Theyowenothingtomanfortheirpreservationfromstormywindandtempest.TheyareGod'strees,keptandpreservedbyHim,andbyHimalone.Itispreciselythesamewiththe Christian. He is not a hot-house plant, sheltered from temptation; hestandsinthemostexposedposition;hehasnoshelter,noprotection,exceptthis,thatthebroadwingsoftheeternalGodalwayscoverthecedarswhichHeHimselfhasplanted.Likecedars,believersarefullofsaphavingvitalityenoughtobeevergreen,evenamidwinter'ssnows.Lastly,theflourishingandmajesticconditionofthecedaristothepraiseofGodonly.TheLord,even theLord alone hath been everything unto the cedars, and, thereforeDavidverysweetlyputsitinoneofthepsalms,"PraiseyetheLord,fruitfultreesandallcedars."Inthebelieverthereisnothingthatcanmagnifyman;heisplanted,nourished,andprotectedbytheLord'sownhand,andtoHimletalltheglorybeascribed.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndIwillrememberMycovenant.-Genesis9:15

Mark the form of the promise.God does not say, "Andwhen ye shalllook upon the bow, and ye shall rememberMy covenant, then Iwill notdestroytheearth,"butit isgloriouslyput,notuponourmemory,whichisfickleandfrail,butuponGod'smemory,which is infiniteand immutable."The bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I mayremembertheeverlastingcovenant."Oh!itisnotmyrememberingGod,itisGod's rememberingmewhich is thegroundofmy safety; it is notmylayingholdofHiscovenant,butHiscovenant'slayingholdonme.GlorybetoGod!thewholeofthebulwarksofsalvationaresecuredbydivinepower,andeventheminortowers,whichwemayimaginemighthavebeenlefttoman, are guarded by almighty strength. Even the remembrance of thecovenant is not left to our memories, for wemight forget, but our LordcannotforgetthesaintswhomHehasgravenonthepalmsofHishands.ItiswithusaswithIsraelinEgypt;thebloodwasuponthelintelandthetwoside-posts,but theLorddidnot say, "Whenyousee theblood Iwillpassoveryou,"but"WhenIseethebloodIwillpassoveryou."MylookingtoJesus brings me joy and peace, but it is God's looking to Jesus whichsecuresmysalvationandthatofallHiselect,sinceitisimpossibleforourGodtolookatChrist,ourbleedingSurety,andthentobeangrywithusforsinsalreadypunishedinHim.No,itisnotleftwithuseventobesavedbyrememberingthecovenant.Thereisnolinsey-wolseyhere—notasinglethreadofthecreaturemarsthefabric.Itisnotofman,neitherbyman,butof theLordalone.Weshould remember thecovenant,andweshalldo it,throughdivinegrace;butthehingeofoursafetydoesnothangthere—itisGod'srememberingus,notourrememberingHim;andhencethecovenantisaneverlastingcovenant.

A u g u s t 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Thou,Lord,hastmademegladthroughThywork.-Psalm92:4

Doyoubelieve thatyour sins are forgiven, and thatChrist hasmadeafull atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be!Howyou should live above thecommon trials and troublesof theworld!Sincesinisforgiven,canitmatterwhathappenstoyounow?Luthersaid,"Smite,Lord,smite, formysin is forgiven; ifThouhastbut forgivenme,smite as hard as Thou wilt"; and in a similar spirit you may say, "Sendsickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution,whatThouwilt, Thou hastforgivenme,andmysoulisglad."Christian,ifthouartthussaved,whilstthouartglad,begratefulandloving.Clingtothatcrosswhichtookthysinaway; serve thouHimwho served thee. "I beseech you therefore, by themercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,acceptableuntoGod,whichisyourreasonableservice."Letnotyourzealevaporate in some little ebullition of song. Showyour love in expressivetokens. Love the brethren of Him who loved you. If there be aMephiboshethanywherewhoislameorhalt,helphimforJonathan'ssake.Iftherebeapoortriedbeliever,weepwithhim,andbearhiscrossforthesake ofHimwhowept for thee and carried thy sins. Since thou art thusforgiven freely forChrist's sake, go and tell to others the joyful news ofpardoning mercy. Be not contented with this unspeakable blessing forthyselfalone,butpublishabroadthestoryofthecross.Holygladnessandholyboldnesswillmakeyouagoodpreacher,andall theworldwillbeapulpit for you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible ofsermons,buttheLordmustgiveityou.Seekitthismorningbeforeyougointotheworld.WhenitistheLord'sworkinwhichwerejoice,weneednotbeafraidofbeingtooglad.

Thisevening'sverse:

Iknowtheirsorrows.-Exodus3:7

Thechildischeeredashesings,"Thismyfatherknows";andshallnotwe be comforted as we discern that our dear Friend and tender soul-husbandknowsallaboutus?

1. He is the Physician, and if He knows all, there is no need that thepatientshouldknow.Hush,thousilly,flutteringheart,prying,peeping,andsuspecting!What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter, andmeanwhile Jesus, the beloved Physician, knows thy soul in adversities.Why need the patient analyze all the medicine, or estimate all thesymptoms?ThisisthePhysician'swork,notmine;itismybusinesstotrust,and His to prescribe. If He shall write His prescription in uncouthcharacterswhich I cannot read, Iwill not be uneasy on that account, butrely upon His unfailing skill to make all plain in the result, howevermysteriousintheworking.

2.HeistheMaster,andHisknowledgeistoserveusinsteadofourown;we are to obey, not to judge: "The servant knoweth not what his lorddoeth."Shallthearchitectexplainhisplanstoeveryhodmanontheworks?If he knows his own intent, is it not enough? The vessel on the wheelcannot guess to what pattern it shall be conformed, but if the potterunderstandshisart,whatmatterstheignoranceoftheclay?MyLordmustnotbecross-questionedanymorebyonesoignorantasIam.

3.He is theHead.Allunderstandingcentres there.What judgmenthasthearm?Whatcomprehensionhasthefoot?Allthepowertoknowliesinthehead.Whyshould thememberhaveabrainof itsownwhentheheadfulfilsforiteveryintellectualoffice?Here,then,mustthebelieverresthiscomfort in sickness, not that he himself can see the end, but that Jesusknowsall.SweetLord,bethouforevereye,andsoul,andheadforus,andletusbecontenttoknowonlywhatThouchoosesttoreveal.

A u g u s t 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Isaacwentouttomeditateinthefieldattheeventide.-Genesis24:63

Veryadmirablewashisoccupation.Ifthosewhospendsomanyhoursinidlecompany,lightreading,anduselesspastimes,couldlearnwisdom,theywould find more profitable society and more interesting engagements inmeditationthaninthevanitieswhichnowhavesuchcharmsforthem.Weshouldall knowmore, livenearer toGod, andgrow ingrace, ifweweremorealone.Meditationchewsthecudandextractstherealnutrimentfromthementalfoodgatheredelsewhere.WhenJesusisthetheme,meditationissweetindeed.IsaacfoundRebeccawhileengagedinprivatemusings;manyothershavefoundtheirbestbelovedthere.

Very admirable was the choice of place. In the field we have a studyhungroundwithtextsforthought.Fromthecedartothehyssop,fromthesoaringeagledown to thechirpinggrasshopper, fromtheblueexpanseofheaventoadropofdew,allthingsarefullofteaching,andwhentheeyeisdivinelyopened,thatteachingflashesuponthemindfarmorevividlythanfromwrittenbooks.Our littleroomsareneithersohealthy,sosuggestive,soagreeable,orsoinspiringasthefields.Letuscountnothingcommonorunclean,but feel thatallcreated thingspoint to theirMaker,and thefieldwillatoncebehallowed.

Veryadmirablewas theseason.Theseasonof sunsetas itdrawsaveilovertheday,befitsthatreposeofthesoulwhenearthborncaresyieldtothejoys of heavenly communion. The glory of the setting sun excites ourwonder, and the solemnity of approaching night awakens our awe. If thebusinessof thisdaywillpermit it, itwillbewell,dear reader, ifyoucanspareanhourtowalkinthefieldateventide,butifnot,theLordisinthetowntoo,andwillmeetwiththeeinthychamberorinthecrowdedstreet.LetthyheartgoforthtomeetHim.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndIwillgiveyouanheartofflesh.-Ezekiel36:26

A heart of flesh is known by its tenderness concerning sin. To haveindulgedafoulimagination,ortohaveallowedawilddesiretotarryevenfor amoment, is quite enough tomake a heart of flesh grieve before theLord.Theheartofstonecallsagreatiniquitynothing,butnotsotheheartofflesh.

"IftotherightorleftIstray,Thatmoment,Lord,reprove;Andletmeweepmylifeaway,Forhavinggrievedthylove"

TheheartoffleshistenderofGod'swill.MyLordWill-be-willisagreatblusterer,anditishardtosubjecthimtoGod'swill;butwhentheheartoffleshisgiven,thewillquiverslikeanaspenleafineverybreathofheaven,andbowslikeanosier ineverybreezeofGod'sSpirit.Thenaturalwill iscold, hard iron,which is not to be hammered into form, but the renewedwill,likemoltenmetal,issoonmouldedbythehandofgrace.Inthefleshyheartthereisatendernessoftheaffections.ThehardheartdoesnotlovetheRedeemer, but the renewed heart burnswith affection towardsHim. Thehardheartisselfishandcoldlydemands,"WhyshouldIweepforsin?WhyshouldIlovetheLord?"Buttheheartoffleshsays;"Lord,Thouknowestthat I loveThee;helpmeto loveTheemore!"Manyare theprivilegesofthisrenewedheart;"'TisheretheSpiritdwells,'tisherethatJesusrests."Itisfittedtoreceiveeveryspiritualblessing,andeveryblessingcomestoit.Itisprepared toyieldeveryheavenlyfruit to thehonourandpraiseofGod,and therefore the Lord delights in it. A tender heart is the best defenceagainstsin,andthebestpreparationforheaven.Arenewedheartstandsonits watchtower looking for the coming of the Lord Jesus. Have you thisheartofflesh?

A u g u s t 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

GiveuntotheLordtheglorydueuntoHisname.-Psalm29:2

God's glory is the result of His nature and acts. He is glorious in Hischaracter,forthereissuchastoreofeverythingthatisholy,andgood,andlovelyinGod,thatHemustbeglorious.TheactionswhichflowfromHischaracterarealsoglorious;butwhileHeintendsthattheyshouldmanifestto His creatures His goodness, and mercy, and justice, He is equallyconcerned that the glory associated with them should be given only toHimself.Nor is thereaught inourselves inwhichwemayglory; forwhomaketh us to differ from another? And what have we that we did notreceivefromtheGodofallgrace?Thenhowcarefuloughtwetobetowalkhumblybefore theLord!Themomentweglorifyourselves, since there isroomforonegloryonlyintheuniverse,wesetourselvesupasrivalstotheMostHigh.Shalltheinsectofanhourglorifyitselfagainstthesunwhichwarmed it into life? Shall the potsherd exalt itself above the man whofashioned it upon the wheel? Shall the dust of the desert strive with thewhirlwind?Orthedropsoftheoceanstrugglewiththetempest?GiveuntotheLord,allyerighteous,giveuntotheLordgloryandstrength;giveuntoHim the honour that is due untoHis name.Yet it is, perhaps, one of thehardeststrugglesoftheChristianlifetolearnthissentence—"Notuntous,notuntous,butuntoThynamebeglory."ItisalessonwhichGodiseverteaching us, and teaching us sometimes bymost painful discipline. Let aChristian begin to boast, "I can do all things," without adding "throughChristwhichstrengthenethme,"andbefore longhewillhavetogroan,"Icandonothing,"andbemoanhimselfinthedust.WhenwedoanythingfortheLord,andHeispleasedtoacceptofourdoings,letuslayourcrownatHisfeet,andexclaim,"NotI,butthegraceofGodwhichwaswithme!"

Thisevening'sverse:

Ourselvesalso,whichhavethefirstfruitsoftheSpirit.-Romans8:23

Presentpossessionisdeclared.Atthispresentmomentwehavethefirstfruitsof theSpirit.Wehave repentance, thatgemof the firstwater; faith,thatpricelesspearl;hope,theheavenlyemerald;andlove,thegloriousruby.We are already made "new creatures in Christ Jesus," by the effectualworking of God the Holy Ghost. This is called the firstfruit because itcomesfirst.Asthewave-sheafwasthefirstoftheharvest,sothespirituallife,andallthegraceswhichadornthatlife,arethefirstoperationsoftheSpiritofGodinoursouls.Thefirstfruitswerethepledgeoftheharvest.Assoon as the Israelite hadplucked the first handful of ripe ears, he lookedforward with glad anticipation to the time when the wain should creakbeneath the sheaves. So, brethren, when God gives us things which arepure,lovely,andofgoodreport,astheworkoftheHolySpirit,thesearetoustheprognosticsofthecomingglory.ThefirstfruitswerealwaysholytotheLord, andour newnature,with all its powers, is a consecrated thing.Thenew life isnotours thatwe shouldascribe its excellence toourownmerit; it isChrist's imageandcreation,and isordained forHisglory.Butthefirstfruitswerenottheharvest,andtheworksoftheSpiritinusatthismoment are not the consummation— the perfection is yet to come.Wemustnotboastthatwehaveattained,andsoreckonthewave-sheaftobealltheproduceoftheyear:wemusthungerandthirstafterrighteousness,andpant for the day of full redemption. Dear reader, this evening open yourmouthwide,andGodwillfillit.Letthebooninpresentpossessionexcitein you a sacred avarice formore grace.Groanwithin yourself for higherdegrees of consecration, and yourLordwill grant them to you, forHe isabletodoexceedingabundantlyabovewhatweaskoreventhink.

A u g u s t 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

ThemercyofGod.-Psalm52:8

Meditate a little on this mercy of the Lord. It is tender mercy. Withgentle, loving touch,Hehealeth thebroken inheart, andbindethup theirwounds.HeisasgraciousinthemannerofHismercyasinthematterofit.Itisgreatmercy.ThereisnothinglittleinGod;HismercyislikeHimself—itisinfinite.Youcannotmeasureit.Hismercyissogreatthatitforgivesgreatsinstogreatsinners,aftergreatlengthsoftime,andthengivesgreatfavours and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in thegreat heaven of the greatGod. It is undeservedmercy, as indeed all truemercymustbe, fordeservedmercy isonlyamisnomer for justice.Therewasnorightonthesinner'sparttothekindconsiderationoftheMostHigh;had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire he would have richlymerited the doom, and if delivered fromwrath, sovereign love alone hasfound a cause, for therewas none in the sinner himself. It is richmercy.Somethingsaregreat,buthavelittleefficacyinthem,but thismercyisacordial to your drooping spirits; a golden ointment to your bleedingwounds;aheavenlybandagetoyourbrokenbones;aroyalchariotforyourwearyfeet;abosomofloveforyourtremblingheart.Itismanifoldmercy.AsBunyansays,"AlltheflowersinGod'sgardenaredouble."Thereisnosinglemercy.Youmaythinkyouhavebutonemercy,butyoushallfinditto be a whole cluster of mercies. It is abounding mercy. Millions havereceived it, yet far from itsbeingexhausted; it is as fresh, as full, andasfreeasever.Itisunfailingmercy.Itwillneverleavethee.Ifmercybethyfriend,mercywill bewith thee in temptation to keep thee fromyielding;withtheeintroubletopreventtheefromsinking;withtheelivingtobethelightandlifeofthycountenance;andwiththeedyingtobethejoyofthysoulwhenearthlycomfortisebbingfast.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thissicknessisnotuntodeath.-John11:4

FromourLord'swordswelearnthatthereisalimittosickness.Hereisan"unto"withinwhichitsultimateendisrestrained,andbeyondwhichitcannotgo.Lazarusmightpass throughdeath,butdeathwasnot tobe theultimatumof his sickness. In all sickness, theLord saith to thewaves ofpain, "Hitherto shall ye go, but no further." His fixed purpose is not thedestruction, but the instruction of His people. Wisdom hangs up thethermometeratthefurnacemouth,andregulatestheheat.

1.Thelimitisencouraginglycomprehensive.TheGodofprovidencehaslimited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all oursicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestinated, eachrelapseordained,eachdepressionofspiritforeknown,andeachsanctifyingresulteternallypurposed.NothinggreatorsmallescapestheordaininghandofHimwhonumbersthehairsofourhead.

2.Thislimitiswiselyadjustedtoourstrength,totheenddesigned,andtothegraceapportioned.Afflictioncomesnotathaphazard—theweightof every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who made nomistakes inbalancing thecloudsandmetingout theheavens,commitsnoerrors in measuring out the ingredients which compose the medicine ofsouls.Wecannotsuffertoomuchnorberelievedtoolate.

3. The limit is tenderly appointed. The knife of the heavenly Surgeonnever cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He doth not afflictwillingly,norgrievethechildrenofmen."Amother'sheartcries,"Sparemychild";butnomotherismorecompassionatethanourgraciousGod.Whenweconsiderhowhard-mouthedweare,itisawonderthatwearenotdrivenwithasharperbit.Thethoughtisfullofconsolation,thatHewhohasfixedtheboundsofourhabitation,hasalsofixedtheboundsofourtribulation.

A u g u s t 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the Lord's house. -Jeremiah51:51

InthisaccountthefacesoftheLord'speoplewerecoveredwithshame,for it was a terrible thing that men should intrude into the Holy Placereserved for thepriests alone.Everywhereaboutuswe see likecause forsorrow. How many ungodly men are now educating with the view ofenteringintotheministry!Whatacryingsinisthatsolemnliebywhichourwholepopulation isnominallycomprehended inaNationalChurch!Howfearful it is that ordinances should be pressed upon the unconverted, andthatamongthemoreenlightenedchurchesofourlandthereshouldbesuchlaxityofdiscipline.Ifthethousandswhowillreadthisportionshallalltakethismatterbefore theLord Jesus thisday,Hewill interfere andavert theevilwhichelsewillcomeuponHisChurch.ToadulteratetheChurchistopollute awell, to pourwater upon fire, to sowa fertile fieldwith stones.MayweallhavegracetomaintaininourownproperwaythepurityoftheChurch, as being an assembly of believers, and not a nation, an unsavedcommunityofunconvertedmen.

Ourzealmust,however,beginathome.Letusexamineourselvesastoour right to eat at the Lord's table. Let us see to it that we have on ourweddinggarment, lestweourselvesbe intruders in theLord'ssanctuaries.Many are called, but few are chosen; theway is narrow, and the gate isstrait.OforgracetocometoJesusaright,withthefaithofGod'select.Hewho smote Uzzah for touching the ark is very jealous of His twoordinances;asatruebelieverImayapproachthemfreely,asanalienImustnottouchthemlestIdie.HeartsearchingisthedutyofallwhoarebaptizedorcometotheLord'stable."Searchme,OGod,andknowmyway,trymeandknowmyheart."

Thisevening'sverse:

AndtheygaveHimtodrinkwinemingledwithmyrrh:butHereceiveditnot.-Mark15:23

Agolden truth is couched in the fact that the Saviour put themyrrhedwine-cupfromHislips.OntheheightsofheaventheSonofGodstoodofold,andasHelookeddownuponourglobeHemeasuredthelongdescentto the utmost depths of humanmisery;He cast up them total of all theagonieswhichexpiationwouldrequire,andabatednota jot.HesolemnlydeterminedthattoofferasufficientatoningsacrificeHemustgothewholeway,fromthehighesttothelowest,fromthethroneofhighestglorytothecrossofdeepestwoe.Thismyrrhedcup,withitssoporificinfluence,wouldhavestayedHimwithinalittleoftheutmostlimitofmisery,thereforeHerefused it.Hewouldnot stopshortofallHehadundertaken tosuffer forHispeople.Ah,howmanyofushavepinedafterreliefstoourgriefwhichwouldhavebeeninjurioustous!Reader,didyouneverprayforadischargefrom hard service or suffering with a petulant and wilful eagerness?Providencehastakenfromyouthedesireofyoureyeswithastroke.Say,Christian, if ithadbeensaid, "Ifyousodesire it, that lovedoneofyoursshall live, but God will be dishonoured," could you have put away thetemptation,andsaid,"Thywillbedone"?Oh,itissweettobeabletosay,"MyLord, if forother reasonsIneednotsuffer,yet if IcanhonourTheemorebysuffering,and if the lossofmyearthlyallwillbringTheeglory,then so let it be. I refuse the comfort, if it comes in the way of Thinehonour." O that we thus walked more in the footsteps of our Lord,cheerfullyenduringtrialforHissake,promptlyandwillinglyputtingawaythethoughtofselfandcomfortwhenitwouldinterferewithourfinishingtheworkwhichHe has given us to do. Great grace is needed, but greatgraceisprovided.

A u g u s t 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

HeshallstandandfeedinthestrengthoftheLord.-Micah5:4

Christ's reign in His Church is that of a shepherd-king. He hassupremacy,butitisthesuperiorityofawiseandtendershepherdoverhisneedyandlovingflock;Hecommandsandreceivesobedience,butitisthewilling obedience of the well-cared-for sheep, rendered joyfully to theirbelovedShepherd,whosevoicetheyknowsowell.Herulesbytheforceofloveandtheenergyofgoodness.

Hisreignispracticalinitscharacter.Itissaid,"Heshallstandandfeed."The great Head of the Church is actively engaged in providing for Hispeople. He does not sit down upon the throne in empty state, or hold asceptrewithoutwielding it in government.No,He stands and feeds. Theexpression "feed," in the original, is like an analogous one in theGreek,whichmeans to shepherdize, to do everything expectedof a shepherd: toguide,towatch,topreserve,torestore,totend,aswellastofeed.

Hisreigniscontinualinitsduration.Itissaid,"Heshallstandandfeed";not"Heshallfeednowandthen,andleaveHisposition";not,"Heshallonedaygrantarevival,andthennextdayleaveHisChurchtobarrenness."Hiseyesneverslumber,andHishandsneverrest;Hisheartneverceasestobeatwith love, and His shoulders are never weary of carrying His people'sburdens.

His reign is effectually powerful in its action; "He shall feed in thestrengthofJehovah."WhereverChristis,thereisGod;andwhateverChristdoesistheactoftheMostHigh.Oh!itisajoyfultruthtoconsiderthatHewhostands to-day representing the interestsofHispeople isveryGodofveryGod, to whom every knee shall bow.Happy are wewho belong tosucha shepherd,whosehumanitycommuneswithus, andwhosedivinityprotectsus.LetusworshipandbowdownbeforeHimasthepeopleofHispasture.

Thisevening'sverse:

Pullmeoutofthenetthattheyhavelaidprivilyforme:forThouartmystrength.-Psalm31:4

Ourspiritualfoesareoftheserpent'sbrood,aandseektoensnareusbysubtlety.Theprayerbeforeussupposesthepossibilityofthebelieverbeingcaughtlikeabird.Sodeftlydoesthefowlerdohiswork,thatsimpleonesare soon surrounded by the net. The text asks that even out of Satan'smeshesthecaptiveonemaybedelivered;thisisaproperpetition,andonewhich can be granted: from between the jaws of the lion, and out of thebellyofhell,caneternalloverescuethesaint.Itmayneedasharppulltosaveasoulfromthenetoftemptations,andamightypulltoextricateamanfrom the snares of malicious cunning, but the Lord is equal to everyemergency,andthemostskilfullyplacednetsof thehuntershallneverbeable to hold His chosen ones. Woe unto those who are so clever at netlaying;theywhotemptothersshallbedestroyedthemselves.

"For Thou art my strength."What an inexpressible sweetness is to befoundinthesefewwords!Howjoyfullymayweencountertoils,andhowcheerfullymayweenduresufferings,whenwecanlayholduponcelestialstrength. Divine power will rend asunder all the toils of our enemies,confoundtheirpolitics,andfrustratetheirknavishtricks;heisahappymanwho has suchmatchlessmight engaged upon his side. Our own strengthwouldbeoflittleservicewhenembarrassedinthenetsofbasecunning,buttheLord'sstrengthiseveravailable;wehavebuttoinvokeit,andweshallfinditnearathand.Ifbyfaithwearedependingaloneuponthestrengthofthe mighty God of Israel, we may use our holy reliance as a plea insupplication.

"Lord,evermoreThyfaceweseek:Temptedweare,andpoor,andweak;Keepuswithlowlyhearts,andmeek.Letusnotfall.Letusnotfall."

A u g u s t 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

ThesweetpsalmistofIsrael.-2Samuel23:1

Among all the saints whose lives are recorded in Holy Writ, Davidpossesses an experience of the most striking, varied, and instructivecharacter. In his history we meet with trials and temptations not to bediscovered,asawhole,inothersaintsofancienttimes,andhenceheisallthemoresuggestiveatypeofourLord.Davidknewthetrialsofallranksandconditionsofmen.Kingshavetheirtroubles,andDavidworeacrown:the peasant has his cares, and David handled a shepherd's crook: thewandererhasmanyhardships,andDavidabodeinthecavesofEngedi:thecaptainhashisdifficulties,andDavid found thesonsofZeruiah toohardfor him. The psalmist was also tried in his friends, his counsellorAhithophel forsookhim,"He thateatethbreadwithme,hath lifteduphisheel against me." His worst foes were they of his own household: hischildrenwerehisgreatestaffliction.Thetemptationsofpovertyandwealth,ofhonourandreproach,ofhealthandweakness,alltriedtheirpoweruponhim.Hehadtemptationsfromwithouttodisturbhispeace,andfromwithintomar his joy. David no sooner escaped from one trial than he fell intoanother; no sooner emerged from one season of despondency and alarm,thanhewasagainbroughtintothelowestdepths,andallGod'swavesandbillowsrolledoverhim.ItisprobablyfromthiscausethatDavid'spsalmsare so universally the delight of experienced Christians. Whatever ourframeofmind,whetherecstasyordepression,Davidhasexactlydescribedouremotions.Hewasanablemasterof thehumanheart,becausehehadbeentutoredinthebestofallschools—theschoolofheart-felt,personalexperience.Asweareinstructedinthesameschool,aswegrowmaturedingrace and in years, we increasingly appreciate David's psalms, and findthem to be "green pastures." My soul, let David's experience cheer andcounseltheethisday.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndtheyfortifiedJerusalemuntothebroadwall.-Nehemiah3:8

Citieswellfortifiedhavebroadwalls,andsohadJerusaleminherglory.TheNewJerusalemmust,inlikemanner,besurroundedandpreservedbyabroadwallofnonconformitytotheworld,andseparationfromitscustomsand spirit. The tendency of these days break down the holy barrier, andmake the distinction between the church and the world merely nominal.Professors are no longer strict and Puritanical, questionable literature isreadonallhands,frivolouspastimesarecurrentlyindulged,andagenerallaxity threatens to deprive the Lord's peculiar people of those sacredsingularitieswhichseparatethemfromsinners.Itwillbeanilldayforthechurchandtheworldwhentheproposedamalgamationshallbecomplete,and the sonsofGodand thedaughtersofmenshallbeasone: thenshallanother deluge ofwrath be ushered in.Beloved reader, be it your aim inheart,inword,indress,inactiontomaintainthebroadwall,rememberingthatthefriendshipofthisworldisenmityagainstGod.

ThebroadwallaffordedapleasantplaceofresortfortheinhabitantsofJerusalem, fromwhich theycouldcommandprospectsof the surroundingcountry.ThisremindsusoftheLord'sexceedingbroadcommandments,inwhichwewalkatlibertyincommunionwithJesus,overlookingthescenesofearth,andlookingouttowardsthegloriesofheaven.Separatedfromtheworld, and denying ourselves all ungodliness and fleshly lusts, we arenevertheless not in prison, nor restricted within narrow bounds; nay, wewalkat liberty,becausewekeepHisprecepts.Come, reader, thiseveningwalkwithGodinHisstatutes.Asfriendmetfrienduponthecitywall,someetthouthyGodinthewayofholyprayerandmeditation.Thebulwarksofsalvationthouhastarighttotraverse,forthouartafreemanoftheroyalburgh,acitizenofthemetropolisoftheuniverse.

A u g u s t 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Hethatwaterethshallbewateredalsohimself.-Proverbs11:25

We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, wemust give; that toaccumulate,wemustscatter;thattomakeourselveshappy,wemustmakeothers happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we mustseek the spiritual good of others. In watering others, we are ourselveswatered. How? Our efforts to be useful, bring out our powers forusefulness.Wehavelatenttalentsanddormantfaculties,whicharebroughttolightbyexercise.Ourstrengthforlabourishiddenevenfromourselves,untilweventureforthtofighttheLord'sbattles,ortoclimbthemountainsofdifficulty.Wedonotknowwhattendersympathieswepossessuntilwetrytodrythewidow'stears,andsoothetheorphan'sgrief.Weoftenfindinattemptingtoteachothers,thatwegaininstructionforourselves.Oh,whatgraciouslessonssomeofushavelearnedatsickbeds!WewenttoteachtheScriptures,wecameawayblushing thatweknewso littleof them.Inourconversewithpoorsaints,wearetaughtthewayofGodmoreperfectlyforourselvesandgetadeeperinsightintodivinetruth.Sothatwateringothersmakesushumble.Wediscoverhowmuchgracethereiswherewehadnotlookedforit;andhowmuchthepoorsaintmayoutstripusinknowledge.Ourowncomfortisalsoincreasedbyourworkingforothers.Weendeavourto cheer them, and the consolation gladdens our ownheart. Like the twomeninthesnow;onechafedtheother'slimbstokeephimfromdying,andinsodoingkepthisownbloodincirculation,andsavedhisownlife.ThepoorwidowofSareptagavefromherscantystoreasupplyfortheprophet'swants,andfromthatdaysheneveragainknewwhatwantwas.Givethen,and it shallbegivenuntoyou,goodmeasure,presseddown,and runningover.

Thisevening'sverse:

IsaidnotuntotheseedofJacob,SeekyeMeinvain.-Isaiah45:19

WemaygainmuchsolacebyconsideringwhatGodhasnotsaid.WhatHehas said is inexpressibly fullof comfort anddelight;whatHehasnotsaid is scarcely less rich in consolation. It was one of these "said nots"whichpreservedthekingdomofIsraelinthedaysofJeroboamthesonofJoash,for"theLordsaidnotthatHewouldblotoutthenameofIsraelfromunderheaven."2Kings14:27. Inour textwehaveanassurance thatGodwillanswerprayer,becauseHehath"notsaiduntotheseedofIsrael,Seekye Me in vain." You who write bitter things against yourselves shouldrememberthat,letyourdoubtsandfearssaywhattheywill,ifGodhasnotcut you off frommercy, there is no room for despair: even the voice ofconscience is of little weight if it be not seconded by the voice of God.What God has said, tremble at! But suffer not your vain imaginings tooverwhelmyouwithdespondencyandsinfuldespair.Many timidpersonshave been vexed by the suspicion that theremay be something in God'sdecreewhichshutsthemoutfromhope,buthereisacompleterefutationtothat troublesomefear, forno trueseekercanbedecreed towrath. "Ihavenotspokeninsecret,inadarkplaceoftheearth;Ihavenotsaid,"eveninthe secret of my unsearchable decree, "Seek ye Me in vain." God hasclearly revealed thatHewillhear theprayerof thosewhocalluponHim,andthatdeclarationcannotbecontravened.Hehassofirmly,sotruthfully,so righteously spoken, that there can be no room for doubt.He does notreveal His mind in unintelligible words, but He speaks plainly andpositively,"Ask,andyeshallreceive."Believe,Otrembler,thissuretruth—thatprayermustandshallbeheard,andthatnever,eveninthesecretsofeternity,hastheLordsaiduntoanylivingsoul,"SeekyeMeinvain."

A u g u s t 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyefindmybeloved,thatyetellhim,thatIamsickoflove.-Song5:8

SuchisthelanguageofthebelieverpantingafterpresentfellowshipwithJesus, he is sick for his Lord. Gracious souls are never perfectly at easeexcepttheyareinastateofnearnesstoChrist;forwhentheyareawayfromHimtheylosetheirpeace.ThenearertoHim,thenearertotheperfectcalmofheaven;thenearertoHim,thefullertheheartis,notonlyofpeace,butoflife,andvigour,andjoy,forthesealldependonconstantintercoursewithJesus.What thesunis to theday,what themoonis to thenight,what thedewistotheflower,suchisJesusChristtous.Whatbreadistothehungry,clothingtothenaked,theshadowofagreatrocktothetravellerinawearyland,suchisJesusChristtous;and,therefore,ifwearenotconsciouslyonewithHim,littlemarvelifourspiritcriesinthewordsoftheSong,"Ichargeyou,OyedaughtersofJerusalem,ifyefindmybeloved,tellHimthatIamsickof love."This earnest longing after Jesushas ablessing attending it:"Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness"; andtherefore, supremelyblessed are theywho thirst after theRighteousOne.Blessedisthathunger,sinceitcomesfromGod:ifImaynothavethefull-blownblessednessofbeingfilled,Iwouldseekthesameblessednessinitssweetbud-pininginemptinessandeagernesstillIamfilledwithChrist.IfImaynotfeedonJesus,itshallbenextdoortoheaventohungerandthirstafter Him. There is a hallowedness about that hunger, since it sparklesamong the beatitudes of our Lord. But the blessing involves a promise.Such hungry ones "shall be filled"withwhat they are desiring. If Christthus causes us to long after Himself, He will certainly satisfy thoselongings;andwhenHedoescometous,ascomeHewill,oh,howsweetitwillbe!

Thisevening'sverse:

TheunsearchablerichesofChrist.-Ephesians3:8

MyMasterhas richesbeyond thecountofarithmetic, themeasurementof reason, thedreamof imagination,or theeloquenceofwords.Theyareunsearchable!Youmay look,and study,andweigh,but Jesus is agreaterSaviour thanyou thinkHim tobewhenyour thoughtsareat thegreatest.MyLordismorereadytopardonthanyoutosin,moreabletoforgivethanyoutotransgress.MyMasterismorewillingtosupplyyourwantsthanyouaretoconfessthem.NevertoleratelowthoughtsofmyLordJesus.WhenyouputthecrownonHishead,youwillonlycrownHimwithsilverwhenHedeservesgold.MyMasterhasrichesofhappinesstobestowuponyounow.Hecanmakeyoutoliedowningreenpastures,andleadyoubesidestillwaters.There isnomusic like themusicofHispipe,whenHeis theShepherdandyouarethesheep,andyouliedownatHisfeet.ThereisnolovelikeHis,neitherearthnorheavencanmatchit.ToknowChristandtobefoundinHim—oh!thisislife, thisisjoy,thisismarrowandfatness,wine on the lees well refined. My Master does not treat His servantschurlishly;Hegivestothemasakinggivethtoaking;Hegivesthemtwoheavens— a heaven below in servingHim here, and a heaven above indelighting inHimforever.Hisunsearchable richeswillbebestknownineternity.Hewillgiveyouonthewaytoheavenallyouneed;yourplaceofdefenceshallbethemunitionsofrocks,yourbreadshallbegivenyou,andyourwatersshallbesure;butitisthere,THERE,whereyoushallhearthesong of them that triumph, the shout of them that feast, and shall have aface-to-faceviewofthegloriousandbelovedOne.TheunsearchablerichesofChrist!This is the tune for theminstrelsofearth,and the song for theharpersofheaven.Lord,teachusmoreandmoreofJesus,andwewilltelloutthegoodnewstoothers.

A u g u s t 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Thevoiceofweepingshallbenomoreheard.-Isaiah65:19

Theglorifiedweepnomore,foralloutwardacausesofgriefaregone.Therearenobrokenfriendships,norblightedprospectsinheaven.Poverty,famine, peril, persecution, and slander, are unknown there. No paindistresses, no thought of death or bereavement saddens. They weep nomore,fortheyareperfectlysanctified.No"evilheartofunbelief"promptsthem to depart from the living God; they are without fault before Histhrown, and are fully conformed to His image. Well may they cease tomourn who have ceased to sin. They weep nomore, because all fear ofchange is past.Theyknow that they are eternally secure.Sin is shut out,andtheyareshutin.Theydwellwithinacitywhichshallneverbestormed;theybaskinasunwhichshallneverset; theydrinkofariverwhichshallneverdry;theypluckfruitfromatreewhichshallneverwither.Countlesscyclesmayrevolve,buteternityshallnotbeexhausted,andwhileeternityendures, their immortalityandblessednessshallco-existwith it.Theyarefor ever with the Lord. They weep no more, because every desire isfulfilled.Theycannotwishforanythingwhichtheyhavenotinpossession.Eyeandear,heartandhand, judgment, imagination,hope,desire,will,allthefaculties,arecompletelysatisfied;andimperfectasourpresentideasareofthethingswhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatlovehim,yetweknowenough,bytherevelationoftheSpirit,thatthesaintsabovearesupremelyblessed.ThejoyofChrist,whichisaninfinitefulnessofdelight,isinthem.Theybathethemselvesinthebottomless,shorelessseaofinfinitebeatitude.Thatsamejoyfulrestremainsforus.Itmaynotbefardistant.Erelongtheweeping willow shall be exchanged for the palm-branch of victory, andsorrow'sdewdropswillbe transformedinto thepearlsofeverlastingbliss."Whereforecomfortoneanotherwiththesewords."

Thisevening'sverse:

ThatChristmaydwellinyourheartsbyfaith.-Ephesians3:17

Beyond measure it is desirable that we, as believers, should have thepersonofJesusconstantlybeforeus,toinflameourlovetowardsHim,andtoincreaseourknowledgeofHim.IwouldtoGodthatmyreaderswereallenteredasdiligentscholarsinJesus'college,studentsofCorpusChristi,orthebodyofChrist,resolvedtoattainuntoagooddegreeinthelearningofthecross.ButtohaveJesusevernear,theheartmustbefullofHim,wellingupwithHislove,eventooverrunning;hencetheapostleprays"thatChristmaydwell inyourhearts."SeehownearhewouldhaveJesus tobe!Youcannotgetasubjectclosertoyouthantohaveitintheheartitself."ThatHemaydwell";not thatHemaycalluponyousometimes,asacasualvisitorentersintoahouseandtarriesforanight,butthatHemaydwell;thatJesusmaybecometheLordandTenantofyourinmostbeing,nevermoretogoout.

Observethewords—thatHemaydwellinyourheart,thatbestroomofthehouseofmanhood;not inyour thoughtsalone,but inyouraffections;notmerelyinthemind'smeditations,butintheheart'semotions.WeshouldpantafterlovetoChristofamostabidingcharacter,notalovethatflamesup and then dies out into the darkness of a few embers, but a constantflame,fedbysacredfuel,likethefireuponthealtarwhichneverwentout.Thiscannotbeaccomplishedexceptbyfaith.Faithmustbestrong,orlovewill not be fervent; the root of the flowermust be healthy, orwe cannotexpect thebloomtobesweet.Faith is the lily's root,and love is the lily'sbloom.Now,reader,Jesuscannotbeinyourheart'sloveexceptyouhaveafirmholdofHimbyyourheart's faith; and, therefore, pray thatyoumayalwaystrustChristinorderthatyoumayalwaysloveHim.Iflovebecold,besurethatfaithisdrooping.

A u g u s t 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Thebreakeriscomeupbeforethem.-Micah2:13

InasmuchasJesushasgonebeforeus, thingsremainnotas theywouldhavebeenhadHeneverpassedthatway.Hehasconqueredeveryfoethatobstructedtheway.Cheerupnowthoufaint-heartedwarrior.NotonlyhasChrist travelled theroad,butHehasslain thineenemies.Dost thoudreadsin?Hehasnailed it toHiscross.Dost thou feardeath?Hehasbeen thedeathofDeath.Artthouafraidofhell?HehasbarreditagainsttheadventofanyofHischildren;theyshallneverseethegulfofperdition.WhateverfoesmaybebeforetheChristian,theyareallovercome.Therearelions,buttheirteetharebroken;thereareserpents,buttheirfangsareextracted;therearerivers,but theyarebridgedorfordable; thereareflames,butwewearthatmatchless garment which renders us invulnerable to fire. The swordthathasbeen forgedagainstus is alreadyblunted; the instrumentsofwarwhichtheenemyispreparinghavealreadylosttheirpoint.GodhastakenawayinthepersonofChristallthepowerthatanythingcanhavetohurtus.Wellthen,thearmymaysafelymarchon,andyoumaygojoyouslyalongyour journey, for all your enemies are conquered beforehand.What shallyou do but march on to take the prey? They are beaten, they arevanquished;allyouhave todo is todivide thespoil.Youshall, it is true,oftenengageincombat;butyourfightshallbewithavanquishedfoe.Hisheadisbroken;hemayattempttoinjureyou,buthisstrengthshallnotbesufficient for his malicious design. Your victory shall be easy, and yourtreasureshallbebeyondallcount.

"ProclaimaloudtheSaviour'sfame,WhobearstheBreaker'swond'rousname;Sweetname;anditbecomeshimwell,Whobreaksdownearth,sin,death,andhell."

Thisevening'sverse:

Iffirebreakout,andcatchinthorns,sothatthestacksofcorn,orthestandingcorn,orthefield,beconsumedtherewith;hethatkindledthefireshallsurelymakerestitution.-Exodus22:6

But what restitution can he make who casts abroad the fire-brands oferror,orthecoalsoflasciviousness,andsetsmen'ssoulsonablazewiththefireofhell?Theguilt isbeyondestimate,andtheresult is irretrievable.Ifsuchanoffenderbeforgiven,whatgriefitwillcausehimintheretrospect,sincehecannotundothemischiefwhichhehasdone!Anillexamplemaykindlea flamewhichyearsofamendedcharactercannotquench.Toburnthefoodofmanisbadenough,buthowmuchworsetodestroythesoul!Itmaybeusefultoustoreflecthowfarwemayhavebeenguiltyinthepast,and to enquirewhether, even in the present, theremay not be evil in uswhichhasatendencytobringdamagetothesoulsofourrelatives,friends,orneighbours.

The fire of strife is a terrible evil when it breaks out in a Christianchurch.Where convertsweremultiplied, andGodwas glorified, jealousyandenvydothedevil'sworkmosteffectually.Wherethegoldengrainwasbeinghoused,torewardthetoilofthegreatBoaz,thefireofenmitycomesinandleaveslittleelsebutsmokeandaheapofblackness.Woeuntothosebywhomoffencescome.Maytheynevercomethroughus,foralthoughwecannotmakerestitution,weshallcertainlybe thechiefsufferers ifwearethe chief offenders. Thosewho feed the fire deserve just censure, but hewhofirstkindlesitismosttoblame.Discordusuallytakesfirstholduponthe thorns; it is nurtured among thehypocrites andbaseprofessors in thechurch,andawayitgoesamongtherighteous,blownbythewindsofhell,andnooneknowswhereitmayend.OThouLordandgiverofpeace,makeus peacemakers, and never let us aid and abet themen of strife, or evenunintentionallycausetheleastdivisionamongThypeople.

A u g u s t 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Hisfruitwassweettomytaste.-Song2:3

Faith,intheScripture,isspokenofundertheemblemofallthesenses.Itissight:"Lookuntomeandbeyesaved."Itishearing:"Hear,andyoursoulshalllive."Faithissmelling:"Allthygarmentssmellofmyrrh,andaloes,andcassia";"thynameisasointmentpouredforth."Faithisspiritualtouch.By this faith the woman came behind and touched the hem of Christ'sgarment,andbythiswehandlethethingsofthegoodwordoflife.Faithisequally the spirit's taste. "How sweet are Thy words to my taste! yea,sweeterthanhoneytomylips.""Exceptamaneatmyflesh,"saithChrist,"anddrinkmyblood,thereisnolifeinhim."

This "taste" is faith in one of its highest operations. One of the firstperformances of faith is hearing.Wehear the voice ofGod, notwith theoutwardearalone,butwiththeinwardear;wehearitasGod'sWord,andwebelieveittobeso;thatisthe"hearing"offaith.Thenourmindlookethuponthe truthas it ispresented tous; that is tosay,weunderstand it,weperceive its meaning; that is the "seeing" of faith. Next we discover itspreciousness;webegintoadmireit,andfindhowfragrantitis;thatisfaithinits"smell."ThenweappropriatethemercieswhicharepreparedforusinChrist; that is faith in its "touch." Hence follow the enjoyments, peace,delight,communion;whicharefaithinits"taste."Anyoneoftheseactsoffaithissaving.TohearChrist'svoiceas thesurevoiceofGodinthesoulwill save us; but that which gives true enjoyment is the aspect of faithwhereinChrist,byholytaste,isreceivedintous,andmade,byinwardandspiritualapprehensionofHissweetnessandpreciousness,tobethefoodofoursouls.Itisthenwesit"underHisshadowwithgreatdelight,"andfindHisfruitsweettoourtaste.

Thisevening'sverse:

Ifthoubelievestwithallthineheart,thoumayest.-Acts8:37

Thesewordsmay answer your scruples, devout reader, concerning theordinances.Perhapsyousay,"Ishouldbeafraidtobebaptized;itissuchasolemnthingtoavowmyselftobedeadwithChrist,andburiedwithHim.shouldnotfeelatlibertytocometotheMaster'stable;Ishouldbeafraidofeating and drinking damnation unto myself, not discerning the Lord'sbody."Ah! poor trembler, Jesus has given you liberty, be not afraid. If astrangercametoyourhouse,hewouldstandatthedoor,orwaitinthehall;hewouldnotdreamofintrudingunbiddenintoyourparlour—heisnotathome:butyourchildmakeshimselfveryfreeaboutthehouse;andsoisitwith the child of God. A stranger may not intrude where a child mayventure.WhentheHolyGhosthasgivenyoutofeelthespiritofadoption,youmay come toChristian ordinanceswithout fear.The same rule holdsgoodoftheChristian's inwardprivileges.Youthink,poorseeker, thatyouarenotallowedtorejoicewithjoyunspeakableandfullofglory;ifyouarepermittedtoget insideChrist'sdoor,orsitat thebottomofHistable,youwillbewellcontent.Ah!butyoushallnothavelessprivilegesthantheverygreatest.GodmakesnodifferenceinHislovetoHischildren.AchildisachildtoHim;Hewillnotmakehimahiredservant;butheshallfeastuponthefattedcalf,andshallhavethemusicandthedancingasmuchas ifhehadnevergoneastray.WhenJesuscomesintotheheart,Heissuesagenerallicence to be glad in the Lord. No chains areworn in the court of KingJesus. Our admission into full privileges may be gradual, but it is sure.Perhapsourreaderissaying,"IwishIcouldenjoythepromises,andwalkat liberty inmyLord'scommands.""If thoubelievestwithall thineheart,thoumayest."Loose thechainsof thyneck,Ocaptivedaughter, forJesusmakestheefree.

A u g u s t 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

HehathcommandedHiscovenantforever.-Psalms111:9

TheLord'speopledelightinthecovenantitself.Itisanunfailingsourceof consolation to them so often as the Holy Spirit leads them into itsbanquetinghouseandwavesitsbanneroflove.Theydelighttocontemplatetheantiquityof thatcovenant, remembering thatbefore theday-starknewits place, or planets ran their round, the interests of the saintsweremadesecure in Christ Jesus. It is peculiarly pleasing to them to remember thesureness of the covenant, while meditating upon "the sure mercies ofDavid."Theydelighttocelebrateitas"signed,andsealed,andratified,inallthingsorderedwell."Itoftenmakestheirheartsdilatewithjoytothinkof its immutability,asacovenantwhichneither timenoreternity, lifenordeath,shalleverbeabletoviolate—acovenantasoldaseternityandaseverlastingastheRockofages.Theyrejoicealsotofeastuponthefulnessofthiscovenant,fortheyseeinitallthingsprovidedforthem.Godistheirportion, Christ their companion, the Spirit their Comforter, earth theirlodge, and heaven their home.They see in it an inheritance reserved andentailedtoeverysoulpossessinganinterestinitsancientandeternaldeedof gift. Their eyes sparkled when they saw it as a treasure-trove in theBible; but oh! how their soulswere gladdenedwhen they saw in the lastwillandtestamentoftheirdivinekinsman,thatitwasbequeathedtothem!More especially it is the pleasure of God's people to contemplate thegraciousnessofthiscovenant.Theyseethatthelawwasmadevoidbecauseitwasacovenantofworksanddependeduponmerit,butthistheyperceiveto be enduring because grace is the basis, grace the condition, grace thestrain, grace the bulwark, grace the foundation, grace the topstone. Thecovenant is a treasury of wealth, a granary of food, a fountain of life, astore-houseofsalvation,acharterofpeace,andahavenofjoy.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thepeople,whentheybeheldHim,weregreatlyamazed,andrunningtoHimsalutedHim.-Mark9:15

HowgreatthedifferencebetweenMosesandJesus!WhentheprophetofHoreb had been forty days upon the mountain, he underwent a kind oftransfiguration, so that his countenance shonewith exceeding brightness,andheputaveiloverhisface,forthepeoplecouldnotenduretolookuponhisglory.NotsoourSaviour.HehadbeentransfiguredwithagreaterglorythanthatofMoses,andyet,itisnotwrittenthatthepeoplewereblindedbytheblazeofHiscountenance,butrathertheywereamazed,andrunningtoHimtheysalutedHim.Thegloryofthelawrepels,butthegreatergloryofJesus attracts.Though Jesus is holy and just, yet blendedwithHis puritythereissomuchoftruthandgrace,thatsinnersruntoHimamazedatHisgoodness, fascinatedbyHis love; they saluteHim,becomeHis disciples,andtakeHimtobetheirLordandMaster.Reader,itmaybethatjustnowyouareblindedbythedazzlingbrightnessofthelawofGod.Youfeelitsclaimsonyourconscience,butyoucannotkeepitinyourlife.Notthatyoufind fault with the law, on the contrary, it commands your profoundestesteem,stillyouareinnowisedrawnbyittoGod;youareratherhardenedinheart,andarevergingtowardsdesperation.Ah,poorheart!turnthineeyefromMoses,withallhisrepellingsplendour,andlooktoJesus,resplendentwithmilderglories.BeholdHisflowingwoundsandthorn-crownedhead!HeistheSonofGod,andthereinHeisgreaterthanMoses,butHeistheLordoflove,andthereinmoretenderthanthelawgiver.HeborethewrathofGod, and inHis death revealedmore ofGod's justice than Sinai on ablaze,butthatjusticeisnowvindicated,andhenceforthitistheguardianofbelieversinJesus.Look,sinner,tothebleedingSaviour,andasthoufeelesttheattractionofHislove,flytoHisarms,andthoushaltbesaved.

A u g u s t 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

Howlongwillitbeeretheybelieveme?-Numbers14:11

Strive with all diligence to keep out that monster unbelief. It sodishonoursChrist, thatHewillwithdrawHisvisiblepresence ifwe insultHimbyindulgingit.Itistrueitisaweed,theseedsofwhichweanneverentirely extract from the soil, but wemust aim at its root with zeal andperseverance. Among hateful things it is the most to be abhorred. Itsinjuriousnatureissovenomousthathethatexercisethitandheuponwhomit is exercised are both hurt thereby. In thy case, O believer! it is mostwicked, for the mercies of thy Lord in the past, increase thy guilt indoubtingHimnow.When thoudostdistrust theLord Jesus,Hemaywellcryout,"BeholdIampressedunderyou,asacartispressedthatisfullofsheaves."ThisiscrowningHisheadwiththornsofthesharpestkind.Itisverycruelforawell-belovedwifetomistrustakindandfaithfulhusband.The sin is needless, foolish, and unwarranted. Jesus has never given theslightest ground for suspicion, and it is hard to be doubted by those towhomourconductisuniformlyaffectionateandtrue.JesusistheSonoftheHighest, andhasunboundedwealth; it is shameful todoubtOmnipotenceand distrust all-sufficiency.The cattle on a thousand hillswill suffice forourmosthungry feeding,and thegranariesofheavenarenot likely tobeemptiedbyoureating.IfChristwereonlyacistern,wemightsoonexhaustHis fulness,butwhocandraina fountain?Myriadsof spiritshavedrawntheir supplies from Him, and not one of them has murmured at thescantinessofHisresources.Away,then,withthislyingtraitorunbelief,forhisonlyerrand is tocut thebondsofcommunionandmakeusmournanabsentSaviour.Bunyantellsusthatunbeliefhas"asmanylivesasacat:"ifso, let uskill one lifenow, andcontinue thework till thewholenine aregone.Downwiththee,thoutraitor,myheartabhorsthee.

Thisevening'sverse:

IntoThinehandIcommitmyspirit:Thouhastredeemedme,OLordGodoftruth.-Psalm31:5

These words have been frequently used by holy men in their hour ofdeparture.Wemayprofitablyconsiderthemthisevening.Theobjectofthefaithfulman'ssolicitudeinlifeanddeathisnothisbodyorhisestate,buthisspirit; this ishischoice treasure—if thisbesafe,all iswell.What isthismortalstatecomparedwiththesoul?Thebelievercommitshissoultothe hand of hisGod; it came fromHim, it isHis own,He has aforetimesustainedit,Heisabletokeepit,anditismostfitthatHeshouldreceiveit.AllthingsaresafeinJehovah'shands;whatweentrusttotheLordwillbesecure,bothnowandinthatdayofdaystowardswhichwearehastening.Itispeacefulliving,andgloriousdying,toreposeinthecareofheaven.Atalltimeswe should commit our all to Jesus' faithful hand; then, though lifemayhangonathread,andadversitiesmaymultiplyasthesandsofthesea,oursoulshalldwellatease,anddelightitselfinquietrestingplaces.

"Thouhast redeemedme,OLordGodof truth."Redemption isa solidbasis forconfidence.DavidhadnotknownCalvaryaswehavedone,buttemporal redemption cheered him; and shall not eternal redemption yetmore sweetly console us? Past deliverances are strong pleas for presentassistance.WhattheLordhasdoneHewilldoagain,forHechangesnot.HeisfaithfultoHispromises,andgracioustoHissaints;HewillnotturnawayfromHispeople.

"ThoughThouslaymeIwilltrust,PraiseTheeevenfromthedust,Prove,andtellitasIprove,Thineunutterablelove.Thoumaystchastenandcorrect,ButThounevercanstneglect;Sincetheransompriceispaid,OnThylovemyhopeisstay'd."

A u g u s t 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Oilforthelight.-Exodus25:6

Mysoul,howmuchthouneedestthis,forthylampwillnotlongcontinuetoburnwithoutit.Thysnuffwillsmokeandbecomeanoffenceiflightbegone,andgoneitwillbeifoilbeabsent.Thouhastnooilwellspringingupinthyhumannature,andthereforethoumustgotothemthatsellandbuyfor thyself,or like the foolishvirgins, thouwilthave tocry, "My lamp isgone out." Even the consecrated lamps could not give light without oil;thoughtheyshoneinthetabernacletheyneededtobefed,thoughnoroughwindsblewuponthemtheyrequiredtobetrimmed,andthyneedisequallyasgreat.Underthemosthappycircumstancesthoucanstnotgivelightforanotherhourunlessfreshoilofgracebegiventhee.

ItwasnoteveryoilthatmightbeusedintheLord'sservice;neitherthepetroleumwhich exudes so plentifully from the earth, nor the produceoffishes, nor that extracted from nutswould be accepted; one oil onlywasselected,andthatthebestoliveoil.Pretendedgracefromnaturalgoodness,fancied grace from priestly hands, or imaginary grace from outwardceremonieswillneverservethetruesaintofGod;heknowsthattheLordwouldnotbepleasedwithriversofsuchoil.Hegoestotheolive-pressofGethsemane, and draws his supplies fromHimwhowas crushed therein.Theoilofgospelgraceispureandfreefromleesanddregs,andhencethelightwhichisfedthereonisclearandbright.OurchurchesaretheSaviour'sgoldencandelabra,andiftheyaretobelightsinthisdarkworld,theymusthave much holy oil. Let us pray for ourselves, our ministers, and ourchurches, that theymay never lack oil for the light. Truth, holiness, joy,knowledge,love,theseareallbeamsofthesacredlight,butwecannotgivethemforthunlessinprivatewereceiveoilfromGodtheHolyGhost.

Thisevening'sverse:

Sing,Obarren.-Isaiah54:1

ThoughwehavebroughtforthsomefruituntoChrist,andhaveajoyfulhopethatweare"plantsofHisownrighthandplanting,"yettherearetimeswhenwefeelverybarren.Prayerislifeless,loveiscold,faithisweak,eachgraceinthegardenofourheartlanguishesanddroops.Wearelikeflowersinthehotsun,requiringtherefreshingshower.Insuchaconditionwhatarewetodo?Thetextisaddressedtousinjustsuchastate."Sing,Obarren,breakforthandcryaloud."ButwhatcanIsingabout?Icannottalkaboutthepresent, and even thepast looks full of barrenness.Ah! I can singofJesusChrist.IcantalkofvisitswhichtheRedeemerhasaforetimespaidtome;orifnotofthese,IcanmagnifythegreatlovewherewithHelovedHispeoplewhenHe came from theheights of heaven for their redemption. Iwillgotothecrossagain.Come,mysoul,heavyladenthouwastonce,andthou didst lose thy burden there.Go to Calvary again. Perhaps that verycross which gave thee life may give thee fruitfulness. What is mybarrenness? It is the platform for His fruit-creating power. What is mydesolation?ItistheblacksettingforthesapphireofHiseverlastinglove.Iwillgoinpoverty,Iwillgoinhelplessness,Iwillgoinallmyshameandbacksliding, Iwill tellHim that I amstillHischild, and inconfidence inHisfaithfulheart,evenI,thebarrenone,willsingandcryaloud.

Sing,believer, for itwillcheer thineownheart,and theheartsofotherdesolate ones. Sing on, for now that thou art really ashamed of beingbarren, thou wilt be fruitful soon; now that Godmakes thee loath to bewithoutfruitHewillsooncover theewithclusters.Theexperienceofourbarrennessispainful,buttheLord'svisitationsaredelightful.AsenseofourownpovertydrivesustoChrist,andthatiswhereweneedtobe,forinHimisourfruitfound.

A u g u s t 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Havemercyuponme,OGod.-Psalm51:1

WhenDr.Careywassufferingfromadangerousillness,theenquirywasmade,"Ifthissicknessshouldprovefatal,whatpassagewouldyouselectasthetextforyourfuneralsermon?"Hereplied,"Oh,Ifeelthatsuchapoorsinfulcreatureisunworthytohaveanythingsaidabouthim;butifafuneralsermonmustbepreached,letitbefromthewords,'Havemercyuponme,OGod,according toThy lovingkindness;accordingunto themultitudeofThy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.'" In the same spirit ofhumilityhedirected inhiswill that the following inscriptionandnothingmoreshouldbecutonhisgravestone:—

WILLIAMCAREY,BORNAUGUST17th,1761:

DIED--"Awretched,poor,andhelplessworm

OnThykindarmsIfall."

Only on the footing of free grace can the most experienced andmosthonouredofthesaintsapproachtheirGod.Thebestofmenareconsciousaboveallothersthat theyaremenat thebest.Emptyboatsfloathigh,butheavily ladenvesselsare lowin thewater;mereprofessorscanboast,buttrue children ofGod cry formercy upon their unprofitableness.We haveneed that theLordshouldhavemercyuponourgoodworks,ourprayers,ourpreachings,ouralms-givings,andourholiestthings.ThebloodwasnotonlysprinkleduponthedoorpostsofIsrael'sdwellinghouses,butuponthesanctuary, the mercy-seat, and the altar, because as sin intrudes into ourholiestthings,thebloodofJesusisneededtopurifythemfromdefilement.Ifmercybeneededtobeexercisedtowardsourduties,whatshallbesaidofoursins?Howsweettheremembrancethatinexhaustiblemercyiswaitingtobegracioustous,torestoreourbackslidings,andmakeourbrokenbonesrejoice!

Thisevening'sverse:

Allthedaysofhisseparationshallheeatnothingthatismadeofthevinetree,fromthekernelseventothehusk.-Numbers6:4

Nazariteshadtaken,amongothervows,onewhichdebarredthemfromthe use ofwine. In order that theymight not violate the obligation, theywereforbiddentodrinkthevinegarofwineorstrongliquors,andtomakethe rule stillmore clear, theywere not to touch the unfermented juice ofgrapes,noreventoeatthefruiteitherfreshordried.Inorder,altogether,tosecure the integrityof thevow, theywerenotevenallowedanything thathadtodowiththevine;theywere,infact,toavoidtheappearanceofevil.SurelythisisalessontotheLord'sseparatedones,teachingthemtocomeaway from sin in every form, to avoid notmerely its grosser shapes, butevenitsspiritandsimilitude.Strictwalkingismuchdespisedinthesedays,butrestassured,dearreader,itisboththesafestandthehappiest.Hewhoyieldsapointortwototheworldisinfearfulperil;hewhoeatsthegrapesofSodomwillsoondrinkthewineofGomorrah.Alittlecreviceinthesea-bankinHollandletsinthesea,andthegapspeedilyswellstillaprovinceisdrowned.Worldly conformity, in any degree, is a snare to the soul, andmakes it more and more liable to presumptuous sins. Moreover, as theNazaritewhodrankgrapejuicecouldnotbequitesurewhetheritmightnothaveenduredadegreeoffermentation,andconsequentlycouldnotbeclearin heart that his vow was intact, so the yielding, temporizing Christiancannot wear a conscience void of offence, but must feel that the inwardmonitorisindoubtofhim.Thingsdoubtfulweneednotdoubtabout;theyarewrong to us. Things temptingwemust not dally with, but flee fromthemwith speed.Better be sneered at as a Puritan than be despised as ahypocrite. Careful walking may involve much self-denial, but it haspleasuresofitsownwhicharemorethanasufficientrecompense.

A u g u s t 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

WaitontheLord.-Psalm27:14

Itmayseemaneasythingtowait,butit isoneofthepostureswhichaChristiansoldierlearnsnotwithoutyearsofteaching.Marchingandquick-marching aremuch easier toGod'swarriors than standing still.There arehoursofperplexitywhenthemostwillingspirit,anxiouslydesiroustoservetheLord,knowsnotwhatparttotake.Thenwhatshallitdo?Vexitselfbydespair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rushforwardinpresumption?No,butsimplywait.Waitinprayer,however.CalluponGod, and spread the case beforeHim; tellHim your difficulty, andpleadHispromiseofaid.Indilemmasbetweenonedutyandanother,itissweet to be humble as a child, andwaitwith simplicity of soul upon theLord. It issure tobewellwithuswhenwefeelandknowourownfolly,andareheartilywillingtobeguidedbythewillofGod.Butwaitinfaith.Express your unstaggering confidence in Him; for unfaithful, untrustingwaiting, isbutan insult to theLord.Believe that ifHekeepyou tarryingeventillmidnight,yetHewillcomeattherighttime;thevisionshallcomeand shall not tarry.Wait in quiet patience, not rebelling because you areundertheaffliction,butblessingyourGodforit.Nevermurmuragainstthesecondcause,as thechildrenof IsraeldidagainstMoses;neverwishyoucouldgobacktotheworldagain,butacceptthecaseasitis,andputitasitstands, simply andwith yourwhole heart, without any self-will, into thehandofyourcovenantGod,saying,"Now,Lord,notmywill,butThinebedone. Iknownotwhat todo; I ambrought toextremities,but Iwillwaituntil Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive backmy foes. I will wait, ifThoukeepmemanyaday,formyheartisfixeduponTheealone,OGod,andmyspiritwaitethforTheeinthefullconvictionthatThouwiltyetbemyjoyandmysalvation,myrefugeandmystrongtower."

Thisevening'sverse:

Healme,OLord,andIshallbehealed.-Jeremiah17:14

IhaveseenHisways,andwillhealhim.-Isaiah57:18

It is the sole prerogative of God to remove spiritual disease. Naturaldiseasemaybeinstrumentallyhealedbymen,buteventhenthehonouristobegiventoGodwhogivethvirtueuntomedicine,andbestowethpoweruntothehumanframetocastoffdisease.Asforspiritualsicknesses,theseremainwith thegreatPhysicianalone;Heclaims it asHisprerogative, "Ikill and Imake alive, Iwound and I heal"; and one of theLord's choicetitlesisJehovah-Rophi,theLordthathealeththee."Iwillhealtheeofthywounds,"isapromisewhichcouldnotcomefromthelipofman,butonlyfromthemouthoftheeternalGod.OnthisaccountthepsalmistcrieduntotheLord,"OLord,healme,formybonesaresorevexed,"andagain,"Healmysoul,forIhavesinnedagainstthee."Forthis,also,thegodlypraisethenameoftheLord,saying,"Hehealethallourdiseases."Hewhomademancan restore man; He who was at first the creator of our nature can newcreate it. What a transcendent comfort it is that in the person of Jesus"dwelleth all the fulness of theGodhead bodily!"My soul,whatever thydiseasemaybe,thisgreatPhysiciancanhealthee.IfHebeGod,therecanbe no limit to His power. Come then with the blind eye of darkenedunderstanding,comewiththelimpingfootofwastedenergy,comewiththemaimedhandofweak faith, the feverof an angry temper, or the agueofshivering despondency, come just as thou art, for He who is God cancertainly restore theeof thyplague.None shall restrain thehealingvirtuewhichproceedsfromJesusourLord.Legionsofdevilshavebeenmadetoown the power of the beloved Physician, and never once has He beenbaffled. All His patients have been cured in the past and shall be in thefuture,andthoushaltbeoneamongthem,myfriend, if thouwiltbutrestthyselfinHimthisnight.

A u g u s t 3 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Onminearmshalltheytrust.-Isaiah51:5

Inseasonsofseveretrial,theChristianhasnothingonearththathecantrustto,andisthereforecompelledtocasthimselfonhisGodalone.Whenhisvesselisonitsbeam-ends,andnohumandeliverancecanavail,hemustsimplyandentirelytrusthimselftotheprovidenceandcareofGod.Happystorm thatwrecksamanon sucha rockas this!Oblessedhurricane thatdrives the soul to God and God alone! There is no getting at our Godsometimesbecauseof themultitudeofour friends;butwhenaman is sopoor,sofriendless,sohelplessthathehasnowhereelsetoturn,hefliesintohis Father's arms, and is blessedly clasped therein!When he is burdenedwithtroublessopressingandsopeculiar,thathecannottellthemtoanybuthisGod,hemaybe thankful for them; forhewill learnmoreofhisLordthen than at any other time. Oh, tempest-tossed believer, it is a happytroublethatdrivestheetothyFather!NowthatthouhastonlythyGodtotrustto,seethatthouputtestthyfullconfidenceinHim.DishonournotthyLord and Master by unworthy doubts and fears; but be strong in faith,givingglory toGod.Show theworld that thyGod isworth ten thousandworlds to thee.Showrichmenhowrich thouart in thypovertywhen theLordGod is thy helper. Show the strongman how strong thou art in thyweaknesswhenunderneaththeearetheeverlastingarms.Nowis thetimeforfeatsoffaithandvaliantexploits.Bestrongandverycourageous,andtheLordthyGodshallcertainly,assurelyasHebuilttheheavensandtheearth,glorifyHimselfinthyweakness,andmagnifyhismightinthemidstofthydistress.Thegrandeurofthearchofheavenwouldbespoilediftheskyweresupportedbyasinglevisiblecolumn,andyourfaithwouldloseitsglory if it restedonanythingdiscernibleby thecarnaleye.May theHolySpiritgiveyoutorestinJesusthisclosingdayofthemonth.

Thisevening'sverse:

Ifwewalkinthelight,asHeisinthelight.-John1:7

AsHeisinthelight!Canweeverattaintothis?ShallweeverbeabletowalkasclearlyinthelightasHeiswhomwecall"OurFather,"ofwhomitiswritten,"Godislight,andinHimisnodarknessatall"?Certainly,thisisthe model which it set before us, for the Saviour Himself said, "Be yeperfect,evenasyourFatherwhoisinheavenisperfect";andalthoughwemayfeelthatwecanneverrivaltheperfectionofGod,yetwearetoseekafterit,andnevertobesatisfieduntilweattaintoit.Theyouthfulartist,ashe grasps his early pencil, can hardly hope to equal Raphael orMichaelAngelo,butstill,ifhedidnothaveanoblebeauidealbeforehismind,hewouldonlyattaintosomethingverymeanandordinary.ButwhatismeantbytheexpressionthattheChristianistowalkinlightasGodisinthelight?We conceive it to import likeness, but not degree.We are as truly in thelight, we are as heartily in the light, we are as sincerely in the light, ashonestly in the light, though we cannot be there in the samemeasure. Icannotdwellinthesun,itistoobrightaplaceformyresidence,butIcanwalkinthelightofthesun;andso,thoughIcannotattaintothatperfectionof purity and truth which belongs to the Lord of hosts by nature as theinfinitelygood,yetIcansettheLordalwaysbeforeme,andstrive,bythehelpof the indwellingSpirit, after conformity toHis image.That famousoldcommentator,JohnTrapp,says,"WemaybeinthelightasGodisinthelightforquality,butnotforequality."Wearetohavethesamelight,andareastrulytohaveitandwalkinitasGoddoes,though,asforequalitywithGodinHisholinessandpurity,thatmustbeleftuntilwecrosstheJordanandenter into theperfectionof theMostHigh.Markthat theblessingsofsacred fellowshipandperfect cleansingareboundupwithwalking in thelight.

September

S e p t e m b e r 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"ThoushaltguidemewithThycounsel,andafterwardreceiveme toglory."Psalm73:24

The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just beendiscovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should beconstantlyledastraybyit,heresolvedthatGod'scounselshouldhenceforthguide him.A sense of our own folly is a great step towards beingwise,whenitleadsustorelyonthewisdomoftheLord.Theblindmanleansonhisfriend'sarmandreacheshomeinsafety,andsowouldwegiveourselvesupimplicitlytodivineguidance,nothingdoubting;assuredthatthoughwecannotsee,itisalwayssafetotrusttheAll-seeingGod."Thoushalt,"isablessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would notdecline thecondescending task.There is aword for thee,Obeliever; restthou in it.Be assured that thyGodwill be thy counsellor and friend;Heshallguidethee;Hewilldirectallthyways.InHiswrittenWordthouhastthis assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is His counsel to thee.Happy are we to have God's Word always to guide us! What were themariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without theBible?Thisistheunerringchart,themapinwhicheveryshoalisdescribed,and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven ofsalvationmappedandmarkedbyonewhoknowsall theway.BlessedbeThou,OGod,thatwemaytrustTheetoguideusnow,andguideuseventotheend!After thisguidance throughlife, thePsalmistanticipatesadivinereceptionatlast—"andafterwardreceivemetoglory."Whatathoughtforthee,believer!GodHimselfwillreceivetheetoglory—thee!Wandering,erring, straying, yet He will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thyportion; liveon it thisday,and ifperplexitiesshouldsurround thee,go inthestrengthofthistextstraighttothethrone.

Thisevening'sverse:

"TrustinHimatalltimes."Psalm62:8

Faithisasmuchtheruleoftemporalasofspirituallife;weoughttohavefaithinGodforourearthlyaffairsaswellasforourheavenlybusiness.ItisonlyaswelearntotrustinGodforthesupplyofallourdailyneedthatweshall liveabovetheworld.Wearenottobeidle, thatwouldshowwedidnottrustinGod,whoworkethhitherto,butinthedevil,whoisthefatherofidleness.Wearenottobeimprudentorrash;thatweretotrustchance,andnot the living God, who is a God of economy and order. Acting in allprudenceanduprightness,wearetorelysimplyandentirelyupontheLordatalltimes.

Let me commend to you a life of trust in God in temporal things.Trusting in God, you will not be compelled to mourn because you haveused sinful means to grow rich. Serve God with integrity, and if youachievenosuccess,at leastnosinwill lieuponyourconscience.TrustingGod, youwill not be guilty of self-contradiction. Hewho trusts in craft,sails thisway to-day,and thatway thenext, likeavessel tossedaboutbytheficklewind;buthethattrustethintheLordislikeavesselpropelledbysteam,shecuts through thewaves,defies thewind,andmakesonebrightsilvery straightforward track to her destined haven. Be you a man withliving principles within; never bow to the varying customs of worldlywisdom.Walkinyourpathofintegritywithsteadfaststeps,andshowthatyouareinvinciblystronginthestrengthwhichconfidenceinGodalonecanconfer. Thus you will be delivered from carking care, you will not betroubled with evil tidings, your heart will be fixed, trusting in the Lord.How pleasant to float along the stream of providence! There is nomoreblessedwayof living than a life of dependenceupon a covenant-keepingGod.Wehavenocare,forHecarethforus;wehavenotroubles,becausewecastourburdensupontheLord.

S e p t e m b e r 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"ButSimon'swife'smotherlaysickofafever,andanontheytellHimofher."Mark1:30

Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the ApostolicFisherman.Weseeatoncethathouseholdjoysandcaresarenohindrancetothefullexerciseofministry,nay, thatsincetheyfurnishanopportunityfor personallywitnessing the Lord's graciouswork upon one's own fleshandblood,theymayeveninstructtheteacherbetterthananyotherearthlydiscipline. Papists and other sectaries may decry marriage, but trueChristianity and household life agree well together. Peter's house wasprobablyapoorfisherman'shut,buttheLordofGloryenteredit,lodgedinit,andwroughtamiracleinit.Shouldourlittlebookbereadthismorninginsomeveryhumblecottage,letthisfactencouragetheinmatestoseekthecompanyofKing Jesus.God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces.Jesusislookingroundyourroomnow,andiswaitingtobegracioustoyou.Into Simon's house sickness had entered, fever in a deadly form hadprostratedhismother-in-law,andas soonas Jesuscame they toldHimofthe sad affliction, and He hastened to the patient's bed. Have you anysickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the bestphysician,gotoHimatonceandtellHimallaboutthematter.ImmediatelylaythecasebeforeHim.ItconcernsoneofHispeople,andthereforewillnot be trivial toHim.Observe, that at once the Saviour restored the sickwoman;nonecanhealasHedoes.WemaynotmakesurethattheLordwillat once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know thatbelievingprayerforthesickisfarmorelikelytobefollowedbyrestorationthananythingelseintheworld;andwherethisavailsnot,wemustmeeklybowtoHiswillbywhomlifeanddeatharedetermined.ThetenderheartofJesuswaitstohearourgriefs,letuspourthemintoHispatientear.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Exceptyeseesignsandwonders,yewillnotbelieve."John4:48

Acravingaftermarvelswasasymptomofthesicklystateofmen'smindsin our Lord's day; they refused solid nourishment, and pined after merewonder.Thegospelwhichtheysogreatlyneededtheywouldnothave;themiracleswhichJesusdidnotalwayschoosetogivetheyeagerlydemanded.Manynowadaysmustseesignsandwonders,ortheywillnotbelieve.Somehave said in their heart, "Imust feel deep horror of soul, or I neverwillbelieve in Jesus." But what if you never should feel it, as probably younevermay?Willyougo tohelloutofspiteagainstGod,becauseHewillnottreatyoulikeanother?Onehassaidtohimself,"IfIhadadream,orifIcouldfeelasuddenshockofIknownotwhat,thenIwouldbelieve."Thusyouundeservingmortalsdream thatmyLord is tobedictated tobyyou!YouarebeggarsatHisgate,askingformercy,andyoumustneedsdrawuprulesandregulationsastohowHeshallgivethatmercy.ThinkyouthatHewill submit to this?MyMaster isofagenerous spirit,butHehasa rightroyalheart,Hespurnsalldictation,andmaintainsHissovereigntyofaction.Why,dearreader,ifsuchbeyourcase,doyoucraveforsignsandwonders?Isnotthegospelitsownsignandwonder?Isnotthisamiracleofmiracles,that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, thatwhosoeverbelievethinHimmightnotperish"?Surelythatpreciousword,"Whosoeverwill, lethimcomeand take thewaterof life freely"and thatsolemnpromise,"HimthatcomethuntoMe,Iwillinnowisecastout,"arebetterthansignsandwonders!AtruthfulSaviouroughttobebelieved.Heis truth itself.Whywillyouaskproofof theveracityofOnewhocannotlie? The devils themselves declaredHim to be the Son ofGod;will youmistrustHim?

S e p t e m b e r 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thouwhommysoulloveth."Song1:7

Itiswelltobeable,withoutany"if"or"but,"tosayoftheLordJesus—"Thouwhommysoulloveth."ManycanonlysayofJesusthat theyhopethey love Him; they trust they love Him; but only a poor and shallowexperiencewillbecontenttostayhere.Nooneoughttogiveanyresttohisspirit till he feels quite sure about amatter of such vital importance.Weought not to be satisfiedwith a superficial hope that Jesus loves us, andwithabaretrustthatweloveHim.Theoldsaintsdidnotgenerallyspeakwith"buts,"and"ifs,"and"hopes,"and"trusts,"buttheyspokepositivelyandplainly. "IknowwhomIhavebelieved," saithPaul. "Iknow thatmyRedeemerliveth,"saithJob.GetpositiveknowledgeofyourloveofJesus,andbenotsatisfiedtillyoucanspeakofyourinterest inHimasareality,which you have made sure by having received the witness of the HolySpirit,andHissealuponyoursoulbyfaith.

TruelovetoChristisineverycasetheHolySpirit'swork,andmustbewroughtintheheartbyHim.Heistheefficientcauseofit;butthelogicalreasonwhyweloveJesusliesinHimself.WhydoweloveJesus?BecauseHe first lovedus.Whydowe love Jesus?BecauseHe "gaveHimself forus."We have life through His death; we have peace through His blood.ThoughHewasrich,yet foroursakesHebecamepoor.Whydowe loveJesus?BecauseoftheexcellencyofHisperson.WearefilledwithasenseofHisbeauty!anadmirationofHischarms!aconsciousnessofHisinfiniteperfection!Hisgreatness,goodness,andloveliness,inoneresplendentray,combinetoenchantthesoultillitissoravishedthatitexclaims,"Yea,Heisaltogether lovely."Blessed love this—a lovewhichbinds theheartwithchainsmoresoftthansilk,andyetmorefirmthanadamant!

Thisevening'sverse:

"TheLordtrieththerighteous."Psalm11:5

AlleventsareunderthecontrolofProvidence;consequentlyallthetrialsofouroutwardlifearetraceableatoncetothegreatFirstCause.OutofthegoldengateofGod'sordinancethearmiesoftrialmarchforthinarray,cladintheir ironarmour,andarmedwithweaponsofwar.Allprovidencesaredoorstotrial.Evenourmercies,likeroses,havetheirthorns.Menmaybedrowned in seas of prosperity as well as in rivers of affliction. Ourmountainsarenottoohigh,andourvalleysarenottoolowfortemptations:trials lurkonall roads.Everywhere,aboveandbeneath,wearebesetandsurrounded with dangers. Yet no shower falls unpermitted from thethreateningcloud;everydrophas itsorderere ithastens to theearth.Thetrialswhich come fromGod are sent to prove and strengthen our graces,andsoatoncetoillustratethepowerofdivinegrace,totestthegenuinenessofourvirtues,andtoaddtotheirenergy.OurLordinHisinfinitewisdomandsuperabundantlove,setssohighavalueuponHispeople'sfaiththatHewillnotscreenthemfromthosetrialsbywhichfaith isstrengthened.Youwouldneverhavepossessed thepreciousfaithwhichnowsupportsyouifthetrialofyourfaithhadnotbeenlikeuntofire.Youareatreethatneverwouldhaverootedsowell if thewindhadnotrockedyoutoandfro,andmade you take firm hold upon the precious truths of the covenant grace.Worldlyeaseisagreatfoetofaith;itloosensthejointsofholyvalour,andsnapsthesinewsofsacredcourage.Theballoonneverrisesuntilthecordsare cut; affliction doth this sharp service for believing souls. While thewheat sleeps comfortably in the husk it is useless to man, it must bethreshedoutof its restingplacebefore itsvaluecanbeknown.Thus it iswell that Jehovah trieth the righteous, for it causeth them to grow richtowardsGod.

S e p t e m b e r 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Iwill;bethouclean."Mark1:41

Primeval darkness heard theAlmighty fiat, "light be," and straightwaylightwas,andthewordoftheLordJesusisequalinmajestytothatancientword of power. Redemption like Creation has its word of might. Jesusspeaksanditisdone.Leprosyyieldedtonohumanremedies,butitfledatonceattheLord's"Iwill."Thediseaseexhibitednohopefulsignsortokensofrecovery,naturecontributednothingtoitsownhealing,buttheunaidedwordeffected theentireworkon thespotand forever.Thesinner is inaplightmoremiserablethantheleper;lethimimitatehisexampleandgotoJesus,"beseechingHimandkneelingdowntoHim."Lethimexercisewhatlittle faithhehas,even though it shouldgonofurther than"Lord, if thouwilt,thoucanstmakemeclean";andthereneedbenodoubtastotheresultoftheapplication.Jesushealsallwhocome,andcastsoutnone.Inreadingthe narrative in which our morning's text occurs, it is worthy of devoutnoticethatJesustouchedtheleper.Thisuncleanpersonhadbrokenthroughtheregulationsoftheceremoniallawandpressedintothehouse,butJesusso far from chiding him broke through the lawHimself in order tomeethim.Hemadeaninterchangewiththeleper,forwhileHecleansedhim,Hecontractedby that touchaLeviticaldefilement.Even so JesusChristwasmade sin for us, although inHimself He knew no sin, thatwemight bemade the righteousness ofGod inHim.O that poor sinnerswould go toJesus,believinginthepowerofHisblessedsubstitutionarywork,andtheywould soon learn the power of His gracious touch. That hand whichmultiplied the loaves,which saved sinking Peter,which upholds afflictedsaints, which crowns believers, that same hand will touch every seekingsinner,andinamomentmakehimclean.TheloveofJesusisthesourceofsalvation.Heloves,Helooks,Hetouchesus,WELIVE.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall yehave."Leviticus19:36

Weights, and scales, and measures were to be all according to thestandard of justice. Surely noChristianmanwill need to be reminded ofthis inhisbusiness, for if righteousnesswerebanished fromall theworldbeside,itshouldfindashelterinbelievinghearts.Thereare,however,otherbalances which weigh moral and spiritual things, and these often needexamining.Wewillcallintheofficerto-night.

Thebalancesinwhichweweighourownandothermen'scharacters,arethey quite accurate? Do we not turn our own ounces of goodness intopounds,andotherpersons'bushelsofexcellenceintopecks?Seetoweightsandmeasureshere,Christian.Thescalesinwhichwemeasureourtrialsandtroubles,aretheyaccordingtostandard?Paul,whohadmoretosufferthanwehave, calledhis afflictions light, andyetweoften considerours tobeheavy—surelysomethingmustbeamisswiththeweights!Wemustseetothismatter,lestwegetreportedtothecourtaboveforunjustdealing.Thoseweightswithwhichwemeasure our doctrinal belief, are they quite fair?Thedoctrinesofgraceshouldhavethesameweightwithusasthepreceptsoftheword,nomoreandnoless;butitistobefearedthatwithmanyonescale or the other is unfairly weighted. It is a grand matter to give justmeasure in truth.Christian, be careful here.Thosemeasures inwhichweestimateourobligationsandresponsibilitieslookrathersmall.Whenarichmangivesnomoreto thecauseofGodthanthepoorcontribute, is thatajust ephah and a just hin?Whenministers arehalf starved, is that honestdealing?When thepooraredespised,whileungodly richmenareheld inadmiration,isthatajustbalance?Reader,wemightlengthenthelist,butweprefer to leave it as your evening's work to find out and destroy allunrighteousbalances,weights,andmeasures.

S e p t e m b e r 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents ofKedar."Psalm120:5

AsaChristianyouhavetoliveinthemidstofanungodlyworld,anditisof little use for you to cry "Woe is me." Jesus did not pray O that youshouldbetakenoutoftheworld,andwhatHedidnotprayforyouneednotdesire.Better far in theLord's strength tomeet the difficulty, and glorifyHiminit.Theenemyiseveronthewatchtodetectinconsistencyinyourconduct; be therefore very holy. Remember that the eyes of all are uponyou,andthatmoreisexpectedfromyouthanfromothermen.Strivetogiveno occasion for blame. Let your goodness be the only fault they candiscoverinyou.LikeDaniel,compelthemtosayofyou,"WeshallnotfindanyoccasionagainstthisDaniel,exceptwefinditagainsthimconcerningthe lawofhisGod."Seek tobeusefulaswell asconsistent.Perhapsyouthink, "If I were in a more favourable position I might serve the Lord'scause,butIcannotdoanygoodwhereIam";buttheworsethepeopleareamongwhomyoulive,themoreneedhavetheyofyourexertions;iftheybecrooked,themorenecessitythatyoushouldsetthemstraight;andiftheybeperverse,themoreneedhaveyoutoturntheirproudheartstothetruth.Where should the physician be butwhere there aremany sick?Where ishonour tobewonby the soldierbut in thehottest fireof thebattle?Andwhenwearyofthestrifeandsinthatmeetsyouoneveryhand,considerthatallthesaintshaveenduredthesametrial.Theywerenotcarriedonbedsofdowntoheaven,andyoumustnotexpect to travelmoreeasily than they.Theyhadtohazardtheirlivesuntothedeathinthehighplacesofthefield,andyouwillnotbecrownedtillyoualsohaveenduredhardnessasagoodsoldierofJesusChrist.Therefore,"standfastinthefaith,quityoulikemen,bestrong."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hastthouenteredintothespringsofthesea?"Job38:16

Somethingsinnaturemustremainamysterytothemostintelligentandenterprising investigators.Humanknowledgehasboundsbeyondwhich itcannot pass. Universal knowledge is for God alone. If this be so in thethingswhichareseenandtemporal,Imayrestassuredthatitisevenmoreso in matters spiritual and eternal. Why, then, have I been torturing mybrain with speculations as to destiny and will, fixed fate, and humanresponsibility? These deep and dark truths I am no more able tocomprehendthantofindoutthedepthwhichcouchethbeneath,fromwhicholdoceandrawsherwaterystores.WhyamIsocurioustoknowthereasonof my Lord's providences, the motive of His actions, the design of Hisvisitations?Shall I ever be able to clasp the sun inmy fist, and hold theuniverseinmypalm?yettheseareasadropofabucketcomparedwiththeLordmyGod.Letmenot strive tounderstand the infinite, but spendmystrengthinlove.WhatIcannotgainbyintellectIcanpossessbyaffection,and let that sufficeme. I cannot penetrate the heart of the sea, but I canenjoythehealthfulbreezeswhichsweepoveritsbosom,andIcansailoveritsbluewaveswithpropitiouswinds.IfIcouldenterthespringsofthesea,the feat would serve no useful purpose either to myself or to others, itwouldnotsave thesinkingbark,orgiveback thedrownedmariner tohisweepingwifeandchildren;neitherwouldmysolvingdeepmysteriesavailme a single whit, for the least love to God, and the simplest act ofobedience toHim,arebetter than theprofoundestknowledge.MyLord, IleavetheinfinitetoThee,andprayTheetoputfarfrommesuchaloveforthetreeofknowledgeasmightkeepmefromthetreeoflife.

S e p t e m b e r 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Inthemidstofacrookedandperversenation,amongwhomyeshineaslightsintheworld."Philippians2:15

Weuselightstomakemanifest.AChristianmanshouldsoshineinhislife, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing thegospel.Hisconversationshouldbesuchthatallwhoareabouthimshouldclearlyperceivewhoseheis,andwhomheserves;andshouldseetheimageofJesusreflectedinhisdailyactions.Lightsareintendedforguidance.Weare to help those around uswho are in the dark.We are to hold forth tothemtheWordoflife.WearetopointsinnerstotheSaviour,andthewearyto a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail tounderstandthem;weshouldbeready,likePhilip,toinstructtheinquirerinthemeaningofGod'sWord,thewayofsalvation,andthelifeofgodliness.Lightsarealsousedforwarning.Onourrocksandshoalsalight-houseissure to be erected. Christianmen should know that there aremany falselights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light isneeded.ThewreckersofSatanarealwaysabroad,temptingtheungodlytosinunderthenameofpleasure;theyhoistthewronglight,beitourstoputupthetruelightuponeverydangerousrock,topointouteverysin,andtellwhatitleadsto,thatsowemaybeclearofthebloodofallmen,shiningaslightsintheworld.Lightsalsohaveaverycheeringinfluence,andsohaveChristians.AChristianoughttobeacomforter,withkindwordsonhislips,andsympathyinhisheart;heshouldcarrysunshinewhereverhegoes,anddiffusehappinessaroundhim.

GraciousSpiritdwellwithme;Imyselfwouldgraciousbe,AndwithwordsthathelpandhealWouldthylifeinminereveal,AndwithactionsboldandmeekWouldforChristmySaviourspeak.

Thisevening'sverse:

"IfyebeledoftheSpirit,yearenotunderthelaw."Galatians5:18

Wewho looks at his own character and position from a legal point ofview,willnotonlydespairwhenhecomestotheendofhisreckoning,butif he be awiseman hewill despair at the beginning; for ifwe are to bejudged on the footing of the law, there shall no flesh living be justified.Howblessedtoknowthatwedwellinthedomainsofgraceandnotoflaw!WhenthinkingofmystatebeforeGodthequestionisnot,"AmIperfectinmyselfbeforethelaw?"but,"AmIperfectinChristJesus?"Thatisaverydifferentmatter.Weneed not enquire, "Am Iwithout sin naturally?" but,"HaveIbeenwashedinthefountainopenedforsinandforuncleanness?"Itisnot"AmIinmyselfwellpleasingtoGod?"butit is"AmIacceptedintheBeloved?"TheChristianviewshisevidencesfromthetopofSinai,andgrowsalarmedconcerninghissalvation;itwerebetterfarifhereadhistitlebythelightofCalvary."Why,"saithhe,"myfaithhasunbeliefinit,itisnotabletosaveme."Supposehehadconsideredtheobjectofhisfaithinsteadof his faith, then he would have said, "There is no failure in Him, andthereforeIamsafe."Hesighsoverhishope:"Ah!myhopeismarredanddimmed by an anxious carefulness about present things; how can I beaccepted?"Had he regarded the ground of his hope, hewould have seenthat thepromiseofGod standeth sure, and thatwhateverourdoubtsmaybe,theoathandpromiseneverfail.Ah!believer,itissaferalwaysforyoutobe ledof theSpirit intogospel liberty than towear legal fetters. JudgeyourselfatwhatChristisratherthanatwhatyouare.Satanwilltrytomaryourpeacebyremindingyouofyoursinfulnessandimperfections:youcanonlymeethisaccusationsbyfaithfullyadheringtothegospelandrefusingtoweartheyokeofbondage.

S e p t e m b e r 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, theyuncoveredtheroofwherehewas:andwhentheyhadbrokenitup,theyletdownthebedwhereinthesickofthepalsylay."Mark2:4

Faith is fullof inventions.Thehousewas full, acrowdblockedup thedoor,but faith foundawayofgettingat theLordandplacing thepalsiedman before Him. If we cannot get sinners where Jesus is by ordinarymethodswemustuseextraordinaryones.Itseems,accordingtoLuke5:19,that a tiling had to be removed, which would make dust and cause ameasure of danger to those below, butwhere the case is very urgentwemustnotmindrunningsomerisksandshockingsomeproprieties.Jesuswasthere to heal, and therefore fallwhatmight, faith ventured all so that herpoor paralyzed chargemight have his sins forgiven.O thatwe hadmoredaring faith among us! Cannot we, dear reader, seek it this morning forourselvesandforourfellow-workers,andwillwenottryto-daytoperformsomegallantactfortheloveofsoulsandthegloryoftheLord.

The world is constantly inventing; genius serves all the purposes ofhumandesire: cannot faith invent too, and reachby somenewmeans theoutcastswho lieperishing aroundus? Itwas thepresenceof Jesuswhichexcitedvictoriouscourageinthefourbearersofthepalsiedman:isnottheLord amongusnow?Havewe seenHis face forourselves thismorning?HavewefeltHishealingpowerinourownsouls?Ifso,thenthroughdoor,throughwindow,orthroughroof,letus,breakingthroughallimpediments,labourtobringpoorsoulstoJesus.Allmeansaregoodanddecorouswhenfaithandlovearetrulysetonwinningsouls.Ifhungerforbreadcanbreakthrough stone walls, surely hunger for souls is not to be hindered in itsefforts.OLord,makeus quick to suggestmethods of reachingThypoorsin-sickones,andboldtocarrythemoutatallhazards.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thereissorrowonthesea;itcannotbequiet."Jeremiah49:23

Littleknowwewhatsorrowmaybeupontheseaatthismoment.Wearesafeinourquietchamber,butfarawayonthesaltseathehurricanemaybecruellyseekingforthelivesofmen.Hearhowthedeathfiendshowlamongthecordage;howeverytimberstartsasthewavesbeatlikebatteringramsuponthevessel!Godhelpyou,poordrenchedandweariedones!Myprayergoesup to thegreatLordof seaand land, thatHewillmake the stormacalm, and bring you to your desired haven! Nor ought I to offer prayeralone, I should try to benefit those hardy men who risk their lives soconstantly.HaveIeverdoneanythingforthem?WhatcanIdo?Howoftendoes theboisterousseaswallowup themariner!Thousandsofcorpses liewherepearlsliedeep.Thereisdeath-sorrowonthesea,whichisechoedinthelongwailofwidowsandorphans.Thesaltoftheseaisinmanyeyesofmothers and wives. Remorseless billows, ye have devoured the love ofwomen,andthestayofhouseholds.Whataresurrectionshalltherebefromthecavernsofthedeepwhentheseagivesupherdead!Tillthentherewillbesorrowonthesea.Asifinsympathywiththewoesofearth,theseaisforeverfrettingalongathousandshores,wailingwithasorrowfulcrylikeher own birds, booming with a hollow crash of unrest, raving withuproarious discontent, chafing with hoarse wrath, or jangling with thevoices of ten thousand murmuring pebbles. The roar of the sea may bejoyoustoarejoicingspirit,buttothesonofsorrowthewide,wideoceanisevenmoreforlornthanthewide,wideworld.Thisisnotourrest,andtherestlessbillowstellusso.Thereisalandwherethereisnomoresea—ourfacesaresteadfastlysettowardsit;wearegoingtotheplaceofwhichtheLordhathspoken.Tillthen,wecastoursorrowsontheLordwhotrodthesea of old, and who maketh a way for His people through the depthsthereof.

S e p t e m b e r 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"FromMeisthyfruitfound."Hosea14:8

Our fruit is found fromourGodas tounion.The fruitof thebranch isdirectlytraceabletotheroot.Severtheconnection,thebranchdies,andnofruit isproduced.ByvirtueofourunionwithChristwebring forth fruit.Everybunchofgrapeshavebeenfirstintheroot,ithaspassedthroughthestem, and flowed through the sap vessels, and fashioned itself externallyintofruit,butitwasfirstinthestem;soalsoeverygoodworkwasfirstinChrist,andthenisbroughtforthinus.OChristian,prizethispreciousuniontoChrist;foritmustbethesourceofallthefruitfulnesswhichthoucansthope to know. If thouwert not joined to JesusChrist, thouwouldst be abarrenboughindeed.

Our fruit comes from God as to spiritual providence.When the dew-drops fall fromheaven,when the cloud looksdown fromonhigh, and isabouttodistil itsliquidtreasure,whenthebrightsunswellstheberriesofthecluster,eachheavenlyboonmaywhispertothetreeandsay,"Frommeis thy fruit found."Thefruitowesmuch to the root—that isessential tofruitfulness — but it owes very much also to external influences. Howmuch we owe to God's grace-providence! in which He provides usconstantly with quickening, teaching, consolation, strength, or whateverelsewewant.Tothisweoweourallofusefulnessorvirtue.

Our fruit comes fromGodas towisehusbandry.Thegardener's sharp-edgedknifepromotes the fruitfulnessof the tree,by thinning theclusters,andbycuttingoffsuperfluousshoots.Soisit,Christian,withthatpruningwhichtheLordgivestothee."MyFatheristhehusbandman.EverybranchinMethatbearethnotfruitHetakethaway;andeverybranchthatbearethfruitHepurgethit,thatitmaybringforthmorefruit."SinceourGodistheauthor of our spiritual graces, let us give to Him all the glory of oursalvation.

Thisevening'sverse:

"The exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believeaccording to theworkingofHismightypower,whichHewrought inChrist,whenHeraisedHimfromthedead."Ephesians1:19,20

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forthnothingshortofadivinepower.Whatshallwesayofthosewhothinkthatconversion is wrought by the free will of man, and is due to his ownbetternessofdisposition?Whenweshallsee thedeadrisefromthegraveby their own power, thenmaywe expect to see ungodly sinners of theirownfreewill turning toChrist. It isnot thewordpreached,nor thewordread in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. Thispowerwasirresistible.AllthesoldiersandthehighpriestscouldnotkeepthebodyofChrist in the tomb;DeathhimselfcouldnotholdJesus inhisbonds:eventhusirresistibleisthepowerputforthinthebelieverwhenheis raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell norsinners upon earth, can stay the hand of God's grace when it intends toconvertaman.IfGodomnipotentlysays,"Thoushalt,"manshallnotsay,"Iwillnot."ObservethatthepowerwhichraisedChristfromthedeadwasglorious.ItreflectedhonouruponGodandwroughtdismayinthehostsofevil.SothereisgreatglorytoGodintheconversionofeverysinner.Itwaseverlastingpower."Christbeingraisedfromthedeaddiethnomore;deathhathnomoredominionoverHim."Sowe,beingraisedfromthedead,gonot back to our deadworks nor to our old corruptions, butwe live untoGod."BecauseHeliveswelivealso.""Forwearedead,andourlifeishidwithChrist inGod." "Like asChristwas raised up from the dead by thegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife."Lastly,inthetextmarktheunionofthenewlifetoJesus.ThesamepowerwhichraisedtheHeadworkslifeinthemembers.WhatablessingtobequickenedtogetherwithChrist!

S e p t e m b e r 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Iwillanswerthee,andshewtheegreatandmightythingswhichthouknowestnot."Jeremiah33:3

Therearedifferenttranslationsofthesewords.Oneversionrendersit,"Iwill shew thee great and fortified things." Another, "Great and reservedthings."Now,therearereservedandspecialthingsinChristianexperience:allthedevelopmentsofspirituallifearenotalikeeasyofattainment.Therearethecommonframesandfeelingsofrepentance,andfaith,andjoy,andhope,whichareenjoyedbytheentirefamily;butthereisanupperrealmofrapture,ofcommunion,andconsciousunionwithChrist,whichisfarfrombeing the common dwelling-place of believers.We have not all the highprivilegeofJohn,toleanuponJesus'bosom;norofPaul, tobecaughtupinto the thirdheaven.Thereareheights inexperimentalknowledgeof thethings of God which the eagle's eye of acumen and philosophic thoughthathneverseen:Godalonecanbearusthere;butthechariotinwhichHetakes us up, and the fiery steeds with which that chariot is dragged, areprevailingprayers.Prevailingprayer isvictoriousover theGodofmercy,"ByhisstrengthhehadpowerwithGod:yea,hehadpowerovertheangel,andprevailed:hewept,andmadesupplicationuntoHim:hefoundHiminBeth-el,andthereHespakewithus."PrevailingprayertakestheChristiantoCarmel, and enables him to cover heavenwith cloudsof blessing, andearthwith floods ofmercy. Prevailing prayer bears theChristian aloft toPisgah,andshowshimtheinheritancereserved;itelevatesustoTaborandtransfiguresus, till in the likenessofhisLord,asHeis,soarewealso inthisworld.Ifyouwouldreachtosomethinghigherthanordinarygrovellingexperience,looktotheRockthatishigherthanyou,andgazewiththeeyeof faith through the window of importunate prayer. When you open thewindowonyourside,itwillnotbeboltedontheother.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Androundaboutthethronewerefourandtwentyseats:andupontheseats I saw fourand twentyelders sitting,clothed inwhite raiment."Revelation4:4

These representatives of the saints in heaven are said to be around thethrone.InthepassageinCanticles,whereSolomonsingsoftheKingsittingathis table, some render it "a round table."From this, someexpositors, Ithink,withoutstrainingthetext,havesaid,"Thereisanequalityamongthesaints."Thatideaisconveyedbytheequalnearnessofthefourandtwentyelders. The condition of glorified spirits in heaven is that of nearness toChrist,clearvisionofHisglory,constantaccesstoHiscourt,andfamiliarfellowship with His person: nor is there any difference in this respectbetweenonesaintandanother,butallthepeopleofGod,apostles,martyrs,ministers, or private and obscure Christians, shall all be seated near thethrone, where they shall for ever gaze upon their exalted Lord, and besatisfiedwithHis love.They shall allbenear toChrist, all ravishedwithHis love, all eating and drinking at the same tablewithHim, all equallybeloved asHis favourites and friends even if not all equally rewarded asservants.

Let believers on earth imitate the saints in heaven in their nearness toChrist. Let us on earth be as the elders are in heaven, sitting around thethrone.MayChrist be the object of our thoughts, the centre of our lives.HowcanweenduretoliveatsuchadistancefromourBeloved?LordJesu,drawusnearer toThyself.Sayuntous,"Abide inMe,andI inyou";andpermitustosing,"Hislefthandisundermyhead,andHisrighthanddothembraceme."

Oliftmehigher,nearerThee,AndasIrisemorepureandmeet,Oletmysoul'shumilityMakemelieloweratThyfeet;Lesstrustingself,themoreIproveTheblessedcomfortofThylove.

S e p t e m b e r 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom hewould:andtheycameuntohim."Mark3:13

Herewassovereignty.Impatientspiritsmayfretandfume,becausetheyarenotcalledtothehighestplacesintheministry;butreaderbeitthinetorejoice that Jesus calleth whom He wills. If He shall leave me to be adoorkeeper in His house, I will cheerfully bless Him for His grace inpermittingme todo anything inHis service.The call ofChrist's servantscomesfromabove.Jesusstandsonthemountain,evermoreabovetheworldinholiness,earnestness,loveandpower.ThosewhomHecallsmustgoupthe mountain to Him, they must seek to rise to His level by living inconstantcommunionwithHim.Theymaynotbeable tomount toclassichonours,orattainscholasticeminence,buttheymustlikeMosesgoupintothemount ofGod and have familiar intercoursewith the unseenGod, ortheywillneverbefittedtoproclaimthegospelofpeace.Jesuswentaparttohold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter into the samedivinecompanionshipifwewouldblessourfellowmen.Nowonderthattheapostles were clothed with power when they came down fresh from themountainwhereJesuswas.Thismorningwemustendeavourtoascendthemount of communion, that therewemay be ordained to the lifework forwhichwearesetapart.Letusnotseethefaceofmanto-daytillwehaveseenJesus.TimespentwithHimislaidoutatblessedinterest.WetooshallcastoutdevilsandworkwondersifwegodownintotheworldgirdedwiththatdivineenergywhichChristalonecangive.ItisofnousegoingtotheLord'sbattletillwearearmedwithheavenlyweapons.WemustseeJesus,this is essential. At the mercy-seat we will linger till He shall manifestHimselfuntousasHedothnotuntotheworld,anduntilwecantruthfullysay,"WewerewithHimintheHolyMount."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Eveningwolves."Habakkuk1:8

Whilepreparing thepresentvolume, thisparticular expression recurredto me so frequently, that in order to be rid of its constant importunity Idetermined togive apage to it.Theeveningwolf, infuriatedbyadayofhunger, was fiercer and more ravenous than he would have been in themorning.Maynotthefuriouscreaturerepresentourdoubtsandfearsafteraday of distraction of mind, losses in business, and perhaps ungeneroustauntingsfromourfellowmen?Howourthoughtshowlinourears,"Whereisnow thyGod?"Howvoracious andgreedy they are, swallowingup allsuggestionsofcomfort,andremainingashungryasbefore.GreatShepherd,slay theseeveningwolves,andbidThysheep liedowningreenpastures,undisturbed by insatiable unbelief. How like are the fiends of hell toeveningwolves,forwhentheflockofChristareinacloudyanddarkday,and their sun seemsgoingdown, theyhasten to tear and todevour.TheywillscarcelyattacktheChristianinthedaylightoffaith,butinthegloomofsoulconflict theyfalluponhim.OThouwhohast laiddownThy life forthesheep,preservethemfromthefangsofthewolf.

False teacherswhocraftily and industriouslyhunt for theprecious life,devouring men by their false-hoods, are as dangerous and detestable asevening wolves. Darkness is their element, deceit is their character,destructionistheirend.Wearemostindangerfromthemwhentheywearthe sheep's skin.Blessed is hewho is kept from them, for thousands aremadethepreyofgrievouswolvesthatenterwithinthefoldofthechurch.

Whatawonderofgraceit iswhenfiercepersecutorsareconverted,forthen the wolf dwells with the lamb, and men of cruel ungovernabledispositionsbecomegentleandteachable.OLord,convertmanysuch:forsuchwewillprayto-night.

S e p t e m b e r 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Beyeseparate."2Corinthians6:17

TheChristian,whileintheworld,isnottobeoftheworld.Heshouldbedistinguishedfromitinthegreatobjectofhislife.Tohim,"tolive,"shouldbe"Christ."Whetherheeats,ordrinks,orwhateverhedoes,heshoulddoalltoGod'sglory.Youmaylayuptreasure;butlayitupinheaven,whereneither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves break not through norsteal.Youmaystrivetoberich;butbeityourambitiontobe"richinfaith,"and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, singpsalmsandmakemelodyinyourheartstotheLord.Inyourspirit,aswellas inyour aim,you shoulddiffer from theworld.WaitinghumblybeforeGod, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion withHim,andseekingtoknowHiswill,youwillprovethatyouareofheavenlyrace.Andyoushouldbeseparatefromtheworldinyouractions.Ifathingberight,thoughyoulosebyit,itmustbedone;ifitbewrong,thoughyouwouldgainbyit,youmustscornthesinforyourMaster'ssake.Youmusthavenofellowshipwiththeunfruitfulworksofdarkness,butratherreprovethem. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, OChristian,thatthouartasonoftheKingofkings.Therefore,keepthyselfunspotted from the world. Soil not the fingers which are soon to sweepcelestial strings; letnot theseeyesbecome thewindowsof lustwhicharesoontoseetheKinginHisbeauty—letnotthosefeetbedefiledinmiryplaces,whicharesoontowalkthegoldenstreets—letnotthoseheartsbefilledwithprideandbitternesswhichareerelongtobefilledwithheaven,andtooverflowwithecstaticjoy.

Thenrisemysoul!andsoaraway,Abovethethoughtlesscrowd;Abovethepleasuresofthegay,Andsplendoursoftheproud;Upwhereeternalbeautiesbloom,Andpleasuresalldivine;Wherewealth,thatnevercanconsume,

Andendlessgloriesshine.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies."Psalms5:8

VerybitteristheenmityoftheworldagainstthepeopleofChrist.Menwill forgive a thousand faults in others, but they will magnify the mosttrivialoffenceinthefollowersofJesus.Insteadofvainlyregrettingthis,letusturnittoaccount,andsincesomanyarewatchingforourhalting,letthisbe a special motive for walking very carefully before God. If we livecarelessly, the lynx-eyed world will soon see it, and with its hundredtongues,itwillspreadthestory,exaggeratedandemblazonedbythezealofslander.Theywillshouttriumphantly."Aha!Sowouldwehaveit!Seehowthese Christians act! They are hypocrites to a man." Thus will muchdamage be done to the cause of Christ, and much insult offered to Hisname.The cross ofChrist is in itself an offence to theworld; let us takeheed that we add no offence of our own. It is "to the Jews astumblingblock": letusmind thatweputno stumblingblockswhere thereare enough already. "To the Greeks it is foolishness": let us not add ourfolly to give point to the scorn with which the worldly-wise deride thegospel. How jealous should we be of ourselves! How rigid with ourconsciences!Inthepresenceofadversarieswhowillmisrepresentourbestdeeds,andimpugnourmotiveswheretheycannotcensureouractions,howcircumspect should we be! Pilgrims travel as suspected persons throughVanityFair.Not only areweunder surveillance, but there aremore spiesthanwereckof.Theespionageiseverywhere,athomeandabroad.Ifwefallintotheenemies'handswemaysoonerexpectgenerosityfromawolf,ormercyfromafiend,thananythinglikepatiencewithourinfirmitiesfrommen who spice their infidelity towards God with scandals against Hispeople.OLord,leadusever,lestourenemiestripusup!

S e p t e m b e r 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Godisjealous."Nahum1:2

YourLordisveryjealousofyourlove,Obeliever.DidHechooseyou?Hecannotbear thatyoushouldchooseanother.DidHebuyyouwithHisownblood?Hecannotendurethatyoushouldthinkthatyouareyourown,or that you belong to thisworld.He loved youwith such a love thatHewould not stop in heaven without you; He would sooner die than youshould perish, andHe cannot endure that anything should stand betweenyourheart'sloveandHimself.Heisveryjealousofyourtrust.Hewillnotpermityoutotrustinanarmofflesh.Hecannotbearthatyoushouldhewoutbrokencisterns,when theoverflowing fountain is always free toyou.WhenweleanuponHim,Heisglad,butwhenwetransferourdependencetoanother,whenwerelyuponourownwisdom,orthewisdomofafriend—worstofall,whenwetrustinanyworksofourown,Heisdispleased,andwillchastenusthatHemaybringustoHimself.Heisalsoveryjealousofourcompany.ThereshouldbenoonewithwhomweconversesomuchaswithJesus.ToabideinHimonly,thisistruelove;buttocommunewiththeworld,tofindsufficientsolaceinourcarnalcomforts,toprefereventhesociety of our fellow Christians to secret intercourse with Him, this isgrievous to our jealous Lord. He would fain have us abide in Him, andenjoy constant fellowshipwithHimself; andmanyof the trialswhichHesendsusare for thepurposeofweaningourhearts fromthecreature,andfixingthemmorecloselyuponHimself.LetthisjealousywhichwouldkeepusneartoChristbealsoacomforttous,forifHelovesussomuchastocarethusaboutourlovewemaybesurethatHewillsuffernothingtoharmus,andwillprotectusfromallourenemies.OhthatwemayhavegracethisdaytokeepourheartsinsacredchastityforourBelovedalone,withsacredjealousyshuttingoureyestoallthefascinationsoftheworld!

Thisevening'sverse:

"Iwillsingofmercyandjudgment."Psalm101:1

Faithtriumphsintrial.Whenreasonisthrustintotheinnerprison,withherfeetmadefastinthestocks,faithmakesthedungeonwallsringwithhermerrynotesassheIcries,"Iwillsingofmercyandofjudgment.Untothee,OLord,will I sing."Faithpulls theblackmask from the faceof trouble,anddiscoverstheangelbeneath.Faithlooksupatthecloud,andseesthat

'TisbigwithmercyandshallbreakInblessingsonherhead."

ThereisasubjectforsongeveninthejudgmentsofGodtowardsus.For,first,thetrialisnotsoheavyasitmighthavebeen;next,thetroubleisnotsosevereaswedeservedtohaveborne;andourafflictionisnotsocrushingastheburdenwhichothershavetocarry.Faithseesthatinherworstsorrowthereisnothingpenal;thereisnotadropofGod'swrathinit;itisallsentinlove. Faith discerns love gleaming like a jewel on the breast of an angryGod.Faithsaysofhergrief,"Thisisabadgeofhonour,forthechildmustfeeltherod";andthenshesingsofthesweetresultofhersorrows,becausetheyworkherspiritualgood.Nay,more,saysFaith,"Theselightafflictions,which are but for amoment,work out forme a farmore exceeding andeternalweightofglory."SoFaithridesforthontheblackhorse,conqueringand to conquer, trampling down carnal reason and fleshly sense, andchantingnotesofvictoryamidthethickestofthefray.

"AllImeetIfindassistsmeInmypathtoheavenlyjoy:Where,thoughtrialsnowattendme,Trialsnevermoreannoy."Blesttherewithaweightofglory,StillthepathI'llne'erforget,But,exulting,cry,itledmeTomyblessedSaviour'sseat."

S e p t e m b e r 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"WhopassingthroughthevalleyofBacamakeitawell,therainalsofilleththepools."Psalm84:6

This teaches us that the comfort obtained by a one may often proveserviceable to another; just aswellswould be used by the companywhocameafter.Wereadsomebookfullofconsolation,whichislikeJonathan'srod,droppingwithhoney.Ah!wethinkourbrotherhasbeenherebeforeus,and digged this well for us as well as for himself. Many a "Night ofWeeping,""MidnightHarmonies,"an"EternalDay,""ACrookintheLot,"a"ComfortforMourners,"hasbeenawelldiggedbyapilgrimforhimself,but has proved quite as useful to others. Specially we notice this in thePsalms, such as that beginning, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?"Travellershavebeendelightedtoseethefootprintofmanonabarrenshore,andwelovetoseethewaymarksofpilgrimswhilepassingthroughthevaleoftears.

The pilgrims dig the well, but, strange enough, it fills from the topinsteadof thebottom.Weusethemeans,but theblessingdoesnotspringfromthemeans.Wedigawell,butheavenfills itwith rain.Thehorse ispreparedagainstthedayofbattle,butsafetyisoftheLord.Themeansareconnectedwiththeend,buttheydonotofthemselvesproduceit.Seeheretherainfillsthepools,sothatthewellsbecomeusefulasreservoirsforthewater;labourisnotlost,butyetitdoesnotsupersededivinehelp.

Gracemaywellbecomparedtorainforitspurity,foritsrefreshingandvivifying influence, for its coming alone from above, and for thesovereignty with which it is given or withheld. May our readers haveshowers of blessing, and may the wells they have digged be filled withwater! Oh, what aremeans and ordinances without the smile of heaven!Theyareascloudswithout rain,andpoolswithoutwater.OGodof love,openthewindowsofheavenandpourusoutablessing!

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thismanreceivethsinners."Luke15:2

Observethecondescensionofthisfact.ThisMan,whotowersaboveallothermen,holy,harmless,undefiled,andseparatefromsinners—thisManreceivethsinners.ThisMan,who isnoother than theeternalGod,beforewhom angels veil their faces— this Man receiveth sinners. It needs anangel's tongue to describe such a mighty stoop of love. That any of usshouldbewillingtoseekafterthelostisnothingwonderful—theyareofour own race; but that He, the offended God, against whom thetransgressionhasbeencommitted,shouldtakeuponHimselftheformofaservant,andbearthesinofmany,andshouldthenbewillingtoreceivethevilestofthevile,thisismarvellous.

"This Man receiveth sinners"; not, however, that they may remainsinners, butHe receives them thatHemaypardon their sins, justify theirpersons,cleansetheirheartsbyHispurifyingword,preservetheirsoulsbytheindwellingof theHolyGhost,andenable themtoserveHim, toshowforthHispraise,andtohavecommunionwithHim.IntoHisheart'sloveHereceivessinners,takesthemfromthedunghill,andwearsthemasjewelsinHiscrown;plucksthemasbrandsfromtheburning,andpreservesthemascostlymonumentsofHismercy.NonearesopreciousinJesus'sightasthesinnersforwhomHedied.WhenJesusreceivessinners,Hehasnotsomeout-of-doorsreceptionplace,nocasualwardwhereHecharitablyentertainsthemasmendopassingbeggars,butHeopensthegoldengatesofHisroyalheart, and receives the sinner right into Himself — yea, He admits thehumblepenitentintopersonalunionandmakesHimamemberofHisbody,ofHis flesh, andofHisbones.Therewasnever sucha receptionas this!Thisfactisstillmostsurethisevening,Heisstillreceivingsinners:wouldtoGodsinnerswouldreceiveHim.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"TherewerealsowithHimotherlittleships."Mark4:36

JesuswastheLordHighAdmiraloftheseathatnight,andHispresencepreservedthewholeconvoy.ItiswelltosailwithJesus,eventhoughitbeinalittleship.WhenwesailinChrist'scompany,wemaynotmakesureoffairweather, for great stormsmay toss the vesselwhich carries the LordHimself,andwemustnotexpecttofindthesealessboisterousaroundourlittleboat.IfwegowithJesuswemustbecontenttofareasHefares;andwhenthewavesareroughtoHim,theywillberoughtous.Itisbytempestandtossingthatweshallcometoland,asHedidbeforeus.WhenthestormsweptoverGalilee'sdark lakeall facesgatheredblackness, andallheartsdreadedshipwreck.

When all creature helpwas useless, the slumbering Saviour arose, andwith aword, transformed the riot of the tempest into the deep quiet of acalm; thenwere the little vessels at rest aswell as thatwhich carried theLord.Jesusisthestarofthesea;andthoughtherebesorrowuponthesea,whenJesusisonitthereisjoytoo.MayourheartsmakeJesustheiranchor,theirrudder,theirlighthouse,theirlife-boat,andtheirharbour.HisChurchis the Admiral's flagship, let us attend her movements, and cheer herofficerswithourpresence.HeHimselfisthegreatattraction;letusfolloweverinHiswake,markHissignals,steerbyHischart,andneverfearwhileHeiswithinhail.Notoneshipintheconvoyshallsufferwreck;thegreatCommodorewillsteereverybarqueinsafetytothedesiredhaven.Byfaithwewillslipourcableforanotherday'scruise,andsailforthwithJesusintoaseaof tribulation.Windsandwaveswillnot spareus,but theyallobeyHim;and,therefore,whateversquallsmayoccurwithout,faithshallfeelablessed calm within. He is ever in the centre of the weather-beatencompany: letus rejoice inHim.Hisvesselhas reached thehaven,andsoshallours.

Thisevening'sverse:

"IacknowledgedmysinuntoThee,andmineiniquityhaveInothid.Isaid, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin."Psalm32:5

David'sgriefforsinwasbitter.Itseffectswerevisibleuponhisoutwardframe:"hisboneswaxedold";"hismoisturewasturnedintothedroughtofsummer."Noremedycouldhefind,untilhemadeafullconfessionbeforethethroneoftheheavenlygrace.Hetellsusthatforatimehekeptsilence,andhisheartbecamemoreandmorefilledwithgrief:likeamountaintarnwhoseoutletisblockedup,hissoulwasswollenwithtorrentsofsorrow.Hefashionedexcuses;heendeavouredtodiverthisthoughts,butitwasall tonopurpose;likeafesteringsorehisanguishgathered,andashewouldnotusethelancetofconfession,hisspiritwasfulloftorment,andknewnorest.At last it came to this, that he must return unto his God in humblepenitence, or die outright; so he hastened to the mercy-seat, and thereunrolled the volume of his iniquities before the all-seeing One,acknowledgingalltheevilofhiswaysinlanguagesuchasyoureadinthefifty-firstandotherpenitentialPsalms.Havingdonethis,aworksosimpleand yet so difficult to pride, he received at once the token of divineforgiveness;theboneswhichhadbeenbrokenweremadetorejoice,andhecame forth from his closet to sing the blessedness of the man whosetransgression is forgiven. See the value of a grace-wrought confession ofsin! It is to be prized above all price, for in every casewhere there is agenuine, gracious confession, mercy is freely given, not because therepentanceandconfessiondeservemercy,butforChrist'ssake.BlessedbeGod, there is always healing for the broken heart; the fountain is everflowingtocleanseusfromoursins.Truly,OLord,ThouartaGod"readytopardon!"Thereforewillweacknowledgeouriniquities.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Heshallnotbeafraidofeviltidings."Psalm112:7

Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because ifyouaredistressedbythem,whatdoyoumorethanothermen?OthermenhavenotyourGodtoflyto;theyhaveneverprovedHisfaithfulnessasyouhave done, and it is no wonder if they are bowed downwith alarm andcowed with fear: but you profess to be of another spirit; you have beenbegottenagainuntoalivelyhope,andyourheartlivesinheavenandnotonearthly things;now, ifyouareseen tobedistractedasothermen,what isthevalueof thatgracewhichyouprofess tohave received?Where is thedignityofthatnewnaturewhichyouclaimtopossess?

Again, if you should be filled with alarm, as others are, you would,doubtless, be led into the sins so common to others under tryingcircumstances.Theungodly,whentheyareovertakenbyeviltidings,rebelagainstGod;theymurmur,andthinkthatGoddealshardlywiththem.Willyoufallintothatsamesin?WillyouprovoketheLordastheydo?

Moreover,unconvertedmenoftenruntowrongmeansinordertoescapefromdifficulties,andyouwillbesuretodothesameifyourmindyieldstothe present pressure. Trust in theLord, andwait patiently forHim.YourwisestcourseistodoasMosesdidattheRedSea,"StandstillandseethesalvationofGod."Forifyougivewaytofearwhenyouhearofeviltidings,you will be unable to meet the trouble with that calm composure whichnervesforduty,andsustainsunderadversity.HowcanyouglorifyGodifyouplaythecoward?SaintshaveoftensungGod'shighpraisesinthefires,but will your doubting and desponding, as if you had none to help you,magnifytheMostHigh?Thentakecourage,andrelyinginsureconfidenceuponthefaithfulnessofyourcovenantGod,"letnotyourheartbetroubled,neitherletitbeafraid."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Apeoplenearuntohim."Psalm148:14

The dispensation of the old covenantwas that of distance.WhenGodappearedeventoHisservantMoses,Hesaid,"Drawnotnighhither:putoffthyshoesfromoffthyfeet";andwhenHemanifestedHimselfuponMountSinai,toHisownchosenandseparatedpeople,oneofthefirstcommandswas,"Thoushaltsetboundsaboutthemount."Bothinthesacredworshipof the tabernacle and the temple, the thought of distance was alwaysprominent.Themassofthepeopledidnotevenentertheoutercourt.Intothe inner court none but the priestsmight dare to intrude;while into theinnermostplace,ortheholyofholies,thehighpriestenteredbutonceintheyear.ItwasasiftheLordinthoseearlyageswouldteachmanthatsinwassoutterlyloathsometoHim,thatHemust treatmenaslepersputwithoutthecamp;andwhenHecamenearest to them,Heyetmadethemfeel thewidthoftheseparationbetweenaholyGodandanimpuresinner.Whenthegospelcame,wewereplacedonquiteanotherfooting.Theword"Go"wasexchanged for "Come";distancewasmade togiveplace tonearness, andwe who aforetime were afar off, were made nigh by the blood of JesusChrist.IncarnateDeityhasnowalloffireaboutit."Comeuntome,allyethat labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," is the joyfulproclamationofGodasHeappearsinhumanflesh.NotnowdoesHeteachtheleperhisleprosybysettinghimatadistance,butbyHimselfsufferingthepenaltyofHisdefilement.What a stateof safety andprivilege is thisnearnesstoGodthroughJesus!Doyouknowitbyexperience?Ifyouknowit,areyoulivinginthepowerofit?Marvellousisthisnearness,yetitistobefollowedbyadispensationofgreaternearnessstill,whenitshallbesaid,"The tabernacle of God is with men, and He doth dwell among them."Hastenit,OLord.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Partakersofthedivinenature."2Peter1:4

Tobeapartakerof thedivinenature isnot,ofcourse, tobecomeGod.That cannot be. The essence of Deity is not to be participated in by thecreature. Between the creature and theCreator theremust ever be a gulffixed in respect of essence; but as the first man Adamwasmade in theimageofGod,sowe,bytherenewaloftheHolySpirit,areinayetdivinersensemadeintheimageoftheMostHigh,andarepartakersofthedivinenature.Weare,bygrace,madelikeGod."Godislove";webecomelove—"HethatlovethisbornofGod."Godistruth;webecometrue,andwelovethatwhichistrue:Godisgood,andHemakesusgoodbyHisgrace,sothatwe become the pure in heart who shall see God.Moreover, we becomepartakersofthedivinenatureinevenahighersensethanthis—infact,inas loftyasenseascanbeconceived,shortofourbeingabsolutelydivine.Dowe not becomemembers of the body of the divine person ofChrist?Yes, the same bloodwhich flows in the head flows in the hand: and thesamelifewhichquickensChristquickensHispeople,for"Yearedead,andyourlifeishidwithChristinGod."Nay,asifthiswerenotenough,wearemarried unto Christ. He hath betrothed us unto Himself in righteousnessand in faithfulness, andhewho is joinedunto theLord isone spirit.Oh!marvellousmystery!welookintoit,butwhoshallunderstandit?OnewithJesus—soonewithHimthatthebranchisnotmoreonewiththevinethanweareapartoftheLord,ourSaviour,andourRedeemer!Whilewerejoicein this, let us remember that thosewho aremade partakers of the divinenature will manifest their high and holy relationship in their intercoursewithothers,andmakeitevidentbytheirdailywalkandconversationthatthey have escaped the corruption that is in theworld through lust.O formoredivineholinessoflife!

Thisevening'sverse:

"AmIasea,orawhale,thatThousettestawatchoverme?"Job7:12

ThiswasastrangequestionforJobtoaskoftheLord.Hefelthimselftobetooinsignificant tobesostrictlywatchedandchastened,andhehopedthathewasnotsounrulyas toneed tobesorestrained.Theenquirywasnaturalfromonesurroundedwithsuchinsupportablemiseries,butafterall,itiscapableofaveryhumblinganswer.Itistruemanisnotthesea,butheis even more troublesome and unruly. The sea obediently respects itsboundary,andthoughitbebutabeltofsand,itdoesnotoverleapthelimit.Mighty as it is, it hears the divine hitherto, and when most raging withtempest it respects the word; but self-willed man defies heaven andoppresses earth, neither is there any end to this rebellious rage. The sea,obedient to themoon, ebbs and flowswith ceaseless regularity, and thusrendersanactiveaswellasapassiveobedience;butman,restlessbeyondhis sphere, sleeps within the lines of duty, indolent where he should beactive.Hewill neither come nor go at the divine command, but sullenlypreferstodowhatheshouldnot,andtoleaveundonethatwhichisrequiredof him. Every drop in the ocean, every beaded bubble, and every yeastyfoam-flake, every shell and pebble, feel the power of law, and yield ormove at once. O that our nature were but one thousandth part as muchconformed to thewill ofGod!We call the sea fickle and false, but howconstantitis!Sinceourfathers'days,andtheoldtimebeforethem,theseaiswhereitwas,beatingonthesamecliffstothesametune;weknowwheretofindit,itforsakesnotitsbed,andchangesnotinitsceaselessboom;butwhere isman-vain, fickleman?Canthewisemanguessbywhatfollyhewillnextbeseducedfromhisobedience?Weneedmorewatchingthanthebillowysea,andarefarmorerebellious.Lord,ruleusforThineownglory.Amen.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Bringhimuntome."Mark9:19

DespairinglythepoordisappointedfatherturnedawayfromthedisciplestotheirMaster.Hissonwasintheworstpossiblecondition,andallmeanshad failed, but themiserable childwas soon delivered from the evil onewhentheparentinfaithobeyedtheLordJesus'word,"Bringhimuntome."ChildrenareapreciousgiftfromGod,butmuchanxietycomeswiththem.Theymaybeagreatjoyoragreatbitternesstotheirparents;theymaybefilledwiththeSpiritofGod,orpossessedwiththespiritofevil.Inallcases,theWordofGodgivesusonereceiptforthecuringofalltheirills,"Bringhimuntome."Oformoreagonizingprayerontheirbehalfwhiletheyareyetbabes!Sinisthere,letourprayersbegintoattackit.Ourcriesforouroffspringshouldprecedethosecrieswhichbetokentheiractualadventintoaworldof sin. In thedaysof their youthwe shall see sad tokensof thatdumbanddeafspiritwhichwillneitherprayaright,norhear thevoiceofGod in the soul, but Jesus still commands, "Bring themuntome."Whentheyaregrownup theymaywallow in sinand foamwithenmityagainstGod; then when our hearts are breaking we should remember the greatPhysician's words, "Bring them unto me." Never must we cease to prayuntiltheyceasetobreathe.NocaseishopelesswhileJesuslives.

TheLord sometimes suffersHis people to be driven into a corner thatthey may experimentally know how necessary He is to them. Ungodlychildren,whentheyshowusourownpowerlessnessagainst thedepravityoftheirhearts,driveustofleetothestrongforstrength,andthisisagreatblessing to us.Whatever ourmorning's needmay be, let it like a strongcurrent bear us to the ocean of divine love. Jesus can soon remove oursorrow,Hedelightstocomfortus.LetushastentoHimwhileHewaitstomeetus.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Encouragehim."Deuteronomy1:38

GodemploysHispeopletoencourageoneanother.Hedidnotsaytoanangel,"Gabriel,myservantJoshuaisabouttoleadmypeopleintoCanaan—go,encouragehim."Godneverworksneedlessmiracles;ifHispurposescan be accomplished by ordinary means, He will not use miraculousagency. Gabriel would not have been half so well fitted for the work asMoses.Abrother'ssympathyismorepreciousthananangel'sembassy.Theangel, swift of wing, had better known the Master's bidding than thepeople'stemper.Anangelhadneverexperiencedthehardnessoftheroad,norseenthefieryserpents,norhadheledthestiff-neckedmultitudeinthewildernessasMoseshaddone.WeshouldbegladthatGodusuallyworksfor man by man. It forms a bond of brotherhood, and being mutuallydependentononeanother,weare fusedmorecompletely intoone family.Brethren,takethetextasGod'smessagetoyou.Labourtohelpothers,andespeciallystrivetoencouragethem.Talkcheerilytotheyoungandanxiousenquirer,lovinglytrytoremovestumblingblocksoutofhisway.Whenyoufind a spark of grace in the heart, kneel down and blow it into a flame.Leavetheyoungbelievertodiscovertheroughnessoftheroadbydegrees,but tell him of the strength which dwells in God, of the sureness of thepromise,andofthecharmsofcommunionwithChrist.Aimtocomfortthesorrowful,and toanimate thedesponding.Speakaword inseasontohimthatisweary,andencouragethosewhoarefearfultogoontheirwaywithgladness.GodencouragesyoubyHispromises;ChristencouragesyouasHepointstotheheavenHehaswonforyou,andthespiritencouragesyouasHeworksinyoutowillandtodoofHisownwillandpleasure.Imitatedivine wisdom, and encourage others, according to the word of thisevening.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"IfweliveintheSpirit,letusalsowalkintheSpirit."Galatians5:25

The twomost important things inourholy religionare the lifeof faithandthewalkoffaith.Hewhoshallrightlyunderstandtheseisnotfarfrombeing a master in experimental theology, for they are vital points to aChristian.Youwill never find true faith unattended by true godliness; ontheotherhand,youwillneverdiscoveratrulyholylifewhichhasnotforitsroot a living faith upon the righteousness ofChrist.Woe unto thosewhoseekaftertheonewithouttheother!Therearesomewhocultivatefaithandforgetholiness;thesemaybeveryhighinorthodoxy,buttheyshallbeverydeepincondemnation,fortheyholdthetruthinunrighteousness;andthereareotherswhohavestrainedafterholinessoflife,buthavedeniedthefaith,likethePhariseesofold,ofwhomtheMastersaid,theywere"whitewashedsepulchres."Wemusthave faith, for this is the foundation;wemusthaveholinessof life, for this is thesuperstructure.Ofwhat service is themerefoundation of a building to a man in the day of tempest? Can he hidehimselftherein?Hewantsahousetocoverhim,aswellasafoundationforthathouse.Evensoweneedthesuperstructureofspirituallifeifwewouldhavecomfortinthedayofdoubt.Butseeknotaholylifewithoutfaith,forthat would be to erect a house which can afford no permanent shelter,because ithasno foundationona rock.Let faithand lifebeput together,and,likethetwoabutmentsofanarch,theywillmakeourpietyenduring.Like light and heat streaming from the same sun, they are alike full ofblessing. Like the two pillars of the temple, they are for glory and forbeauty.Theyaretwostreamsfromthefountainofgrace;twolampslitwithholyfire;twoolivetreeswateredbyheavenlycare.OLord,giveusthisdaylifewithin,anditwillrevealitselfwithouttoThyglory.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Andtheyfollowme."John10:27

We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow theirshepherd,forHehasarighttoleaduswhereverHepleases.Wearenotourown, we are bought with a price — let us recognize the rights of theredeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys hismaster, much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are apurchasedpossession.WearenottruetoourprofessionofbeingChristians,ifwe question the bidding of ourLeader andCommander. Submission isourduty,cavillingisourfolly.OftenmightourLordsaytousastoPeter,"What is that to thee?FollowthouMe."WhereverJesusmayleadus,Hegoesbeforeus.Ifweknownotwherewego,weknowwithwhomwego.Withsuchacompanion,whowilldreadtheperilsoftheroad?Thejourneymaybelong,butHiseverlastingarmswillcarryustotheend.ThepresenceofJesusistheassuranceofeternalsalvation,becauseHelives,weshalllivealso.WeshouldfollowChristinsimplicityandfaith,becausethepathsinwhichHeleadsusallendingloryandimmortality.Itistruetheymaynotbesmoothpaths—theymaybecoveredwithsharpflinty trials,but theyleadtothe"citywhichhathfoundations,whosebuilderandmakerisGod.""All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep Hiscovenant." Let us put full trust in our Leader, sincewe know that, comeprosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt, Hispurpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingledgoodtoeveryheirofmercy.Weshallfinditsweettogoupthebleaksideof the hillwithChrist; andwhen rain and snowblow into our faces,Hisdearlovewillmakeusfarmoreblestthanthosewhositathomeandwarmtheirhandsattheworld'sfire.TothetopofAmana,tothedensoflions,orto thehillsof leopards,wewill followourBeloved.PreciousJesus,drawus,andwewillrunafterThee.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"ThelibertywherewithChristhathmadeusfree."Galatians5:1

This"liberty"makesus free toheaven'scharter—theBible.Here isachoicepassage,believer, "When thoupassest through the rivers, Iwillbewith thee." You are free to that. Here is another: "The mountains shalldepart, and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart fromthee"; you are free to that. You are a welcome guest at the table of thepromises.Scripture isanever-failing treasury filledwithboundless storesofgrace. It is thebankofheaven;youmaydrawfrom it asmuchasyouplease,withoutletorhindrance.Comeinfaithandyouarewelcometoallcovenant blessings. There is not a promise in the Word which shall bewithheld.Inthedepthsoftribulationsletthisfreedomcomfortyou;amidstwavesofdistressletitcheeryou;whensorrowssurroundtheeletitbethysolace.ThisisthyFather'slove-token;thouartfreetoitatalltimes.Thouart also free to the throne of grace. It is the believer's privilege to haveaccess at all times to His heavenly Father. Whatever our desires, ourdifficulties,ourwants,weareatlibertytospreadallbeforeHim.Itmattersnot how much we may have sinned, we may ask and expect pardon. Itsignifiesnothinghowpoorweare,wemaypleadHispromisethatHewillprovideallthingsneedful.WehavepermissiontoapproachHisthroneatalltimes— in midnight's darkest hour, or in noontide's most burning heat.Exercisethyright,Obeliever,andliveuptothyprivilege.Thouartfreetoall that is treasuredup inChrist—wisdom, righteousness, sanctification,and redemption. It matters not what thy need is, for there is fulness ofsupply in Christ, and it is there for thee. O what a "freedom" is thine!freedom from condemnation, freedom to the promises, freedom to thethroneofgrace,andatlastfreedomtoenterheaven!

Thisevening'sverse:

"ForthischildIprayed."1Samuel1:27

Devout souls delight to look upon those mercies which they haveobtainedinanswertosupplication,fortheycanseeGod'sespecialloveinthem.Whenwe can nameour blessingsSamuel, that is, "askedofGod,"theywillbeasdeartousasherchildwastoHannah.Peninnahhadmanychildren,buttheycameascommonblessingsunsoughtinprayer:Hannah'soneheaven-givenchildwasdearerfar,becausehewasthefruitofearnestpleadings. How sweet was that water to Samsonwhich he found at "thewellofhimthatprayed!"Quassiacupsturnallwatersbitter,butthecupofprayer puts a sweetness into the draughts it brings. Did we pray for theconversionofourchildren?Howdoublysweet,whentheyaresaved,toseeinthemourownpetitionsfulfilled!Bettertorejoiceoverthemasthefruitofourpleadingsthanasthefruitofourbodies.HavewesoughtoftheLordsomechoicespiritualgift?WhenitcomestousitwillbewrappedupinthegoldclothofGod'sfaithfulnessandtruth,andsobedoublyprecious.HavewepetitionedforsuccessintheLord'swork?Howjoyfulistheprosperitywhich comes flying upon the wings of prayer! It is always best to getblessingsintoourhouseinthelegitimateway,bythedoorofprayer;thenthey are blessings indeed, and not temptations. Evenwhen prayer speedsnot, theblessingsgrowall thericherfor thedelay; thechildJesuswasallthe more lovely in the eyes of Mary when she found Him after havingsoughtHimsorrowing.ThatwhichwewinbyprayerweshoulddedicatetoGod,asHannahdedicatedSamuel.Thegiftcamefromheaven,letitgotoheaven.Prayerbroughtit,gratitudesangoverit,letdevotionconsecrateit.Herewillbeaspecialoccasionforsaying,"OfThineownhaveIgivenuntoThee."Reader,isprayeryourelementoryourweariness?Which?

S e p t e m b e r 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheswordoftheLord,andofGideon."Judges7:20

Gideon ordered his men to do two things: covering up a torch in anearthenpitcher,hebadethem,atanappointedsignal,breakthepitcherandletthelightshine,andthensoundwiththetrumpet,crying,"TheswordoftheLord, andofGideon! the swordof theLord, andofGideon!"This isprecisely what all Christians must do. First, you must shine; break thepitcherwhichconcealsyour light; throwaside thebushelwhichhasbeenhiding your candle, and shine. Let your light shine beforemen; let yourgoodworksbe such, thatwhenmen lookuponyou, they shallknow thatyouhavebeenwithJesus.Thentheremustbethesound,theblowingofthetrumpet. Theremust be active exertions for the ingathering of sinners byproclaimingChristcrucified.Takethegospeltothem;carryittotheirdoor;putit intheirway;donotsufferthemtoescapeit;blowthetrumpetrightagainsttheirears.Rememberthatthetruewar-cryoftheChurchisGideon'swatchword,"TheswordoftheLord,andofGideon!"Godmustdoit,itisHisownwork.Butwearenot tobe idle; instrumentality is tobeused—"TheswordoftheLord,andofGideon!"Ifweonlycry,"TheswordoftheLord!"we shall be guilty of an idle presumption; and if we shout, "TheswordofGideon!"alone,weshallmanifestidolatrousrelianceonanarmofflesh:wemustblendthetwoinpracticalharmony,"TheswordoftheLord,andofGideon!"Wecandonothingofourselves,butwecandoeverythingbythehelpofourGod;letus,therefore,inHisnamedeterminetogooutpersonallyandservewithourflamingtorchofholyexample,andwithourtrumpet tonesofearnestdeclarationand testimony,andGodshallbewithus,andMidianshallbeputtoconfusion,andtheLordofhostsshallreignforeverandever.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Intheeveningwithholdnotthyhand."Ecclesiastes11:6

In the evening of the day opportunities are plentiful: men return fromtheirlabour,andthezealoussoul-winnerfindstimetotellabroadtheloveofJesus.HaveInoeveningworkforJesus?IfIhavenot,letmenolongerwithholdmyhandfromaservicewhichrequiresabundant labour.Sinnersare perishing for lack of knowledge; he who loiters may find his skirtscrimsonwiththebloodofsouls.JesusgavebothHishandstothenails,howcan I keep back one ofmine fromHis blessedwork?Night and dayHetoiledandprayedforme,howcanIgiveasinglehourtothepamperingofmyfleshwithluxuriousease?Up,idleheart;stretchoutthyhandtowork,or uplift it to pray; heaven andhell are in earnest, letmebe so, and thiseveningsowgoodseedfortheLordmyGod.

Theeveningof lifehasalso itscalls.Life issoshort thatamorningofmanhood'svigour,andaneveningofdecay,makethewholeofit.Tosomeitseemslong,butafour-penceisagreatsumofmoneytoapoorman.Lifeissobriefthatnomancanaffordtoloseaday.Ithasbeenwellsaidthatifagreatkingshouldbringusagreatheapofgold,andbidustakeasmuchaswecouldcountinaday,weshouldmakealongdayofit;weshouldbeginearlyinthemorning,andintheeveningweshouldnotwithholdourhand;buttowinsoulsisfarnoblerwork,howisitthatwesosoonwithdrawfromit?Somearesparedtoalongeveningofgreenoldage;ifsuchbemycase,letmeusesuchtalentsasIstillretain,andtothelasthourservemyblessedand faithful Lord. By His grace I will die in harness, and lay downmychargeonlywhenIlaydownmybody.Agemayinstructtheyoung,cheerthe faint, and encourage the desponding; if eventide has less of vigorousheat, it shouldhavemoreofcalmwisdom, therefore in theeveningIwillnotwithholdmyhand.

S e p t e m b e r 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Iwillrejoiceoverthemtodothemgood."Jeremiah32:41

Howheart-cheering to thebeliever is thedelightwhichGodhas inHissaints!We cannot see any reason in ourselveswhy the Lord should takepleasure in us;we cannot take delight in ourselves, forwe often have togroan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring ourunfaithfulness;andwefear thatGod'speoplecannot takemuchdelight inus,fortheymustperceivesomuchofourimperfectionsandourfollies,thattheymayratherlamentourinfirmitiesthanadmireourgraces.Butweloveto dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery: that as thebridegroomrejoicethover thebride,sodoes theLordrejoiceoverus.WedonotreadanywherethatGoddelightethinthecloud-cappedmountains,orthesparklingstars,butwedoreadthatHedelightethinthehabitablepartsoftheearth,andthatHisdelightsarewiththesonsofmen.Wedonotfindit written that even angels give His soul delight; nor doth He say,concerning cherubimand seraphim, "Thou shalt be calledHephzibah, fortheLorddelightethinthee";butHedoessayallthattopoorfallencreatureslike ourselves, debased and depraved by sin, but saved, exalted, andglorifiedbyHisgrace.InwhatstronglanguageHeexpressesHisdelightinHispeople!WhocouldhaveconceivedoftheeternalOneasburstingforthintoasong?Yet it iswritten,"Hewill rejoiceover theewith joy,HewillrestinHislove,Hewilljoyovertheewithsinging."AsHelookedupontheworldHehadmade,Hesaid,"Itisverygood";butwhenHebeheldthosewhoarethepurchaseofJesus'blood,Hisownchosenones,itseemedasifthegreatheartoftheInfinitecouldrestrainitselfnolonger,butoverflowedindivineexclamationsofjoy.ShouldnotweutterourgratefulresponsetosuchamarvellousdeclarationofHis love, and sing, "Iwill rejoice in theLord,IwilljoyintheGodofmysalvation?"

Thisevening'sverse:

"Gathernotmysoulwithsinners."Psalm26:9

FearmadeDavidpraythus,forsomethingwhispered,"Perhaps,afterall,thoumayst be gatheredwith thewicked." That fear, althoughmarred byunbelief, springs, in the main, from holy anxiety, arising from therecollectionofpastsin.Eventhepardonedmanwillenquire,"Whatifattheend my sins should be remembered, and I should be left out of thecatalogueofthesaved?"Herecollectshispresentunfruitfulness—solittlegrace,solittlelove,solittleholiness,andlookingforwardtothefuture,heconsidershisweaknessandthemanytemptationswhichbesethim,andhefearsthathemayfall,andbecomeapreytotheenemy.Asenseofsinandpresentevil,andhisprevailingcorruptions,compelhimtopray,infearandtrembling, "Gathernotmysoulwith sinners."Reader, ifyouhaveprayedthis prayer, and if your character be rightly described in the Psalm fromwhich it is taken, you need not be afraid that you shall be gatheredwithsinners.HaveyouthetwovirtueswhichDavidhad—theoutwardwalkingin integrity, and the inward trusting in the Lord? Are you resting uponChrist'ssacrifice,andcanyoucompassthealtarofGodwithhumblehope?If so, rest assured,with thewicked you never shall be gathered, for thatcalamity is impossible. The gathering at the judgment is like to like."Gatheryetogetherfirstthetares,andbindtheminbundlestoburnthem:butgatherthewheatintomybarn."If,then,thouartlikeGod'speople,thoushalt bewithGod's people.You cannot be gatheredwith thewicked, foryouare toodearlybought.Redeemedby thebloodofChrist,youareHisfor ever, and where He is, there must His people be. You are loved toomuch to be cast away with reprobates. Shall one dear to Christ perish?Impossible!Hellcannotholdthee!Heavenclaimsthee!TrustinthySuretyandfearnot!

S e p t e m b e r 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"LetIsraelrejoiceinhim."Psalm149:2

Begladofheart,Obeliever,buttakecarethatthygladnesshasitsspringintheLord.ThouhastmuchcauseforgladnessinthyGod,forthoucanstsingwithDavid,"God,myexceedingjoy."BegladthattheLordreigneth,that Jehovah isKing!Rejoice thatHe sits upon the throne, and ruleth allthings!EveryattributeofGodshouldbecomeafreshrayinthesunlightofourgladness.ThatHeiswiseshouldmakeusglad,knowingaswedoourownfoolishness.ThatHeismighty,shouldcauseustorejoicewhotrembleat ourweakness.That he is everlasting, should always be a themeof joywhenweknowthatwewitherasthegrass.ThatHeisunchanging,shouldperpetuallyyieldusasong,sincewechangeeveryhour.ThatHeisfullofgrace,thatHeisoverflowingwithit,andthatthisgraceincovenantHehasgiventous;thatitisourstocleanseus,ourstokeepus,ourstosanctifyus,ourstoperfectus,ourstobringustoglory—allthisshouldtendtomakeusgladinHim.ThisgladnessinGodisasadeepriver;wehaveonlyasyettoucheditsbrink,weknowalittleofitsclearsweet,heavenlystreams,butonwardthedepthisgreater,andthecurrentmoreimpetuousinitsjoy.TheChristianfeelsthathemaydelighthimselfnotonlyinwhatGodis,butalsoinallthatGodhasdoneinthepast.ThePsalmsshowusthatGod'speoplein olden timeswerewont to thinkmuch ofGod's actions, and to have asongconcerningeachofthem.SoletGod'speoplenowrehearsethedeedsoftheLord!LetthemtellofHismightyacts,and"singuntotheLord,forHehathtriumphedgloriously."Norletthemeverceasetosing,forasnewmercies flow to them day by day, so should their gladness in the Lord'sloving acts in providence and in grace show itself in continuedthanksgiving.BegladyechildrenofZionandrejoiceintheLordyourGod.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Whenmyheart is overwhelmed: leadme to theRock that is higherthanI."Psalm61:2

Mostofusknowwhatitistobeoverwhelmedinheart;emptiedaswhenamanwipethadishandturnethitupsidedown;submergedandthrownonourbeamendslikeavesselmasteredbythestorm.Discoveriesof inwardcorruptionwilldothis,iftheLordpermitsthegreatdeepofourdepravitytobecometroubledandcastupmireanddirt.Disappointmentsandheart-breakswilldothiswhenbillowafterbillowrollsoverus,andwearelikeabrokenshellhurledtoandfrobythesurf.BlessedbeGod,atsuchseasonswe are not without an all-sufficient solace, our God is the harbour ofweather-beatensails,thehospiceofforlornpilgrims.HigherthanweareisHe,Hismercyhigherthanoursins,Hislovehigherthanourthoughts.Itispitiful to seemenputting their trust in something lower than themselves;butourconfidence is fixeduponanexceedinghighandgloriousLord.ARockHe is sinceHechangesnot,andahighRock,because the tempestswhich overwhelm us roll far beneath at His feet; He is not disturbed bythem, but rules thematHiswill. Ifwe get under the shelter of this loftyRockwemaydefythehurricane;alliscalmundertheleeofthattoweringcliff.Alas!suchis theconfusioninwhichthetroubledmindisoftencast,thatweneedpilotingtothisdivineshelter.Hencetheprayerofthetext.OLord,ourGod,byThyHolySpirit, teachusthewayoffaith,leadusintoThyrest.Thewindblowsusouttosea,thehelmanswersnottoourpunyhand; Thou, Thou alone canst steer us over the bar between yon sunkenrocks, safe into the fair haven.Howdependentwe are uponThee—weneedTheetobringustoThee.TobewiselydirectedandsteeredintosafetyandpeaceisThygift,andThinealone.ThisnightbepleasedtodealwellwithThyservants.

S e p t e m b e r 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Acceptedinthebeloved."Ephesians1:6

Whatastateofprivilege!ItincludesourjustificationbeforeGod,butthetermacceptance"intheGreekmeansmorethanthat.Itsignifiesthatwearethe objects of divine complacence, nay, even of divine delight. Howmarvellousthatwe,worms,mortals,sinners,shouldbetheobjectsofdivinelove!Butitisonly"inthebeloved."SomeChristiansseemtobeacceptedin their own experience, at least, that is their apprehension. When theirspiritislively,andtheirhopesbright,theythinkGodacceptsthem,fortheyfeelsohigh,soheavenly-minded,sodrawnabovetheearth!Butwhentheirsouls cleave to the dust, they are the victims of the fear that they are nolongeraccepted. If theycouldbut see thatall theirhigh joysdonotexaltthem, and all their lowdespondenciesdonot reallydepress them in theirFather'ssight,butthattheystandacceptedinOnewhoneveralters,inOnewhoisalwaysthebelovedofGod,alwaysperfect,alwayswithoutspotorwrinkle, or any such thing, how much happier they would be, and howmuchmoretheywouldhonourtheSaviour!Rejoicethen,believer,inthis:thou art accepted "in the beloved."Thou lookestwithin, and thou sayest,"There isnothingacceptablehere!"But lookatChrist, andsee if there isnoteverythingacceptablethere.Thysinstroublethee;butGodhascastthysins behindHis back, and thou art accepted in theRighteousOne. Thouhast to fightwith corruption, and towrestlewith temptation, but thou artalreadyaccepted inHimwhohasovercome thepowersofevil.Thedeviltemptsthee;beofgoodcheer,hecannotdestroythee,forthouartacceptedinHimwhohasbrokenSatan'shead.Knowbyfullassurancethygloriousstanding.Evenglorifiedsoulsarenotmoreacceptedthanthouart.Theyareonlyacceptedinheaven"inthebeloved,"andthouartevennowacceptedinChristafterthesamemanner.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Jesussaiduntohim,Ifthoucanstbelieve."Mark9:23

Acertainmanhadademoniacson,whowasafflictedwithadumbspirit.Thefather,havingseenthefutilityoftheendeavoursofthedisciplestohealhischild,hadlittleornofaithinChrist,andtherefore,whenhewasbiddentobringhissontoHim,hesaid toJesus,"IfThoucastdoanything,havecompassiononus,andhelpus."Nowtherewasan"if"inthequestion,butthepoortremblingfatherhadputthe"if"inthewrongplace:JesusChrist,therefore,withoutcommandinghimtoretract the"if,"kindlyputsit initslegitimateposition."Nay,verily,"Heseemedtosay,"thereshouldbeno'if'aboutMy power, nor concerningMywillingness, the 'if' lies somewhereelse.""If thoucanstbelieve,all thingsarepossible tohimthatbelieveth."The man's trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for anincreaseoffaith,andinstantlyJesusspoketheword,andthedevilwascastout, with an injunction never to return. There is a lesson herewhichweneedtolearn.We,likethisman,oftenseethatthereisan"if"somewhere,but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. "If"Jesuscanhelpme—"if"Hecangivemegracetoovercometemptation—"if"Hecangivemepardon—"if"Hecanmakemesuccessful?Nay,"if"youcanbelieve,Hebothcanandwill.Youhavemisplacedyour"if."Ifyoucanconfidently trust,evenasall thingsarepossible toChrist, soshallallthings be possible to you. Faith standeth inGod's power, and is robed inGod'smajesty;itweareththeroyalapparel,andridethontheKing'shorse,forit isthegracewhichtheKingdelightethtohonour.Girdingitselfwiththegloriousmightoftheall-workingSpirit,itbecomes,intheomnipotenceofGod,mighty todo, todare,and tosuffer.All things,without limit,arepossible to him that believeth.My soul, canst thou believe thy Lord to-night?

S e p t e m b e r 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers andhorsemen to help us against the enemy in theway: becausewe hadspokenuntotheking,saying,ThehandofourGodisuponallthemforgoodthatseekHim;butHispowerandHiswrathisagainstallthemthatforsakeHim."Ezra8:22

Aconvoyonmanyaccountswouldhavebeendesirable for thepilgrimband, but a holy shame-facednesswould not allowEzra to seek one.HefearedlesttheheathenkingshouldthinkhisprofessionsoffaithinGodtobe mere hypocrisy, or imagine that the God of Israel was not able topreserveHisownworshippers.Hecouldnotbringhismindto leanonanarmoffleshinamattersoevidentlyoftheLord,andthereforethecaravanset outwithnovisibleprotection, guardedbyHimwho is the sword andshield of His people. It is to be feared that few believers feel this holyjealousyforGod;eventhosewhoinameasurewalkbyfaith,occasionallymar the lustre of their life by craving aid fromman. It is amost blessedthingtohavenopropsandnobuttresses,buttostanduprightontheRockof Ages, upheld by the Lord alone. Would any believers seek stateendowments for their Church, if they remembered that the Lord isdishonouredby their askingCaesar's aid?as if theLordcouldnot supplythe needs of His own cause! Should we run so hastily to friends andrelationsforassistance,ifwerememberedthattheLordismagnifiedbyourimplicitrelianceuponHissolitaryarm?Mysoul,waitthouonlyuponGod."But," saysone, "arenotmeans tobeused?"Assuredly theyare; butourfault seldom lies in their neglect: far more frequently it springs out offoolishlybelievingintheminsteadofbelievinginGod.Fewruntoofarinneglectingthecreature'sarm;butverymanysingreatlyinmakingtoomuchofit.Learn,dearreader,toglorifytheLordbyleavingmeansuntried,ifbyusingthemthouwouldstdishonourthenameoftheLord.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Isleep,butmyheartwaketh."Song5:2

ParadoxesaboundinChristianexperience,andhereisone—thespousewasasleep,andyetshewasawake.Heonlycanreadthebeliever'sriddlewhohasploughedwiththeheiferofhisexperience.Thetwopointsinthisevening's text are— amournful sleepiness and a hopefulwakefulness. Isleep.Throughsin thatdwelleth inuswemaybecomelax inholyduties,slothful in religiousexercises,dull in spiritual joys, andaltogether supineandcareless.ThisisashamefulstateforoneinwhomthequickeningSpiritdwells; and it is dangerous to the highest degree. Even wise virginssometimesslumber,butitishightimeforalltoshakeoffthebandsofsloth.ItistobefearedthatmanybelieverslosetheirstrengthasSamsonlosthislocks,whilesleepingonthelapofcarnalsecurity.Withaperishingworldaroundus,tosleepiscruel;witheternitysonearathand,itismadness.Yetwe are none of us somuch awake aswe should be; a few thunder-clapswoulddousallgood,and itmaybe,unlesswesoonbestirourselves,weshallhavethemintheformofwar,orpestilence,orpersonalbereavementsandlosses.Othatwemayleaveforeverthecouchoffleshlyease,andgoforth with flaming torches to meet the coming Bridegroom! My heartwaketh.This isahappysign.Life isnotextinct, thoughsadlysmothered.Whenourrenewedheartstrugglesagainstournaturalheaviness,weshouldbegratefultosovereigngraceforkeepingalittlevitalitywithinthebodyofthis death. Jesus will hear our hearts, will help our hearts, will visit ourhearts;forthevoiceofthewakefulheartisreallythevoiceofourBeloved,saying,"Opentome."Holyzealwillsurelyunbarthedoor.

"Ohlovelyattitude!HestandsWithmeltingheartandladenhands;Mysoulforsakeshereverysin;Andletstheheavenlystrangerin."

S e p t e m b e r 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Just,andthejustifierofhimwhichbelieveth."Romans3:26

Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod.Conscienceaccusesnolonger. Judgment now decides for the sinner instead of against him.Memory looksbackuponpast sins,withdeep sorrow for the sin, butyetwithnodreadofanypenalty tocome;forChristhaspaid thedebtofHispeopletothelastjotandtittle,andreceivedthedivinereceipt;andunlessGodcanbesounjustastodemanddoublepaymentforonedebt,nosoulforwhomJesusdiedasa substitutecaneverbecast intohell. It seems tobeoneoftheveryprinciplesofourenlightenednaturetobelievethatGodisjust;wefeelthatitmustbeso,andthisgivesusourterroratfirst;butisitnot marvellous that this very same belief that God is just, becomesafterwardsthepillarofourconfidenceandpeace!IfGodbejust,I,asinner,alone andwithout a substitute,must be punished; but Jesus stands inmysteadandispunishedforme;andnow,ifGodbejust,I,asinner,standinginChrist,canneverbepunished.GodmustchangeHisnaturebeforeonesoul,forwhomJesuswasasubstitute,caneverbyanypossibilitysufferthelashofthelaw.Therefore,Jesushavingtakentheplaceofthebeliever—having rendered a full equivalent to divine wrath for all that His peopleought to have suffered as the result of sin, the believer can shout withglorious triumph, "Who shall lay anything to the charge ofGod's elect?"NotGod,forHehathjustified;notChrist,forHehathdied,"yearatherhathrisenagain."MyhopelivesnotbecauseIamnotasinner,butbecauseIamasinnerforwhomChristdied;mytrustisnotthatIamholy,butthatbeingunholy,Heismyrighteousness.MyfaithrestsnotuponwhatIam,orshallbe,orfeel,orknow,butinwhatChristis,inwhatHehasdone,andinwhatHeisnowdoingforme.Onthelionofjusticethefairmaidofhoperideslikeaqueen.

Thisevening'sverse:

"WhoofGodismadeuntouswisdom."1Corinthians1:30

Man'sintellectseeksafterrest,andbynatureseeksitapartfromtheLordJesusChrist.Menofeducationareapt,evenwhenconverted,tolookuponthe simplicities of the cross of Christ with an eye too little reverent andloving.TheyaresnaredintheoldnetinwhichtheGreciansweretaken,andhaveahankeringtomixphilosophywithrevelation.Thetemptationwithamanofrefinedthoughtandhigheducationistodepartfromthesimpletruthof Christ crucified, and to invent, as the term is, a more intellectualdoctrine. This led the early Christian churches into Gnosticism, andbewitchedthemwithallsortsofheresies.ThisistherootofNeology,andthe other fine things which in days gone by were so fashionable inGermany,andarenowsoensnaringtocertainclassesofdivines.Whoeveryouare, good reader, andwhateveryour educationmaybe, if yoube theLord's,beassuredyouwillfindnorestinphilosophizingdivinity.Youmayreceivethisdogmaofonegreatthinker,orthatdreamofanotherprofoundreasoner,butwhat thechaff is to thewheat, thatwill thesebe to thepurewordofGod.Allthatreason,whenbestguided,canfindoutisbuttheABC of truth, and even that lacks certainty, while in Christ Jesus there istreasuredupallthefulnessofwisdomandknowledge.AllattemptsonthepartofChristianstobecontentwithsystemssuchasUnitarianandBroad-church thinkers would approve of, must fail; true heirs of heaven mustcomebacktothegrandlysimplerealitywhichmakestheploughboy'seyeflashwithjoy,andgladsthepiouspauper'sheart—"JesusChristcameintotheworldtosavesinners."JesussatisfiesthemostelevatedintellectwhenHeisbelievinglyreceived,butapartfromHimthemindoftheregeneratediscoversnorest."ThefearoftheLordisthebeginningofknowledge.""AgoodunderstandinghavealltheythatdoHiscommandments."

S e p t e m b e r 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Themyrtletreesthatwereinthebottom."Zechariah1:8

ThevisioninthischapterdescribestheconditionofIsraelinZechariah'sday;butbeinginterpretedinitsaspecttowardsus,itdescribestheChurchofGodaswefinditnowintheworld.TheChurchiscomparedtoamyrtlegroveflourishinginavalley.Itishidden,unobserved,secreted;courtingnohonourandattractingnoobservationfromthecarelessgazer.TheChurch,likeherhead,hasaglory,butitisconcealedfromcarnaleyes,forthetimeof her breaking forth in all her splendour is not yet come. The idea oftranquilsecurityisalsosuggestedtous:forthemyrtlegroveinthevalleyisstill and calm, while the storm sweeps over the mountain summits.Tempests spend their force upon the craggy peaks of theAlps, but downyonderwhereflowsthestreamwhichmakethgladthecityofourGod,themyrtles flourish by the still waters, all unshaken by the impetuouswind.Howgreat is theinwardtranquilityofGod'sChurch!Evenwhenopposedand persecuted, she has a peace which the world gives not, and which,therefore, it cannot take away: the peace of God which passeth allunderstanding keeps the hearts andminds ofGod's people. Does not themetaphorforciblypicturethepeaceful,perpetualgrowthofthesaints?Themyrtle sheds not her leaves, she is always green; and the Church in herworst time still hath a blessed verdure of grace about her; nay, she hassometimesexhibitedmostverdurewhenherwinterhasbeensharpest.Shehasprosperedmostwhenheradversitieshavebeenmostsevere.Hencethetexthintsatvictory.Themyrtle is theemblemofpeace,andasignificanttoken of triumph. The brows of conquerorswere boundwithmyrtle andwith laurel; and is not theChurch ever victorious? Is not everyChristianmorethanaconquerorthroughHimthatlovedhim?Livinginpeace,donotthesaintsfallasleepinthearmsofvictory?

Thisevening'sverse:

"Howl,firtree,forthecedarisfallen."Zechariah11:2

When in the forest there isheard thecrashofa fallingoak, it isa signthat the woodman is abroad, and every tree in the whole company maytremblelestto-morrowthesharpedgeoftheaxeshouldfinditout.Weareallliketreesmarkedfortheaxe,andthefallofoneshouldremindusthatforeveryone,whethergreatasthecedar,orhumbleasthefir,theappointedhour is stealing on apace. I trust we do not, by often hearing of death,becomecalloustoit.Mayweneverbelikethebirdsinthesteeple,whichbuild their nests when the bells are tolling, and sleep quietly when thesolemnfuneralpealsarestartlingtheair.Mayweregarddeathasthemostweightyofallevents,andbesoberedby itsapproach. It illbehovesus tosportwhileoureternaldestinyhangsona thread.Thesword isoutof itsscabbard—letusnottrifle;itisfurbished,andtheedgeissharp—letusnotplaywithit.Hewhodoesnotpreparefordeathismorethananordinaryfool,heisamadman.WhenthevoiceofGodisheardamongthetreesofthe garden, let fig tree and sycamore, and elm and cedar, alike hear thesoundthereof.

Beready,servantofChrist,forthyMastercomesonasudden,whenanungodlyworldleastexpectsHim.SeetoitthatthoubefaithfulinHiswork,forthegraveshallsoonbediggedforthee.Beready,parents,seethatyourchildrenarebroughtupinthefearofGod,fortheymustsoonbeorphans;beready,menofbusiness, takecare thatyouraffairsarecorrect,and thatyouserveGodwithallyourhearts,forthedaysofyourterrestrialservicewill soon be ended, and youwill be called to give account for the deedsdoneinthebody,whethertheybegoodorwhethertheybeevil.Mayweallprepare for the tribunal of the great King with a care which shall berewardedwith thegracious commendation, "Well done, goodand faithfulservant"

S e p t e m b e r 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Happyartthou,OIsrael;whoislikeuntothee,OpeoplesavedbytheLord!"Deuteronomy33:29

He who affirms that Christianity makes men miserable, is himself anutterstrangertoit.Itwerestrangeindeed,ifitmadeuswretched,forseetowhatapositionitexaltsus!ItmakesussonsofGod.SupposeyouthatGodwillgiveallthehappinesstoHisenemies,andreserveallthemourningforHis own family?ShallHis foes havemirth and joy, and shallHis home-bornchildreninheritsorrowandwretchedness?Shallthesinner,whohasnopartinChrist,callhimselfrichinhappiness,andshallwegomourningasifwewere penniless beggars?No,wewill rejoice in the Lord always, andglory in our inheritance, forwe "have not received the spirit of bondageagaintofear;butwehavereceivedthespiritofadoption,wherebywecry,Abba,Father."Therodofchastisementmustrestuponusinourmeasure,butitworkethforusthecomfortablefruitsofrighteousness;andthereforebytheaidofthedivineComforter,we,the"peoplesavedoftheLord,"willjoyintheGodofoursalvation.WearemarrieduntoChrist;andshallourgreatBridegroompermitHisspousetolingerinconstantgrief?Ourheartsare knit untoHim:we areHismembers, and though for awhilewemaysuffer as our Head once suffered, yet we are even now blessed withheavenly blessings inHim.Wehave the earnest of our inheritance in thecomfortsoftheSpirit,whichareneitherfewnorsmall.Heritorsofjoyforever,wehaveforetastesofourportion.Therearestreaksofthelightofjoytoheraldoureternalsunrising.Ourrichesarebeyondthesea;ourcitywithfirmfoundations liesontheotherside theriver;gleamsofgloryfromthespirit-world cheer our hearts, and urge us onward. Truly is it said of us,"Happy art thou,O Israel; who is like unto thee, O people saved by theLord?"

Thisevening'sverse:

"MyBelovedput inHishandbytheholeof thedoor,andmybowelsweremovedforHim."Song5:4

Knockingwasnotenough, formyheartwas too fullof sleep, toocoldand ungrateful to arise and open the door, but the touch ofHis effectualgracehasmademysoulbestiritself.Oh,thelongsufferingofmyBeloved,to tarrywhenHe foundHimself shutout, andmeasleepupon thebedofsloth!Oh,thegreatnessofHispatience,toknockandknockagain,andtoaddHisvoicetoHisknockings,beseechingmetoopentoHim!HowcouldI have refused Him! Base heart, blush and be confounded! But whatgreatestkindnessofallisthis,thatHebecomesHisownporterandunbarsthedoorHimself.Thriceblessedisthehandwhichcondescendstoliftthelatchandturnthekey.NowIseethatnothingbutmyLord'sownpowercansavesuchanaughtymassofwickednessasIam;ordinancesfail,eventhegospel has no effect uponme, tillHis hand is stretchedout.Now, also, IperceivethatHishandisgoodwhereallelseisunsuccessful,Hecanopenwhennothingelsewill.BlessedbeHisname,IfeelHisgraciouspresenceevennow.WellmaymybowelsmoveforHim,whenIthinkofallthatHehas suffered for me, and of my ungenerous return. I have allowed myaffectionstowander.Ihavesetuprivals.IhavegrievedHim.Sweetestanddearestofallbeloveds,IhavetreatedTheeasanunfaithfulwifetreatsherhusband.Oh,mycruelsins,mycruelself.WhatcanIdo?Tearsareapoorshowofmy repentance,mywholeheartboilswith indignationatmyself.WretchthatIam,totreatmyLord,myAllinAll,myexceedinggreatjoy,as thoughHewere a stranger. Jesus, thou forgivest freely, but this is notenough,preventmyunfaithfulnessinthefuture.Kissawaythesetears,andthenpurgemyheartandbind itwithsevenfoldcords toThyself,never towandermore.

S e p t e m b e r 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"The Lord looketh from heaven;He beholdeth all the sons ofmen."Psalm33:13

PerhapsnofigureofspeechrepresentsGodinamoregraciouslightthanwhenHeisspokenofasstoopingfromHisthrone,andcomingdownfromheaventoattendtothewantsandtobeholdthewoesofmankind.WeloveHim, who, when Sodom and Gomorrah were full of iniquity, would notdestroy those cities untilHe hadmade a personal visitation of them.WecannothelppouringoutourheartinaffectionforourLordwhoinclinesHisearfromthehighestglory,andputsittothelipofthedyingsinner,whosefailingheartlongsafterreconciliation.HowcanwebutloveHimwhenweknow that He numbers the very hairs of our heads,marks our path, andorders our ways? Specially is this great truth brought near to our heart,whenwerecollecthowattentiveHeis,notmerelytothetemporalinterestsofHiscreatures,buttotheirspiritualconcerns.Thoughleaguesofdistanceliebetween the finite creature and the infiniteCreator, yet there are linksuniting both. When a tear is wept by thee, think not that God doth notbehold;for,"Likeasafatherpitiethhischildren,sotheLordpitieththemthatfearHim."ThysighisabletomovetheheartofJehovah;thywhispercan inclineHisearunto thee; thyprayercan stayHishand; thy faithcanmoveHisarm.ThinknotthatGodsitsonhightakingnoaccountofthee.Remember that however poor and needy thou art, yet the Lord thinkethupon thee. For the eyes of theLord run to and fro throughout thewholeearth, toshowhimselfstrongin thebehalfof themwhoseheart isperfecttowardsHim.

Oh!thenrepeatthetruththatnevertires;NoGodisliketheGodmysouldesires;Heatwhosevoiceheaventrembles,evenHe,GreatasHeis,knowshowtostooptome.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Goagainseventimes."1Kings18:43

Success is certain when the Lord has promised it. Although you mayhave pleaded month after month without evidence of answer, it is notpossible that the Lord should be deaf when His people are earnest in amatter which concerns His glory. The prophet on the top of CarmelcontinuedtowrestlewithGod,andneverforamomentgavewaytoafearthat he should be non-suited in Jehovah's courts. Six times the servantreturned, but on each occasion nowordwas spoken but "Go again."Wemust not dream of unbelief, but hold to our faith even to seventy timesseven. Faith sends expectant hope to look from Carmel's brow, and ifnothingisbeheld,shesendsagainandagain.Sofarfrombeingcrushedbyrepeateddisappointment,faithisanimatedtopleadmoreferventlywithherGod. She is humbled, but not abashed: her groans are deeper, and hersighingsmorevehement,butsheneverrelaxesherholdorstaysherhand.Itwouldbemoreagreeable tofleshandbloodtohaveaspeedyanswer,butbelievingsoulshave learned tobesubmissive,and to find itgood towaitforaswellasupontheLord.Delayedanswersoftensettheheartsearchingitself,andsoleadtocontritionandspiritualreformation:deadlyblowsarethus struck at our corruption, and the chambers of imagery are cleansed.Thegreatdangerislestmenshouldfaint,andmisstheblessing.Reader,donotfallintothatsin,butcontinueinprayerandwatching.Atlastthelittlecloudwas seen, the sure forerunner of torrents of rain, and even sowithyou, the token for good shall surely be given, and you shall rise as aprevailingprincetoenjoythemercyyouhavesought.Elijahwasamanoflikepassionswithus:hispowerwithGoddidnotlieinhisownmerits.Ifhis believing prayer availed somuch,why not yours? Plead the preciousblood with unceasing importunity, and it shall be with you according toyourdesire.

S e p t e m b e r 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Behold, if the leprosyhavecoveredallhis flesh,heshallpronouncehimcleanthathaththeplague."Leviticus13:13

Strangeenough this regulationappears,yet therewaswisdom in it, forthethrowingoutofthediseaseprovedthattheconstitutionwassound.Thismorning itmaybewell forus tosee the typical teachingof sosingulararule.We, too, are lepers, andmay read the law of leper as applicable toourselves. When a man sees himself to be altogether lost and ruined,coveredalloverwiththedefilementofsin,andnopartfreefrompollution;whenhedisclaimsallrighteousnessofhisown,andpleadsguiltybeforetheLord, then is he clean through the blood of Jesus, and the grace ofGod.Hidden,unfelt,unconfessediniquityisthetrueleprosy,butwhensinisseenand felt it has received its death blow, and the Lord looks with eyes ofmercy upon the soul afflicted with it. Nothing is more deadly than self-righteousness,ormorehopefulthancontrition.Wemustconfessthatweare"nothing else but sin," for no confession short of this will be the wholetruth,andiftheHolySpiritbeatworkwithus,convincingusofsin,therewill be no difficulty about making such an acknowledgment — it willspring spontaneously fromour lips.What comfort does the text afford tothoseunderadeepsenseofsin!Sinmournedandconfessed,howeverblackand foul, shall never shut a man out from the Lord Jesus. Whosoevercometh unto Him, He will in no wise cast out. Though dishonest as thethief, though unchaste as thewomanwhowas a sinner, though fierce asSaulofTarsus,thoughcruelasManasseh,thoughrebelliousastheprodigal,thegreatheartoflovewilllookuponthemanwhofeelshimselftohavenosoundness in him, andwill pronouncehimclean,whenhe trusts in Jesuscrucified.CometoHim,then,poorheavy-ladensinner,

Comeneedy,comeguilty,comeloathsomeandbare;Youcan'tcometoofilthy—comejustasyouare.

Thisevening'sverse:

"IfoundHimwhommysoulloveth:IheldHim,andwouldnotletHimgo."Song3:4

DoesChrist receive uswhenwe come toHim, notwithstanding all ourpastsinfulness?DoesHeneverchideus forhaving triedallother refugesfirst?AndistherenoneonearthlikeHim?IsHethebestofall thegood,the fairest of all the fair? Oh, then let us praise Him! Daughters ofJerusalem,extolHimwithtimbrelandharp!Downwithyouridols,upwiththeLordJesus.Nowletthestandardsofpompandpridebetrampledunderfoot, but let the cross of Jesus,which theworld frowns and scoffs at, beliftedonhigh.OforathroneofivoryforourKingSolomon!letHimbesetonhighforever,andletmysoulsitatHisfootstool,andkissHisfeet,andwashthemwithmytears.Oh,howpreciousisChrist!HowcanitbethatIhavethoughtsolittleofHim?HowisitIcangoabroadforjoyorcomfortwhenHeissofull,sorich,sosatisfying.Fellowbeliever,makeacovenantwiththineheartthatthouwiltneverdepartfromHim,andaskthyLordtoratifyit.BidHimsettheeasasignetuponHisfinger,andasabraceletuponHisarm.AskHimtobindtheeaboutHim,asthebridedeckethherselfwithornaments, and as the bridegroom putteth on his jewels. I would live inChrist'sheart;inthecleftsofthatrockmysoulwouldeternallyabide.Thesparrowhathmadeahouse,and theswallowanest forherselfwhereshemay lay her young, even thine altars,OLord of hosts,myKing andmyGod;andsotoowouldImakemynest,myhome,inThee,andneverfromTheemaythesoulofThyturtledovegoforthagain,butmayInestleclosetoThee,OJesus,mytrueandonlyrest.

"WhenmypreciousLordIfind,Allmyardentpassionsglow;HimwithcordsofloveIbind,HoldandwillnotletHimgo."

S e p t e m b e r 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"SingforththehonourofHisname,makeHispraiseglorious."Psalm66:2

ItisnotlefttoourownoptionwhetherweshallpraiseGodornot.PraiseisGod'smost righteous due, and everyChristian, as the recipient ofHisgrace, is bound to praise God from day to day. It is true we have noauthoritativerubricfordailypraise;wehavenocommandmentprescribingcertainhoursofsongandthanksgiving:butthelawwrittenupontheheartteachesusthatitisrighttopraiseGod;andtheunwrittenmandatecomestouswithasmuchforceasifithadbeenrecordedonthetablesofstone,orhandedtousfromthetopofthunderingSinai.Yes,itistheChristian'sdutyto praiseGod. It is not only a pleasurable exercise, but it is the absoluteobligationofhis life.Thinknotyewhoarealwaysmourning, thatyeareguiltlessinthisrespect,orimaginethatyecandischargeyourdutytoyourGodwithout songs of praise.You are boundby the bonds ofHis love toblessHisnamesolongasyoulive,andHispraiseshouldcontinuallybeinyourmouth, for you are blessed, in order that youmay blessHim; "thispeoplehaveI formedformyself, theyshallshowforthmypraise";and ifyoudonotpraiseGod,youarenotbringingforththefruitwhichHe,astheDivineHusbandman,hasarighttoexpectatyourhands.Letnotyourharpthen hang upon thewillows, but take it down, and strive,with a gratefulheart, to bring forth its loudest music. Arise and chant His praise.Withevery morning's dawn, lift up your notes of thanksgiving, and let everysettingsunbefollowedwithyoursong.Girdletheearthwithyourpraises;surround itwithanatmosphereofmelody,andGodHimselfwillhearkenfromheavenandacceptyourmusic.

"E'ensoIloveThee,andwilllove,pAndinThypraisewillsing,BecauseThouartmylovingGod,AndmyredeemingKing."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Alivingdogisbetterthanadeadlion."Ecclesiastes9:4

Lifeisapreciousthing,andinitshumblestformitissuperiortodeath.Thistruthiseminentlycertaininspiritualthings.Itisbettertobetheleastinthekingdomofheaventhanthegreatestoutofit.Thelowestdegreeofgraceissuperiortothenoblestdevelopmentofunregeneratenature.WheretheHolyGhostimplantsdivinelifeinthesoul,thereisapreciousdepositwhich none of the refinements of education can equal. The thief on thecross excelsCaesar on his throne;Lazarus among the dogs is better thanCiceroamongthesenators;andthemostunletteredChristianisinthesightof God superior to Plato. Life is the badge of nobility in the realm ofspiritual things,andmenwithout itareonlycoarserorfinerspecimensofthe same lifelessmaterial, needing to be quickened, for they are dead intrespassesandsins.

A living, loving, gospel sermon, however unlearned in matter anduncouth in style, is better than the finest discoursedevoidofunction andpower.A living dog keeps betterwatch than a dead lion, and is ofmoreservicetohismaster;andsothepoorestspiritualpreacherisinfinitelytobepreferredtotheexquisiteoratorwhohasnowisdombutthatofwords,noenergy but that of sound. The like holds good of our prayers and otherreligiousexercises;ifwearequickenedinthembytheHolySpirit,theyareacceptable toGod through JesusChrist, thoughwemay think them tobeworthless things;while our grandperformances inwhichour heartswereabsent,likedeadlions,aremerecarrioninthesightofthelivingGod.Oforlivinggroans,livingsighs,livingdespondencies,ratherthanlifelesssongsanddeadcalms.Betteranythingthandeath.Thesnarlingsofthedogofhellwillatleastkeepusawake,butdeadfaithanddeadprofession,whatgreatercursescanamanhave?Quickenus,quickenus,OLord!

October

O c t o b e r 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O mybeloved."Song7:13

Thespousedesires togivetoJesusall thatsheproduces.Ourhearthas"allmannerofpleasantfruits,"both"oldandnew,"andtheyarelaidupforourBeloved.Atthisrichautumnalseasonoffruit,letussurveyourstores.Wehavenewfruits.Wedesiretofeelnewlife,newjoy,newgratitude;wewish tomakenewresolvesandcarry themoutbynew labours;ourheartblossomswithnewprayers,andoursoulispledgingherselftonewefforts.Butwehavesomeoldfruitstoo.Thereisourfirstlove:achoicefruitthat!andJesusdelightsinit.Thereisourfirstfaith:thatsimplefaithbywhich,havingnothing,webecamepossessorsofallthings.ThereisourjoywhenfirstweknewtheLord:letusreviveit.Wehaveouroldremembrancesofthepromises.How faithfulhasGodbeen! In sickness,howsoftlydidHemake our bed! In deep waters, how placidly did He buoy us up! In theflamingfurnace,howgraciouslydidHedeliverus.Oldfruits, indeed!Wehavemanyofthem,forHismercieshavebeenmorethanthehairsofourhead.Oldsinswemustregret,butthenwehavehadrepentanceswhichHehasgivenus,bywhichwehaveweptourwaytothecross,andlearnedthemeritofHisblood.Wehavefruits,thismorning,bothnewandold;buthereis thepoint—theyareall laidupforJesus.Truly, thoseare thebestandmostacceptableservicesinwhichJesusisthesolitaryaimofthesoul,andHisglory,withoutanyadmixturewhatever, theendofallourefforts.LetourmanyfruitsbelaiduponlyforourBeloved;letusdisplaythemwhenHeiswithus,andnotholdthemupbeforethegazeofmen.Jesus,wewillturn the key in our gardendoor, andnone shall enter to robTheeof onegoodfruit fromthesoilwhichThouhastwateredwithThybloodysweat.OurallshallbeThine,Thineonly,OJesus,ourBeloved!

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hewillgivegraceandglory."Psalm84:11

BounteousisJehovahinHisnature;togiveisHisdelight.Hisgiftsarebeyondmeasureprecious,andareasfreelygivenasthelightofthesun.HegivesgracetoHiselectbecauseHewillsit,toHisredeemedbecauseofHiscovenant, to the calledbecauseofHispromise, tobelieversbecause theyseek it, to sinners because they need it. He gives grace abundantly,seasonably,constantly,readily,sovereignly;doublyenhancingthevalueofthe boon by themanner of its bestowal.Grace in all its formsHe freelyrenders to His people: comforting, preserving, sanctifying, directing,instructing, assisting grace, He generously pours into their souls withoutceasing, and He always will do so, whatever may occur. Sickness maybefall,but theLordwillgivegrace;povertymayhappen tous,butgracewillsurelybeafforded;deathmustconebutgracewilllightacandleatthedarkesthour.Reader,howblessed it isasyears roll round,and the leavesbeginagain to fall, to enjoy suchanunfadingpromiseas this, "TheLordwillgivegrace."

Thelittleconjunction"and"inthisverseisadiamondrivetbindingthepresent with the future: grace and glory always go together. God hasmarriedthem,andnonecandivorcethem.TheLordwillneverdenyasoulglorytowhomHehasfreelygiventoliveuponHisgrace;indeed,gloryisnothingmorethangraceinitsSabbathdress,graceinfullbloom,gracelikeautumnfruit,mellowandperfected.Howsoonwemayhaveglorynonecantell! Itmaybebefore thismonthofOctoberhas runoutwe shall see theHolyCity; but be the interval longer or shorter,we shall be glorified erelong.Glory,thegloryofheaven,thegloryofeternity,thegloryofJesus,theglory of the Father, the Lord will surely give to His chosen. Oh, rarepromiseofafaithfulGod!

<pclass="vers">Twogoldenlinksofonecelestialchain:Whoownethgraceshallsurelyglorygain.

O c t o b e r 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thehopewhichislaidupforyouinheaven."Colossians1:5

Ourhope inChrist for thefuture is themainspringand themainstayofourjoyhere.Itwillanimateourheartstothinkoftenofheaven,forallthatwe can desire is promised there. Here we are weary and toilworn, butyonder is the landof restwhere thesweatof labourshallnomorebedewtheworker'sbrow,andfatigueshallbeforeverbanished.Tothosewhoareweary and spent, theword "rest" is full of heaven.We are always in thefieldofbattle;wearesotemptedwithin,andsomolestedbyfoeswithout,thatwehave little or no peace; but in heavenwe shall enjoy the victory,when the banner shall bewaved aloft in triumph, and the sword shall besheathed,andweshallhearourCaptainsay,"Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant." We have suffered bereavement after bereavement, but we aregoingto the landof the immortalwheregravesareunknownthings.Heresinisaconstantgrief tous,but thereweshallbeperfectlyholy,for thereshall by no means enter into that kingdom anything which defileth.Hemlockspringsnotupinthefurrowsofcelestialfields.Oh!isitnotjoy,that you are not to be in banishment for ever, that you are not to dwelleternallyinthiswilderness,butshallsooninheritCanaan?Neverthelessletitneverbesaidofus,thatwearedreamingaboutthefutureandforgettingthepresent,letthefuturesanctifythepresenttohighestuses.ThroughtheSpiritofGodthehopeofheavenisthemostpotentforcefortheproductofvirtue; it is a fountain of joyous effort, it is the corner stone of cheerfulholiness. The man who has this hope in him goes about his work withvigour,forthejoyoftheLordishisstrength.Hefightsagainsttemptationwith ardour, for the hope of the next world repels the fiery darts of theadversary.Hecanlabourwithoutpresentreward,forhelooksforarewardintheworldtocome.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Amangreatlybeloved."Daniel10:11

Child of God, do you hesitate to appropriate this title? Ah! has yourunbeliefmadeyou forget that you aregreatlybeloved too?Mustyounothavebeengreatlybeloved,tohavebeenboughtwiththepreciousbloodofChrist, asofa lambwithoutblemishandwithout spot?WhenGodsmoteHis only begottenSon for you,whatwas this but being greatly beloved?Youlived insin,andrioted in it,mustyounothavebeengreatlybelovedforGodtohavebornesopatientlywithyou?Youwerecalledbygraceandled toaSaviour,andmadeachildofGodandanheirofheaven.All thisproves,doesitnot,averygreatandsuperaboundinglove?Sincethattime,whetheryourpathhasbeenroughwithtroubles,orsmoothwithmercies,ithasbeenfullofproofsthatyouareamangreatlybeloved.IftheLordhaschastenedyou,yetnotinanger;ifHehasmadeyoupoor,yetingraceyouhave been rich. The more unworthy you feel yourself to be, the moreevidence have you that nothing but unspeakable love could have led theLord Jesus to save such a soul as yours. Themore demerit you feel, thecleareris thedisplayof theaboundingloveofGodinhavingchosenyou,andcalledyou,andmadeyouanheirofbliss.Now, if therebesuchlovebetweenGodandusletusliveintheinfluenceandsweetnessofit,andusetheprivilegeofourposition.DonotletusapproachourLordasthoughwewere strangers, or as thoughHewere unwilling to hear us— forwe aregreatlybelovedbyourlovingFather."HethatsparednotHisownSon,butdeliveredHimupforusall,howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusall things?"Comeboldly,Obeliever, fordespite thewhisperingsofSatanandthedoubtingsofthineownheart,thouartgreatlybeloved.Meditateontheexceedinggreatnessandfaithfulnessofdivinelovethisevening,andsogotothybedinpeace.

O c t o b e r 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for themwhoshallbeheirsofsalvation?"Hebrews1:14

AngelsaretheunseenattendantsofthesaintsofGod;theybearusupintheir hands, lest we dash our foot against a stone. Loyalty to their Lordleadsthemto takeadeepinterest in thechildrenofHis love; theyrejoiceover the return of the prodigal to his father's house below, and theywelcome the advent of the believer to theKing's palace above. In oldentimesthesonsofGodwerefavouredwiththeirvisibleappearance,andatthisday, althoughunseenbyus, heaven is still opened, and the angelsofGodascendanddescendupontheSonofman,thattheymayvisittheheirsofsalvation.Seraphimstillflywithlivecoalsfromoffthealtartotouchthelips ofmen greatly beloved. If our eyes could be opened,we should seehorses of fire and chariots of fire about the servants of the Lord; forwehavecometoaninnumerablecompanyofangels,whoareallwatchersandprotectors of the seed-royal. Spenser's line is no poetic fiction, where hesings—

"HowoftdotheywithgoldenpinionscleaveTheflittingskies,likeflyingpursuivantAgainstfoulfiendstoaidusmilitant!"

Towhat dignity are the chosen elevatedwhen the brilliant courtiers ofheavenbecometheirwillingservitors!Intowhatcommunionareweraisedsince we have intercourse with spotless celestials! How well are wedefendedsinceallthetwenty-thousandchariotsofGodarearmedforourdeliverance!Towhomdoweoweallthis?LettheLordJesusChristbeforeverendearedtous,forthroughHimwearemadetositinheavenlyplacesfar above principalities and powers. He it is whose camp is round aboutthemthatfearHim;HeisthetrueMichaelwhosefootisuponthedragon.Allhail,Jesus!thouAngelofJehovah'spresence,toTheethisfamilyoffersitsmorningvows.

Thisevening'sverse:

"HeHimselfhathsufferedbeingtempted."Hebrews2:18

It is acommon-place thought, andyet it tastes likenectar to thewearyheart—JesusIwastemptedasIam.Youhaveheardthattruthmanytimes:haveyougraspedit?Hewastemptedtotheverysamesinsintowhichwefall.DonotdissociateJesusfromourcommonmanhood.Itisadarkroomwhichyouaregoingthrough,butJesuswentthroughitbefore.Itisasharpfightwhichyouarewaging,butJesushasstoodfoottofootwiththesameenemy.Letusbeofgoodcheer,Christhasbornetheloadbeforeus,andtheblood-stained footsteps of theKing of glorymay be seen along the roadwhichwetraverseatthishour.Thereissomethingsweeteryet—Jesuswastempted,butJesusneversinned.Then,mysoul,itisnotneedfulfortheetosin, for Jesuswas aman, and if oneman endured these temptations andsinnednot,theninHispowerHismembersmayalsoceasefromsin.Somebeginners in the divine life think that they cannot be tempted withoutsinning,buttheymistake;thereisnosininbeingtempted,butthereissinin yielding to temptation. Herein is comfort for the sorely tempted ones.There is stillmore to encourage them if they reflect that the Lord Jesus,thoughtempted,gloriouslytriumphed,andasHeovercame,sosurelyshallHis followersalso, forJesus is the representativemanforHispeople; theHead has triumphed, and the members share in the victory. Fears areneedless,forChristiswithus,armedforourdefence.Ourplaceofsafetyisthe bosom of the Saviour. Perhaps we are tempted just now, in order todriveusnearertoHim.Blessedbeanywindthatblowsusintotheportofour Saviour's love! Happy wounds, which make us seek the belovedPhysician.Yetemptedones,cometoyourtemptedSaviour,forHecanbetouchedwithafeelingofyourinfirmities,andwillsuccoureverytriedandtemptedone.

O c t o b e r 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Ateveningtimeitshallbelight."Zechariah14:7

Oftentimes we look forward with forebodings to the time of old age,forgetful that at eventide it shall be light. Tomany saints, old age is thechoicestseasonintheirlives.Abalmierairfansthemariner'scheekashenears the shore of immortality, fewer waves ruffle his sea, quiet reigns,deep,stillandsolemn.Fromthealtarofagetheflashesofthefireofyoutharegone,butthemorerealflameofearnestfeelingremains.Thepilgrimshave reached the landBeulah, that happy country,whose days are as thedays of heaven upon earth. Angels visit it, celestial gales blow over it,flowers of paradise grow in it, and the air is filled with seraphic music.Somedwell here for years, and others come to it but a fewhours beforetheirdeparture,but it isanEdenonearth.Wemaywell longfor the timewhenweshall recline in itsshadygrovesandbesatisfiedwithhopeuntilthetimeoffruitioncomes.Thesettingsunseemslargerthanwhenaloftinthesky,andasplendourofglory tingesall thecloudswhichsurroundhisgoing down. Pain breaks not the calm of the sweet twilight of age, forstrengthmadeperfectinweaknessbearsupwithpatienceunderitall.Ripefruitsofchoiceexperiencearegatheredastherarerepastoflife'sevening,andthesoulpreparesitselfforrest.

TheLord's people shall also enjoy light in the hour of death.Unbelieflaments;theshadowsfall,thenightiscoming,existenceisending.Ahno,criethfaith,thenightisfarspent,thetruedayisathand.Lightiscome,thelightofimmortality,thelightofaFather'scountenance.Gatherupthyfeetin the bed, see the waiting bands of spirits! Angels waft thee away.Farewell,belovedone,thouartgone,thouwavestthinehand.Ah,nowitislight.Thepearlygatesareopen,thegoldenstreetsshineinthejasperlight.Wecoveroureyes,butthoubeholdesttheunseen;adieu,brother,thouhastlightateven-tide,suchaswehavenotyet.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous."1John2:1

"Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocate."Yes,thoughwesin,wehaveHimstill.Johndoesnotsay,"Ifanymansinhehasforfeitedhisadvocate,"but"wehaveanadvocate," sinners thoughweare.All the sin that abelieverever did, or can be allowed to commit, cannot destroy his interest in theLord Jesus Christ, as his advocate. The name here given to our Lord issuggestive."Jesus."Ah!thenHeisanadvocatesuchasweneed,forJesusisthenameofonewhosebusinessanddelightitistosave."TheyshallcallHisnameJesus,forHeshallsaveHispeoplefromtheirsins."Hissweetestname implies His success. Next, it is "Jesus Christ" — Christos, theanointed.ThisshowsHisauthoritytoplead.TheChristhasarighttoplead,forHeistheFather'sownappointedadvocateandelectedpriest.IfHewereofourchoosingHemight fail,but ifGodhath laidhelpuponone that ismighty,wemaysafelylayourtroublewhereGodhaslaidHishelp.HeisChrist, and therefore authorized;He isChrist, and thereforequalified, fortheanointinghasfullyfittedHimforHiswork.HecanpleadsoastomovetheheartofGodandprevail.Whatwordsoftenderness,whatsentencesofpersuasionwill theanointedusewhenHestandsup topleadforme!Onemore letterofHisname remains, "JesusChrist the righteous."This isnotonlyHischaracterBUTHisplea. It isHischaracter,and if theRighteousOne be my advocate, then my cause is good, or He would not haveespoused it. It is His plea, for He meets the charge of unrighteousnessagainst me by the plea that He is righteous. He declares Himself mysubstitute and puts His obedience to my account. My soul, thou hast afriendwellfittedtobethineadvocate,Hecannotbutsucceed;leavethyselfentirelyinHishands.

O c t o b e r 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Hearose,anddideatanddrink,andwentinthestrengthofthatmeatfortydaysandfortynights."1Kings19:8

AllthestrengthsuppliedtousbyourgraciousGodismeantforservice,not forwantonness or boasting.When the prophet Elijah found the cakebaked on the coals, and the cruse of water placed at his head, as he layunderthejunipertree,hewasnogentlemantobegratifiedwithdaintyfarethat he might stretch himself at his ease; far otherwise, he wascommissioned to go forty days and forty nights in the strength of it,journeyingtowardsHoreb,themountofGod.WhentheMasterinvitedthedisciples to"Comeanddine"withHim,after the feastwasconcludedHesaidtoPeter,"Feedmysheep";furtheradding,"Followme."Eventhusitiswithus;weeatthebreadofheaven,thatwemayexpendourstrengthintheMaster'sservice.Wecometothepassover,andeatofthepaschallambwithloinsgirt,andstaffinhand,soastostartoffatoncewhenwehavesatisfiedourhunger.SomeChristiansareforlivingonChrist,butarenotsoanxioustoliveforChrist.Earthshouldbeapreparationforheaven;andheavenistheplacewheresaintsfeastmostandworkmost.TheysitdownatthetableofourLord,andtheyserveHimdayandnightinHistemple.Theyeatofheavenlyfoodandrenderperfectservice.Believer,inthestrengthyoudailygain from Christ labour for Him. Some of us have yet to learn muchconcerning the design of our Lord in giving usHis grace.We are not toretainthepreciousgrainsof truthas theEgyptianmummyheldthewheatfor ages, without giving it an opportunity to grow: we must sow it andwaterit.WhydoestheLordsenddowntherainuponthethirstyearth,andgive thegenialsunshine?Is itnot that thesemayallhelp thefruitsof theearthtoyieldfoodforman?EvensotheLordfeedsandrefreshesoursoulsthatwemayafterwardsuseour renewedstrength in thepromotionofHisglory.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved."Mark16:16

Mr.Macdonald asked the inhabitants of the island of St. Kilda how amanmustbesaved.Anoldmanreplied,"Weshallbesavedifwerepent,andforsakeoursins,and turn toGod.""Yes,"saidamiddle-agedfemale,"andwithatruehearttoo.""Ay,"rejoinedathird,"andwithprayer";and,added a fourth, "It must be the prayer of the heart." "And we must bediligent too," said a fifth, "in keeping the commandments." Thus, eachhavingcontributedhismite,feelingthataverydecentcreedhadbeenmadeup,theyalllookedandlistenedforthepreacher'sapprobation,buttheyhadarousedhisdeepestpity.Thecarnalmindalwaysmapsoutforitselfawayinwhichselfcanworkandbecomegreat,but theLord'sway isquite thereverse.Believingandbeingbaptizedarenomattersofmerittobegloriedin—theyaresosimplethatboastingisexcluded,andfreegracebearsthepalm.Itmaybe that thereader isunsaved—what is thereason?Doyouthinkthewayofsalvationaslaiddowninthetexttobedubious?HowcanthatbewhenGodhaspledgedHisownwordforitscertainty?Doyouthinkittooeasy?Why,then,doyounotattendtoit?Itseaseleavesthosewithoutexcusewhoneglectit.Tobelieveissimplytotrust,todepend,torelyuponChristJesus.Tobebaptized is tosubmit to theordinancewhichourLordfulfilledat Jordan, towhich theconvertedonessubmittedatPentecost, towhich the jailer yielded obedience the very night of his conversion. Theoutward sign saves not, but it sets forth to us our death, burial, andresurrectionwithJesus,and,liketheLord'sSupper,isnottobeneglected.Reader,doyoubelieveinJesus?Then,dearfriend,dismissyourfears,youshallbesaved.Areyoustillanunbeliever,thenrememberthereisbutonedoor,andifyouwillnotenterbyityouwillperishinyoursins.

O c t o b e r 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall neverthirst."John4:14

Hewho is a believer in Jesus finds enough in his Lord to satisfy himnow,andtocontenthimforevermore.Thebeliever isnot themanwhosedays are weary for want of comfort, and whose nights are long fromabsenceofheart-cheeringthought,forhefindsinreligionsuchaspringofjoy,suchafountainofconsolation,thatheiscontentandhappy.Puthimina dungeon and he will find good company; place him in a barrenwilderness, he will eat the bread of heaven; drive him away fromfriendship,hewillmeetthe"friendthatstickethcloserthanabrother."Blastallhisgourds,andhewillfindshadowbeneaththeRockofAges;sapthefoundationofhisearthlyhopes,buthisheartwillstillbefixed,trustingintheLord.TheheartisasinsatiableasthegravetillJesusentersit,andthenit is a cup full to overflowing. There is such a fulness in Christ that Healoneisthebeliever'sall.Thetruesaintissocompletelysatisfiedwiththeall-sufficiencyof Jesus that he thirsts nomore—except it be for deeperdraughts of the living fountain. In that sweetmanner, believer, shalt thouthirst;itshallnotbeathirstofpain,butoflovingdesire;thouwiltfinditasweet thing to be panting after a fuller enjoyment of Jesus' love. One indaysofyoresaid,"Ihavebeensinkingmybucketdownintothewellfulloften,butnowmythirstafterJesushasbecomesoinsatiable,thatIlongtoputthewellitselftomylips,anddrinkrighton."Isthisthefeelingofthineheartnow,believer?DostthoufeelthatallthydesiresaresatisfiedinJesus,and that thou hast nowant now, but to knowmore ofHim;, and to havecloser fellowship with Him? Then come continually to the fountain, andtakeofthewateroflifefreely.Jesuswillneverthinkyoutaketoomuch,butwilleverwelcomeyou,saying,"Drink,yea,drinkabundantly,Obeloved."

Thisevening'sverse:

"HehadmarriedanEthiopianwoman."Numbers12:1

StrangechoiceofMoses,buthowmuchmorestrangethechoiceofHimwho is aprophet likeuntoMoses, andgreater thanhe!OurLord,who isfair as the lily, has entered into marriage union with one who confessesherselftobeblack,becausethesunhaslookeduponher.ItisthewonderofangelsthattheloveofJesusshouldbesetuponpoor,lost,guiltymen.Eachbelievermust,whenfilledwithasenseofJesus'love,bealsooverwhelmedwithastonishmentthatsuchloveshouldbelavishedonanobjectsoutterlyunworthyofit.Knowingaswedooursecretguiltiness,unfaithfulness,andblack-heartedness,wearedissolvedingratefuladmirationofthematchlessfreenessandsovereigntyofgrace.JesusmusthavefoundthecauseofHisloveinHisownheart,Hecouldnothavefounditinus,foritisnotthere.Evensinceourconversionwehavebeenblack,thoughgracehasmadeuscomely.HolyRutherfordsaidofhimselfwhatwemusteachsubscribeto—"His relation tome is, that I amsick,andHe is thePhysicianofwhomIstandinneed.Alas!howoftenIplayfastandloosewithChrist!Hebindeth,Iloose;Hebuildeth,Icastdown;IquarrelwithChrist,andHeagreethwithme twenty times a day!"Most tender and faithfulHusband of our souls,pursueThygraciousworkofconformingustoThineimage,tillThoushaltpresentevenuspoorEthiopsuntoThyself,withoutspot,orwrinkle,oranysuch thing.Mosesmetwithoppositionbecauseofhismarriage, andbothhimselfandhisspousewerethesubjectsofanevileye.Canwewonderifthis vainworld opposes Jesus andHis spouse, and especiallywhen greatsinners are converted? for this is ever the Pharisee's ground of objection,"This man receiveth sinners." Still is the old cause of quarrel revived,"BecausehehadmarriedanEthiopianwoman."

O c t o b e r 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"WhereforehastThouafflictedThyservant?"Numbers11:11

Our heavenly Father sends us frequent troubles to try our faith. If ourfaithbeworthanything,itwillstandthetest.Giltisafraidoffire,butgoldis not: the paste gem dreads to be touched by the diamond, but the truejewelfearsnotest.ItisapoorfaithwhichcanonlytrustGodwhenfriendsaretrue,thebodyfullofhealth,andthebusinessprofitable;butthatistruefaithwhichholdsby theLord's faithfulnesswhen friends aregone,whenthebody is sick,when spirits are depressed, and the light of ourFather'scountenanceishidden.Afaithwhichcansay,inthediresttrouble,"ThoughHeslayme,yetwillItrustinHim,"isheaven-bornfaith.TheLordafflictsHisservantstoglorifyHimself,forHeisgreatlyglorifiedinthegracesofHis people, which are His own handiwork. When "tribulation workethpatience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope," the Lord ishonouredbythesegrowingvirtues.Weshouldneverknowthemusicoftheharpifthestringswereleftuntouched;norenjoythejuiceofthegrapeifitwere not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume ofcinnamonif itwerenotpressedandbeaten;nor feel thewarmthof fire ifthecoalswerenotutterlyconsumed.Thewisdomandpowerof thegreatWorkmanarediscoveredbythetrialsthroughwhichHisvesselsofmercyare permitted to pass. Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy.Theremust be shades in thepicture to bringout thebeautyof the lights.Couldwebesosupremelyblessedinheaven,ifwehadnotknownthecurseofsinandthesorrowofearth?Willnotpeacebesweeterafterconflict,andrestmorewelcome after toil?Will not the recollection of past sufferingsenhance the bliss of the glorified? There are many other comfortableanswerstothequestionwithwhichweopenedourbriefmeditation,letusmuseuponitalldaylong.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Nowonwhomdostthoutrust?"Isaiah36:5

Reader, this is an important question. Listen to the Christian's answer,and see if it is yours. "On whom dost thou trust?" "I trust," says theChristian,"inatriuneGod.ItrusttheFather,believingthatHehaschosenmefrombeforethefoundationsoftheworld;ItrustHimtoprovideformeinprovidence, to teachme, toguideme, to correctme ifneedbe, and tobringmehometoHisownhousewherethemanymansionsare.ItrusttheSon.VeryGodofveryGodisHe—themanChristJesus.ItrustinHimtotake away all my sins by His own sacrifice, and to adorn me with Hisperfect righteousness. I trust Him to be my Intercessor, to present myprayers and desires beforeHis Father's throne, and I trustHim to bemyAdvocateatthelastgreatday,topleadmycause,andtojustifyme.ItrustHimforwhatHeis,forwhatHehasdone,andforwhatHehaspromisedyettodo.AndItrusttheHolySpirit—Hehasbeguntosavemefrommyinbredsins;ItrustHimtodrivethemallout;ItrustHimtocurbmytemper,tosubduemywill,toenlightenmyunderstanding,tocheckmypassions,tocomfortmydespondency,tohelpmyweakness,toilluminatemydarkness;ItrustHimtodwellinmeasmylife,toreigninmeasmyKing,tosanctifymewholly,spirit,soul,andbody,andthentotakemeuptodwellwiththesaintsinlightforever."

Oh, blessed trust! To trustHimwhose powerwill never be exhausted,whose love will never wane, whose kindness will never change, whosefaithfulnesswill never fail,whosewisdomwill never be nonplussed, andwhose perfect goodness can never know a diminution! Happy art thou,reader,ifthistrustisthine!Sotrusting,thoushaltenjoysweetpeacenow,andgloryhereafter,andthefoundationofthytrustshallneverberemoved.

O c t o b e r 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"Launchoutintothedeep,andletdownyournetsforadraught."Luke5:4

Welearnfromthisnarrative,thenecessityofhumanagency.Thedraughtof fishes wasmiraculous, yet neither the fisherman nor his boat, nor hisfishingtacklewereignored;butallwereusedtotakethefishes.Sointhesavingofsouls,Godworkethbymeans;andwhilethepresenteconomyofgrace shall stand,Godwill be pleased by the foolishness of preaching tosavethemthatbelieve.WhenGodworkethwithoutinstruments,doubtlessHeisglorified;butHehathHimselfselectedtheplanofinstrumentalityasbeingthatbywhichHeismostmagnifiedintheearth.Meansofthemselvesareutterlyunavailing."Master,wehavetoiledallthenightandhavetakennothing."Whatwasthereasonofthis?Weretheynotfishermenplyingtheirspecialcalling?Verily,theywerenorawhands;theyunderstoodthework.Had theygone about the toil unskillfully?No.Had they lacked industry?No,theyhadtoiled.Hadtheylackedperseverance?No,theyhadtoiledallthe night.Was there a deficiency of fish in the sea?Certainly not, for assoonastheMastercame,theyswamtothenetinshoals.What,then,isthereason? Is it because there is no power in themeans of themselves apartfrom thepresenceof Jesus? "WithoutHimwe candonothing."ButwithChristwecandoall things.Christ'spresenceconferssuccess.Jesussat inPeter'sboat, andHiswill, byamysterious influence,drew the fish to thenet.When Jesus is lifted up inHisChurch,His presence is theChurch'spower—theshoutofakingisinthemidstofher."I,ifIbeliftedup,willdraw allmen untome." Let us go out thismorning on ourwork of soulfishing,lookingupinfaith,andaroundusinsolemnanxiety.Letustoiltillnightcomes,andweshallnotlabourinvain,forHewhobidsusletdownthenet,willfillitwithfishes.

Thisevening'sverse:

"PrayingintheHolyGhost."Jude1:20

Markthegrandcharacteristicoftrueprayer—"IntheHolyGhost."Theseedofacceptabledevotionmustcomefromheaven'sstorehouse.Onlytheprayerwhich comes fromGod can go toGod.Wemust shoot theLord'sarrowsbacktoHim.ThatdesirewhichHewritesuponourheartwillmoveHisheart andbringdownablessing, but thedesiresof the fleshhavenopowerwithHim.

Praying in theHolyGhost ispraying in fervency.Coldprayersask theLordnottohearthem.Thosewhodonotpleadwithfervency,pleadnotatall.Aswellspeakoflukewarmfireasoflukewarmprayer—itisessentialthat it be red hot. It is praying perseveringly. The true suppliant gathersforceasheproceeds,andgrowsmoreferventwhenGoddelaystoanswer.Thelongerthegateisclosed,themorevehementlydoesheusetheknocker,andthelongertheangellingersthemoreresolvedishethathewillneverlet him go without the blessing. Beautiful in God's sight is tearful,agonizing, unconquerable importunity. It means praying humbly, for theHolySpiritneverpuffsusupwithpride.ItisHisofficetoconvinceofsin,and so to bow us down in contrition and brokenness of spirit.We shallnever singGloria inexcelsisexceptwepray toGodDeprofundis:outofthedepthsmustwecry,orweshallneverbeholdgloryinthehighest.Itislovingprayer.Prayershouldbeperfumedwithlove,saturatedwithlove—lovetoourfellowsaints,andlovetoChrist.Moreover,itmustbeaprayerfull of faith. Aman prevails only as he believes. The Holy Spirit is theauthoroffaith,andstrengthensit,sothatwepraybelievingGod'spromise.Othatthisblessedcombinationofexcellentgraces,pricelessandsweetasthe spices of themerchant,might be fragrantwithinus because theHolyGhost is in our hearts!Most blessedComforter, exert Thymighty powerwithinus,helpingourinfirmitiesinprayer.

O c t o b e r 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Abletokeepyoufromfalling."Jude1:24

Insomesensethepathtoheavenisverysafe,butinotherrespectsthereis no road so dangerous. It is besetwith difficulties.One false step (andhow easy it is to take that if grace be absent), and downwe go.What aslipperypathisthatwhichsomeofushavetotread!HowmanytimeshavewetoexclaimwiththePsalmist,"Myfeetwerealmostgone,mystepshadwellnighslipped."Ifwewerestrong,sure-footedmountaineers,thiswouldnotmattersomuch;but inourselves,howweakweare!In thebestroadswe soon falter, in the smoothest paths we quickly stumble. These feeblekneesofourscanscarcelysupportourtotteringweight.Astrawmaythrowus,andapebblecanwoundus;wearemerechildrentremblinglytakingourfirststepsinthewalkoffaith,ourheavenlyFatherholdsusbythearmsorwe should soon be down.Oh, ifwe are kept from falling, howmustwebless the patient power which watches over us day by day! Think, howpronewearetosin,howapttochoosedanger,howstrongourtendencytocastourselvesdown,andthesereflectionswillmakeussingmoresweetlythanwe have ever done, "Glory be toHim,who is able to keep us fromfalling."Wehavemanyfoeswho try topushusdown.Theroad is roughandweareweak,butinadditiontothis,enemieslurkinambush,whorushoutwhenweleastexpectthem,andlabourtotripusup,orhurlusdownthenearestprecipice.OnlyanAlmightyarmcanpreserveusfromtheseunseenfoes, who are seeking to destroy us. Such an arm is engaged for ourdefence.Heisfaithfulthathathpromised,andHeisabletokeepusfromfalling,sothatwithadeepsenseofourutterweakness,wemaycherishafirmbeliefinourperfectsafety,andsay,withjoyfulconfidence,

"Againstmeearthandhellcombine,Butonmysideispowerdivine;Jesusisall,andHeismine!"

Thisevening'sverse:

"ButHeansweredhernotaword."Matthew15:23

Genuine seekers who as yet have not obtained the blessing, may takecomfort fromthestorybeforeus.TheSaviourdidnotatoncebestow theblessing, even though thewoman had great faith inHim.He intended togiveit,butHewaitedawhile."Heansweredhernotaword."Werenotherprayers good? Never better in the world. Was not her case needy?Sorrowfully needy. Did she not feel her need sufficiently? She felt itoverwhelmingly.Was shenot earnest enough?Shewas intensely so.Hadsheno faith?Shehad suchahighdegreeof it that even Jesuswondered,and said, "Owoman, great is thy faith."See then, although it is true thatfaith brings peace, yet it does not always bring it instantaneously. Theremaybecertainreasonscallingforthetrialoffaith,ratherthantherewardoffaith.Genuinefaithmaybeinthesoullikeahiddenseed,butasyetitmaynothavebuddedandblossomedintojoyandpeace.ApainfulsilencefromtheSaviouristhegrievoustrialofmanyaseekingsoul,butheavierstillistheafflictionofaharshcuttingreplysuchasthis,"Itisnotmeettotakethechildren'sbread,andtocastittodogs."ManyinwaitingupontheLordfindimmediatedelight,butthisisnotthecasewithall.Some,likethejailer,areinamomentturnedfromdarknesstolight,butothersareplantsofslowergrowth.Adeeper sense of sinmaybe given to you insteadof a sense ofpardon,andinsuchacaseyouwillhaveneedofpatiencetobeartheheavyblow.Ah!poorheart,thoughChristbeatandbruisethee,orevenslaythee,trustHim;thoughHeshouldgivetheeanangryword,believeintheloveofHisheart.Donot, Ibeseech thee,giveup seekingor trustingmyMaster,becausethouhastnotyetobtainedtheconsciousjoywhichthoulongestfor.Cast thyselfonHim,andperseveringlydependevenwherethoucanstnotrejoicinglyhope.

O c t o b e r 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"FaultlessbeforethepresenceofHisglory."Jude1:24

Revolve in your mind that wondrous word, faultless!" We are far offfromitnow;butasourLordneverstopsshortofperfectioninHisworkoflove,weshallreachitoneday.TheSaviourwhowillkeepHispeopletotheLend,willalsopresent themat last toHimself,as"agloriouschurch,nothavingspot,orwrinkle,oranysuchthing,butholyandwithoutblemish."All the jewels in theSaviour's crownareof the firstwater andwithout asingleflaw.All themaidsofhonourwhoattend theLamb'swifearepurevirginswithoutspotorstain.ButhowwillJesusmakeusfaultless?HewillwashusfromoursinsinHisownblooduntilwearewhiteandfairasGod'spurest angel; and we shall be clothed in His righteousness, thatrighteousnesswhichmakesthesaintwhowearsitpositivelyfaultless;yea,perfect in the sight of God.We shall be unblameable and unreproveableeveninHiseyes.Hislawwillnotonlyhavenochargeagainstus,butitwillbemagnifiedinus.Moreover,theworkoftheHolySpiritwithinuswillbealtogethercomplete.Hewillmakeussoperfectlyholy,thatweshallhavenolingeringtendencytosin.Judgment,memory,will—everypowerandpassionshallbeemancipated from the thraldomofevil.WeshallbeholyevenasGodisholy,andinHispresenceweshalldwellforever.Saintswillnot beout of place inheaven, their beautywill be asgreat as that of theplaceprepared for them.Oh the raptureof thathourwhen theeverlastingdoorsshallbeliftedup,andwe,beingmademeetfortheinheritance,shalldwellwiththesaintsinlight.Singone,Satanshutout,temptationpastforever,andourselves"faultless"beforeGod,thiswillbeheavenindeed!Letusbe joyfulnowaswerehearse thesongofeternalpraisesosoon torollforth in full chorus from all the blood-washed host; let us copy David'sexultingsbeforethearkasapreludetoourecstasiesbeforethethrone.

Thisevening'sverse:

"And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I willredeemtheeoutofthehandoftheterrible."Jeremiah15:21

Note the glorious personality of the promise. I will, I will. The LordJehovahHimself interposes todeliverandredeemHispeople.HepledgesHimselfpersonally to rescue them.Hisownarmshalldo it, thatHemayhavetheglory.HereisnotawordsaidofanyeffortofourownwhichmaybeneededtoassisttheLord.Neitherourstrengthnorourweaknessistakeninto the account, but the lone I, like the sun in the heavens, shines outresplendent in all-sufficience.Why then do we calculate our forces, andconsultwithfleshandbloodtoourgrievouswounding?Jehovahhaspowerenough without borrowing from our puny arm. Peace, ye unbelievingthoughts, be still, and know that the Lord reigneth. Nor is there a hintconcerningsecondarymeansandcauses.TheLordsaysnothingoffriendsand helpers: He undertakes thework alone, and feels no need of humanarms to aid Him. Vain are all our lookings around to companions andrelatives; they are broken reeds ifwe lean upon them—often unwillingwhen able, and unable when they are willing. Since the promise comesalonefromGod,itwouldbewelltowaitonlyuponHim;andwhenwedoso,ourexpectationneverfailsus.Whoarethewickedthatweshouldfearthem?TheLordwillutterlyconsumethem;theyaretobepitiedratherthanfeared.Asforterribleones,theyareonlyterrorstothosewhohavenoGodtoflyto,forwhentheLordisonourside,whomshallwefear?Ifwerunintosintopleasethewicked,wehavecausetobealarmed,butifweholdfastourintegrity,therageoftyrantsshallbeoverruledforourgood.WhenthefishswallowedJonah,hefoundhimamorselwhichhecouldnotdigest;andwhentheworlddevoursthechurch,itisgladtoberidofitagain.Inalltimesoffierytrial,inpatienceletuspossessoursouls.

O c t o b e r 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens."Lamentations3:41

Theactofprayer teachesusourunworthiness,which isaverysalutarylesson for such proud beings as we are. If God gave us favours withoutconstrainingus toprayfor themweshouldneverknowhowpoorweare,but a true prayer is an inventory of wants, a catalogue of necessities, arevelationofhiddenpoverty.Whileitisanapplicationtodivinewealth,itisaconfessionofhumanemptiness.ThemosthealthystateofaChristianistobe always empty in self and constantly depending upon the Lord forsupplies; to be always poor in self and rich in Jesus; weak as waterpersonally,butmightythroughGodtodogreatexploits;andhencetheuseofprayer,because,whileitadoresGod,itlaysthecreaturewhereitshouldbe, in the very dust. Prayer is in itself, apart from the answer which itbrings,agreatbenefittotheChristian.Astherunnergainsstrengthfortheracebydailyexercise,soforthegreatraceoflifeweacquireenergybythehallowedlabourofprayer.PrayerplumesthewingsofGod'syoungeaglets,that theymay learn tomount above the clouds. Prayer girds the loins ofGod'swarriors, and sends them forth to combatwith their sinews bracedandtheirmusclesfirm.Anearnestpleadercomethoutofhiscloset,evenasthesunarisethfromthechambersoftheeast,rejoicinglikeastrongmantorun his race. Prayer is that uplifted hand of Moses which routs theAmalekitesmore than the sword of Joshua; it is the arrow shot from thechamber of the prophet foreboding defeat to the Syrians. Prayer girdshuman weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenlywisdom,andgivestotroubledmortalsthepeaceofGod.Weknownotwhatprayer cannotdo!We thank thee, greatGod, for themercy-seat, a choiceproofofthymarvellouslovingkindness.Helpustouseitarightthroughoutthisday!

Thisevening'sverse:

"WhomHedidpredestinate,themHealsocalled."Romans8:30

InthesecondepistletoTimothy,firstchapter,andninthverse,arethesewords—"Whohath savedus, andcalleduswith anholy calling."Now,hereisatouchstonebywhichwemaytryourcalling.Itis"anholycalling,notaccording toourworks,butaccordingtohisownpurposeandgrace."Thiscallingforbidsall trust inourowndoings,andconductsus toChristaloneforsalvation,butitafterwardspurgesusfromdeadworkstoservetheliving and trueGod.AsHe that hath called you is holy, somust you beholy.Ifyouarelivinginsin,youarenotcalled,butifyouaretrulyChrist's,youcansay,"Nothingpainsmesomuchassin;Idesiretoberidofit;Lord,helpmetobeholy."Isthisthepantingofthyheart?IsthisthetenorofthylifetowardsGod,andHisdivinewill?Again,inPhilippians,3:13,14,wearetoldof"ThehighcallingofGodinChristJesus."Isthenyourcallingahighcalling?Hasitennobledyourheart,andset ituponheavenlythings?Has it elevated your hopes, your tastes, your desires?Has it upraised theconstant tenor of your life, so that you spend it with God and for God?AnothertestwefindinHebrews3:1—"Partakersoftheheavenlycalling."Heavenlycallingmeansacallfromheaven.Ifmanalonecallthee,thouartuncalled. Is thy calling of God? Is it a call to heaven as well as fromheaven?Unlessthouartastrangerhere,andheaventhyhome,thouhastnotbeen called with a heavenly calling; for those who have been so called,declarethattheylookforacitywhichhathfoundations,whosebuilderandmaker is God, and they themselves are strangers and pilgrims upon theearth. Is thy calling thus holy, high, heavenly? Then, beloved, thou hastbeen called ofGod, for such is the callingwherewithGod doth call Hispeople.

O c t o b e r 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"IwillmeditateinThyprecepts."Psalm119:15

Therearetimeswhensolitudeisbetterthansociety,andsilenceiswiserthanspeech.WeshouldbebetterChristiansifweweremorealone,waitinguponGod,andgatheringthroughmeditationonHisWordspiritualstrengthfor labour in His service. We ought to muse upon the things of God,becausewethusgettherealnutrimentoutofthem.Truthissomethingliketheclusterofthevine:ifwewouldhavewinefromit,wemustbruiseit;wemustpressandsqueezeitmanytimes.Thebruiser'sfeetmustcomedownjoyfully upon the bunches, or else the juicewill not flow; and theymustwelltreadthegrapes,orelsemuchofthepreciousliquidwillbewasted.Sowemust,bymeditation,treadtheclustersoftruth,ifwewouldgetthewineof consolation therefrom.Our bodies are not supported bymerely takingfoodintothemouth,buttheprocesswhichreallysuppliesthemuscle,andthenerve,andthesinew,andthebone,istheprocessofdigestion.Itisbydigestionthattheoutwardfoodbecomesassimilatedwiththeinnerlife.Oursoulsarenotnourishedmerelybylisteningawhiletothis,andthentothat,and then to theother part of divine truth.Hearing, reading,marking, andlearning,allrequireinwardlydigestingtocompletetheirusefulness,andtheinward digesting of the truth lies for themost part inmeditating upon it.WhyisitthatsomeChristians,althoughtheyhearmanysermons,makebutslowadvancesinthedivinelife?Becausetheyneglecttheirclosets,anddonotthoughtfullymeditateonGod'sWord.Theylovethewheat,buttheydonotgrind it; theywouldhave thecorn,but theywillnotgo forth into thefieldstogatherit; thefruithangsuponthetree,buttheywillnotpluckit;thewaterflowsattheirfeet,buttheywillnotstooptodrinkit.Fromsuchfolly deliver us, O Lord, and be this our resolve this morning, "I willmeditateinThyprecepts."

Thisevening'sverse:

"TheComforter,whichistheHolyGhost."John14:26

ThisageispeculiarlythedispensationoftheHolySpirit,inwhichJesuscheersus,notbyHispersonalpresence,asHeshalldoby-and-by,butbytheindwellingandconstantabidingoftheHolyGhost,whoisevermoretheComforter of the church. It is His office to console the hearts of God'speople.Heconvincesofsin;Heilluminatesandinstructs;butstillthemainpart of His work lies in making glad the hearts of the renewed, inconfirmingtheweak,andliftingupallthosethatbeboweddown.HedoesthisbyrevealingJesustothem.TheHolySpiritconsoles,butChrististheconsolation.Ifwemayusethefigure,theHolySpiritisthePhysician,butJesus is themedicine.Heheals thewound,but it isbyapplying theholyointmentofChrist'snameandgrace.HetakesnotofHisownthings,butofthe things ofChrist. So ifwe give to theHoly Spirit theGreek name ofParaclete,aswesometimesdo,thenourheartconfersonourblessedLordJesus the title of Paraclesis. If the one be theComforter, the other is theComfort. Now, with such rich provision for his need, why should theChristianbesadanddesponding?TheHolySpirithasgraciouslyengagedto be thy Comforter: dost thou imagine, O thou weak and tremblingbeliever,thatHewillbenegligentofHissacredtrust?CanstthousupposethatHe has undertakenwhatHe cannot orwill not perform? If it beHisespecialworktostrengthenthee,andtocomfortthee,dostthousupposeHehasforgottenHisbusiness,orthatHewillfailinthelovingofficewhichHesustains towards thee?Nay, thinknot sohardlyof the tender andblessedSpiritwhosenameis"theComforter."Hedelightstogivetheoilofjoyformourning,andthegarmentofpraiseforthespiritofheaviness.TrustthouinHim,andHewillsurelycomforttheetillthehouseofmourningisclosedforever,andthemarriagefeasthasbegun.

O c t o b e r 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Godlysorrowworkethrepentance."2Corinthians7:10

Genuine, spiritual mourning for sin is the work of the Spirit of God.Repentanceis toochoiceaflowertogrowinnature'sgarden.Pearlsgrownaturally in oysters, but penitence never shows itself in sinners exceptdivinegraceworksitinthem.Ifthouhastoneparticleofrealhatredforsin,Godmusthavegiven it thee, forhumannature's thornsneverproducedasinglefig."Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh."

TruerepentancehasadistinctreferencetotheSaviour.Whenwerepentofsin,wemusthaveoneeyeuponsinandanotheruponthecross,oritwillbebetterstillifwefixbothoureyesuponChristandseeourtransgressionsonly,inthelightofHislove.

Truesorrowforsiniseminentlypractical.Nomanmaysayhehatessin,ifhe lives in it.Repentancemakesus see theevilof sin,notmerelyasatheory, but experimentally—as a burnt childdreads fire.We shall be asmuchafraidofit,asamanwhohaslatelybeenstoppedandrobbedisafraidofthethiefuponthehighway;andweshallshunit—shunitineverything—notingreatthingsonly,butinlittlethings,asmenshunlittlevipersaswellasgreatsnakes.Truemourningforsinwillmakeusveryjealousoverourtongue,lestitshouldsayawrongword;weshallbeverywatchfuloverourdailyactions,lestinanythingweoffend,andeachnightweshallclosethedaywithpainfulconfessionsofshortcoming,andeachmorningawakenwithanxiousprayers,thatthisdayGodwouldholdusupthatwemaynotsinagainstHim.

Sincere repentance is continual. Believers repent until their dying day.Thisdroppingwell is not intermittent.Everyother sorrowyields to time,butthisdearsorrowgrowswithourgrowth,anditissosweetabitter,thatwethankGodwearepermittedtoenjoyandtosufferituntilweenteroureternalrest.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Loveisstrongasdeath."Song8:6

Whoselovecanthisbewhichisasmightyastheconquerorofmonarchs,thedestroyerof thehumanrace?Would itnot sound likesatire if itwereappliedtomypoor,weak,andscarcelylivinglovetoJesusmyLord?IdoloveHim,andperhapsbyHisgrace, Icouldevendie forHim,butas formy love in itself, it canscarcelyendurea scoffing jest,much lessacrueldeath.SurelyitismyBeloved'slovewhichisherespokenof—theloveofJesus, thematchless loverofsouls.His lovewas indeedstronger than themostterribledeath,foritenduredthetrialofthecrosstriumphantly.Itwasalingeringdeath,butlovesurvivedthetorment;ashamefuldeath,butlovedespisedtheshame;apenaldeath,butloveboreouriniquities;aforsaken,lonelydeath,fromwhichtheeternalFatherhidHisface,butloveenduredthecurse,andgloriedoverall.Neversuchlove,neversuchdeath.Itwasadesperateduel,butloveborethepalm.Whatthen,myheart?Hastthounoemotions excited within thee at the contemplation of such heavenlyaffection? Yes, my Lord, I long, I pant to feel Thy love flaming like afurnacewithinme.ComeThouThyselfandexcitetheardourofmyspirit.

"ForeverydropofcrimsonbloodThusshedtomakemelive,Owherefore,whereforehavenotIAthousandlivestogive?"

WhyshouldIdespairoflovingJesuswithaloveasstrongasdeath?Hedeservesit:Idesireit.Themartyrsfeltsuchlove,andtheywerebutfleshandblood, thenwhynot I?Theymourned theirweakness, andyetoutofweakness were made strong. Grace gave them all their unflinchingconstancy—thereisthesamegraceforme.Jesus,loverofmysoul,shedabroadsuchlove,evenThyloveinmyheart,thisevening.

O c t o b e r 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge ofChristJesusmyLord."Philippians3:8

Spiritual knowledge of Christ will be a personal knowledge. I cannotknow Jesus through another person's acquaintancewithHim.No, ImustknowHimmyself; I must knowHim onmy own account. It will be anintelligentknowledge—ImustknowHim,notasthevisionarydreamsofHim, but as theWord revealsHim. Imust knowHis natures, divine andhuman. I must know His offices— His attributes— His works— Hisshame—Hisglory.ImustmeditateuponHimuntilI"comprehendwithallsaintswhatisthebreadth,andlength,anddepth,andheight;andknowthelove of Christ, which passeth knowledge." It will be an affectionateknowledgeofHim;indeed,ifIknowHimatall,ImustloveHim.Anounceofheartknowledgeisworthatonofheadlearning.OurknowledgeofHimwillbeasatisfyingknowledge.WhenIknowmySaviour,mymindwillbefulltothebrim—IshallfeelthatIhavethatwhichmyspiritpantedafter."Thisisthatbreadwhereofifamaneatheshallneverhunger."Atthesametimeitwillbeanexcitingknowledge;themoreIknowofmyBeloved,themore I shall want to know. The higher I climb the loftier will be thesummitswhichinvitemyeagerfootsteps.IshallwantthemoreasIgetthemore. Like the miser's treasure, my gold will make me covet more. Toconclude;thisknowledgeofChristJesuswillbeamosthappyone;infact,soelevating,thatsometimesitwillcompletelybearmeupabovealltrials,anddoubts,andsorrows;anditwill,whileIenjoyit,makemesomethingmore than "Man that is born ofwoman,who is of few days, and full oftrouble";foritwillflingaboutmetheimmortalityoftheeverlivingSaviour,andgirdmewiththegoldengirdleofHiseternaljoy.Come,mysoul,sitatJesus'sfeetandlearnofHimallthisday.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Andbenotconformedtothisworld."Romans12:2

If a Christian can by possibility be saved while he conforms to thisworld,atanyrateitmustbesoasbyfire.Suchabaresalvationisalmostasmuchtobedreadedasdesired.Reader,wouldyouwishtoleavethisworldin the darkness of a desponding death bed, and enter heaven as ashipwrecked mariner climbs the rocks of his native country? then beworldly;bemixedupwithMammonites,andrefusetogowithoutthecampbearingChrist'sreproach.Butwouldyouhaveaheavenbelowaswellasaheavenabove?Wouldyoucomprehendwithallsaintswhataretheheightsanddepths,andknowtheloveofChristwhichpassethknowledge?WouldyoureceiveanabundantentranceintothejoyofyourLord?Thencomeyeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,andtouchnottheuncleanthing.Wouldyouattainthefullassuranceoffaith?youcannotgainitwhileyoucommunewith sinners.Would you flamewith vehement love? your lovewillbedampedbythedrenchingsofgodlesssociety.Youcannotbecomeagreat Christian— you may be a babe in grace, but you never can be aperfectmaninChristJesuswhileyouyieldyourselftotheworldlymaximsandmodesofbusinessofmenoftheworld.Itisillforanheirofheaventobeagreatfriendwiththeheirsofhell.Ithasabadlookwhenacourtieristoo intimate with his king's enemies. Even small inconsistencies aredangerous. Little thorns make great blisters, little moths destroy finegarments, and little frivolities and little rogueries will rob religion of athousandjoys.Oprofessor,toolittleseparatedfromsinners,youknownotwhatyoulosebyyourconformitytotheworld.Itcutsthetendonsofyourstrength,andmakesyoucreepwhereyououghttorun.Then,foryourowncomfort's sake, and for the sake of your growth in grace, if you be aChristian,beaChristian,andbeamarkedanddistinctone.

O c t o b e r 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Butwhomayabidethedayofhiscoming?"Malachi3:2

Hisfirstcomingwaswithoutexternalpomporshowofpower,andyetintruth there were few who could abide its testing might. Herod and allJerusalemwithhimwerestirredat thenewsof thewondrousbirth.ThosewhosupposedthemselvestobewaitingforHim,showedthefallacyoftheirprofessions by rejecting Him when He came. His life on earth was awinnowingfan,whichtriedthegreatheapofreligiousprofession,andfewenoughcouldabidetheprocess.ButwhatwillHissecondadventbe?Whatsinnercanendure to thinkof it?"Heshallsmite theearthwith therodofHismouth,andwiththebreathofHislipsshallHeslaythewicked."Whenin His humiliation He did but say to the soldiers, "I am He," they fellbackward;whatwillbetheterrorofHisenemieswhenHeshallmorefullyrevealHimselfasthe"Iam?"Hisdeathshookearthanddarkenedheaven,what shall be the dreadful splendour of that day in which as the livingSaviour, He shall summon the quick and dead before Him? O that theterrorsof theLordwouldpersuademen to forsake their sins andkiss theSon lest He be angry! Though a lamb,He is yet the lion of the tribe ofJudah, rending the prey in pieces; and thoughHe breaks not the bruisedreed,yetwillHebreakHisenemieswitha rodof iron,anddash them inpieces like a potter's vessel. None of His foes shall bear up before thetempest of His wrath, or hide themselves from the sweeping hail of Hisindignation; butHis beloved bloodwashed people look forHis appearingwithjoy,andhopetoabideitwithoutfear:tothemHesitsasarefinerevennow, and when He has tried them they shall come forth as gold. Let ussearch ourselves thismorning andmake our calling and election sure, sothatthecomingoftheLordmaycausenodarkforebodingsinourmind.Oforgrace to cast awayall hypocrisy, and tobe foundofHimsincere andwithoutrebukeinthedayofHisappearing.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Butthefirstlingofanassthoushaltredeemwithalamb:andifthouredeemhimnot,thenshaltthoubreakhisneck."Exodus34:20

Every firstborn creature must be the Lord's, but since the ass wasunclean, it could not be presented in sacrifice.What then? Should it beallowedtogofreefromtheuniversallaw?Bynomeans.Godadmitsofnoexceptions.TheassisHisdue,butHewillnotacceptit;Hewillnotabatetheclaim,butyetHecannotbepleasedwiththevictim.Nowayofescaperemainedbutredemption—thecreaturemustbesavedbythesubstitutionofa lamb in itsplace;or ifnot redeemed, itmustdie.Mysoul,here is alessonforthee.Thatuncleananimalisthyself;thouartjustlythepropertyof theLordwhomade theeandpreserves thee,but thouart sosinful thatGodwillnot,cannot,acceptthee;andithascometothis,theLambofGodmuststandinthystead,orthoumustdieeternally.LetalltheworldknowofthygratitudetothatspotlessLambwhohasalreadybledforthee,andsoredeemedtheefromthefatalcurseofthelaw.Mustitnotsometimeshavebeen a questionwith the Israelitewhich should die, the ass or the lamb?Wouldnot thegoodmanpause toestimateandcompare?Assuredly therewasnocomparisonbetweenthevalueofthesoulofmanandthelifeoftheLord Jesus, and yet the Lamb dies, andman the ass is spared.My soul,admire the boundless love ofGod to thee and others of the human race.WormsareboughtwiththebloodoftheSonoftheHighest!Dustandashesredeemedwith a price far above silver andgold!What a doomhadbeenminehadnotplenteousredemptionbeenfound!Thebreakingoftheneckoftheasswasbutamomentarypenalty,butwhoshallmeasure thewrath tocometowhichnolimitcanbeimagined?Inestimablydear is thegloriousLambwhohasredeemedusfromsuchadoom.

O c t o b e r 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Jesussaithuntothem,Comeanddine."John21:12

InthesewordsthebelieverisinvitedtoaholynearnesstoJesus."Comeand dine," implies the same table, the same meat; ay, and sometimes itmeanstositsidebyside,andleanourheadupontheSaviour'sbosom.Itisbeing brought into the banqueting-house, where waves the banner ofredeeming love. "Come anddine," gives us a vision of unionwith Jesus,because theonly food thatwecan feastuponwhenwedinewithJesus isHimself.Oh,whatunionisthis!Itisadepthwhichreasoncannotfathom,thatwe thus feedupon Jesus. "He that eatethMy flesh, anddrinkethMyblood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him." It is also an invitation to enjoyfellowshipwiththesaints.Christiansmaydifferonavarietyofpoints,buttheyhaveallonespiritualappetite;andifwecannotallfeelalike,wecanall feedalikeon thebreadof life sentdownfromheaven.At the tableoffellowshipwithJesusweareonebreadandonecup.Asthelovingcupgoesroundwepledgeoneanotherheartilytherein.GetnearertoJesus,andyouwill find yourself linked more and more in spirit to all who are likeyourself,supportedbythesameheavenlymanna.IfweweremoreneartoJesus we should be more near to one another. We likewise see in thesewordsthesourceofstrengthforeveryChristian.TolookatChrististolive,butforstrengthtoserveHimyoumust"comeanddine."Welabourundermuch unnecessaryweakness on account of neglecting this percept of theMaster.Wenoneofusneedtoputourselvesonlowdiet;onthecontrary,we should fatten on the marrow and fatness of the gospel that we mayaccumulatestrengththerein,andurgeeverypowertoitsfulltensionintheMaster'sservice.Thus,then,ifyouwouldrealizenearnesstoJesus,unionwith Jesus, love toHis people and strength from Jesus, "come and dine"withHimbyfaith.

Thisevening'sverse:

"WithTheeisthefountainoflife."Psalm36:9

There are times in our spiritual experience when human counsel orsympathy,orreligiousordinances,failtocomfortorhelpus.WhydoesourgraciousGod permit this? Perhaps it is becausewe have been living toomuchwithoutHim,andHethereforetakesawayeverythinguponwhichwehavebeeninthehabitofdepending,thatHemaydriveustoHimself.Itisablessed thing to liveat thefountainhead.Whileourskin-bottlesarefull,wearecontent,likeHagarandIshmael,togointothewilderness;butwhenthosearedry,nothingwillserveusbut"ThouGodseestme."Wearelikethe prodigal, we love the swine-troughs and forget our Father's house.Remember,wecanmakeswine-troughsandhusksevenoutoftheformsofreligion;theyareblessedthings,butwemayputtheminGod'splace,andthentheyareofnovalue.AnythingbecomesanidolwhenitkeepsusawayfromGod:eventhebrazenserpentistobedespisedas"Nehushtan,"ifweworshipitinsteadofGod.Theprodigalwasneversaferthanwhenhewasdriven to his father's bosom, because he could find sustenance nowhereelse.OurLord favours uswith a famine in the land that itmaymake usseek after Himself the more. The best position for a Christian is livingwhollyanddirectlyonGod'sgrace—stillabidingwherehestoodatfirst— "Having nothing, and yet possessing all things." Let us never for amoment think thatour standing is inour sanctification, ourmortification,our graces, or our feelings, but know that because Christ offered a fullatonement, therefore we are saved; for we are complete in Him. Havingnothingofourowntotrustto,butrestinguponthemeritsofJesus—Hispassion andholy life furnishuswith theonly suregroundof confidence.Beloved,whenwearebroughttoathirstingcondition,wearesuretoturntothefountainoflifewitheagerness.

O c t o b e r 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"AndDavidsaidinhisheart,IshallnowperishonedaybythehandofSaul."1Samuel27:1

ThethoughtofDavid'sheartatthistimewasafalsethought,becausehecertainlyhadnoground for thinking thatGod's anointinghimbySamuelwasintendedtobeleftasanemptyunmeaningact.OnnooneoccasionhadtheLorddesertedHisservant;hehadbeenplacedinperilouspositionsveryoften,butnotoneinstancehadoccurredinwhichdivineinterpositionhadnotdeliveredhim.Thetrialstowhichhehadbeenexposedhadbeenvaried;theyhadnotassumedoneformonly,butmany—yetineverycaseHewhosentthetrialhadalsograciouslyordainedawayofescape.Davidcouldnotputhisfingeruponanyentryinhisdiary,andsayofit,"HereisevidencethattheLordwillforsakeme,"fortheentiretenorofhispastlifeprovedtheveryreverse.HeshouldhavearguedfromwhatGodhaddoneforhim,thatGodwouldbehisdefenderstill.ButisitnotjustinthesamewaythatwedoubtGod'shelp?Isitnotmistrustwithoutacause?Haveweeverhadtheshadow of a reason to doubt our Father's goodness? Have not Hislovingkindnessesbeenmarvellous?HasHeoncefailedtojustifyourtrust?Ah,no!ourGodhasnotleftusatanytime.Wehavehaddarknights,butthestaroflovehasshoneforthamidtheblackness;wehavebeeninsternconflicts,butoverourheadHehasheldalofttheshieldofourdefence.Wehavegone throughmany trials, but never to our detriment, always to ouradvantage;andtheconclusionfromourpastexperienceis,thatHewhohasbeenwithus in six troubles,will not forsakeus in the seventh.WhatwehaveknownofourfaithfulGod,provesthatHewillkeepustotheend.Letus not, then, reason contrary to evidence. How can we ever be soungenerous as to doubt our God? Lord, throw down the Jezebel of ourunbelief,andletthedogsdevourit.

Thisevening'sverse:

"HeshallgatherthelambswithHisarm."Isaiah40:11

OurgoodShepherdhas inHis flockavarietyofexperiences, somearestrongintheLord,andothersareweakinfaith,butHeisimpartialinHiscareforallHissheep,andtheweakestlambisasdeartoHimasthemostadvancedoftheflock.Lambsarewonttolagbehind,pronetowander,andapttogrowweary,butfromallthedangeroftheseinfirmitiestheShepherdprotectsthemwithHisarmofpower.Hefindsnew-bornsouls,likeyounglambs,readytoperish—Henourishesthemtilllifebecomesvigorous;Hefindsweakmindsready to faintanddie—Heconsoles themandrenewstheir strength. All the little onesHe gathers, for it is not thewill of ourheavenlyFatherthatoneofthemshouldperish.WhataquickeyeHemusthavetoseethemall!Whatatenderhearttocareforthemall!Whatafar-reachingandpotentarm,togatherthemall!InHislifetimeonearthHewasagreatgathereroftheweakersort,andnowthatHedwellsinheaven,Hislovingheartyearnstowardsthemeekandcontrite,thetimidandfeeble,thefearfulandfaintingherebelow.HowgentlydidHegathermetoHimself,toHis truth, to His blood, to His love, to His church!With what effectualgrace didHe compelme to come toHimself! Sincemy first conversion,how frequently hasHe restoredme frommywanderings, andonce againfoldedmewithin thecircleofHiseverlastingarm!Thebestofall is, thatHe does it all Himself personally, not delegating the task of love, butcondescendingHimselftorescueandpreserveHismostunworthyservant.Howshall I loveHimenoughor serveHimworthily? Iwould fainmakeHisnamegreatuntotheendsof theearth,butwhatcanmyfeeblenessdoforHim?GreatShepherd,addtoThymerciesthisoneother,ahearttoloveTheemoretrulyasIought.

O c t o b e r 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thypathsdropfatness."Psalm65:11

Manyare"thepathsof theLord"which"dropfatness,"butanespecialoneisthepathofprayer.Nobeliever,whoismuchinthecloset,willhaveneedtocry,"Myleanness,myleanness;woeuntome."Starvingsoulsliveat adistance from themercy- seat, andbecome like theparched fields intimesofdrought.PrevalencewithGodinwrestlingprayerissuretomakethebelieverstrong—ifnothappy.Thenearestplacetothegateofheavenis the throneof theheavenlygrace.Muchalone,andyouwillhavemuchassurance; little alone with Jesus, your religion will be shallow, pollutedwithmany doubts and fears, and not sparklingwith the joy of the Lord.Since the soul-enrichingpathofprayer isopen to theveryweakest saint;sincenohigh attainments are required; sinceyou are not bidden to comebecauseyouareanadvancedsaint,butfreelyinvitedifyoubeasaintatall;seetoit,dearreader,thatyouareofteninthewayofprivatedevotion.Bemuch on your knees, for so Elijah drew the rain upon famished Israel'sfields.

There isanotherespecialpathdroppingwithfatness to thosewhowalktherein,itisthesecretwalkofcommunion.Oh!thedelightsoffellowshipwithJesus!Earthhathnowordswhichcansetforththeholycalmofasoulleaning on Jesus' bosom. Few Christians understand it, they live in thelowlandsandseldomclimbtothetopofNebo:theyliveintheoutercourt,theyenternot theholyplace, theytakenotuptheprivilegeofpriesthood.Atadistancetheyseethesacrifice,buttheysitnotdownwiththepriesttoeat thereof,andtoenjoythefatof theburntoffering.But, reader,sit thoueverundertheshadowofJesus;comeuptothatpalmtree,andtakeholdofthebranchesthereof;letthybelovedbeuntotheeastheapple-treeamongthe trees of the wood, and thou shalt be satisfied as with marrow andfatness.OJesus,visituswithThysalvation!

Thisevening'sverse:

"Behold,toobeyisbetterthansacrifice."1Samuel15:22

Paul had been commanded to slay utterly all theAmalekites and theircattle.Insteadofdoingso,hepreservedtheking,andsufferedhispeopletotakethebestoftheoxenandofthesheep.Whencalledtoaccountforthis,he declared that he did it with a view of offering sacrifice to God; butSamuelmethimatoncewiththeassurancethatsacrificeswerenoexcuseforanactofdirectrebellion.Thesentencebeforeusisworthytobeprintedinlettersofgold,andtobehungupbeforetheeyesofthepresentidolatrousgeneration,who are very fond of the fineries ofwill-worship, but utterlyneglect the laws of God. Be it ever in your remembrance, that to keepstrictly in thepathofyourSaviour'scommand isbetter thananyoutwardformofreligion;andtohearkentoHispreceptwithanattentiveearisbetterthan tobring the fatof rams,oranyotherprecious thing to layuponHisaltar. If you are failing to keep the least of Christ's commands to Hisdisciples,Iprayyoubedisobedientnolonger.Allthepretensionsyoumakeof attachment to yourMaster, and all the devout actionswhich youmayperform, are no recompense for disobedience. "To obey," even in theslightest and smallest thing, "is better than sacrifice," however pompous.TalknotofGregorian chants, sumptuous robes, incense, andbanners; thefirst thingwhichGod requires ofHis child is obedience; and thoughyoushouldgiveyourbodytobeburned,andallyourgoodstofeedthepoor,yetifyoudonothearkentotheLord'sprecepts,allyourformalitiesshallprofityounothing.Itisablessedthingtobeteachableasalittlechild,butitisamuchmoreblessed thingwhenonehasbeen taught the lesson, tocarry itouttotheletter.Howmanyadorntheir templesanddecoratetheirpriests,butrefusetoobeythewordoftheLord!Mysoul,comenotthouintotheirsecret.

O c t o b e r 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"BabesinChrist."1Corinthians3:1

Areyoumourning,believer,becauseyouaresoweakinthedivinelife:becauseyourfaithissolittle,yourlovesofeeble?Cheerup,foryouhavecause for gratitude. Remember that in some things you are equal to thegreatestandmostfull-grownChristian.Youareasmuchboughtwithbloodasheis.YouareasmuchanadoptedchildofGodasanyotherbeliever.Aninfantisastrulyachildofitsparentsasisthefull-grownman.Youareascompletely justified, for your justification is not a thing of degrees: yourlittle faithhasmadeyoucleaneverywhit.Youhaveasmuch right to theprecious things of the covenant as themost advanced believers, for yourrighttocovenantmerciesliesnotinyourgrowth,butinthecovenantitself;andyourfaithinJesusisnotthemeasure,butthetokenofyourinheritancein Him. You are as rich as the richest, if not in enjoyment, yet in realpossession.Thesmalleststarthatgleamsissetinheaven;thefaintestrayoflighthasaffinitywiththegreatorbofday.Inthefamilyregisterofglorythesmallandthegreatarewrittenwiththesamepen.YouareasdeartoyourFather'sheart as thegreatest in the family. Jesus isvery tenderoveryou.You are like the smoking flax; a rougher spirit would say, "put out thatsmoking flax, it fills the roomwithanoffensiveodour!"but the smokingflaxHewill not quench.Youare like abruised reed; and any less tenderhand than thatof theChiefMusicianwould treaduponyouor throwyouaway,butHewillneverbreakthebruisedreed.Insteadofbeingdowncastbyreasonofwhatyouare,youshouldtriumphinChrist.AmIbutlittleinIsrael? Yet in Christ I ammade to sit in heavenly places. Am I poor infaith?StillinJesusIamheirofallthings.Though"lessthannothingIcanboast, and vanity confess." yet, if the root of thematter be inme I willrejoiceintheLord,andgloryintheGodofmysalvation.

Thisevening'sverse:

"God,myMaker,whogivethsongsinthenight."Job35:10

Anymancansingintheday.Whenthecupisfull,mandrawsinspirationfrom it.Whenwealth rolls inabundancearoundhim,anymancanpraisetheGodwhogivesaplenteousharvestorsendshomealoadedargosy.ItiseasyenoughforanAeolianharptowhispermusicwhenthewindsblow—thedifficultyisformusictoswellforthwhennowindisstirring.Itiseasytosingwhenwecanreadthenotesbydaylight;butheisskilfulwhosingswhenthereisnotarayoflighttoreadby—whosingsfromhisheart.Nomancanmakeasonginthenightofhimself;hemayattemptit,buthewillfind that a song in the nightmust be divinely inspired. Let all things gowell,Icanweavesongs,fashioningthemwhereverIgooutoftheflowersthat grow upon my path; but put me in a desert, where no green thinggrows,andwherewithshallIframeahymnofpraisetoGod?Howshallamortalmanmakeacrownfor theLordwhereno jewelsare?Letbut thisvoice be clear, and this body full of health, and I can singGod's praise:silencemytongue,laymeuponthebedoflanguishing,andhowshallIthenchantGod'shighpraises,unlessHeHimselfgivemethesong?No,itisnotinman'spowertosingwhenallisadverse,unlessanaltar-coalshalltouchhis lip. Itwasadivinesong,whichHabakkuksang,when in thenighthesaid,"Although thefig-treeshallnotblossom,neithershall fruitbe in thevines; the labourof theoliveshall fail,andthefieldsshallyieldnomeat;the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall benoherd in thestalls:yetIwillrejoiceintheLord,IwilljoyintheGodofmysalvation."Then,sinceourMakergivessongs in thenight, letuswaituponHimforthe music. O Thou chief musician, let us not remain songless becauseafflictionisuponus,buttuneThouourlipstothemelodyofthanksgiving.

O c t o b e r 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"GrowupintoHiminallthings."Ephesians4:15

ManyChristiansremainstuntedanddwarfedinspiritualthings,soastopresent thesameappearanceyearafteryear.Noup-springingofadvancedandrefinedfeelingismanifestinthem.Theyexistbutdonot"growupintoHim in all things." But should we rest content with being in the "greenblade,"whenwemightadvanceto"theear,"andeventuallyripenintothe"full corn in the ear?"Shouldwebe satisfied tobelieve inChrist, and tosay,"Iamsafe,"withoutwishingtoknowinourownexperiencemoreofthefulnesswhichistobefoundinHim.Itshouldnotbeso;weshould,asgoodtradersinheaven'smarket,covettobeenrichedintheknowledgeofJesus. It is all verywell to keep othermen's vineyards, butwemust notneglect our own spiritual growth and ripening.Why should it always bewintertimeinourhearts?Wemusthaveourseedtime,itistrue,butOforaspringtime—yea,asummerseason,whichshallgivepromiseofanearlyharvest. Ifwewould ripen ingrace,wemust livenear to Jesus—inHispresence— ripened by the sunshine of His smiles.Wemust hold sweetcommunion with Him. We must leave the distant view of His face andcomenear, as Johndid, andpillowourheadonHisbreast; then shallwefind ourselves advancing in holiness, in love, in faith, in hope—yea, ineverypreciousgift.Asthesunrisesfirstonmountain-topsandgildsthemwithhislight,andpresentsoneofthemostcharmingsightstotheeyeofthetraveller;soisitoneofthemostdelightfulcontemplationsintheworldtomarktheglowoftheSpirit'slightontheheadofsomesaint,whohasrisenupinspiritualstature, likeSaul,abovehisfellows,till, likeamightyAlp,snow-capped,he reflects firstamong thechosen, thebeamsof theSunofRighteousness, andbears the sheenofHis effulgencehigh aloft for all tosee,andseeingit,toglorifyHisFatherwhichisinheaven.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Keepnotback."Isaiah43:6

Althoughthismessagewassenttothesouth,andreferredtotheseedofIsrael, it may profitably be a summons to ourselves. Backward we arenaturallytoallgoodthings,anditisalessonofgracetolearntogoforwardinthewaysofGod.Reader,areyouunconverted,butdoyoudesiretotrustin the Lord Jesus? Then keep not back. Love invites you, the promisessecure you success, the precious blood prepares theway. Let not sins orfearshinderyou,butcometoJesus justasyouare.Doyoulongtopray?WouldyoupouroutyourheartbeforetheLord?Keepnotback.Themercy-seat is prepared for suchasneedmercy; a sinner's crieswill prevailwithGod.Youareinvited,nay,youarecommandedtopray,comethereforewithboldnesstothethroneofgrace.

Dearfriend,areyoualreadysaved?Thenkeepnotbackfromunionwiththe Lord's people. Neglect not the ordinances of baptism and the Lord'sSupper.Youmaybeofa timiddisposition,butyoumuststriveagainst it,lestit leadyouintodisobedience.Thereisasweetpromisemadetothosewho confess Christ — by no means miss it, lest you come under thecondemnationof thosewhodenyHim. If youhave talentskeepnotbackfromusingthem.Hoardnotyourwealth,wastenotyourtime;letnotyourabilitiesrustoryourinfluencebeunused.Jesuskeptnotback,imitateHimby being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices.Keep not back fromclosecommunionwithGod,fromboldlyappropriatingcovenantblessings,fromadvancingin thedivine life, frompryinginto thepreciousmysteriesof the loveofChrist.Neither, beloved friend, beguiltyofkeepingothersbackbyyourcoldness,harshness,orsuspicions.ForJesus'sakegoforwardyourself,andencourageotherstodothelike.Hellandtheleagueredbandsof superstition and infidelity are forward to the fight. O soldiers of thecross,keepnotback.

O c t o b e r 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheloveofChristconstrainethus."2Corinthians5:14

Howmuch owest thou untomyLord?HasHe ever done anything forthee? Has He forgiven thy sins? Has He covered thee with a robe ofrighteousness?HasHe set thy feet upon a rock?HasHe established thygoings? Has He prepared heaven for thee? Has He prepared thee forheaven?HasHewritten thynameinHisbookof life?HasHegiven theecountlessblessings?HasHelaidupfortheeastoreofmercies,whicheyehath not seen nor ear heard?Then do something for Jesusworthy ofHislove.GivenotamerewordyofferingtoadyingRedeemer.HowwillyoufeelwhenyourMastercomes,ifyouhavetoconfessthatyoudidnothingforHim,butkeptyour loveshutup, likea stagnantpool,neither flowingforth toHispooror toHiswork.Outonsuch loveas that!Whatdomenthinkofa lovewhichnever shows itself inaction?Why, theysay, "Openrebuke isbetter than secret love."Whowill accept a love soweak that itdoes not actuate you to a single deed of self-denial, of generosity, ofheroism,orzeal!ThinkhowHehaslovedyou,andgivenHimselfforyou!Doyouknowthepowerofthatlove?Thenletitbelikearushingmightywind to your soul to sweepout the clouds of yourworldliness, and clearawaythemistsofsin."ForChrist'ssake"bethisthetongueoffirethatshallsit upon you: "for Christ's sake" be this the divine rapture, the heavenlyafflatus tobearyoualoft fromearth, thedivinespirit that shallmakeyouboldas lionsandswiftaseagles inyourLord'sservice.Loveshouldgivewings to the feet of service, and strength to the armsof labour.FixedonGodwithaconstancythatisnottobeshaken,resolutetohonourHimwitha determination that is not to be turned aside, and pressing on with anardournevertobewearied,letusmanifesttheconstraintsoflovetoJesus.Maythedivineloadstonedrawusheavenwardtowardsitself.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?"Luke24:38

"Whysayest thou,OJacob,andspeakestOIsrael,MywayishidfromtheLord,andmyjudgmentispassedoverfrommyGod?"TheLordcaresforallthings,andthemeanestcreaturesshareinHisuniversalprovidence,but His particular providence is over His saints. "The angel of the LordencampethroundaboutthemthatfearHim.""PreciousshalltheirbloodbeinHissight.""PreciousinthesightoftheLordisthedeathofHissaints.""WeknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod,tothemthatarethecalledaccordingtoHispurpose."Letthefactthat,whileHe is the Saviour of all men, He is specially the Saviour of them thatbelieve, cheer and comfort you. You are His peculiar care; His regaltreasurewhichHeguardsastheappleofHiseye;HisvineyardoverwhichHewatchesdayandnight."Theveryhairsofyourheadareallnumbered."LetthethoughtofHisspeciallovetoyoubeaspiritualpain-killer,adearquietus toyourwoe:"Iwillnever leavethee,norforsakethee."Godsaysthatasmuchtoyouastoanysaintofold."Fearnot,Iamthyshield,andthy exceeding great reward." We lose much consolation by the habit ofreadingHispromisesforthewholechurch,insteadoftakingthemdirectlyhome to ourselves. Believer, grasp the divine word with a personal,appropriatingfaith.ThinkthatyouhearJesussay,"Ihaveprayedfor theethat thy faith fail not." Think you seeHimwalking on thewaters of thytrouble,forHeisthere,andHeissaying,"Fearnot,itisI;benotafraid."Oh,thosesweetwordsofChrist!MaytheHolyGhostmakeyoufeelthemasspoken toyou; forgetothers forawhile—accept thevoiceofJesusasaddressedtoyou,andsay,"Jesuswhispersconsolation;Icannotrefuseit;IwillsitunderHisshadowwithgreatdelight."

O c t o b e r 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Iwilllovethemfreely."Hosea14:4

Thissentenceisabodyofdivinityinminiature.Hewhounderstandsitsmeaning is a theologian, and he who can dive into its fulness is a truemaster in Israel. It is a condensationof thegloriousmessageof salvationwhichwasdeliveredtousinChristJesusourRedeemer.Thesensehingesupontheword"freely."Thisistheglorious,thesuitable,thedivinewaybywhichlovestreamsfromheaventoearth,aspontaneousloveflowingforthto those who neither deserved it, purchased it, nor sought after it. It is,indeed,theonlywayinwhichGodcanlovesuchasweare.Thetext isadeath-blow to all sorts of fitness: "Iwill love them freely."Now, if therewereanyfitnessnecessaryinus,thenHewouldnotloveusfreely,atleast,this would be a mitigation and a drawback to the freeness of it. But itstands,"Iwillloveyoufreely."wecomplain,"Lord,myheartissohard.""Iwillloveyoufreely.""ButIdonotfeelmyneedofChristasIcouldwish.""Iwill not love you because you feel your need; Iwill love you freely.""ButIdonotfeelthatsofteningofspiritwhichIcoulddesire."Remember,the softening of spirit is not a condition, for there are no conditions; thecovenantofgracehasnoconditionalitywhatever; so thatwewithout anyfitness may venture upon the promise of God which was made to us inChristJesus,whenHesaid,"HethatbelievethonHimisnotcondemned."ItisblessedtoknowthatthegraceofGodisfreetousatalltimes,withoutpreparation,withoutfitness,withoutmoney,andwithoutprice!"Iwilllovethemfreely."Thesewordsinvitebacksliderstoreturn:indeed,thetextwasspeciallywrittenforsuch—"Iwillhealtheirbacksliding;Iwilllovethemfreely."Backslider!surelythegenerosityofthepromisewillatoncebreakyourheart,andyouwillreturn,andseekyourinjuredFather'sface.

Thisevening'sverse:

"HeshalltakeofMine,andshallshowituntoyou."John16:15

TherearetimeswhenallthepromisesandadoctrinesoftheBibleareofnoavail,unlessagracioushandshallapplythemtous.Wearethirsty,buttoofainttocrawltothewater-brook.Whenasoldieriswoundedinbattleitisoflittleuseforhimtoknowthattherearethoseatthehospitalwhocanbinduphiswounds,andmedicinestheretoeaseallthepainswhichhenowsuffers: what he needs is to be carried thither, and to have the remediesapplied. It is thuswithoursouls,and tomeet thisneed there isone,eventheSpiritoftruth,whotakesofthethingsofJesus,andappliesthemtous.ThinknotthatChristhathplacedHisjoysonheavenlyshelvesthatwemayclimb up to them for ourselves, butHe draws near, and shedsHis peaceabroadinourhearts.OChristian,ifthouartto-nightlabouringunderdeepdistresses, thy Father does not give thee promises and then leave thee todrawthemupfromtheWordlikebucketsfromawell,butthepromisesHehaswrittenintheWordHewillwriteanewonyourheart.HewillmanifestHislovetoyou,andbyHisblessedSpirit,dispelyourcaresandtroubles.Beitknownuntothee,Omourner,thatitisGod'sprerogativetowipeeverytearfromtheeyeofHispeople.ThegoodSamaritandidnotsay,"Hereisthewine,andhereistheoilforyou";heactuallypouredintheoilandthewine.SoJesusnotonlygivesyouthesweetwineofthepromise,butholdsthegoldenchalice toyour lips, andpours the life-blood intoyourmouth.Thepoor,sick,way-wornpilgrimisnotmerelystrengthenedtowalk,butheisborneoneagles'wings.Gloriousgospel!whichprovideseverythingforthe helpless, which draws nigh to us when we cannot reach after it —brings us grace before we seek for grace! Here is as much glory in thegivingasinthegift.HappypeoplewhohavetheHolyGhosttobringJesustothem.

O c t o b e r 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Willyealsogoaway?"John6:67

Many have forsaken Christ, and have walked no more with Him; butwhatreasonhaveYOUtomakeachange?Hastherebeenanyreasonforitinthepast?HasnotJesusprovedHimselfall-sufficient?Heappealstoyouthismorning—"HaveIbeenawildernessuntoyou?"WhenyoursoulhassimplytrustedJesus,haveyoueverbeenconfounded?Haveyounotuptillnow found yourLord to be a compassionate and generous friend to you,andhasnot simple faith inHimgivenyouall thepeaceyour spirit coulddesire?Canyousomuchasdreamofabetter friend thanHehasbeen toyou? Then change not the old and tried for new and false. As for thepresent,canthatcompelyoutoleaveChrist?Whenwearehardbesetwiththisworld,orwith the severer trialswithin theChurch,we find it amostblessedthingtopillowourheaduponthebosomofourSaviour.Thisisthejoywehaveto-daythatwearesavedinHim;andifthisjoybesatisfying,wherefore shouldwe thinkof changing?Whobarters gold for dross?Wewillnotforswearthesuntillwefindabetterlight,norleaveourLorduntilabrighterlovershallappear;and,sincethiscanneverbe,wewillholdHimwithagraspimmortal,andbindHisnameasasealuponourarm.Asforthe future, can you suggest anything which can arise that shall render itnecessary foryou tomutiny,ordesert theold flag to serveunderanothercaptain?We thinknot. If lifebe long—Hechangesnot. Ifwearepoor,whatbetterthantohaveChristwhocanmakeusrich?Whenwearesick,whatmoredowewantthanJesustomakeourbedinoursickness?Whenwedie,isitnotwrittenthat"neitherdeath,norlife,northingspresent,northingstocome,shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichisinChristJesusourLord!"WesaywithPeter,"Lord,towhomshallwego?"

Thisevening'sverse:

"Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Luke22:46

When is theChristianmost liable tosleep? Is itnotwhenhis temporalcircumstances are prosperous?Have you not found it so?When you haddaily troubles to take to the throne of grace,were you notmorewakefulthanyouarenow?Easy roadsmake sleepy travellers.Anotherdangeroustimeiswhenallgoespleasantly inspiritualmatters.Christianwentnot tosleepwhenlionswereintheway,orwhenhewaswadingthroughtheriver,orwhenfightingwithApollyon,butwhenhehadclimbedhalfwayuptheHillDifficulty,andcametoadelightfularbour,hesatdown,andforthwithfellasleep,tohisgreatsorrowandloss.Theenchantedgroundisaplaceofbalmybreezes,ladenwithfragrantodoursandsoftinfluences,alltendingtolullpilgrimstosleep.RememberBunyan'sdescription:"Thentheycametoanarbour,warm,andpromisingmuchrefreshingtothewearypilgrims;forit was finely wrought above head, beautified with greens, and furnishedwith benches and settles. It had also in it a soft couch,where thewearymightlean.""ThearbourwascalledtheSlothful'sFriend,andwasmadeonpurposetoallure, if itmightbe,someof thepilgrimstotakeuptheirresttherewhenweary."Dependuponit,itisineasyplacesthatmenshuttheireyesandwanderintothedreamylandofforgetfulness.OldErskinewiselyremarked,"I likearoaringdevilbetter thanasleepingdevil."There isnotemptationhalfsodangerousasnotbeingtempted.Thedistressedsouldoesnot sleep; it is afterwe enter into peaceful confidence and full assurancethatweareindangerofslumbering.ThedisciplesfellasleepaftertheyhadseenJesus transfiguredon themountain top.Takeheed, joyousChristian,good framesarenearneighbours to temptations:beashappyasyouwill,onlybewatchful.

O c t o b e r 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"ThetreesoftheLordarefullofsap."Psalm104:16

Withoutsapthetreecannotflourishorevenexist.VitalityisessentialtoaChristian.Theremustbelife—avitalprincipleinfusedintousbyGodtheHolyGhost,orwecannotbetreesoftheLord.ThemerenameofbeingaChristianisbutadeadthing,wemustbefilledwiththespiritofdivinelife.Thislifeismysterious.Wedonotunderstandthecirculationofthesap,bywhatforceitrises,andbywhatpoweritdescendsagain.Sothelifewithinusisasacredmystery.RegenerationiswroughtbytheHolyGhostenteringinto man and becoming man's life; and this divine life in a believerafterwardsfeedsuponthefleshandbloodofChristandisthussustainedbydivinefood,butwhenceitcomethandwhitheritgoethwhoshallexplaintous?Whatasecretthingthesapis!Therootsgosearchingthroughthesoilwith their little spongioles, butwe cannot see them suck out the variousgases,ortransmutethemineralintothevegetable;thisworkisdonedowninthedark.OurrootisChristJesus,andourlifeishidinHim;thisisthesecret of the Lord. The radix of the Christian life is as secret as the lifeitself.Howpermanentlyactiveisthesapinthecedar!IntheChristianthedivine life is always full of energy—not always in fruit-bearing, but ininward operations. The believer's graces, are not every one of them inconstant motion? but his life never ceases to palpitate within. He is notalwaysworking forGod,buthisheart isalways livinguponHim.As thesapmanifestsitselfinproducingthefoliageandfruitofthetree,sowithatrulyhealthyChristian,hisgrace is externallymanifested inhiswalkandconversation.Ifyoutalkwithhim,hecannothelpspeakingaboutJesus.IfyounoticehisactionsyouwillseethathehasbeenwithJesus.Hehassomuchsapwithin,thatitmustfillhisconductandconversationwithlife.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hebegantowashthedisciples'feet."John13:5

TheLordJesuslovesHispeoplesomuch,thateverydayHeisstilldoingforthemmuchthatisanalogoustowashingtheirsoiledfeet.TheirpoorestactionsHeaccepts;theirdeepestsorrowHefeels;theirslenderestwishHehears,andtheireverytransgressionHeforgives.Heisstilltheirservantaswell as theirFriendandMaster.Henotonlyperformsmajesticdeeds forthem,aswearingthemitreonHisbrow,andthepreciousjewelsglitteringonHisbreastplate,andstandinguptopleadforthem,buthumbly,patiently,HeyetgoesaboutamongHispeoplewiththebasinandthetowel.HedoesthiswhenHe puts away fromus day by day our constant infirmities andsins.Lastnight,whenyoubowedtheknee,youmournfullyconfessedthatmuchofyourconductwasnotworthyofyourprofession;andeventonight,youmustmourn afresh that youhave fallen again into the selfsame follyandsinfromwhichspecialgracedeliveredyoulongago;andyetJesuswillhavegreatpatiencewithyou;Hewillhearyourconfessionofsin;Hewillsay,"Iwill,bethouclean";Hewillagainapplythebloodofsprinkling,andspeakpeacetoyourconscience,andremoveeveryspot.ItisagreatactofeternallovewhenChristonceforallabsolvesthesinner,andputshimintothe family of God; but what condescending patience there is when theSaviour with much long-suffering bears the oft recurring follies of Hiswayward disciple; day by day, and hour by hour, washing away themultiplied transgressionsofHiserringbutyetbelovedchild!Todryupaflood of rebellion is something marvellous, but to endure the constantdroppingofrepeatedoffences—tobearwithaperpetualtryingofpatience,thisisdivineindeed!WhilewefindcomfortandpeaceinourLord'sdailycleansing, its legitimate influence upon us will be to increase ourwatchfulness,andquickenourdesireforholiness.Isitso?

O c t o b e r 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"For the truths sake,which dwelleth in us, and shall bewith us forever."2John1:2

Once let the truth ofGodobtain an entrance into the humanheart andsubduethewholemanuntoitself,nopowerhumanorinfernalcandislodgeit.Weentertainitnotasaguestbutasthemasterofthehouse—thisisaChristian necessity, he is no Christian who doth not thus believe. Thosewho feel the vital power of the gospel, and know themight of theHolyGhost asHe opens, applies, and seals the Lord'sWord,would sooner betorntopiecesthanberentawayfromthegospeloftheirsalvation.Whatathousandmerciesarewraptupintheassurancethatthetruthwillbewithusforever;willbeourlivingsupport,ourdyingcomfort,ourrisingsong,oureternal glory; this is Christian privilege, without it our faith were littleworth. Some truths we outgrow and leave behind, for they are butrudimentsand lessons forbeginners,butwecannot thusdealwithDivinetruth,forthoughitissweetfoodforbabes,itisinthehighestsensestrongmeatformen.Thetruththatwearesinnersispainfullywithustohumbleandmakeuswatchful;themoreblessedtruththatwhosoeverbelievethonthe Lord Jesus shall be saved, abides with us as our hope and joy.Experience, so far from looseningour holdof thedoctrines of grace, hasknit us to them more and more firmly; our grounds and motives forbelieving are now more strong, more numerous than ever, and we havereasontoexpectthatitwillbesotill indeathweclasptheSaviourinourarms.

Wherever thisabidingloveof truthcanbediscovered,weareboundtoexercise our love.No narrow circle can contain our gracious sympathies,wide as the election of gracemust be our communion of heart.Much oferrormaybemingledwithtruthreceived,letuswarwiththeerrorbutstilllovethebrotherforthemeasureoftruthwhichweseeinHim;aboveallletusloveandspreadthetruthourselves.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Shegleanedinthefieldafterthereapers:andherhapwastolightona part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred ofElimelech."Ruth2:3

Herhapwas.Yes, it seemednothingbutanaccident,buthowdivinelywasitoverruled!Ruthhadgoneforthwithhermother'sblessing,underthecareofhermother'sGod,tohumblebuthonourabletoil,andtheprovidenceof God was guiding her every step. Little did she know that amid thesheavesshewouldfindahusband,thatheshouldmakeherthejointownerofallthosebroadacres,andthatsheapoorforeignershouldbecomeoneoftheprogenitorsofthegreatMessiah.GodisverygoodtothosewhotrustinHim, and often surprises themwith unlooked for blessings. Little doweknowwhatmayhappentousto-morrow,butthissweetfactmaycheerus,thatnogoodthingshallbewithheld.ChanceisbanishedfromthefaithofChristians,fortheyseethehandofGodineverything.Thetrivialeventsofto-dayorto-morrowmayinvolveconsequencesofthehighestimportance.OLord,dealasgraciouslywithThyservantsasThoudidstwithRuth.

Howblessedwoulditbe, if, inwanderingin thefieldofmeditationto-night,ourhap shouldbe to lightupon theplacewhereournextKinsmanwill reveal Himself to us! O Spirit of God, guide us to Him.WewouldsoonergleaninHisfieldthanbearawaythewholeharvestfromanyother.OforthefootstepsofHisflock,whichmayconductustothegreenpastureswhereHedwells!This isawearyworldwhenJesus isaway—wecouldbetterdowithoutsunandmoonthatwithoutHim—buthowdivinelyfairall thingsbecomeinthegloryofHispresence!OursoulsknowthevirtuewhichdwellsinJesus,andcanneverbecontentwithoutHim.Wewillwaitin prayer this night until our hap shall be to light on a part of the fieldbelongingtoJesuswhereinHewillmanifestHimselftous.

O c t o b e r 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Yelookedformuch,and,lo,itcametolittle;andwhenyebroughtithome, I did blow upon it.Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because ofminehousethatiswaste,andyeruneverymanuntohisownhouse."Haggai1:9

Churlish souls stint their contributions to the ministry and missionaryoperations, and call such saving good economy; little do they dream thattheyarethusimpoverishingthemselves.Theirexcuseisthattheymustcarefor theirownfamilies,andtheyforget that toneglect thehouseofGodisthesurewaytobringruinupontheirownhouses.OurGodhasamethodinprovidence by which He can succeed our endeavours beyond ourexpectation,orcandefeatourplanstoourconfusionanddismay;byaturnof His hand He can steer our vessel in a profitable channel, or run itagroundinpovertyandbankruptcy. It is the teachingofScripture that theLordenrichestheliberalandleavesthemiserlytofindoutthatwithholdingtendethtopoverty.Inaverywidesphereofobservation,Ihavenoticedthatthe most generous Christians of my acquaintance have been always themost happy, and almost invariably the most prosperous. I have seen theliberalgiverrisetowealthofwhichheneverdreamed;andIhaveasoftenseenthemean,ungenerouschurldescendtopovertybytheveryparsimonybywhichhethoughttorise.Mentrustgoodstewardswithlargerandlargersums,andsoitfrequentlyiswiththeLord;Hegivesbycartloadstothosewho give by bushels.Wherewealth is not bestowed the Lordmakes thelittlemuchbythecontentmentwhichthesanctifiedheartfeelsinaportionofwhichthetithehasbeendedicatedtotheLord.Selfishnesslooksfirstathome,butgodlinessseeksfirstthekingdomofGodandHisrighteousness,yetinthelongrunselfishnessisloss,andgodlinessisgreatgain.ItneedsfaithtoacttowardsourGodwithanopenhand,butsurelyHedeservesitofus;andall thatwecandoisaverypooracknowledgmentofouramazingindebtednesstoHisgoodness.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Alltheriversrunintothesea;yettheseaisnotfull;untotheplacefromwhencetheriverscome, thither theyreturnagain."Ecclesiastes1:7

Everything sublunary is on themove, time knows nothing of rest.Thesolid earth is a rolling ball, and the great sun himself a star obedientlyfulfilling its course around some greater luminary. Tides move the sea,winds l stir theairyocean, frictionwears the rock:changeanddeath ruleeverywhere.Theseaisnotamiser'sstorehouseforawealthofwaters,forasbyone force thewaters flow into it,byanother theyare lifted from it.Menarebornbuttodie:everythingishurry,worry,andvexationofspirit.Friend of the unchanging Jesus, what a joy it is to reflect upon thychangelessheritage;thyseaofblisswhichwillbeforeverfull,sinceGodHimselfshallpoureternalriversofpleasureintoit.Weseekanabidingcitybeyondtheskies,andweshallnotbedisappointed.Thepassagebeforeusmaywell teachus gratitude.FatherOcean is a great receiver, but he is agenerousdistributor.Whattheriversbringhimhereturnstotheearthintheform of clouds and rain. Thatman is out of jointwith the universewhotakes all but makes no return. To give to others is but sowing seed forourselves.Hewhoissogoodastewardastobewillingtousehissubstancefor his Lord, shall be entrusted with more. Friend of Jesus, art thourenderingtoHimaccordingtothebenefitreceived?Muchhasbeengiventhee,whatisthyfruit?Hastthoudoneall?Canstthounotdomore?Tobeselfish is to be wicked. Suppose the ocean gave up none of its waterytreasure,itwouldbringruinuponourrace.Godforbidthatanyofusshouldfollowtheungenerousanddestructivepolicyoflivinguntoourselves.JesuspleasednotHimself.AllfulnessdwellsinHim,butofHisfulnesshaveallwe received. O for Jesu's spirit, that henceforth we may live not untoourselves!

O c t o b e r 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Itisafaithfulsaying."2Timothy2:11

Paulhas fourof these "faithful sayings."The firstoccurs in1Timothy1:15, "This is a faithful saying, andworthyof all acceptation, thatChristJesuscame into theworld tosavesinners."Thenext is in1Timothy4:6,"Godlinessisprofitableuntoall things,havingthepromiseofthelifethatnowis,andofthatwhichistocome.Thisisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptation."Thethirdisin2Timothy2:12,"Itisafaithfulsaying—IfwesufferwithHimweshallalsoreignwithHim";and thefourth is inTitus3:3,"Thisisafaithfulsaying, that theywhichhavebelievedinGodmight be careful to maintain good works." We may trace a connectionbetween these faithful sayings. The first one lays the foundation of oureternalsalvationinthefreegraceofGod,asshowntousinthemissionofthe great Redeemer. The next affirms the double blessedness which weobtain through this salvation — the blessings of the upper and nethersprings— of time and of eternity. The third shows one of the duties towhich the chosen people are called; we are ordained to suffer for Christwiththepromisethat"ifwesuffer,weshallalsoreignwithHim."Thelastsets forth the active form of Christian service, bidding us diligently tomaintain good works. Thus we have the root of salvation in free grace;next, theprivileges of that salvation in the lifewhichnow is, and in thatwhichistocome;andwehavealsothetwogreatbranchesofsufferingwithChristandservingwithChrist,loadedwiththefruitsoftheSpirit.Treasureup these faithful sayings.Let thembe theguidesofour life,ourcomfort,andourinstruction.TheapostleoftheGentilesprovedthemtobefaithful,theyarefaithfulstill,notonewordshallfalltotheground;theyareworthyofallacceptation,letusacceptthemnow,andprovetheirfaithfulness.LetthesefourfaithfulsayingsbewrittenonthefourcornersofMyhouse.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Weareallasanuncleanthing."Isaiah64:6

The believer is a new creature, he belongs to a holy generation and apeculiarpeople—theSpiritofGodisinhim,andinallrespectsheisfarremovedfromthenaturalman;butforallthattheChristianisasinnerstill.Heissofromtheimperfectionofhisnature,andwillcontinuesototheendof his earthly life. The black fingers of sin leave smuts upon our fairestrobes.Sinmarsourrepentance,erethegreatPotterhasfinishedit,uponthewheel. Selfishness defiles our tears, and unbelief tampers with our faith.Thebest thingweeverdidapart fromthemeritofJesusonlyswelled thenumberofoursins;forwhenwehavebeenmostpureinourownsight,yet,like the heavens,we are not pure inGod's sight; and asHe chargedHisangelswithfolly,muchmoremustHechargeuswithit,eveninourmostangelic frames of mind. The song which thrills to heaven, and seeks toemulate seraphic strains, hath human discords in it. The prayer whichmovesthearmofGodisstillabruisedandbatteredprayer,andonlymovesthatarmbecausethesinlessOne,thegreatMediator,hassteppedintotakeawaythesinofoursupplication.Themostgoldenfaithorthepurestdegreeof sanctification to which a Christian ever attained on earth, has still somuch alloy in it as to be onlyworthy of the flames, in itself considered.Everynightwelookintheglassweseeasinner,andhadneedconfess,"Weareallasanunclean thing,andallourrighteousnessesareasfilthyrags."Oh,howpreciousthebloodofChristtosuchheartsasours!Howpricelessa gift is His perfect righteousness! And how bright the hope of perfectholinesshereafter!Evennow,thoughsindwellsinus,itspowerisbroken.It has no dominion; it is a broken-backed snake;we are in bitter conflictwithit,butitiswithavanquishedfoethatwehavetodeal.Yetalittlewhileandweshallentervictoriouslyintothecitywherenothingdefileth.

O c t o b e r 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"Ihavechosenyououtoftheworld."John15:19

Here is distinguishing grace and discriminating regard; for some aremadethespecialobjectsofdivineaffection.Donotbeafraidtodwelluponthis high doctrine of election. When your mind is most heavy anddepressed,youwillfindittobeabottleofrichestcordial.Thosewhodoubtthe doctrines of grace, orwho cast them into the shade,miss the richestclusters of Eshcol; they lose the wines on the lees well refined, the fatthings fullofmarrow.There isnobalm inGileadcomparable to it. If thehoney in Jonathan'swoodwhen but touched enlightened the eyes, this ishoneywhichwillenlightenyourhearttoloveandlearnthemysteriesofthekingdomofGod.Eat, and fearnot a surfeit; liveupon this choicedainty,and fearnot that itwillbe toodelicateadiet.Meat from theKing's tablewillhurtnoneofHiscourtiers.Desiretohaveyourmindenlarged,thatyoumay comprehend more and more the eternal, everlasting, discriminatingloveofGod.Whenyouhavemountedashighaselection,tarryonitssistermount,thecovenantofgrace.Covenantengagementsarethemunitionsofstupendous rock behind which we lie entrenched; covenant engagementswith the surety, Christ Jesus, are the quiet resting-places of tremblingspirits.

"Hisoath,Hiscovenant,Hisblood,Supportmeintheragingflood;Wheneveryearthlypropgivesway,Thisstillisallmystrengthandstay."

IfJesusundertooktobringmetoglory,andif theFatherpromisedthatHewouldgivemetotheSontobeapartoftheinfiniterewardofthetravailofHis soul; then,my soul, tillGodHimself shall beunfaithful, till Jesusshallceasetobethetruth,thouartsafe.WhenDaviddancedbeforetheark,hetoldMichalthatelectionmadehimdoso.Come,mysoul,exultbeforetheGodofgraceandleapforjoyofheart.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hisheadisasthemostfinegold,Hislocksarebushy,andblackasaraven."Song5:11

Comparisonsallfail tosetforththeLordJesus,butthespouseusesthebestwithinher reach.By theheadofJesuswemayunderstandHisdeity,"fortheheadofChristisGod"andthentheingotofpurestgoldisthebestconceivablemetaphor,butalltoopoortodescribeonesoprecious,sopure,sodear, soglorious. Jesus isnot agrainofgold,but avastglobeof it, apriceless mass of treasure such as earth and heaven cannot excel. Thecreaturesaremere ironandclay, theyall shallperish likewood,hay,andstubble,but theeverlivingHeadof thecreationofGodshall shineon foreverandever. InHim isnomixture,norsmallest taintofalloy.He is foreverinfinitelyholyandaltogetherdivine.ThebushylocksdepictHismanlyvigour.There isnothingeffeminate inourBeloved.He is themanliestofmen. Bold as a lion, laborious as an ox, swift as an eagle. Everyconceivableand inconceivablebeauty is tobefound inHim, thoughonceHewasdespisedandrejectedofmen.

"Hisheadthefinestgold;Withsecretsweetperfume,HiscurledlockshangallasblackAsanyraven'splume."

ThegloryofHishead isnot shornaway,He iseternallycrownedwithpeerlessmajesty.Theblackhairindicatesyouthfulfreshness,forJesushasthedewofHisyouthuponHim.Othersgrowlanguidwithage,butHeisforeveraPriestaswasMelchisedek;otherscomeandgo,butHeabidesasGoduponHisthrone,worldwithoutend.WewillbeholdHimto-nightandadoreHim.Angels are gazing uponHim—His redeemedmust not turnaway theireyes fromHim.Whereelse is theresuchaBeloved?Oforanhour'sfellowshipwithHim!Away,yeintrudingcares!Jesusdrawsme,andIrunafterHim.

O c t o b e r 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Afterthismannerthereforeprayye:OurFatherwhichartinheaven,etc."Matthew6:9

Thisprayerbeginswherealltrueprayermustcommence,withthespiritofadoption,"OurFather."Thereisnoacceptableprayeruntilwecansay,"Iwillarise,andgountomyFather."Thischild-likespiritsoonperceivesthegrandeur of the Father "in heaven," and ascends to devout adoration,"HallowedbeThyname."Thechildlisping,"Abba,Father,"growsintothecherub crying, "Holy, Holy, Holy." There is but a step from rapturousworshiptotheglowingmissionaryspirit,whichisasureoutgrowthoffilialloveandreverentadoration—"Thykingdomcome,Thywillbedoneonearth as it is in heaven." Next follows the heartfelt expression ofdependenceuponGod—"Giveusthisdayourdailybread."Beingfurtherilluminated by the Spirit, he discovers that he is not only dependent, butsinful,henceheentreatsformercy,"Forgiveusourdebtsasweforgiveourdebtors:"andbeingpardoned,havingtherighteousnessofChrist imputed,and knowing his acceptance with God, he humbly supplicates for holyperseverance, "Lead us not into temptation." The man who is reallyforgiven,isanxiousnottooffendagain;thepossessionofjustificationleadsto an anxious desire for sanctification. "Forgive us our debts," that isjustification;"Leadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromevil,"thatissanctification in its negative and positive forms.As the result of all this,therefollowsatriumphantascriptionofpraise,"Thineisthekingdom,thepower,and theglory, foreverandever,Amen."Werejoice thatourKingreigns in providence and shall reign in grace, from the river even to theendsoftheearth,andofHisdominionthereshallbenoend.Thusfromasenseofadoption,uptofellowshipwithourreigningLord,thisshortmodelofprayerconductsthesoul.Lord,teachusthustopray.

Thisevening'sverse:

"But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him." Luke24:16

Thedisciples ought to have known Jesus, they had heardHis voice sooften, andgazedupon thatmarred face so frequently, that it iswonderfultheydidnotdiscoverHim.Yetisitnotsowithyoualso?YouhavenotseenJesuslately.YouhavebeentoHistable,andyouhavenotmetHimthere.Youareinadarktroublethisevening,andthoughHeplainlysays,"ItisI,benotafraid,"yetyoucannotdiscernHim.Alas!oureyesareholden.WeknowHis voice;wehave looked intoHis face;wehave leanedour headuponHisbosom,andyet,thoughChristisverynearus,wearesaying"OthatIknewwhereImightfindHim!"WeshouldknowJesus,forwehavetheScripturestoreflectHisimage,andyethowpossibleitisforustoopenthatpreciousbookandhavenoglimpseoftheWellbeloved!DearchildofGod,areyouinthatstate?Jesusfeedethamongtheliliesoftheword,andyouwalkamongthoselilies,andyetyoubeholdHimnot.HeisaccustomedtowalkthroughthegladesofScripture,andtocommunewithHispeople,astheFatherdidwithAdaminthecooloftheday,andyetyouareinthegardenofScripture,but cannot seeHim, thoughHe is always there.AndwhydowenotseeHim?Itmustbeascribedinourcase,asinthedisciples',tounbelief.TheyevidentlydidnotexpecttoseeJesus,andthereforetheydid not knowHim. To a great extent in spiritual things we get what weexpect of the Lord. Faith alone can bring us to see Jesus.Make it yourprayer, "Lord, open Thoumine eyes, that I may seemy Saviour presentwithme."ItisablessedthingtowanttoseeHim;butoh!itisbetterfartogazeuponHim.TothosewhoseekHimHeiskind;buttothosewhofindHim,beyondexpressionisHedear!

O c t o b e r 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"IwillpraiseThee,OLord."Psalm9:1

Praise should always follow answered prayer; as the mist of earth'sgratitude riseswhen thesunofheaven's lovewarms theground.Hath theLord been gracious to thee, and inclined His ear to the voice of thysupplication?ThenpraiseHimaslongasthoulivest.Lettheripefruitdropupon the fertile soil fromwhich it drew its life.Denynot a song toHimwhohathansweredthyprayerandgiventheethedesireofthyheart.TobesilentoverGod'smercies is to incur theguiltof ingratitude; it is toactasbasely as the nine lepers,who after theyhadbeen curedof their leprosy,returnednottogivethanksuntothehealingLord.ToforgettopraiseGodistorefusetobenefitourselves;forpraise,likeprayer,isonegreatmeansofpromotingthegrowthofthespirituallife.Ithelpstoremoveourburdens,toexcite our hope, to increase our faith. It is a healthful and invigoratingexercisewhichquickensthepulseofthebeliever,andnerveshimforfreshenterprisesinhisMaster'sservice.ToblessGodformerciesreceivedisalsotheway tobenefitour fellow-men; "thehumble shallhear thereofandbeglad."Otherswhohavebeeninlikecircumstancesshalltakecomfortifwecansay,"Oh!magnifytheLordwithme,andletusexaltHisnametogether;this poor man cried, and the Lord heard him." Weak hearts will bestrengthened, and drooping saints will be revived as they listen to our"songsofdeliverance."Theirdoubtsandfearswillberebuked,asweteachandadmonishoneanother inpsalmsandhymnsandspiritualsongs.Theytoo shall "sing in theways of theLord,"when they hear usmagnifyHisholyname.PraiseisthemostheavenlyofChristianduties.Theangelspraynot, but they cease not to praise both day and night; and the redeemed,clothedinwhiterobes,withpalm-branchesintheirhands,areneverwearyofsingingthenewsong,"WorthyistheLamb."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to Thyvoice:causemetohearit."Song8:13

My sweet Lord Jesus remembers well the garden of Gethsemane, andalthough He has left that garden, He now dwells in the garden of Hischurch: there He unbosoms Himself to those who keep His blessedcompany.ThatvoiceoflovewithwhichHespeakstoHisbelovedismoremusicalthantheharpsofheaven.Thereisadepthofmelodiouslovewithinitwhichleavesallhumanmusicfarbehind.Tenofthousandsonearth,andmillions above, are indulgedwith its harmonious accents. Somewhom Iwellknow,andwhomIgreatlyenvy,areatthismomenthearkeningtothebelovedvoice.OthatIwereapartakeroftheirjoys!Itistruesomeoftheseare poor, others bedridden, and some near the gates of death, but OmyLord, I would cheerfully starve with them, pine with them, or die withthem, if Imight but hearThy voice.Once I did hear it often, but I havegrievedThySpirit.Returnuntomeincompassion,andonceagainsayuntome,"Iamthysalvation."Noothervoicecancontentme;IknowThyvoice,andcannotbedeceivedbyanother, letmehearit,Ipraythee.IknownotwhatThouwiltsay,neitherdoImakeanycondition,OmyBeloved,dobutletmehearTheespeak,andifitbearebukeIwillblessTheeforit.Perhapstocleansemydullearmayneedanoperationverygrievoustotheflesh,butletitcostwhatitmayIturnnotfromtheoneconsumingdesire,causemetohearThyvoice.Boremyearafresh;piercemyearwithThyharshestnotes,onlydonotpermitmetocontinuedeaftoThycalls.To-night,Lord,grantThineunworthyonehisdesire, for IamThine,andThouhastboughtmewithThyblood.ThouhastopenedmineeyetoseeThee,andthesighthassavedme.Lord, openThoumine ear. I have readThy heart, now letmehearThylips.

O c t o b e r 3 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Renewarightspiritwithinme."Psalm51:10

A backslider, if there be a spark of life left in him will groan afterrestoration.Inthisrenewalthesameexerciseofgraceisrequiredasatourconversion. We needed repentance then; we certainly need it now. WewantedfaiththatwemightcometoChristatfirst;onlythelikegracecanbringustoJesusnow.WewantedawordfromtheMostHigh,awordfromthe lip of the lovingOne, to end our fears then;we shall soon discover,when under a sense of present sin, thatwe need it now.Noman can berenewedwithoutasrealandtrueamanifestationoftheHolySpirit'senergyashefeltatfirst,becausetheworkisasgreat,andfleshandbloodareasmuch in the way now as ever they were. Let thy personal weakness, OChristian,beanargumenttomaketheeprayearnestlytothyGodforhelp.Remember,Davidwhen he felt himself to be powerless, did not fold hisarmsorclosehislips,buthehastenedtothemercy-seatwith"renewarightspiritwithinme."Let not the doctrine that you, unaided, can do nothing,makeyousleep;butletitbeagoadinyoursidetodriveyouwithanawfulearnestness to Israel's strongHelper.O that youmayhavegrace to pleadwithGod,asthoughyoupleadedforyourverylife—"Lord,renewarightspiritwithinme."HewhosincerelypraystoGodtodothis,willprovehishonestybyusingthemeansthroughwhichGodworks.Bemuchinprayer;livemuch upon theWord of God; kill the lusts which have driven yourLord from you; be careful towatch over the future uprisings of sin. TheLordhasHisownappointedways;sitbythewaysideandyouwillbereadywhen He passes by. Continue in all those blessed ordinances which willfosterandnourishyourdyinggraces;and,knowingthatallthepowermustproceedfromHim,ceasenottocry,"Renewarightspiritwithinme."

Thisevening'sverse:

"I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought."Hosea13:5

Yes,Lord,Thoudidstindeedknowmeinmyfallenstate,andThoudidsteventhenchoosemeforThyself.WhenIwasloathsomeandself-abhorred,Thou didst receive me as Thy child, and Thou didst satisfy my cravingwants.BlessedforeverbeThynameforthisfree,rich,aboundingmercy.Since then,my inward experience has often been awilderness; butThouhastownedmestillasThybeloved,andpouredstreamsofloveandgraceinto me to gladden me, and make me fruitful. Yea, when my outwardcircumstances have been at theworst, and I havewandered in a land ofdrought, Thy sweet presence has solaced me. Men have not known mewhenscornhasawaitedme,butThouhastknownmysoul inadversities,fornoafflictiondimsthelustreofThylove.MostgraciousLord,ImagnifyTheeforallThyfaithfulness tome in tryingcircumstances,andIdeplorethat I should at any time have forgotten Thee and been exalted in heart,when Ihaveowedall toThygentleness and love.HavemercyuponThyservantinthisthing!

Mysoul,ifJesusthusacknowledgedtheeinthylowestate,besurethatthouownbothHimselfandHiscausenowthat thouart in thyprosperity.Benotliftedupbythyworldlysuccessessoastobeashamedofthetruthorofthepoorchurchwithwhichthouhastbeenassociated.FollowJesusintothewilderness:bearthecrosswithHimwhentheheatofpersecutiongrowshot.Heownedthee,Omysoul, in thypovertyandshame—neverbesotreacherousastobeashamedofHim.OformoreshameatthethoughtofbeingashamedofmybestBeloved!Jesus,mysoulcleavethtoThee.

"I'llturntoTheeindaysoflight,Aswellasnightsofcare,Thoubrightestamidallthat'sbright!Thoufairestofthefair!"

November

N o v e m b e r 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheChurchinthyhouse."Philemon1:2

IsthereaChurchinthishouse?Areparents,children,friends,servants,allmembersofit?oraresomestillunconverted?Letuspausehereandletthequestiongoround—AmIamemberoftheChurchinthishouse?Howwould father's heart leap for joy, andmother's eyes fillwith holy tears iffrom the eldest to theyoungest allwere saved!Let uspray for this greatmercyuntil theLordshallgrant it tous.Probably ithadbeen thedearestobjectofPhilemon'sdesirestohaveallhishouseholdsaved;butitwasnotatfirstgrantedhiminitsfulness.Hehadawickedservant,Onesimus,who,having wronged him, ran away from his service. His master's prayersfollowedhim,andatlast,asGodwouldhaveit,OnesimuswasledtohearPaulpreach;hisheartwastouched,andhereturnedtoPhilemon,notonlytobe a faithful servant, but abrotherbeloved, addinganothermember totheChurch in Philemon's house. Is there an unconverted servant or childabsent this morning? Make special supplication that such may, on theirreturntotheirhome,gladdenallheartswithgoodnewsofwhatgracehasdone!Isthereonepresent?Lethimpartakeinthesameearnestentreaty.

IftherebesuchaChurchinourhouse,letusorderitwell,andletallactas in the sight of God. Let us move in the common affairs of life withstudiedholiness, diligence,kindness, and integrity.More is expectedof aChurchthanofanordinaryhousehold;familyworshipmust,insuchacase,bemoredevoutandhearty;internallovemustbemorewarmandunbroken,andexternalconductmustbemoresanctifiedandChristlike.WeneednotfearthatthesmallnessofournumberwillputusoutofthelistofChurches,fortheHolySpirithashereenrolledafamily-churchintheinspiredbookofremembrance.AsaChurch letusnowdrawnigh to thegreatheadof theone Church universal, and let us beseech Him to give us grace to shinebeforementothegloryofHisname.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Andknewnotuntilthefloodcame,andtookthemallaway:soshallalsothecomingoftheSonofmanbe."Matthew24:39

Universalwasthedoom,neitherrichnorpoorescaped: thelearnedandthe illiterate, the admiredand the abhorred, the religious and theprofane,theoldand theyoung,all sank inonecommonruin.Somehaddoubtlessridiculed the patriarch — where now their merry jests? Others hadthreatenedhimforhiszealwhichtheycountedmadness—wherenowtheirboastingsandhardspeeches?Thecriticwhojudgedtheoldman'sworkisdrownedinthesameseawhichcovershissneeringcompanions.Thosewhospokepatronizinglyofthegoodman'sfidelitytohisconvictions,butsharednotinthem,havesunktorisenomore,andtheworkerswhoforpayhelpedtobuildthewondrousark,arealllostalso.Thefloodsweptthemallaway,andmadeno single exception.Even so,outofChrist, finaldestruction issuretoeverymanofwomanborn;norank,possession,orcharacter,shallsuffice to save a single soulwhohas not believed in theLord Jesus.Mysoul,beholdthiswide-spreadjudgmentandtrembleatit.

Howmarvellous thegeneral apathy! theywere all eating anddrinking,marryingandgivinginmarriage,tilltheawfulmorningdawned.Therewasnotonewisemanuponearthout of the ark.Follyduped thewhole race,folly as to self-preservation — the most foolish of all follies. Folly indoubtingthemosttrueGod—themostmalignantoffooleries.Strange,mysoul, is it not?Allmen are negligent of their souls till grace gives themreason, then they leave theirmadnessandact likerationalbeings,butnottillthen.

All,blessedbeGod,weresafeintheark,noruinenteredthere.Fromthehuge elephant down to the tinymouse allwere safe. The timid harewasequally securewith the courageous lion, the helpless cony as safe as thelaboriousox.AllaresafeinJesus.Mysoul,artthouinHim?

N o v e m b e r 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"IamtheLord,Ichangenot."Malachi3:6

It is well for us that, amidst all the variableness of life, there is Onewhomchangecannotaffect;Onewhoseheartcanneveralter,andonwhosebrowmutabilitycanmakenofurrows.Allthingselsehavechanged—allthingsarechanging.Thesunitselfgrowsdimwithage;theworldiswaxingold; the folding up of theworn-out vesture has commenced; the heavensandearthmustsoonpassaway;theyshallperish,theyshallwaxoldasdothagarment;butthereisOnewhoonlyhathimmortality,ofwhoseyearsthereisnoend,and inwhoseperson there isnochange.Thedelightwhich themarinerfeels,when,afterhavingbeentossedaboutformanyaday,hestepsagainuponthesolidshore,isthesatisfactionofaChristianwhen,amidstallthe changes of this troublous life, he rests the foot of his faith upon thistruth—"IamtheLord,Ichangenot."

Thestabilitywhichtheanchorgivestheshipwhenithasatlastobtainedahold-fast,islikethatwhichtheChristian'shopeaffordshimwhenitfixesitselfuponthisglorioustruth.WithGod"isnovariableness,neithershadowofturning."WhateverHisattributeswereofold,theyarenow;Hispower,Hiswisdom,Hisjustice,Histruth,arealikeunchanged.HehaseverbeentherefugeofHispeople, theirstronghold in thedayof trouble,andHeistheir sure Helper still. He is unchanged in His love. He has loved Hispeoplewith"aneverlastinglove";HelovesthemnowasmuchaseverHedid,andwhenallearthlythingsshallhavemeltedinthelastconflagration,Hislovewillstillwearthedewofitsyouth.PreciousistheassurancethatHechangesnot!Thewheelofprovidence revolves,but its axle is eternallove.

"Deathandchangearebusyever,Mandecays,andagesmove;ButHismercywanethnever;Godiswisdom,Godislove."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Horrorhath takenholduponmebecauseof thewicked that forsakeThylaw."Psalm119:53

My soul, feelest thou this holy shuddering at the sins of others? forotherwisethoulackestinwardholiness.David'scheekswerewetwithriversof waters because of prevailing unholiness; Jeremiah desired eyes likefountains thathemight lament the iniquitiesof Israel,andLotwasvexedwith the conversationof themenofSodom.Thoseuponwhom themarkwas set in Ezekiel's vision, were those who sighed and cried for theabominationsofJerusalem.Itcannotbutgrievegracioussoulstoseewhatpainsmentaketogotohell.Theyknowtheevilofsinexperimentally,andtheyarealarmedtoseeothersflyinglikemothsintoitsblaze.Sinmakestherighteousshudder,becauseitviolatesaholylaw,whichitistoeveryman'shighestinteresttokeep;itpullsdownthepillarsofthecommonwealth.Sininothershorrifiesabeliever,becauseitputshiminmindofthebasenessofhisownheart:whenheseesatransgressorhecrieswiththesaintmentionedbyBernard,"Hefellto-day,andImayfallto-morrow."Sintoabelieverishorrible,becauseitcrucifiedtheSaviour;heseesineveryiniquitythenailsandspear.Howcanasavedsoulbeholdthatcursedkill-Christsinwithoutabhorrence?Say,myheart,dostthousensiblyjoininallthis?ItisanawfulthingtoinsultGodtoHisface.ThegoodGoddeservesbettertreatment,thegreatGodclaimsit,thejustGodwillhaveit,orrepayHisadversarytohisface.Anawakenedhearttremblesattheaudacityofsin,andstandsalarmedatthecontemplationofitspunishment.Howmonstrousathingisrebellion!Howdirefuladoomispreparedfor theungodly!Mysoul,never laughatsin'sfooleries,lestthoucometosmileatsinitself.Itisthineenemy,andthyLord'senemy—view itwithdetestation, forsoonlycanst thouevidencethepossessionofholiness,withoutwhichnomancanseetheLord.

N o v e m b e r 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"Behold,heprayeth."Acts9:11

Prayersareinstantlynoticedinheaven.ThemomentSaulbegantopraythe Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul.Oftentimesapoorbroken-heartedonebendshisknee,butcanonlyutterhiswailinginthelanguageofsighsandtears;yetthatgroanhasmadealltheharps of heaven thrill withmusic; that tear has been caught byGod andtreasured in the lachrymatory of heaven. "Thou puttestmy tears into thybottle," implies that they are caught as they flow. The suppliant, whosefearspreventhiswords,willbewellunderstoodbytheMostHigh.Hemayonlylookupwithmistyeye;but"prayeristhefallingofatear."Tearsarethediamondsofheaven; sighsare apartof themusicof Jehovah's court,and are numbered with "the sublimest strains that reach the majesty onhigh." Think not that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will beunregarded. Jacob's ladder is lofty, but our prayers shall lean upon theAngel of the covenant and so climb its starry rounds. OurGod not onlyhears prayer but also loves to hear it. "He forgetteth not the cry of thehumble."True,Heregardsnothighlooksandloftywords;Hecaresnotforthe pomp and pageantry of kings; He listens not to the swell of martialmusic;Heregardsnotthetriumphandprideofman;butwhereverthereisaheartbigwithsorrow,oralipquiveringwithagony,oradeepgroan,orapenitential sigh, the heart of Jehovah is open; He marks it down in theregistryofHismemory;Heputsourprayers,likeroseleaves,betweenthepagesofHisbookofremembrance,andwhenthevolumeisopenedatlast,thereshallbeapreciousfragrancespringinguptherefrom.

"Faithasksnosignalfromtheskies,Toshowthatprayersacceptedrise,OurPriestisinHisholyplace,Andanswersfromthethroneofgrace."

Thisevening'sverse:

"TheirprayercameuptoHisholydwellingplace,evenuntoheaven."2Chronicles30:27

Prayer is the never-failing resort of theChristian in any case, in everyplight.Whenyoucannotuseyourswordyoumaytaketotheweaponofall-prayer.Yourpowdermaybedamp,yourbow-stringmayberelaxed,buttheweapon of all-prayer need never be out of order. Leviathan laughs at thejavelin, but he trembles at prayer. Sword and spear need furbishing, butprayerneverrusts,andwhenwethinkitmostbluntitcutsthebest.Prayerisanopendoorwhichnonecanshut.Devilsmaysurroundyouonallsides,but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road isunobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy's hand. We can never betakenbyblockade,escalade,mine,orstorm,solongasheavenlysuccourscan come down to us by Jacob's ladder to relieve us in the time of ournecessities. Prayer is never out of season: in summer and in winter itsmerchandizeisprecious.Prayergainsaudiencewithheaveninthedeadofnight, in the midst of business, in the heat of noonday, in the shades ofevening. Ineverycondition,whetherofpoverty,or sickness,orobscurity,or slander, or doubt, your covenant God will welcome your prayer andanswer it from His holy place. Nor is prayer ever futile. True prayer isevermoretruepower.Youmaynotalwaysgetwhatyouask,butyoushallalways have your real wants supplied. When God does not answer Hischildrenaccordingtotheletter,Hedoessoaccordingtothespirit.If thouaskest for coarse meal, wilt thou be angered because He gives thee thefinestflour?Ifthouseekestbodilyhealth,shouldstthoucomplainifinsteadthereofHemakesthysicknessturntothehealingofspiritualmaladies?Isitnotbettertohavethecrosssanctifiedthanremoved?Thisevening,mysoul,forgetnot tooffer thypetitionand request, for theLord is ready togranttheethydesires.

N o v e m b e r 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"Formystrengthismadeperfectinweakness."2Corinthians12:9

AprimaryqualificationforservingGodwithanyamountofsuccess,andfor doing God's work well and triumphantly, is a sense of our ownweakness.WhenGod'swarriormarches forth tobattle, strong inhis ownmight,whenheboasts,"IknowthatIshallconquer,myownrightarmandmy conquering sword shall get unto me the victory," defeat is not fardistant. God will not go forth with that man who marches in his ownstrength.Hewhoreckonethonvictorythushasreckonedwrongly,for"itisnotbymight,norbypower,butbymySpirit,saiththeLordofhosts."Theywhogoforthtofight,boastingoftheirprowess,shallreturnwiththeirgaybanners trailed in thedust, and their armour stainedwithdisgrace.ThosewhoserveGodmustserveHiminHisownway,andinHisstrength,orHewill never accept their service. That whichman doth, unaided by divinestrength,Godcanneverown.ThemerefruitsoftheearthHecastethaway;He will only reap that corn, the seed of which was sown from heaven,wateredbygrace,andripenedbythesunofdivinelove.GodwillemptyoutallthatthouhastbeforeHewillputHisownintothee;HewillfirstcleanoutthygranariesbeforeHewillfillthemwiththefinestofthewheat.Theriver of God is full of water; but not one drop of it flows from earthlysprings. God will have no strength used in His battles but the strengthwhichHeHimself imparts.Are youmourning over your ownweakness?Take courage, for theremust be a consciousness of weakness before theLordwillgivetheevictory.Youremptinessisbutthepreparationforyourbeingfilled,andyourcastingdownisbutthemakingreadyforyourliftingup.

"WhenIamweakthenamIstrong,

GraceismyshieldandChristmysong."

Thisevening'sverse:

"InThylightshallweseelight."Psalm36:9

No lips can tell the love of Christ to the heart till JesusHimself shallspeakwithin.DescriptionsallfallflatandtameunlesstheHolyGhostfillsthemwith life and power; till our Immanuel reveals Himself within, thesoulseesHimnot.Ifyouwouldseethesun,wouldyougathertogetherthecommonmeansofillumination,andseekinthatwaytobeholdtheorbofday?No,thewisemanknoweththatthesunmustrevealitself,andonlybyitsownblazecanthatmightylampbeseen.ItissowithChrist."Blessedartthou, Simon Bar-jona:" said He to Peter, "for flesh and blood hath notrevealedthisuntothee."Purifyfleshandbloodbyanyeducationalprocessyoumayselect,elevatementalfacultiestothehighestdegreeofintellectualpower,yetnoneof thesecan revealChrist.TheSpiritofGodmust comewith power, and overshadow the man with His wings, and then in thatmysticholyofholiestheLordJesusmustdisplayHimselftothesanctifiedeye,asHedothnotuntothepurblindsonsofmen.ChristmustbeHisownmirror. The great mass of this blear-eyed world can see nothing of theineffable glories of Immanuel. He stands before them without form orcomeliness,arootoutofadryground,rejectedbythevainanddespisedbythe proud. Only where the Spirit has touched the eye with eye-salve,quickened the heartwith divine life, and educated the soul to a heavenlytaste,onlythereisHeunderstood."ToyouthatbelieveHeisprecious";toyouHeisthechiefcorner-stone,theRockofyoursalvation,yourallinall;buttoothersHeis"astoneofstumblingandarockofoffence."HappyarethosetowhomourLordmanifestsHimself,forHispromisetosuchisthatHewillmakeHisabodewith them.OJesus,ourLord,ourheart isopen,comein,andgooutnomoreforever.ShowThyselftousnow!FavouruswithaglimpseofThineall-conqueringcharms.

N o v e m b e r 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Noweaponthatisformedagainsttheeshallprosper."Isaiah54:17

ThisdayisnotableinEnglishhistoryfortwogreatdeliveranceswroughtbyGodforus.OnthisdaytheplotofthePapiststodestroyourHousesofParliamentwasdiscovered,1605.

"WhileforourprincestheyprepareIncavernsdeepaburningsnare,Heshotfromheavenapiercingray,Andthedarktreacherybroughttoday."

Andsecondly—to-dayistheanniversaryofthelandingofKingWilliamIII,atTorbay,bywhich thehopeofPopishascendancywasquashed,andreligiouslibertywassecured,1688.

Thisdayoughttobecelebrated,notbythesaturnaliaofstriplings,butbythesongsofsaints.OurPuritanforefathersmostdevoutlymadeitaspecialtime of thanksgiving. There is extant a record of the annual sermonspreached byMatthewHenry on this day.Our Protestant feeling, and ourloveof liberty, shouldmakeus regard itsanniversarywithholygratitude.Let our hearts and lips exclaim, "We have heard with our ears, and ourfathershavetoldusthewondrousthingswhichThoudidstintheirday,andin theold timebefore them."Thouhastmade thisnation thehomeof thegospel;andwhenthefoehasrisenagainsther,Thouhastshieldedher.Helpus to offer repeated songs for repeated deliverances. Grant us more andmoreahatredofAntichrist,andhastenonthedayofherentireextinction.Till then and ever, we believe the promise, "No weapon that is formedagainst thee shall prosper." Should it not be laid upon the heart of everyloverofthegospelofJesusonthisdaytopleadfortheoverturningoffalsedoctrinesandtheextensionofdivinetruth?Woulditnotbewelltosearchourownhearts,andturnoutanyofthePopishlumberofself-righteousnesswhichmaylieconcealedtherein?

Thisevening'sverse:

"BethankfuluntoHim,andblessHisname."Psalm100:4

Our Lord would have all His people rich in high and happy thoughtsconcerningHisblessedperson.JesusisnotcontentthatHisbrethrenshouldthinkmeanlyofHim; it isHispleasure thatHisespousedonesshouldbedelightedwithHisbeauty.Wearenot to regardHimasabarenecessary,liketobreadandwater,butasaluxuriousdelicacy,asarareandravishingdelight.TothisendHehasrevealedHimselfasthe"pearlofgreatprice"initspeerlessbeauty,asthe"bundleofmyrrh"initsrefreshingfragrance,asthe"roseofSharon"initslastingperfume,asthe"lily"initsspotlesspurity.

AsahelptohighthoughtsofChrist,remembertheestimationthatChristishadinbeyondtheskies,wherethingsaremeasuredbytherightstandard.Think how God esteems the Only Begotten, His unspeakable gift to us.ConsiderwhattheangelsthinkofHim,astheycountittheirhighesthonourto veil their faces at His feet. Consider what the blood-washed think ofHim, as day without night they sing His well deserved praises. Highthoughts of Christ will enable us to act consistently with our relationstowardsHim.ThemoreloftilyweseeChristenthroned,andthemorelowlywearewhenbowingbeforethefootofthethrone,themoretrulyshallwebepreparedtoactourparttowardsHim.OurLordJesusdesiresustothinkwellofHim,thatwemaysubmitcheerfullytoHisauthority.HighthoughtsofHimincreaseourlove.Loveandesteemgotogether.Therefore,believer,thinkmuchofyourMaster'sexcellencies.StudyHiminHisprimevalglory,beforeHetookuponHimselfyournature!Thinkofthemightylovewhichdrew Him from His throne to die upon the cross! Admire Him as Heconquers all the powers of hell! SeeHim risen, crowned, glorified!BowbeforeHimastheWonderful,theCounsellor,themightyGod,foronlythuswillyourlovetoHimbewhatitshould.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Iwillpourwateruponhimthatisthirsty."Isaiah44:3

Whenabelieverhasfallenintoalow,sadstateoffeeling,heoftentriesto lifthimselfoutof itbychasteninghimselfwithdarkanddoleful fears.Suchisnotthewaytorisefromthedust,buttocontinueinit.Aswellchaintheeagle'swingtomakeitmount,asdoubtinordertoincreaseourgrace.Itisnotthelaw,butthegospelwhichsavestheseekingsoulatfirst;anditisnot a legal bondage, but gospel liberty which can restore the faintingbelieverafterwards.SlavishfearbringsnotbackthebackslidertoGod,butthesweetwooingsofloveallurehimtoJesus'bosom.Areyouthismorningthirsting for the livingGod,andunhappybecauseyoucannot findhim tothedelightofyourheart?Haveyoulostthejoyofreligion,andisthisyourprayer,"RestoreuntomethejoyofThysalvation"?Areyouconsciousalsothatyouarebarren,likethedryground;thatyouarenotbringingforththefruituntoGodwhichHehasa right toexpectofyou; thatyouarenotsousefulintheChurch,orintheworld,asyourheartdesirestobe?Thenhereisexactlythepromisewhichyouneed,"Iwillpourwateruponhimthatisthirsty." You shall receive the grace you so much require, and you shallhaveit to theutmostreachofyourneeds.Waterrefreshes thethirsty:youshallberefreshed;yourdesiresshallbegratified.Waterquickenssleepingvegetablelife:yourlifeshallbequickenedbyfreshgrace.Waterswellsthebudsandmakesthefruitsripen;youshallhavefructifyinggrace:youshallbe made fruitful in the ways of God.Whatever good quality there is indivinegrace,youshallenjoyittothefull.Alltherichesofdivinegraceyoushall receive in plenty; you shall be as it were drenched with it: and assometimes the meadows become flooded by the bursting rivers, and thefields are turned into pools, so shall you be— the thirsty land shall bespringsofwater.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Saying,This is thebloodof the testamentwhichGodhath enjoineduntoyou."Hebrews9:20

Thereisastrangepowerabouttheverynameofblood,andthesightofitis always affecting.Akindheart cannot bear to see a sparrowbleed, andunless familiarized by use, turns away with horror at the slaughter of abeast.Astothebloodofmen,itisaconsecratedthing:itismurdertoshedit inwrath, it is a dreadful crime to squander it inwar. Is this solemnityoccasionedbythefactthatthebloodisthelife,andthepouringofitforththetokenofdeath?Wethinkso.WhenwerisetocontemplatethebloodoftheSonofGod,ouraweisyetmoreincreased,andweshudderaswethinkof the guilt of sin, and the terrible penaltywhich theSin-bearer endured.Blood,alwaysprecious,ispricelesswhenitstreamsfromImmanuel'sside.ThebloodofJesussealsthecovenantofgrace,andmakesitforeversure.Covenantsofoldweremadebysacrifice,andtheeverlastingcovenantwasratified in thesamemanner.Oh, thedelightofbeingsavedupon thesurefoundationofdivineengagementswhichcannotbedishonoured!Salvationby theworks of the law is a frail and broken vesselwhose shipwreck issure; but the covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood ensures thewhole.ThebloodofJesusmadeHistestamentvalid.Willsareofnopowerunless the testatorsdie. In this light the soldier's spear is ablessedaid tofaith, since itprovedourLord tobe reallydead.Doubtsupon thatmatterthere canbenone, andwemayboldly appropriate the legacieswhichHehasleftforHispeople.HappytheywhoseetheirtitletoheavenlyblessingsassuredtothembyadyingSaviour.Buthasthisbloodnovoicetous?Doesit not bid us sanctify ourselves unto Him by whom we have beenredeemed?Does it not call us to newness of life, and incite us to entireconsecration to theLord?Othat thepowerof thebloodmightbeknown,andfeltinusthisnight!

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." Isaiah49:16

No doubt a part of the wonder which is concentrated in the word"Behold," is excited by the unbelieving lamentation of the precedingsentence. Zion said, "The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hathforgottenme." How amazed the divinemind seems to be at this wickedunbelief! What can be more astounding than the unfounded doubts andfearsofGod's favouredpeople?TheLord's lovingwordof rebukeshouldmake us blush; He cries, "How can I have forgotten thee, when I havegraven thee upon the palms of my hands? How darest thou doubt myconstant remembrance,when thememorial is setuponmyvery flesh?"Ounbelief, how strange a marvel thou art! We know not which most towonderat,thefaithfulnessofGodortheunbeliefofHispeople.HekeepsHispromisea thousandtimes,andyet thenext trialmakesusdoubtHim.He never faileth;He is never a drywell;He is never as a setting sun, apassingmeteor,orameltingvapour; andyetweareascontinuallyvexedwithanxieties,molestedwithsuspicions,anddisturbedwithfears,asifourGodwerethemirageof thedesert."Behold,"isawordintendedtoexciteadmiration. Here, indeed, we have a theme for marvelling. Heaven andearthmaywellbeastonishedthatrebelsshouldobtainsogreatanearnesstotheheartof infinite loveas tobewrittenupon thepalmsofHishands."Ihavegraventhee."Itdoesnotsay,"Thyname."Thenameisthere,butthatisnotall:"Ihavegraven thee."See thefulnessof this! Ihavegraven thyperson,thineimage,thycase,thycircumstances,thysins,thytemptations,thyweaknesses,thywants,thyworks;Ihavegraventhee,everythingaboutthee,allthatconcernsthee;Ihaveputtheealtogetherthere.Wiltthoueversayagain that thyGodhath forsaken theewhenHehasgraven theeuponHisownpalms?

Thisevening'sverse:

"AndyeshallbewitnessesuntoMe."Acts1:8

InordertolearnhowtodischargeyourdutyasawitnessforChrist,lookatHisexample.Heisalwayswitnessing:bythewellofSamaria,orintheTempleofJerusalem:bythelakeofGennesaret,oronthemountain'sbrow.Heiswitnessingnightandday;HismightyprayersareasvocaltoGodasHis daily services. He witnesses under all circumstances; Scribes andPhariseescannot shutHismouth; evenbeforePilateHewitnessesagoodconfession.Hewitnessessoclearly,anddistinctlythat there isnomistakeinHim.Christian,makeyour life a clear testimony.Beyou as the brookwhereinyoumayseeeverystoneatthebottom—notasthemuddycreek,ofwhichyouonlyseethesurface—butclearandtransparent,sothatyourheart'slovetoGodandmanmaybevisibletoall.Youneednotsay,"Iamtrue:"betrue.Boastnotofintegrity,butbeupright.Soshallyourtestimonybe such that men cannot help seeing it. Never, for fear of feeble man,restrainyourwitness.Yourlipshavebeenwarmedwithacoalfromoffthealtar;letthemspeakaslikeheaven-touchedlipsshoulddo."Inthemorningsowthyseed,and in theeveningwithholdnot thinehand."Watchnot theclouds,consultnotthewind—inseasonandoutofseasonwitnessfortheSaviour,andif itshallcometopassthatforChrist'ssakeandthegospel'syou shall endure suffering in any shape, shrink not, but rejoice in thehonourthusconferreduponyou,thatyouarecountedworthytosufferwithyour Lord; and joy also in this— that your sufferings, your losses, andpersecutions shallmake you a platform, fromwhich themore vigorouslyandwithgreaterpoweryoushallwitnessforChristJesus.StudyyourgreatExemplar, and be filled with His Spirit. Remember that you need muchteaching, much upholding, much grace, and much humility, if yourwitnessingistobetoyourMaster'sglory.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"AsyehavereceivedChristJesustheLord."Colossians2:6

Thelifeoffaithisrepresentedasreceiving—anactwhichimpliestheveryoppositeofanythinglikemerit.Itissimplytheacceptanceofagift.Astheearthdrinksintherain,astheseareceivesthestreams,asnightacceptslight from the stars, sowe, givingnothing, partake freely of the grace ofGod.Thesaintsarenot,bynature,wells,orstreams,theyarebutcisternsintowhich the livingwater flows; theyareemptyvessels intowhichGodpoursHis salvation. The idea of receiving implies a sense of realization,making thematter a reality. One cannot verywell receive a shadow;wereceivethatwhichissubstantial:soisitinthelifeoffaith,Christbecomesreal to us.While we are without faith, Jesus is amere name to us— aperson who lived a long while ago, so long ago that His life is only ahistory to us now!By an act of faith Jesus becomes a real person in theconsciousness of our heart. But receiving alsomeans grasping or gettingpossessionof.ThethingwhichIreceivebecomesmyown:Iappropriatetomyselfthatwhichisgiven.WhenIreceiveJesus,HebecomesmySaviour,sominethatneitherlifenordeathshallbeabletorobmeofHim.Allthisisto receiveChrist— to takeHimasGod's freegift; to realizeHim inmyheart,andtoappropriateHimasmine.

Salvation may be described as the blind receiving sight, the deafreceiving hearing, the dead receiving life; butwe have not only receivedtheseblessings,wehave receivedCHRISTJESUSHimself. It is true thatHe gave us life from the dead. He gave us pardon of sin; He gave usimputedrighteousness.Theseareallpreciousthings,butwearenotcontentwith them; we have received Christ Himself. The Son of God has beenpouredintous,andwehavereceivedHim,andappropriatedHim.WhataheartfulJesusmustbe,forheavenitselfcannotcontainHim!

Thisevening'sverse:

"TheMaster saith,Where is the guestchamber,where I shall eat thepassoverwithMydisciples?"Mark14:14

Jerusalem at the time of the passover was one great inn; eachhouseholder had invited his own friends, but no one had invited theSaviour, and He had no dwelling of His own. It was by His ownsupernaturalpowerthatHefoundHimselfanupperroominwhichtokeepthefeast.Itissoeventothisday—Jesusisnotreceivedamongthesonsofmen saveonlywherebyHis supernaturalpowerandgraceHemakes theheartanew.Alldoorsareopenenoughtotheprinceofdarkness,butJesusmust clear a way for Himself or lodge in the streets. It was through themysterious power exerted by our Lord that the householder raised noquestion,butatoncecheerfullyandjoyfullyopenedhisguestchamber.Whohe was, and what he was, we do not know, but he readily accepted thehonourwhichtheRedeemerproposedtoconferuponhim.InlikemanneritisstilldiscoveredwhoaretheLord'schosen,andwhoarenot;forwhenthegospelcomestosome,theyfightagainstit,andwillnothaveit,butwheremenreceiveit,welcomingit, thisisasureindicationthatthereisasecretworkgoingoninthesoul,andthatGodhaschosenthemuntoeternallife.Areyouwilling,dearreader,toreceiveChrist?thenthereisnodifficultyintheway;Christwill be your guest;His own power isworkingwith you,making you willing. What an honour to entertain the Son of God! TheheavenofheavenscannotcontainHim,andyetHecondescends to findahousewithinourhearts!WearenotworthythatHeshouldcomeunderourroof,butwhatanunutterableprivilegewhenHecondescendstoenter!forthenHemakesafeast,andcausesustofeastwithHimuponroyaldainties,wesitatabanquetwheretheviandsareimmortal,andgiveimmortalitytothose who feed thereon. Blessed among the sons of Adam is he whoentertainstheangels'Lord.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"SowalkyeinHim."Colossians2:6

IfwehavereceivedChristHimselfinourinmosthearts,ournewlifewillmanifest its intimate acquaintance with Him by a walk of faith in Him.Walkingimpliesaction.Ourreligionisnottobeconfinedtoourcloset;wemustcarryoutintopracticaleffectthatwhichwebelieve.IfamanwalksinChrist, then he so acts as Christ would act; for Christ being in him, hishope,his love,his joy,his life,heis thereflexof theimageofJesus;andmen say of thatman, "He is like hisMaster; he lives like JesusChrist."Walking signifies progress. "Sowalk ye inHim"; proceed from grace tograce,runforwarduntilyoureachtheuttermostdegreeofknowledgethataman can attain concerning our Beloved. Walking implies continuance.Theremust be a perpetual abiding inChrist.HowmanyChristians thinkthat in themorningandevening theyought to come into thecompanyofJesus, andmay thengive their hearts to theworld all the day: but this ispoorliving;weshouldalwaysbewithHim,treadinginHisstepsanddoingHiswill.Walkingalsoimplieshabit.Whenwespeakofaman'swalkandconversation,wemeanhishabits,theconstanttenourofhislife.Now,ifwesometimesenjoyChrist,andthenforgetHim;sometimescallHimours,andanon loseourhold, that is not ahabit;wedonotwalk inHim.WemustkeeptoHim,clingtoHim,neverletHimgo,butliveandhaveourbeinginHim. "As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him";persevere in the same way in which ye have begun, and, as at the firstChristJesuswasthetrustofyourfaith,thesourceofyourlife,theprincipleofyouraction,andthejoyofyourspirit,soletHimbethesametilllife'send; the samewhenyouwalk through thevalleyof the shadowofdeath,andenter intothejoyandtherestwhichremainfor thepeopleofGod.OHolySpirit,enableustoobeythisheavenlyprecept.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Hisplaceofdefenceshallbe themunitionsofrocks:breadshallbegivenhim;hiswatersshallbesure."Isaiah33:16

Doyoudoubt,OChristian,doyoudoubtas towhetherGodwill fulfilHispromise?Shallthemunitionsofrockbecarriedbystorm?OShallthestorehousesofheavenfail?DoyouthinkthatyourheavenlyFather,thoughHeknoweth thatyouhaveneedof foodandraiment,willyet forgetyou?Whennotasparrowfalls to thegroundwithoutyourFather,and theveryhairs of your head are all numbered, will you mistrust and doubt Him?Perhaps your afflictionwill continue upon you till you dare to trust yourGod,andthenitshallend.Fullmanytherebewhohavebeentriedandsorevexedtillatlasttheyhavebeendriveninsheerdesperationtoexercisefaithin God, and the moment of their faith has been the instant of theirdeliverance; theyhaveseenwhetherGodwouldkeepHispromiseornot.Oh, I pray you, doubt Him no longer! Please not Satan, and vex notyourselfbyindulginganymorethosehardthoughtsofGod.Thinkitnotalightmatter to doubt Jehovah. Remember, it is a sin; and not a little sineither,but in thehighestdegreecriminal.TheangelsneverdoubtedHim,northedevilseither:wealone,outofallthebeingsthatGodhasfashioned,dishonour Him by unbelief, and tarnish His honour by mistrust. Shameuponusforthis!OurGoddoesnotdeservetobesobaselysuspected;inourpastlifewehaveprovedHimtobetrueandfaithfultoHisword,andwithsomanyinstancesofHisloveandofHiskindnessaswehavereceived,andaredailyreceiving,atHishands,itisbaseandinexcusablethatwesufferadoubt to sojournwithinourheart.Maywehenceforthwage constantwaragainstdoubtsofourGod—enemiestoourpeaceandtoHishonour;andwithanunstaggeringfaithbelievethatwhatHehaspromisedHewillalsoperform."Lord,Ibelieve,helpThoumineunbelief."

N o v e m b e r 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"TheeternalGodisthyrefuge."Deuteronomy33:27

Thewordrefugemaybetranslated"mansion,"or"abiding-place,"whichgivesthethoughtthatGodisourabode,ourhome.Thereisafulnessandsweetnessinthemetaphor,fordeartoourheartsisourhome,althoughitbethehumblest cottage,or the scantiestgarret; anddearer far isourblessedGod,inwhomwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeing.Itisathomethatwefeelsafe:weshuttheworldoutanddwellinquietsecurity.SowhenwearewithourGodwe"fearnoevil."He isourshelterandretreat,ourabidingrefuge.Athome,wetakeourrest;itistherewefindreposeafterthefatigueandtoiloftheday.AndsoourheartsfindrestinGod,when,weariedwithlife'sconflict,weturntoHim,andoursouldwellsatease.Athome,also,weletourheartsloose;wearenotafraidofbeingmisunderstood,norofourwords being misconstrued. So when we are with God we can communefreelywithHim,layingopenallourhiddendesires;forifthe"secretoftheLordiswiththemthatfearHim,"thesecretsofthemthatfearHimoughttobe,andmustbe,withtheirLord.Home,too,istheplaceofourtruestandpuresthappiness:anditisinGodthatourheartsfindtheirdeepestdelight.Wehave joy inHimwhich far surpassesallother joy. It isalso forhomethatweworkandlabour.Thethoughtofitgivesstrengthtobearthedailyburden,andquickensthefingerstoperformthetask;andinthissensewemayalsosaythatGodisourhome.LovetoHimstrengthensus.WethinkofHiminthepersonofHisdearSon;andaglimpseofthesufferingfaceoftheRedeemer constrains us to labour inHis cause.We feel thatwemustwork,forwehavebrethrenyettobesaved,andwehaveourFather'shearttomake glad by bringing homeHis wandering sons; wewould fill withholymirththesacredfamilyamongwhomwedwell.HappyarethosewhohavethustheGodofJacobfortheirrefuge!

Thisevening'sverse:

"ItisenoughforthedisciplethathebeasHisMaster."Matthew10:25

No one will dispute this statement, for it would be unseemly for theservanttobeexaltedabovehisMaster.WhenourLordwasonearth,whatwas the treatment He received? Were His claims acknowledged, Hisinstructionsfollowed,Hisperfectionsworshipped,bythosewhomHecametobless?No;"Hewasdespisedandrejectedofmen."OutsidethecampwasHis place: cross-bearing was His occupation. Did the world yield Himsolaceandrest?"Foxeshaveholes,andthebirdsoftheairhavenests;buttheSonofmanhathnotwheretolayHishead."ThisinhospitablecountryaffordedHimnoshelter:itcastHimoutandcrucifiedHim.Such—ifyouare a follower of Jesus, and maintain a consistent, Christ-like walk andconversation—youmustexpecttobethelotofthatpartofyourspirituallife which, in its outward development, comes under the observation ofmen.Theywill treat itas they treated theSaviour—theywilldespise it.Dreamnot thatworldlingswilladmireyou,or that themoreholyand themoreChrist-likeyouare,themorepeaceablypeoplewillacttowardsyou.Theyprizednot thepolishedgem,howshouldtheyvaluethejewelintherough?"IftheyhavecalledtheMasterofthehouseBeelzebub,howmuchmoreshalltheycallthemofHishousehold?"IfweweremorelikeChrist,weshouldbemorehatedbyHisenemies.ItwereasaddishonourtoachildofGod tobe theworld's favourite. It is avery ill omen tohear awickedworldclapitshandsandshout"Welldone"to theChristianman.Hemaybegin to looktohischaracter,andwonderwhetherhehasnotbeendoingwrong,whentheunrighteousgivehimtheirapprobation.Letusbetruetoour Master, and have no friendship with a blind and base world whichscornsandrejectsHim.FarbeitfromustoseekacrownofhonourwhereourLordfoundacoronetofthorn.

N o v e m b e r 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"Underneatharetheeverlastingarms."Deuteronomy33:27

God — the eternal God — is Himself our support at all times, andespeciallywhenwearesinkingindeeptrouble.ThereareseasonswhentheChristian sinks very low in humiliation. Under a deep sense of his greatsinfulness, he is humbledbeforeGod till he scarcelyknowshow topray,because he appears, in his own sight, so worthless. Well, child of God,rememberthatwhenthouartatthyworstandlowest,yet"underneath"thee"are everlasting arms." Sinmay drag thee ever so low, but Christ's greatatonement is still under all.Youmay have descended into the deeps, butyoucannothavefallensolowas"theuttermost";andto theuttermostHesaves.Again, theChristiansometimessinksverydeeplyinsoretrialfromwithout.Everyearthlyprop is cut away.What then?Stillunderneathhimare"theeverlastingarms."Hecannotfallsodeepindistressandafflictionbutwhatthecovenantgraceofanever-faithfulGodwillstillencirclehim.The Christian may be sinking under trouble from within through fierceconflict, but even then he cannot be brought so low as to be beyond thereachofthe"everlastingarms"—theyareunderneathhim;and,whilethussustained,allSatan'seffortstoharmhimavailnothing.

ThisassuranceofsupportisacomforttoanywearybutearnestworkerintheserviceofGod.Itimpliesapromiseofstrengthforeachday,graceforeachneed, andpower foreachduty.And, further,whendeathcomes, thepromise shall still hold good.Whenwe stand in themidst of Jordan,weshallbeabletosaywithDavid,"Iwillfearnoevil,forThouartwithme."Weshalldescend into thegrave,butweshallgono lower, for theeternalarmspreventourfurtherfall.Allthroughlife,andatitsclose,weshallbeupheld by the "everlasting arms"— arms that neither flag nor lose theirstrength,for"theeverlastingGodfaintethnot,neitherisweary."

Thisevening'sverse:

"Heshallchooseourinheritanceforus."Psalm47:4

Believer,ifyourinheritancebealowlyoneyoushouldbesatisfiedwithyourearthlyportion;foryoumayrestassuredthat it is thefittestforyou.Unerringwisdomordainedyourlot,andselectedforyouthesafestandbestcondition.Ashipoflargetonnageistobebroughtuptheriver;now,inonepartofthestreamthereisasandbank;shouldsomeoneask,"Whydoesthecaptainsteerthroughthedeeppartofthechannelanddeviatesomuchfromastraightline?"Hisanswerwouldbe,"BecauseIshouldnotgetmyvesselintoharbouratallifIdidnotkeeptothedeepchannel."So,itmaybe,youwould run aground and suffer shipwreck, if your divine Captain did notsteeryou into thedepthsofafflictionwherewavesof trouble followeachotherinquicksuccession.Someplantsdieiftheyhavetoomuchsunshine.Itmaybethatyouareplantedwhereyougetbutlittle,youareputtherebythelovingHusbandman,becauseonlyinthatsituationwillyoubringforthfruit untoperfection.Remember this, hadanyother conditionbeenbetterfor you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put youthere.YouareplacedbyGodinthemostsuitablecircumstances,andifyouhad the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, "Lord, choose myinheritance for me, for bymy self-will I am pierced through with manysorrows." Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord hasordered all things for your good. Take up your own daily cross; it is theburdenbestsuitedforyourshoulder,andwillprovemosteffectivetomakeyouperfectineverygoodwordandworktothegloryofGod.Downbusyself,andproudimpatience,itisnotforyoutochoose,butfortheLordofLove!

"Trialsmustandwillbefall—ButwithhumblefaithtoseeLoveinscribeduponthemall;Thisishappinesstome."

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Thetrialofyourfaith."1Peter1:7

Faithuntriedmaybe true faith,but it is sure tobe little faith, and it islikelytoremaindwarfishsolongasitiswithouttrials.Faithneverprosperssowell aswhen all things are against her: tempests are her trainers, andlightningsareher illuminators.Whenacalmreignsonthesea,spreadthesails as youwill, the shipmoves not to its harbour; for on a slumberingocean the keel sleeps too. Let the winds rush howling forth, and let thewaters liftup themselves, then, though thevesselmayrock,andherdeckmaybewashedwithwaves,andhermastmaycreakunderthepressureofthe full and swelling sail, it is then that shemakes headway towards herdesiredhaven.Noflowerswearsolovelyablueasthosewhichgrowatthefootofthefrozenglacier;nostarsgleamsobrightlyasthosewhichglistenin thepolar sky; nowater tastes so sweet as thatwhich springs amid thedesertsand;andnofaithissopreciousasthatwhichlivesandtriumphsinadversity.Triedfaithbringsexperience.Youcouldnothavebelievedyourownweaknesshadyounotbeencompelledtopassthroughtherivers;andyouwouldneverhaveknownGod's strengthhadyounot been supportedamidthewater-floods.Faith increases insolidity,assurance,andintensity,themore it is exercisedwith tribulation. Faith is precious, and its trial isprecioustoo.

Letnotthis,however,discouragethosewhoareyounginfaith.Youwillhavetrialsenoughwithoutseekingthem:thefullportionwillbemeasuredouttoyouindueseason.Meanwhile,ifyoucannotyetclaimtheresultoflongexperience, thankGod forwhatgraceyouhave;praiseHim for thatdegreeofholyconfidencewhereuntoyouhaveattained:walkaccordingtothatrule,andyoushallyethavemoreandmoreoftheblessingofGod,tillyourfaithshallremovemountainsandconquerimpossibilities.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Anditcametopassinthosedays,thatHewentoutintoamountaintopray,andcontinuedallnightinprayertoGod."Luke6:12

Ifeveroneofwomanbornmighthave livedwithoutprayer, itwasourspotless,perfectaLord,andyetnonewaseversomuchinsupplicationasHe! Such was His love to His Father, that He loved much to be incommunionwithHim:suchHisloveforHispeople,thatHedesiredtobemuch in intercession for them. The fact of this eminent prayerfulness ofJesusisalessonforus—HehathgivenusanexamplethatwemayfollowinHissteps.ThetimeHechosewasadmirable,itwasthehourofsilence,whenthecrowdwouldnotdisturbHim;thetimeofinaction,whenallbutHimself had ceased to labour; and the season when slumber made menforget their woes, and cease their applications to Him for relief. Whileothersfoundrestinsleep,HerefreshedHimselfwithprayer.Theplacewasalsowell selected. Hewas alonewhere nonewould intrude, where nonecould observe: thus was He free from Pharisaic ostentation and vulgarinterruption.Those dark and silent hillswere a fit oratory for the Son ofGod.HeavenandearthinmidnightstillnessheardthegroansandsighsofthemysteriousBeinginwhombothworldswereblended.ThecontinuanceofHispleadingsisremarkable;thelongwatcheswerenottoolong;thecoldwinddidnotchillHisdevotions;thegrimdarknessdidnotdarkenHisfaith,orlonelinesscheckHisimportunity.WecannotwatchwithHimonehour,butHewatchedforuswholenights.Theoccasionforthisprayerisnotable;itwas afterHis enemies hadbeen enraged—prayerwasHis refuge andsolace; itwas beforeHe sent forth the twelve apostles—prayerwas thegate ofHis enterprise, the herald ofHis newwork. Shouldwe not learnfromJesus toresort tospecialprayerwhenweareunderpeculiar trial,orcontemplatefreshendeavoursfor theMaster'sglory?LordJesus, teachustopray.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Thebranchcannotbearfruitofitself."John15:4

Howdidyoubegintobearfruit?ItwaswhenyoucametoJesusandcastyourselves on His great atonement, and rested on His finishedrighteousness.Ah!whatfruityouhadthen!Doyourememberthoseearlydays? Then indeed the vine flourished, the tender grape appeared, thepomegranatesbudded forth,and thebedsof spicesgave forth their smell.Haveyoudeclinedsincethen?Ifyouhave,wechargeyoutorememberthattime of love, and repent, and do thy first works. Be most in thoseengagementswhichyouhaveexperimentallyprovedtodrawyounearesttoChrist, because it is from Him that all your fruits proceed. Any holyexercisewhichwillbringyoutoHimwillhelpyoutobearfruit.Thesunis,nodoubt, agreatworker in fruit-creatingamong the treesof theorchard:and Jesus is stillmore so among the trees ofHis garden of grace.Whenhave you been the most fruitless? Has not it been when you have livedfarthest from the Lord Jesus Christ, when you have slackened in prayer,whenyouhavedepartedfromthesimplicityofyourfaith,whenyourgraceshave engrossedyour attention insteadof yourLord,whenyouhave said,"Mymountainstandethfirm, Ishallneverbemoved";andhaveforgottenwhere your strength dwells — has not it been then that your fruit hasceased?SomeofushavebeentaughtthatwehavenothingoutofChrist,byterrible abasements of heart before theLord; andwhenwehave seen theutterbarrennessanddeathofallcreaturepower,wehavecriedinanguish,"FromHim allmy fruitmust be found, for no fruit can ever come fromme."We are taught, by past experience, that themore simplywe dependuponthegraceofGodinChrist,andwaitupontheHolySpirit,themoreweshallbring forth fruituntoGod.Oh! to trust Jesus for fruit aswell as forlife.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Menoughtalwaystopray."Luke18:1

Ifmenoughtalwaystoprayandnottofaint,muchmoreChristianmen.JesushassentHischurchintotheworldonthesameerranduponwhichHeHimselfcame,andthismissionincludesintercession.WhatifIsaythatthechurch is theworld'spriest?Creation isdumb,but thechurch is to findamouthforit.Itisthechurch'shighprivilegetopraywithacceptance.Thedoorofgraceisalwaysopenforherpetitions,andtheyneverreturnempty-handed.Theveilwasrentforher,thebloodwassprinkleduponthealtarforher,God constantly invites her to askwhat shewills.Will she refuse theprivilegewhichangelsmightenvyher?IsshenotthebrideofChrist?Mayshe not go in unto herKing at every hour? Shall she allow the preciousprivilege tobeunused?Thechurchalwayshasneedforprayer.Therearealwayssomeinhermidstwhoaredeclining,orfallingintoopensin.Therearelambstobeprayedfor,thattheymaybecarriedinChrist'sbosom?thestrong, lest they grow presumptuous; and the weak, lest they becomedespairing.Ifwekeptupprayer-meetingsfour-and-twentyhoursintheday,all the days in the year,wemight never bewithout a special subject forsupplication.Areweeverwithout the sickand thepoor, theafflictedandthe wavering? Are we ever without those who seek the conversion ofrelatives, the reclaimingofback-sliders,or the salvationof thedepraved?Nay, with congregations constantly gathering, with ministers alwayspreaching,withmillionsof sinners lyingdead in trespassesand sins; inacountryoverwhichthedarknessofRomanismiscertainlydescending;inaworldfullofidols,cruelties,devilries,ifthechurchdothnotpray,howshallsheexcuseherbaseneglectofthecommissionofherlovingLord?Letthechurchbeconstantinsupplication,leteveryprivatebelievercasthismiteofprayerintothetreasury.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"IwillcutoffthemthatworshipandthatswearbytheLord,andthatswearbyMalcham."Zephaniah1:5

Such persons thought themselves safe because they were with bothparties: theywentwith the followers of Jehovah, and bowed at the sametimetoMalcham.ButduplicityisabominablewithGod,andhypocrisyHissoulhateth.Theidolaterwhodistinctlygiveshimself tohisfalsegod,hasone sin less thanhewhobringshispolluted anddetestable sacrificeuntothe temple of the Lord, while his heart is with the world and the sinsthereof.Toholdwiththehareandrunwiththehounds,isadastard'spolicy.Inthecommonmattersofdailylife,adouble-mindedmanisdespised,butinreligionheisloathsometothelastdegree.Thepenaltypronouncedintheverse before us is terrible, but it iswell deserved; for how should divinejusticesparethesinner,whoknowstheright,approvesit,andprofessestofollowit,andallthewhilelovestheevil,andgivesitdominioninhisheart?

Mysoul,searchthyselfthismorning,andseewhetherthouartguiltyofdouble-dealing.ThouprofessesttobeafollowerofJesus—dostthoutrulyloveHim?IsthyheartrightwithGod?ArtthouofthefamilyofoldFatherHonest, or art thou a relative ofMr.By-ends?A name to live is of littlevalue if I be indeeddead in trespasses and sins.Tohaveone foot on thelandoftruth,andanotherontheseaoffalsehood,willinvolveaterriblefallandatotalruin.Christwillbeallornothing.Godfillsthewholeuniverse,andhencethereisnoroomforanothergod;if,then,Hereignsinmyheart,therewillbenospaceforanotherreigningpower.DoIrestaloneonJesuscrucified,andlivealoneforHim?Isitmydesiretodoso?Ismyheartsetupon so doing? If so, blessed be the mighty grace which has led me tosalvation;andifnotso,OLord,pardonmysadoffence,andunitemyhearttofearThyname.

Thisevening'sverse:

"AndLaban said, Itmust not be so done in our country, to give theyoungerbeforethefirstborn."Genesis29:26

WedonotexcuseLabanforhisdishonesty,butwescruplenot to learnfrom the custom which he quoted as his excuse. There are some thingswhichmust be taken in order, and ifwewouldwin the secondwemustsecurethefirst.Thesecondmaybethemorelovelyinoureyes,buttheruleoftheheavenlycountrymuststand,andtheeldermustbemarriedfirst.Forinstance,manymen desire the beautiful andwell-favouredRachel of joyand peace in believing, but theymust first bewedded to the tender-eyedLeah of repentance. Every one falls in love with happiness, and manywouldcheerfullyserve twicesevenyears toenjoy it,butaccording to theruleoftheLord'skingdom,theLeahofrealholinessmustbebelovedofoursoulbeforetheRacheloftruehappinesscanbeattained.Heavenstandsnotfirstbutsecond,andonlybyperseveringtotheendcanwewinaportioninit.Thecrossmustbecarriedbeforethecrowncanbeworn.WemustfollowourLordinHishumiliation,orweshallneverrestwithHiminglory.

Mysoul,whatsayestthou,artthousovainastohopetobreakthroughthe heavenly rule? Dost thou hope for reward without labour, or honourwithout toil?Dismiss the idle expectation, and be content to take the ill-favoured things for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which willrecompensetheeforall.Insuchaspirit,labouringandsuffering,thouwiltfind bitters grow sweet, and hard things easy. Like Jacob, thy years ofservicewillseemuntotheebutafewdaysforthelovethouhasttoJesus;andwhenthedearhouroftheweddingfeastshallcome,allthytoilsshallbeas thoughtheyhadneverbeen—anhourwithJesuswillmakeupforagesofpainandlabour.

Jesus,towinThyselfsofair,ThycrossIwillwithgladnessbear:Sincesotherulesofheavenordain,ThefirstI'llwedthenexttogain.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"TheLord'sportionisHispeople."Deuteronomy32:9

HowaretheyHis?ByHisownsovereignchoice.Hechosethem,andsetHis love upon them. This He did altogether apart from any goodness inthematthetime,oranygoodnesswhichHeforesawinthem.Hehadmercyon whom He would have mercy, and ordained a chosen company untoeternallife;thus,therefore,aretheyHisbyHisunconstrainedelection.

They are not onlyHis by choice, but by purchase.He has bought andpaidforthemtotheutmostfarthing,henceaboutHistitletherecanbenodispute.Notwith corruptible things, aswith silver andgold,butwith thepreciousbloodof theLordJesusChrist, theLord'sportionhasbeen fullyredeemed. There is nomortgage onHis estate; no suits can be raised byopposingclaimants,thepricewaspaidinopencourt,andtheChurchistheLord'sfreeholdforever.Seetheblood-markuponallthechosen,invisibleto human eye, but known toChrist, for "theLord knoweth them that areHis"; He forgetteth none of those whom He has redeemed from amongmen;HecountsthesheepforwhomHelaiddownHislife,andrememberswelltheChurchforwhichHegaveHimself.

They are alsoHis by conquest.What a battleHe had in us beforewewouldbewon!HowlongHelaidsiegetoourhearts!HowoftenHesentustermsofcapitulation!butwebarredourgates,andfencedourwallsagainstHim.DowenotrememberthatglorioushourwhenHecarriedourheartsbystorm?WhenHeplacedHiscrossagainstthewall,andscaledourramparts,planting on our strongholds the blood-red flag ofHis omnipotentmercy?Yes,weare, indeed, theconqueredcaptivesofHisomnipotent love.Thuschosen, purchased, and subdued, the rights of our divine possessor areinalienable:werejoicethatwenevercanbeourown;andwedesire,daybyday,todoHiswill,andtoshowforthHisglory.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us." Psalm68:28

Itisourwisdom,aswellasournecessity,tobeseechGodcontinuallytostrengthenthatwhichHehaswroughtinus.Itisbecauseoftheirneglectinthis, that many Christians may blame themselves for those trials andafflictionsofspiritwhicharisefromunbelief.ItistruethatSatanseekstofloodthefairgardenoftheheartandmakeitasceneofdesolation,butitisalsotruethatmanyChristiansleaveopenthesluice-gatesthemselves,andlet in thedreadfuldelugethroughcarelessnessandwantofprayer to theirstrong Helper. We often forget that the Author of our faith must be thePreserverofitalso.Thelampwhichwasburninginthetemplewasneverallowedtogoout,butithadtobedailyreplenishedwithfreshoil; inlikemanner,ourfaithcanonlylivebybeingsustainedwiththeoilofgrace,andwecanonlyobtainthisfromGodHimself.Foolishvirginsweshallprove,ifwedonotsecuretheneededsustenanceforourlamps.Hewhobuilttheworldupholdsit,oritwouldfallinonetremendouscrash;HewhomadeusChristiansmustmaintainusbyHisSpirit, orour ruinwillbe speedyandfinal.Let us, then, evening by evening, go to ourLord for the grace andstrengthwe need.Wehave a strong argument to plead, for it isHis ownworkofgracewhichweaskHim to strengthen—"thatwhichThouhastwroughtforus."ThinkyouHewillfailtoprotectandsustainthat?OnlyletyourfaithtakeholdofHisstrength,andallthepowersofdarkness,ledonbythemasterfiendofhell,cannotcastacloudorshadowoveryourjoyandpeace.Why faintwhenyoumaybe strong?Why suffer defeatwhenyoumay conquer?Oh! take yourwavering faith and drooping graces toHimwhocanreviveandreplenishthem,andearnestlypray,"Strengthen,OGod,thatwhichthouhastwroughtforus."

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Thismorning'sverse:

"TheLordismyportion,saithmysoul."Lamentations3:24

It is not "The Lord is partly my portion," nor "The Lord is in myportion";butHeHimselfmakesupthesumtotalofmysoul'sinheritance.Within the circumference of that circle lies all thatwe possess or desire.The Lord is my portion. Not His grace merely, nor His love, nor Hiscovenant,butJehovahHimself.HehaschosenusforHisportion,andwehave chosenHim for ours. It is true that the Lordmust first choose ourinheritanceforus,orelseweshallneverchooseitforourselves;butifwearereallycalledaccordingtothepurposeofelectinglove,wecansing—

"Lov'dofmyGodforHimagainWithloveintenseIburn;ChosenofHimeretimebegan,IchooseHiminreturn."

TheLord is our all-sufficient portion.God fillsHimself; and ifGod isall-sufficient inHimself,Hemustbeall-sufficient forus. It isnoteasy tosatisfyman'sdesires.Whenhedreamsthatheissatisfied,anonhewakestothe perception that there is somewhat yet beyond, and straightway thehorse-leechinhisheartcries,"Give,give."Butallthatwecanwishforistobefoundinourdivineportion,sothatweask,"WhomhaveIinheavenbutThee?andthereisnoneuponearththatIdesirebesideThee."Wellmaywe"delightourselves in theLord"whomakesus todrinkof the riverofHispleasures.Our faithstretchesherwingsandmounts likeaneagle into theheaven of divine love as to her proper dwelling-place. "The lines havefallen to us in pleasant places; yea, we have a goodly heritage." Let usrejoiceintheLordalways;letusshowtotheworldthatweareahappyandablessedpeople,andthusinducethemtoexclaim,"Wewillgowithyou,forwehaveheardthatGodiswithyou."

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThineeyesshallseetheKinginHisbeauty."Isaiah33:17

The more you know about Christ the less will you be satisfied withsuperficialviewsofHim;andthemoredeeplyyoustudyHistransactionsintheeternalcovenant,HisengagementsonyourbehalfastheeternalSurety,andthefulnessofHisgracewhichshinesinallHisoffices,themoretrulywillyouseetheKinginHisbeauty.Bemuchinsuchoutlooks.Longmoreand more to see Jesus. Meditation and contemplation are often likewindows of agate, and gates of carbuncle, throughwhich we behold theRedeemer.Meditationputs the telescope to theeye,andenablesus toseeJesusafterabettersortthanwecouldhaveseenHimifwehadlivedinthedaysofHis flesh.Would thatourconversationweremore inheaven,andthatweweremore takenupwith theperson, thework, thebeautyofourincarnateLord.Moremeditation, and thebeautyof theKingwould flashuponuswithmoreresplendence.Beloved,itisveryprobablethatweshallhave sucha sightofourgloriousKingasweneverhadbefore,whenwecometodie.Manysaintsindyinghavelookedupfromamidstthestormywaters, and have seen Jesuswalking on thewaves of the sea, and heardHim say, "It is I, be not afraid." Ah, yes! when the tenement begins toshake,andtheclayfallsaway,weseeChristthroughtherifts,andbetweentheraftersthesunlightofheavencomesstreamingin.Butifwewanttoseefacetofacethe"KinginHisbeauty"wemustgotoheavenforthesight,ortheKingmustcomehereinperson.OthatHewouldcomeonthewingsofthewind!HeisourHusband,andwearewidowedbyHisabsence;HeisourBrotherdearandfair,andwearelonelywithoutHim.Thickveilsandcloudshangbetweenoursoulsandtheirtruelife:whenshallthedaybreakandtheshadowsfleeaway?Oh,long-expectedday,begin!

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Towhombegloryforever.Amen"Romans11:36

"To whom be glory for ever." This should be the single desire of theChristian.All otherwishesmust be subservient and tributary to this one.TheChristianmaywishforprosperityinhisbusiness,butonlysofarasitmayhelphimtopromotethis—"ToHimbegloryforever."Hemaydesireto attainmore gifts andmore graces, but it should only be that "ToHimmaybegloryforever."Youarenotactingasyououghttodowhenyouaremoved by any othermotive than a single eye to your Lord's glory.As aChristian, you are "of God, and through God," then live "to God." Letnothing ever set your heart beating somightily as love to Him. Let thisambition fire your soul; be this the foundation of every enterprise uponwhichyouenter,andthisyoursustainingmotivewheneveryourzealwouldgrowchill;makeGodyouronlyobject.Dependuponit,whereselfbeginssorrowbegins;butifGodbemysupremedelightandonlyobject,

"Tome'tisequalwhetherloveordainMylifeordeath—appointmeeaseorpain."

LetyourdesireforGod'sglorybeagrowingdesire.YoublessedHiminyouryouth,donotbecontentwithsuchpraisesasyougaveHimthen.HasGodprosperedyouinbusiness?GiveHimmoreasHehasgivenyoumore.Has God given you experience? Praise Him by stronger faith than youexercisedatfirst.Doesyourknowledgegrow?Thensingmoresweetly.Doyouenjoyhappiertimesthanyouoncehad?Haveyoubeenrestoredfromsickness,andhasyour sorrowbeen turned intopeaceand joy?ThengiveHim more music; put more coals and more sweet frankincense into thecenserofyourpraise.PracticallyinyourlifegiveHimhonour,puttingthe"Amen" to this doxology to your great and gracious Lord, by your ownindividualserviceandincreasingholiness.

Thisevening'sverse:

"He that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby." Ecclesiastes10:9

Oppressorsmayget theirwillofpoorandneedymenaseasilyas theycan split logs of wood, but they had better mind, for it is a dangerousbusiness,andasplinterfromatreehasoftenkilledthewoodman.Jesusispersecutedineveryinjuredsaint,andHeismightytoavengeHisbelovedones.Successintreadingdownthepoorandneedyisathingtobetrembledat: if there be no danger to persecutors here there will be great dangerhereafter.

To cleave wood is a common every-day business, and yet it has itsdangers;sothen,reader,therearedangersconnectedwithyourcallinganddaily life which it will be well for you to be aware of.We refer not tohazardsbyfloodandfield,orbydiseaseandsuddendeath,buttoperilsofaspiritual sort.Youroccupationmaybeashumbleas logsplitting,andyetthe devil can tempt you in it. You may be a domestic servant, a farmlabourer,oramechanic,andyoumaybegreatlyscreenedfromtemptationsto the grosser vices, and yet some secret sinmay do you damage.Thosewho dwell at home, and mingle not with the rough world, may yet beendangeredbytheirveryseclusion.Nowhereishesafewhothinkshimselfso. Pridemay enter a poorman's heart; avaricemay reign in a cottager'sbosom; uncleanness may venture into the quietest home; and anger, andenvy,andmalicemayinsinuatethemselvesintothemostruralabode.Eveninspeakingafewwordstoaservantwemaysin;alittlepurchaseatashopmaybe the first link inachainof temptations; themere lookingoutof awindowmaybethebeginningofevil.OLord,howexposedweare!Howshallwebesecured!Tokeepourselvesisworktoohardforus:onlyThouThyselfartabletopreserveusinsuchaworldofevils.SpreadThywingsover us, andwe, like little chickens,will cower downbeneathThee, andfeelourselvessafe!

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Aspringshutup,afountainsealed."Song4:12

In thismetaphor,whichhasreferenceto the inner lifeofabeliever,wehave very plainly the idea of secrecy. It is a spring shut up: just as therewerespringsintheEast,overwhichanedificewasbuilt,sothatnonecouldreach them save thosewhoknew the secret entrance; so is theheart of abeliever when it is renewed by grace: there is a mysterious life withinwhichnohumanskillcantouch.Itisasecretwhichnoothermanknoweth;nay, which the very man who is the possessor of it cannot tell to hisneighbour.The text includesnotonlysecrecy,butseparation. It isnot thecommon spring, of which every passer-bymay drink, it is one kept andpreserved from all others; it is a fountain bearing a particularmark— aking'sroyalseal,sothatallcanperceivethatitisnotacommonfountain,butafountainownedbyaproprietor,andplacedspeciallybyitselfalone.So is it with the spiritual life. The chosen of Godwere separated in theeternaldecree; theywereseparatedbyGodin thedayofredemption;andtheyareseparatedbythepossessionofalifewhichothershavenot;anditis impossible for them to feelathomewith theworld,or todelight in itspleasures. There is also the idea of sacredness. The spring shut up ispreserved for the use of some special person: and such is theChristian'sheart.It isaspringkeptforJesus.EveryChristianshouldfeel thathehasGod's seal upon him— and he should be able to say with Paul, "Fromhenceforth letnomantroubleme, for Ibear inmybodythemarksof theLord Jesus."Another idea is prominent— it is that of security.Oh!howsureandsafeistheinnerlifeofthebeliever!Ifallthepowersofearthandhellcouldcombineagainstit,thatimmortalprinciplemuststillexist,forHewhogaveitpledgedHislifeforitspreservation.Andwho"isHethatshallharmyou,"whenGodisyourprotector?

Thisevening'sverse:

"Thouartfromeverlasting."Psalm93:2

Christ is EVERLASTING. Of Him we may sing with David, "Thythrone,OGod,isforeverandever."Rejoice,believer,inJesusChrist,thesameyesterday, to-day,and forever. Jesusalwayswas.TheBabeborn inBethlehemwasunitedtotheWord,whichwasinthebeginning,bywhomallthingsweremade.ThetitlebywhichChristrevealedHimselftoJohninPatmoswas,"Himwhichis,andwhichwas,andwhichistocome."IfHewere not God from everlasting, we could not so devoutly love Him; wecould not feel that He had any share in the eternal love which is thefountainofallcovenantblessings;butsinceHewasfromalleternitywiththeFather,wetracethestreamofdivinelovetoHimselfequallywithHisFather and the blessedSpirit.As ourLord alwayswas, so alsoHe is forevermore. Jesus isnotdead;"Heever liveth tomake intercession forus."ResorttoHiminallyourtimesofneed,forHeiswaitingtoblessyoustill.Moreover, Jesus ourLord ever shall be. IfGod should spare your life tofulfil your full day of threescore years and ten, you will find that Hiscleansing fountain is still opened, andHis precious bloodhas not lost itspower;youshallfindthat thePriestwhofilledthehealingfountwithHisownblood,livestopurgeyoufromalliniquity.Whenonlyyourlastbattleremains to be fought, you shall find that the hand of your conqueringCaptain has not grown feeble— the livingSaviour shall cheer the dyingsaint.WhenyouenterheavenyoushallfindHimtherebearingthedewofHis youth; and through eternity the Lord Jesus shall still remain theperennialspringofjoy,andlife,andglorytoHispeople.Livingwatersmayyoudrawfromthissacredwell!Jesusalwayswas,Healwaysis,Healwaysshall be. He is eternal in all His attributes, in all His offices, in all Hismight, and willingness to bless, comfort, guard, and crown His chosenpeople.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"Avoidfoolishquestions."Titus3:9

Ourdaysarefew,andarefarbetterspentindoinggood,thanindisputingovermatterswhich are, at best, ofminor importance.Theold schoolmendid a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of nopractical importance;andourChurchessuffermuchfrompettywarsoverabstrusepointsandunimportantquestions.Aftereverythinghasbeensaidthatcanbesaid,neitherpartyisanythewiser,andthereforethediscussionnomorepromotesknowledgethanlove,anditisfoolishtosowinsobarrena field.QuestionsuponpointswhereinScripture is silent; uponmysterieswhichbelongtoGodalone;uponpropheciesofdoubtfulinterpretation;anduponmeremodesofobservinghumanceremonials,areallfoolish,andwisemen avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolishquestions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle'sprecept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall findourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take muchinterestinunworthy,contentious,andneedlessstrivings.

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish,whichwemustnotavoid,butfairlyandhonestlymeet,suchasthese:DoIbelieveintheLordJesusChrist?AmIrenewedinthespiritofmymind?Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit? Am I growing ingrace?DoesmyconversationadornthedoctrineofGodmySaviour?AmIlooking for the comingof theLord, andwatching as a servant shoulddowhoexpectshismaster?WhatmorecanIdoforJesus?Suchenquiriesasthese urgently demand our attention; and ifwe have been at all given tocavilling, let us now turn our critical abilities to a service somuchmoreprofitable.Let us be peace-makers, and endeavour to leadothers both byourpreceptandexample,to"avoidfoolishquestions."

Thisevening'sverse:

"OthatIknewwhereImightfindHim!"Job23:3

InJob'suttermostextremityhecriedaftertheLord.Thelongingdesireofan afflicted child of God is oncemore to see his Father's face. His firstprayerisnot"OthatImightbehealedofthediseasewhichnowfestersineverypartofmybody!"noreven"OthatImightseemychildrenrestoredfrom the jawsof thegrave,andmypropertyoncemorebrought from thehand of the spoiler!" but the first and uppermost cry is, "O that I knewwhere Imight findHIM,who ismyGod! that Imightcomeeven toHisseat!"God'schildrenrunhomewhenthestormcomeson.Itistheheaven-born instinct of a gracious soul to seek shelter from all ills beneath thewingsofJehovah."HethathathmadehisrefugeGod,"mightserveasthetitle of a true believer. A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents theinfliction,and, likeaslave,wouldrunfromtheMasterwhohasscourgedhim;butnotsothetrueheirofheaven,hekissesthehandwhichsmotehim,andseeksshelterfromtherodinthebosomoftheGodwhofrowneduponhim.Job'sdesiretocommunewithGodwasintensifiedbythefailureofallother sources of consolation. The patriarch turned away from his sorryfriends,andlookeduptothecelestialthrone,justasatravellerturnsfromhis empty skin bottle, and betakes himselfwith all speed to thewell.Hebidsfarewelltoearth-bornhopes,andcries,"OthatIknewwhereImightfindmyGod!"NothingteachesussomuchthepreciousnessoftheCreator,as whenwe learn the emptiness of all besides. Turning awaywith bitterscorn fromearth'shives,wherewe findnohoney,butmanysharp stings,we rejoice in Him whose faithful word is sweeter than honey or thehoneycomb.IneverytroubleweshouldfirstseektorealizeGod'spresencewithus.OnlyletusenjoyHissmile,andwecanbearourdailycrosswithawillingheartforHisdearsake.

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Thismorning'sverse:

"0Lord,Thouhastpleadedthecausesofmysoul."Lamentations3:58

Observehowpositively theprophet speaks.Hedothnot say, "Ihope, Itrust,Isometimesthink,thatGodhathpleadedthecausesofmysoul";buthespeaksofitasamatteroffactnottobedisputed."Thouhastpleadedthecausesofmysoul."Letus,bytheaidofthegraciousComforter,shakeoffthosedoubtsandfearswhichsomuchmarourpeaceandcomfort.Bethisourprayer,thatwemayhavedonewiththeharshcroakingvoiceofsurmiseandsuspicion,andmaybeabletospeakwiththeclear,melodiousvoiceoffull assurance.Noticehowgratefully theprophet speaks,ascribingall theglorytoGodalone!Youperceivethereisnotawordconcerninghimselforhisownpleadings.Hedothnotascribehisdeliverance inanymeasure toanyman,muchlesstohisownmerit;butitis"thou"—"OLord,Thouhastpleaded the causes ofmy soul; Thou hast redeemedmy life."A gratefulspirit should ever be cultivated by the Christian; and especially afterdeliverances we should prepare a song for our God. Earth should be atemple filledwith the songsofgrateful saints, andeveryday shouldbeacensor smoking with the sweet incense of thanksgiving. How joyfulJeremiahseemstobewhileherecordstheLord'smercy.Howtriumphantlyheliftsupthestrain!Hehasbeeninthelowdungeon,andisevennownoother than theweepingprophet; andyet in theverybookwhich is called"Lamentations,"clearas the songofMiriamwhenshedashedher fingersagainst the tabor, shrill as the note ofDeborahwhen shemetBarakwithshoutsofvictory,wehearthevoiceofJeremygoinguptoheaven—"Thouhastpleadedthecausesofmysoul;thouhastredeemedmylife."OchildrenofGod,seekafteravitalexperienceoftheLord'slovingkindness,andwhenyouhaveit,speakpositivelyofit;singgratefully;shouttriumphantly.

Thisevening'sverse:

"The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in therocks."Proverbs30:26

Conscious of their own natural defenselessness, the conies resort toburrows in the rocks, and are secure from their enemies. My heart, bewillingtogathera lessonfromthesefeeblefolk.Thouartasweakandasexposed to peril as the timid cony, be aswise to seek a shelter.My bestsecurity is within the munitions of an immutable Jehovah, where Hisunalterablepromisesstandlikegiantwallsofrock.Itwillbewellwiththee,myheart,ifthoucanstalwayshidethyselfinthebulwarksofHisgloriousattributes,allofwhichareguaranteesofsafetyforthosewhoputtheirtrustinHim.BlessedbethenameoftheLord,Ihavesodone,andhavefoundmyself likeDavidinAdullam,safefromthecrueltyofmyenemy;Ihavenot now to find out the blessedness of themanwho puts his trust in theLord,forlongago,whenSatanandmysinspursuedme,IfledtothecleftoftherockChristJesus,andinHisrivensideIfoundadelightfulresting-place.Myheart,runtoHimanewto-night,whateverthypresentgriefmaybe; Jesus feels for thee; Jesus consoles thee; Jesus will help thee. Nomonarch in his impregnable fortress is more secure than the cony in hisrocky burrow.Themaster of ten thousand chariots is not onewhit betterprotected than the littledweller in themountain's cleft. In Jesus theweakarestrong,andthedefencelesssafe;theycouldnotbemorestrongiftheywere giants, ormore safe if theywere in heaven. Faith gives tomen onearththeprotectionoftheGodofheaven.Moretheycannotneed,andneednot wish. The conies cannot build a castle, but they avail themselves ofwhatistherealready:Icannotmakemyselfarefuge,butJesushasprovidedit,HisFatherhasgivenit,HisSpirithasrevealedit,andlo,againto-nightIenterit,andamsafefromeveryfoe.

N o v e m b e r 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

"GrievenottheHolySpirit."Ephesians4:30

All that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solelythrough thechannelof theSpiritofgrace.Moreover,asallblessings thusflowtoyouthroughtheHolySpirit,soalsonogoodthingcancomeoutofyou in holy thought, devout worship, or gracious act, apart from thesanctifyingoperationofthesameSpirit.Evenifthegoodseedbesowninyou,yetitliesdormantexceptHeworkethinyoutowillandtodoofHisowngoodpleasure.DoyoudesiretospeakforJesus—howcanyouunlesstheHolyGhosttouchyourtongue?Doyoudesiretopray?Alas!whatdullwork it isunless theSpiritmaketh intercession foryou!Doyoudesire tosubduesin?Wouldyoubeholy?WouldyouimitateyourMaster?Doyoudesire to rise tosuperlativeheightsofspirituality?Areyouwanting tobemadeliketheangelsofGod,fullofzealandardourfortheMaster'scause?YoucannotwithouttheSpirit—"Withoutmeyecandonothing."Obranchofthevine,thoucansthavenofruitwithoutthesap!OchildofGod,thouhastno lifewithin theeapart from the lifewhichGodgives thee throughHisSpirit!ThenletusnotgrieveHimorprovokeHimtoangerbyoursin.Let us not quenchHim in one ofHis faintestmotions in our soul; let usfostereverysuggestion,andbereadytoobeyeveryprompting.IftheHolySpiritbeindeedsomighty,letusattemptnothingwithoutHim;letusbeginnoproject,andcarryonnoenterprise,andconcludenotransaction,withoutimploringHisblessing.LetusdoHimtheduehomageoffeelingourentireweaknessapartfromHim,andthendependingaloneuponHim,havingthisfor our prayer, "Open Thou my heart and my whole being to Thineincoming,andupholdmewithThyfreeSpiritwhenIshallhavereceivedthatSpiritinmyinwardparts."

Thisevening'sverse:

"LazaruswasoneofthemthatsatatthetablewithHim."John12:2

Heis tobeenvied.Itwaswell tobeMarthaandserve,butbetter tobeLazarus and commune. There are times for each purpose, and each iscomelyinitsseason,butnoneofthetreesofthegardenyieldsuchclustersasthevineoffellowship.TositwithJesus,tohearHiswords,tomarkHisacts,andreceiveHissmiles,wassuchafavourasmusthavemadeLazarusashappyas the angels.When it hasbeenourhappy lot to feastwithourBelovedinHisbanqueting-hall,wewouldnothavegivenhalfasighforallthekingdomsoftheworld,ifsomuchbreathcouldhaveboughtthem.

He is tobe imitated. Itwouldhavebeenastrange thing ifLazarushadnotbeenatthetablewhereJesuswas,forhehadbeendead,andJesushadraisedhim.FortherisenonetobeabsentwhentheLordwhogavehimlifewas at his house,would have been ungrateful indeed.We toowere oncedead,yea,andlikeLazarusstinkinginthegraveofsin;Jesusraisedus,andbyHislifewelive—canwebecontenttoliveatadistancefromHim?DoweomittorememberHimatHistable,whereHedeignstofeastwithHisbrethren?Oh,thisiscruel!Itbehovesustorepent,anddoasHehasbiddenus,forHis leastwishshouldbe lawtous.TohavelivedwithoutconstantintercoursewithoneofwhomtheJewssaid,"BeholdhowHelovedhim,"wouldhavebeendisgraceful toLazarus, is itexcusable inuswhomJesushas lovedwith an everlasting love?Tohavebeen cold toHimwhoweptover his lifeless corpse, would have argued great brutishness in Lazarus.What does it argue in us overwhom the Saviour has not onlywept, butbled?Come,brethren,whoreadthisportion,letusreturnuntoourheavenlyBridegroom, and ask for His Spirit that we may be on terms of closerintimacywithHim,andhenceforthsitatthetablewithHim.

N o v e m b e r 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

"Israelservedforawife,andforawifehekeptsheep."Hosea12:12

Jacob,whileexpostulatingwithLaban,thusdescribeshisowntoil,"ThistwentyyearshaveIbeenwiththee.ThatwhichwastornofbeastsIbroughtnotuntothee:Ibarethelossofit;ofmyhanddidstthourequireit,whetherstolen by day, or stolen by night. Thus I was; in the day the droughtconsumedme, and the frost by night; andmy sleep departed frommineeyes."EvenmoretoilsomethanthiswasthelifeofourSaviourherebelow.HewatchedoverallHissheeptillHegaveinasHis lastaccount,"OfallthosewhomThouhastgivenmeIhavelostnone."Hishairwaswetwithdew, andHis lockswith the drops of the night. Sleep departed fromHiseyes, for all nightHewas in prayerwrestling forHis people. One nightPetermustbepleadedfor;anon,anotherclaimsHistearfulintercession.Noshepherdsittingbeneaththecoldskies,lookinguptothestars,couldeverutter such complaints because of the hardness of his toil as Jesus Christmighthavebrought,ifHehadchosentodoso,becauseofthesternnessofHisserviceinordertoprocureHisspouse—

"Coldmountainsandthemidnightair,WitnessedthefervourofHisprayer;ThedesertHistemptationsknew,HisconflictandHisvictorytoo."

It issweettodwelluponthespiritualparallelofLabanhavingrequiredallthesheepatJacob'shand.Iftheyweretornofbeasts,Jacobmustmakeitgood;ifanyofthemdied,hemuststandassuretyforthewhole.Wasnotthe toil of Jesus forHisChurch the toil of onewhowasunder suretishipobligations tobringeverybelievingonesafe to thehandofHimwhohadcommitted them to His charge? Look upon toiling Jacob, and you see arepresentation ofHim ofwhomwe read, "He shall feedHis flock like ashepherd."

Thisevening'sverse:

"ThepowerofHisresurrection."Philippians3:10

ThedoctrineofarisenSaviourisexceedinglyprecious.Theresurrectionisthecorner-stoneoftheentirebuildingofChristianity.Itisthekey-stoneof the arch of our salvation. It would take a volume to set forth all thestreams of living water which flow from this one sacred source, theresurrectionofourdearLordandSaviourJesusChrist;buttoknowthatHehasrisen,andtohavefellowshipwithHimassuch—communingwiththerisenSaviourbypossessinga risen life—seeingHim leave the tombbyleavingthetombofworldlinessourselves,thisisevenstillmoreprecious.Thedoctrineisthebasisoftheexperience,butastheflowerismorelovelythantheroot,soistheexperienceoffellowshipwiththerisenSaviourmorelovely than the doctrine itself. I would have you believe that Christ rosefromthedeadsoastosingofit,andderivealltheconsolationwhichitispossible for you to extract from this well-ascertained andwell-witnessedfact;butIbeseechyou,restnotcontentedeventhere.Thoughyoucannot,likethedisciples,seeHimvisibly,yetIbidyouaspiretoseeChristJesusbytheeyeoffaith;andthough,likeMaryMagdalene,youmaynot"touch"Him,yetmayyoubeprivilegedtoconversewithHim,andtoknowthatHeisrisen,youyourselvesbeingrisen inHimtonewnessof life.Toknowacrucified Saviour as having crucified all my sins, is a high degree ofknowledge; but to know a risen Saviour as having justified me, and torealize thatHehas bestoweduponmenew life, havinggivenme to be anew creature through His own newness of life, this is a noble style ofexperience: short of it, noneought to rest satisfied.Mayyouboth "knowHim, and the power of His resurrection." Why should souls who arequickenedwithJesus,wear thegrave-clothesofworldlinessandunbelief?Rise,fortheLordisrisen.

N o v e m b e r 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

"FellowshipwithHim."1John1:6

When we were united by faith to Christ, we were brought into suchcompletefellowshipwithHim,thatweweremadeonewithHim,andHisinterests and ours becamemutual and identical.We have fellowshipwithChristinHislove.WhatHeloveswelove.Helovesthesaints—sodowe.Helovessinners—sodowe.Helovesthepoorperishingraceofman,andpantstoseeearth'sdesertstransformedintothegardenoftheLord—sodowe.Wehave fellowshipwithHim inHisdesires.Hedesires thegloryofGod—wealsolabourforthesame.HedesiresthatthesaintsmaybewithHimwhereHeis—wedesiretobewithHimtheretoo.Hedesirestodriveout sin—beholdwe fightunderHisbanner.Hedesires thatHisFather'snamemaybelovedandadoredbyallHiscreatures—wepraydaily,"LetThykingdomcomeandThywillbedoneonearth,evenasitisinheaven."WehavefellowshipwithChristinHissufferings.Wearenotnailedtothecross, nor do we die a cruel death, but when He is reproached, we arereproached; and avery sweet thing it is to beblamed forHis sake, to bedespised for following the Master, to have the world against us. ThediscipleshouldnotbeaboveHisLord. InourmeasurewecommunewithHiminHislabours,ministeringtomenbythewordoftruthandbydeedsoflove.Ourmeatandourdrink, likeHis, is todothewillofHimwhohathsentusandtofinishHiswork.WehavealsofellowshipwithChristinHisjoys.WearehappyinHishappiness,werejoiceinHisexaltation.Haveyouevertastedthatjoy,believer?Thereisnopurerormorethrillingdelighttobeknown this sideheaven than thatofhavingChrist's joy fulfilled inus,thatourjoymaybefull.Hisgloryawaitsustocompleteourfellowship,forHisChurchshall sitwithhimuponHis throne,asHiswell-belovedbrideandqueen.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Gettheeupintothehighmountain."Isaiah40:9

EachbelievershouldbethirstingforGod,forthelivingGod,andlongingtoclimbthehilloftheLord,andseeHimfacetoface.WeoughtnottorestcontentinthemistsofthevalleywhenthesummitofTaborawaitsus.Mysoulthirstethtodrinkdeepofthecupwhichisreservedforthosewhoreachthemountain's brow, and bathe their brows in heaven.How pure are thedewsof the hills, how fresh is themountain air, how rich the fare of thedwellersaloft,whosewindowslookinto theNewJerusalem!Manysaintsarecontenttolivelikemenincoalmines,whoseenotthesun;theyeatdustlike the serpentwhen theymight taste theambrosialmeatofangels; theyarecontent toweartheminer'sgarbwhentheymightputonking'srobes;tears mar their faces when they might anoint them with celestial oil.SatisfiedIamthatmanyabelieverpinesinadungeonwhenhemightwalkonthepalaceroof,andviewthegoodlylandandLebanon.Rousethee,Obeliever, from thy low condition! Cast away thy sloth, thy lethargy, thycoldness,orwhateverinterfereswiththychasteandpurelovetoChrist,thysoul'sHusband.MakeHimthesource,thecentre,andthecircumferenceofall thy soul's range of delight. What enchants thee into such folly as toremaininapitwhenthoumaystsitonathrone?Livenotinthelowlandsofbondagenowthatmountainlibertyisconferreduponthee.Restnolongersatisfiedwith thy dwarfish attainments, but press forward to thingsmoresublimeandheavenly.Aspiretoahigher,anobler,afullerlife.Upwardtoheaven!NearertoGod!

"WhenwiltThoucomeuntome,Lord?Ohcome,myLordmostdear!Comenear,comenearer,nearerstill,I'mblestwhenThouartnear."

N o v e m b e r 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

"The glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers andstreams."Isaiah33:21

Broad rivers and streams produce fertility, and abundance in the land.Placesnearbroad riversare remarkable for thevarietyof theirplantsandtheirplentifulharvests.GodisallthistoHisChurch.HavingGodshehasabundance.WhatcansheaskforthatHewillnotgiveher?WhatwantcanshementionwhichHewillnotsupply?"InthismountainshalltheLordofHostsmakeuntoallpeopleafeastoffatthings."Wantyethebreadoflife?It drops likemanna from the sky.Want ye refreshing streams? The rockfollowsyou,andthatRockisChrist.Ifyousufferanywantitisyourownfault; ifyouarestraitenedyouarenotstraitened inHim,but inyourownbowels. Broad rivers and streams also point to commerce. Our gloriousLordistousaplaceofheavenlymerchandize.ThroughourRedeemerwehave commercewith the past; thewealth ofCalvary, the treasures of thecovenant,therichesoftheancientdaysofelection,thestoresofeternity,allcome to us down the broad stream of our gracious Lord. We havecommerce, too, with the future.What galleys, laden to the water's edge,come to us from the millennium!What visions we have of the days ofheaven upon earth! Through our glorious Lord we have commerce withangels;communionwiththebrightspiritswashedinblood,whosingbeforethethrone;nay,betterstill,wehavefellowshipwiththeInfiniteOne.Broadrivers and streams are specially intended to set forth the idea of security.Riverswereofoldadefence.Oh!beloved,whatadefence isGod toHisChurch!ThedevilcannotcrossthisbroadriverofGod.Howhewisheshecould turn thecurrent,but fearnot, forGodabideth immutably thesame.Satanmayworry,buthecannotdestroyus;nogalleywithoarsshallinvadeourriver,neithershallgallantshippassthereby.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Yetalittlesleep,alittleslumber,alittlefoldingofthehandstosleep:so shall thypovertycomeasone that travelleth;and thywantasanarmedman."Proverbs24:33,34

The worst of sluggards only ask for a little slumber; they would beindignantiftheywereaccusedofthoroughidleness.Alittlefoldingofthehandstosleepisalltheycrave,andtheyhaveacrowdofreasonstoshowthat this indulgence isaveryproperone.Yetby these littles thedayebbsout, and the time for labour is all gone, and the field is grownoverwiththorns.Itisbylittleprocrastinationsthatmenruintheirsouls.Theyhavenointentiontodelayforyears—afewmonthswillbringthemoreconvenientseason—to-morrowifyouwill,theywillattendtoseriousthings;butthepresenthourissooccupiedandaltogethersounsuitable,thattheybegtobeexcused. Like sands from an hour-glass, time passes, life is wasted bydriblets, and seasons of grace lost by little slumbers. Oh, to be wise, tocatchtheflyinghour,tousethemomentsonthewing!MaytheLordteachusthissacredwisdom,forotherwiseapovertyoftheworstsortawaitsus,eternal povertywhich shallwant even a drop ofwater, and beg for it invain.Like a traveller steadily pursuing his journey, poverty overtakes theslothful,andruinoverthrowstheundecided:eachhourbrings thedreadedpursuernearer;hepausesnotbytheway,forheisonhismaster'sbusinessandmustnot tarry.Asanarmedmanenterswithauthorityandpower, soshallwantcometotheidle,anddeathtotheimpenitent,andtherewillbenoescape.Othatmenwerewisebe-times,andwouldseekdiligentlyuntotheLordJesus,orerethesolemndayshalldawnwhenitwillbetoolatetoploughand to sow, too late to repentandbelieve. Inharvest, it isvain tolamentthattheseedtimewasneglected.Asyet,faithandholydecisionaretimely.Mayweobtainthemthisnight.

N o v e m b e r 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

"Topreachdeliverancetothecaptives."Luke4:18

None but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty comethfromHimonly.Itisalibertyrighteouslybestowed;fortheSon,whoisHeirofallthings,hasarighttomakemenfree.ThesaintshonourthejusticeofGod, which now secures their salvation. It is a liberty which has beendearlypurchased.Christ speaks itbyHispower,butHebought it byHisblood.Hemakes thee free,but it isbyHisownbonds.Thougoest clear,becauseHebarethyburdenforthee:thouartsetatliberty,becauseHehassufferedinthystead.But,thoughdearlypurchased,Hefreelygivesit.Jesusasks nothing of us as a preparation for this liberty.He finds us sitting insackclothandashes,andbidsusputonthebeautifularrayoffreedom;Hesavesusjustasweare,andallwithoutourhelpormerit.WhenJesussetsfree, the liberty is perpetually entailed; no chains can bind again.Let theMastersaytome,"Captive,Ihavedeliveredthee,"anditisdoneforever.Satanmayplottoenslaveus,butiftheLordbeonourside,whomshallwefear?Theworld,withitstemptations,mayseektoensnareus,butmightierisHewhoisforusthanalltheywhobeagainstus.Themachinationsofourowndeceitfulheartsmayharassandannoyus,butHewhohathbegunthegoodworkinuswillcarryitonandperfectittotheend.ThefoesofGodand the enemies of manmay gather their hosts together, and come withconcentrated fury against us, but if God acquitteth, who is he thatcondemneth?Notmorefree is theeaglewhichmounts tohis rockyeyrie,and afterwards outsoars the clouds, than the soul which Christ hathdelivered.Ifwearenomoreunderthelaw,butfreefromitscurse,letourliberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude anddelight."IamThyservant,andthesonofthinehandmaid:Thouhastloosedmybonds.""Lord,whatwiltThouhavemetodo?"

Thisevening'sverse:

"ForHesaithtoMoses,IwillhavemercyonwhomIwillhavemercy,andIwillhavecompassiononwhomIwillhavecompassion."Romans9:15

InthesewordstheLordintheplainestmannerclaimstherighttogiveorto withhold His mercy according to His own sovereign will. As theprerogativeof lifeanddeath isvested in themonarch,so theJudgeofalltheearthhasarighttospareorcondemntheguilty,asmayseembestinHissight.MenbytheirsinshaveforfeitedallclaimuponGod;theydeservetoperish for their sins — and if they all do so, they have no ground forcomplaint. If theLord steps in to save any,Hemay do so if the ends ofjusticearenotthwarted;butifHejudgesitbesttoleavethecondemnedtosuffer the righteous sentence, nonemay arraignHim at their bar. Foolishand impudent are all those discourses about the rights of men to be allplaced on the same footing; ignorant, if notworse, are those contentionsagainstdiscriminatinggrace,whicharebut therebellionsofproudhumannatureagainst thecrownandsceptreofJehovah.Whenwearebrought toseeourownutter ruin and ill desert, and the justiceof thedivineverdictagainstsin,wenolongercavilatthetruththattheLordisnotboundtosaveus; we do notmurmur if He chooses to save others, as thoughHeweredoingusaninjury,butfeelthatifHedeignstolookuponus,itwillbeHisownfreeactofundeservedgoodness,forwhichweshallforeverblessHisname.

HowshallthosewhoarethesubjectsofdivineelectionsufficientlyadorethegraceofGod?Theyhaveno room forboasting, for sovereigntymosteffectually excludes it. The Lord's will alone is glorified, and the verynotionofhumanmeritiscastouttoeverlastingcontempt.ThereisnomorehumblingdoctrineinScripturethanthatofelection,nonemorepromotiveofgratitude,and,consequently,nonemoresanctifying.Believersshouldnotbeafraidofit,butadoringlyrejoiceinit.

N o v e m b e r 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

"Whatsoeverthyhandfindethtodo,doitwiththymight."Ecclesiastes9:10

"Whatsoever thyhand findeth todo," refers toworks that arepossible.Therearemanythingswhichourheartfindethtodowhichwenevershalldo.Itiswellitisinourheart;butifwewouldbeeminentlyuseful,wemustnotbecontentwithformingschemesinourheart,andtalkingofthem;wemustpracticallycarryout"whatsoeverourhandfindeth todo."Onegooddeed ismoreworth thana thousandbrilliant theories.Letusnotwait forlargeopportunities,orforadifferentkindofwork,butdojustthethingswe"findtodo"daybyday.Wehavenoothertimeinwhichtolive.Thepastisgone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but timepresent.Thendonotwaituntilyourexperiencehas ripened intomaturitybeforeyouattempttoserveGod.Endeavournowtobringforthfruit.ServeGodnow,butbecarefulastothewayinwhichyouperformwhatyoufindtodo—"doitwiththymight."Doitpromptly;donotfritterawayyourlifeinthinkingofwhatyouintendtodoto-morrowasifthatcouldrecompensefor the idleness of to-day. Noman ever served God by doing things to-morrow.IfwehonourChristandareblessed,it isbythethingswhichwedoto-day.WhateveryoudoforChristthrowyourwholesoulintoit.DonotgiveChristalittleslurredlabour,doneasamatterofcoursenowandthen;butwhenyoudoserveHim,doitwithheart,andsoul,andstrength.

But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he isperfectweakness.HismightliethintheLordofHosts.ThenletusseekHishelp;letusproceedwithprayerandfaith,andwhenwehavedonewhatour"handfindethtodo,"letuswaitupontheLordforHisblessing.Whatwedothuswillbewelldone,andwillnotfailinitseffect.

Thisevening'sverse:

"They shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand ofZerubbabel."Zechariah4:10

Small things marked the beginning of the work in the hand ofZerubbabel,butnonemightdespiseit,fortheLordhadraiseduponewhowouldpersevereuntiltheheadstoneshouldbebroughtforthwithshoutings.Theplummetwasingoodhands.Hereis thecomfortofeverybelieverintheLordJesus;lettheworkofgracebeeversosmallinitsbeginnings,theplummet is in good hands, a master builder greater than Solomon hasundertakentheraisingoftheheavenlytemple,andHewillnotfailnorbediscouragedtillthetopmostpinnacleshallberaised.Iftheplummetwereinthehandofanymerelyhumanbeing,wemightfearforthebuilding,butthepleasureoftheLordshallprosperinJesus'hand.Theworksdidnotproceedirregularly, and without care, for the master's hand carried a goodinstrument. Had the walls been hurriedly run up without duesuperintendence, they might have been out of the perpendicular; but theplummetwasusedbythechosenoverseer.JesusisevermorewatchingtheerectionofHisspiritualtemple,thatitmaybebuiltsecurelyandwell.Weareforhaste,butJesusisforjudgment.Hewillusetheplummet,andthatwhichisoutoflinemustcomedown,everystoneofit.Hencethefailureofmanyaflatteringwork,theoverthrowofmanyaglitteringprofession.ItisnotforustojudgetheLord'schurch,sinceJesushasasteadyhand,andatrueeye,andcanusetheplummetwell.DowenotrejoicetoseejudgmentlefttoHim?

The plummetwas in active use— itwas in the builder's hand; a sureindicationthathemeanttopushontheworktocompletion.OLordJesus,howwouldweindeedbegladifwecouldseeTheeatThygreatwork.OZion,thebeautiful,thywallsarestillinruins!Rise,ThougloriousBuilder,andmakeherdesolationstorejoiceatThycoming.

N o v e m b e r 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

"Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord."Zechariah3:1

InJoshuathehighpriestweseeapictureofeachandeverychildofGod,who has beenmade nigh by the blood of Christ, and has been taught tominister inholy things, andenter into thatwhich iswithin theveil. Jesushas made us priests and kings unto God, and even here upon earth weexercisethepriesthoodofconsecratedlivingandhallowedservice.Butthishigh priest is said to be "standing before the angel of the Lord," that is,standing to minister. This should be the perpetual position of every truebeliever. Every place is now God's temple, and His people can as trulyserve Him in their daily employments as in His house. They are to bealways "ministering," offering the spiritual sacrifice of prayer and praise,andpresenting themselves a "living sacrifice."But noticewhere it is thatJoshua stands to minister, it is before the angel of Jehovah. It is onlythroughamediatorthatwepoordefiledonescaneverbecomepriestsuntoGod.IpresentwhatIhavebeforethemessenger,theangelofthecovenant,theLordJesus;andthroughHimmyprayersfindacceptancewrappedupinHisprayers;mypraisesbecomesweetastheyareboundupwithbundlesofmyrrh,andaloes,andcassiafromChrist'sowngarden.IfIcanbringHimnothingbutmytears,HewillputthemwithHisowntearsinHisownbottleforHeoncewept;ifIcanbringHimnothingbutmygroansandsighs,Hewill accept these as an acceptable sacrifice, for He once was broken inheart,andsighedheavilyinspirit.Imyself,standinginHim,amacceptedin the Beloved; and all my polluted works, though in themselves onlyobjects of divine abhorrence, are so received, that God smelleth a sweetsavour. He is content and I am blessed. See, then, the position of theChristian—"apriest—standing—beforetheangeloftheLord."

Thisevening'sverse:

"The forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."Ephesians1:7

Could there be a sweeter word in any language than that word"forgiveness,"whenitsoundsinaguiltysinner'sear,likethesilvernotesofjubileetothecaptiveIsraelite?Blessed,foreverblessedbethatdearstarofpardon which shines into the condemned cell, and gives the perishing agleam of hope amid themidnight of despair!Can it be possible that sin,suchsinasmine,canbeforgiven,forgivenaltogether,andforever?Hellismy portion as a sinner— there is no possibility ofmy escaping from itwhilesinremainsuponme—cantheloadofguiltbeuplifted,thecrimsonstain removed? Can the adamantine stones of my prison-house ever beloosedfromtheirmortices,or thedoorsbe liftedfromtheirhinges?Jesustells me that I may yet be clear. For ever blessed be the revelation ofatoning lovewhichnotonly tellsme thatpardon ispossible,but that it issecured to all who rest in Jesus. I have believed in the appointedpropitiation,evenJesuscrucified,andthereforemysinsareatthismoment,and for ever, forgiven by virtue of His substitutionary pains and death.What joy is this! What bliss to be a perfectly pardoned soul! My souldedicatesallherpowerstoHimwhoofHisownunpurchasedlovebecamemy surety, andwrought out forme redemption throughHis blood.Whatriches of gracedoes free forgiveness exhibit!To forgive at all, to forgivefully, to forgive freely, to forgive for ever! Here is a constellation ofwonders;andwhenIthinkofhowgreatmysinswere,howdearweretheprecious dropswhich cleansedme from them, and howgraciouswas themethod by which pardon was sealed home to me, I am in a maze ofwonderingworshippingaffection. Ibowbefore the thronewhichabsolvesme,Iclaspthecrosswhichdeliversme,IservehenceforthallmydaystheIncarnateGod,throughwhomIamthisnightapardonedsoul.

N o v e m b e r 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of thetruththatisinthee,evenasthouwalkestinthetruth."3John1:3

ThetruthwasinGaius,andGaiuswalkedinathetruth.Ifthefirsthadnotbeenthecase,thesecondcouldneverhaveoccurred;andifthesecondcouldnotbesaidofhimthefirstwouldhavebeenamerepretence.Truthmustenterintothesoul,penetrateandsaturateit,orelseitisofnovalue.Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like bread in the hand, whichministersnonourishmenttotheframe;butdoctrineacceptedbytheheart,isasfooddigested,which,byassimilation,sustainsandbuildsupthebody.Inustruthmustbealivingforce,anactiveenergy,anindwellingreality,apartofthewoofandwarpofourbeing.Ifitbeinus,wecannothenceforthpartwithit.Amanmaylosehisgarmentsorhislimbs,buthisinwardpartsarevital,andcannotbetornawaywithoutabsolutelossoflife.AChristiancandie,buthecannotdenythetruth.Nowitisaruleofnaturethattheinwardaffects theoutward, as light shines from thecentreof the lantern throughthe glass:when, therefore, the truth is kindledwithin, its brightness soonbeamsforthintheoutwardlifeandconversation.Itissaidthatthefoodofcertainwormscoloursthecocoonsofsilkwhichtheyspin:andjustsothenutriment uponwhich aman's inward nature lives gives a tinge to everywordanddeedproceedingfromhim.Towalkinthetruth,importsalifeofintegrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity — the natural product ofthoseprinciplesof truthwhichthegospel teaches,andwhichtheSpiritofGodenablesustoreceive.Wemayjudgeofthesecretsofthesoulbytheirmanifestation in the man's conversation. Be it ours to-day, O graciousSpirit, to be ruled and governed byThy divine authority, so that nothingfalseorsinfulmayreigninourhearts,lestitextenditsmalignantinfluencetoourdailywalkamongmen.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Seekingthewealthofhispeople."Esther10:3

Mordecaiwasa truepatriot, and therefore,beingexalted to thehighestpositionunderAhasuerus,heusedhiseminencetopromotetheprosperityof Israel. In this hewas a type of Jesus,who, uponHis throne of glory,seeks notHis own, but spendsHis power forHis people. Itwerewell ifeveryChristianwould be aMordecai to the church, striving according tohis ability for its prosperity.Someare placed in stationsof affluence andinfluence, let themhonour theirLord in the highplaces of the earth, andtestify for Jesusbeforegreatmen.Othershavewhat is farbetter,namely,closefellowshipwiththeKingofkings,letthembesuretopleaddailyforthe weak of the Lord's people, the doubting, the tempted, and thecomfortless.Itwillredoundtotheirhonouriftheymakemuchintercessionforthosewhoareindarknessanddarenotdrawnighuntothemercyseat.Instructed believers may serve their Master greatly if they lay out theirtalentsforthegeneralgood,andimparttheirwealthofheavenlylearningtoothers,byteachingthemthethingsofGod.TheveryleastinourIsraelmayat least seek thewelfare of his people; and his desire, if he can give nomore, shall be acceptable. It is at once themost Christlike and themosthappycourseforabelievertoceasefromlivingtohimself.Hewhoblessesotherscannotfailtobeblessedhimself.Ontheotherhand,toseekourownpersonal greatness is awicked and unhappy plan of life, its waywill begrievousanditsendwillbefatal.

Hereis theplacetoaskthee,myfriend,whether thouart to thebestofthypowerseeking thewealthof thechurch in thyneighbourhood? I trustthouartnotdoingitmischiefbybitternessandscandal,norweakeningitbythyneglect.Friend,unitewiththeLord'spoor,beartheircross,dothemallthegoodthoucanst,andthoushaltnotmissthyreward.

N o v e m b e r 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

"Thoushaltnotgoupanddownasatalebeareramongthypeople...Thoushalt inanywiserebukethyneighbour,andnotsuffersinuponhim."Leviticus19:16,17

Tale-bearingemitsathreefoldpoison;foritinjurestheteller,thehearer,andthepersonconcerningwhomthetaleistold.Whetherthereportbetrueorfalse,wearebythispreceptofGod'sWordforbiddentospreadit.Thereputationsof theLord'speople shouldbeveryprecious inour sight, andweshouldcountitshametohelpthedeviltodishonourtheChurchandthename of the Lord. Some tongues need a bridle rather than a spur.Manyglory inpullingdown theirbrethren,as if thereby they raised themselves.Noah'swisesonscastamantleovertheirfather,andhewhoexposedhimearned a fearful curse. We may ourselves one of these dark days needforbearance and silence from our brethren, let us render it cheerfully tothosewhorequireitnow.Bethisourfamilyrule,andourpersonalbond—SPEAKEVILOFNOMAN.

TheHolySpirit,however,permitsus tocensure sin,andprescribes thewayinwhichwearetodoit.Itmustbedonebyrebukingourbrothertohisface, not by railing behind his back. This course is manly, brotherly,Christlike, andunderGod's blessingwill beuseful.Does the flesh shrinkfromit?Thenwemustlaythegreaterstressuponourconscience,andkeepourselves to the work, lest by suffering sin upon our friend we becomeourselvespartakersofit.Hundredshavebeensavedfromgrosssinsbythetimely,wise, affectionatewarningsof faithfulministersandbrethren.OurLordJesushassetusagraciousexampleofhowtodealwitherringfriendsinHiswarninggiventoPeter,theprayerwithwhichHeprecededit,andthegentleway inwhichHe borewith Peter's boastful denial that he neededsuchacaution.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Spicesforanointingoil."Exodus35:8

Muchusewasmadeofthisanointingoilunderthelaw,andthatwhichitrepresentsisofprimaryimportanceunderthegospel.TheHolySpirit,whoanointsusforallholyservice,isindispensabletousifwewouldservetheLord acceptably. Without His aid our religious services are but a vainoblation,andourinwardexperienceisadeadthing.Wheneverourministryis without unction, whatmiserable stuff it becomes! nor are the prayers,praises, meditations, and efforts of private Christians one jot superior. Aholyanointingisthesoulandlifeofpiety,itsabsencethemostgrievousofallcalamities.Togobefore theLordwithoutanointing isas thoughsomecommon Levite had thrust himself into the priest's office — hisministrations would rather have been sins than services. May we neverventureuponhallowedexerciseswithoutsacredanointings.TheydropuponusfromourgloriousHead;fromHisanointingwewhoareastheskirtsofHis garments partake of a plenteous unction. Choice spices werecompoundedwithrarestartoftheapothecarytoformtheanointingoil, toshowforthtoushowricharealltheinfluencesoftheHolySpirit.Allgoodthingsarefoundin thedivineComforter.Matchlessconsolation, infallibleinstruction,immortalquickening,spiritualenergy,anddivinesanctificationall lie compounded with other excellencies in that sacred eye-slave, theheavenlyanointingoiloftheHolySpirit.Itimpartsadelightfulfragrancetothecharacterandpersonofthemanuponwhomitispoured.Nothinglikeitcanbefoundinallthetreasuriesoftherich,orthesecretsofthewise.Itisnottobeimitated.ItcomesalonefromGod,anditisfreelygiven,throughJesusChrist,toeverywaitingsoul.Letusseekit,forwemayhaveit,mayhaveitthisveryevening.OLord,anointThyservants.

N o v e m b e r 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

"AndAmaziahsaid to themanofGod,Butwhat shallwedo for thehundredtalentswhichIhavegiventothearmyofIsrael?AndthemanofGodanswered,TheLordisabletogivetheemuchmorethanthis."2Chronicles25:9

Avery important question this seemed to be to the king of Judah, andpossiblyitisofevenmoreweightwiththetriedandtemptedOChristian.Tolosemoneyisatnotimespleasant,andwhenprinciple involves it, thefleshisnotalwaysreadytomakethesacrifice."Whylosethatwhichmaybesousefullyemployed?Maynotthetruthitselfbeboughttoodear?Whatshallwedowithoutit?Rememberthechildren,andoursmallincome!"AllthesethingsandathousandmorewouldtempttheChristiantoputforthhishand to unrighteous gain, or stay himself from carrying out hisconscientiousconvictions,whentheyinvolveseriousloss.Allmencannotview these matters in the light of faith; and even with the followers ofJesus,thedoctrineof"wemustlive"hasquitesufficientweight.

TheLordisabletogivetheemuchmorethanthisisaverysatisfactoryanswer to the anxious question. Our Father holds the purse-strings, andwhatweloseforHissakeHecanrepayathousand-fold.ItisourstoobeyHiswill,andwemayrestassuredthatHewillprovideforus.TheLordwillbenoman'sdebtoratthelast.Saintsknowthatagrainofheart's-easeisofmore value than a ton of gold. Hewhowraps a threadbare coat about agoodconsciencehasgainedaspiritualwealthfarmoredesirablethananyhe has lost. God's smile and a dungeon are enough for a true heart; Hisfrownandapalacewouldbehelltoagraciousspirit.Lettheworstcometotheworst, let all the talents go,we have not lost our treasure, for that isabove,whereChristsittethattherighthandofGod.Meanwhile,evennow,theLordmakeththemeektoinherit theearth,andnogoodthingdothHewithholdfromthemthatwalkuprightly.

Thisevening'sverse:

"Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragonfoughtandhisangels."Revelation12:7

War alwayswill rage between the two great sovereignties until one orotherbecrushed.Peacebetweengoodandevilisanimpossibility;theverypretence of it would, in fact, be the triumph of the powers of darkness.Michael will always fight; his holy soul is vexed with sin, and will notendure it. Jesus will always be the dragon's foe, and that not in a quietsense,butactively,vigorously,withfulldeterminationtoexterminateevil.AllHisservants,whetherangelsinheavenormessengersonearth,willandmust fight; they are born to be warriors— at the cross they enter intocovenantnevertomaketrucewithevil;theyareawarlikecompany,firmindefenceand fierce inattack.Thedutyofevery soldier in thearmyof theLordisdaily,withallhisheart,andsoul,andstrength,tofightagainstthedragon.

Thedragonandhisangelswillnotdeclinetheaffray;theyareincessantintheironslaughts,sparingnoweapon,fairorfoul.WearefoolishtoexpecttoserveGodwithoutopposition:themorezealousweare,themoresurearewe to be assailed by the myrmidons of hell. The church may becomeslothful,butnotsohergreatantagonist;hisrestlessspiritneversuffersthewartopause;hehatesthewoman'sseed,andwouldfaindevourthechurchifhecould.TheservantsofSatanpartakemuchoftheolddragon'senergy,andareusuallyanactiverace.Warragesallaround,andtodreamofpeaceisdangerousandfutile.

GlorybetoGod,weknowtheendofthewar.Thegreatdragonshallbecast out and for ever destroyed,while Jesus and theywho arewithHimshall receive thecrown.Letus sharpenour swords to-night, andpray theHolySpirit to nerve our arms for the conflict.Never battle so important,never crownsoglorious.Everyman tohispost,yewarriorsof thecross,andmaytheLordtreadSatanunderyourfeetshortly!

December

D e c e m b e r 1

Thismorning'sverse:

Thouhastmadesummerandwinter.-Psalm74:17

MysoulbeginthiswintrymonthwiththyGod.Thecoldsnowsandthepiercingwinds all remind thee thatHe keepsHis covenantwith day andnight,andtendtoassuretheethatHewillalsokeepthatgloriouscovenantwhichHehasmadewiththeeinthepersonofChristJesus.Hewhoistrueto His Word in the revolutions of the seasons of this poor sin-pollutedworld,willnotproveunfaithfulinHisdealingswithHisownwell-belovedSon.

Winterinthesoulisbynomeansacomfortableseason,andifitbeuponthee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this comfort,namely,thattheLordmakesit.Hesendsthesharpblastsofadversitytonipthebudsofexpectation:Hescattereththehoarfrostlikeashesovertheonceverdantmeadowsofourjoy:HecastethforthHisicelikemorselsfreezingthestreamsofourdelight.Hedoesitall,HeisthegreatWinterKing,andrules in the realmsof frost, and therefore thoucanstnotmurmur.Losses,crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousandother ills, areof theLord's sending, and come to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxiousinsects, and put a bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, andsweetenthesoul.Othatsuchgoodresultswouldalwaysfollowourwintersofaffliction!

Howweprizethefirejustnow!howpleasantisitscheerfulglow!Letusin thesamemannerprizeourLord,whois theconstantsourceofwarmthandcomfortineverytimeoftrouble.LetusdrawnightoHim,andinHimfind joy and peace in believing. Let us wrap ourselves in the warmgarmentsofHispromises,andgoforth to labourswhichbefit theseason,for itwere ill tobeas the sluggardwhowillnotploughby reasonof thecold;forheshallbeginsummerandhavenothing.

Thisevening'sverse:

O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for Hiswonderfulworkstothechildrenofmen.-Psalm107:8

Ifwecomplainedless,andpraisedmore,weshouldbehappier,andGodwouldbemoreglorified.LetusdailypraiseGodforcommonmercies—common as we frequently call them, and yet so priceless, that whendeprivedofthemwearereadytoperish.LetusblessGodfortheeyeswithwhichwebeholdthesun,forthehealthandstrengthtowalkabroad,forthebreadweeat, for the raimentwewear.LetuspraiseHim thatwearenotcastoutamong thehopeless,orconfinedamongst theguilty; letus thankHim for liberty, for friends, for family associations and comforts; let uspraiseHim, in fact, for everythingwhichwe receive fromHis bounteoushand, for we deserve little, and yet are most plenteously endowed. But,beloved,thesweetestandtheloudestnoteinoursongsofpraiseshouldbeof redeeming love.God's redeemingacts towardsHischosenare foreverthefavouritethemesoftheirpraise.Ifweknowwhatredemptionmeans,letusnotwithholdoursonnetsofthanksgiving.Wehavebeenredeemedfromthepower of our corruptions, uplifted from the depth of sin inwhichwewere naturally plunged.We have been led to the cross of Christ— ourshacklesofguilthavebeenbrokenoff;wearenolongerslaves,butchildrenofthelivingGod,andcanantedatetheperiodwhenweshallbepresentedbeforethethronewithoutspotorwrinkleoranysuchthing.Evennowbyfaithwewavethepalm-branchandwrapourselvesaboutwiththefairlinenwhich is to be our everlasting array, and shall we not unceasingly givethanks to the Lord our Redeemer? Child of God, canst thou be silent?Awake,awake,yeheritorsofglory,and leadyourcaptivitycaptive,asyecrywithDavid,"BlesstheLord,Omysoul:andallthatiswithinme,blessHisholyname."Letthenewmonthbeginwithnewsongs.

D e c e m b e r 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Thouartallfair,mylove.-Song4:7

The Lord's admiration of His Church is very a wonderful, and Hisdescriptionofherbeauty isveryglowing.She isnotmerely fair, but "allfair."HeviewsherinHimself,washedinHissin-atoningbloodandclothedin His meritorious righteousness, and He considers her to be full ofcomelinessandbeauty.Nowonderthatsuchisthecase,sinceitisbutHisown perfect excellency that He admires; for the holiness, glory, andperfectionofHisChurchareHisowngloriousgarmentsonthebackofHisownwell-belovedspouse.Sheisnotsimplypure,orwell-proportioned;sheispositivelylovelyandfair!Shehasactualmerit!Herdeformitiesofsinareremoved; but more, she has through her Lord obtained a meritoriousrighteousness bywhich an actual beauty is conferred upon her.Believershaveapositiverighteousnessgiventothemwhentheybecome"acceptedinthe beloved" (Eph. 1:6). Nor is the Church barely lovely, she issuperlativelyso.HerLordstylesher"Thoufairestamongwomen."Shehasarealworthandexcellencewhichcannotberivalledbyallthenobilityandroyalty of the world. If Jesus could exchange His elect bride for all thequeensandempressesofearth,orevenfortheangelsinheaven,Hewouldnot,forHeputsherfirstandforemost—"fairestamongwomen."Likethemoon she far outshines the stars. Nor is this an opinion which He isashamedof,forHeinvitesallmentohearit.Hesetsa"behold"beforeit,aspecialnoteofexclamation,invitingandarrestingattention."Behold,thouartfair,mylove;behold,thouartfair"(SongofSol.4:1).HisopinionHepublishesabroadevennow,andoneday from the throneofHisgloryHewillavowthetruthofitbeforetheassembleduniverse."Come,yeblessedof my Father" (Matt. 25:34), will be His solemn affirmation of thelovelinessofHiselect.

Thisevening'sverse:

Behold,allisvanity.-Ecclesiastes1:14

NothingcansatisfytheentiremanbuttheLord'sloveandtheLord'sownself. Saints have tried to anchor in other roadsteads, but they have beendrivenoutofsuchfatalrefuges.Solomon,thewisestofmen,waspermittedtomakeexperimentsforusall,andtodoforuswhatwemustnotdaretodoforourselves.Hereishistestimonyinhisownwords:"SoIwasgreat,andincreasedmorethanallthatwerebeforemeinJerusalem:alsomywisdomremainedwithme.AndwhatsoevermineeyesdesiredIkeptnotfromthem,I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all mylabour:andthiswasmyportionofallmylabour.ThenIlookedonalltheworksthatmyhandshadwrought,andonthelabourthatIhadlabouredtodo: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was noprofitunderthesun.""Vanityofvanities,allisvanity."What!thewholeofitvanity?Ofavouredmonarch,istherenothinginallthywealth?Nothinginthatwidedominionreachingfromtherivereventothesea?NothinginPalmyra'sgloriouspalaces?NothinginthehouseoftheforestofLebanon?In all thy music and dancing, and wine and luxury, is there nothing?"Nothing,"hesays,"butwearinessofspirit."Thiswashisverdictwhenhehad trodden thewhole round of pleasure. To embrace our Lord Jesus, todwellinHislove,andbefullyassuredofunionwithHim—thisisallinall.Dearreader,youneednottryotherformsoflifeinordertoseewhethertheyarebetterthantheChristian's:ifyouroamtheworldaround,youwillsee no sights like a sight of the Saviour's face; if you could have all thecomfortsoflife,ifyoulostyourSaviour,youwouldbewretched;butifyouwinChrist,thenshouldyourotinadungeon,youwouldfinditaparadise;shouldyou live inobscurity,ordiewith famine,youwillyetbe satisfiedwithfavourandfullofthegoodnessoftheLord.

D e c e m b e r 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Thereisnospotinthee.-Song4:7

Having pronounced His Church positively full of beauty, our LordconfirmsHispraisebyapreciousnegative,"ThereisnospotinIthee."Asif the thought occurred to the Bridegroom that the carping world wouldinsinuatethatHehadonlymentionedhercomelyparts,andhadpurposelyomittedthosefeatureswhichweredeformedordefiled,Hesumsupallbydeclaring her universally and entirely fair, and utterly devoid of stain. Aspotmay soon be removed, and is the very least thing that can disfigurebeauty, but even from this little blemish the believer is delivered in hisLord'ssight.IfHehadsaidthereisnohideousscar,nohorribledeformity,nodeadlyulcer,wemighteventhenhavemarvelled;butwhenHetestifiesthatsheisfreefromtheslightestspot,all theseotherformsofdefilementareincluded,andthedepthofwonderisincreased.IfHehadbutpromisedtoremoveallspotsby-and-by,weshouldhavehadeternal reasonfor joy;butwhenHespeaksofitasalreadydone,whocanrestrainthemostintenseemotionsofsatisfactionanddelight?Omysoul,hereismarrowandfatnessforthee;eatthyfull,andbesatisfiedwithroyaldainties.

Christ Jesus has no quarrel with His spouse. She often wanders fromHim,andgrievesHisHolySpirit,butHedoesnotallowherfaultstoaffectHis love.He sometimes chides, but it is always in the tenderestmanner,with the kindest intentions: it is "my love" even then. There is noremembranceofourfollies,Hedoesnotcherishillthoughtsofus,butHepardonsandlovesaswellaftertheoffenceasbeforeit.Itiswellforusitisso, for if Jesus were as mindful of injuries as we are, how could Hecommunewithus?ManyatimeabelieverwillputhimselfoutofhumourwiththeLordforsomeslightturninprovidence,butourpreciousHusbandknowsoursillyheartstoowelltotakeanyoffenceatourillmanners.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheLordmightyinbattle.-Psalm24:8

WellmayourGodbegloriousintheeyesofHispeople,seeingthatHehaswroughtsuchwonders for them, in them,andby them.For them, theLordJesusuponCalvaryroutedeveryfoe,breakingalltheweaponsoftheenemy in pieces by His finished work of satisfactory obedience; by HistriumphantresurrectionandascensionHecompletelyoverturnedthehopesof hell, leading captivity captive,making a show of our enemies openly,triumphingoverthembyHiscross.EveryarrowofguiltwhichSatanmighthaveshotatusisbroken,forwhocanlayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?Vainarethesharpswordsofinfernalmalice,andtheperpetualbattlesoftheserpent'sseed,forinthemidstofthechurchthelametaketheprey,andthefeeblestwarriorsarecrowned.

ThesavedmaywelladoretheirLordforHisconquestsinthem,sincethearrows of their natural hatred are snapped, and the weapons of theirrebellion broken.What victories has grace won in our evil hearts! Howglorious is Jesuswhen thewill is subdued,andsindethroned!As forourremainingcorruptions,theyshallsustainanequallysuredefeat,andeverytemptation,anddoubt,andfear,shallbeutterlydestroyed.IntheSalemofourpeacefulhearts,thenameofJesusisgreatbeyondcompare:Hehaswonourlove,andHeshallwearit.Eventhussecurelymaywelookforvictoriesbyus.Wearemore thanconquerors throughHim that lovedus.Weshallcastdownthepowersofdarknesswhichareintheworld,byourfaith,andzeal, and holiness;we shallwin sinners to Jesus,we shall overturn falsesystems,weshallconvertnations,forGodiswithus,andnoneshallstandbefore us.This evening let theChristianwarrior chant thewar song, andprepareforto-morrow'sfight.GreaterisHethatis inusthanhethatis intheworld.

D e c e m b e r 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Ihavemuchpeopleinthiscity.-Acts18:10

Thisshouldbeagreatencouragement to try todogood,sinceGodhasamong thevilest of thevile, themost reprobate, themost debauched anddrunken,anelectpeoplewhomustbesaved.Whenyou take theWord tothem,youdosobecauseGodhasordainedyoutobethemessengeroflifetotheirsouls,andtheymustreceiveit,forsothedecreeofpredestinationruns.Theyareasmuchredeemedbybloodasthesaintsbeforetheeternalthrone.They areChrist's property, and yet perhaps they are lovers of theale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus Christ purchased themHewillhavethem.GodisnotunfaithfultoforgetthepricewhichHisSonhaspaid.Hewill not sufferHis substitution to be in any case an ineffectual,deadthing.Tensofthousandsofredeemedonesarenotregeneratedyet,butregeneratedtheymustbe;andthisisourcomfortwhenwegoforthtothemwiththequickeningWordofGod.

Nay,more,theseungodlyonesareprayedforbyChristbeforethethrone."Neitherpray I for thesealone," saith thegreat Intercessor, "but for themalsowhichshallbelieveonMe through theirword."Poor, ignorant souls,theyknownothingaboutprayer for themselves,but Jesusprays for them.Their names are on His breastplate, and ere long they must bow theirstubborn knee, breathing the penitential sigh before the throne of grace."Thetimeoffigsisnotyet."Thepredestinatedmomenthasnotstruck;but,whenitcomes,theyshallobey,forGodwillhaveHisown;theymust,forthe Spirit is not to be withstood when He cometh forth with fulness ofpower— theymust become thewilling servants of the livingGod. "Mypeopleshallbewilling in thedayofmypower.""Heshall justifymany.""Heshallseeof the travailofHissoul.""Iwilldividehimaportionwiththegreat,andHeshalldividethespoilwiththestrong."

Thisevening'sverse:

Evenweourselvesgroanwithinourselves,waitingfortheadoption,towit,theredemptionofourbody.-Romans8:23

Thisgroaningisuniversalamongthesaints:toagreaterorlessextentweallfeelit.Itisnotthegroanofmurmuringorcomplaint:itisratherthenoteofdesirethanofdistress.Havingreceivedanearnest,wedesirethewholeof our portion; we are sighing that our entire manhood, in its trinity ofspirit,soul,andbody,maybesetfreefromthelastvestigeof thefall;welongtoputoffcorruption,weakness,anddishonour,andtowrapourselvesin incorruption, in immortality, in glory, in the spiritual body which theLordJesuswillbestowuponHispeople.Welongforthemanifestationofour adoption as the children of God. "We groan," but it is "withinourselves." It is not the hypocrite's groan, bywhich hewouldmakemenbelieve that he is a saint because he is wretched. Our sighs are sacredthings,toohallowedforustotellabroad.WekeepourlongingstoourLordalone.Thentheapostlesaysweare"waiting,"bywhichwelearn thatwearenot tobepetulant, likeJonahorElijah,whentheysaid,"Letmedie";norarewetowhimperandsighfortheendoflifebecausewearetiredofwork,norwishtoescapefromourpresentsufferingstillthewilloftheLordisdone.Wearetogroanforglorification,butwearetowaitpatientlyforit,knowingthatwhat theLordappoints isbest.Waitingimpliesbeingready.Weare to standat thedoor expecting theBeloved toopen it and takeusaway toHimself. This "groaning" is a test. Youmay judge of aman bywhat he groans after. Some men groan after wealth — they worshipMammon; some groan continually under the troubles of life— they aremerelyimpatient;butthemanwhosighsafterGod,whoisuneasytillheismadelikeChrist,thatistheblessedman.MayGodhelpustogroanforthecomingoftheLord,andtheresurrectionwhichHewillbringtous.

D e c e m b e r 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Ask,anditshallbegivenyou.-Matthew7:7

Weknowof aplace inEngland still existing,where adoleofbread isserved toeverypasserbywhochooses toaskfor it.Whoever the travellermaybe,hehasbuttoknockatthedoorofSt.CrossHospital,andthereisthedoleofbreadforhim.JesusChristsolovethsinnersthatHehasbuiltaSt.CrossHospital,sothatwheneverasinnerishungry,hehasbuttoknockandhavehiswantssupplied.Nay,Hehasdonebetter;Hehasattached tothisHospitaloftheCrossabath;andwheneverasoulisblackandfilthy,ithas but to go there and be washed. The fountain is always full, alwaysefficacious.No sinner everwent into it and found that it could notwashawayhisstains.Sinswhichwerescarletandcrimsonhavealldisappeared,andthesinnerhasbeenwhiterthansnow.Asifthiswerenotenough,thereis attached to thisHospitalof theCrossawardrobe, anda sinnermakingapplicationsimplyasasinner,maybeclothedfromheadtofoot;andifhewishestobeasoldier,hemaynotmerelyhaveagarmentforordinarywear,butarmourwhichshallcoverhimfromthesoleofhisfoottothecrownofhishead.Ifheasksforasword,heshallhavethatgiventohim,andashieldtoo. Nothing that is good for him shall be denied him. He shall havespending-moneysolongashelives,andheshallhaveaneternalheritageofglorioustreasurewhenheentersintothejoyofhisLord.

Ifall these thingsare tobehadbymerelyknockingatmercy'sdoor,Omy soul, knock hard this morning, and ask large things of thy generousLord. Leave not the throne of grace till all thy wants have been spreadbefore the Lord, and until by faith thou hast a comfortable prospect thatthey shallbeall supplied.Nobashfulnessneed retardwhenJesus invites.No unbelief should hinder when Jesus promises. No cold-heartednessshouldrestrainwhensuchblessingsaretobeobtained.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndtheLordshewedmefourcarpenters.-Zechariah1:20

In the vision described in this chapter, the prophet saw four terriblehorns. They were pushing this way and that way, dashing down thestrongestandthemightiest;andtheprophetasked,"Whatarethese?"Theanswer was, "These are the horns which have scattered Israel." He sawbefore him a representation of those powers which had oppressed thechurchofGod.Therewerefourhorns;for thechurchisattackedfromallquarters.Wellmighttheprophethavefeltdismayed;butonasuddenthereappeared before him four carpenters. He asked, "What shall these do?"These are themenwhomGodhath found tobreak thosehorns inpieces.GodwillalwaysfindmenforHiswork,andHewillfindthemattherighttime.Theprophetdidnotseethecarpentersfirst,whentherewasnothingtodo, but first the "horns," and then the "carpenters." Moreover, the Lordfinds enoughmen.He did not find three carpenters, but four; therewerefourhorns,andtheremustbefourworkmen.Godfindstherightmen;notfour men with pens to write; not four architects to draw plans; but fourcarpenterstodoroughwork.Restassured,youwhotrembleforthearkofGod, that when the "horns" grow troublesome, the "carpenters" will befound.YouneednotfretconcerningtheweaknessofthechurchofGodatanymoment; theremay be growing up in obscurity the valiant reformerwhowillshakethenations:ChrysostomsmaycomeforthfromourRaggedSchools, andAugustines from the thickest darkness of London's poverty.TheLordknowswheretofindHisservants.Hehathinambushamultitudeofmightymen, and atHisword they shall start up to thebattle; "for thebattle is theLord's,"andHeshallget toHimself thevictory.LetusabidefaithfultoChrist,andHe,intherighttime,willraiseupforusadefence,whetheritbeinthedayofourpersonalneed,orintheseasonofperiltoHisChurch.

D e c e m b e r 6

Thismorning'sverse:

As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. - 1Corinthians15:48

The head andmembers are of one nature, and not like thatmonstrousimagewhichNebuchadnezzarsawinhisdream.Theheadwasoffinegold,butthebellyandthighswereofbrass,thelegsofiron,andthefeet,partofiron and part of clay.Christ'smystical body is no absurd combination ofopposites;themembersweremortal,andthereforeJesusdied;theglorifiedheadisimmortal,andthereforethebodyisimmortaltoo,forthustherecordstands,"BecauseI live,yeshall livealso."Asisour lovingHead,suchisthe body, and every member in particular. A chosen Head and chosenmembers; an accepted Head, and accepted members; a living Head, andlivingmembers. If theheadbepuregold, all thepartsof thebodyareofpure gold also. Thus is there a double union of nature as a basis for theclosestcommunion.Pausehere,devoutreader,andseeifthoucanstwithoutecstatic amazement, contemplate the infinite condescensionof theSonofGod in thus exalting thywretchedness into blessed unionwithHis glory.Thouartsomeanthatinremembranceofthymortality,thoumayestsaytocorruption, "Thou artmy father," and to theworm, "Thou artmy sister";andyetinChristthouartsohonouredthatthoucanstsaytotheAlmighty,"Abba, Father," and to the Incarnate God, "Thou artmy brother andmyhusband."Surely if relationships to ancient andnoble familiesmakementhink highly of themselves, we have whereof to glory over the heads ofthem all. Let the poorest and most despised believer lay hold upon thisprivilege; let not a senseless indolence make him negligent to trace hispedigree, and let him suffer no foolish attachment to present vanities tooccupyhisthoughtstotheexclusionofthisglorious,thisheavenlyhonourofunionwithChrist.

Thisevening'sverse:

Girtaboutthepapswithagoldengirdle.-Revelation1:13

One like unto the Son of Man" appeared to John in Patmos, and thebeloveddisciplemarkedthatHeworeagirdleofgold.Agirdle,forJesusneverwasungirtwhileuponearth,butstoodalwaysreadyforservice,andnowbeforetheeternalthroneHestaysnotisholyministry,butasapriestisgirtaboutwith"thecuriousgirdleof theephod."Well it is forus thatHehasnotceased to fulfilHisofficesof love forus, since this isoneofourchoicestsafeguardsthatHeeverlivethtomakeintercessionforus.Jesusisnever an idler; His garments are never loose as thoughHis offices wereended;HediligentlycarriesonthecauseofHispeople.Agoldengirdle,tomanifest the superiority of His service, the royalty of His person, thedignityofHisstate,thegloryofHisreward.NolongerdoesHecryoutofthe dust, but He pleads with authority, a King as well as a Priest. SafeenoughisourcauseinthehandsofourenthronedMelchisedek.

OurLordpresentsallHispeoplewithanexample.Wemustneverunbindourgirdles.Thisisnotthetimeforlyingdownatease, it is theseasonofservice andwarfare.We need to bind the girdle of truthmore andmoretightly around our loins. It is a golden girdle, and sowill be our richestornament,andwegreatlyneedit,foraheartthatisnotwellbracedupwiththe truth as it is in Jesus, and with the fidelity which is wrought of theSpirit,willbeeasilyentangledwiththethingsofthislife,andtrippedupbythesnaresoftemptation.ItisinvainthatwepossesstheScripturesunlesswebindthemarounduslikeagirdle,surroundingourentirenature,keepingeachpart of our character in order, andgiving compactness to ourwholeman. If in heaven Jesus unbinds not the girdle,much lessmaywe uponearth.Stand,therefore,havingyourloinsgirtaboutwithtruth.

D e c e m b e r 7

Thismorning'sverse:

BasethingsoftheworldhathGodchosen.-1Corinthians1:28

Walkthestreetsbymoonlight,ifyoudare,andyouwillseesinnersthen.Watchwhenthenightisdark,andthewindishowling,andthepicklockisgratinginthedoor,andyouwillseesinnersthen.Gotoyonjail,andwalkthroughthewards,andmarkthemenwithheavyover-hangingbrows,menwhomyouwouldnotliketomeetatnight,andtherearesinnersthere.GototheReformatories,andnotethosewhohavebetrayedarampantjuveniledepravity, and youwill see sinners there.Go across the seas to the placewhere amanwill gnaw a bone uponwhich is reeking human flesh, andthere is a sinner there.Gowhereyouwill, youneednot ransack earth tofindsinners,fortheyarecommonenough;youmayfindthemineverylaneandstreetofeverycity,andtown,andvillage,andhamlet.ItisforsuchthatJesusdied.Ifyouwillselectmethegrossestspecimenofhumanity,ifhebebut born ofwoman, Iwill have hope of him yet, because JesusChrist iscome to seek and to save sinners.Electing lovehas selected someof theworsttobemadethebest.Pebblesofthebrookgraceturnsintojewelsforthecrown-royal.WorthlessdrossHetransformsintopuregold.Redeeminglove has set apartmanyof theworst ofmankind to be the reward of theSaviour'spassion.Effectualgracecallsforthmanyofthevilestoftheviletositatthetableofmercy,andthereforeletnonedespair.

Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus' tearful eyes, by that lovestreaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that stronglove, that pure, disinterested, and abiding love; by the heart and by thebowels of the Saviour's compassion, we conjure you turn not away asthoughitwerenothingtoyou;butbelieveonHimandyoushallbesaved.TrustyoursoulwithHimandHewillbringyoutoHisFather'srighthandingloryeverlasting.

Thisevening'sverse:

Iammadeallthingstoallmen,thatImightbyallmeanssavesome.-1Corinthians9:22

Paul'sgreatobjectwasnotmerelytoinstructandtoimprove,buttosave.Anything shortof thiswouldhavedisappointedhim;hewouldhavemenrenewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our Christianlaboursbeenaimedatanythingbelowthisgreatpoint?Thenletusamendourways,forofwhatavailwillitbeatthelastgreatdaytohavetaughtandmoralized men if they appear before God unsaved? Blood-red will ourskirtsbeifthroughlifewehavesoughtinferiorobjects,andforgottenthatmenneededtobesaved.Paulknewtheruinofman'snaturalstate,anddidnottrytoeducatehim,buttosavehim;hesawmensinkingtohell,anddidnottalkofrefiningthem,butofsavingfromthewrathtocome.Tocompasstheirsalvation,hegavehimselfupwithuntiringzeal to tellingabroad thegospel,towarningandbeseechingmentobereconciledtoGod.Hisprayerswere importunate and his labours incessant. To save souls was hisconsuming passion, his ambition, his calling.He became a servant to allmen, toiling forhis race, feelingawoewithinhim ifhepreachednot thegospel.Helaidasidehispreferencestopreventprejudice;hesubmittedhiswillinthingsindifferent,andifmenwouldbutreceivethegospel,heraisedno questions about forms or ceremonies: the gospel was the one all-importantbusinesswithhim. Ifhemightsavesomehewouldbecontent.Thiswasthecrownforwhichhestrove,thesoleandsufficientrewardofallhislaboursandself-denials.Dearreader,haveyouandIlivedtowinsoulsatthisnoblerate?Arewepossessedwiththesameall-absorbingdesire?Ifnot,whynot?Jesusdiedforsinners,cannotweliveforthem?Whereisourtenderness?Where our love to Christ, if we seek not His honour in thesalvationofmen?O that theLordwouldsaturateus throughand throughwithanundyingzealforthesoulsofmen.

D e c e m b e r 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled theirgarments;andtheyshallwalkwithmeinwhite:fortheyareworthy.-Revelation3:4

We may understand this to refer to justification. "They shall walk inwhite";thatis,theyshallenjoyaconstantsenseoftheirownjustificationbyfaith; they shall understand that the righteousness ofChrist is imputed tothem,thattheyhaveallbeenwashedandmadewhiterthanthenewly-fallensnow.

Again,itreferstojoyandgladness:forwhiterobeswereholidaydressesamongtheJews.Theywhohavenotdefiledtheirgarmentsshallhavetheirfaces always bright; they shall understandwhat Solomonmeantwhen hesaid"Gothyway,eatthybreadwithjoy,anddrinkthywinewithamerryheart.Letthygarmentsbealwayswhite,forGodhathacceptedthyworks."HewhoisacceptedofGodshallwearwhitegarmentsofjoyandgladness,whilehewalksinsweetcommunionwiththeLordJesus.Whencesomanydoubts, so muchmisery, andmourning? It is because so many believersdefiletheirgarmentswithsinanderror,andhencetheylosethejoyoftheirsalvation, and the comfortable fellowship of the Lord Jesus, they do notherebelowwalkinwhite.

The promise also refers towalking inwhite before the throne ofGod.Thosewhohavenotdefiledtheirgarmentshereshallmostcertainlywalkinwhiteupyonder,wherethewhite-robedhostssingperpetualhallelujahstotheMostHigh.Theyshallpossessjoysinconceivable,happinessbeyondadream, blisswhich imagination knoweth not, blessednesswhich even thestretchofdesirehathnotreached.The"undefiledintheway"shallhaveallthis—notofmerit,norofworks,butofgrace.TheyshallwalkwithChristinwhite,forHehasmadethem"worthy."InHissweetcompanytheyshalldrinkofthelivingfountainsofwaters.

Thisevening'sverse:

Thou, OGod, hast prepared of Thy goodness for the poor. - Psalm68:10

AllGod'sgiftsarepreparedgiftslaidupinstoreforwantsforeseen.Heanticipatesourneeds;andoutofthefulnesswhichHehastreasuredupinChristJesus,HeprovidesofHisgoodnessforthepoor.YoumaytrustHimforallthenecessitiesthatcanoccur,forHehasinfalliblyforeknowneveryoneofthem.Hecansayofusinallconditions,"Iknewthatthouwouldstbethisandthat."Amangoesajourneyacrossthedesert,andwhenhehasmadeaday'sadvance,andpitchedhistent,hediscoversthathewantsmanycomforts andnecessarieswhichhehasnotbrought inhisbaggage. "Ah!"sayshe,"Ididnot foresee this: if Ihad this journey togoagain, Ishouldbring these things with me, so necessary to my comfort." But God hasmarked with prescient eye all the requirements of His poor wanderingchildren, and when those needs occur, supplies are ready. It is goodnesswhichHehaspreparedforthepoorinheart,goodnessandgoodnessonly."Mygraceissufficientforthee.""Asthydays,soshallthystrengthbe."

Reader, is your heart heavy this evening? God knew it would be; thecomfortwhichyourheartwants is treasured in thesweetassuranceof thetext.You are poor and needy, butHe has thought upon you, and has theexact blessing which you require in store for you. Plead the promise,believe it and obtain its fulfillment. Do you feel that you never were soconsciouslyvileasyouarenow?Behold,thecrimsonfountainisopenstill,withall its formerefficacy, towashyoursinaway.NevershallyoucomeintosuchapositionthatChristcannotaidyou.Nopinchshalleverarriveinyour spiritual affairs in which Jesus Christ shall not be equal to theemergency, for your history has all been foreknown and provided for inJesus.

D e c e m b e r 9

Thismorning'sverse:

Therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you. -Isaiah30:18

God often DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER. We have severalinstancesofthisinsacredScripture.Jacobdidnotgettheblessingfromtheangeluntilnear thedawnofday—hehadtowrestleallnightfor it.Thepoorwoman of Syropheniciawas answered not aword for a longwhile.Paulbesought theLord thrice that"the thorn in the flesh"mightbe takenfromhim,andhe receivednoassurance that it shouldbe takenaway,butinstead thereofapromise thatGod'sgraceshouldbesufficient forhim. Ifthouhastbeenknockingatthegateofmercy,andhastreceivednoanswer,shallItelltheewhythemightyMakerhathnotopenedthedoorandlettheein?OurFatherhasreasonspeculiartoHimselfforthuskeepinguswaiting.Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty, that men mayknowthatJehovahhasaright togiveor towithhold.Morefrequentlythedelay is for our profit. Thou art perhaps kept waiting in order that thydesires may be more fervent. God knows that delay will quicken andincreasedesire,andthatifHekeepstheewaitingthouwiltseethynecessitymore clearly, and wilt seek more earnestly; and that thou wilt prize themercy all the more for its long tarrying. There may also be somethingwrongintheewhichhasneedtoberemoved,beforethejoyoftheLordisgiven.Perhapsthyviewsof theGospelplanareconfused,or thoumayestbe placing some little reliance on thyself, instead of trusting simply andentirelytotheLordJesus.Or,GodmakestheetarryawhilethatHemaythemorefullydisplaytherichesofHisgracetotheeatlast.Thyprayersareallfiled in heaven, and if not immediately answered they are certainly notforgotten, but in a little while shall be fulfilled to thy delight andsatisfaction.Letnotdespairmaketheesilent,butcontinueinstantinearnestsupplication.

Thisevening'sverse:

Mypeopleshalldwellinquietrestingplaces.-Isaiah32:18

Peace and rest belong not to the unregenerate, they are the peculiarpossessionoftheLord'speople,andofthemonly.TheGodofPeacegivesperfectpeace to thosewhoseheartsarestayeduponHim.Whenmanwasunfallen,hisGodgavehimtheflowerybowersofEdenashisquietrestingplaces;alas!howsoonsinblightedthefairabodeofinnocence.Inthedayof universal wrath when the flood swept away a guilty race, the chosenfamilywere quietly secured in the resting-place of the ark,which floatedthemfromtheoldcondemnedworldintothenewearthoftherainbowandthecovenant,hereintypifyingJesus, thearkofoursalvation.Israelrestedsafely beneath the blood-besprinkled habitations of Egypt when thedestroyingangelsmotethefirst-born;andinthewildernesstheshadowofthe pillar of cloud, and the flowing rock, gave theweary pilgrims sweetrepose.At thishourwerest in thepromisesofour faithfulGod,knowingthatHiswordsarefullof truthandpower;werest inthedoctrinesofHisword,which are consolation itself;we rest in the covenant ofHis grace,which is a haven of delight.More highly favoured arewe thanDavid inAdullam,or Jonahbeneathhisgourd, fornone can invadeordestroyourshelter. The person of Jesus is the quiet resting-place ofHis people, andwhenwedrawneartoHiminthebreakingofthebread,inthehearingofthe word, the searching of the Scriptures, prayer, or praise, we find anyformofapproachtoHimtobethereturnofpeacetoourspirits.

"I hear the words of love, I gaze upon the blood, I see the mightysacrifice, and I have peace with God. 'Tis everlasting peace, sure asJehovah'sname,'TisstableasHissteadfastthrone,forevermorethesame:Thecloudsmaygoandcome,andstormsmaysweepmysky,Thisblood-sealedfriendshipchangesnot,thecrossisevernigh."

D e c e m b e r 1 0

Thismorning'sverse:

SoshallweeverbewiththeLord.-1Thessalonians4:17

Even the sweetest visits from Christ, how short they are— and howtransitory! One moment our eyes see Him, and we rejoice with joyunspeakableandfullofglory,butagainalittletimeandwedonotseeHim,forourbelovedwithdrawsHimselffromus;likearoeorayounghartHeleapsoverthemountainsofdivision;Heisgonetothelandofspices,andfeedsnomoreamongthelilies.

"Ifto-dayHedeignstoblessusWithasenseofpardonedsin,Heto-morrowmaydistressus,Makeusfeeltheplaguewithin."

Oh,howsweettheprospectofthetimewhenweshallnotbeholdHimatadistance,butseeHimfacetoface:whenHeshallnotbeasawayfaringmantarryingbutforanight,butshalleternallyenfoldus in thebosomofHisglory.WeshallnotseeHimforalittleseason,but

"Millionsofyearsourwonderingeyes,Shallo'erourSaviour'sbeautiesrove;Andmyriadageswe'lladore,ThewondersofHislove."

In heaven there shall be no interruptions from care or sin; noweepingshalldimoureyes;noearthlybusinessshalldistractourhappythoughts;weshall have nothing to hinder us from gazing for ever on the Sun ofRighteousnesswithunweariedeyes.Oh, if itbesosweet toseeHimnowandthen,howsweettogazeonthatblessedfaceforaye,andneverhaveacloudrollingbetween,andneverhavetoturnone'seyesawaytolookonaworld of weariness and woe! Blest day, when wilt thou dawn? Rise, Ounsettingsun!Thejoysofsensemayleaveusassoonastheywill,forthisshall make glorious amends. If to die is but to enter into uninterruptedcommunion with Jesus, then death is indeed gain, and the black drop is

swallowedupinaseaofvictory.

Thisevening'sverse:

WhosehearttheLordopened.-Acts16:14

InLydia's conversion there aremany points of interest. Itwas broughtaboutbyprovidentialcircumstances.Shewasasellerofpurple,ofthecityof Thyatira, but just at the right time for hearing Paul we find her atPhilippi; providence,which is thehandmaidofgrace, ledher to the rightspot. Again, grace was preparing her soul for the blessing — gracepreparing for grace. She did not know the Saviour, but as a Jewess, sheknewmanytruthswhichwereexcellentstepping-stonestoaknowledgeofJesus.Herconversion tookplace in theuseof themeans.OntheSabbathshewentwhenprayerwaswont tobemade, and thereprayerwasheard.Neverneglectthemeansofgrace;GodmayblessuswhenwearenotinHishouse,butwehavethegreaterreasontohopethatHewillwhenweareincommunion with His saints. Observe the words, "Whose heart the Lordopened."Shedidnotopenherownheart.Herprayersdidnotdoit;Pauldidnotdoit.TheLordHimselfmustopentheheart,toreceivethethingswhichmakeforourpeace.Healonecanputthekeyintotheholeofthedoorandopenit,andgetadmittanceforHimself.Heistheheart'smasterasHeistheheart's maker. The first outward evidence of the opened heart wasobedience.AssoonasLydiahadbelievedinJesus,shewasbaptized.Itisasweetsignofahumbleandbrokenheart,whenthechildofGodiswillingto obey a commandwhich is not essential to his salvation, which is notforceduponhimbyaselfish fearofcondemnation,but isasimpleactofobedienceandofcommunionwithhisMaster.Thenextevidencewaslove,manifesting itself in actsofgrateful kindness to the apostles.Love to thesaintshaseverbeenamarkofthetrueconvert.ThosewhodonothingforChristorHischurch,givebut sorryevidenceofan"opened"heart.Lord,evermoregivemeanopenedheart.

D e c e m b e r 1 1

Thismorning'sverse:

FaithfulisHethatcallethyou,whoalsowilldoit.-1Thessalonians5:24

Heaven is a placewherewe shall never sin;wherewe shall cease ourconstant watch against an indefatigable enemy, because there will be notemptertoensnareourfeet.Therethewickedceasefromtroubling,andtheweary are at rest.Heaven is the "undefiled inheritance"; it is the land ofperfectholiness, and thereforeof complete security.Butdonot the saintsevenonearthsometimestastethejoysofblissfulsecurity?ThedoctrineofGod'swordis,thatallwhoareinunionwiththeLambaresafe;thatalltherighteous shall hold on their way; that those who have committed theirsouls to the keeping of Christ shall find Him a faithful and immutablepreserver.Sustainedbysuchadoctrinewecanenjoysecurityevenonearth;not thathighandglorious securitywhich rendersus free fromevery slip,butthatholysecuritywhicharisesfromthesurepromiseofJesusthatnonewhobelieve inHimshalleverperish,butshallbewithHimwhereHeis.Believer,letusoftenreflectwithjoyonthedoctrineoftheperseveranceofthesaints,andhonourthefaithfulnessofourGodbyaholyconfidenceinHim.

MayourGodbringhometoyouasenseofyoursafetyinChristJesus!MayHeassureyouthatyournameisgravenonHishand;andwhisperinyourearthepromise,"Fearnot,Iamwiththee."LookuponHim,thegreatSurety of the covenant, as faithful and true, and, therefore, bound andengagedtopresentyou,theweakestofthefamily,withallthechosenrace,beforethethroneofGod;andinsuchasweetcontemplationyouwilldrinkthejuiceofthespicedwineoftheLord'spomegranate,andtastethedaintyfruitsofParadise.Youwillhaveanantepastoftheenjoymentswhichravishthesoulsof theperfectsaintsabove, ifyoucanbelievewithunstaggeringfaiththat"faithfulisHethatcallethyou,whoalsowilldoit."

Thisevening'sverse:

YeservetheLordChrist.-Colossians3:24

Towhat choiceorderofofficialswas thisword spoken?Tokingswhoproudlyboastarightdivine?Ah,no!toooftendotheyservethemselvesorSatan, and forget the God whose sufferance permits them to wear theirmimic majesty for their little hour. Speaks then the apostle to those so-called "right reverend fathers inGod," the bishops, or "the venerable thearchdeacons"?No, indeed,Paulknewnothingof thesemereinventionsofman. Not even to pastors and teachers, or to the wealthy and esteemedamongbelievers,was thiswordspoken,but toservants,ay,and toslaves.Among the toiling multitudes, the journeymen, the day labourers, thedomesticservants,thedrudgesofthekitchen,theapostlefound,aswefindstill,someoftheLord'schosen,andtothemhesays,"Whatsoeveryedo,doitheartily,as to theLord,andnotuntomen;knowing thatof theLordyeshall receive the rewardof the inheritance: forye serve theLordChrist."Thissayingennoblesthewearyroutineofearthlyemployments,andshedsahaloaroundthemosthumbleoccupations.Towashfeetmaybeservile,but to wash His feet is royal work. To unloose the shoe-latchet is pooremploy,buttounloosethegreatMaster'sshoeisaprincelyprivilege.Theshop,thebarn,thescullery,andthesmithybecometempleswhenmenandwomendoalltothegloryofGod!Then"divineservice"isnotathingofafewhoursandafewplaces,butalllifebecomesholinessuntotheLord,andevery place and thing, as consecrated as the tabernacle and its goldencandlestick.

"Teachme,myGodandKing,inallthingsTheetosee;AndwhatIdoinanything todo it as toThee.AllmayofTheepartake,nothingcanbe somean, Which with this tincture, for Thy sake, will not grow bright andclean.

Aservantwiththisclausemakesdrudgerydivine;Whosweepsaroom,asforThylaws,makesthatandtheactionfine.

D e c e m b e r 1 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Hiswaysareeverlasting.-Habakkuk3:6

WhatHehathdone at one time,Hewill doyet again.Man'sways arevariable, butGod'sways are everlasting.There aremany reasons for thismost comforting truth: among themare the following— theLord'swaysare theresultofwisedeliberation;Heorderethall thingsaccording to thecounsel of His own will. Human action is frequently the hasty result ofpassion,or fear, and is followedby regret andalteration;butnothingcantake theAlmightybysurprise,orhappenotherwise thanHehas foreseen.His ways are the outgrowth of an immutable character, and in them thefixedandsettledattributesofGodareclearlytobeseen.UnlesstheEternalOneHimselfcanundergochange,Hisways,whichareHimself inaction,mustremainforeverthesame.IsHeeternallyjust,gracious,faithful,wise,tender? — then His ways must ever be distinguished for the sameexcellences. Beings act according to their nature: when those natureschange,theirconductvariesalso;butsinceGodcannotknowtheshadowofaturning,Hiswayswillabideeverlastinglythesame.Moreoverthereisnoreasonfromwithoutwhichcouldreversethedivineways,sincetheyaretheembodiment of irresistiblemight.The earth is said, by theprophet, to becleftwithrivers,mountainstremble,thedeepliftsupitshands,andsunandmoon stand still, when Jehovah marches forth for the salvation of Hispeople.WhocanstayHishand,orsayuntoHim,WhatdoestThou?Butitisnotmightalonewhichgivesstability;God'swaysarethemanifestationoftheeternalprinciplesofright,andthereforecanneverpassaway.Wrongbreedsdecayandinvolvesruin,butthetrueandthegoodhaveaboutthemavitalitywhichagescannotdiminish.

This morning let us go to our heavenly Father with confidence,remembering thatJesusChrist is thesameyesterday, to-day,andforever,andinHimtheLordisevergracioustoHispeople.

Thisevening'sverse:

TheyhavedealttreacherouslyagainsttheLord.-Hosea5:7

Believer, here is a sorrowful truth! Thou art the beloved of the Lord,redeemedbyblood,calledbygrace,preservedinChristJesus,acceptedintheBeloved,onthywaytoheaven,andyet,"thouhastdealttreacherously"with God, thy best friend; treacherously with Jesus, whose thou art;treacherouslywiththeHolySpirit,bywhomthouhastbeenquickeneduntolife eternal! How treacherous you have been in the matter of vows andpromises.Doyouremembertheloveofyourespousals,thathappytime—thespringtideofyourspirituallife?Oh,howcloselydidyouclingtoyourMasterthen!saying,"Heshallneverchargemewithindifference;myfeetshallnevergrowslowinthewayofHisservice;Iwillnotsuffermyhearttowanderafterotherloves;inHimiseverystoreofsweetnessineffable.Igiveall up formyLord Jesus' sake."Has it been so?Alas! if consciencespeak,itwillsay,"Hewhopromisedsowellhasperformedmostill.Prayerhasoftentimesbeenslurred—ithasbeenshort,butnot sweet;brief,butnot fervent. Communion with Christ has been forgotten. Instead of aheavenlymind,therehavebeencarnalcares,worldlyvanitiesandthoughtsofevil.Insteadofservice,therehasbeendisobedience;insteadoffervency,lukewarmness; insteadof patience, petulance; insteadof faith, confidenceinanarmofflesh;andasasoldierofthecrosstherehasbeencowardice,disobedience,anddesertion, toaveryshamefuldegree." "Thouhastdealttreacherously."TreacherytoJesus!whatwordsshallbeusedindenouncingit?Wordslittleavail:letourpenitentthoughtsexecratethesinwhichissosurely inus.Treacherous toThywounds,O Jesus!Forgiveus, and letusnot sinagain!Howshameful tobe treacherous toHimwhonever forgetsus, but who this day standswith our names engraven onHis breastplatebeforetheeternalthrone.

D e c e m b e r 1 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Saltwithoutprescribinghowmuch.-Ezra7:22

SaltwasusedineveryofferingmadebyfireuntotheLord,andfromitspreserving and purifying properties it was the grateful emblem of divinegraceinthesoul.Itisworthyofourattentiveregardthat,whenArtaxerxesgavesalttoEzrathepriest,hesetnolimittothequantity,andwemaybequitecertainthatwhentheKingofkingsdistributesgraceamongHisroyalpriesthood, thesupply isnotcutshortbyHim.Oftenarewestraitened inourselves, but never in theLord.Hewho chooses to gathermuchmannawillfindthathemayhaveasmuchashedesires.ThereisnosuchfamineinJerusalemthatthecitizensshouldeattheirbreadbyweightanddrinktheirwaterbymeasure.Somethingsintheeconomyofgracearemeasured;forinstanceourvinegarandgallaregivenuswithsuchexactnessthatweneverhaveasingledroptoomuch,butofthesaltofgracenostintismade,"Askwhatthouwiltanditshallbegivenuntothee."Parentsneedtolockupthefruitcupboard,andthesweetjars,butthereisnoneedtokeepthesalt-boxunderlockandkey,forfewchildrenwilleattoogreedilyfromthat.Amanmay have toomuchmoney, or toomuch honour, but he cannot have toomuchgrace.WhenJeshurunwaxedfatintheflesh,hekickedagainstGod,but there is no fear of aman's becoming too full of grace: a plethora ofgraceis impossible.Morewealthbringsmorecare,butmoregracebringsmorejoy.Increasedwisdomisincreasedsorrow,butabundanceoftheSpiritis fulnessof joy.Believer,go to the thronefora largesupplyofheavenlysalt.Itwillseasonthineafflictions,whichareunsavourywithoutsalt;itwillpreservethyheartwhichcorruptsifsaltbeabsent,anditwillkillthysinsevenassaltkillsreptiles.Thouneedestmuch;seekmuch,andhavemuch.

Thisevening'sverse:

Iwillmakethywindowsofagates.-Isaiah54:12

The church is most instructively symbolized by a building erected byheavenlypower,anddesignedbydivineskill.Suchaspiritualhousemustnot be dark, for the Israelites had light in their dwellings; there mustthereforebewindowstoletthelightinandtoallowtheinhabitantstogazeabroad. These windows are precious as agates: the ways in which thechurchbeholdsherLordandheaven,andspiritualtruthingeneral,aretobehadinthehighestesteem.Agatesarenotthemosttransparentofgems,theyarebutsemi-pellucidatthebest:

"Ourknowledgeofthatlifeissmall,

Oureyeoffaithisdim."

Faithisoneofthesepreciousagatewindows,butalas!itisoftensomistyandbeclouded, thatwe seebutdarkly, andmistakemuch thatwedo see.Yetifwecannotgazethroughwindowsofdiamondsandknowevenasweareknown,itisagloriousthingtobeholdthealtogetherlovelyOne,eventhough theglassbehazyas theagate.Experience isanotherof thesedimbutpreciouswindows,yieldingtousasubduedreligiouslight,inwhichweseethesufferingsoftheManofSorrows,throughourownafflictions.Ourweak eyes could not endure windows of transparent glass to let in theMaster'sglory,butwhentheyaredimmedwithweeping,thebeamsoftheSun of Righteousness are tempered, and shine through the windows ofagate with a soft radiance inexpressibly soothing to tempted souls.Sanctification,asitconformsustoourLord,isanotheragatewindow.Onlyaswebecomeheavenlycanwecomprehendheavenly things.Thepure inheartseeapureGod.ThosewhoarelikeJesusseeHimasHeis.Becausewe are so little like Him, the window is but agate; because we aresomewhatlikeHim,itisagate.WethankGodforwhatwehave,andlongformore.WhenshallweseeGodandJesus,andheavenandtruth,facetoface?

D e c e m b e r 1 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Theygofromstrengthtostrength.-Psalm84:7

Theygofromstrengthtostrength.Therearevariousrenderingsofthesewords,butallofthemcontaintheideaofprogress.

Ourowngoodtranslationoftheauthorizedversionisenoughforusthismorning."Theygofromstrengthtostrength."That is, theygrowstrongerandstronger.Usually,ifwearewalking,wegofromstrengthtoweakness;westartfreshandingoodorderforourjourney,butby-and-bytheroadisrough, and the sun is hot, we sit down by the wayside, and then againpainfullypursueourwearyway.ButtheChristianpilgrimhavingobtainedfresh supplies of grace, is as vigorous after years of toilsome travel andstruggleaswhenhefirstsetout.Hemaynotbequitesoelateandbuoyant,nor perhaps quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he oncewas, but he ismuchstrongerinallthatconstitutesrealpower,andtravels,ifmoreslowly,farmoresurely.Somegray-hairedveteranshavebeenasfirmintheirgraspoftruth,andaszealousindiffusingit,astheywereintheiryoungerdays;but, alas, itmust be confessed it is oftenotherwise, for the loveofmanywaxescoldandiniquityabounds,butthisistheirownsinandnotthefaultofthepromisewhichstillholdsgood:"Theyouthsshallfaintandbeweary,andtheyoungmenshallutterlyfall,buttheythatwaitupontheLordshallrenewtheirstrength; theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles, theyshallrunandnotbeweary,andtheyshallwalkandnotfaint."Fretfulspiritssitdown and trouble themselves about the future. "Alas!" say they, "we gofromafflictiontoaffliction."Verytrue,Othouoflittlefaith,butthenthougoest from strength to strength also. Thou shalt never find a bundle ofafflictionwhichhasnotboundup in themidstof it sufficientgrace.Godwill give the strength of ripe manhood with the burden allotted to full-grownshoulders.

Thisevening'sverse:

IamcrucifiedwithChrist.-Galatians2:20

The Lord Jesus Christ acted in what He did as a great publicrepresentativeperson,andHisdyinguponthecrosswasthevirtualdyingofallHispeople.ThenallHissaintsrendereduntojusticewhatwasdue,andmadeanexpiationtodivinevengeanceforalltheirsins.TheapostleoftheGentiles delighted to think that as one ofChrist's chosen people, he diedupon the cross in Christ. He did more than believe this doctrinally, heaccepteditconfidently,restinghishopeuponit.HebelievedthatbyvirtueofChrist's death, he had satisfied divine justice, and found reconciliationwithGod.Beloved,whatablessedthingitiswhenthesoulcan,asitwere,stretchitselfuponthecrossofChrist,andfeel,"Iamdead;thelawhasslainme, and I am therefore free from its power, because inmySurety I havebornethecurse,andinthepersonofmySubstitutethewholethatthelawcoulddo,bywayofcondemnation,hasbeenexecuteduponme, for IamcrucifiedwithChrist."

But Paul meant evenmore than this. He not only believed in Christ'sdeath,andtrustedinit,butheactuallyfeltitspowerinhimselfincausingthecrucifixionofhisoldcorruptnature.Whenhesawthepleasuresofsin,hesaid,"Icannotenjoythese:Iamdeadtothem."SuchistheexperienceofeverytrueChristian.HavingreceivedChrist,heistothisworldasonewhoisutterlydead.Yet,while consciousofdeath to theworld, he can, at thesametime,exclaimwiththeapostle,"NeverthelessIlive."Heisfullyaliveunto God. The Christian's life is a matchless riddle. No worldling cancomprehend it; even the believer himself cannot understand it.Dead, yetalive! crucifiedwithChrist, andyet at the same time risenwithChrist innewnessof life!Unionwith the suffering, bleedingSaviour, anddeath totheworldandsin,aresoul-cheeringthings.Oformoreenjoymentofthem!

D e c e m b e r 1 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Orpahkissedhermother-in-law;butRuthclaveuntoher.-Ruth1:14

BothofthemhadanaffectionforNaomi,andthereforesetoutwithheruponherreturntothelandofJudah.Butthehouroftestcame;Naomimostunselfishlysetbeforeeachofthemthetrialswhichawaitedthem,andbadethemiftheycaredforeaseandcomforttoreturntotheirMoabitishfriends.At first both of them declared that they would cast in their lot with theLord's people; but upon still further considerationOrpahwithmuchgriefanda respectfulkiss lefthermother in law,andherpeople,andherGod,andwentbacktoheridolatrousfriends,whileRuthwithallherheartgaveherselfuptotheGodofhermotherinlaw.Itisonethingtolovethewaysof theLordwhenall is fair,andquiteanother tocleave to themunderalldiscouragements and difficulties. The kiss of outward profession is verycheap and easy, but the practical cleaving to the Lord,whichmust showitselfinholydecisionfortruthandholiness,isnotsosmallamatter.Howstandsthecasewithus,isourheartfixeduponJesus,isthesacrificeboundwithcordstothehornsofthealtar?Havewecountedthecost,andarewesolemnly ready to suffer allworldly loss for theMaster's sake?The aftergainwill be an abundant recompense, for Egypt's treasures are not to becompared with the glory to be revealed. Orpah is heard of no more; ingloriouseaseandidolatrouspleasureherlifemeltsintothegloomofdeath;butRuthlivesinhistoryandinheaven,forgracehasplacedherinthenoblelinewhencesprungtheKingofkings.Blessedamongwomenshallthosebewho for Christ's sake can renounce all; but forgotten and worse thanforgotten shall those be who in the hour of temptation do violence toconscienceandturnbackuntotheworld.Othatthismorningwemaynotbecontentwiththeformofdevotion,whichmaybenobetterthanOrpah'skiss,butmay theHolySpiritwork inusacleavingofourwholeheart toourLordJesus.

Thisevening'sverse:

Andlaythyfoundationswithsapphires.-Isaiah54:11

Not only that which is seen of the church of God, but that which isunseen, is fair andprecious.Foundations are out of sight, and so long asthey are firm it is not expected that they should be valuable; but inJehovah'sworkeverythingisofapiece,nothingslurred,nothingmean.Thedeepfoundationsoftheworkofgraceareassapphiresforpreciousness,nohumanmindisabletomeasuretheirglory.Webuilduponthecovenantofgrace,whichisfirmerthanadamant,andasenduringasjewelsuponwhichagespendsitselfinvain.Sapphirefoundationsareeternal,andthecovenantabides throughout the lifetimeof theAlmighty.Another foundation is theperson of the Lord Jesus, which is clear and spotless, everlasting andbeautiful as the sapphire; blending in one the deep blue of earth's everrollingoceanandtheazureofitsallembracingsky.OncemightourLordhavebeenlikenedtotherubyasHestoodcoveredwithHisownblood,butnowweseeHimradiantwiththesoftblueoflove, loveabounding,deep,eternal.OureternalhopesarebuiltuponthejusticeandthefaithfulnessofGod,whichareclearandcloudlessasthesapphire.Wearenotsavedbyacompromise,bymercydefeatingjustice,or lawsuspendingitsoperations;no, we defy the eagle's eye to detect a flaw in the groundwork of ourconfidence—ourfoundationisofsapphire,andwillendurethefire.

The Lord Himself has laid the foundation of His people's hopes. It ismatter for grave enquiry whether our hopes are built upon such a basis.Goodworksandceremoniesarenotafoundationofsapphires,butofwood,hay, and stubble; neither are they laid by God, but by our own conceit.Foundationswillallbetriederelong:woeuntohimwhoseloftytowershallcomedownwithacrash,becausebasedonaquicksand.Hewhoisbuiltonsapphiresmay await stormor firewith equanimity, for he shall abide thetest.

D e c e m b e r 1 6

Thismorning'sverse:

Comeuntome.-Matthew11:28

ThecryoftheChristianreligionisthegentleword,"Come."TheJewishlawharshlysaid,"Go,takeheeduntothystepsastothepathinwhichthoushaltwalk.Breakthecommandments,andthoushaltperish;keepthem,andthou shalt live." The lawwas a dispensation of terror, which drovemenbeforeitaswithascourge;thegospeldrawswithbandsoflove.JesusisthegoodShepherdgoingbeforeHissheep,biddingthemfollowHim,andeverleading themonwardswith the sweetword, "Come."The law repels, thegospelattracts.ThelawshowsthedistancewhichthereisbetweenGodandman;thegospelbridgesthatawfulchasm,andbringsthesinneracrossit.

From the firstmoment of your spiritual life until you are ushered intoglory,thelanguageofChristtoyouwillbe,"Come,comeuntome."Asamotherputsoutherfingertoherlittlechildandwoosittowalkbysaying,"Come,"evensodoesJesus.Hewillalwaysbeaheadofyou,biddingyoufollowHimasthesoldierfollowshiscaptain.Hewillalwaysgobeforeyouto pave yourway, and clear your path, and you shall hearHis animatingvoice calling you afterHim all through life;while in the solemnhour ofdeath,His sweetwordswithwhichHe shall usher you into the heavenlyworldshallbe—"Come,yeblessedofmyFather."

Nay,further,thisisnotonlyChrist'scrytoyou,but,ifyoubeabeliever,this is your cry toChrist—"Come! come!"Youwill be longing forHissecond advent; you will be saying, "Come quickly, even so come LordJesus."YouwillbepantingfornearerandclosercommunionwithHim.AsHisvoice toyou is "Come,"your response toHimwillbe, "Come,Lord,andabidewithme.Come,andoccupyalonethethroneofmyheart;reigntherewithoutarival,andconsecratemeentirelytoThyservice."

Thisevening'sverse:

Yea,thouheardestnot;yea,thouknewestnot;yea,fromthattimethatthineearwasnotopened.-Isaiah48:8

Itispainfultorememberthat,inacertaindegree,thisaccusationmaybelaid at the door of believers, who too often are in a measure spirituallyinsensible.WemaywellbewailourselvesthatwedonothearthevoiceofGodasweought,"Yea,thouheardestnot."TherearegentlemotionsoftheHolySpiritinthesoulwhichareunheededbyus:therearewhisperingsofdivinecommandandofheavenly lovewhicharealikeunobservedbyourleaden intellects. Alas! we have been carelessly ignorant — "Yea, thouknewest not." There are matters within which we ought to have seen,corruptionswhichhavemadeheadwayunnoticed; sweet affectionswhicharebeingblightedlikeflowersinthefrost,untendedbyus;glimpsesofthedivinefacewhichmightbeperceivedifwedidnotwallupthewindowsofoursoul.Butwe"havenotknown."Aswethinkofitwearehumbledinthedeepestself-abasement.HowmustweadorethegraceofGodaswelearnfrom the context that all this folly and ignorance, on our part, wasforeknown byGod, and, notwithstanding that foreknowledge,He yet hasbeen pleased to dealwith us in away ofmercy!Admire themarvelloussovereigngracewhichcouldhavechosenusinthesightofallthis!WonderatthepricethatwaspaidforuswhenChristknewwhatweshouldbe!Hewhohung upon the cross foresawus as unbelieving, backsliding, cold ofheart,indifferent,careless,laxinprayer,andyetHesaid,"IamtheLordthyGod, theHolyOneofIsrael, thySaviour . . .Since thouwastprecious inMysight,thouhastbeenhonourable,andIhavelovedthee:thereforewillIgivemenforthee,andpeopleforthylife"!Oredemption,howwondrouslyresplendent dost thou shine when we think how black we are! O HolySpirit,giveushenceforththehearingear,theunderstandingheart!

D e c e m b e r 1 7

Thismorning'sverse:

Irememberthee.-Jeremiah2:2

Let us note thatChrist delights to think uponHisChurch, and to lookuponherbeauty.Asthebirdreturnethoftentoitsnest,andasthewayfarerhastens tohishome,sodoth themindcontinuallypursue theobjectof itschoice.Wecannotlooktoooftenuponthatfacewhichwelove;wedesirealwaystohaveourpreciousthingsinoursight.ItisevensowithourLordJesus. From all eternity "His delights were with the sons of men"; HisthoughtsrolledonwardtothetimewhenHiselectshouldbebornintotheworld;HeviewedtheminthemirrorofHisforeknowledge."InThybook,"He says, "all my members were written, which in continuance werefashioned, when as yet there was none of them" (Ps. 139:16).When theworldwassetuponitspillars,Hewasthere,andHesettheboundsofthepeople according to the number of the children of Israel. Many a timebeforeHisincarnation,Hedescendedtothislowerearthinthesimilitudeofaman; on the plains ofMamre (Gen. 18), by the brook of Jabbok (Gen.32:24-30),beneaththewallsofJericho(Josh.5:13),andinthefieryfurnaceofBabylon(Dan.3:19,25),theSonofManvisitedHispeople.BecauseHissoul delighted in them,He could not rest away from them, forHis heartlonged after them. Never were they absent from His heart, for He hadwrittentheirnamesuponHishands,andgraventhemuponHisside.Asthebreastplate containing the names of the tribes of Israel was the mostbrilliant ornamentworn by the high priest, so the names ofChrist's electwereHismost precious jewels, andglitteredonHis heart.WemayoftenforgettomeditateupontheperfectionsofourLord,butHeneverceasestoremember us. Let us chide ourselves for past forgetfulness, and pray forgrace ever to bear Him in fondest remembrance. Lord, paint upon theeyeballsofmysoultheimageofThySon.

Thisevening'sverse:

Iamthedoor:byMeifanymanenterin,heshallbesaved,andshallgoinandout,andfindpasture.-John10:9

Jesus,thegreatIAM,istheentranceintothetruechurch,andthewayofaccesstoGodHimself.HegivestothemanwhocomestoGodbyHimfourchoiceprivileges.

1.Heshallbesaved.Thefugitivemanslayerpassedthegateofthecityofrefuge, andwas safe. Noah entered the door of the ark, andwas secure.NonecanbelostwhotakeJesusasthedooroffaithtotheirsouls.EntrancethroughJesusintopeaceistheguaranteeofentrancebythesamedoorintoheaven.Jesusistheonlydoor,anopendoor,awidedoor,asafedoor;andblessedishewhorestsallhishopeofadmissiontogloryuponthecrucifiedRedeemer.

2.Heshallgoin.Heshallbeprivilegedtogoinamongthedivinefamily,sharing the children's bread, and participating in all their honours andenjoyments.Heshallgointothechambersofcommunion,tothebanquetsoflove,tothetreasuresofthecovenant,tothestorehousesofthepromises.HeshallgoinuntotheKingofkingsinthepoweroftheHolySpirit,andthesecretoftheLordshallbewithhim.

3.Heshallgoout.Thisblessing ismuchforgotten.Wegoout into theworldtolabourandsuffer,butwhatamercytogointhenameandpowerof Jesus! We are called to bear witness to the truth, to cheer thedisconsolate,towarnthecareless,towinsouls,andtoglorifyGod;andastheangelsaidtoGideon,"Gointhisthymight,"eventhustheLordwouldhaveusproceedasHismessengersinHisnameandstrength.

4.Heshallfindpasture.HewhoknowsJesusshallneverwant.Goinginandoutshallbealikehelpfultohim:infellowshipwithGodheshallgrow,and inwateringothersheshallbewatered.HavingmadeJesushisall,heshallfindallinJesus.Hissoulshallbeasawateredgarden,andasawellofwaterwhosewatersfailnot.

D e c e m b e r 1 8

Thismorning'sverse:

Rendyourheart,andnotyourgarments.-Joel2:13

Garment-rendering and other outward signs of religious emotion, areeasilymanifestedandarefrequentlyhypocritical;buttofeeltruerepentanceisfarmoredifficult,andconsequentlyfarlesscommon.Menwillattendtothemostmultipliedandminuteceremonial regulations—for such thingsare pleasing to the flesh— but true religion is too humbling, too heart-searching, too thorough for the tastes of the carnal men; they prefersomethingmoreostentatious,flimsy,andworldly.Outwardobservancesaretemporarily comfortable; eye and ear are pleased; self-conceit is fed, andself-righteousnessispuffedup:buttheyareultimatelydelusive,forinthearticleofdeath,andatthedayofjudgment,thesoulneedssomethingmoresubstantial than ceremonies and rituals to lean upon. Apart from vitalgodlinessallreligionisutterlyvain;offeredwithoutasincereheart,everyformofworshipisasolemnshamandanimpudentmockeryofthemajestyofheaven.

HEART-RENDINGisdivinelywroughtandsolemnlyfelt. It isasecretgriefwhichispersonallyexperienced,notinmereform,butasadeep,soul-movingworkoftheHolySpiritupontheinmostheartofeachbeliever.Itisnot a matter to be merely talked of and believed in, but keenly andsensitively felt in every living child of the living God. It is powerfullyhumiliating,andcompletelysin-purging;but thenit issweetlypreparativefor thosegraciousconsolationswhichproudunhumbledspiritsareunableto receive;and it isdistinctlydiscriminating, for itbelongs to theelectofGod,andtothemalone.

Thetextcommandsustorendourhearts,buttheyarenaturallyhardasmarble:how,then,canthisbedone?WemusttakethemtoCalvary:adyingSaviour's voice rent the rocks once, and it is as powerful now.OblessedSpirit,letushearthedeath-criesofJesus,andourheartsshallberentevenasmenrendtheirvesturesinthedayoflamentation.

Thisevening'sverse:

Be thoudiligent to know the stateof thy flocks,and lookwell to thyherds.-Proverbs27:23

Everywisemerchantwilloccasionallyholdastock-taking,whenhewillcastuphisaccounts,examinewhathehasonhand,andascertaindecisivelywhetherhistradeisprosperousordeclining.Everymanwhoiswiseinthekingdomofheaven,willcry,"Searchme,OGod,andtryme";andhewillfrequently set apart special seasons for self-examination, to discoverwhether things are right between God and his soul. The God whom weworshipisagreatheart-searcher;andofoldHisservantsknewHimas"theLordwhichsearcheththeheartandtrieththereinsofthechildrenofmen."LetmestiryouupinHisnametomakediligentsearchandsolemntrialofyourstate,lestyoucomeshortofthepromisedrest.Thatwhicheverywisemandoes,thatwhichGodHimselfdoeswithusall,Iexhortyoutodowithyourselfthisevening.Lettheoldestsaintlookwelltothefundamentalsofhis piety, for grey heads may cover black hearts: and let not the youngprofessordespisethewordofwarning,forthegreennessofyouthmaybejoinedtotherottennessofhypocrisy.Everynowandthenacedarfallsintoourmidst.Theenemystillcontinuestosowtaresamongthewheat.Itisnotmyaimtointroducedoubtsandfearsintoyourmind;nay,verily,butIshallhopetherather that theroughwindofself-examinationmayhelptodrivethemaway.Itisnotsecurity,butcarnalsecurity,whichwewouldkill;notconfidence,butfleshlyconfidence,whichwewouldoverthrow;notpeace,butfalsepeace,whichwewoulddestroy.BythepreciousbloodofChrist,whichwasnotshedtomakeyouahypocrite,but thatsinceresoulsmightshowforthHispraise,Ibeseechyou,searchandlook,lestatthelastitbesaidofyou,"Mene,Mene,Tekel:thouartweighedinthebalances,andartfoundwanting."

D e c e m b e r 1 9

Thismorning'sverse:

The lot is cast into the lap,but thewholedisposing thereof isof theLord.-Proverbs16:33

If thedisposal of the lot is theLord'swhose is the arrangementof ourwhole life? If the a simple casting of a lot is guided byHim, howmuchmore the events of our entire life— especiallywhenwe are told by ourblessed Saviour: "The very hairs of your head are all numbered: not asparrow falleth to thegroundwithoutyourFather." Itwouldbringaholycalmoveryourmind,dearfriend,ifyouwerealwaystorememberthis.Itwouldsorelieveyourmindfromanxiety,thatyouwouldbethebetterabletowalkinpatience,quiet,andcheerfulnessasaChristianshould.Whenaman is anxious he cannot praywith faith;when he is troubled about theworld,hecannotservehisMaster,histhoughtsareservinghimself.Ifyouwould "seek first the kingdom of God andHis righteousness," all thingswould then be added unto you.You aremeddlingwithChrist's business,andneglectingyourownwhenyoufretaboutyour lotandcircumstances.You have been trying "providing"work and forgetting that it is yours toobey. Be wise and attend to the obeying, and let Christ manage theproviding.ComeandsurveyyourFather'sstorehouse,andaskwhetherHewill let you starve while He has laid up so great an abundance in Hisgarner?LookatHisheartofmercy;seeifthatcaneverproveunkind!LookatHisinscrutablewisdom;seeifthatwilleverbeatfault.Aboveall,lookuptoJesusChristyourIntercessor,andaskyourself,whileHepleads,canyourFatherdealungraciouslywithyou?IfHeremembersevensparrows,willHeforgetoneoftheleastofHispoorchildren?"CastthyburdenupontheLord,andHewillsustainthee.Hewillneversuffertherighteoustobemoved."

Mysoul,resthappyinthylowestate,Norhopenorwishtobeesteem'dorgreat;TotaketheimpressoftheWillDivine,

Bethatthyglory,andthoserichesthine.

Thisevening'sverse:

Andtherewasnomoresea.-Revelation21:1

Scarcelycouldwerejoiceatthethoughtoflosingthegloriousoldocean:thenewheavensandtheneweartharenonethefairertoourimagination,if,indeed, literally there is to be no great and wide sea, with its gleamingwaves and shelly shores. Is not the text to be read as ametaphor, tingedwith the prejudicewithwhich theOrientalmind universally regarded theseaintheoldentimes?Arealphysicalworldwithoutaseaitismournfultoimagine, it would be an iron ring without the sapphire which made itprecious.Theremustbeaspiritualmeaninghere.In thenewdispensationtherewillbenodivision—theseaseparatesnationsandsunderspeoplesfromeachother.ToJohninPatmosthedeepwaterswerelikeprisonwalls,shutting him out from his brethren and his work: there shall be no suchbarriersintheworldtocome.Leaguesofrollingbillowsliebetweenusandmanyakinsmanwhomto-nightweprayerfullyremember,butinthebrightworld to which we go there shall be unbroken fellowship for all theredeemed family. In this sense there shall benomore sea.The sea is theemblemofchange;with its ebbsand flows, itsglassy smoothnessand itsmountainousbillows, itsgentlemurmursand its tumultuousroarings, it isneverlongthesame.Slaveoftheficklewindsandthechangefulmoon,itsinstabilityisproverbial.Inthismortalstatewehavetoomuchofthis;earthisconstantonly inher inconstancy,but in theheavenlystateallmournfulchangeshallbeunknown,andwithitallfearofstormtowreckourhopesand drown our joys. The sea of glass glowswith a glory unbroken by awave.Notempesthowlsalongthepeacefulshoresofparadise.Soonshallwereachthathappylandwherepartings,andchanges,andstormsshallbeended! Jesuswillwaftus there.Arewe inHimornot?This is thegrandquestion.

D e c e m b e r 2 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Yea,Ihavelovedtheewithaneverlastinglove.-Jeremiah31:3

SometimestheLordJesustellsHisChurchHislovethoughts."Hedoesnot thinkitenoughbehindherbackto tell it,but inherverypresenceHesays,'Thouartallfair,mylove.'Itistrue,thisisnotHisordinarymethod;Heisawiselover,andknowswhentokeepbacktheintimationofloveandwhen to let itout;but thereare timeswhenHewillmakenosecretof it;timeswhenHewillputitbeyondalldisputeinthesoulsofHispeople"(R.Erskine's Sermons). TheHoly Spirit is often pleased, in amost graciousmanner, to witness with our spirits of the love of Jesus. He takes of thethings of Christ and reveals them unto us. No voice is heard from theclouds, andnovision is seen in thenight, butwehave a testimonymoresurethaneitherofthese.IfanangelshouldflyfromheavenandinformthesaintpersonallyoftheSaviour'slovetohim,theevidencewouldnotbeonewhitmore satisfactory than thatwhich is borne in the heart by theHolyGhost. Ask those of the Lord's peoplewho have lived the nearest to thegatesofheaven,andtheywilltellyouthattheyhavehadseasonswhenthelove of Christ towards them has been a fact so clear and sure, that theycouldnomoredoubt it thantheycouldquestiontheirownexistence.Yes,belovedbeliever,youandIhavehadtimesofrefreshingfromthepresenceof the Lord, and then our faith has mounted to the topmost heights ofassurance.Wehave had confidence to lean our heads upon the bosomofourLord,andwehavenomorequestionedourMaster'saffectiontousthanJohn did when in that blessed posture; nay, nor so much: for the darkquestion,"Lord,isitIthatshallbetraythee?"hasbeenputfarfromus.Hehas kissed uswith the kisses ofHismouth, and killed our doubts by theclosenessofHisembrace.Hislovehasbeensweeterthanwinetooursouls.

Thisevening'sverse:

Callthylabourers,andgivethemtheirhire.-Matthew20:8

Godisagoodpaymaster;HepaysHisservantswhileatworkaswellaswhen they have done it; and one of His payments is this: an easyconscience.IfyouhavespokenfaithfullyofJesustooneperson,whenyougotobedatnightyoufeelhappyin thinking,"Ihave thisdaydischargedmy conscience of that man's blood." There is a great comfort in doingsomething for Jesus.Oh,what a happiness to place jewels inHis crown,and give Him to see of the travail of His soul! There is also very greatrewardinwatchingthefirstbuddingsofconvictioninasoul!Tosayofthatgirl in theclass,"She is tenderofheart, Idohope that there is theLord'sworkwithin."Togohomeandprayover thatboy,whosaidsomething inthe afternoonwhichmade you think hemust knowmore of divine truththanyouhadfeared!Oh,thejoyofhope!Butasforthejoyofsuccess!itisunspeakable.Thisjoy,overwhelmingasitis,isahungrything—youpineformoreofit.Tobeasoul-winneristhehappiestthingintheworld.WitheverysoulyoubringtoChrist,yougetanewheavenuponearth.Butwhocan conceive the bliss which awaits us above! Oh, how sweet is thatsentence,"EnterthouintothejoyofthyLord!"Doyouknowwhatthejoyof Christ is over a saved sinner? This is the very joy which we are topossessinheaven.Yes,whenHemountsthethrone,youshallmountwithHim.Whentheheavensringwith"Welldone,welldone,"youshallpartakeinthereward;youhavetoiledwithHim,youhavesufferedwithHim,youshall now reignwithHim;youhave sownwithHim,you shall reapwithHim;yourfacewascoveredwithsweatlikeHis,andyoursoulwasgrievedfor the sins ofmen asHis soulwas, now shall your face be brightwithheaven'ssplendourasisHiscountenance,andnowshallyoursoulbefilledwithbeatificjoysevenasHissoulis.

D e c e m b e r 2 1

Thismorning'sverse:

YetHehathmadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant.-2Samuel23:5

This covenant is divine in its origin. "HE hath made with me aneverlasting covenant." Oh that great word HE! Stop, my soul. God, theeverlastingFather,haspositivelymadeacovenantwiththee;yes,thatGodwho spake the world into existence by a word; He, stooping from Hismajesty,takesholdofthyhandandmakesacovenantwiththee.Isitnotadeed, the stupendous condescension ofwhichmight ravish our hearts foreverifwecouldreallyunderstandit?"HEhathmadewithmeacovenant."Akinghasnotmadeacovenantwithme—thatweresomewhat;but thePrince of the kings of the earth, Shaddai, the Lord All-sufficient, theJehovah of ages, the everlasting Elohim, "He hath made with me aneverlastingcovenant."Butnotice,itisparticularinitsapplication."YethathHemadewithMEaneverlastingcovenant."Hereliesthesweetnessofittoeachbeliever.ItisnoughtformethatHemadepeacefortheworld;Iwantto knowwhetherHemade peace forme! It is little thatHe hathmade acovenant, I want to know whether He has made a covenant with me.BlessedistheassurancethatHehathmadeacovenantwithme!IfGodtheHolyGhostgivesmeassuranceofthis,thenHissalvationismine,Hisheartismine,HeHimselfismine—HeismyGod.

This covenant is everlasting in its duration. An everlasting covenantmeans a covenantwhich had no beginning, andwhich shall never, neverend. How sweet amidst all the uncertainties of life, to know that "thefoundationoftheLordstandethsure,"andtohaveGod'sownpromise,"Mycovenantwill Inotbreak,noralter the thing that isgoneoutofmy lips."LikedyingDavid,Iwillsingofthis,eventhoughmyhousebenotsowithGodasmyheartdesireth.

Thisevening'sverse:

Iclothedtheealsowithbroideredwork,andshodtheewithbadgers'skin,andIgirdedtheeaboutwith fine linen,andIcoveredtheewithsilk.-Ezekiel16:10

Seewithwhatmatchless generosity theLord provides forHis people'sapparel. They are so arrayed that the divine skill is seen producing anunrivalledbroideredwork,inwhicheveryattributetakesitspartandeverydivinebeautyisrevealed.Noartliketheartdisplayedinoursalvation,nocunning workmanship like that beheld in the righteousness of the saints.Justificationhasengrossedlearnedpensinallagesofthechurch,andwillbethethemeofadmirationineternity.Godhasindeed"curiouslywroughtit." With all this elaboration there is mingled utility and durability,comparabletoourbeingshodwithbadgers'skins.Theanimalheremeantisunknown,butitsskincoveredthetabernacle,andformedoneofthefinestandstrongest leathersknown.Therighteousnesswhich isofGodbyfaithendurethforever,andhewhoisshodwiththisdivinepreparationwilltreadthe desert safely, andmay even set his foot upon the lion and the adder.Purity and dignity of our holy vesture are brought out in the fine linen.WhentheLordsanctifiesHispeople,theyarecladaspriestsinpurewhite;notthesnowitselfexcelsthem;theyareintheeyesofmenandangelsfairtolookupon,andevenintheLord'seyestheyarewithoutspot.Meanwhilethe royal apparel is delicate and rich as silk. No expense is spared, nobeautywithheld,nodaintinessdenied.

What,then?Istherenoinferencefromthis?Surelythereisgratitudetobe felt and joy to be expressed. Come,my heart, refuse not thy eveninghallelujah!Tunethypipes!Touchthychords!

"Strangely,mysoul,artthouarrayedBytheGreatSacredThree!InsweetestharmonyofpraiseLetallthypowersagree."

D e c e m b e r 2 2

Thismorning'sverse:

Iwillstrengthenthee.-Isaiah41:10

Godhas a strong reservewithwhich todischarge this engagement; forHeisable todoall things.Believer, till thoucanstdraindry theoceanofomnipotence, till thou canst break into pieces the toweringmountains ofalmightystrength,thouneverneedesttofear.Thinknotthatthestrengthofman shall everbe able toovercome thepowerofGod.Whilst the earth'shugepillarsstand, thouhastenoughreasontoabidefirminthyfaith.ThesameGodwhodirectstheearthinitsorbit,whofeedstheburningfurnaceofthesun,andtrimsthelampsofheaven,haspromisedtosupplytheewithdailystrength.WhileHeisabletoupholdtheuniverse,dreamnotthatHewillproveunabletofulfilHisownpromises.RememberwhatHedidinthedaysofold,intheformergenerations.RememberhowHespakeanditwasdone; how He commanded, and it stood fast. Shall He that created theworldgrowweary?Hehangeththeworlduponnothing;shallHewhodoththisbeunabletosupportHischildren?ShallHebeunfaithfultoHiswordforwantofpower?Whois it thatrestrainsthetempest?DothnotHerideuponthewingsofthewind,andmakethecloudsHischariots,andholdtheoceaninthehollowofHishand?HowcanHefailthee?WhenHehasputsuchafaithfulpromiseasthisonrecord,wiltthouforamomentindulgethethought thatHehasoutpromisedHimself, andgonebeyondHispower tofulfil?Ah,no!Thoucanstdoubtnolonger.

OthouwhoartmyGodandmystrength,Icanbelievethatthispromiseshall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of Thy grace can never beexhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of Thy strength can never beemptiedbyThyfriendsorrifledbyThineenemies.

"Nowletthefeebleallbestrong,AndmakeJehovah'sarmtheirsong."

Thisevening'sverse:

ThespotofHischildren.-Deuteronomy32:5

What is the secret spot which infallibly betokens the child of God? Itwere vain presumption to decide this upon our own judgment; butGod'swordrevealsittous,andwemaytreadsurelywherewehaverevelationtobe our guide. Now, we are told concerning our Lord, "to as many asreceivedHim,tothemgaveHepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventoasmany as believedonHis name."Then, if I have receivedChrist Jesusintomyheart,IamachildofGod.ThatreceptionisdescribedinthesameverseasbelievingonthenameofJesusChrist.If,then,IbelieveonJesusChrist's name — that is, simply from my heart trust myself with thecrucified,butnowexalted,Redeemer,IamamemberofthefamilyoftheMostHigh.WhateverelseImaynothave,ifIhavethis,Ihavetheprivilegeto become a child ofGod.OurLord Jesus puts it in another shape. "MysheephearMyvoice,andIknowthem,and theyfollowMe."Here is thematterinanutshell.ChristappearsasashepherdtoHisownsheep,nottoothers.AssoonasHeappears,HisownsheepperceiveHim—theytrustHim,theyarepreparedtofollowHim;Heknowsthem,andtheyknowHim—thereisamutualknowledge—thereisaconstantconnectionbetweenthem.Thustheonemark,thesuremark,theinfalliblemarkofregenerationandadoptionisaheartyfaithintheappointedRedeemer.Reader,areyouindoubt, are you uncertain whether you bear the secret mark of God'schildren? Then let not an hour pass over your head till you have said,"Searchme,OGod,andknowmyheart."Triflenothere,Iadjureyou!Ifyou must trifle anywhere, let it be about some secondary matter: yourhealth, if youwill, or the title deeds of your estate; but about your soul,your never-dying soul and its eternal destinies, I beseech you to be inearnest.Makesureworkforeternity.

D e c e m b e r 2 3

Thismorning'sverse:

Friend,gouphigher.-Luke14:10

Whenfirstthelifeofgracebeginsinthesoul,wedoindeeddrawneartoGod,butitiswithgreatfearandtrembling.Thesoulconsciousofguilt,andhumbledthereby,isoverawedwiththesolemnityofitsposition;itiscasttotheearthbyasenseofthegrandeurofJehovah,inwhosepresenceitstands.Withunfeignedbashfulnessittakesthelowestroom.

But,inafterlife,astheChristiangrowsingrace,althoughhewillneverforgetthesolemnityofhisposition,andwillneverlosethatholyawewhichmustencompassagraciousmanwhenheisinthepresenceoftheGodwhocan create or can destroy; yet his fear has all its terror taken out of it; itbecomes a holy reverence, and no more an overshadowing dread. He iscalleduphigher,togreateraccesstoGodinChristJesus.ThenthemanofGod,walking amid the splendours ofDeity, and veiling his face like thegloriouscherubim,with those twinwings, thebloodand righteousnessofJesusChrist,will, reverent and bowed in spirit, approach the throne; andseeingthereaGodoflove,ofgoodness,andofmercy,hewillrealizeratherthecovenantcharacterofGodthanHisabsoluteDeity.HewillseeinGodratherHisgoodness thanHisgreatness,andmoreofHis love thanofHismajesty.Thenwill the soul, bowing still ashumbly as aforetime, enjoy amoresacred libertyof intercession;forwhileprostratebefore thegloryofthe Infinite God, it will be sustained by the refreshing consciousness ofbeing in the presence of boundless mercy and infinite love, and by therealizationof acceptance "in theBeloved."Thus thebeliever isbidden tocomeuphigher,andisenabledtoexercisetheprivilegeofrejoicinginGod,anddrawingneartoHiminholyconfidence,saying,"Abba,Father."

"Somaywegofromstrengthtostrength,Anddailygrowingrace,TillinThineimageraisedatlength,WeseeTheefacetoface."

Thisevening'sverse:

ThenightalsoisThine.-Psalm74:16

Yes,Lord,ThoudostnotabdicateThythronewhenthesungoethdown,nordostThouleavetheworldallthroughtheselongwintrynightstobethepreyofevil;Thineeyeswatchusasthestars,andThinearmssurroundusasthezodiacbeltsthesky.Thedewsofkindlysleepandalltheinfluencesof themoonare inThyhand,and thealarmsandsolemnitiesofnightareequallywith Thee. This is very sweet tomewhenwatching through themidnighthours,or tossing toandfro inanguish.Therearepreciousfruitsputforthbythemoonaswellasbythesun:maymyLordmakemetobeafavouredpartakerinthem.

ThenightofafflictionisasmuchunderthearrangementandcontroloftheLordofLoveasthebrightsummerdayswhenallisbliss.Jesusisinthetempest.Hislovewrapsthenightaboutitselfasamantle,buttotheeyeoffaith thesable robe isscarceadisguise.Fromthe firstwatchof thenighteven unto the break of day the eternalWatcher observes His saints, andoverrules the shadesanddewsofmidnight forHispeople'shighestgood.Webelieveinnorivaldeitiesofgoodandevilcontendingforthemastery,but we hear the voice of Jehovah saying, "I create light and I createdarkness;I,theLord,doallthesethings."

Gloomyseasonsofreligiousindifferenceandsocialsinarenotexemptedfromthedivinepurpose.Whenthealtarsoftrutharedefiled,andthewaysofGodforsaken,theLord'sservantsweepwithbittersorrow,buttheymaynotdespair,forthedarkesterasaregovernedbytheLord,andshallcometotheir end atHis bidding.Whatmay seem defeat to usmay be victory toHim.

"Thoughenwraptingloomynight,Weperceivenorayoflight;SincetheLordHimselfishere,'Tisnotmeetthatweshouldfear."

D e c e m b e r 2 4

Thismorning'sverse:

Foryoursakeshebecamepoor.-2Corinthians8:9

The Lord Jesus Christ was eternally rich, glorious, and exalted; but"thoughHewasrich,yetforyoursakesHebecamepoor."Astherichsaintcannot be true in his communion with his poor brethren unless of hissubstanceheministers to theirnecessities, so (the same ruleholdingwiththe head as between themembers), it is impossible that ourDivineLordcouldhavehadfellowshipwithusunlessHehadimpartedtousofHisownaboundingwealth,andhadbecomepoortomakeusrich.HadHeremainedupon His throne of glory, and had we continued in the ruins of the fallwithout receivingHis salvation, communionwould have been impossibleonboth sides.Ourpositionby the fall, apart from the covenant of grace,madeitasimpossibleforfallenmantocommunicatewithGodasitisforBelial to be in concord with Christ. In order, therefore, that communionmightbecompassed,itwasnecessarythattherichkinsmanshouldbestowhisestateuponhispoorrelatives,thattherighteousSaviourshouldgivetoHis sinning brethren of His own perfection, and that we, the poor andguilty,shouldreceiveofHisfulnessgraceforgrace;thatthusingivingandreceiving, theOnemight descend from the heights, and the other ascendfrom thedepths, and sobe able to embrace eachother in true andheartyfellowship.PovertymustbeenrichedbyHiminwhomareinfinitetreasuresbeforeitcanventuretocommune;andguiltmustloseitselfinimputedandimparted righteousness ere the soul can walk in fellowship with purity.Jesus must clothe His people in His own garments, or He cannot admitthemintoHispalaceofglory;andHemustwashtheminHisownblood,orelsetheywillbetoodefiledfortheembraceofHisfellowship.

Obeliever,herein is love!Foryoursake theLordJesus"becamepoor"thatHemightliftyouupintocommunionwithHimself.

Thisevening'sverse:

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see ittogether.-Isaiah40:5

WeanticipatethehappydaywhenthewholeworldshallbeconvertedtoChrist;whenthegodsoftheheathenshallbecasttothemolesandthebats;whenRomanism shall be exploded, and the crescent ofMohammed shallwane,neveragaintocastitsbalefulraysuponthenations;whenkingsshallbow down before the Prince of Peace, and all nations shall call theirRedeemer blessed. Some despair of this. They look upon theworld as avesselbreakingupandgoingtopieces,nevertofloatagain.Weknowthattheworldandallthatisthereinisonedaytobeburntup,andafterwardswelookfornewheavensandforanewearth;butwecannot readourBibleswithouttheconvictionthat—

"Jesusshallreignwhere'erthesunDoeshissuccessivejourneysrun."

We are not discouraged by the length of His delays; we are notdisheartenedbythelongperiodwhichHeallots tothechurchinwhichtostrugglewithlittlesuccessandmuchdefeat.WebelievethatGodwillneversuffer thisworld,which has once seenChrist's blood shed upon it, to bealwaysthedevil'sstronghold.Christcamehithertodeliverthisworldfromthe detested sway of the powers of darkness.What a shout shall that bewhenmenandangelsshallunitetocry"Hallelujah,hallelujah,fortheLordGodOmnipotentreigneth!"Whatasatisfactionwillitbeinthatdaytohavehadashareinthefight,tohavehelpedtobreakthearrowsofthebow,andtohaveaidedinwinningthevictoryforourLord!HappyaretheywhotrustthemselveswiththisconqueringLord,andwhofightsidebysidewithHim,doingtheirlittleinHisnameandbyHisstrength!Howunhappyarethoseonthesideofevil!Itisalosingside,anditisamatterwhereintoloseistoloseandtobelostforever.Onwhosesideareyou?

D e c e m b e r 2 5

Thismorning'sverse:

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call hisnameImmanuel.-Isaiah7:14

Let us to-day go down toBethlehem, and in companywithwonderingshepherds and adoringMagi, let us see Him who was born King of theJews,forwebyfaithcanclaimaninterestinHim,andcansing,"Untousachildisborn,untousasonisgiven."JesusisJehovahincarnate,ourLordandourGod,andyetourbrotherandfriend;letusadoreandadmire.Letusnotice at the very first glance Hismiraculous conception. It was a thingunheardofbefore,andunparalleledsince,thatavirginshouldconceiveandbearaSon.The firstpromise ran thus, "Theseedof thewoman,"not theoffspringoftheman.Sinceventurouswomanledthewayinthesinwhichbrought forthParadise lost, she, and she alone, ushers in theRegainer ofParadise.OurSaviour,althoughtrulyman,wasastoHishumannaturetheHoly One of God. Let us reverently bow before the holy Child whoseinnocence restores tomanhood its ancient glory; and let us pray that Hemay be formed in us, the hope of glory. Fail not to note His humbleparentage. His mother has been described simply as "a virgin," not aprincess,orprophetess,noramatronoflargeestate.Truethebloodofkingsraninherveins;norwashermindaweakanduntaughtone,forshecouldsingmostsweetlyasongofpraise;butyethowhumbleherposition,howpoor the man to whom she stood affianced, and how miserable theaccommodationaffordedtothenew-bornKing!

Immanuel,Godwithusinournature,inoursorrow,inourlifework,inourpunishment,inourgrave,andnowwithus,orratherwewithHim,inresurrection,ascension,triumph,andSecondAdventsplendour.

Thisevening'sverse:

And itwas so,when thedaysof their feastingweregoneabout, thatJob sentand sanctified them,and roseup early in themorning,andofferedburnt offerings according to the number of themall: for Jobsaid, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in theirhearts.ThusdidJobcontinually.-Job1:5

Whatthepatriarchdidearlyinthemorning,afterthefamilyfestivities,itwillbewellforthebelievertodoforhimselferehereststonight.Amidthecheerfulnessofhouseholdgatheringsit iseasytoslideintosinful levities,andtoforgetouravowedcharacterasChristians.Itoughtnottobeso,butso it is, that our days of feasting are very seldom days of sanctifiedenjoyment,buttoofrequentlydegenerateintounhallowedmirth.Thereisaway of joy as pure and sanctifying as though one bathed in the rivers ofEden:holygratitudeshouldbequiteaspurifyinganelementasgrief.Alas!for our poor hearts, that facts prove that the house ofmourning is betterthanthehouseoffeasting.Come,believer,inwhathaveyousinnedto-day?Haveyoubeenforgetfulofyourhighcalling?Haveyoubeenevenasothersin idle words and loose speeches? Then confess the sin, and fly to thesacrifice. The sacrifice sanctifies. The precious blood of the Lamb slainremovestheguilt,andpurgesawaythedefilementofoursinsofignoranceand carelessness. This is the best ending of a Christmas-day— to washanewinthecleansingfountain.Believer,cometothissacrificecontinually;if itbe sogood to-night, it isgoodeverynight.To liveat thealtar is theprivilegeoftheroyalpriesthood;tothemsin,greatasitis,isneverthelessno cause for despair, since they draw near yet again to the sin-atoningvictim,andtheirconscienceispurgedfromdeadworks.

GladlyIclosethisfestiveday,Graspingthealtar'shallow'dhorn;Myslipsandfaultsarewashedaway,TheLambhasallmytrespassborne.

D e c e m b e r 2 6

Thismorning'sverse:

ThelastAdam.-1Corinthians15:45

JesusisthefederalheadofHiselect.AsinAdam,everyheiroffleshandblood has a personal interest, because he is the covenant head andrepresentativeof the raceasconsideredunder the lawofworks; sounderthe lawofgrace, every redeemedsoul isonewith theLord fromheaven,sinceHeistheSecondAdam,theSponsorandSubstituteoftheelectinthenewcovenantoflove.TheapostlePauldeclaresthatLeviwasintheloinsof Abraham when Melchizedek met him: it is a certain truth that thebelieverwasintheloinsofJesusChrist,theMediator,wheninoldeternitythecovenantsettlementsofgraceweredecreed,ratified,andmadesureforever.Thus,whateverChristhathdone,HehathwroughtforthewholebodyofHisChurch.WewerecrucifiedinHimandburiedwithHim(readCol.2:10-13),and tomake it stillmorewonderful,weare risenwithHimandevenascendedwithHimtotheseatsonhigh(Eph.2:6).ItisthusthattheChurchhasfulfilledthelaw,andis"acceptedinthebeloved."ItisthusthatsheisregardedwithcomplacencybythejustJehovah,forHeviewsherinJesus,anddoesnotlookuponherasseparatefromhercovenanthead.AstheAnointedRedeemerofIsrael,ChristJesushasnothingdistinctfromHisChurch,butallthatHehasHeholdsforher.Adam'srighteousnesswasoursso long as he maintained it, and his sin was ours the moment that hecommittedit;andinthesamemanner,allthattheSecondAdamisordoes,is ours as well as His, seeing that He is our representative. Here is thefoundationofthecovenantofgrace.Thisgracioussystemofrepresentationandsubstitution,whichmovedJustinMartyrtocryout,"Oblessedchange,O sweet permutation!" this is the very groundwork of the gospel of oursalvation,andistobereceivedwithstrongfaithandrapturousjoy.

Thisevening'sverse:

Lo,Iamwithyoualway.-Matthew28:20

The Lord Jesus is in the midst of His church; He walketh among thegoldencandlesticks;Hispromise is, "Lo, I amwithyoualway."He is assurelywithusnowasHewaswiththedisciplesatthelake,whentheysawcoalsoffire,andfishlaidthereonandbread.Notcarnally,butstill inrealtruth, Jesus iswith us.And a blessed truth it is, forwhere Jesus is, lovebecomes inflamed. Of all the things in the world that can set the heartburning, there isnothing like thepresenceofJesus!AglimpseofHimsoovercomesus,thatwearereadytosay,"TurnawayThineeyesfromme,fortheyhaveovercomeme."Eventhesmellof thealoes,andthemyrrh,andthecassia,whichdropfromHisperfumedgarments,causesthesickandthefainttogrowstrong.Lettherebebutamoment'sleaningoftheheaduponthatgraciousbosom,andareceptionofHisdivineloveintoourpoorcoldhearts, andwe are cold no longer, but glow like seraphs, equal to everylabour, and capable of every suffering. Ifwe know that Jesus iswith us,everypowerwillbedeveloped,andeverygracewillbestrengthened,andwe shall cast ourselves into the Lord's service with heart, and soul, andstrength;thereforeisthepresenceofChristtobedesiredaboveallthings.HispresencewillbemostrealizedbythosewhoaremostlikeHim.IfyoudesiretoseeChrist,youmustgrowinconformitytoHim.Bringyourself,bythepoweroftheSpirit,intounionwithChrist'sdesires,andmotives,andplans of action, and you are likely to be favoured with His company.RememberHis presencemay be had.His promise is as true as ever. Hedelightstobewithus.IfHedothnotcome,itisbecausewehinderHimbyour indifference. He will reveal Himself to our earnest prayers, andgraciouslysufferHimselftobedetainedbyourentreaties,andbyourtears,forthesearethegoldenchainswhichbindJesustoHispeople.

D e c e m b e r 2 7

Thismorning'sverse:

Cantherushgrowupwithoutmire?-Job8:11

The rush is spongyandhollow, and even so is ahypocrite; there is nosubstanceorstability inhim. It isshaken toandfro ineverywind justasformalistsyieldtoeveryinfluence;forthisreasontherushisnotbrokenbythe tempest,neither arehypocrites troubledwithpersecution. Iwouldnotwillingly be a deceiver or be deceived; perhaps the text for this daymayhelpme to trymyselfwhether Ibeahypocriteorno.The rushbynaturelivesinwater,andowesitsveryexistencetothemireandmoisturewhereinithastakenroot;letthemirebecomedry,andtherushwithersveryquickly.Its greenness is absolutely dependent upon circumstances, a presentabundanceofwatermakesitflourish,andadroughtdestroysitatonce.Isthismycase?DoIonlyserveGodwhenIamingoodcompany,orwhenreligion is profitable and respectable? Do I love the Lord only whentemporalcomfortsarereceivedfromHishands?IfsoIamabasehypocrite,and like the withering rush, I shall perish when death deprives me ofoutward joys. But can I honestly assert that when bodily comforts havebeenfew,andmysurroundingshavebeenratheradversetogracethanatallhelpfultoit,Ihavestillheldfastmyintegrity?thenhaveIhopethatthereisgenuine vital godliness in me. The rush cannot grow without mire, butplantsoftheLord'srighthandplantingcananddoflourishevenintheyearofdrought.Agodlymanoftengrowsbestwhenhisworldlycircumstancesdecay.Hewho followsChrist forhisbag isa Judas; theywho followforloavesandfishesarechildrenofthedevil;buttheywhoattendHimoutoflove to Himself are His own beloved ones. Lord, let me findmy life inThee,andnotinthemireofthisworld'sfavourorgain.

Thisevening'sverse:

AndtheLORDshallguidetheecontinually.-Isaiah58:11

"The Lord shall guide thee."Not an angel, but JEHOVAH shall guidethee.HesaidHewouldnotgothroughthewildernessbeforeHispeople,anangelshouldgobefore themto lead themin theway;butMosessaid,"IfThypresencegonotwithme,carryusnotuphence."Christian,Godhasnotleftyouinyourearthlypilgrimagetoanangel'sguidance:HeHimselfleads the van.Youmay not see the cloudy, fiery pillar, but Jehovahwillnever forsakeyou.Notice theword shall—"TheLord shallguide thee."Howcertainthismakesit!HowsureitisthatGodwillnotforsakeus!Hisprecious"shalls"and"wills"arebetterthanmen'soaths."Iwillneverleavethee, nor forsake thee." Then observe the adverb continually.We are notmerelytobeguidedsometimes,butwearetohaveaperpetualmonitor;notoccasionallytobelefttoourownunderstanding,andsotowander,butwearecontinuallytoheartheguidingvoiceoftheGreatShepherd;andifwefollowcloseatHisheels,weshallnoterr,butbeledbyarightwaytoacityto dwell in. If you have to change your position in life; if you have toemigratetodistantshores;ifitshouldhappenthatyouarecastintopoverty,orupliftedsuddenlyintoamoreresponsiblepositionthantheoneyounowoccupy;ifyouarethrownamongstrangers,orcastamongfoes,yettremblenot,for"theLordshallguidetheecontinually."TherearenodilemmasoutofwhichyoushallnotbedeliveredifyouliveneartoGod,andyourheartbekeptwarmwithholylove.HegoesnotamisswhogoesinthecompanyofGod. Like Enoch,walkwithGod, and you cannotmistake your road.Youhaveinfalliblewisdomtodirectyou,immutablelovetocomfortyou,andeternalpowertodefendyou."Jehovah"—marktheword—"Jehovahshallguidetheecontinually."

D e c e m b e r 2 8

Thismorning'sverse:

ThelifewhichInowliveintheflesh,I livebythefaithoftheSonofGod.-Galatians2:20

WhentheLordinmercypassedbyandsawusinourblood,Hefirstofallsaid,"Live";andthisHedidfirst,becauselife isoneof theabsolutelyessential things in spiritual matters, and until it be bestowed we areincapable of partaking in the things of the kingdom.Now the lifewhichgrace confers upon the saints at themoment of their quickening is noneotherthanthelifeofChrist,which,likethesapfromthestem,runsintous,the branches, and establishes a living connection between our souls andJesus.Faithisthegracewhichperceivesthisunion,havingproceededfromitasitsfirstfruit.ItistheneckwhichjoinsthebodyoftheChurchtoitsall-gloriousHead.

"OhFaith!thoubondofunionwiththeLord,Isnotthisofficethine?andthyfitname,Intheeconomyofgospeltypes,Andsymbolsapposite—theChurch'sneck;IdentifyingherinwillandworkWithHimascended?"

Faith laysholdupon theLord Jesuswith a firmanddeterminedgrasp.SheknowsHisexcellenceandworth,andnotemptationcaninducehertorepose her trust elsewhere; and Christ Jesus is so delighted with thisheavenlygrace, thatHeneverceases to strengthenandsustainherby thelovingembraceandall-sufficientsupportofHiseternalarms.Here,then,isestablishedaliving,sensible,anddelightfulunionwhichcastsforthstreamsof love, confidence, sympathy, complacency, and joy, whereof both thebrideandbridegroomlovetodrink.WhenthesoulcanevidentlyperceivethisonenessbetweenitselfandChrist,thepulsemaybefeltasbeatingforboth,andtheonebloodasflowingthroughtheveinsofeach.Thenis theheartasnearheavenasitcanbeonearth,andispreparedfortheenjoymentofthemostsublimeandspiritualkindoffellowship.

Thisevening'sverse:

Icamenottosendpeaceonearth,butasword.-Matthew10:34

TheChristianwillbesuretomakeenemies.Itwillbeoneofhisobjectstomakenone;butiftodotheright,andtobelievetheItrue,shouldcausehimtoloseeveryearthlyfriend,hewillcountitbutasmallloss,sincehisgreatFriendinheavenwillbeyetmorefriendly,andrevealHimselftohimmoregraciouslythanever.OyewhohavetakenupHiscross,knowyenotwhat yourMaster said? "I am come to set aman at variance against hisfather,andthedaughteragainsthermother;andaman'sfoesshallbetheyofhisownhousehold."ChrististhegreatPeacemaker;butbeforepeace,Hebringswar.Where the lightcometh, thedarknessmustretire.Where truthis,theliemustflee;or,ifitabideth,theremustbeasternconflict,forthetruth cannot andwill not lower its standard, and the liemust be troddenunder foot. Ifyou followChrist,you shallhaveall thedogsof theworldyelpingatyourheels. Ifyouwould live soas to stand the testof the lasttribunal,dependuponittheworldwillnotspeakwellofyou.Hewhohasthe friendship of the world is an enemy to God; but if you are true andfaithfultotheMostHigh,menwillresentyourunflinchingfidelity,sinceitis a testimony against their iniquities. Fearless of all consequences, youmust do the right. You will need the courage of a lion unhesitatingly topursueacoursewhichshallturnyourbestfriendintoyourfiercestfoe;butfor the loveofJesusyoumust thusbecourageous.For the truth's sake tohazardreputationandaffection,issuchadeedthattodoitconstantlyyouwillneedadegreeofmoralprinciplewhichonlytheSpiritofGodcanworkinyou;yetturnnotyourbacklikeacoward,butplaytheman.FollowrightmanfullyinyourMaster'ssteps,forHehastraversedthisroughwaybeforeyou.Betterabriefwarfareandeternalrest,thanfalsepeaceandeverlastingtorment.

D e c e m b e r 2 9

Thismorning'sverse:

HithertohaththeLordhelpedus.-1Samuel7:12

Theword "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of thepast. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, "hitherto the Lord hath helped!"Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, athome,abroad,ontheland,onthesea,inhonour,indishonour,inperplexity,injoy,intrial,intriumph,inprayer,intemptation,"hithertohaththeLordhelpedus!"Wedelighttolookdownalongavenueoftrees.Itisdelightfultogazefromendtoendofthelongvista,asortofverdanttemple,withitsbranchingpillarsanditsarchesofleaves;evensolookdownthelongaislesofyouryears,atthegreenboughsofmercyoverhead,andthestrongpillarsof lovingkindness and faithfulnesswhichbearupyour joys.Are therenobirdsinyonderbranchessinging?Surelytheremustbemany,andtheyallsingofmercyreceived"hitherto."

But thewordalsopoints forward.Forwhenamangetsup toacertainmarkandwrites"hitherto,"heisnotyetattheend,thereisstilladistancetobe traversed.More trials,more joys;more temptations,more triumphs;moreprayers,moreanswers;more toils,morestrength;morefights,morevictories;and thencomesickness,oldage,disease,death. Is itovernow?No! there ismoreyet-awakening in Jesu's likeness, thrones,harps, songs,psalms,whiteraiment,thefaceofJesus,thesocietyofsaints,thegloryofGod, the fulness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. O be of good courage,believer,andwithgratefulconfidenceraisethy"Ebenezer,"for—

HewhohathhelpedtheehithertoWillhelptheeallthyjourneythrough.

Whenreadinheaven'slighthowgloriousandmarvellousaprospectwillthy"hitherto"unfoldtothygratefuleye!

Thisevening'sverse:

WhatthinkyeofChrist?-Matthew22:42

Thegreattestofyoursoul'shealthis,WhatthinkyouofChrist?IsHetoyou"fairerthanthechildrenofmen"—"thechiefamongtenthousand"—the"altogetherlovely"?WhereverChrististhusesteemed,allthefacultiesof thespiritualmanexercise themselveswithenergy. Iwill judgeofyourpiety by this barometer: does Christ stand high or lowwith you? If youhave thought littleofChrist, ifyouhavebeencontent to livewithoutHispresence,ifyouhavecaredlittleforHishonour,ifyouhavebeenneglectfulofHislaws,thenIknowthatyoursoulissick—Godgrantthatitmaynotbesickuntodeath!Butifthefirstthoughtofyourspirithasbeen,HowcanIhonour Jesus? If thedailydesireofyour soulhasbeen, "O that I knewwhere I might find Him!" I tell you that you may have a thousandinfirmities,andevenscarcelyknowwhetheryouareachildofGodatall,andyet I ampersuaded,beyondadoubt, thatyouare safe, since Jesus isgreatinyouresteem.Icarenotforthyrags,whatthinkestthouofHisroyalapparel? I care not for thy wounds, though they bleed in torrents, whatthinkestthouofHiswounds?aretheylikeglitteringrubiesinthineesteem?Ithinknonethelessofthee,thoughthouliestlikeLazarusonthedunghill,andthedogsdolickthee—Ijudgetheenotbythypoverty:whatthinkestthouoftheKinginHisbeauty?HasHeaglorioushighthroneinthyheart?WouldstthousetHimhigherifthoucouldst?Wouldstthoubewillingtodieif thoucouldstbut addanother trumpet to the strainwhichproclaimsHispraise?Ah!thenitiswellwiththee.Whateverthoumaystthinkofthyself,ifChristbegreattothee,thoushaltbewithHimerelong.

"Thoughalltheworldmychoicederide,YetJesusshallmyportionbe;ForIampleasedwithnonebeside,ThefairestofthefairisHe"

D e c e m b e r 3 0

Thismorning'sverse:

Better is theendofa thingthanthebeginningthereof.-Ecclesiastes7:8

LookatDavid'sLord andMaster; seeHisbeginning.Hewasdespisedand rejected ofmen; amanof sorrows and acquaintedwith grief.Wouldyou see the end? He sits at His Father's right hand, expecting until Hisenemiesbemadehisfootstool."AsHeis,soarewealsointhisworld."Youmust bear the cross, or you shall never wear the crown; youmust wadethroughthemire,oryoushallneverwalkthegoldenpavement.Cheerup,then, poor Christian. "Better is the end of a thing than the beginningthereof."Seethatcreepingworm,howcontemptibleitsappearance!Itisthebeginningofathing.Markthatinsectwithgorgeouswings,playinginthesunbeams,sippingattheflowerbells,fullofhappinessandlife;thatistheend thereof. That caterpillar is yourself, until you are wrapped up in thechrysalisofdeath;butwhenChristshallappearyoushallbelikeHim,foryoushallseeHimasHeis.BecontenttobelikeHim,awormandnoman,thatlikeHimyoumaybesatisfiedwhenyouwakeupinHislikeness.Thatrough-lookingdiamondisputuponthewheelofthelapidary.Hecutsitonall sides. It losesmuch—much that seemed costly to itself.Theking iscrowned;thediademisputuponthemonarch'sheadwithtrumpet'sjoyfulsound.A glittering ray flashes from that coronet, and it beams from thatverydiamondwhichwasjustnowsosorelyvexedbythelapidary.Youmayventure to compareyourself to suchadiamond, foryouareoneofGod'speople; and this is the time of the cutting process.Let faith and patiencehavetheirperfectwork,forinthedaywhenthecrownshallbesetupontheheadoftheKing,Eternal,Immortal,Invisible,onerayofgloryshallstreamfromyou."TheyshallbeMine,"saiththeLord,"inthedaywhenImakeupMyjewels.""Betteristheendofathingthanthebeginningthereof."

Thisevening'sverse:

Knowestthounotthatitwillbebitternessinthelatterend?-2Samuel2:26

If,Omyreader!thouartmerelyaprofessor,andnotapossessorofthefaiththatisinChristJesus,thefollowinglinesareatrueketchofthineend.

You are a respectable attendant at a place ofworship; you go becauseothersgo,notbecauseyourheartisrightwithGod.Thisisyourbeginning.Iwillsupposethatforthenexttwentyorthirtyyearsyouwillbesparedtogoonasyoudonow,professingreligionbyanoutwardattendanceuponthemeansofgrace,buthavingnoheart inthematter.Treadsoftly,forImustshow you the deathbed of such a one as yourself. Let us gaze upon himgently.Aclammysweatisonhisbrow,andhewakesupcrying,"OGod,itis hard to die.Did you send formyminister?" "Yes, he is coming."Theminister comes. "Sir, I fear that I am dying!" "Have you any hope?" "IcannotsaythatIhave.IfeartostandbeforemyGod;oh!prayforme."Theprayerisofferedforhimwithsincereearnestness,andthewayofsalvationisfortheten-thousandthtimeputbeforehim,butbeforehehasgraspedtherope,Iseehimsink.Imayputmyfingeruponthosecoldeyelids,fortheywillneverseeanythinghereagain.Butwhereistheman,andwherearetheman's true eyes? It is written, "In hell he lifted up his eyes, being intorment."Ah!whydidhenot liftuphis eyesbefore?Becausehewas soaccustomed to hear the gospel that his soul slept under it. Alas! if youshould lift up your eyes there, how bitter will be your wailings. Let theSaviour'sownwordsrevealthewoe:"FatherAbraham,sendLazarus,thathemay dip the tip of his finger in water, and coolmy tongue, for I amtormentedinthisflame."Thereisafrightfulmeaninginthosewords.MayyouneverhavetospellitoutbytheredlightofJehovah'swrath!

D e c e m b e r 3 1

Thismorning'sverse:

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried,saying,ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntoMeanddrink.-John7:37

PatiencehadherperfectworkintheLordJesus,anduntilthelastdayofthefeastHepleadedwiththeJews,evenasonthislastdayoftheyearHepleads with us, and waits to be gracious to us. Admirable indeed is thelongsuffering of the Saviour in bearing with some of us year after year,notwithstanding our provocations, rebellions, and resistance of His HolySpirit.Wonderofwondersthatwearestillinthelandofmercy!

Pity expressed herselfmost plainly, for Jesus cried, which implies notonlytheloudnessofHisvoice,butthetendernessofHistones.Heentreatsus tobereconciled."Weprayyou,"says theApostle,"as thoughGoddidbeseechyoubyus."Whatearnest,pathetictermsarethese!HowdeepmustbethelovewhichmakestheLordweepoversinners,andlikeamotherwooHis children to His bosom! Surely at the call of such a cry our willingheartswillcome.

Provisionismademostplenteously;allisprovidedthatmancanneedtoquenchhis soul's thirst.Tohis conscience the atonementbringspeace; tohisunderstandingthegospelbringstherichestinstruction;tohisheart thepersonofJesusisthenoblestobjectofaffection;tothewholemanthetruthasitisinJesussuppliesthepurestnutriment.Thirstisterrible,butJesuscanremoveit.Thoughthesoulwereutterlyfamished,Jesuscouldrestoreit.

Proclamationismademostfreely,thateverythirstyoneiswelcome.Noother distinction is made but that of thirst. Whether it be the thirst ofavarice, ambition, pleasure, knowledge, or rest, hewho suffers from it isinvited.Thethirstmaybebadinitself,andbenosignofgrace,butratheramarkofinordinatesinlongingtobegratifiedwithdeeperdraughtsoflust;but it isnotgoodness in thecreaturewhichbringshim the invitation, theLordJesussendsitfreely,andwithoutrespectofpersons.

Personalityisdeclaredmostfully.ThesinnermustcometoJesus,nottoworks,ordinances,ordoctrines,buttoapersonalRedeemer,whoHisownselfbareoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree.Thebleeding,dying,risingSaviour,istheonlystarofhopetoasinner.Ohforgracetocomenowanddrink,erethesunsetsupontheyear'slastday!

Nowaitingorpreparationissomuchashintedat.Drinkingrepresentsareceptionforwhichnofitnessisrequired.Afool,athief,aharlotcandrink;andsosinfulnessofcharacterisnobartotheinvitationtobelieveinJesus.We want no golden cup, no bejewelled chalice, in which to convey thewater to the thirsty; themouthof poverty iswelcome to stoopdown andquafftheflowingflood.Blistered,leprous,filthylipsmaytouchthestreamofdivinelove;theycannotpolluteit,butshallthemselvesbepurified.Jesusisthefountofhope.Dearreader,hearthedearRedeemer'slovingvoiceasHecriestoeachofus,

"IFANYMANTHIRST,LETHIMCOMEUNTOMEANDDRINK."

Thisevening'sverse:

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. -Jeremiah8:20

Not saved! Dear reader, is this your mournful plight? Warned of thejudgment tocome,bidden toescape foryour life,andyetat thismomentnotsaved!Youknowthewayofsalvation,youreaditintheBible,youhearitfromthepulpit,itisexplainedtoyoubyfriends,andyetyouneglectit,andthereforeyouarenotsaved.YouwillbewithoutexcusewhentheLordshall judgethequickanddead.TheHolySpirithasgivenmoreor lessofblessinguponthewordwhichhasbeenpreachedinyourhearing,andtimesofrefreshinghavecomefromthedivinepresence,andyetyouarewithoutChrist.Allthesehopefulseasonshavecomeandgone—yoursummerandyourharvesthavepast—andyetyouarenotsaved.Yearshavefollowedone another into eternity, andyour last yearwill soonbehere: youthhasgone,manhoodisgoing,andyetyouarenotsaved.Letmeaskyou—willyou ever be saved? Is there any likelihood of it? Already the most

propitious seasons have left you unsaved;will other occasions alter yourcondition? Means have failed with you — the best of means, usedperseveringlyandwiththeutmostaffection—whatmorecanbedoneforyou?Afflictionandprosperityhavealike failed to impressyou; tears andprayers and sermons have beenwasted on your barren heart.Are not theprobabilitiesdeadagainstyoureverbeingsaved?Isitnotmorethanlikelythatyouwillabideasyouaretilldeathforeverbarsthedoorofhope?Doyourecoilfromthesupposition?Yetitisamostreasonableone:hewhoisnotwashed in somanywaterswill in all probabilitygo filthy tohis end.Theconvenienttimeneverhascome,whyshoulditevercome?Itislogicalto fear that it never will arrive, and that Felix like, you will find noconvenient season till youare inhell.Obethinkyouofwhat thathell is,andofthedreadprobabilitythatyouwillsoonbecastintoit!

Reader, suppose you should die unsaved, your doom no words canpicture.Writeoutyourdreadestateintearsandblood,talkofitwithgroansand gnashing of teeth: you will be punished with everlasting destructionfrom thegloryof theLord, and from thegloryofHispower.Abrother'svoicewould fainstartleyou intoearnestness.Obewise,bewise in time,and ere another year begins, believe in Jesus,who is able to save to theuttermost. Consecrate these last hours to lonely thought, and if deeprepentancebebredinyou,itwillbewell;andifitleadtoahumblefaithinJesus,itwillbebestofall.Oseetoitthatthisyearpassnotaway,andyouan unforgiven spirit. Let not the newyear'smidnight peals sound upon ajoylessspirit!Now,NOW,NOWbelieve,andlive.

"ESCAPEFORTHYLIFE;LOOKNOTBEHINDTHEE,NEITHERSTAYTHOUINALLTHEPLAIN;ESCAPETOTHEMOUNTAIN,LESTTHOUBECONSUMED."