.>1vv: rcUhs, that my footsteps slip not. — Ps. xvii. 5. THOUGH, by divine grace, I have been rescued from the paths of the destroyer, yet do I pray for sustaining grace, that I may be kept in the way of godliness that leads to heaven? While I labor to enter into God's rest, do I pray that he will keep me, and aid me in reliance on his strength, to be faithful to the end? The body of our prayer is the sum of our duty ; and as we must ask of God whatsoever we need, we must labor for all that we ask. — JePwEmy Taylor. ^^Hien I forget to crave help from God the chariot wheels of duty drive heavily. — Philip Henry. Though in God's paths, we must pray to be kept in them ; for we stand no longer than he may hold us, and go no further than he may carry, and uphold, and strengthen us. Do all that we can to stand, ani then pray to be kept from falling, and by the grace of God we are safe ! * Lord ! be mine the prize to win ; Guide me through this world of sin ; Keep me by thy saving grace ; Give me at thy side a place ; Sun and shield alike thou art, Guide and guard my erring heart ; Grace and glory flow from thee. Shed, oh, shed them. Lord on me ! — H. F. Lyte. APRIL 11. 109 My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfec. in weakness. — 2 Coe. xii. 9. DO I feel, as I ought, that I am nothing in my- self? And feeling this, do I look to the all- sufficient Saviour for help in the hour of weakness, and for the strength that I need for every conflict, and for the discharge of everj^ duty? Every day do I seek for divine strength, endeavoring humbly to rely on its promised aid to all who ask it, that I may be faithful even until death? Every promise is a staff, able, if we have faith to lean upon it, to bear our whole weight, whether of sin or duty, of care or trouble. — Beidges. Often the Christian, while gathering a few flowers from the world, suffers his God to be at a distance from him. But the moment he perceives he is alone, he runs to reach his Father and best protector. — Row- land Hill. Humility is the first lesson we learn from reflection ; and self-distrust the first proof we give of having ob- tained a view of ourselves, or of God. — Zimmeeman. I ask Thee for the daily strength. To none that ask denied ; And a mind to blend with outward life While keeping near thy side ; Content to fill the lowest place, If thou be glorified.— A. L. Waeing. no APRIL 12. All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. — Isa. Ixiv. 6. DO I feel that my best actions are so imperfect, and come so far short of the divine standard of duty, that I cannot count them as righteous ? Do I regard all that God's grace enables me to do, as only duty, and duty at best but imperfectly performed? And do I look only to the spotless robe of Christ's righteousness, to cover my imperfections and weak- nesses and sins, that so I may stand accepted as right- eous for Jesus' sake ? Morality without religion, is only a kind of dead reckoning, an endeavor to find our place on a cloudy sea by measuring the distance we have run, but without any observation of the heavenly bodies. — Longfellow. There is none truly purged by the blood of Clirist, that doth not endeavor after purity of heart and life. But yet it is the blood of Christ, by which they are fair, so that there is no spot in them. — Leighton. Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill the law's demands ; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears for ever flow, All for sin could not atone ; Thou must save, and thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling ! — TOPLADY. APRIL IS. Ill Oh thai men would ^^'f'ccise the Lord for his goodness. — Ps. cvii. 15. WHEN I think of the infinite power and glory of God, should not his goodness to sinful men fill me with wonder and adoring love ? Does not every earthly blessing he bestows declare his goodness ? And IS not that wondrous goodness still more manifest in sending his Son to die for us when we were sinners ? By sincere penitence for sin, and a life of holy obedience, should I not seek to show my gratitude for such won- derful goodness ? We write our mercies in the dust ; but our afilic- tions we engrave in marble. Our memories serve us but too well to remember the latter; but we are strangely forgetful of the former. — Bishop Hall. If one should give me a dish of sand, and tell me there were particles of iron in it, I might feel for them with the finger in vain. But let a magnet sweep through it, and how would that draw to itself the most invisible particles by the mere power of attrac- tion. The unthankful heart, like my finger in that sand, discovers no mercies. But let the thankful heart sweep through the day, and as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings : — only the iron in God's sand, is gold. — 0. W. Holmes. All nature round us hath an earnest voice, And ever in God's blessing doth rejoice ; While ever}'' les.son heard, Echoes the written word, And speaks on every side, beneath, above, Loudly proclaiming, God inder^d is love ! 112 APRIL U. We must, through much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God. — Acts xiv. 22. DO I bear in mind that if I would wear the crown I must bear the cross ? And does this thought, instead of enervating and depressing, rather rouse and nerve me for the Christian conflict ? Does the fact that suffering is the badge of sonship, reconcile me to trials that otherwise it would be impossible to bear ? Do 1 remember that though Grod's children may long walk in the vale of trial, they shall soon ascend from it to the unclouded glories of heaven ? Affliction is the divine school of virtue ; it corrects levity, interrupts the confidence of sinning, and softens and purifies the heart. — Atteebury. We are not to expect the joys of heaven while here on earth. Let us be content that there is a highway to its blessedness for us to walk in, and a Leader to conduct us in that way. — Cecil. Griefs may trouble and distress thee, 'Twill but drive thee to his breast ; Life with trials hard may press thee, Heaven will bring but sweeter rest. Haste thee on from grace to glory. Armed by faith and winged by prayer ; Heaven's eternal day before thee, God's own hand shall guide thee there. — H. F. Lyte. APRIL 15. 113 She hath done what she could. — Mark xiv. S. DO I so order my life that this commendation of the Saviour applies to me ? Is it my daily an J earnest desire to do what I can to honor God, and bless my fellow-men ? Do I feel that duty is to fulfill the claims of the day ? And am I anxious to please God by fidelity in little things — ^by the right performance of the daily and hourly duties that meet me at every step in the pathway of life, remembering that he that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much ? We are not answerable for our stations in life, but for our conduct in them. We can serve God in ad- versity, as well as prosperity ; in private, as well as public; in little things, as well as great. If we do whatever God in his word and providence appoints, we shall have the testimonv that we please him. — W. Jay. Your circumstances and position in life may be such as to forbid any great and splendid service for God. But the quiet and humble walk; fidelity, diligence, patience, submission ; an unselfish and cheerful spirit ; the kind and thoughtful and considerate word and deed, these he values as much as the most laborious and imposing efforts. * We need not bid, for cloistered cell. Our neighbor and our work farewell ; The trivial round, the common task, !May furnish all we ought to ask, Eoom to deny ourselves, a road To bring us, daily, nearer God. — Keble. 8 114 APRIL IG. And to every man his U'or^.— Maek xiii. 34. IF I would ever do anything for God, for my own soul, for my fellow-men, why not be doing it now ? And if I have never begun to do it, why not begin to- day ? Is not the night coming when no man can work ? Is there not work enough to be done ? And does not the command of a loving Father, speaking with both authority and affection, urge me to be doing it? At longest, is not the time for working short ? When the Master comes, shall I be found faithfully toiling for him? Be at work. Do what you can. Weep with them that weep, if you cannot relieve them. If you cannot give gold, give personal service. Teach children, if you cannot instruct men. Be a support to the house- hold, if not able to he a pillar of state. Be a lamp in the chamber, if you cannot be a star in the sky. Glad- den the circle of home, if you cannot illumine a city. Talk to the few, if you cannot preach to the many. If ^ou cannot save a world, try to lead at least some one soul to Christ. — S. Coley. Work, for your mission is grand and great ; Work, from the earliest dawn till late ; Work till the world from its sin is weaned ; Work till the harvest is fully gleaned ; Work till the Master shall come again ; Work, and think never of toil or pain. Rest will be sweet when the day is done ; Glory is sure when the battle is won ! APRIL 17. 115 AIu God shall supply all your need. — Phil. iv. 19. DO I seek, or have I been seeking fiom the world, a supply for the wants and cravings of my im- mortal soul ? And having found that it cannot satisfy, have I learned to look to the only One who can supply all my needs, both temporal and spiritual ? Do I habit- ually go to God for all I esteem as good, and rely on him to bestow it? And if in any measure I am able to be, or do good, do I give all the honor to him alone ? He that follows the Lord fully, will find that good- ness and mercy follow him continually. For daily wants he will find daily grace. If God had ever failed one who trusted in him, we might doubt. But he never has, and therefore we may well be confident. * If there had not been such a thing as goodness, I should long ago have given up all hope of earthly good. If not such a thing as grace, I should long ago have given up the hope of heaven. But good- ness, grace, the merits of Christ for nothing, have been and for ever must be the rock on which we perishing souls must rest. — Rutherford. Look to Jesus when distrest, See what he the Holy bore ; Is thy heart with conflict prest ? Is thy spirit harassed sore ? See his sweat of blood, his conflict, Watch his agony increase, Harken to his groans ascending. Hear his prayer, and feel his peace. — Frauqen. 116 APRIL 18. Let thy garments he always white. — EccL. ix. 8. DO I pass through the world fulfilling the part which God has appointed as mine, not going out of it to avoid temptations, but endeavoring to overcome them in Christ's strength ? Do I so live that all can see that though in the world I am not of it, but above it ? Have I washed my soul white in the blood of the Lamb ? By prayer and watchfulness, and in humble dependence on the Holy Spirit, do I keep myself un- spotted from the world? The religion of the gospel calls us both out of the world, and into the world ; out of it, as to its princi- ples and maxims and temper; into it, as a field of labor and a sphere of usefulness, where we are to be diligent in business, to relieve the distressed, to teach the ignorant, to reclaim the vicious, and to do good to all as Christ did. — W. Jay. Alas ! how defiled in thy most holy sight, are my garments and walk ! No doubt from day to day I brush away the dust, but ah ! how little good it does ! Forgive me, my Father, and cleanse me, granting me so to walk that I may at last enter, pure and un- sullied, thy holy city ! — Gotthold. Teach me to live Thy purpose to fulfill ; Bright for thy glory let my taper shine : Each day renew, remould this stubborn will ; Closer round thee my heart's affections twine ; Keep me unspotted while a pilgrim here ; Then ])ring me, sinless, to the heavenly sphere ! APRIL 10. 117 The Lord heareth the prayer of the righteous. — Peov. XV. 29. AM I one of those whose prayers God has prom- ised to hear ? Do I pray in faith, expecting an answer to my prayer, in the spirit of submission, only asking for what God sees best to grant, remembering that God has said, "For all this will I be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them " ? Are all my prayers offered in the name of Christ, the great Mediator and Intercessor ? And do I know that for his sake, God will bestow whatever is for my highest good and his own glory ? He that is much in prayer shall grow rich in grace. He shall thrive and increase most, that is busiest in this, which is our very trafl5.c with heaven, and brings the most precious commodities thence. — Leighton. We are often as sad after prayer as before, because our prayers are not the prayers of expecting faith. But prayer, if offered with real belief and hope, will enable us always to roll our cares from ourselves upon the Lord.— M. Henry. If pains aflBict, or wrongs oppress, If cares distract, or fears dismay, If guilt deject, if sin distress, The remed)'-'s before thee — pray. Tis prayer supports the soul that's weak, Though thought be broken, language lame ; Pray if thou canst, or canst not, speak, But pny with faith in Jesus' name. — J. Hart. 118 APRIL 20. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? — Acts ix. 6. IS this tlie great question — the sincere question — ■ the habitual question of my life ? Is the will of God my pleasure, and the work of God my choice and delight ? Do I seek to do good to all, and at all times, as the providence of God may open the way for it? Is it my earnest prayer and chief desire that I may be diligent and faithful in following the example of him whose meat and drink it was to do the will of God? My heaven is to please God and glorify him ; to give all to him ; to be diligent in his work, and wholly de- voted to his glory. That is the heaven that I long for ; that is my religion, and that is my happiness. — Aden. A man sincerely obedient will not pick and choose what commands to obey, and what to reject. He will lay such a charge upon his whole man as the mother of Christ did on the servants at the feast. " Whatso- ever he saith unto you, do it." Eyes, ears, hands, heart, body, soul, do you all seriously and lovingly observe and diligently do whatever Christ says unto vou? — T. Brooks. At evening to myself I say. Where hast thou been and gleaned to-day, Thy labors how bestowed ? What hast thou rightly said or done ? What grace attained, what knowledge won, In following after God ? — C. Wesley. APRIL 21. 119 JVow.is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation. — 2 Con. vi. 2. DO I realize that time is both short and i ncertain ? And am I making a diligent use of the present, leaving nothing undone that I ought to do ; trusting nothing to the uncertainties of the future, which to me may never come ? Do I realize that my eternal welfare depends on the use I am making of the present ? And am I diligent and earnest in working out my salvation, while God is waiting to work with me, both to will and to do, that I may be saved ? There are but three steps to salvation : out of self ; into Christ ; into heaven. Out of self by repentance ; into Christ, by faith ; into heaven, by grace. The way to heaven is narrow and difficult. Sin is to be forsaken, the world overcome, Satan resisted, self denied, duties diligently performed. Few go in this way. But the way to hell is open, broad, and thronged. To walk in it is easy; but the end is death. The narrow way demands effort, but it leads to life everlasting. * Be wise to-day ; 'tis madness to defer ; Next day the fatal precedent will plead : Thus on till wisdom is pushed out of life ! Procrastination is the thief of time ; Year after year it steals till all are fled, And to the .merits of a moment leaves The vast concerns of an eteraal scene ! — Young. 120 APRIL 22. In God have I put my trust. — Ps. Ivi. 4. IS my faith so clear and settled and steadiast, that I can and do adopt this sublime language of the psalmist as my own? Have I such full and implicit confidence in Christ's power and willingness and promises, that I commit my soul to him to save it, my life to protect and guide and direct it, and my entire being to reign in and over it, and to use it with all its powers and capacities, to his honor and gloiy ? Does this confidence dispel every doubt and fear, and enable me, whether li\ang or dying, to say, " I know whom I have believed " ? Our hope is not hung on such an untwisted thread as " I imagine so," or " It is likely ;" but the strong cable of our fastened anchor is the promise and oath of him who is eternal verity. Our salvation is fastened with God's own hand and Christ's own strength to the strong hold of God's unchanging nature and truthfulness. — Rutheefoed. Thou art the true, incarnate Lord, Who did vouchsafe for man to die ! — Thy love is sure, thy plighted word No change can falsify ! I bent before thy gracious throne. And asked for peace with suppliant knee ; And peace was given — nor peace alone, But faith and hope and ecstasy ! — WOEDSWOETH. APRIL 23. 121 Let this mind be in you, which ivas also in Christ Jesus. — Phil. ii. 5. DO I earnestly and prayerfully endeavor to cherish, habitually, the spirit of Christ ? Do I seek to learn of him who was meek and lowly of heart ? Like him, do I strive to be gentle and kind to all ; by word and deed to do them good ; to sympathize with them in sorrow, and aid them to improve prosperity ; and in all, to point them to heaven ? Like him am I sub- missive and obedient to the will of the Father ? Am I willing even to bear the cross, if I may but honor him? Life affords but few opportunities of doing great things for others. But there is scarcely an hour of the day which does not afford opportunities of per- forming some little kindness to others, in the spirit and for the sake of Christ. — Bowes. Wherever a care is to be lightened ; wherever a kind word or look may give relief; wherever forbearance aiay be manifested, or forgiveness shown, or sympathy expressed, or good of any kind be done, there we may show forth the spirit of the Saviour, and so do that which is well pleasing to him. — Tayloe. More holiness give me ; more strivings within ; More patience in suffering ; more sorrow for sin ; More faith in the Saviour ; more sense of his care ; More joy in his service ; more purpose in prayer ; More grace to be humble ; more strength to o'ercome ; More freedom from earth stains; more longings foi home. More fit for the kingdom ; more useful I'd be ; More thankful ; more holy ; more. Saviour, like thee ! 122 AI RIL 24. With the heart vian helieveth unto righteousness. — KoM. X. 10. HAS my confession of Christ a deeper origin than that of the lips? Does my faith go further than the understanding ? Does it take in the real, earnest, sincere, and strong consent of the will, and the warm affections of the soul ? Does my heart yield unfeigned assent to the gospel revelation concerning Christ as the only Saviour ? And do I rest all my hopes for time and eternity on him, taking his righteousness as mine, and having my life in him ? Justifying faith is such a belief of the gospel through the power of God's Spirit, as leads us to come to Christ, to receive Christ, to trust in Christ, to obey Christ, to be united to Christ, and to commit the keeping of our souls to Christ, in the humble but strong confidence of his perfect ability and willingness to save us. It is not the product of mere human reason, though entirely consistent with it. It has its deep foundation in the heart. A man of subtle reasoning asked A peasant if he knew What is the clearest evidence That proves the gospel true. The terms of disputative art Had never reached his ear ; He laid his hand upon his heart, And simply answered, "Here!" APRIL 25. 123 Be ye also ready ; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh. — Matt. xxiv. 44. AM I a waiting, as well as a working servant, ready for the coming of my Lord, no matter whether the time be distant or near at hand ? A.m I BO clothed with his righteousness as to be fit to be received by him ; and so diligent in his work, that he will own me as a good and faithful servant ? Is the prospect of death, and of meeting Christ, one of ap- prehension, or of calm and trustful anticipation to me? Lord, let no business, no pleasures, no plans ever divert my thoughts from the world to come ; but may I cheerfully part with all when thou mayest require it, — Bishop Wilson. A wise man said to his disciples : " Turn to God one day before your death." " But," said they, " how can a man know the day of his death ?" " There- fore," said he, " you should turn to God to-day ; for perhaps you may die to-morrow. Thus every day will be employed in returning, and you will be al- ways ready." Traveler, see thy gracious day. Swiftly drawing to its end ; Mend thy pace, pursue thy way, E'er the shades of night descend. Fear to lose a moment's space, Watchful, earnest, hasten on ; And when death concludes thy race, Dying, shout, " The work is done !" Keady, faithful, ever be, Till the Saviour call for theel 124 APRIL 26. I can do all things through Christ which strength- eneth me. — Phil. iv. 13. DO I realize, as I ought, that the ever-present sustaining strength of Christ is promised to all who seek it? And feeling my constant need, do I go to him for the help he is always so ready to impart ? Do I daily ask what I can do for him to- day, watching for opportunities that I may honor him by doing the work that in his providence he may give me to do ? — ■ Keep Christ in your heart, and he will give you strength for every duty, courage for every conflict, safety in every temptation, comfort in every sorrow, and life eternal in the hour of death. Though weak in yourself, in God's strength you may thresh down the mountains. Like the apostle, you can do all things through Christ strengthening you. * Creatures may not be able, or if able, may not be willing; but Christ is both able and willing. In temporals, he will help me by his providence; in spirituals, from his own fullness ; in health, that I may not slide; in sickness, that I may not mur- mur; in plenty, that I may not be proud; in pov- erty, that I may not complain ; in all times of sick- ness, pain, sorrow, temptation, distress, that I may honor him, and be faithful to the end. — J. Smith. Thy grace sustains my spirit now, Though still a pilgrim here below ; That grace suffices, comforts, guides, Upholds, defends, preserves, provides. Gives foretaste here of promised bliss. And leads where Christ for ever is 1 APRIL ^. 125 L(yt'd, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that Hove thee. — John xxi. 17. CAN I appeal to my Saviour, who knows all things, as to the sincerity of my love to him ? Is it a comfort to know that my witness is with him, and that my record is in the Lamb's book of life ? And does the sense of his wondrous love fill me with thankful- ness, and constrain me to live for him ? Has he al- ways the first place in my heart, and the entire conse- cration of my life ? Love is the greatest thing that God can give us ; for he himself is love. It is the greatest thing we can give to God; for it gives ourselves, and all that is ours. They are the truest disciples of Christ, not who know most, but who love most. — Jeremy Taylor. Lord, I am thine. Thou hast bought me with thy blood ; won me by thy grace ; called me by thy word ; subdued me by thy Spirit ; adopted me as thy child ; and so sealed me as an heir of heaven. I am thine entirely and for ever. My soul is thine, to adore thee ; my heart thine, to love thee ; my body thine, to serve thee ; my tongue thine, to praise thee ; my entire being thine, to glorify and enjoy thee for ever ! * In word, in deed, in thought, I do not, cannot love thee as I ought. Thy love must give the power. That love alone Can kindle here below Such love within me as the seraphs know, Who burn and worship ever round thy throne 126 APRIL ^S. A Christian. — 1 Pet. iv. 16. WITH a clear knowledge of all that is implied in the word, can I call myself a Christian ? Do I receive all that Christ teaches, and endeavor, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to do all that Christ commands? Am I Christlike in my views of truth ; in my temper; in my endeavors, like him, to do good ? Does my re- ligion stand firm alike in joy or sorrow, in the sunshine and the storm ? Does it exert a hallowed influence on others ? Does the world see, and say, that I am a faith- ful follower of Christ ? If you are in faith a believer, in knowledge a disci- ple, in character a saint, in influence a light, in conflict a soldier, in communion a friend, in progress a pilgrim, and in relationship to God a child, then you may be assured that you are a Christian, an heir of God, and joint-heir with his Son. * A Christian is one who is decided in his devotedness to God ; painstaking in his search for truth ; strong in benevolent purpose and holy endeavors; wielding a blessed influence ; often failing, but never ceasing in right effort ; one who lives for Christ, and of whom, in death, it can be said, " He being dead, yet speaketh." — KiNSTON. Thee to serve, and thee to know, Constitute my bliss below ; Thee to see, and thee to love, Constitute my bliss above. Lord, it is not life to live, If thy presence thou deny; And if thou that presence give, 'Tis no longer death to die ! APRIL 29. 127 I have set the Lord always lefore me. — Ps. xvi. 8. DO I set God before me in all my thoughts, plans, words and deeds ? Do I look to him as my chief good and highest end ; my Owner, Ruler, Director and Judge ; my gracious Redeemer, my constant Benefactor, my sure Guide, my everlasting Friend ? And in all this, have I the comforting assurance that I shall not be moved from the path of duty, or lose the comforts of Ins presence? Is love to him the great source of my confidence ? To obey God in some things of religion and not in others, shows an unsound heart. Childlike obedience moves toward every command of God, as the needle points that way which the loadstone draws. — Watson. It ought to be the great care of every one of us, to follow the Lord fully. We must follow him uni- versally, without dividing; uprightly, without dis- sembhng; cheerfully, without disputing; constantly, without declining ; and this is following him fully. — M. Heney. With heart, and eyes, and lifted hands, For thee I long, to thee I look ; As travelers in thirsty lands, Pant for the cooling water-brook. For life itself, without thy love. No taste of pleasure could afford ; 'TwGuld but a tiresome burden prove. If I were banished from my Lord. — Watts. 128 APRIL 30. God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. — 1 Pet. v. 5. DO I remember not only the infinite distance be- tween God and myself, but my weakness, my ignorance, my sinfulness, and does the thought of all this keep me humble before the High and Holy One ? And if pride ever rises within, do I think of him who, though he was God, yet took on himself the form of a servant, and endured the contradiction of sinners, and died that we might live ? and does this thought lay every feeling of self-exaltation in the dust? If we are truly humble, we shall readily believe all God says ; thankfully receive all he gives : patiently endure all he inflicts ; meekly resign all he may take ; promptly do all he commands, and unhesitatingly be- lieve all that he promises. Humility will make us sincere toward God, and courteous toward man. — James Smith. The showers of grace slide off from the lofty moun- tains, but rest on the valleys, and make them fruitful. He giveth grace to the lowly. He loves to bestow it where there is most room to receive it, and most re- turn of praises for it. Such is the humble heart ; and truly as much humility gains much grace, so it grows by it. — Leighton. The saint that wears heaven's highest crown, In deepest adoration bends ; The weight of glory bows him down The most when high his soul ascends. Nearest the throne itself must be The footstool of humility. — Montgomery. if A Y 1. 129 Be reneived in the spirit of your mind. — Eph. iv. 23. DO I find for myself, and give to others, the evi- dence, that I am a new creature in Christ Jesus ? Are the principles, habits, and dispositions of my soul changed? Do I shrink from allowing the sinful desires, and yielding to the sinful propensities of former days ? Are the things of God precious to me? Is the society of his people a pleasure ? Is obedience to his will my great aim ? Does my life show the change of my heart? Heart-work must be God's work. Only the great Heart-maker, can be the great Heai-t-breaker. If I love him, my heart will be filled with his Spirit, and obedient to his commands. — Baxtee. I heartily desire that ye would mind your country, and consider to what direction your soul setteth its face; for all come not home at night who suppose they have set their face heavenward through the day. — RUTHEEFOED. Oh for a heart to praise my God ; A heart from sin set free ; And cleansed in thine atoning blood, So freely shed for me. A heart in every thought renewed, And filled with love divine ; Perfect, and right, and pure, and good, A copy, Lord, of thine ! — C. Wesley. 9 130 MA Y 2. As thy days, so shall thy strength be. — Deut. xxxiii. 25. HAS God given me work to do, or burdens to bear, whicti are beyond my own strength? Then do I take to myseK the full benefit and com- fort of the promise, that he will give me strength according to my need? Do I bear in mind that this strength will be given just when I need it, and not before; living strength for the living day, and dying strength for the dying day? And do I re- member that God is able to fulfill his promise, and that he always will, if by faith I take him at his word? Oh! how sweet for us to learn to make our own burdens light, by framing our hearts to the burden ; making God's will our law, and God's promise our support. — RUTHEEFOED. Every promise of God rests on four pillars: his hoUness and justice, which will not suffer him to deceive; his grace and goodness, which will not suffer him to forget ; his truth, which will not suffer him to change, and his power, which makes him able to accomplish. — Saltee. fellow-Christian, whosoe'er thou art This is for thee and me : This wine of trust that maketh glad the heart, In its adversity. — Drink, therefore, and so bear a braver part ; For as thy day, so sure, thy strength shall be. MAYS. 131 IwiU aMure her, and bring her into the wHdemess, and speak comfortahty unto her. — ^Hos. ii 14. DO I realize that when God has mercy in store for his children, he often brings them to the wilder- ness of trial, that there, in qniet and retirement, they may commune with him? Does it encourage me to know, that when the enforced qniet has done its ap- pointed work, then he will speak comfort to the sonl, and give that peace and joy which flow only from near- ness of communion with himself? Whilst thon art pacing on throagh the wildemess, from the gate of hell where thon wast, to the gate of heaven where thou art going, God hath strewed thy path with promises, as with flowers from his own paradise. — BuifTAN. Give me the comforts of God, and I can well bear the taunts of men. Let me lay my head on the bosom of Jesus, and I fear not the distraction of care and trouble. If my God wiU but give me the light of his smile, and the blessing of his benediction, it is enough. — Sptjkgeon. Till death the weary spirit free. My God hath said, " 'Tis good for thee To walk by faith, and not by sight Take it on trust a little while ; Soon shalt thou read the mysteiy right. In the fall sunlight of his smile. — ^Kkble. 132 MA Y 4. Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. — Ps. xli. 1, DO I constantly bear in mind that, as to all I pos- sess, I am but God's steward ? And as he has commanded, do I thoughtfully and habitually consider the poor ? Do I aid them only when their necessities are forced upon my notice ; or do I seek out the know- ledge of their wants through personal and self-sacri- ficing efforts ? Is my aid given in a kind and sympa- thizing spirit ? And do I seek to do good alike to the body and the soul ? Proportion thy charity to the strength of thine estate, lest God proportion thine estate to the weak- ness of thy charity. Let the lips of the poor be the trumpet of thy gift, lest, in seeking applause, thou lose thy reward. Nothing is more pleasing to God than an open hand and a close mouth. — Quarles. Take care of the poor, and the Lord will take care of you. Liberality to them is the surest and safest way of thriving. Such as practice it may be sure of relief from God in their own time of need. — Mat- thew Heney. Give ! as the morning that flows out of heaven ; Give ! as the waves when their channel is riven ; Give ! as the free air and sunshine are given ; Lavishly, thoughtfully, cheerfully give : Not the waste drops of thy cup overflowing ; Not the faint sparks of thy hearth ever glowing; Not a pale bud from thy full roses blowing — But give, as He gives thee, who gave thee to live I MA Y 5. 133 Use this world as not abusing it. — 1 Cor. vii. 31. DO I bear in mind that if I fail to use the woild, as God commands, to his honor and glory, then I abuse it; and for this he will soon call me into judg- ment ? Is it not abusing the world, making a wrong use of it, if I allow it to be the master instead of the servant — if I give it the place in my heart that should be kept sacred for God alone? Do I not abuse the world, if I fix my affections on it, or if I live in it as if there were no world beyond ? The world is good in its place. To possess it, may not be injurious ; to be possessed by it, is destructive alike to character, to happiness, and to the soul. * As you care for your soul, beware of the world ! It has slain its thousands and tens of thousands. Achan, Haman, Ananias, Sapphira, Demas and Judas, all were ruined by it. Beware lest it ruin you ! What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? * True rest consists not in the oft revying Of worldly dross; Earth's miry purchase is not worth the buying ; Her gain is loss ; Her rest but giddy toil, if not relying Upon the cross. Her worldlings droil for trouble ! That fond heart, Which is possest Of earth without a cross, hath earth without a restf — QUARLES. 134 MA Y 6. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. — Ps. xxiii. 4. IN all the trials of life, do I find support and com- fort in leaning on the Lord ? And looking forward to the valley of the shadow of death, do I trust my- self fully to his care, who has promised to be with me then ? In every time of need do I lean on the staff which never pierces the hand it supports, and never fails those that rest upon it ? Thus is my soul con- tinually restored and upheld, and am I led in paths of righteousness for Christ's sake ? There is no Christian who does not, at some time, have a Gethsemane ; but every praying Christian will find that there is no Gethsemane without its angel to strengthen him, as Christ was strengthened in the hour of his need. — T, Binney. The discipline of our heavenly Father often cuts below the graft of self-love and earthly-mindedness, that he may remove all that hinders us bearing rich fruit for him ; and though sharp is the discipline, we have reason to be thankful for it in the end. And if his hand, in mercy, bent The reeds on which I fondly leant. And plucked my life flowers, 'twas to show, I must not place my love below ; While with each cross a hope was given, Which stronger, brighter, beamed for heaven ; And his own staff I found my stay. And comfort in my pilgrim way. MA Y 7. 135 In the morning will I direct my prayer unto ihee, and will look up. — Ps. v. 3. ARE my first waking thonglits given to God ? Do I feel tlie need each morning of prayer, that I may be prepared for the many dangers and trials and temptations and duties of the day? Do I pray for wisdom, for guidance, for the constant presence and influence of God's Spirit ; for thankfulness, if my pray- ers are answered ; for submission, if they are denied ; for patience in waiting, if they are deferred? Do I look up, and look out, for an answer from on high ? Christ often heareth, when he doth not at once an- swer. His not answering, is an answer ; for it says, Pray on, go on, cry on, for the Lord holdeth the door fast bolted, not to keep you out, but that you may knock, and it shall be opened. — Rutherfoed. When the dawn begins to break, and the first ray of sunshine appears, let the day have a blessed bap- tism by giving your first waking thoughts to God. Thank him that you have been kept through the night. Commit yourself to him for the day. Ask him to be with you through it all. The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the entire day. When thine eyes first unveil, give thy soul leave To do the like. Our bodies but forerun The spirit's duty. True hearts spread and heave Unto their God, as flowers do to the sun. Give him thy first thoughts then, so shalt thou keep His company all day, and in him safely sleep. — Vaughan. 136 MA Y 8. At evening time it shall he light. — Zech. xiv. 7. DOES the blessed assurance that trouble shall have an end, give me comfort ? When I am impatient under it, is it not better to think of Christ's sufferings, and his perfect submission under them all, than to dwell on my own ? Has not God promised that all things shall work together for good to his children? And is not the discipline of sorrow intended to bring me so near to the Saviour, that the light of his countenance shall shine brightly upon me ? "Why should I murmur?" said Henry Martyn, in his last sickness, "weakness, peril and pain are but ministering angels who are conducting me to glory." The best have hours of trial and darkness, but their tears like the rain-drops when shot through by sun- beams, do but throw the bow of promise on the clouds, and declare that the storm is passing away, and that God's mercy shall never cease. "^ The cloud which appeared to Ezekiel, though it car- ried winds and storms, was environed with a golden circle, to teach that the storms of affliction which hap- pen to God's children, are encompassed with bright- ness and smiling joy in the end. — Caussin. Break through the brambles and thorns that beset thee ; Dread not the gloom and the blackness of night; Lean on the Hand that will safely conduct thee ; Trust to his eyes to whom darkness is light. Clouds are not substance ; then fear not their darkness. When their gloom gathers, the light from above Gleams out in brightness, in safety to guide thee, While resting in hope on God's infinite love. MAYO. 137 Unite my heart to fear thy name.—'Ps. Ixxxvi. 11. AM I sincere, upright, earnest in religion? Are all my powers united in seeking to know, and endeavoring to do, God's will? Or are my affections divided and prone to wander, so tliat too often I sit loose to the things of eternity, and close to the things of time and sense? Do I feel the need of constant grace to unite my heart to the Saviour, so that I may love him with all my soul, and serve him with all my powers, feeling that all are but too little to praise and honor him ? My God, how often have I, in conversing with thee, been like one asleep and unconscious of what he is saying ! Mercifully forgive me for this, and associate henceforth thy Spirit with my spirit, that my prayer may be as devout and earnest as thy greatness and my necessities require. — Gotthold. The faithful, devoted Christian is all-heartedness. While others do things coldly and without interest, he puts his whole soul into his labor, and does it with tearty goodwill and with a vigorous hearty healthy zeal, because he loves to do it.— Meery. Lord, thy heavenly grace impart, And fix my frail inconstant heart. Henceforth my chief desire shall be To dedicate myself to thee— To thee, my God, to thee ! 138 MA Y 10. Trust in him at all times. — Ps. Ixii. 8. IS my trust in God at all times firm and uns'. aken — as much so in times of darkness and trouble as in times of light and peace ? If not, why ? Do I look to self, rather than to him ? Contrasting present darkness with past sunshine, am I wondering why God permits the former, instead of feeling thankful for what he still gives me of the latter, and like a loving child leaving all with him, content to trust where I cannot see? Put your confidence in God. Believe every thing that he says in his word. Whether you understand it or not, have faith in him that he means your good. — Cecil. To trust God when we have securities in our own iron chest, is easy, and not thankworthy. But to de- pend on him for what we cannot see, as it is more hard for us to do, so it is more acceptable to God when done, for in that we make confession of his deity. — Feltham. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust him for his grace ; Behind a frowning Providence, He hides a smiling face. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain , God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain. — COWPER. MA Y 11. 139 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. — Ps. li. 9. HAVE I, in sincere penitence, forsaken the sins for which I ask God's forgiveness? Is the remembrance of them grievous to me? Is it my earnest prayer that I may be pardoned for them, for Christ's sake, and cleansed from them in his atoning blood ? Trusting in him, by faith, do I take to myself the comfort of pardon, and endeavor, by the aid of his Spirit, so to live as to find for myself, and give to others, the evidence that I am forgiven? Kepentance begins in humiliation of heart, and ends in reformation of the life. He that cries to have sin taken away, confesses that it lies upon him, and pleads for pardon and acceptance through him whose blood cleanseth from all sin. He that sincerely asks forgive- ness will earnestly strive for holiness. He will look to Christ, not only for justification, but also for sanc- tification. * Thou who art merciful, as well as just. Incline thine ear to me, a child of dust ! Not what I would, Lord, I ofi"er thee, Alas ! but what I can, As but a sinful man. Accept then, I entreat, my humble prayer. Four things which are not in thy treasury I lay before thee. Lord, with this petition — My nothingness, m.y wants. My sins, and my contrition ; Oh ! meet my needs for all, from thy rich mer ;y free ! — SOUTHEY. 140 MAY 12. Thou wilt show me the path of life. — Ps. xvi. 11. HAVE I committed myself, with all mj interests, for time and eternity, into the hands of God through Christ Jesus ? Do I look to him for pardon and acceptance, and for light to guide me in the way to heaven ? Do I remember that if I make his glory my chief aim, he will make both my present and future happiness his constant care ? And do I always endeavor to feel that the path by which he is leading me is the one that will best conduct me to the heavenly rest? What we want in religion is not new light, but new sight ; not new paths, but new zeal to walk in the old paths ; not new duties, but new strength from on high to fulfill those that are plain before us. * God would not suffer his people to be tempted, if his grace were not sufficient for them, not only to save them from harm, but also to make them gainers by it, so that in the end it shall work for their highest good. — M. Heney, Thrice happy world, where idle, gilded toys No more disturb our thoughts or mar our joys. There reigns the eternal sun, with an unclouded n.y ; There all is calm as night, yet all immortal day ; There light and shade no more succeed by turns. But truth for ever shines, and love for ever burns. MAY 13. 141 The Lord is my 'portion, saith my soul; taerefore will I hope in him. — Lam. iii. 24. IS my faith such as gives me the comfort of a well- founded hope in Christ as my portion ? Is he my resting-place in the midst of the world's storms and tempests, and the portion of my soul for ever? Do I rejoice in the comfort of this assurance? Does it strengthen me for duty, support me in trial, cheer me in the hour of despondency, and point me continually to the great recompense of reward in heaven ? Faith and hope, though distinct, are vitally united. They come from the same source, are sustained by the same evidence, are exercised on the same realities. Faith is the perceiving ; hope the anticipating faculty. Faith sees heaven opened ; hope says you are on your way to it. Faith comes by hearing ; hope by experi- ence. Faith has respect to the truth of the word; hope to its fulfillment. Faith looks to doctrine and promise : hope to reward. Faith is founded on what is in the Bible ; hope on what is in heaven ! — Stan- ford. The heart that trusts for ever sings, And feels as light as it had wings ; A well of peace within it springs. Come good or ill, Whate'er to-day or morrow brings, It is His will ; And so the soul in hope rejoices still. ■4 142 ^ MA r 14. Abide with us. — Luke xxiv. 29. ABOVE all things, do I desire that God should be with me constantly? Do I pray that my heart may be made a habitation fit for the indwelling of the Holy One ? Do I endeavor to avoid sin, to shun the very appearance of evil, to seek spirituality of thought and feeling, that I may not grieve him from my soul ? Is the door of my heart always open for Christ? Does my desire for his presence and love surpass all other considerations? Christ is always with his people, if by faith they keep near to him. He is with them to counsel in difficulty, to strengthen in weakness, to comfort in sorrow, to guide in duty, to deliver in danger, to crown them with everlasting life in the very article of death. Thanks be to God for a union so unspeak- ably blessed. * Our happiness is secured in One who was not only a Teacher in the past, and a Guide to generations that are gone, but who is for all his people, and in all ages, a living Saviour and an ever-present Friend. Abide with me ! fast falls the eventide ; The darkness thickens ; Lord, with me abivle ! When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh abide with me ! Swift to its close, ebbs out life's little day ; Earth's joys decline, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see ! thou who changest not, abide with me ! — H. F. Lyte. MA Y 15. 143 [w^Jl never leave thee iwr forsake thee.—R'&B. xiii. 5 IN all times of perplexity, or doubt, or fear— in the hour of deep aflaiction and trial, do I keep in mind this blessed promise ? Do not all God's mercies in the past, as well as all his pledges for the future, give full ground for the assurance that he Tvill pro\'ide for the present ? And in this confidence may not my soul be at rest? Is it my constant prayer, that I may more and more trust his providence to provide for all my need? Those who are the subjects of Christ's love, he will never leave. For he pardoned them when they were enemies, and he will not leave them now they are his friends. — Charnock. When God has said, " Fear not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness," what more can you need? If a man cannot bear his whole weight on a promise like this, then what can support him? The everlasting rocks would be insufficient. Lay it up, then, among your choicest treasures. Hide it in your heart. Rest upon it with unwavering faith. Call it to your aid in every emergency ; and you shall find it more precious than gold ; yea, than mu jh fine gold. Dost thou ask when comes his hour ? 'Tis when he can aid thee best ; Trust his faithfulness and power, Trust in him, and quiet rest. Suffer, hope, and calmly wait ; Jesus never comes too late ! 144 MA Y 16. Lord, lift thou iq:) the light of thy cowitenance upon us. — Ps. iv. 6, ABOVE all things do I desire the favor of God, and that I may live in the light of his coun- tenance ? Do I pray that I may be one with him, so that his perfect peace shall keep me continually ? Do I endeavor so to live as to honor him ? Is it my chief desire, and earnest prayer, that my soul may be filled with his divine light, and that I may know, in my own experience, what it is to enjoy constantly the light of his favor, and the indwelling of his Holy Spirit? Lord, let there be light, and 1 shall see light. I shall see the way and not wander; the truth, and shun error; life, and escape death. — Quaeles. There are no joys like those which the gospel im- parts ; none so solid, so exquisite, so heartrefining, so enduring. The false pleasures of the world, its be- wildering excitements, its intoxicating gayeties, its lying vanities — all are but a cheat upon the senses, that leaves their deluded votaries in deeper gloom. It belongs to the glorious gospel alone to afford substantial and enduring joy. — Beock. Great God ! thou art the flowing spring of light ; Enrich mine eyes with thy refulgent ray : Thou art my guide, direct my steps aright ; I have no other light, no other way. I'll trust my God, and him alone pursue ; His law shall be my path ; his heavenly light my clue. — Quaeles, MA Y 17. 145 Blessed is the man that endurdh temptation. — James i. 12. CAN I justly lay claim to the blessing promised to those who endure as well as suffer? With patience and constancy, do I resist alike the covert allurement, and the open and bold temptation ? Do I remember that the tried Christian shall be the one crowned ; and that the cross is but for a little while, but the crown is eternal ? Is the love of Christ so strong in my heart as to give the victory over every temptation ? O Lord, give me strength of resolution ; and when I know a thing is wrong, help me to have done with it ; and when I see it is right, help me to make haste, and delay not to keep thy commandments. — Spuegeon. As the sentinel, when he sees the enemies approach- ing, does not attempt himself to assail them, but at once gives the alarm to the commander that he may repel their attack, so the Christian does not attempt in his own strength to fight temptation, but finds his safety in perceiving its approach, and seeking by prayer for divine help to overcome it. — J. Mason. Still near me, my Saviour, stand. And guard in fierce temptation's hour ; Hide in the hollow of thine hand ; Show forth in me thy saving power ; Still be thine arm my sure defence, Nor earth, nor hell shall pluck me thence I 10 146 MAY 18. Choose you this day whom ye will serve. — Josh. xxiv. 15. HAVE I made religion my serious and deliberate choice? Is mine that better part that can never be taken away ? Does the fact of having to take np the cross daily, make the thought of religion unpleasant to me ? And if so, can I expect a heavenly crown ? Ought I to hesitate a moment between the things of time and those of eternity ? Do I pray for grace and strength to make the right choice while it is called to-day ? Let us resolve upon a life of serious godliness, not merely because we know no other way, but because upon search we can find no better. — Matthew Henry. If we make religion our business, God will make it our blessedness. — Adam. How dangerous to defer the momentous reformation which conscience is solemnly pressing on the heart. If neglected, the difficulty and indisposition increase eveiy day. The mind is receding, degree after degree, from the warm and hopeful zone ; till at last it will enter the arctic circle, and become fixed in lelentless and eternal ice. — John Foster. 'Tis not for man to trifle ; life is brief. And sin is here — Our age is but the falling of a leaf, A dropping tear. We have not time to sport away the hours All must be earnest in a world like ours. MA Y 19. 147 Casting all your care upon him ; for he can ih /w you. — 1 Pet. v. 7. DO I endeavor, habitually, to obey this command of love, and cast all my care on the Lord? Or do I allow needless anxiety; and fear the possible troubles of the future, which may never come ; and brood over the little worries of life till I nurse them into great ones? And if so, is not this a practical distrust of God's providence, and a practical disbelief of his ability and willingness to care for me ? Do I ask for grace and faith, in this, as in all things, to be enabled to take God at his word? He that will watch providences, will never want providences to watch ; and he that will trust Provi- dence will find he has a richer and surer inheritance than all the world can give. * We do not avail ourselves of the riches of God's grace. We love to nurse our cares, and seem uneasy without them. We are commanded to cast them on the Lord ; but even when we attempt it, we too often take them up again, as if there were a kind of merit in being burdened. We are like travelers who receive the divinely offered pass to heaven, and then take up our baggage upon our own shoulders, and toil cii in the way afoot. Who would be God's, must trust, not see ; Not murmur, fear, demand ; Most wholly by him guided be, Led by his loving hand ; Must turn where'er he leads, nor say, I wonder where he leads the way. 148 MA Y 20. Acquaint noio thyself with him, and be at peace.- - Job xxii. 21. DO I realize that there is no true, and abiding, and satisfying peace but that which comes from knowing God, and being reconciled to him through Christ? Am I seeking peace from any other source • — ^from the riches, or honors, or pleasures of the world ? Or if, being justified by faith, I have peace with God, am I striving to increase it by living near to him ? By hearkening to his commandments, do I find my peace is like a river, growing broader, wider, deeper, continually ? Peace is that great calm which comes over the con- science when it sees the atonement sufficient and the Saviour willing. It is the soul which Christ hath pacified, spread out in the serenity of simple faith, and the Lord God, merciful and gracious, smiling ■- er it. — J. Hamilton. I do not ask, Lord ! that thou shouldst shed Full radiance here ; Give but a way of peace, that I may tread Without a fear. I do not ask my cross to understand, My way to see ; Better in darkness just to feel thy hand, And follow thee. Joy is like restless day ; but peace divine Like quiet night. Lead me, Lord ! till perfect day shall shine Through peace to light. — Procter. MA Y 21. 119 Fear not; believe only. — Luke viii. oO. IF at any time I have doubts or fears as to my acceptance with God, why is it? Am I not look- ing too much to self, and too little to Christ ; too much to my sinfulness, and too little to his mercy ; too much to the evil, and too little to the remedy provided ? Do I remember that all I can do or suffer will not atone for sin ? And renouncing everything like self-depend- ence, do I believe only on Christ, and so find peace to my soul ? I must never think my sins too great, too aggravated, too presumptuous to hinder me from fleeing to Christ. Their weight should rather act like the weight of a clock — the heavier it is, the faster it goes. — McCheyne. The soul is the life of the body ; faith is the life of the soul; Christ is the life of faith. — Flavel. Unbelief may, perhaps, tear the copies of the cove- nant of Christ, but he still keeps the original with him in heaven. Your doubts and fears are no part of that covenant ; neither can they change Christ. — Ktjther- FOED. It is not that I feel less weak ; but Thou Wilt be my strength. It is not that I see Less sin ; but more of pardoning love in thee, And all-sufficient grace. Enough ! And now All fluttering thought is stilled ; I only rest, And feel that thou art near, and know that I am blest ! 150 MA Y 22. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. — Ps. xxiii. 1. DO I belong to the fold of Christ? And as one of his flock, am I obedient, quiet, gentle, willing to hear his voice, and to be led by him ? And as he is my Shepherd, do I trust him for all that I need ; and know that if anything is withheld, it is from his wisdom, and for my good ? Do I take the comfort here given to all who are followers of Christ, that he is all- sufficient for their wants and difficulties, and no good thing will he withhold fi-om them that walk uprightly ? He who follows Christ, follows One from whom light streams upon the road before us — showing all its turn- ings and windings, and enabling us to walk safely, surely, and cheerfully, to the end. — Patson. Christianity did not come from heaven to be the amusement of an idle hour, or the food of mere im- agination. No; it is intended to be the guide and guardian and companion of all our hours; the food of our immortal spirits; the serious occupation of our entire existence. — Bishop Jebb. Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me ; And the changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see ; I only ask for an humble mind. Intent on pleasing ih^Q. — A. L. Waring. H' MA Y 23. 1^^ fipeak unto the children of Israel, that they go for- ward.— Ex. xiv. 15. •AVE I taken the first step in the divmelue? j_ If so, am I making progress in it; advancmg ,n the knowledge of truth, and m the faithful perfoi^- ance of duty? Is sin more and more crucified: my hearth idol Jone by one abolished ; the world less, and eternity more to me? Is Christ's image daily moie LpresLd on my character, and his love more en^ throned in my heart? If faint, am I pursuing ? And if pursuing, is it in the power of his might ? There is no standing still in the life of faith. No grace will bring thee to heaven without perseverance : not faith, If it be faint and frail; not love if it de- cline and wax cold ; not humility, if it continue not ; not obedience, not repentance, not patience, no, nor any other grace, except they have their perfect work. It IS not enough to begin well, except we end welL- T. Brooks. Haste thee on from grace to glory, Armed with faith, and winged with prayer ; Heaven's eternal day before thee ; God's own hand shall guide thee there. Soon shall close thine earthly mission ; Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days; Hope shall change to glad fruition, Faith tr sight, and prayer to praise I —Montgomery. 162 MA Y 24. What hhall it profit a man, if he shall gain the lohole world, and lose his own soul ? — Maek viii. 36. DO I remember that though God designs us to lind comfort and pleasure in the gifts of his hand, yet he never means us to seek our highest happiness in them? Do I feel that they are but means to an end ; and that end, our preparation for an endless existence ? And that if allowed to wean our souls from God and his service, then they become sin to us? Is it my earnest prayer, that though in the world, I may not be of it, but that my heart may be fixed supremely on God ? The whole material universe, the heavens and earth, are not equal in value to a single soul ; for the soul is immortal, and has capacities for knowledge, virtue, and happiness, which only God can fill. — Geove. The poorest Christian who lives in Christ and walks in daily fellowship with God, is happier than the rich- est votary of the world. Indeed, such only are happy. There is no solid wisdom, no well-founded hope, no true happiness, but in real piety. — Evelyn. What is the thing of greatest price, The whole creation round ? That which was lost in paradise ; That which in Christ is found. The soul of man, — Jehovah's breath, That keeps two worlds at strife ; Hell moves beneath to work its death ; Heaven stoops to give it life ! — MONTGOMEEY, MAY 25. 153 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Ps. xc. 12. DO I constantly keep in view the uncertainty of life, and how short a time at longest I have to live in the world ? And do I endeavor so to number my days, as wisely to compare with them the work God has given me to do, that I may be stimulated to dil- igence, as one that has not long to live ? Do I pray for divine aid in this numbering, that it may be blessed to my own highest wisdom and good, and so to the good of others ? Lost wealth may be replaced by industry ; lost health, regained by temperance ; lost knowledge, re- stored by study ; and even lost reputation won back by penitence and virtue. But who ever looked on his departed hours, or recalled his slighted years, and stamped them with wisdom, or effaced from heaven'^ record the fearful blot of wasted time? — L. H. Si- GOUENEY, Why do we heap huge mounds of years before ua and behind. And scorn the little days that pass, like angels on the wind? Each turning round a small, sweet face, as beautiful as near. Because it is so small a face we will not see it clear ; And so it turns from us and goes away in sad dis- dain ; Though we could give our lives for it, it never comes again — Ceaik. i54 MAY 26. Mepent, and turn to God, and do vjorlcs meet for repentance. — Acts xxvi. 20. HAYE I sincerely repented of sin? And now, in my daily life, do I endeavor to do works meet for repentance ? In humility, in faith, and with constant prayer, am I seeking to do the will of my Father in heaven, remembering that as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith, without works, is dead also ? Do I bear in mind that it is not enough to profess to know God, unless in works I do not deny him ? As the evidence for myself, and as an example to others, do I endeavor to show my faith in Christ by works of obedience for him ? If you would be good, be diligent in doing good. The exercise of grace increases it. * Ever be occupied with some direct effort to do good, and be ambitious of doing it for Christ's sake. Seek to leave the world better for your sojourn in it. Whatever you attempt, do it in humble dependence on the Holy Spirit, and endeavor to do it so thoroughly, and to follow it up so resolutely, that the result shall be evident as well as good. — J. Hamilton. Labor is sweet, for thou hast toiled ; And care is sweet, for thou hast cared. Ah, never let our works be soiled With strife, or by deceit ensnared. Through life's long day, and death's dark night, gentle Jesus, be ou' light. — Faber. MA Y 21. 155 Enter into thy closet ; and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly, — Matt. vi. 6. DO I prize the privilege, of secret prayer in the closet? Where no human eye can see, and no human ear can hear, there do I rejoice to pour out my heart before God, acknowledging every weakness, con- fessing every error, and asking the special grace that I feel I specially need ? Every sin do I bring to him for pardon ; every weakness, for strength ; every sorrow, for comfort ; every trial, for support ; and every per- plexity and difficulty and doubt, for light and guidance and direction ? Here do I seek all that I need, for time and eternity ? I must be often in the closet. God enjoins it. My special necessities demand it. I must do it that I may grow in grace and may not decline in spirituality and wander from God. It is a solemn duty, a glorious and blessed privilege, thus to commune with God ; to breathe his Spirit, and receive the impress of his image upon my heart. Oh, may I ever prize, and seek to im- prove it. By divine grace I will, till I am raised from prayer on earth to endless praise in heaven. * Go with pure mind and feeling. Fling earthly thoughts away, And in thy chamber kneeling. In secret often pray. And hi3 whose voice doth call thee there, Shall hear and answer all thy prayer. — Lord Moepeth. i54 MAY 26. Repent, and turn to God, and do vjorJcs meet for repentance. — Acts xxvi. 20. HAVE I sincerely repented of sin? And now, in my daily life, do I endeavor to do works meet for repentance ? In humility, in faith, and with constant prayer, am I seeking to do the will of my Father in heaven, remembering that as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith, without works, is dead also ? Do I bear in mind that it is not enough to profess to know God, unless in works I do not deny him ? As the evidence for myself, and as an example to others, do I endeavor to show my faith in Christ by works of obedience for him ? If you would be good, be diligent in doing good. The exercise of grace increases it. * Ever be occupied with some direct effort to do good, and be ambitious of doing it for Christ's sake. Seek to leave the world better for your sojourn in it. Whatever you attempt, do it in humble dependence on the Holy Spirit, and endeavor to do it so thoroughly, and to follow it up so resolutely, that the result shall be evident as well as good. — J. Hamilton. Labor is sweet, for thou hast toiled ; And care is sweet, for thou hast cared. Ah, never let our works be soiled With strife, or by deceit ensnared. Through life's long day, and death's dark night, O gentle Jesus, be ou' light. — Faber. MA Y £7. 155 Enter into thy closet ; and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father vjhich is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. — Matt. vi. 6. DO I prize the privilege, of secret prayer in the closet? Where no human eye can see, and no human ear can hear, there do I rejoice to pour out my heart before God, acknowledging every weakness, con- fessing every error, and asking the special grace that I feel I specially need ? Every sin do I bring to him for pardon ; every weakness, for strength ; every sorrow, for comfort ; every trial, for support ; and everj- per- plexity and difficulty and doubt, for light and guidance and direction ? Here do I seek all that I need, for time and eternity? , I must be often in the closet. God enjoins it. My special necessities demand it. I must do it that I may grow in grace and may not decline in spirituality and wander from God. It is a solemn duty, a glorious and blessed privilege, thus to commune with God ; to breathe his Spirit, and receive the impress of his image upon my heart. Oh, may I ever prize, and seek to im- prove it. By divine grace I will, till I am raised from prayer on earth to endless praise in heaven. * Go with pure mind and feeling. Fling earthly thoughts away, And in thy chamber kneeling. In secret often pray. And hi3 whose voice doth call thee there, Shall hear and answer all thy prayer. — Lord Morpeth. 156 MA Y 28. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from oM sin. — 1 John i. 7. HAVE I come to the fountain tha> is opened for sin and all uncleanness and washed my soul in its purifying flood ? Do I feel that I am a sinner, con- demned and lost for ever, unless the precious blood of Christ is sprinkled on my soul ? Have I seen and confessed my guilt, and found forgiveness? Have I realized and mourned my sinfulness, and been cleansed from its pollution by that blood which takes away the stain, as well as the power of sin ? All the blessings of salvation came through the precious blood of Christ. If we have redemption, it is through his blood. If we are justified, it is by his blood. If we are washed from our moral stains, it is by the cleansing of his blood. If we have the victory over death, it is by the same blood. If at last we enter heaven, it is because we have washed our robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Everything depends on the blood of Christ, and with- out it ./here is no remission. — R. Newton. Christ himself thy sins hath borne ; Weeping soul, no longer mourn. View him bleeding on the tree, Pouring out his life for thee ; There thy every sin he bore ; Weeping soul, lament no more : Fix thy hopes on him who died ; In his work be satisfied ! MA 7 29. 157 Let us draw near wUh a true heart, in fuU assur- ance of faith. — Heb. x. 22, NOW tha.t tlie way of access to God has been opened by Christ, have I come to him by faith, so as to claim his offer of acceptance ? Do I come to him with a true heart, and with sincere desires for a holy life ? Has my faith grown to the full persuasion that I am forgiven and accepted through the merits of Christ ? Have I that clear assurance of faith, which, taking the Saviour at his word, finds comfort and peace in his promises? If you have not the faith of assurance, practice at least the faith of adherence. That, surely, is in your power. Cleave to God exactly as if you were certain of being accepted of him at last ; and thus fulfilling his own conditions, you will be accepted of him, whether you are assured of it beforehand or not. I would not give one straw for that assurance which sin will not damp. If David had come to me in his adultery and talked of his assurance, I should have despised his speech. — John Newton. Be trustful, be steadfast, whatever betide thee Only one thing do thou ask of the Lord Grace to go forward whatever betide thee, Simply believing the truth of his word. Thus shall you walk in the light of his love ; Thus be assured of vour treasure above ! 158 MA Y 30. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is 'itayed on thee. — IsA. xxvi. 3. IN all the pressing duties and trying uncertainties and perplexities of life, do I trust myself entirely to my heavenly Father, and cast all my cares on him ? Knowing his wisdom and goodness, and that he cares for every one of his children, am I satisfied with his guidance? Do I find peace in the thought that he is on the throne; and that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, I may always have strong consolation, if I have made him my refuge and my hope ? All experience shows that peace, composure of mind, and quiet or joyous hope, all come from a trusting submission to the divine will ; a submission that says from the heart, "Thy will be done;" a submission that disposes one to do or bear, cheerfully, whatever God may appoint. A soul that has attained to this state, though it may still be clogged with many in- firmities, has attained to the highest peace of earth and of heaven. — E. Peabody. There are briars besetting earth's every path, And calling for patient care ; And a cross there is, often, in every lot, And an earnest need for prayer. But a lowly heart that leans on God, Is happv everywhere. MAY 31. 159 Nit slothfulin business ; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. — Eom. xii. 11. DO I bear in mind that the common business of life, as well as its devotional duties, is meant to be a means of grace to me ? Into all my business, do I carry the spirit of religion ? And in all my religion am I as diligent and earnest as in the most important business? In both do I aim faithfully to serve the Lord? Do I sanctify all my occupations and employ- ments by engaging in them as for Christ, and that I may act as his good and faithful servant ? Kemember that the life of man is only to be valued for its usefulness. — Bishop Wilson. All the cares, anxieties, duties and toils of life, so far from being hindrances to grace, are designed to be, and to a right spirit are but the means of its develop- ment and growth. The pulpit may teach the way of duty, but life is the school in which we are taught to practice it. Every duty is a call to Christian effort; every trial, a summons to patience and submission, and the whole of life but a training school for eternity. * AU may of Thee partake. Nothing so small may be, But draws, when acted for thy sake, Greatness and worth from thee ; If done beneath thy laws. E'en servile labors shine ; Hallowed aU toil, if this the cause, The meanest work, divine. — George Heebert. 160 JUNE 1. Poiver belongeth unto God. — Ps. Ixii. 11. DO I rejoice to ascribe power to God, and to feel that he is ahnighty, both as the Sovereign of the universe, and as the God of grace ? Is not his power a sufficient reason why I should trust him, and feel my dependence on him, and ask his aid in every difficulty, knowing that he is willing as well as able to do all things for the good of them that love and trust him? All things and beings, all that life makes known or death conceals, everything within the boundless possi- bilities of creating wisdom and power, is mine, for God, the almighty Creator and Fountain of all, is mine. — J. Caird. We need keeping, for we are weak, wayward, and prone to wander. God will have us kept, and kept surely ; and so he keeps us himself. With his everlast- ing arms beneath me, I am for ever safe. — J. Smith. Let us heartily rejoice in the Strength of our salva- tion, and go boldly in the way of his laws, and seek safety under the shadow of his wing. And let us put our cause into the hand of that great Advocate, who is able to save to the uttermost all that come to him. And can the almighty King Of glory condescend ? And will he write his name. My Father and my Friend ? I love his name ; I love his word ; Join all my powers to serve the Lord. — Watts. JUNE 2. 161 Tfye love me, keep my commandments. — John xiv. 15. DO I, indeed, love Christ ? Does my love to him show itself in constant obedience to his com- mands? When duties press, and difficulties gather in the way, am I more anxious to be faithful to the duties than to know what events may be ? Do I find my comfort in the way of obedience to the Saviour ? If I expect the support and comfort of the Spirit, must I not follow the leadings of the Spirit ? It is but a small thing to see Christ in a book, as men see the world on a map. But to come near to Christ ; to love him ; to embrace him ; to obey him, is quite another thing. — Rutheefoed. When Demosthenes was asked what was the first part of an orator, what the second, and what the third, each time he replied, "Action." So if any one ask me what is the first, second, and third thing in a Chris- tian, I would answer " Obedience." Luther says he would rather obey than work miracles ; and God says, obedience is better than sacrifice. — T. Brooks. Lay upon me Thy commands. Fill my heart, employ my hands ; Let me on thine errands run. Till the work of life is done. Living thus to worship thee, I eath shall prove new life to me, Where, with all the conflict o'er, Rest remaineth evermore. 11 162 JUNE 3. Be not hasty in thy spirit to he angry. — EccL. vii, 9. DO I endeavor at all times to govern my temper with wisdom and grace, seeking with earnest prayer, to repress the first rising of evil feeling or passion in vay heart? In thought, word and deed, do I cultivate the habit of self-control, remembering that better is he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city ? If provoked and tempted to give way to anger, do I remember the blessed Saviour, who when he was reviled, reviled not again ? In all things, do I seek to cherish his spirit ? I will suffer a thousand wrongs, rather than offer one, and an hundred rather than return one. I havo ever found that to strive with my superior is fatuous ; wdth my equal, doubtful ; with my inferior, sordid and base ; with any, full of unquietness. — Bishop Hall. I am naturally as impatient and irritable as any, but when I find anger, or passion, or any other evil temper arise in my mind, I go at once to my Saviour, and con- fessing my sin, give myself up to be managed and con- trolled by him. — Clarke. Cherish kindly, loving feelings, While you here on earth may stay ; They will scatter light and sunshine, On your own and others' way ; They will make life's pathway brighter, All around you they will bless, And o'er every lot and station Pour fresh streams of happiness. —Kidder. JUNE 4. 163 I give 7Jii/self unto prayer. — Ps. cix. 4. DO I love communion with God in prayer, count- ing it alike a joy and a duty ? Am I as earnest in praying for spiritual blessings, as I am in seeking temporal advantages ? Not only in perplexities and troubles, but in all the affairs of life, do I go habit- ually, for guidance and help, to the throne of grace ? Do I expect an answer, though it may not be as I would desire, or in the way I might think best ? The body of our prayer is the sum of our duty ; and as we must ask of God whatsoever we need, so we must labor for all that we ask. Every petition to God is a rule for our life — a precept for our conduct — a per- petual monition to duty. By what we require of God, we see what he requires of us. — Jeremy Taylor. He that knows how to pray, has the secret of safety in prosperity, and of support in trouble ; the art of overcoming every enemy, and of turning every loss into a gain; the power of soothing every care; of subduing eveiy passion; and of adding a relish to every enjojnnent. The merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain there- of than fine gold. — W. Jay. Hast thou a hope from which thy heart Would almost feel it death to part ? Entreat thy God that hope to crown, Or give thee strength to lay it down. Whate'er the care that breaks thy rest, What^'er the wish that swells thy breast, Take to thy God that wish, that care, And change anxiety to prayer ! 164 JUNE 5. Hope maketh not ashamed. — Rom. v. 5. \ VT^HY should I be ashamed of my hope in Christ, V V- as the only and all-sufficient Saviour, and as my Saviour? Is there not every reason, rather, to glory in the hope, and in him who is its everlasting foundation ? Amid all the changes and uncertainties — the sins and sorrows of Life, is it not a matter of thankfulness, and joy, and triumph, that I have a hope which is an anchor to the soul, and which has the promise of the life that now is, and also of that which is to come ? Experience of God is a prop to our hope. He that hath delivered, doth and will. Experience of our- selves helps to evidence our sincerity. — M. Henry, I have such a hope that with it I can calmly plunge into eternity. — A. Fuller. Hope takes fast hold of heaven itself. It is like the morning light ; the least beam of it shall go on to complete sunshine ; it shall shine brighter and brighter to the perfect day. — T. Brooks. Faint, and sinking on the road, Still I cling to thee, my God. Bending 'neath a weight of woes, Harassed by a thousand foes, Hope still chides my rising fears, Joy still mingles with my tears ; For thy word still sounds to me, ■ As th)'^ days thy strength shall be." — H. F. Lyte. JUNE 6. 165 Who hath despised the day of small things ? — Zech. iv. 10. DO I feel the vast importance of little things, whether in ordinary life, or in matters of re- ligion? Am I careful to encourage, not to r'^press even the faintest stragglings after good, "whether in myself, or in others? Do I feel that God does not despise the day of small things ; that the bruised reed he will not break, and the smoking flax he will not quench, till he bring forth judgment unto victory? In little things, as well as great, do I strive to serve him? He that despiseth small things, shall fall by little and little. — Ecclesiastictjs. In all the history of our Saviour, there is not one wrathful sentence — not one speech of condemnation for the weak and sorrowing. He had sympathy and compassion for all infirmities ; for sorrow, for sickness, for all who were penitent. He encouraged the feeblest and weakest to come to him. — J. Bate. Sow when the morning breaketh, In beauty o'er the land ; And when the evening falleth, Withhold not thou thine hand. Sow though the rock repel thee. In its cold and sterile pride ; Some cleft there may be riven, Where the little seed may hide. 166 JUNE 7. Ihave set before thee an open door. — Rev. iii. 8. AS Christ has opened the door of life, have I, by faith, entered? Have I accepted the full and free salvation which he has offered for my acceptance ? Do I realize that this door will not always be open ; and that if God's offers are rejected or neglected, it may soon be too late to enter it ? If I have entered, am I in earnest to go forward in the way of life ? Do I seek to lead others to enter in, and be safe ? The carnal mind, which is enmity, fortifies the soul against God as with bars and doors ; averts it from him; carries it with a horrid, guilty consciousness, which, in the end, fills it with eternal despair, and en- wraps it in the blackness of darkness for ever. — John Howe. Those who would go to heaven when they die, must begin their heaven now, while they live. — Matthew Heney. Make good use of time, if thou lovest eternity Yesterday cannot be recalled. To-morrow cannot bt^ secured. Now is the accepted time. If to-day is lost, it is lost for ever. Silent, like men in solemn haste, Girded wayfarers of the waste, We pass out at the world's wide gate, Turning our back on all its state : We press along the narrow road. That leads to life, to bliss, to God. — H. BONAR. JUNE 8. 167 Whats lever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and tu i unto men. — Col. iii. 23. AM I a cheerful, willing, earnest servant of Christ ? Is it my sincere desire that my life should be more and more devoted to God ? Though I cannot do great things, do 1 remember that my service will be acceptable in whatsoever may be done, if undertaken in a right spirit, and in dependence on divine aid? Is it my encouragement, that though man looketh to the outward appearance, God looketh on the heart ? No man need think he can ever become eminent in anything, unless he work at it with an earnestness bordering on enthusiasm. — Robert Hall. Idleness is the very rust and canker of the soul ; the devil's cushion, and pillow, and chief reposal ; his very tide-time of temptation, as it were, wherein he carries with much care, and without contradiction, the current of our corrupt afifections to any cursed sin. —Bolton. One by one thy duties wait thee ; Let thy whole strength go to each ; ^ Let no future dreams elate thee ; Learn thou first what these can teach. Every hour that fleets so slowly, Has its task to do or bear. Luminous the crown and holy. When each gem is set with care. — A. Procter. 168 JUNE 9. Lest Satan should get the advantage of us ; for we are not ignorant of his devices. — 2 Cor. ii. 11. DO I always bear in mind that Satan is a personal enemy, subtle, vigilant, and ever seeking to entrap the unwary and careless in his snares ? Do 1 realize that he is a watchful enemy, ready to take every advantage of us, and to deceive and allure us to evil ? Do I seek for strength to resist him, and for grace to avoid his devices even though he may come as an angel of light ? Do I keep near to Christ, that in him I may be safe ? Even the devil has one good quality, that if we re- sist him he will flee from us; and the strength of Christ is always freely offered to us, that we may be able to do it. * The first step toward strength, is to know our weak- ness. We are to be steadfast, not in seK, but in faith ; confident in God ; relying on his promises, his wisdom, his power and love. In this spirit we are to meet temptation, feeling that both it and the tempter him* self f re under God's control. * Why should I fear the darkest hour, Or tremble at the tempter's power ? Jesus vouchsafes to be my tower. Though fierce the fight, why quit the field ? Why should I either fly or yield, Since Jesus is my sword and shield ? JUNE 10. 169 Set a watch, Lord, before my mouth ; keep ike door of my lips. — Ps. cxli. 3. DO I keep in mind the startling declaration of God's word, that " the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, setting on fire the course of nature, and that it is set on fire of hell "? And do I strive, habit- ually, to govern my tongue, that I may not be sur- prised into idle, or foolish, or sinful words— words dishonoring to God, or unkind or injurious to man ? Do I endeavor always to speak for good, or else be silent ? If used aright, there is nothing better than the tongue : it is the organ of truth and reason ; the bond of civil society; the medium of sympathy and kind- ness and love to our fellow-men, and the instrument of our praise and worship of God. But if used im- properly, there is nothing worse than the tongue : it is the instrument of all strife and contentions ; the source of division, and bitterness, and wars ; the organ of error, and falsehood, and slander and blasphemies. Words are mighty, words are living ; Serpents with their venomous stings, Or bright angels, crowding round us, With heaven's light upon their wings. Every word has its own spirit, True or false, that never dies ; Every word our lips may utter, Sounds in God's ear in the skies ! — A. Peocter. 170 JUNE 11. Thai they may adorn the doctrine of Gy.)d our Saviour in all things. — Titus ii. 10. BY my sincere love of the truth, and by my faith- ful conduct as a Christian, do I let my light shine, and so commend religion to all about me ? Do I lay aside the false idea that I must have a certain position in the world's estimation, before I can have influence for good over others? And do I endeavor habitually so to live, that all may take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus, and so be led to him? We can do more good by being good than in any other way. — Rowland Hill. By doing without weariness, and suffering without murmuring; by having your hands active in God's service, and your feet swift to run in the way of his commandments — thus may your bodies be used by the spirits within them, for the hallowed service of the Master. Dust they are; but they can bring praise to him who hath formed them. — T. Haweis. Who are a blessing ? Who themselves the blest ? Who win the wandering to the Saviour's rest? They who have kept their sympathies awake. And scattered joy for more than custom's sake ; Steadfast and tender in the hour of need ; Gentle in thought, benevolent in deed ; Their looks have power to make dissensions cease ; Their smiles are pleasant, and their souls are peace. D' JUNE 12. 171 My times are in thy hand.—Pfi. xxxi. 15. .0 I feel that God's providence is over all, and _ ' that all my times are in his h&jid, and are con- trolled and directed by him ? Is it not a comfort and support, to know that he is ordering all for my highest good if I trust him? Where my own wisdom and courage and strength would fail, do I not know that he is all-sufficient ; and that with more than a father's tenderness he watches over every step of my way, and will guide me safely to himself in heaven? One minute sooner than God's time, would not be his people's mercy. Our times, or opportunities are in his hand ; and therefore he knows the best time for our deliverance, and we must wait for it.— Matthew Henry. Creatures may fail you, but God never will. He will be more than a father, even a God to you. He will order his providence for your good ; and carry on his work in thee ; and fulfill his promises to thee. Only believe, and you shall find all things work for your gr od, both for time and eternity. The God who made my heart, is he alone That of himself both can and will Give rest unto my thoughts, and fill Them full of all content and quietness ; That so I may possess My soul in patience, Until he find it time to ca'.l me hence. — QUARLES. 172 JUNE 13. God commendeth his love to us, m that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. — Kom, v. 8. IN view of God's wonderful, unfathoinable love as manifest in redemption, do I give liim the return that he asks, namely, the love and homage of my heart and life ? Do I realize the fact that though God hates the sin, he loves the sinner, even when in the sinfulness of his sins ; and that to win us back to himself, he gave his well-beloved Son to die that we might live ? Does his love to me, lead me to live for him ? The wonder in heaven, which eclipses all other mar- vels in heaven, earth and hell, is, and ever will be, the unspeakable love of God in Christ, by which salvation is freely offered to the very chief of sinners. — Owen. All earthly love is as nothing to the love of God. He so loved us as to give his Son to die for us ; as to impart his Holy Spirit to us ; as to prepare the king- dom of glory for us ; as to give us exceeding great and precious promises ; as to make us his children and heirs for ever. How then ought we to love him ! See, from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down ; Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown ? Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small ; Love, so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. — Watts. JUNE U. 173 Tky will be done. — Luke xi. 2. HAVE I learned this most important lesson, ever to desire that God's will may be done in all things? Do I cheerfully bow my own will to his? Am I so thoroughly satisfied that his will is always wise and good, and that he requires nothing that is not for my highest welfare, that I yield to him cheer- fully and thankfully? Do I study God's word, and watch his providence, and pray for the light of his Holy Spirit, that I may know his will ? And when known, am I willing, at all times, to do or suffer it? To worship a graven image is not worse idolatry, than to set up self-will, and always follow it, instead of conforming to, and complying with the divine and eternal will of God. — J. Smith. Few things are worse for us than to have our own way, and be left to our own will. The work of sanc- tification is but slight, if we are willing to carve for ourselves. The wisest, holiest, safest, happiest, best state for us to be in, is that in which, from the heart, we can, in all circumstances, say, " Not my will, b ' t thine be done." * M)'- God, my Father, while I stray. Far from my home, on life's rough way, Oh, teach me from the heart to say. Thy will be done ! Kenew my will from day to day. Blend it with thine, and take away, All that now makes it hard to say, Thy will be done. — C. Elliott. 174 JUNE 15. Thou hast loosed my bonds. — Ps. cxvi. 16. HAVE I, by the grace of God in Christ Jesus, been freed from the bondage of sin ? And do I rejoice, with thankfulness, in the liberty of God's children ? Do I feel that I am free not only from the condemnation, but from the reigning power of sin? And do I so prize the blessedness of my state as a new creature in Christ Jesus, that I seek to lead others to the same blessedness? He who has received the spirit of adoption, no longer acts as a slave who regards his duties as a burden and endeavors to lessen them. On the con- trary, he delights in duty, because he delights in God. He is at home with God his Father, and as it were conversing with him while engaged in his service. — MiLNOE. The Christian is free from the charge of sin, because Christ was his substitute ; free from its guilt and con- demnation, through faith in the person and work of Jesus ; free from the love and power and slavery of sin, through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Blessed freedom, that delivers from all the evil of sin, and raises t D a life of holiness and to heaven. * He is the freeman whom the truth makes :re And all are slaves beside. — Cowper. Ignorance bound me ; Satan tossed me ; But Jesus found me, and Satan lost me. — Bun Y AN. JUNE 16. 175 Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of ; he earth. — IsA. xlv. 22. DO I look to Christ, and only to him, for salvation ? Am I strong in the faith that he is both able and willing to save me, and that from bim I may re- ceive pardon for the guilt of sin, and strength to over- come its power ? Am I looking away from the dark- ness of self, to the bght that is in him ; fi'om the ever- varying frames and feelings of my own heart, to him who is the same from everlasting to everlasting? Faith is the soul's outward, not its inward look. The object on which it fixes its eye, is not the heart's ever-varying frames, but the never-varying Christ.— Baillie. Too often, and almost unconsciously, we look at the Sun of righteousness as it is reflected in our own troubled waters, rather than by an upward look to it, as it really is, in the heavens. The very reverse of this is what we should do. We should look to prom- ises, not feelings. The latter change, while the former are like the everlasting hills, that cannot be moved. * Come, ye souls by sin afflicted, Bowed with fruitless sorrow down, By the broken law convicted. Through the cross behold the crown ! Look to Jesus ; Mercy flows from Ivm alone!— J. Hart. 176 JUNE 17. The end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. — 1 Pet. iv, 7. DO I bear in mind how fast life is passing away, and what momentous issues are dependent on it ? And do I cherish, habitually, that serious frame of mind and heart which becomes one who, at any moment, may be called to eternity ? While I pray, do I watch ; and while I watch, do I pray ? And through both watchfulness and prayer, is it my earnest endeavor ever to be found faithful in duty and pre- pared for the coming of the Son of man ? Prayer, without watching, is hypocrisy ; and watch- ing, without prayer, is presumption. Pressing emergencies are to be met with correspond- ing efforts. We must proportion our strength and exertion to the tasks and duties and dangers before ns, doing with our might what we can do, and praying w^ith our might that God may do for us. If we do all that we can to stand, and then fear lest we may fall, by the grace of God we are safe. * Watch ! 'tis your Lord's command ; And while we speak, he's near : Mark the first signal of his hand, And ready all appear. Oh happy servant he. In such a posture found ; He shall his Lord with rapture see. And be with honor crowned ! — Doddridge. JVNE 18. 177 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, consider your ways. — Haggai i. 5. DO I realize the importance of self-knowledge, especially as to spiritual things? Do I apply my mind seriously to the important work of self-ex- amination, comparing myself, both as to motives and conduct, with the teaching of God's word? Do I look to my principles, to my motives, to my feelings, to my aims, to my conduct, and ask if they are all such as God can approve? Has the serious consideration of my ways led me to amend whatever may have been amiss, and to aim at all that is right ? The sins of men go before them to the judgment, and will be ready to meet them there. What a fear- ful meeting! How impossible to escape from their accusing and their consequences. — Jeffries. Consideration is the bed where the incorruptible seed is sown ; and on the ground thus prepared the Sun of righteousness doth shine, and by his warmth produces in the soul all manner of pleasant and heavenly fruits.— Anthony Hornbeck. The world's a labyrinth, whose anfractuous ways Are all composed of rubs, and crookt meanders. No resting here : he's hurried back who stays A thought: and he that goes unguided, wanders. Her way is dark ; her path untrod, uneven : S') hard the way from earth; so hard the way to heaven.— Quaeles. 12 178 JUNE 19. Give me thine heart. — Peov. xxiii. 26. AM I willing that God should reign in my heart supremely and alone? Is there anything I would keep back from him ; any feeling, or desire, or object that comes between my soul and its entire allegiance to Christ? Is the world, in any of its forbidden forms, holding a first place in my affections ? Do I always bear in mind, that, as I am bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ, I am not my own, but God's? The greatest difficulty in conversion, is, to win the heart to God ; and the greatest difficulty after conver- sion, is, to keep the heart with God. — Flavel. The heart is that which God requires, and calls for from every one of us. Whatever we give, if we do not give him our hearts, it will not be accepted. — M. Heney. Unless I give my heart wholly to God, and make religion my great and engrossing concern, I shall be a stranger not only to duty, but to all solid peace and enjoyment. — Chalmees. Blessed Saviour ! thee I love, All my other joys above ; Thine, entirely thine, am I, Thine to live, and thine to die ; Height, or depth, or earthly powei, Ne'er shall hide my Saviour more ; Ever shall my glory be, Only, only, only thee ! — G. Duffiei d JUNE 20. 179 Wi>ere lam, there shall also my servant 6e.— John xii. 26. DO I rejoice in this promise of tlie blessed Saviour, and look forward, in hope, to being with him for ever in heaven? Do I regard this world as but a school oi" discipline and training for the heavenly state? Am I following my divine Master now, as one who looks forward to the honor and blessedness of sharing his glory hereaft.er? Is it my great desire and effort to be found faithful unto death, that a crown of life may be mine ? Our Saviour's last prayer on earth pleads earnestly for the glorification of his servants with himself. His parting wish is to meet them in heaven; as if his earthly jewels were needed to make his crown com- plete;' as if the happiness and joy of his people were the needed complement of his own. For ever with Jesus ! Then for ever in light, with- out darkness ; in pleasure without pain ; in plenty with- out want; in holiness without sin; joint heirs with Christ, sharing his glory and blessedness ; shining in his light ; for ever ravished with his love ! What a glorious prospect ! Bless the Lord for its certainty. Soon we shall with those in glory. His transcendent grace relate ; Gladly sing the amazing story Of his dying love so great ; In that blessed contemplation We for evermore shall dwell, Crown'd with bliss and consolation Such as none below can tell. — Bake WELL. 180 JUNE 21. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with bene- fits.— 'Ps. Ixviii. 19. DO I feel that every blessing I receive cometli down , from above? Do I thoughtfully consider how multiplied these blessings are, and how varied and con- stant their bestowment? Life, health, food, raiment, friends, all that makes life pleasant or dear to me, and so thie light of the gospel, the gift of a Saviour, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and all that tends to pre- pare me for heaven — do they not all come from God? For all do I praise him? Do I show forth my gratitude in my life ? They that deserve nothing, should be thankful for anything. Bless God for what you have, and trust him for what you want. — J. Mason. Mercy is the fairest letter in Jehovah's name, and love and goodness the noblest attributes of his nature, — Thornton. He that daily loads us with his benefits, will not put us off with present things for a portion, but will be the God of our salvation. What he gives us now, he gives as the God of our salvation, and as an earnest of it, pursuant to his own great plan of saving us. — Matthew Henry. I want to praise, with a life renewed, As I never have praised before ; With voice, and pen, and song, and speech, To thank thee more and more ; And for all thy gifts, my gratitude, Rejoicingly outpour. JUNE 22. 181 But one ttdng is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken awaj from her. — Luke x. 42. IN all my plans and aims, do I take into view my entire existence ? Do I think and act, not merely for this life, but for endless ages ? Do I seek after that real godliness, which is the one thing needful, and which has the promise both of this life, and of that which is to come ? Bearing in mind that we cannot serve two masters, do I make God my supreme choice and de- light ? Feeling that the world cannot satisfy the soul, have I chosen that good part which is satisfying, sure, and eternal? Earthly occupations may engage, but they must not engross our thoughts. They must have a share in our hearts ; but let us not forget that our well-being through eternity demands that it should be only a subordinate share. — Haggitt, God has directed us so to live, and we may so live, as to make the best of both worlds. We have a life on earth, and must attend to its duties ; but we should make every one of them a means of grace. We have a life beyond this world, stretching on through eternity, and we should so improve our probation here that our endless life may be one of endless blessedness. * Come, says Jesus' sacred voice. Come, and make my paths your choice ; Hither come, for here is found, Balm that flows for every wound ; Peace, that ever shall endure ; Rest, eternal, sacred, sure. — Barbauld. 182 JUNE 23. Behold he 'prayeth. — Acts ix. 11. HAVE I this evidence of being truly converted, that I love the Spirit and the place of prayer ? Do I pray with earnestness and faith, as Paul prayed ? Do I feel that it is as impossible for the soul truly to live, without prayer, as it is for the body to live without breath ? Do I believe that to be prayerless is to be graceless ? "When I pray for what seems a right object, do I do all in my power to act for it ? Sinning will make us leave off praying ; or praying will make us leave off sinning. — Dyer, What God has promised, we must pray for. He will be inquired of, and especially for divine instruction and guidance. — Matthew Henry. If we do but lisp, even though we silently address God without opening our lips, yet we cry to him in the inmost recesses of the heart, and God always listens to the sincere direction of the heart to him. — Clement OF Alexandria. Prayer is the Christian's vital breath ; The Christian's native air ; His watchword at the gates of death ; He enters heaven with prayer. thou by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way ; The path of prayer thyself hast trod ; Lord ! teach us how to pray ! — Montgomery, JUNE 2Jt. 1S3 TJie Loi I is nigh unto aU that call upon him.— Vs. cxlv. 18. IS it not a blessed assurance, that God is ever ready to hear and answer the prayers of his children? And do I improve this privilege of God's wilhngness, by sending up my thoughts in prayer to him, whenever and wherever I feel my need? Is it not a cause of devout thankfulness, that God is always withm hear- ing of prayer, and that I am always withm reach of his help ? At all times do I rejoice in his nearness, and love to hold communion with him ? No prayer is ever lost. They are lasting and living things; and are, as it were, indented around the throne of God. And when he looks round, he sees the prayers of his people covered with the sweet in- cense of the Saviour's intercession.— Bickeesteth. What is only matter of prayer on earth, will be matter of praise in heaven. The answer to praver is slow ; but the force of prayer cumulative. Not till life is over, is the whole answer to it given, and the whole strength it has brought^us fully understood. Where two or three together meet, Lo, in the midst, is One, Who hears believing hearts that beat, With life his breath begun. Ere we can pour our earnest cry. He listens from his throne on high ! 184 JUNE 25. He hath -prej^ared for them a city. — Heb. xi. 16. AS God has prepared a city, do I bear in mind that all who would enter it must be a prepared people ; and that if I would attain to its blessedness, I must live a prepared life ? Am I working the works God has given me to do ? Am I endeavoring to lay up my treasure in heaven ? By a life of faith and holy obedience, do I show that I am seeking the city that hath eternal foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God? The great Counselor bids us follow at his beck, often through clouds and darkness, promising eternal sun- shine on the other side, in the prepared city. There we shall see how eveiy rough wind has but hastened our bark nearer to the desired haven. — T. Beooks. If there be such glory in God's footstool on earth, what will there be in his throne ? If he gives us so much in the land of our pilgrimage, what will he not give us in our own country? If so much to his enf mies on earth, what will he not give to his friends in heir everlasting home in heaven ? — Spencer. Onward ! the goal that thou seekest, Is worthy the quest of a Hfe ; And love can give to the weakest. Courage and strength for the strife. Onward ; our cry for ever. Till the glorious goal be won, 'Mid the brightness, fading never, Of heaven's unclouded sun ! JUNE 26. 185 Take heed unto thyself. — 1 Tim. iv. 16. HAVE I taken heed to myself in the highest sense, by going to Christ for salvation ? Do I rest all my hopes on him ? Do I take heed that my life and conduct be such as become a follower of Jesus — a child of the most high God ? Is my faith founded on the teachings of God's word, and my life conformed to its precepts ? Do I endeavor to lead others to the only divine way of truth and duty ? Whatever a man may be doing, as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. If his aims are low, and his plans worldly, so is he. If his motives are pure, and his purposes high and heavenly, so is he. And as he is, so is his work. — Kuskin. A religious life involves self-denial, and constant watchfulness. We have to beware of the world with- out, and take heed to ourselves within. Our wills, desires, affections, habits, lives, are to be conformed to the will of God; and that from the full conviction, that what he wills is the perfection of virtue and right, and at the same time our happiness. * Tremblers beside the opening grave, Father ! we call on thee to save, By power divine ! In mercy hear our suppliant breath ; Keep us, through faith, in life or death, Thine, only thine ! 186 JUNE 27. He vnll give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him. ^-LuKE xi. 13. IF the Holy Spirit has not come to my heart, is it not through my own neglect to ask ? If he does not habitually dwell with me, is it not because I have not earnestly prayed for his presence ? Do I remem- ber that I can never better please God than when I come and ask for his Spirit to be with me, to sanctify and comfort and guide? Do I pray for his blessed in- fluence for others, as well as for my own soul ? As the air is all around us, and we have only to open our lungs to receive it, so the Holy Spirit is ever ready and waiting to come to us, if we will but open our hearts to his blessed influence. The only uncon- ditional promise in the entire Bible, is, that God will give his Holy Spirit to all who ask it. * Those who do not frequent God's throne of mercy on earth, will never bow at his throne of glory in heaven. Not a single blessing is promised in God's word, either for this world or the next, to those who do not pray. Holy Ghost ! with light divine, Shine upon this heart of mine ; Chase the shades of night away ; Turn my darkness into day. With thy power and joy divine. Dwell within this heart of mine ; Cast down every idol-throne ; Reign supren\e, and reign alone ! — A. Reed. JUNE 28. 187 Canst thou by searching, find out God .?— Job xi. 7. DO I realize that the infinite depths of God's wis- dom and power cannot be fathomed, nor the brightness of his glory described, nor the rich treasures of his goodness and mercy be numbered ? Am I sat- isfied to know, though I cannot comprehend God ; to adore and love though I cannot fully understand ? Is it my great object to know his will, to obey his com- mandments, and in all things to trust him ? It is foolish in us to muse on vanity when we have the character and love of God to think of; to let the mill grind chaff, when there is such plenty of corn at hand. — Manton. If you would fully believe, says Luther, you must crucify that question, " Why T God would not have us too full of wherefores. We must follow his com- mands without questioning. Abraham subscribed a blank when God called him out of his own country ; but he was led to a better.— Bridge. In its sublime research, philosophy May measure out the ocean's deep ; may count The sands, or the sun's rays. But, God, for thee There is no weight or measure. None can mount Up to thy mysteries. Reason's brightest spark, Though kindled by thy light, in vain would try To trace thy counsels, infinite and dark ; And thought is lost ere thought can soar so high, Even as past moments in eternity ! 188 JUNE 20. Narrow is t. x way which leadeth unto life, and few there he that find it. — Matt. vii. 14. DO I always keep in mind the fact, that the way to heaven is narrow and difficult, and that to walk in it demands self-denial and effort ? If I would be kept in it, must I not resist temptation, and turn aside from allurement, and engage in duties that at times are painful to flesh and blood ? But in it, shall I not enjoy God's favor, which is life ; and at the end be sure of everlasting life ? Is not this thought a help by the way ? Let us neither despise, nor overvalue the world. While we bless God for its comforts, let us pray him to keep us from its snares. * The Christian is not ruined by living in the world, which he must needs do while he remains in it, but by allowing the world to live in him. If this pilgrimage were all the way a way of ease and comfort, then we should not much desire to hasten on in it, or to come to the end of it, or to see God in heaven. Satisfied with the sweetness of the streams, we should stay away from the fountain. — G. B. Cheever. Girt with the love of God on every side, Breathing that love as heaven's own healing air, I work or wait, still following my guide. Braving each foe, escaping every snare. Pressing still onward in the narrow way. That leads, where Jesus led, to endless day. JUNE 30. 189 Pray without ceasing. — 1 Thess. v. 17. NOT only do I have stated times for prayer, and a closet in whicli to utter it, but do I also at all times cherish the spirit of prayer? In the intervals of busi- ness, or labor, or study, do my thoughts go up in silent supplication? As I walk by the way, or in- the watches of midnight, do I love to hold communion of thought and prayer with God ? Do I pray as instinctively as I breathe ? Do I expect never to cease praying, till I reach that blessed world where prayer .is lost in praise ? The promise of God is not to the act, but to the habit of prayer. — Payson. Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue ; of sighs than of words ; of faith than of discourse. The eloquence of prayer consists in the fervency of the de- sire ; in the simplicity of faith ; and in the earnestness and perseverance of love. Our trust and confidence ought to proceed from that which God is able to do in as, not from what we can sav to God. — QuesneTj. Never shrink, and never fear; Humbly, boldly, persevere ; Always pray and never faint," Is his word to every saint. Trust the word that cannot fail ; Urge the plea that must prevail ; And you joyfully shall prove, All his boundless wealth of love. 190 JUL Y 1. That they all i},ay he one; as thou, Father, art in me, and Jin thee. — John xvii. 21. DO I seek to cultivate that spirit of Christian unity which Christ enjoined on his disciples, and which was so exemplified in his own life ? Do I realize that all Christians are one in their desires and prayers, though differing in modes of expression ; that they have the same spirit of adoption, and are children of the same Father? Do I not only study the lesson of charity, and tolerance, and forbearance, but do I also seek to be one with my fellow- Christians in love to God, and love to all around me ? If Christians lived nearer to God, they would have no difficulty in loving one another. — J. Hamilton. None are so easily acquainted, so closely knit to- gether, and so much endeared to each other, as real Christians. They are children of the same Father, brothers of the same Son, habitations of the same Spirit ; fellow-citizens, fellow-servants, fellow-soldiers, fellovA-travelers, fellow-heirs. How should they love each other ! — J. Mason. Blest be the tie that binds, Our hearts in Christian love ; The fellowship of kindred minds, Is like to that above. Before our Father's throne, We pour our ardent prayers ; Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one, Our comforts, and our cares. — J. Fawcett. JULY 2. 191 He that wate. eth, shall be watered also himself. — - pROV. xi. 25. DO I realize that I am but a steward of God ; and that as such, I am to use my time, talents, in- fluence, property — everything, for him? And can I better act as a faithful steward, than by aiding others in all reasonable ways ; by scattering blessings with a free and bounteous hand ; by words of sympathy, and instruction, and comfort; and giving sj'-stematically, and liberally, to the great objects of benevolence? In thus seeking to bless others, shall I not myself be richly blest? The more you are like God, the happier you will be ; and God receives not, but gives. Why should I not give a few crumbs to my Saviour, who daily sup- plies my table, and gives me all things richly to en- joy? Would I receive more from him? Then let me give more. — Muller. As the moon doth show her light to the world which she receiveth from the sun, so we ought to bestow the benefits received from God to the profit of our neigh- bor. — Cawdeey. God's love to us has wealth upheaped ; Only by giving, is it reaped. The heart will wither, and the mind. If pent in by a selfish rind. Give strength, give thought, give deeds, give pelf, Give love, give tears, and give thyself. Who gives not is not living ; We only live by giving. The more we give, the more we live. 192 JULYS. I sleep, but my heart waketh. — Sol. Song v, 2. DO I watch against everything like spiritual cold- ness, knowing that if allowed at all, it will soon gain ground, to the exclusion of growth in godliness? If, at times,! am tempted to neglect duty, or to allow a desire for ease and self-indulgence, do I prayerfully strive against it? Even if spiritual torpor should steal over me, do I not find that my heart is awake, and that my conscience still speaks, showing that Christ is still calling me to be up and doing, and to be active in his service? We must be diligent, devoted, earnest in our Master's service, if we would be kept from being cold, and lifeless, and useless. We should be too active to stagnate; too busy to freeze. There is work enough always to be done ; and the injunction is, that we do with our might what our hands find to do. * None shall be saved by Christ, but those only who work out their own salvation while God is working in them. We cannot do without God ; and he will not do without us. — Matthew Heney. Settle it in your heart, that it is the sum of all your business and blessedness, to live to God. — J. Wesley. Whate'er pursuits my time employ, One thought shall fill my soul with joy That silent, earnest thought shall be, That all my joys be found in thee, And all my hopes shall rest on thee, On thee, my God, on thee ! JULY 4. 193 Fear not, little fiock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. — Luke xii. 32. IS it not a blessed and most cheering thouglit, that Christ knows every one of his disciples ; and that he has declared they shall never perish, and none shall pluck them out of his hand? Am I one to whom this promise is given ; one of the little flock to whom he will give the kingdom ? Do I rejoice in belonging to it ? Do I endeavor to bring others into it ? Do I thankfully foUow its divine Shepherd wherever he may lead me, hearkening to his voice, and keeping near to him? It is a little flock, a fearful flock, but a most be- loved flock, and one to whom a kingdom is promised, — Macduff. No grace, not even the most sparkling and shining, can bring us to heaven without perseverance in follow- ing Christ : not faith, if it be faint and frail ; nor love, if it decline and wax cold ; nor humility, if it continue not to the end; not obedience, not repentance, not patience, no, nor any other grace, except they have their perfect work. It is not enough to begin well, unless we end well. — T. Beooks. While through this wilderness we roam, How sweet to think we're going home ! To know our trials soon shall cease, And all our woes be hushed to peace. Home, sweet home ! Oh, for the land of rest above ! Our own eternal home ! 13 194 JULY 5. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. — Ps. Ixvi. 18, DO I remember, at all times, that God looketh on the heart ; and that if sin is cherished there, it is a fatal hindrance to the efficacy of prayer, as well as to a favorable hearing by him ? Is there any heart- sin to which I consciously allow a dwelling-place with- in, whether of intent, or feeling, or purpose? Do I pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten me ; and do I search the Scriptures that I may be enlightened, so as to find out and part with all sin ? Sin is that which interposeth itself between the soul, and the light of God's countenance. But whether it be a slender mist, or a thick cloud, an infirmity or a rebellion, an omission or a commission, the Sun of righteousness, as eyed by faith, can and will disperse it, so as to make it vanish. — Arkowsmith. As the plaster cannot heal the wound while the arrow is sticking in it, so prayer will not profit him who regards iniquity in his heart. — Cawdrey. Behold me. Lord, and if thou find A root of bitterness within. Though were the wealth of worlds resigned, Oh, cleanse me from my secret sin. Then dwell with me a constant guest; And let me find in thee my rest ! JULY G. 195 I will run in the ivay of thy commandments, when ihou shall enlarge my heart. — Ps. cxix. 32, DO I bear in mind that the Christian life is a race ; and the way in which we are to run, is the way of God's commandments ? Do I endeavor to keep the end in view, and to press on earnestly toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Is it my earnest desire, not only to walk, but to run with diligence the race set before me, looking unto Jesus, as both the Author and Finisher of the faith ? Do I run with sincerity of heart, with earnestness of purpose, with speed of progress, with vigor of pursuit ? Always add ; always run ; always proceed. Neither stand still, nor go back, nor deviate. He that standeth still, proceedeth not ; he that goeth back, continueth not ; he that deviateth, revolteth ; he goeth better that even creepeth in his way, than he that moveth out of his way. — Augustine. The following of the soul after Christ is the effect itf his grace. We never should run after him, if he did not draw us. But when he, by his word and his Spirit, draws us, then we shall run after him. Bought with thy service and thy blood, We doubly. Lord, are thine ; To thee our lives we would devote ; To thee our death resign. Thy covenant, through our changing days, Shall be our strength and stay ; Shall cheer our pathway to the tomb. And guide to endless day. — Doddridge. 196 JULY 7. Endure afiictions. — 2 Tim. iv. 5. DO I bear patiently the afflictions and trials that God, in his providence, may send me ? Or do I allow myself to become discouraged, and impatient under them ? Do I call to mind the patient endur- ance of Christ under all his sufferings? And does the thought of his example sustain and encourage me, when otherwise flesh and heart might fail? If he was made perfect through suffering, can his followers expect to go and meet him but by the road that he trod? Though the word and the Spirit do the main work, yet suffering so unbolts the door of the heart, that both the word and the Spirit have easier entrance. — Baxter. We are as sure of trouble in this world, as of waves on the sea; but while the waves toss and roll, they bear us on to the haven. — Lynch. If God dries up the water in the lake, it is to lead you to the unfailing fountain. If he sends the cross, it is to sweeten the crown. For no cross, no crown ; no rain, no rainbow. — Nottidge. Oft by the sharpest, roughest ways. Thou leadest on to happiness ; And who to thee doth consecrate his days, Trouble shall meet him but to bless. The end thereof shall clear and glorious be, Though the dull heart fail how, or now, to see. — Warner. JULY 8. 197 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous^ ness. — Matt vi. 33. IS it my earnest endeavor to keep the things of this world in subordination to the interests of my undy- ing soul ? To what purpose am I living ? What end am I striving to attain? Do I realize that unless 1 make God's service the first and great thing, I cannot enter his kingdom ? If ever discouraged with strivings after heavenly things, let me not forget that God ac- cepts, and will help all who sincerely seek him. Build your nest on no tree here ; for God hath sold the forest to Death, and every tree on which we would rest is ready to be cut down, to the end that we may flee, and mount up, and build upon the Kock. — Rtjth- ERFOED. It does not require great learning to be a Christian — to be convinced of the truth of the Bible, and to be conformed to its requirements. It requires only an hon- est heart and a willingness to obey God. — A. Baenes. Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve, And press with vigor on ; A heavenly race demands thy zeal, And an immortal crown. 'Tis God's all-animating voice. That calls thee from on high ; 'Tis his own hand presents the prize, To thine aspiring eye ! — Doddridge. 198 JULY 9. Looking unto Jesus. — Heb. xii. 2. DO I look to Jesus as the only ground of my hope for time and eternity ? As my wisdom, to en- lighten; my righteousness, to justify; my sanctifica- tion, that I may be holy ; my complete, and full, and everlasting redemption ? Do I look to him as my ex- ample ? Do I look to him not only for acceptance, but for encouragement, assistance, support and guidance, in all my duties, conflicts and sufferings ? Is he all in all to me ? Like the bitten Israelite, look and live. For one look at self, take ten looks at Christ. Look at self only to see your need, and to Christ to find the remedy, the supply, the fullness. The least sight of Christ is sav- ing; the least touch of Christ is healing. Constant looking is constant life. When the heart grows weary, look to Jesus and consider him. Faith and meditation will fetch in fresh supplies of strength, comfort and courage. For he has assured us that if we suffer with him, we also shall reign with him ; and this hope will be our helmet. — ■ M. Heney. Nearer, ever nearer. Christ, we draw to thee ; Deep in adoration, Bending low the knee : All we have to ofi"er, All we hope to be. Body, soul and spirit, All we yield to thee ! — Thwing. JULY 10. 199 Every day ivill I bless thee. — Ps. cxlv. 2. EVERY day do I feel my dependence on God? Every day do I cherisli tie spirit of thankfulness for his many mercies ? While his kind and watchful providence provides for all my wants, does my heart go forth in constant gratitude to him ? Do I trace all my blessings to his hand ; associate them all with his love ; let them all lead me nearer and nearer to him ? When I consider, great God, my dependence on thy providence, and that thy numberless mercies have been so little acknowledged and improved, I am justly afraid lest my un thankfulness should provoke thee to with- hold thy blessings. Pardon me, God, that I have so little observed, admired, and acknowledged thy won- derful goodness, and give me grace hereafter to observe and value thy kindness as becomes one who has re- ceived so much more than he deserves. And may thy manifold blessings fix such lasting impressions on my soul, that I shall always praise thee faithfully on ear h, and at last for ever in heaven. — Bishop Wilson, Every morning, Lord, my cry Shall to thee ascend on high ; Every night my praises show, What to thy great love I owe. Blessings fresh each morn appear ; Thanks each morning light shall hear. Mercies new each day supplies ; Praises new each night shall rise. Thus shall life one paean be, Pouring thankfulness to thee ! 200 JULY 11. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? — Ps. xlii. 5. IS my soul cast down because of temptation ? But has not God said that he will not suffer me to be tempted beyond what I am able to bear ? Is affiic- tion piercing my heart, or trouble pressing me down to the ground ? But does not my heavenly Father know and regulate it all ? And has he not promised that all things shall work together for my good if I love and trust him ? However dark the cloud, is not the bow of mercy and promise upon it ? There is a dark and also a bright side to every providence, as there was to the fiery, cloudy pillar that guided God's people of old in the desert. Nature looks upon the dark side, and calls it sorrow and sad- ness ; but faith sees the sun dispersing the darkness, and calls it by the name of joy. — H. Bonae. Never give way to sadness. Put on your hat, and go and visit the poor and sick in your neighborhood. Seek out the desolate and distressed ; inquire into their wants, and sympathize with, and minister to them. I have often tried it, and have always found it the best medicine for a heavy heart. — John Howard. Oh, why art thou cast down, my soul ? Uplift thee, and be strong ; Thy care upon the Maker roll, Thy sadness doth him wrong. The God who ever rules above, His child doth know, and keep and love ! — Obeelin. JULY 12. 201 AU things are of God. — 2 Cor. v. 18. A^I I in tlie constant habit of tracing all things to God? Do I recognize his providence in all events ; seek his guidance in every duty ; see his hand in every joy; and acknowledge it in every sorrow? Does it make trouble easier to bear that it comes from him ? Is joy sweeter because he sends, and duty be- cause he commands it? In all my ways do I so acknowledge him, that I can claim the promise, that he will direct my steps? By him are all things, and in him do all things consist. Every object in nature is impressed with his footsteps, and every day repeats the wonders of creation. There is not an object, be it pebble or pearl, weed or rose, the flower-spangled sward beneath, or the star-spangled sky above, not a worm or an angel, a drop of water or a boundless ocean, in which in- telligence may not discern, and piety adore, the providence of him who took our nature that he might save our souls. — Guthrie. Though to-day may not fulfill All thy hopes, have patience still ; For perchance to-morrow's sun Sees the happier days begun ; As God willeth, march the hours, Bringing joy, at last, in showers, When whate'er we ask is ours. — Lyra German7<:a. 202 JULY 13. Unto you which believe he is precious. — 1 Pet. ii. 7. HAVE I a living faith in Christ, as the only and all-sufficient Saviour? Is he the foundation of all my hopes for time and eternity? Does my soul go forth to him in gratitude and love ? Is he in- deed precious to me — precious in the excellence of his nature, in the greatness of his office, in the infinite value of his work ? Do I show my love to him by cherishing his Spirit, and keeping his commandments ? The Lord takes up none but the forsaken ; makes none healthy but the sick ; gives sight to none but the blind ; makes none alive but the dead ; sanctifies none but sinners ; and to all these he is precious. — Luther. Christ is precious to all who believe ; and in every- thing he is precious ; and the more we know him, the more precious he becomes. His person, his blood, his promises, his sympathy, his love — they are all precious. His presence on earth is precious, but oh, what will it be in heaven ! — J. Smith. Jesus, Saviour, all divine, Hast thou made me truly thine ? Hast thou bought me with thy blood ? Reconciled my heart to God ? Hearken to my earnest prayer. Let me thine own image b^tr; Let me love thee more and more, Till I reach the heavenly shore. — Hastings. JULY llf. 203 Ye are complete in him. — Col. ii. 10. DO I rely entirely on the perfect atonement and finished work of Christ, as the only ground of my hope ? Through faith in him am I completely justified; and through his truth and providence, and by the power of his Spirit, do I expect to be completely sanctified, so as at last, through grace, to be fitted for heaven, as through his promise I am entitled to it? Am I thankfully content to receive all from him — to take him for my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and complete redemption ? God oflfers you the perfect robe of Christ's righteous- ness that will cover all your sins, and meet all your wants. You may have it without money and without price. Take God's word for it, and thankfully accept the gift. — Payson. What can we wish that is not found in God ? Would we have large possessions ? He is immensity. Would we have long continuance? He is eternity itself. Would we be perfectly and for ever satisfied? We shall be, when we awake in his likeness. — Aerow- SMITH. He is a path, if any be misled ; He is a robe, if any naked be ; If any chance to hunger, he is bread ; If any be a bondman, he is free. If any be but weak, how strong is he ! To dead men, life he is ; to sick men, health ; To blind men, sight ; and to the needy, wealth ; A pleasure without loss a treasure without stealth. — Giles Fletcher 204 JULY ir>. Jnus sailh unto him, I am the Way, the Ihuth, and the Life. — John xiv. C. DO 1 inii^lligontly and sincerely take Christ as my Way — the only way to pardon, to holiness, to duty, to heaven ? Do I receive him as the Truth, as opposed to all falsehood and error ; and his doctrine as the only true doctrine, desiring no other truth than the truth as it is in Jesus? And do I take hitn as the Life ; the life of my soul; its beginning, middle and end? Am I so one with liini, that for me to live is Christ? Beside Christ there is no way but wandering; no truth, but error and hypocrisy ; no life, but spiritual and cicniid dealh. — Luthkh. Jjittlo as 1 know of Christ (and it is my sin and shame that I know so little) I would not exchange the Unirning of one hour's fellowship with him for all the learning often thousand univoi-sities during ten thou- sand ages, oven though angels were to be my teachers. — John Buown. Lord, bo thou to mo " the Way ;" To me be thou " the Truth ;" To me, my Saviour, be " the Life," To age from earliest youth ! So shall that Way be my delight, 'J'liat Truth shall make me free. That Life shall raise mo from the dead, That 1 may live to thee! — Lkgh Richmond. JUL Y 16. 205 Arise and depart, for this is not your rest. — Mic. ii. 10. DO I realize that this world is polluted through sin, and endeavor so to live as to keep myself unspotted from its influence? Do I watch against its corruptions? Is my heart — are my hopes — are my treasures in heaven ? Or do I seek my happiness and rest in the things of time and sense ? Do I look upon the world, and live in it, as if it were to be permanently my abiding place ? Or do I regard it, as it was designed to be, but as a mere passway to a home eternal in the heavens ? Do not look downward. Christian ; your home is above ; your Father above : your Saviour above ; your dearest friends, the companions you love, and the right- eous nation to which you belong — all are above. Look not down, then ; but lift up your head, for your redemp- tion draweth nigh. — Champneys. If we live with God here below, we shall live with him above. If we make the world a field of labor for God, and a sphere of usefulness to men, we shall not be in danger from its allurements and temptations. If our hearts on earth are filled with the spirit of heaven, we soon shall enter there. — W. Jay. Fond earth ! proportion not my seeming love To my long stay. Let not my thoughts deceive me. Thou art my prison, and my home's above ; My life's a preparation but to leave thee. Like one that seeks a door, I walk about thee. With thee I cannot live ; I cannot live without thee ! — QUARLES 206 JUL Y 17. They are without fault before the throne of God. — Rev. xiv. 5. IS not this a most glorious prospect and portion for the believer ? Am I looking forward to it as my own ? And am I living a life of preparation for the blessedness thus promised to the faithful? Do I so trust in Christ, and so live a life of conformity to his will, as through grace to be fitted for heaven, as through the divine mercy and promise I may have a title to it? Does the expectation of coming glory encourage me to be faithful unto death? Here is the heir, yonder the inheritance ; here the toil, there the rest; here- the candidate, there the reward ; here the faithful unto death, there the crown of everlasting life. In proportion as we grow in ex- cellence, so as not to be barren or unfruitful in God's Bervice, so shall an entrance be ministered to us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Tesus Christ. — J. Hamilton. I shine in the light of God ; His likeness adorns my brow Through the valley of death my feet have trod, And I reign in glory now ! I am one of the angel band. To my head a crown is given ; And a harp of praise is in my hand ; I have found the joy of heaven ! JULY 18. 207 ^ho also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. — Luke x. 39. WITH a docile and childlike spirit, do I sit at the feet of Jesus, always desiring to be taught by him ? Have I given myself up to his guidance, in duty here, and to heaven hereafter ? Have I chosen that good part which shall never be taken away from me ? Do I guard against the influence of the world, and self, and sin, that I may not be led away from the Saviour ? Do I earnestly pray for more of his Spirit ? Am I huro.ble, teachable, prayerful, faithful to live near to him ? Our sitting at Christ's feet when we hear his word, sig- nifies a readiness to receive his teachings, and the entire resignation of ourselves to the guidance of them. We must either sit at his feet, or be made his footstool. But if we sit with him at his feet now, we shall sit with him on his throne shortly. — Matthew Henry. By these things examine yourselves. By whose rules am I acting ; in whose strength ; in whose name , for whose glory? What faith, humility, self-denial, and love of God, and Christ, has there been in all my actions? — J. Mason. In suffenng, be thy love my peace ; In weakness, be thy love my power ; And when the storms of life shall cease, Jesus, m that momentous hour, In death, as life, be thou my guide, And save me, who for me hast died ! 208- JULY 19. Be not conforined to this world; but be ye trans- formed by the renewing of your mind. — Rom. xii. 2. DO I endeavor, as commanded, to come out from the world and be separate from its evil, that God may receive me as one of his sons or daugh- ters? Do I watch against its wrong principles, its false maxims, its foolish fashions, its sinful pleasures and allurements ? Do I so enthrone God in my heart, that I have no desire for the portion which the world offers? Do I watch against the first beginnings of evil, going at once to God for help, lest the thought of sm may lead to its commission ? Is God in all my thoughts ? If thou art eager for the world, thy hope is either false, or at best very feeble. — Bishop Jewell. The world has its pleasures, and they are many, and for the time seem to satisfy, but they are unsubstan- tial and transitory, and they leave a sting behind. We are hungry, and it offers us bread; but it is poisoned bread. We are thirsty, and it offers us drink ; but it is from deadly fountains. It may satisfy for the moment ; but there is death in it at the end. Only the Bread of life, and the water of salvation, can satisfy and for ever fill the soul. Unclasp, O man, the siren hand of pleasure. Shun the world's sins ; let her gay follies go ; A few swift year's will bring the unwelcome ending ; Then leaving earth, ah ! whither dost thou go ? Is it to endless joy, or endless woe ? JULY 20. 209 Lo, I am with you alway, even unto Oie end of the world. — Matt, xxviii. 20. DO I realize that Christ is always present with his people, both by his omnipresence and by his Spirit? Does the consciousness of this ever-abiding presence, give me rest and peace ? Do I rejoice that God knows all my thoughts and feelings, and that nothing can happen to me without his knowledge, and his providence ? If, at times, his presence seems veiled from me, do I remember that he is still with me ? And are my faith and hope still fixed on him ? One of the most important and difficult things to realize, is, that Grod is really with us, watching the working of every human sympathy, with the anxious interest of a father, and ever willing to direct and help. — Gordon. The thought that Christ is always with us, to cheer and help, should not engender sloth, or a lack of watchfulness ; but rather quicken us to renewed dil- igence in his service, for we work beneath his eye ; and should lead to a more careful watchfulness, lest we do anything to grieve his loving heart. — J. Mason. Tower of strength, Redeemer, Friend, Defend us by thy power ; And till we reach our journey's end, Uphold us every hour. Each step we venture in advance, Is still by paths unknown ; But we are safe at ever}^ stage, If guarded from thy throne 1 U 210 JULY 2L If we ask anything according to his ivill, le heareth us. — 1 John v. 14. DO I see and feel the full force of the word " any- thing " in this promise ; and that nothing is so trivial, or of so little moment, that I may not bring it to God in prayer? Do I, in all my petitions, cheer- fully submit my will and desires, to his most holy and wise will? Do I pray with confidence, knowing that as God has promised, he will hear and answer the petitions of his children ? If an answer is not at once granted, do I with patience and faith wait for it ? Every accepted prayer, is not immediately an an- swered prayer. — Matthew Heney. Never was a faithful prayer lost. Some have a longer voyage than others, but they come back with richer lading. — Gurnall, Does it not show the fullness of Christ that he graciously promises to hear, to the utmost, all the petitions of his people? As nature contains a full- ness to give us all that we need for this life, sc Christ has a fullness for all that we need for the bouI. — J. Bate. Go to him with all your needs. No believer vainly pleads. Who before the Saviour's throne. Makes his wants and weakness known. Ere your trembling lips can speak, Jesus knows the boon you seek ; All that you would fain receive, Readier far is he to give. — Holt. JULY 22. 211 Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters. — IsA. xxxii. 20. AS the field is the world, am I sowing precious seed in it, hoping, through the divine blessing, for a harvest of good ? Do I seek for occasions to speak for Christ? Does my example speak? Does my light continually shine? If at times discouraged, do I remember the promise, that " he that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him "? Do I endeavor " not to be weary in well-doing," know- ing that "in due season I shall reap if I faint not" ? There are tears which are themselves the seed we must sow ; tears of sorrow for sin — our own, and that of others ; and tears of tenderness in prayer. — Mat- thew Henry. Let us be an example of godliness ; a light to them who are in darkness. Let not the name of God be evil spoken of through us : his name is holy. — Bishop Jewell. Sow with a generous hand ; Pause not for toil or pain ; Weary not in the summer's heat. Nor through the cold spring rain ; But patiently wait till the autumn comes, For the sheaves of golden grain. Sow, and by faith look upward. Where the starry light appears ; For in joy you shall reap the harvest, You have sown to-day in tears. — A. Procter. 21? JUL Y 23. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. — EccLES. xii. 14. AM I living, habitually, with both worlds in view, endeavoring to serve God faithfully, here, in all the duties of life, and so to be prepared to give up my account to him with joy and not with grief? Repent- ing of sin, have I come by faith to Christ, so that I can now look to him as my Saviour, as well as judge? Do I, in all things, remember my stewardship ? My time, talents, influence, wealth, all that I have and am, do I regard as belonging to God, and to be faithfully used for him ? In the day of final judgment, every one of us must answer for himself. No one then can assume our guilt, or bear our responsibilities. The divine charge to each one of us, is " occupy till I come." Whether God has given us one, or five, or ten talents, the call will soon be heard, " give an account of thy steward- ship." We should strive so to live, that we may not then hear the fearful addition, " Thou may est no longer be steward !" * Time was ; is past ; thou canst not it recall. Time is ; thou hast it ; wisely use it all. Time future, is not : it may never be. Time present, is the only time for thee. Improve it well ; the judgment hastens on ; Soon must thou give account for all things done I JUL Y 24. 213 Because Hive, ye shall live also. — John xiv 19. DO I realize that my Saviour is still living ; and that from his home in heaven, he watches, with the most tender and loving interest, for the welfare and comfort of his children ? Do I feel that my life, as a Christian, is bound up with his life ; that nothing shall separate me from his love ; that as I live in him here, so I shall live with him for ever hereafter ? Does this blessed assurance lead me to live for him now, and to look forward, with joyous hope, to endless union with him in heaven? Christ is that to the Christian, which his home is to the weary traveler ; it is his dwelling-place, the stay, the solace, the joy and centre and rest of his spirit ; and hence he is constantly anticipating his arrival at home. — Robert Hall. Believer ! this promise of Jesus is thy title-deed to heaven. His life is the guarantee of thine own. With him for your life, how inviolate your security ! Satan must first pluck the crown from that glorified head, ere he can touch one jewel in the crown of his people, — Macduff. Oh, heaven is nearer than ever we think, As we look, with a trembling dread, At the misty future that stretches on, From the silent home of the dead. For the eye of the Christian that shuts in death, Will open at once in bliss ; And the welcome will sound in the heavenly world. Ere the farewell is hushed in this ! — Eobinson 214 JULY 25. Vain man would be wise. — Job xi. 12. DO I see and avoid the vanity and folly of striving to comprehend what is inscrutable to mere finite wisdom, leaving to eternity to make plain, what now I may not understand? Do I look away from the mysteries of providence, and the dark things of this world, to the simple teachings of divine truth, and the plain requirements of commanded duty ? Casting aside all high and seK-exalting thoughts, am I willing, as a little child, to be taught of God? Do I remember that God is infinite, and I am finite ? Do I seek, as the great thing, to be made wise unto salvation? Pry not too curiously into the secrets of divine providence, nor sufi"er your shallow reason arrogantly to judge and censure its designs. — Flavel. Every particle of matter is an immensity; every leaf, a world ; every insect an inexplicable compend- ium. How, then, can we comprehend all the myste- ries of truth, and all the ways of the infinite God ? — Lavater. Deep in unfathomable mines. Of never failing skill, God treasures up his wise designs, And works his sovereign will. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain ; God is his own interpreter. And he will make it plain. — Cowper JULY 26. 215 I am crucified with Christ. — Gal. ii. 20. HAVE I, through the cross, been crucified to the power of sin, so that I am dead to self and the world, but alive unto God ? Though living, to outward appearance, as others live, am I influenced by higher motives, and actuated by a nobler principle of action, even faith in Christ as my Saviour? Does this lead me while living in the flesh, yet not to live after the flesh, but as a faithful follower of a divine Master? With Paul, can I say, " For me to live, is Christ " ? A Christian is the highest style of man. — Young. Christianity is being like-minded with Christ ; con- sidering him our sanctification as well as our redemp- tion. It is endeavoring to live to him here, that we may live with him hereafter. — H. ^Ioee. There are those who hear or speak of being crucified with Christ, who yet do not examine if their sins are crucified, and their evil passions mortified. Gladly would they have their end like that of the Christian, but not their way. They would be saints in heaven, but not on earth. — Flavel. Oh crucify this self, that I No more, but Christ in me, may live ; Bid all my vile affections die. Nor let one hateful sin survive. In all things nothing may I see, Nothing desire, or seek, but thee ! 216 JUL Y 27. This do i?i remembrance of 7ne. — Luke xxii. 19, WITH wliat feelings do I come to the Lord's table? Is it as a contrite, humble sinner, having no merit or strength of my own, but resting on Christ, by faith, for pardon, acceptance, strength for duty, and final salvation? Do I come with de- vout gratitude for all that Christ has done and prom- ised, consecrating myself afresh to him, and asking his presence, and guidance, and comfort, in all the events of life? As he has died for me, do I here form fresh purposes of living for him? The holy communion was appointed to be observed in remembrance of Christ ; to keep fresh in our minds his dying for us, as well as to remind us of an absent friend, even Christ, interceding for us, in virtue of his death, at God's right hand. — Matthew Heney. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper has a threefold aspect. It is a privilege to be enjoyed ; a duty to be performed ; and a means of grace to the Christian, to encourage and strengthen him in the divine life. In it Christ graciously meets his children, and gives them a foretaste of endless communion with him in heaven. Heavenward ever bound I haste. When thy table. Lord, is spread ; Heavenly strength on earth I taste, Feeding on the living bread. Life, and light, and joy combined, In the Saviour here I find. JULY 28. 217 We know that all things work together for good to them that love God. — Rom. viii. 28. DOES the love of God so reign within me, that all his providences are working out my'spiritual good? Do I see the hand of God in them all? If joyous, do they lead me, in devout thankfulness, to him ? Or if trjang and grievous, do they bring me in humility and childlike submission to his feet, with the feeling that he knows what is best, and is ordering all in infinite wisdom and love, and that what I know not /.ow, I shall know hereafter? If we see or feel sorrow, let us not be depressed ; for the end of his counsel and working lieth hidden and underneath the ground ; but as seed it shall spring up and bear a harvest of joy and blessedness to all that love God. "5^ Either directly or indirectly, every providence has a tendency to the spiritual good of those who love God ; breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to the Saviour, weaning them from the world, and fitting them for heaven. — Matthew Henry. Go, then, earthly fame and pleasure ; Come disaster, scorn, and pain ! In thy service pain is pleasure ; With thy favor loss is gain ! I have called thee Abba, Father ! I have stayed my heart on thee ! Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, All must work for good to me ! — H, F, Lyte. 218 JULY 29. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. — Ps. xcvii. 11. '1 i T^HEN trials and troubles gather in darkness on V V my path, do I remember that light is sown for me by my heavenly Father, and the seed will, in due time, spring up and bear the fruit of joy and gladness for my soul ? Is this a comfort in the darkest hour of life ? Though the clouds may gather and thicken, do I re- member that the Sun of righteousness is behind them, and that they will soon break away, and its light and warmth cheer my heart ? Light is sown in the vale of fogs. Though often hidden for a time, seed-like, under the dark clouds of sorrow, it is only taking root in the chastened heart, and will soon appear, and bring forth the flowers to bloom, and the fruit to ripen in the garden of God. Nothing doth so establish the mind amid the rolling and turbulency of present things as to look above and beyond them ; above, to the steady and loving Hand by which they are ruled; and beyond them, to the light that is shining behind the clouds, and to the blessed home to which that divine Hand is leading us. Lord, we sit and cry to thee. Like the blind beside the way ; Make our darkened souls to see, Brightness of thy perfect day ! Lord, rebuke our sullen night; Give thyself unto our sight ! Then thy joy our souls shall fill, As we haste to do thy will ! JULY 30. 219 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken and a contrite heart, God, thou wilt not despise. — Ps. li. 17. DO I remember that all sincere repentance must begin in the heart, and be manifest in the life in humility, and in true sorrow for sin? Is my heart broken, not in despair, but in deep humiliation for my sins as committed against a holy and loving God ? Am I softened under the word of God, and the power of his Holy Spirit ; filled with the spirit of obedience to the divine will ; brought back, in penitence and faith, to love and serve him? It is the crushed olive that yields the oil ; the pressed grape, that gives forth the wine ; and it was the smitten rock that gave the people water. So it is the broken, contrite heart, that is most rich in holiness, and most fragrant in grace. The bruised reed is an expressive emblem of the soul broken and contrite on account of sin, and weep- ing and mourning for transgression. Christ will not break it, that is, he will not be unforgiving and cruel. He will heal it, pardon it, and give it strength. — A. Baenes. • A broken heart, my God, my King, Is all the sacrifice I bring. The God of grace will ne'er despise, A broken heart for sacrifice. Thy holy joys, my God, restore, And guard me that I fall no more ! — Watts. 220 JULY 31. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. — Matt. v. 16. DO I not only love the truth which God has re- vealed, but do I endeavor to live the life which his word enjoins? Thus do I seek not only to glorify God myself, but to lead others to do the same ? Do I bear in mind that the proof of God's grace being in my heart, is its effect on my life ; and that a holy example may influence, when calls of divine truth might other- wise be unheard or disregarded ? Do I endeavor so to live that all may safely follow my example ? " Even miracles," says Neander, " could not have given Christianity a firm hold on human nature, if it had not penetrated by its divine power, and thus shown itself to be that which alone can satisfy the higher necessities of man. This divine power of the gospel revealed itself to the heathen in the lives of Christians. The announcement of the gospel by the life, operated even more powerfully than its announcement by the word." If you have not gold and silver Ever ready at command ; If you cannot, toward the needy, Reach an ever-open hand ; You can visit the afflicted ; O'er the erring you can weep ; You can be a true disciple, Sitting at the Saviour's feet. — F. Crosby. AUGUST 1. 221 Hitherto hath the Lcrrd helped us. — 1 Sam. vii. 12. WHEN I have prayed earnestly for the divine guidance and blessing, and prayer has been manifestly answered, am I equally earnest to acknow- ledge God's goodness, and to return the sacrifice of grateful praise to him ? Am I on the watch to raise my Ebenezers ? Do I, from the past, take fresh en- couragement for the future ? More and more do I feel my dependence, and rejoice to be led, in all things, by the divine Hand? Keal faith is as satisfied, and rests as firmly on the abiding promises of Jehovah, as if it had all the bless- ings of grace and glory in hand. — Toplady. They who make the glory of God their end, and the word of God their rule ; the Spirit of God the guide of their afiections, and the providence of God the guide of their affairs, may be confident that the Lord goes before them, as truly as he went before Israel in the wilderness, though not as sensibly. — Matthew Henry. Come, rouse thee, faint one, 'tis not well Thus darkly on life's cares to dwell. As brooks and torrents, rivers, all Increase the gulf in which they fall. Such thoughts, by gathering np the rills Of lesser griefs, spread real ills ; And with their gloomy shades conceal, The landmarks hope would else reveal. — DiNNIB. 222 A UO UST 2. The Son of man is come to seek and save that which vjas lost. — Luke xix. 10. DO I realize the wondrous truth, that the blessed Saviour left heaven to seek and save, on earth, those who not only did not seek him, but who were at enmity to him ? Do I feel that I was one of those lost ones ; and do I thankfully acknowledge the power of Christ to save, and for ever bless his name that I trust he has saved me? Do I endeavor to lead others to him, and to extend the knowledge of his salvation to the ends of the earth ? Though all around may frown on the vilest sinner, and an accusing conscience within may condemn him, yet the gospel of Christ invites him to return to God against whom he has sinned, offering him free forgive- ness and eternal life, if he will but come and receive them. What a marvelous salvation is this! Christ takes a worm of the dust, and transforms it into an angel ; a black and deformed thing, and makes it clean and matchless in glory, peerless in beauty, and fit to be the companion of seraphs ! Oh, my soul, stand and admire this blessed truth of salvation by Christ. — ■ Spurgeon. Just as I am, without one plea. But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou bidst me come to thee, Lamb of God, I come ! Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind, Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need, in thee to find, Lamb of God, I come ! — C. Elliott. A UQ UST 3. 223 Wioso keepeth his mouth and tongue, keepeth his soulfro7n troubles. — Prov. xxi. 23. DO I bear in mind how often the tongue is spoken of in the Bible, and how strongly the right use of it is impressed on all? Do I reahze what thought- fulness, prudence, sound judgment, and kind feeling are requisite, if I would avoid speaking for evil, and always speak for good ? Is it my earnest prayer, that God would enable me to keep the door of my lips ? Do I always endeavor to speak in the fear of God, and in love to man ? Give not thy tongue too great liberty, lest it take thee prisoner. A word unspoken, is, like the sword in the scabbard, thine ; if vented, thy sword is in the hand of another. If thou desire to be held wise, be so wise as to hold thy tongue. — Quaeles. By examining the tongue of a patient, physicians find out the disease of the body ; and philosophers, diseases of the mind and heart. — Justin. Beware the tongue that's set on fire of hell, And flames in slander, falsehood, or deceit ; In malice, idle talking, thoughtless tales. Speak not too much; nor without thought ; be true In all things. He that in word offends not, God hath declared a perfect man ; while he That bridles not his tongue, deceives himself, And shows his faith is vain ! * / 224 AUGUST I Though it tarry, wait for it. — Hab. ii. 3. WHEN I have been praying to God, asking his guidance, or support, do I, like the Psalmist, look up in hopeful expectation that he will answer my prayer, though it may not be in the way that to me might seem best ? Do I realize that he has an ap- pointed time for his work ; and that he will do it when that time comes ? Do I patiently wait for his answer ? And do I feel sure, because he has promised, that though the answer may tarry, it will come ? The answer to prayer may be delayed. Your sup- plications may seem to be kept long on the wing, hovering around the mercy-seat. God sometimes sees fit thus to test the faith and patience of his children. But the answer will come at last ; and it shall be plain. When our blessed Lord, in his agony, prayed more earnestly, lo ! an angel descended from heaven, to strengthen him. And we may assure ourselves, that whensoever we pray according to his will, we shall be answered and strengthened according to his promise. — Aendt. There is a time to wait ; Let us that time abide ; God's hand of love will bless, though late, Those who in him confide. His promise stands for ever sure. His love and faithfulness endure. AUGUSTS. 225 Behold I lay in Zion, a chief corner-stone, elect, precious ; and he that believeth on him, shall not he confounded. — 1 Pet. ii. 6. DO I regard Christ Jesus as the chief comer-stone of the Church on earth — the only sure founda- tion of all my hopes for time and eternity? Do I look to him, as the refuge and support of all his people ; their strong rock, to which to cling when the blasts of unbelief, or the storms of sorrow assail? Do I rest solely on him as the only and all-sufficient Sa- viour, looking to him, by faith, for all that I need for time and eternity ? The believer's faith in Jesus, is his sure guarantee for all that he needs. As the tree must die, or the rock fall, before a dissolution can be effected between them, so the believer must lose his hold on the spirit- ual life, or the rock must crumble, ere the union can be dissolved. — J. Bate. We are poor, but Christ is rich ; we are dead, but he is life ; we are sin, but he is righteousness ; we are guilty, but he is grace ; we are miserable, but he is mercy; we are lost, but he is salvation. He ever Jives ; ever loves ; ever pities ; ever pleads. He loves to the uttermost, and saves all who come to him. — J. Mason. On thee, as on a sure foundation, A sure tried corner-stone. Lord, I will strive to raise The tower of my salvation, and thy praise. In thee, as in my glorious centre, shall The lines of all my dearest longings fall. — QUARLES. 15 226 A UG UST 6. Himself took our infirmities. — Matt. viii. 17. IS it not an unspeakable comfort to feel that our divine Redeemer once knew, in his own ex- perience, our troubles and sufferings; that he was not only in all points tempted like as we are, but that he was hungry, and thirsty, and weary, and heavy laden, and troubled in spirit, and very sorrowful? When troubles and trials oppress, do I realize that my Saviour who is in heaven, is the same Man of sorrows who suffered on earth, and that he knows our wants, and will grant us all we need if we will but come and ask it ? It is a glorious thought, that we have in heaven One we can think of, know, believe, love, delight in ; bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh ; one who can be and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; who died to make satisfaction, and lives to make in- tercession for us. We are on his shoulders, to havo our burdens borne for us : we are near his heart, thai, he may both die and live for us. — Nichol. Touched with a sympathy divine, He knows our feeble frame ; He knows what sore temptations mean. For he has felt the same. Then let our humble faith address, His mercy and his power ; We shall obtain delivering grace, For every trying hour. — Watts, AUGUST 7. 22n And now, little children, abide in him. — 1 John ii. 28. DO I feel, constantly, my dependence on Christ, and endeavor to cherish the spirit of constant com- munion with him ? Does my regard to his word, prove that I abide in it ? Do I abide in his merit, as my righteousness ; and in his Spirit, as my Sanctifier and Guide and Comforter ? Do I realize that if I do not abide in the Saviour, my life will be fruitless, and my jopes unfounded ? Is it my earnest prayer that Christ will always abide in me? The Lord Jesus is the safe refuge of the soul in all the storms of life. He is the secret place of the Most High ; and all who are in him, dwell under the shadow of the Almighty. Eternal safety and comfort are in him ; and it is in vain for us to seek them anywhere else. — Rees. They that truly beheve, have Christ in their hearts, heaven in their eye, and the world under their feet. God's Spirit is their guide ; his fear, their guard ; his people, their companions ; his promises, their cordials ; holiness is their way ; and heaven is their home. — J. Mason. Christian, this thy motto be, Jesus says, " Abide with me." Grace and strength from him receive ; As a branch in Jesus live. Sanctified in him thou art ; Sanctify him in thy heart. i28 A UG U8T 8. Thrust in the Lord, and do good. — Ps. xxxvii. S. DO I keep to the order of the command here given; first trust in the Lord, and then, as his servant, j^ good ? Do I do good to my own soul by endeavor- ing to know, and love, and live for God, to please him and be pleased in him ? Do I endeavor to do good to othei-s, by seeking to win them to the Saviour, and by doing all in my power for their welfare and happiness? Do I sympathize with others, and do to them as I would have them do to me ? Do I so live as to commend re- ligion to all, as not only the way of safety, but of happi- ness for both worlds ? To rejoice in the happiness of others, is to make it our own; to produce it, is to make it more than our own. — J. A. James. We must not think to trust God, and then live as we list. It is not trusting but tempting him if we do not make conscience of our duty to him. Nor must we think to do good, and then trust to ourselves, and to our own righteousness and strength. We must trust in the Lord, and do good. — Matthew Henry. That man may last, but never lives, Who much receives, but nothing gives ; Whom none can love, whom none can thank, Creation's blot, creation's blank. But he that marks, from day to day, In generous acts, his radiant way, Treads the same path his Saviour trod, The path to glory and to God. AUGUST 9. 229 If any man will come after me, let Mm deny him- self, and take up his cross, and folloiv me. — Matt. xvi. 24. DO I thus follow Christ, like him taking up ray daily cross, and bearing it patiently for his sake? Do I receive the truth he teaches; endeavor to do what he commands ;. and cherish the spirit he enjoins? Do I follow him fully, sincerely, with a ready heart, and a firm purpose; not halting at difficulties that may be in the way, but trusting to his power to make every way plain before me ? Am I content to wait for my rest till the conflict is over ? The more we deny ourselves, the more shall we obtain from God. — Horace. We are not to make, or seek crosses for ourselves ; but as God lays them in our path we are to take them up willingly, and bear them cheerfully, if we would be preparing for the crown. Where there are no crosses, there are few comforts ; where no trials, few consola- tions and supports. V Tell me not of gain or loss. Ease, enjoyment, pomp, or power; Welcome poverty and cross, \ Shame, reproach, affliction's hour ; " Follow me !" I know thy voice ; Jesus, Lord, thy steps I see ; Now I take thy yoke by choice ; Light thy burden, now, to me ! — Montgomery. 230 AUGUST W. Let all bitterness and . . . evil speaking be put away from you. — Eph. iv. 31, DO I ever indulge in uncandid or harsh judgments of others ? And as flowing from, or leading to them, do I ever speak evil of others ? Or if I do not speak, do I listen in silence, or with complacency, when others so speak, and thus give countenance to what they say ? In thought as well as word, do I endeavor to keep my conscience free from the sin of judging oth- ers ? Has charity, in the broadest sense, taken up her dwelling-place in my heart ? Those are the best Christians, who are more careful to reform themselves, than to censure others. — Fuller. In judging ourselves, we cannot be too severe ; in judging others, we cannot be too candid and chari- table. We judge ourselves by our motives, but others by their actions. — W. Nevins. A judicious silence, is better than truth spoken without charity. — De Sales. What grace, Lord, and beauty shone Around thy steps below ! What patient love was seen in all Thy life, and death of woe ! Oh, give us hearts to love like thee ; Like thee, Lord, to grieve Far more for others' sins, than all The wrongs that we receive. AUQU8T 11. 231 Search 7ne, God, and knoio my heart.— Vs. '"xxxix. 23. IS it my earnest desire to know myself, and to see my heart as God sees it ? Do I pray that he will make known to me every wrong thought, and motive, and feeling, which might otheiwise escape my notice, so that every day I may turn from sin, and gain fresh strength for pressing on in the divine life ? While confessing my sinfulness in general, am I will- ing to know my particular and individual sins ; and do I desire and seek to know them, that I may turn from them ? Do I long for holiness of heart and life ? We must judge of our religion by examining its foundation, in Christ without, and in the heart within. If that be wrong and baseless, the superstructure is perishable and worthless. — Flavel. It is not so much the great sins that take the fresh- ness from our conscience, as the numberless petty faults which we are all the while committing. When sin lets us alone, we may let sin alone ; but till then, we are to carry on the warfare against it, both without and within, till God shall at last give us the victory in heaven. Search me, O Lord, and try the thoughts That dwell within my heart ; Whate'er of sin may there be found, Oh, bid it all depart. Let thy good Spirit dwell with me, And form my soul a house for Ihee. 232 AUGUST 12. All these things have I kept, from my youth up. What lack lyetf—llj^iT. xix. 20. DO I understand, and feel, that mere morality is not enougli to save me ; but that in penitence for sin, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, is the only- way to heaven ? Do I ask that God's Spirit will show me my inmost heart, and lead me to turn from every- thing that stands between my soul and the Saviour ? Am I willing to renounce self-righteousness, and self- dependence, and to give up all that would keep me back from the cross, and from treading, with faithful zeal the narrow way that leads to heaven ? The great mistake of my life, said Gerrit Smith to his pastor, has been, that I have tried to be moral without faith in Christ. But I have now learned that true morality can only keep pace with trust in Christ as my Saviour. And Bishop Wilson well says, that though morality does not make a Christian, no one can be a Christian without morality. * No more, my God, I boast no more, Of all the duties I have done ; I quit the hopes I held before. And trust the merits of thy Son. The best obedience of my hands, Dares r"">t appear before thy throne; But faith can answer thy demands, By pleading what my Lord hath done. — Watts. AUGUST 13. 233 The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. — Ps. xix. 7. DO I realize that the word of God is for ever sure ; that we may give full credit to all its teachings; and may rely upon it, knowing that it will never mis- lead or deceive us ? Do I take it as the sure guide to all truth, and to all duty ; to holiness here, and to heaven hereafter ? Has it made me wise unto salva- tion ? Do I commend it to all, as the source of their belief, and the guide of their conduct ? Do I seek to extend the knowledge of it to all who are destitute ? The Rev. James W. Alexander, D. D., began his Thirty-one Rules on How to Read the Bible with, "In all your reading, bear in mind that it is the word of God ;" and ended them with the weighty in- junction, " In all your reading, remember that it is for the salvation of your soul." Other books may make men. learned and wise unto ostentation; but only the Bible can make them harned and wise unto salvation. — Areowsmith. Great Sun of righteousness, arise ; Bless the dark world with heavenly light ! Thy gospel makes the simple wise ; Thy laws are pure ; thy judgments right. Thy noblest wonders here we view. In souls renewed, and sins forgiven. Lord, cleanse my sins ; my soul renew ; And make thy word my guide to heaven ! — Watts. 234 AUGUST U. Receive, with meekness, the engrafted word, v)hich is able to save your souls. — James i. 21. DO I come to God's word with freedom from preju- dice and preconceived opinions, willing to be taught, and earnestly desiring to know just what God teaches and commands ? Feeling my ignorance, do I coni(} to it for instruction and guidance, believing it all to be profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and in- struction in righteousness, that through grace I may be perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works ? Do I assent to all its truths ; consent to all its laws ; and always receive it in a submissive, humble, teachable spirit ? If you come to God's word in the spirit he requires, you will give up many preconceived opinions and fondly cherished notions of your own, and unlearn much that you have hitherto learned. If you come with a childlike, humble, prayerful spirit, God will teach you with wisdom from above, and jow. will find his word a lamp to your feet, and a light to your path. When the blessed volume I peruse, And o'er its sacred pages muse, Oh, then, thy precious word fulfill. And while I seek to learn thy will. Draw near, in answer to my prayer, And, gracious Saviour, meet me there ! AUGUST 15. 235 Speak, Lord ; for thy servant heareth. — 1 Sam. iii. 9. DO I listen to the voice of God, in his word, in his providence, by his Spirit, in all his dealings aad dispensations ? Do I follow the teachings of that voice, humbly and earnestl}'- asking what the Lord would have me to think, and feel, and be, and do? Do I desire entire conformity to the divine will, and always to be filled with the divine Spirit? Do I endeavor to keep down self-will, and to bring it in all things into subjection to the will of God? From my heart, can I say, " Not my will, but thine be done "? Religion, in its rise, interests us almost exclusively about ourselves. In its progress, it engages us about the welfare of our fellow -men. In its more advanced stages, it animates us to look to God's will in all things, and to exalt, to the utmost, the honor and will of God. — C. Simeon. The highest and most acceptable service we can render to God, is to be willing either to do or suffer his will, as to him may seem best. The former we may share with angels and ransomed spirits. The latter is reserved for the saints on earth ; and in it God manifests himself, with peculiar love and tender- ness, to their souls. — Longden. Speak to my heart, and let no sage's word. No teacher thee beside, explain thy law. Let every soul, before thy presence, Lord, Bow down before thee, in deep, silent awe, And let thy voice — thy voice alone, be heard ! 236 AUGUST 16. But gnno in go-ace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. — 2 Pet. iii. 18, AM I making progress in religion ? Do I remem- ber that where there is life, there is always growth ; that there is no standing still in the divine life ; and that if not going forward, I am going back- ward? Do I strive to be advancing; to attain to higher and still higher degrees of holiness ; or am I satisfied with the progress already made ? Am I for- getting the things behind, and continually pressing on to those before, to the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ? As for the growth and health of the body there must be food, so if we would grow in grace, we must feed on the word of God. As the body must have air, to breathe, so we must live under the influence of the Holy Spirit. As the body must have exercise, so to be good, we must do good. As the body must avoid the regions of disease and pestilence, so we must keep away from worldly and evil influences, and live near to God, that our souls may be in health, * Labor to know the Lord more clearly and fully; to know more of Christ, and to know him to better pur- pose, so as to be more like him, and to love him better. —Matthew Heney. ■\ May we daily grow in grace ; Faithful run the heavenly race, Trained by wisdom, led by love, Till we reach our rest above • Till we there thy face shall see, Blest for ever, Lord, with thee! AUGUST 17. 23V There will I meet thee, I will comn.une with thee from above the mercy-seat. — Ex. xxv. 22. AM I faithful to the precious privilege God granta to his people, of meeting him at the mercy- seat, and there conversing with him as a friend with a friend ? There do I spread before him all my wants, and difficulties, and troubles, asking for grace and strength, to do or suffer, as to him may seem best? Am I as earnest and full of faith in speaking to God, aa I would be in speaking to an earthly friend ? Do I bear in mind his own declaration and promise, that according to my faith the blessing shall be? It is not the length, but the strength of prayer that is required ; not the labor of the life, but the travail of the heart, that prevails with God. Let thy words be few, but full and to the purpose. — I. S. Spencer. Frequent prayer is a most natural remedy against sin. — Bishop Wilson. The best and sweetest flowers of Paradise, God gives to his people when they are on their knees in the closet. Prayer, if not the very gate of heaven, is the key to let us in to its hoKness and its joys.— T. Brooks. When to the closet I repair, To breathe my soul's desires in prayer, When bending low at Jesus' feet, I look toward the mercy-seat, This promise, Lord, shall be my plea, ' There, suppliant, I will meet with thee. 238 AUGUST 18. Be not weary in well doing. — 2 THEbS. iii. 13. DO I keep in mind, continually, the fact, that this life is a warfare, and that I am to follow the great Captain of salvation faithfully to the end ? And when weary and discouraged in the conflict, do I look to him for courage and strength to persevere ? Does earnest prayer begin and accompany my daily war- fare ? However valiantly I fight, do I look for victory only through my Saviour's grace? Presumption is heart-whole and self-confident, and so off" its guard. But faith has a sense of weakness, and looks to the promises, and seeing the face of Christ therein, is made bold and confident to fight manfully to the end. — Eutheeford. Faith evermore overlooks the difl&culties of the way, and bends her eyes only to the end. She looks back to the cross and is at peace ; and forward to the crown and pants for its possession. — Bishop Hall. Teach me to live ! 'Tis easier far to die, Gently and silently to pass away ; On earth's long night to close the weary eye, And waken to the coming glorious day. Teach me that harder lesson, how to live, To serve thee in the darkest ways of life ; Arm me for conflict, now fresh vigor give, And make me conqueror in the holy strife 1 A UG UST 19. 239 My word shall not return unto me void. — IsA. Iv. 11. WHEN trying to do good, and seeing no imme- diate fruits of our labors, is not here a word of encouragement ? Is it not comforting to have the divine assurance, that every good word spoken, every Christian effort put forth, every holy life lived, shall not be lost, but bring forth fruit ? Is this thought an incentive to speak for God with loving and prayerful earnestness, and to endeavor so to live as to honor him and lead others to him ? The difficulties with which we meet as laborers in God's vineyard, instead of discouraging, should stimu- late to greater diligence, to more fervent prayer, to the more diligent study of God's word, and to the assur- ance, because he has promised, that his word shall not return unto him void. * Since the world began, no true work for God was ever wasted ; no true word spoken for him has ever failed of doing good ; no true life has ever been in vain. The seed sown may not rise in a moment, but there is immortal vitality in it, and ihe harvest shall be sure. By the light of day, or in shades of night, We must sow by faith, and not by sight. And though all around may seem drear and dark, Hope sends, through the promise, its glimmering spark. Fear not, for that faint and scarce visible ray, Shall expand to the light of an endless day ! 240 A UQ U8T 20. Every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is p)ure. — 1 John iii. 3. IF I hope to be for ever with Christ hereafter, must I not seek to attain here the character that will fit me for the enjoyment of his presence ? Must I not study the utmost purity and holiness of heart and life, and endeavor daily to be growing in the divine like- ness? Do I realize that as I must be justified to have a title to heaven, so I must be sanctified to be prepared for it ? If I am saved by hope, must I not be purified by hope ? We are to keep the heart pure, by keeping it in fel- lowship with Christ ; to keep the tongue pure, by us- ing it only for Christ ; to keep the life pure, by living in all things for Christ. In thought, word, feeling, action, we should aim at that purity which may make us like Christ. — J. Smith. By shaking the magnetic needle, you may move it from its place ; but it returns to it the moment it is left to itself. In like manner, believers may fall into sin ; but no sooner do they wake to reflection, than they repent, and endeavor to mend their ways, and resume a life of godliness. — Gotthold. Hast thou the love of Christ The Saviour known ? The love that passeth knowledge — the rich grace That stooped to poverty and death, to place Thee on his throne ? Then will thy heart be pure ; thy life be given To walk with him on earth, with him to reign in heaven. AUGUST 21. 241 The tree is known by his fruit. — Matt. xii. 33. DO I bear in mind that the heart is the fountain, and that its streams flow forth in words, and deeds, and habits, and in the entire life? And by these, do I remember that the character will be judged ? Do I reahze that the truly faithful Christian in this resem- bles the Saviour, that he both is good, and does good? Am I one that brings forth good fruit ? Does my life honor God, and do good to men ? Is my fruit to my- self, or to Christ ? The hearts of believers are iike gardens, wherein are not only flowers, but also weeds ; and as the former must be cherished, so the latter must be nipped. If nothing but showers of promises fell upon the heai-t, the weeds of cori'uption would grow apace, unless they were nipped by the severity of threatenings. — Owen. Let us not forget that we are always bearing fruit of one kind or another. The good seed of the kingdom is springing up and bearing the fruit of holiness unto ever- lasting life ; or the evil seed of the world and sin is bearing fi'uit unto everlasting death. By our fruits we shall be known and judged, both here and hereafter.— T. Bate. Christian, wouldst thou fruitful be? Jesus says, "Abide in me." From him all thy fruit is found ; May it to his praise abound ! May he ever dwell with thee, So thy life shall fruitful be 1 16 242 A UG UST 9.2. Abstain from all appearance of evil. ^1 Thess. v. 22. DO I realize that those who shun not the very- appearance of evil, may soon be led on to evil itself; that those who avoid not the temptations and approaches to sin, will not long abstain from actually committing it? Am I careful to refrain from anything, which, though not itself wrong, yet possibly having the appearance of wrong, might seem inconsistent in my- self, and be a stumbling-block in the way of others? The life may speak when the tongue is silent ; and to avoid evil is akin to doing good. * Be inconsistent, and enmity to the gospel may be propagated over a parish. Give occasions of offence, and many may fall : those entering the way of life may be discouraged ; and those who have already entered, may be made to stumble. You cannot live only for yourselves. A thousand fibres connect you with your fellow-men ; and along those fibres, as sympathetic threads, run your actions as causes, and they come back to vou as effects. — Melvill. My gracious Lord, I own thy right To every service I can pay ; And call it my supreme delight, To hear thy dictates and obey. 'Tis to my Saviour I would live ; To him who for my ransom died ; Nor can all worldly honor give, Such bliss as crowns me at his side. — DoDDPvIDGE, AUGUSTUS. 243 He giveth power to the faint ; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. — IsA. xl. 29. IN hours of discouragement, adversity, or trial, do I feel the sustaining power of God's promise, and rely as firmly on him then, as in the full sunshine of peace and joy ? If such comfort is not present when most I need it, is it not from my want of faith and trust in that divine Helper who never yet failed any who stayed themselves on him ? Is not his promise the sure foundation of all the encouragement and strength I need, if I will but rely upon it? No one can overestimate his own weakness, or the strength that comes from dependence on God. * Provide for, and help me, Lord ; for this world, out of the stores of thy providence ; and in spiritual things, out of the fullness there is in Christ. Help me in health, that I may not slide ; in sickness, that I may not murmur; in plenty, that I may not be proud ; in poverty, that I may not complain ; in all things, that I may live to thee. — J. Smith. Commit thy way to God, The weight that makes thee faint ; Worlds are to him no load ; To him breathe thy complaint. On God alone rely, Then shalt thou safe go on : Fix on his work thy steadfast eye, So shall thy work be done. — GePwHARdt. 244 A UO UST 21^. So run, thai ye may obtain. — 1 Coe. ix. 24. AM I standing still, or pressing forward in the divine life? With the final reward in view, am I running the Christian race with the fixed and earnest purpose to win the incorruptible crown ? Do I watch against the temptations and allurements that might beguile me from the way ? Do I remember the great cloud qf witnesses, and lay aside every weight, and guard against the sins that may beset me, and still run with patience ? Above all, do I look contin- ually to Jesus, and rest all my hopes on him ? So live that every failure may be a step to success, and every detection of what is wrong, a step to what is right. * In the kingdom of Christ, where inward character is the prize, no chance can rob earnestness of its due success. Sow for time, and you may succeed for time. But sow the seeds of life — of humbleness, pure- heartedness, and love, and in eternity every minutest grain will come up with an increase of thirty, sixty, or an hundred fold. — F. W. Robertson. Up, Christian up ! thy cares resign ; The past, the future, are not thine. Show forth to-day the Saviour's praise ; Redeem the curse of evil days ; Life's shadow, in its lengthening gloom, Falls daily nearer to the tomb. To Jesus look ; in faith press on ; And thine shall be the unfading crown ! AUGUST 25. 245 Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. — Rom. xii. 9. DO I abhor sin as evil in itself, as well as from its tendency and consequences ? Do I endeavor to keep a sensitive and faithful conscience, that shall warn me against its first approaches, and lead me to shrink from it ? Do I hate and turn from every form of sin, because it is offensive to a loving and forgiving Father, and grieving to the Holy Spirit, and because its every commission crucifies the Son of God afresh ? Do I seek to grow in all that is good and holy ? We must abhor ourselves for our' sins, not from mere earthly principles, but for the manifold indigni- ties they offer to God ; to the law of his justice, the awe of his majesty, the honor of his reverence, the dread of his power, and the long-suffering of his love. — Bishop Andeews. mere is more bitterness in sin's ending, than ever was sweetness in sin's acting. If we see only good in its commission, we shall suffer nothing but woe in its conclusion. — Dyer. Walk in the light ! and sin, abhorred, Shall not defile again ; The blood of Jesus Christ, the Lord, Shall cleanse from every stain. Walk in the light ! thy path shall be Peaceful, serene, and bright : For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee. And God himself is light !— Barton. 246 A UG UST 26. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgreS' sions, and as a cloud, thy sins. — IsA. xliv. 22. HAVE I come to God, by faith in Christ, for that pardon which blots out sin and scatters the dark cloud that separates between the soul and him ? If so, do I take the comfort he so freely offers ; and in humble confidence and joyous trust, do I rest all my hopes on him ? Do I look to him as to a father, in the spirit of a loving child ? Having much forgiven, do I love much ? Do I so live near to him, as always to enjoy the light of his countenance? If believers have discomfort and uneasiness on ac- count of their past sins, as though they were still im- puted to them, they are undervaluing the perfectly finished work of Christ, and doubting the veracity and promise of God. Judge of God, not by your own sense, but by his promise ; not by your frames and feelings, but by his love and grace in Christ Jesus. Believe firmly ; hope confidently ; love fervently ; walk humbly ; pray earnestly; work diligently; and wait quietly, and you may at all times have joy in God. — J. Mason. Arrayed in mortal flesh, He like an angel stands, And holds the promises. And pardons in his hands : Commissioned from his Father's throne, To make his grace to mortals known. A UG UST 27. 247 Redeeming the time. — Eph. v. 16. DO I realize, as I ought, the immense value oi time ? Do I feel, as I should, the importance of redeeming or improving it ? Do I fill up my time with proper enployments, which are often the surest safeguards against temptation and evil thoughts ? Do I seek out and improve opportunities of doing good, and so redeem time ? And do I look on time as one of the sacred talents committ^ed by God to my care to be improved for him, and for which I am soon to give account ? No man is a better merchant than he that lays out his time upon God, and his money upon the poor. — Bishop Taylor. Time well employed is Satan's deadliest foe ; it leaves no opening for the lurking fiend. — C. Wilcox. The great rule of moral conduct, is, next to God, to respect time. — Lavater. We always have time enough, if we will but im- prove it well. — Goethe. As if you could kill time, without injuring eternity ! — Thoreatj. Let no present moment pass. Without blessings on its head ; And as Time metes out his glass, While our sands are numbered, Faithfully improve to-day — Soon 'twill sleep with ages tied ! 248 AUGUST !3S. He which hath begun a good luork in you, ivill per- form it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Phil, i, 6. IN every hour of weakness or despondency, or when the conflict with sin is severe, is it not a blessed comfort, that Christ has promised to carry on his good work to the end? Do I rest, at all times, on his help, making it my chief concern to fulfill my duty toward him, and to find my happiness in him? Do I thank- fully acknowledge that whatever of good there may be in me, is of him, and that he alone can sustain it ? Do I trust myself entirely to him, for time and eternity ? Faith in Jesus is the trust and reliance of the heart on him for help and deliverance ; and such trust on our part, shall never be disappointed. — Venn, Our faith would often fail through temptation and trials, through troubles without, and weakness and sin within, but for Jesus and his promises. He begins in us the work of grace, and he sustains it to the end. He first planted the seed of faith in us; and as it sprang up, he has kept it ever since, and will keep it to the end. Heaven and earth may pass away ; God's free grace shall not decay ; He hath said, and will fulfill, All the pleasure of his will. By his loving, powerful hand, He will aid thee firm to stand ; Those whom Jesus once hath loved, From his grace are never moved. — Hill. AUGUST 29. 249 Tlie Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought. — EoM. viii. 26. DO I always seek the help of the Spirit in prayer, that I may pray aright, and for that which is really best for myself, as well as most for God's glory ? Do I realize that, of myself, I know not what to ask, being so prone to separate the end from the means ? Do I feel that in manner, I often do not pray as I ought ; and that my affections will be cold, and my thoughts wander, and my petitions will be too much occupied with self, and with present comforts, unless the Holy Spirit aid me? " I could write down twenty cases," said a good man, " where I wished and prayed that God would do other- wise than he did ; but where now I see that if my prayer had been literally answered, and I had had my desire, it would have led to evil and not to good. And now I have learned to add to all my prayers, ' Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.' " Since oft, by passion's force inclined. And oft by stubborn will. We blindly shun the latent good. And grasp the specious ill, Not what we wish, but what we want, Oh, let thy grace supply : The good unasked, in mercy grant ; The ill, though asked, deny. — Meerick. 250 AUGUST 30. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. — Kom. viii. 9. HAVE I tlie Spirit of Christ ? Am I n^eek, lowly, humble, patient, self-denying, benevolent, as he was ? Every day do I endeavor to live as he lived ? Does his Spirit so dwell in me, as to bring forth, con- tinually, the peaceable fruits of righteousness ? Does my faith fix only on him ; my love go forth supremely to him ; in my life do I seek to honor him ? Do I take him for my Teacher, my Example, my Guide, my Mas- ter, my Friend, my Hope, my endless portion ? To be a Christian is not a mere play on a word, but expresses the fact, that as love, purity, goodness, truth, mercy, and the like are the same in all beings, so must the believer who possesses them in kind, be one with Christ who possesses them in perfection. He must see his ideal, and all he most loves, realized in Christ, and the deepest desires of his soul met in being made like him ; and he must recognize it as heaven itself to be with him, and to be as he is for ever. — McLeod. Jesus ! I live to thee. Thou loveliest and best ; My life in thee, thy life in me, In thy blest love I rest. Living or dying. Lord, I ask but to be thine ; My life in thee, thy life in me, Makes heaven for ever mine ! — Haebaugh. AUGUST 31. 25J There is hut a step between me and death — 1 Sam. XX. 3. AM I not prone to think of death as a precipice at a distance, toward which I am gradually ap- proaching, and over which I must by and by plunge? But is it not rather a precipice on the very verge of which I am every day walking, and over which a single step may at any moment, take me to eternity ? Am I living in constant readiness to go, whenever God shall call me away ? Am I prepared to depart, and be with Christ, whenever I may be summoned from this world ? The sublimity of wisdom, is, to do those things living, which are to be desired when dying. — Jeeemy Tayloe. At death we but leave one place to go to another. If godly, we go from earth to heaven ; from our friends on earth, to our friends in heaven ; from the valley of tears, to the mount of joy ; from a howling wilderness, to a heavenly paradise. Who would be unwilling to exchange a Sodom for a Zion, an Egypt for a Canaan, Bin for holiness, misery for glory ? — Keach. All souls are thine. We may not say, The dead in Christ have passed away, When from the world and flesh set free, We know them living still to thee. Released from sin, and toil, and strife, With thee they live the heavenly life ; Their thoughts, their works, their powers are thine, For ever blest with joys divine ! — Elleeton. 252 SEPTEMBER 1. We ivould see Jesus. — John xii. LI. JS this the sincere and earnest desire of my heart, to have clear views of the character of Christ, and constant communion of soul with him? Do I look for him in his word, in his ordinances, in his providence, and in the influences of his Holy Spirit ? Do I long for a closer union of heart and life with him ? Is he the chief among ten thousand, and the one altogether lovely to me ? Do I long and pray for entire conform- ity to him ? Christ Jesus is all that we need ; and he has all that we want. We should look to him ; long for him ; live upon him ; walk with him ; work for him ; . aim in everything to glorify him. Have what we may, with- out him we are poor; but with him we are rich, though all else be taken away. * We have a race to run, a prize to win, and a mark to reach ; and to be successful, we must look away fi'om everything else, and fix our eyes on Jesus. Looking to him we cannot fail ; for in him we have courage, and strength, and sympathy, and an example, and all the help that we need. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of the faith. — J. Sa: ith. Only Jesus would I see ; Only like him would I be ; Only for him would I live ; Only to him would I give All I am, and all I have ; All to him who died to save ! SEPTEMBER 2. 253 They that he whole need not a 'physidan, hut they Jiat are sick. — Matt. ix. 12. DO I feel and acknowledge myself to be one of tae sick ones who need the care of the Great Physician ? Am I willing to be healed by him, in his way, and by such treatment as he thinks best ? Have I long since despaired of any remedy from myself or from my fellow-men ? Do I look away from all other sources of help to Jesus, the Great Physician? Do all my hopes for time and eternity rest on him? The greatest sinner, who trusts only in Christ's blood, will assuredly be saved. The best man in the world who trusts in his own goodness, will be lost. — Hewitson. Let this thought, that God cannot lie, keep, in con- scious safety, the heart of every one who looketh to Jesus. They who look shall be saved. It is not to him who sees Christ brightly that the promises are made, but to him who looks. A bright view may minister to comfort, but it is looking to Christ that ministers to safety. — Chalmees. I need thee, precious Saviour, for I am full of sin ; My soul is dark and guilty ; my heart is dead within ; I need the cleansing fountain where I can always flee ; The blood of Christ most precious, my only, perfect plea. In life, in death, in heaven, my highest joy shall be, To sing thy praises ever ; to look, my Lord, to thee ! — F. Whitfield. 254 SEPTEMBER S. With thee is the fountain of life. — Ps. xxxvi. 9. DO I feel that to me God is the fountain of spirit- ual life, and that from him come all the strength and comfort of my soul ? Do I find in him light, per- fection, wisdom, guidance, joy? In him are the crav- ings of my soul satisfied ? And the more I am filled, do I the more desire to be filled with all the fullness of God ? Can I say, with the Psalmist, that my soul thirsts for God ; for clearer views of his character — for greater confonnity to his will? In all the changes of life what a joy to look to Christ, and find our joy in him. The soul that thirsts for God is alive to him, and experimentally acquainted with him, and will never be satisfied with anything but him. It will long for a sense of his love, for the presence of his Spirit, for the enjoyment of his favor, for constant com- munion and fellowship with him. It will never cease thirsting till it is filled with all his fullness in heaven. * Blest in thee, our praises flow Even in this vale of woe ; Waters in the desert rise ; Manna feeds us from the skies ; On we go, from strength to strength, Till we reach thy throne at length ; At thy feet adoring fall. Who hast led us safe through all. — H. F. Lyte. SEPTEMBER 4. 255 According to your faith, he it unto yoi^.— Matt. ix, 29. DO I realize that a living faith not only unites to Christ, but disperses doubts, gives power in prayer, imparts strength for duty, and brings peace and comfort and joy to the soul? Do I seek to strengthen my faith by the prayerful study of God's ^vord, and by dwelling on the rich promises of the Saviour? Do I endeavor by works of obedience to find evidence of the reality of my faith, and to see that faith is the mainspring of my works of obedi- ence? Can I sincerely say and pray, "Lord, I be- lieve; help thou mine unbelief"? The sin of unbelief is that which besets the sinner more than his evil ways. But if thou entertain these unbelieving thoughts, thou transgressest Christ's com- mand ; abidest thine own tormentor ; and keepest thy- self from establishment in grace. — Btjnyan. Though faith does nothing of itself, nothing alone, it does everything under God, and by God, and through God. Its humble dependence, and its meek, childlike spirit, after all constitute its proper self. These are the essence and life of faith. — Stoughton. Faith is the last, strong link 'twixt God and man. There is more wisdom in its whispered prayer, Than in the wisest lore of all the schools. The soul upon its knees lays hold on God ; Worship believing, is the key of heaven. " I do believe ; help thou mine unbelief !" Is the last, greatest utterance of the soul ! — Bigg. 256 SEPTEMBER 5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and thou for- gavest the iniquity of my sin. — Ps. xxxii. 6. DO I rejoice in the blessed thouglit that there is forgiveness with God, through Christ, for every one who is penitent? Have I confessed my sins to him, asking for pardon and grace to forsake them ? Do I mourn my sins of omission, as well as of commission ? Do I take the blame of all on myself, not endeavoring to excuse or extenuate my errors or sins, by throwing the blame on others, on circumstances, or on the force of temptation ? Does pardoning grace make me hum- ble, as well as thankful ? He who thinks he has no need of Christ, has too high thoughts of himself. He who thinks Christ cannot help him, has too low thoughts of Christ. — J. Mason. We often tell God that we are sinners, miserable and helpless; but can we bear to be told so by others? Are we willing, from any source, to know our sins that we may forsake them ? — T. Adams. Keturn, holy Dove, return, Sweet messenger of rest ; I hate the sins that made thee mourn, And drove thee from my breast. The dearest idol I have known, Whate'er that idol be. Help me to tear it from thy throne. And worship only thee. — Cowpeb. SEPTEMBER 6. 257 Let no man deceive himself. — 1 Cor. iii. 18. DO I realize how difficult it is, truly to know one's own heart ? Am I sensible of my ignorance in this respect ; and do I earnestly ask God to enable me to know myself, and to make me wise unto salvation ? Do I distrust my own understanding ; and realize that self-flattery is next step to self-deceit; and that the way of true wisdom, is, to be willing to be enlightened and taught of God ? Do I watch and pray against self- deception, as one of the most fearful sources of danger to the soul ? Remember that the time for self-examination and Belf-knowledge, is, after all, very short. Soon you will know the great secret. You may masquerade it for a while in the dress of a saint, but death will soon strip off the covering, and at the judgment you will stand revealed just as you are. — Spurgeon. Oh, what a change it would make in the world, if men were brought to a knowledge of themselves ! How many would seek to faithful ministers for ad- vice, who now deride them ! How many would cry day and night for mercy, and beg for the life of their immortal souls, who now content themselves with formal prayer, or perhaps never pray at all. — Baxter. Search me, God ! and know my heart ; Try me, my secret soul survey ; And warn thy servant to depart, From every false and evil way. So shall thy truth my guidance be, Through life to immortality ! — Montgomery. 17 258 SEPTEMBER 7. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.— 2 Coe. v. 10. DO I bear in mind continually that this world is but a state of probation, and the future world one of retribution ? Do I realize the certainty of the final judgment, that we must be judged ; its universal- ity, that all must appear ; its nearness, that at any hour we may be called to it, and at farthest, very soon ? Do I rest my hopes of acceptance there on any merit or works of my own, or only on Christ ? If I love and trust him, need I have any fears' as to the great and final day ? Here on earth we are placed as stewards : soon we must give an account of our stewardship. Here we are gradually forming characters and fixing habits • soon we shall pass the point beyond which neither can be changed except in degree. Here we are on probation : there an endless retribution awaits us. And how soon we may go to it, no one of us knows. We onlv know it will be soon * May we all walk in humble faith, and holy chastening fear. And see with calm and steadfast eye, the Judge of all appear ; Prepared to join the adoring throng before the throne of God, Redeemed and freed from sin and death by Christ's atoning blood. SEPTEMBER 8. 259 Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. —Rom. v. 20. DOES this view of the boundless grace of God give me comfort, assuring me as it does, that the enormity of sin can never prevent my acceptance and salvation, if I do but repent and believe on Christ? Do I watch over myseK, lest through the very abundance of divine mercy, there should creep in, unawares, a laxity of feeling, or a less earnest and persevering warfare against sin ? Does the very rich- ness of grace but make me more faithful in duty ? I must never think my sins too great, too aggravated, too presumptuous, to hinder me from fleeing to Christ. The weight of my sins should act like the weight of a clock, which makes it go faster in proportion as it is heavier. — McGheyne. When Satan charges sin upon the conscience, then for the soul to charge it upon Christ, this is gospel- like. Christ serves for this very end. — G. Wilcox. He that hath light thoughts of sin, never had great thoughts of God. — Owen. It is not that I feel less weak ; but thou Wilt be my strength. It is not that I see Less sin ; but more of pardoning love in thee, And all-sufficient grace. Enough ! And now All fluttering thought is stilled ; I only rest. And feel that thou art near, and know that I am blest ! 260 SEPTEMBER 9. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. — John vi. 37. DO I realize the fullness, and believe in the sincerity of this gracious declaration of the Saviour? Do I feel that his invitation is not only- general, to all, but that it is individual and personal, addressed to myself, and that its comfort and en- couragement are meant for me? Have I come to him, and to God by him ? Does his love draw me ; and does my sense of need and danger drive me to him? Do I endeavor, at all times, to live near to him? A man may go to heaven without health, without riches, without honors, without pleasures, without learning, without friends, but he can never get there without Christ. — Dyee. If in all my life Satan and I did ever strive for any one word of God, it was for this good word of God in Christ, " Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out ;" — he at one end, and I at the other. Oh, what work we made ! It was for this that we did so tug and strive. He pulled, and I pulled ; but God be praised, I overcame him. — Kutheefoed. Come, says Jesus' sacred voice. Come, and make my paths your choice ; I will guide you safely home ; Weary pilgrim, hither come. Hither come, for here is found, Balm that flows for every wound ; Peace that ever shall endure ; Rest eternal, sacred, sure ! — Baebauld. SEPTEMBER 10. 261 We krunu that when he shall appear, we shall he like him, for we shall see him as he is. — 1 John iii. 2. DO I look forward with hope to the meeting with Christ in heaven? Is it a joy to think that then I shall for ever be free from sin, as well as from suffering ; that I shall be like the Saviour, because I shall see him as he is ? Do I seek, here on earth, for clearer views of his character, and for closer and still closer communion with him, that I may become more and more like him ? Do I daily grow in his likeness here, and so have evidence that I shall dwell with him for ever hereafter ? If we expect to live with Christ in heaven, we must live with him on earth. — J. Mason. Inward conformity to the grace and holiness of Christ, is the fundamental design of the Christian life; the only satisfying evidence of an interest in his love, and the only preparation for seeing and en- joying him for ever in heaven. If we have not his Bpirit here, we shall not have his presence hereafter. Jesus, draw this heart of mine, Dail}'', hourly, nearer thine ; Looking, longing, thus I'll seek thee ; And in seeking, hope to meet thee ; Meeting thee, rejoice at last ; And rejoicing hold thee fast. Till, beyond the grave, I see Thee in heaven, and heaven in thee ! 262 SEPTEMBER 11. Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith. — Col. ii. 7. DO I realize that the more closely I walk with Christ, the more firmly I shall be established in the faith ; and that the more intelligent and vigorous my faith, the closer will be my walk with him ? Do I remember that a holy life and a living faith always go together ; and that we cannot be built up in Christ unless we are first rooted in him? Am I united to him by a true and active faith, loving his truth, doing his will, growing up in all things into him ? There are two different kinds of growth into Christ; a growth downward, when the believer becomes more rooted in his principles and established in his hold on the covenant ; and a growth upward, like the palm and the cedar in the Lord's enclosed garden. But all growth comes from union with Christ. While you live right, nothing goes wrong. A soul at peace with God cannot be greatly disturbed by the world, for being united to Christ, it has its life and joys in him, and its blessings from him. — Jackson. Thee I love, Christ, alone, For thy wondrous mercy shown ■ 'Tis thy wounds my healing give To thy cross I look and live : Thou my life — oh let me be, Rooted, grafted, built on thee ! SEPTEMBER 12. 263 / said I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue. — Ps. xxxix. 1. DO I bear in mind continnally, how often and how solemnly the Bible speaks of the tongue ; and that our Saviour himself tells us, that by our words we shall be justified, or by our words be condemned, in the day of final judgment? Do I seek for divine help, that I may ever speak wisely, kindly, charitably, and for the happiness and good of others; and not idly, foolishly, disparagingly, falsely, or so as justly to offend either God or man ? May I always speak in the spirit of Christ, and so as to honor him ! Weighed in the balance of Scripture, our words are of the most solemn importance. They reveal our true character ; they exercise a powerful influence for evil, or for good ; they will form an important item of the account each one of us is to render at the last great day. Let us, then, take heed to our words, and see that our speech is always with grace, so as to be ac- ceptable to God.— Ever ARD. Guard well thy lips ; for none can ever know What evils from the thoughtless tongue may flow ; What grief be caused, what guilt may be incurred, By one incautious, heedless, hasty word. Set God before thee ; think that every word Thy lips pronounce, by him, on high, is heard ; Oh, couldst thou reahze this solemn thought. What care, what caution would thy lips be taught ! 264 SEPTEMBER 13. It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing- -Gal. iv. 18. IF earnestness of feeling and action should corre- spond to the importance of the cause in which one is engaged, then can I have too much zeal in the service of Christ, and for the spread of his kingdom in the world? Am I indeed zealous so to live and act, as to honor God and do good to men? Am I dili- gent and unwearied as a laborer in God's vineyard, working in season and out of season? Am I at all times decided and earnest as a faithful follower of Christ? Zeal without knowledge, is like haste to a man who is walking in the dark. — John Newton. Let us not call that zeal for God, which is only our own tempestuous and stormy passion. True zeal is a sweet, heavenly, and gentle flame, which maketh us active for God, but always within the sphere of love. It never calls for fire from heaven to consume those who differ from us. It strives to save the soul, but hurteth not the body. — Cudwoeth. Go, labor on ; spend and be spent ; Thy joy to do the Father's will ; It is the way the Saviour went ; Should not his followers tread it still ? Go, labor on ; 'tis not for naught ; Thine earthly loss is heavenly gain ; Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not ; The ^Ntaster praises : — what are men ? — H. BONAR. SEPTEMBER I4. 265 Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required. — Luke xii. 48. DO I feel that I am but the steward of the mani- fold gifts of God, and that I am sacredly bound to use them all for him, and as he directs ? On my time, talents, influence, property — on all that I have and am, do I remember that he has written, " Occupy till I shall come ?" Do I ask, in everything, how I may best honor God and do good to men? Do I keep the great and final account habitually in view, and seek so to live as to be accepted, at last, as good and faithful ? Nothing that I have is my own. It is only lent me, for a little season, by God. To him I must soon render an account for the use I have made of it. Rightly used, all will be as a means of grace to me, to perfect my character and fit me for heaven. Used only for self and selfish ends, all will be at last but my con- demnation. — I. S. Spencer. Christ has left us on earth for a while, to represent him, to witness for him, to work for him. He will come again soon, to call us to account. We are but his stewards. Let us so be faithful in all that is en- trusted to us, that when the call is heard, " Give an account of thy stewardship," we may not hear that fearful addition, "Thou mayest no longer be steward!" To-day be faithful in living. For God and your fellow-man ; Let loving and doing, and giving, Be close to your heart and hand. For to-day, so far as you certainly know, May be the last you will have below. 266 SEPTEMBER 15. Oh the depth of the riches, both of the vnsdom and knowledge of God. — Rom. xi. 33. WHEN I think of the infinite mercy of God in Christ Jesus, like Paul, do I stand in amaze- ment at its wondrous depths, and in thankfulness wor- ship and adore at the feet of its Author ? Do I feel my weakness and nothingness ; and that after all my searching, I know but nothing in comparison with the infinite knowledge of God ? Do I feel, too, that his love is as boundless as his wisdom? And does my whole heart go forth in love to him ? The riches of divine grace may be compared to a richly-furnished cabinet, to which Christ is the only door. His love is the only key to its wondrous trea- sures ; and experience is the only key to the fullness of their meaning and value to ourselves. If all our love were extinguished, at the love of Christ we might easily rekindle it. Not a word that he spoke, not a work that he did, not a suffering that he endured, but was a proof and a result of his love. He purchased love, he brought love, he exercised love, he bequeathed love, he lived in love, and he died m. love. He is all love. — I. S. Spencee. Oh for this love let rocks and hills. Their lasting silence break ; And all harmonious human tongues, The Saviour's praises speak. Angels, assist our mighty joys ; Strike all your harps of gold ; But when you raise your highest notes, His love can ne'er be told. — Watts. SEPTEMBER 16. 267 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. — Rom. xii. 3. DO I endeavor to know myself ; to see myself as God sees me? And does this seK-knowledge lead me to think humbly of myself, and not to have too high an opinion of my own judgment, or ability, or performances ? Does self-knowledge check every- thing like self-conceit, and keep me from too high an estimate of my own wisdom or attainments ? Do I look constantly to the standard of God's law, and seek for grace to be more fully conformed to it ? It is the peculiarity of the Christian religion, and of the Christian character, that humility and holiness increase in equal proportions. The Pharisee could thank God that he was not as other men ; it was the apostle Paul who felt that he was the chief of sinners. Avoid the habit of speaking humbly of yourself, as the snare of the adversary. Can you bear not to speak of yourself at all? That is the question. — HOWELS. I owliness of heart is real dignity ; and humility is the brightest jewel in the Christian's crown. — Bond. When Mary chose the better part, She meekly sat at Jesus' feet ; And Lydia's humble, trusting heart. Was made for God's own dwelling meet ; And most beloved of heaven is he Whor.e soul is all humility. — J. Montgomery 268 SEPTEMBER 17. Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget 7iot all his benefits. — Ps. ciii, 2. FOR all God's mercies to me, both negative and positive, am I habitually and truly thankful ? Do I count as mercies the evils from which he has saved me ? And for all his positive blessings, am I sincerely grateful to him? Does my gratitude go deeper than the lips, even to my inmost heart ? Is every blessing received, a fresh bond to bind my soul to the infinite Giver in devout thankfulness and love ? If we turn God's benefits into occasions of sin, we unthankfuUy imitate the earth fi'om which we were taken ; for that makes use of the heat of the sun to send up vapors that obscure the light, and chill the warmth communicated to it. — Bishop Hopkins. A thankful spirit, is a joyous and cheerful spirit. If we would go hopefully and happily through life, we should take God's blessings as he sends them, being grateful for them, and think more of what we have, than of what we have not. * When thou hast truly thanked thy God For every blessing sent, But little time will then remain For murmur or lament. The mercies which thy thoughts employ, Will fill thy life with cheerful joy. SEPTEMBER 18. 269 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. — Ps. ciii. 3. DO I estimate as I ought the boundless privileges which Christ confers on all who come to him in penitence and faith ? Do I realize the greatness of the sins he forgives ; the extent of the impurity he cleanses ; the infinite glory and blessedness to which he entitles, and for which by his grace he prepares us ? Do I endeavor prayerfully and earnestly to fall in with his designs of mercy, and to live for the great ends which he sought by his own death to accomplish in and for me ? How little of the sea can a child carry in his hand ! As little do I take away of the great sea of the bound- less love of Christ. — Ktjtheeford. Paul, says Luther, had three wishes : that he might be found in Christ; that he might magnify Christ; that he might be with Christ. If we come to him for pardon and cleansing, all these ends are ours. We are accepted in him by faith ; we shall magnify him by holy living ; we shall be with him for ever in glory. * Every virtue I possess, Every conquest I have won, Every thmight of holiness. Is from thee, Christ, alone ! May thy grace, with loving power, Freely pardon all my sin ; May thy Spirit, every hour, Make and keep me pure within ! 270 SEPTEMBER 19. Ye are the salt of the earth. — Matt. v. 13. BELIEVING the gospel myself, do I seek to lead others to receive it ? Trusting to Christ as the only and all-sufficient Saviour, do I endeavor to win others to him ? Eemembering that example is more powerful than precept, do I seek to be a living ex- ample of the blessed effects of the gospel? By a consistent, holy, exemplary life, and conversation, do I strive to adorn the doctrine of Christ, and so to commend his service to others ? Christians are the Bible of the world, to which it looks to judge of the reality of religion. They should so live that all may believe it. There is an energy of moral suasion in a good man's life, passing the highest efforts of the orator's genius. The seen but silent beauty of holiness speaks more eloquently of God and duty, than the tongues of men or angels. Christianity itself, I believe, owes by far the greater part of its moral power, not to the miracles or precepts or parables of Christ, but to his own cha- racter, and the character it is fitted to form in his dis- ciples. — Chalmees. Take my soul, and body's powers ; Take my memory and my will ; All my goods, and all my hours ; All I think, or know, or feel ; All I hope, or wish, or do ; All my heart, and make it new. Take my life, and let it be, Wholly consecrate to thee ! SEPTEMBER 20. 271 Look not every man on his own things, hut every man aho on the things of others. — Phil. ii. 4. IN caring for myself, do I care also for others? Do I regard their character, happiness, property and reputation, as I would have them regard my own? Do I put away the spirit of faultfinding, and cen- soriousness, and unjust or hasty judgment, and cher- ish toward all, the spirit of Christian sympathy and benevolence? Do I seek for opportunities of doing a kind act, or speaking a kind word, or giving a kind look to those with whom I come in contact? The very heart and root of sin is an independent and selfish spirit. We erect the idol self, and not only wish others to worship, but worship it ourselves. — Cecil. If I could but be master of myself, of my own mind, my own wit, my own credit and ease, how blessed were I ! Alas ! we have more need to be redeemed from ourselves, than from the devil and the world. — RUTHERFOED. Father of mercies, send thy grace, A.ll-powerful from above, To form in our obedient souls. The image of thy love. Oh may our sympathizing hearts, The generous pleasure know, Kindly to share in others' joy. And weep for others' woe. — Doddridge, 272 SEPTEMBER 21. Ken see not the bright light which is in the clouds. — Job xxxvii. 21. WHEN clouds of sorrow or suffering are over me do I look, in faith, for a light beyond them ? Do I believe that when God seems to frown, it is but the hiding of his mercy, to lead me to look more earn- estly, and cling more trustfully to him ? Am I content to trust, where I cannot see ? Do I look to the prom- ises, when the prospect seems dark ? Do I patiently and submissively wait for the revelation which is prom- ised when faith is no longer needed? No cloud can overshadow the true Christian but his faith will see a rainbow on it. — Bishop Hopkins. Our little inch of time-suffering, is not worthy of our first night's welcome home to heaven. — Euth- EEFOBD. Faith can support when nature shrinks. It can call God Father, even when he frowns; and make some discovery of a sun, even through the darkest cloud. — Aerowsmith. In life I often have discovered, With gratitude and glad surprise, When clouds of sorrow o'er me hovered, God sent from them my best supplies. In troubles he is ever near, And shows me all a Father's care. Then let me in his love confide. And trustful still in hope abide. SEPTEMBER 22. 273 The Lord God is a sn7i and shield. — Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. DOES darkness ever reign without, or seem to prevail within ? If so, then do I remember that God is a sun to enlighten ; to turn the darkness into day, and safely to guide and direct me ? Or if I fear danger, then do I look to him who is the shield of his people, to guard them from the fiery darts of the wicked ? Do I ever seek to walk in the light of the Lord, that }ie may be my Guide and my Protector ? God may sometimes delay his promise, but he will not deny it. He may sometimes change it, but he will not break it. Though sometimes strokes or frowns may come, yet believe his love more than your own fears or feelings. — T. Watson. Heaven is a place of complete victory and glorious triumph. This is the battle-field; there is the tri- umphal procession. This is the land of the sword and spear ; that of the wreath and the crown ; this of the garment rolled in blood, and of the dust of the fight ; that of the trumpet's joyous sound, and of the white robe, and the shout of everlasting conquest. — Spurgeon. Feeble we are ; we cannot war with sin ; Anoint Thou us, and we will march victorious. Not till by grace we are renewed within. Can we be soldiers, valiant, true and glorious. Spirit divine, be thou my spirit's shield, Then in the conflict never will I yield, But the good fight will manfully maintain. And so at last with Christ himself shall reign ! IS 274 SEPTEMBER iS. The thought of foolishness is sin. — Peov. xxiv. 9. DO I realize that God looks not only to the out- ward conduct, but to the heart — to the motives, the feelings, the affections ; and that in his sight the thought, or intent of sin, is as truly chargeable with guilt as the actual perpetration itself? Do I, then, watch against the first risings of sinful thought in my heart, and strive to keep it from gaining ground and so leading on to outward transgression, knowing that it is offensive to God, and is to be repented of as truly as visible sinfulness ? As the heart is, so will the life be in the sight of God, for to him our thoughts, desires and dispositions are the clear evidence of character. — T. Scott. The guilty deed is often but the dark shadow of the guilty thought ; and this it is on which God frowns. It is this which in the silence of midnight, or in the solitude of the desert, or even amid the outward de- votions of the sanctuary, may pollute the soul with stains and guilt which we are prone to think are only chargeable to the outward act. But God judges by what the heart is. * With self-accusing voice within, The conscience tells of many a sin, In thought, and word, and deed ; Cleanse thou that conscience from eac'a stain, The penitent restore again, From every burden freed ! SEPTEMBER 21^ 275 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion. — Amos vi. 1. I practically undervalue the means of grace, D and so fail to live up to my privileges and ob- ligations ? Do I allow the things of time to outweigh the things of eternity? Do the pleasures of the world so allure, or the business of the world so en- gross, that I am neglecting the great duties of re- ligion ? Do I delude myself with the idea that the future will bring all needed opportunities for renewed fidelity or for repentance, and so rest satisfied in pres- ent shortcoming or unfaithfulness? Beware of little concessions, little acquiescences, little indulgences, little conformities to the world. If vital religion is ever driven out of the soul, it will be as the Canaanites were driven out before the Israelites— by little and little.— H. Melvill. With loss of zeal and earnestness in religion, there is loss of character, loss of influence, loss of comfort, loss of usefulness, and so long as any remain in this state, loss of a well-grounded hope of heaven. — Buck. God is earnest ; kneel and pray, Ere thy season pass away ; Ere he sets the judgment throne ; Ere the day of grace be done. Back from every wandering come, To thy Father's heart and home ; Now he waits to hear thy cry ; Turn, and to his bosom fly ! 276 SEPTEMBER 25. Ye shall he a blessing. — Zech. viii. 13. DO I remember continually the example of Chr /st who went about doing good, and endeavor to cherish his spirit, and so to imitate him ? Do I long to have others partake of the same blessings which God has so richly bestowed on me ? If spiritual, do I labor to lead others to the Saviour that they may find them in him ? If temporal, do I, as far as lies in my power, endeavor to minister to their wants, and add to their comfort and happiness ? Scarcely an hour passes in which we may not per- form some little act of kindness that may add to the happiness of others. — Bowes. There are joys that long to be ours, which come about us like birds seeking inlet ; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit a while upon the roof, and then fly away. Religion does not consist so much in joyful feelings, as in a constant exercise of devotedness to God, and in laying our- selves out for the good of others. — Jeremy Taylor. Not by the years of life, is told The length of life ; but by the zeal And kindly works, as growing old. Men for each other dc and feel. His life is long whose work is well ; And be his station low or high. He who the most good works can tell Lives longest, though he soonest die ! — Browne. SEPTEMBER 26. 277 Peace I leave with you ; my peace I give unto you. — John xiv. 27. HAVE I found peace in believing in Christ as the only and all-sufficient Saviour ? Has this peace its foundation in the knowledge and love of the truth ? Does it keep both my mind and heart through Chiist Jesus ? In the sorrows and trials of life, does it support ; for the duties of life, does it strengthen ; amid the temptations of life, does it keep me calm and trustful in the Redeemer? Is it an intelligent, well-founded, settled, growing peace ? ' When Christ was about to leave the world, he made his will. His soul he committed to his Father ; his body he bequeathed to Joseph ; his clothes fell to the soldiers ; his mother he left to the care of John ; but what should he leave to his poor disciples who had left all for him? Silver and gold, he had none ; but he left them that which was infinitely better, his peace. " Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you."— Matthew Henry. Peace was the word our Saviour breathed, When from our world his steps withdrew, The gift he to his ;'riends bequeathed. With Calvary and the cross in view. Redeemer ! With adoring love, Our spirits take thy rich bequest, The watchword of the hosts above, The passport to their realm of rest. •278 SEPTEMBER 27. Blessed are the 'peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. — Matt. v. 9. DO I remember that God is the God and Author of peace, and that he commands us to live in peace, and to promote it among others ? Do I desire and seek and delight in peace ? Do I endeavor to smooth away rough and jarring points, to make the best of annoying occurrences, to do what I can to soften prejudices, and reconcile differences, and turn enemies into friends ? Does the peace of God rule in my heart, and is it evident in my life ? Do I hope and expect to inherit the blessing of the peace- makers ? If religion has done nothing for your temper, it has done nothing for your soul. — Clayton, Too many have no idea of the subjection of their temper to the influence of religion. And yet what is changed, if the temper is not ? If a man is as pas- sionate, malicious, resentful, sullen, moody, or morose, after his conversion as before it, what is he converted from, or to ? — J. A. James. Sow love, and taste its fruitage sweet ; Sow smiles, and see the desert spring ; Sow wisdom for its harvest meet ; Sow sunlight for the joy 'twill bring. As fast the swift-winged moments speed, Freight them with peace, and truth and love, With garnered sheaves of thought and seed, For the glad hai'vest-home above. — Browne. SEPTEMBER 28. 279 He cannot deny himself. — 2 Tim. ii. 13. OJGHT not this gracious assurance as to the prom- ise and faithfulness of God, to set at rest for ever all disturbing and doubting thoughts in the mind and heart of the believer? Have I taken him at his word, and come to him, in all my sinfulness, knowing that since he has said it, he never will turn me away ? Does my confidence stand firm and unshaken in all circumstances of life ? Do I seek to lead others to the same trust? If you come as a ruined and lost sinner to the Saviour, renouncing all confidence in yourself, and trusting only in the mercy and to the promises ot God, he will hear your cry, will forgive your sins, and will turn your darkness into light. — J. Hawes. It was good for me to come hither to learn a new mystery of Christ, that Christ's promise is to be be- lieved against all appearances. — Rutherford. The God of love never leaves his promise unfulfilled or his work unfinished. What he begins in grace, he ends in glory. — Gardiner Spring, He by himself hath sworn ; I on his oath depend ; I shall, on eagle's wings upborne, To h( aven ascend. There I shall see his face ; There shall his power adore. And sing the wonders of his grace, For evermore. — T. Oliver, 280 SEPTEMBER 29. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Gal. vi. 2. DO I endeavor always to cherish the spirit of sympathy and kindness for all about me? Am I forbearing to the weak, compassionate to the erring, and charitable to those who may have been overtaken in a fault, or who have fallen into evil ? Am I ever ready to encourage the depressed, to help the feeble, to sympathize with the sorrowing, to relieve the suffer- ing and distressed, and to bear with the infirmities of all, as Christ has borne, and still bears with me ? A true friend not only doubles our joys in prosperity, but he shares and lightens our sorrows in the hour of afiliction. In the intercourse of life, it is by little acts of watch- ful kindness, recurring daily and hourly, by words, by tones, by gestures, by looks, that affection is won and kept, and happiness conferred. He who neglects these trifles, and thinks that when some great sacrifice is called for, he will be ready to make it, will rarely do it ; and if he does, it will be for his own sake, and not for the sake of others. And he will never be loved. — Sala. Save me from selfish pining ; let my heart, Drawn from itself, think not of its own smart. Eemembering others, let me live alway, Not for myself alone, but have a part. Such as a frail and erring spirit may. In love which is of Thee, and which indeed thou art ! — Whittiek. SEPTEMBER 30. 281 Charity suffereth long, and is kind. — 1 Coe. xiii. 4. DO I bear in mind that charity is but another name for Christian love ; and that if the spirit of love reign in the heart, it will lead us to bear in- jury and provocation without giving way to resent- ment or to the spirit of revenge ? If we have this charity, will it not aid us to control passion, and to be patient, and long-suffering, and unselfish, and forgiv- ing, and kind, and courteous, and obliging, and benev- olent ? Is not the spirit of charity the spirit of kind- ness, both in word and deed, and to all ? The same Bible that gives us the ten command- ments enjoins that charity, which belie veth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. — Guthrie. If thou neglectest love to thy neighbor, in vain thou professest thy love to God ; for by thy love to God, love to thy neighbor is begotten ; and by love to thy neigh- bor, thy love to God is cherished. — Quaeles. Not only kindness, but a special kindness is due to every one. Kindness is not kindness unless it be spe- cial. It is in its fitness, seasonableness, and individual H'^plication, that its charm consists. — Fabee. Meek and lowly, pure and holy, Chief among the blessed three ; Turning sadness into gladness, Blessed art thou, charity. Works best pleasing God, most high, Serve mankind in charity. 282 OCTOBER 1. We all do fade as a leaf. — IsA. Ixiv. 6, LIKE the leaf, do I fulfill, in its seasoj, the work God has given me to do ? And then do I, in faich and patience, wait for the time when, like the leaf, I must pass away ? Do I learn from the fading and falling leaf, and from the changing seasons, the transitory nature of all things here below ? And do I sef my affection on things above, and lay up my treasure there, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God? The leaves do not change color from the blighting touch of the frost, but from the process of natural decay. They fall when the fruit has been ripened and their work is done. And their splendid change of coloring is but their graceful and beautiful sur- render of life, when they have finished their summer ofiering of service to God and man. And one of the great lessons the fall of the leaf teaches, is this : Do your work well, and then be ready to depart when God shall call. -^ Sad autumn time ! sweet symbol of repose, Can I behold thy rich, harmonious close, All duties done, all promises fulfilled, As an all-wise, good Providence has willed, Nor feel, by faith, a hopeful, calm desire. Like thee, in finished glory, to expire ? Though like the leaf, I fade and pass away, Thanks to thy grace, it is to endless day. OCTOBER 2. 283 / know that my Redeemer liveth. — Job xix. 26. DO I continually remember that the same Saviour who lived and walked on earth, is now living in heaven? Do I rejoice in the assurance that he is with me at every moment; and in trial or sorrow, have I the same supporting confidence and trust in him that Job had in his afflictions ? Can I saj'- that he is my Redeemer, and that all my hopes rest on him? Do I look forward with joy to the time of his coming again, to gather his people to himseK? The resurrection of Christ is the pledge of the resur- rection of his people, and his life that they shall live with him. Yes, Christ lives. He lives to love me, to care for me, to watch over me, to supply all my needs, and to do me all possible good. And because he lives, 1 shall live also. I shall never be separated from him. No fiery trial, no fierce foe, no dark state of mind, no adverse temptation, no fall, even, shall ever separate me from the love of Christ, * Live now the life of faith. The life divine ; Live in and on the ever-living One, Who bears thee on his heart before the throne ; His life is thine ! Know that he lives ; thy life to him be given ; He'll walk with thee on earth, and bring thee safe to heaven. 284 OCTOBER 3. If God be for us, who can be against us f — Rom. viii. 31. DO I take the full comfort of this blessed truth, that God is on the side of his people, and that all evil machinations against them must fail, so that they are for ever safe ? If he is for us, and we con- tinue in his love, may we not overcome temptation, and defy the powers of darkness, and persevere unto the end ? Let Satan do his worst ; is he not chained ? Let sin do its worst; is it not crucified through Christ? Let the world do its worst; is it not con- quered through the cross ? What a blessed assurance, "that all things shall work together for good to them that are called ac- cording to His purpose." The promise is sure; "we know." Its extent is universal; "all things." Its agency is efficient ; aU things " work." Their working is harmonious; they work "together." Its aim is benevolent ; they work " for good." It embraces all God's children ; all that "love God," and are " called" of him. So that we need never doubt or fear, if we put our trust in him. * Fear not, I am with thee, oh be not dismayed ; For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid ; The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes ; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never, no never, no never, forsake. — G. Keith. OCTOBER 4. 285 I know whom I have believed. — 2 Tim. i. 12. IS Christ to me not only an all-sufficient, but a per- sonal Saviour ; and do I trust him as an infinite and loving Friend, as well as a Redeemer ? Am I so one with him by faith, that I know because he lives I shall live also ? Do I feel that my confidence rests on a sure foundation, and that nothing shall separate me from his love ? From this assurance do I draw comfort in adversity, strength for duty, and the cer- tainty of safety both for time and eternity? When Dr. James Alexander was on his dying bed, some one said to him, " I hope you are able to say, I know m whom I have believed." " You do not quote it right," was his reply ; " it is, I know whom I have believed. In an hour like this, I would not have even a preposition between me and my Saviour." If you have not the full faith of assurance, practice at least the faith of adherence. Cleave to God exactly as if you were certain of being accepted of him at last ; and thus fulfilling his own conditions, you will be accepted, whether you are assured of it or not. Faith, Hope, and Love, were questioned what they thought Of future glory, which religion taught. Now Faith believed it firmly to be true ; And Hope expected so to find it too ; But Love replied, with smiling, conscious glow, Believe ? Expect ? I know it to be so I 286 OCTOBER 5. Better is . . . he that ruleth his spirit, than h. that taketh a city. — Prov. xvi. 32. DO I endeavor habitually to rule my spirit, ac- cording to the teaching of God's word, and so as to honor him ? Knowing how difficult it is to do this, do I keep the example of the Saviour before me, and strive to cherish his meekness, forbearance, pa- tience and self-control? Do I pray for grace to aid me to a thorough self-knowledge, and in the arduous work of self-restraint ? Do I constantly seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that every thought and feeling may be brought into captivity to the will of God? He who reigns within himself, and rules his passions, desires and fears, is more than a king. — Milton. The best government, says Goethe, is that which teaches us to govern ourselves. And, says Pythagoras, no man is free who cannot command himself. And Seneca declares, that he is of all others the most powerful, who has himself in his own power. And says another, the worst education which teaches self- denial and self-control, is better than the best which teaches everything else, and not these. * My Saviour lives ! his life is mine Then let my life be wholly his. Rise up, my soul ! with strength divine, Tread down the sin that in thee is. Be every passion, feeling, thought. To Christ in full subjection brought; Rule thou thyself; let grace divine, Rule ever in this heart of thine. OCTOBER G. 287 Keep thy heart vjith all diligence ; for out oj it are the ismes of life.— Proy. iv. 23. DO I watch, with holj^ jealousy, over my ow:i heart, guarding with constant vigilance every avenue by which sin might possibly find an entrance ? Do I endeavor to keep a conscience void of offence, asking divine aid that I may be successful in doing it? Do I remember that issues of life or death de- pend upon this keeping, or on the neglect of it ? Is it my earnest prayer that God, by his Holy Spirit, woald always keep me near to him? As the virtue of the rich perfume evaporates by de- grees, if the bottle containing it is not closely stopped, so the life and power of religion is in danger of vanish- ing insensibly away, if the heart be not kept with dili- gence. — Salter. Never trust this heart of thine that it will be well ordered, and kept in good frame, if thou carry not always a strong hand and a narrow eye over it. If once thou let go the bridle of watchfulness, it will run out so far that it will be hard to bring it back again. — J. 0. Dykes. Thou art the light ; the sunshine is from thee ; And in thy heart is strength and purity ; There lean our weary hearts ; there ends our quest ; For there is perfect love and perfect rest. Kept by thy power for ever safe are wo ; Safe in thy safety, only safe in thee. 288 OCTOBER 7. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith vnthout works is dead also. — James ii. 26. HAVE I so received Christ Jesus into my heart that the faith which I profess is carried out and evidenced by a holy life ? Is my faith a living faith, the mainspring and source of my works ; and are my works the clear evidence of the reality of my faith ? Do I believe and trust as though all depended on Christ? Do I live as though only a holy life could give a title to heaven ? Does my faith lead to holy obedience? Is my obedience the fruit of a living faith? We are not saved by faith without works, for there is no such faith in Christ. Nor are we saved by works without faith, for no works but those that flow from faith are acceptable to God. — G. W. Bethune. It is an unhappy division that has been made be- tween faith and works. Though in thought I may divide them, just as in the candle I think of both the light and the heat, yet as when ihQ candle is put out, both the light and heat are gone, and neither remains without the other, so it is with faith and works ; in the Christian life they are inseparable. — Selden. Let my faith go forth in works ; Let my works my faith fulfill ; All my heart thy Spirit breathe ; All my life but do thy will. Heart and life to thee be given ; Christ my life ; his life my heaven. OCTOBER 8. 289 I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. — Gen. xxxii. 26. ARE my prayens earnest and importunate, like the wrestling of Jacob with God ? Is the first and chief desire of my heart that I may have the divine guidance and blessing? Do I seek and desire these, more than any earthly favor or temporal good ? Do I Btill persevere in prayer, even when the answer does not at once come, but is delayed ? Can I, and do I feel that God knows what is the best answer to give, and the best time in which to give it ? If thou truly desirest a noble and holy life, and unceasingly prayest to God for it, and if thou con- tinuest constant in this thy desire, it will be granted thee without fail. — St. Beenard. Those who would have the blessing of Christ must be in good earnest and importunate for it, as those that resolve they will have no denial. It is the fer- vent prayer that is the effectual prayer. — Matthew Heney. Pray, though the gift you ask for May never comfort your fears ; May never repay your pleading ; Yet pray, and with hopeful tears. An ans^ver, not that which you long for. But diviner, will come some day ; Though your eyes are too dim to see it, Yet strive, and watch, an*.^ pray. — A. Procter, 19 290 OCTOBER 9. What I do, thou knoioest not now, hut thou shalt know hereafter. — John xiii. 7. WHEN providences seem dark, and the way be- fore me is not plain, do I still rest by faith on the wisdom and goodness of my heavenly Father ? Do I bear in mind that this world is not the world of re- sults, but a state of discipline and trial? Looking for- ward to the future state, am I perfectly satisfied that all will then be made plain ? And do I strive now to be found faithful in duty, leaving to the solution of the future all that is mysterious or painful in this earthly state ? Most of our difficulties and perplexities arise from our discussing what belongs to God. He does not reason with us, but replies to our suspicious reason- ing by displaying afresh the love of his heart, and the power of his arm. — H. Bonae. In Providence, as in the Scriptures, we must accept readily whatever is plain ; and whatever things are hid from us, we must pass them over, and in faith and patience wait for light — if need be, for the light of eternity. * God's plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold ; We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart ; Time will reveal the calyxes of gold, And show their fitness, to the waiting heart. And if, through patient toil, we reach the land, Where weary feet, with sandals loosed, may rest, Where we shall know and clearly understand. Then we shall surely say, " God knew the best." OCTOBER 10. 291 Rejoice ivifJi them thai do rejoice ; weep with them that vjeep. — Rom. xii. 15. DO I cultivate the spirit of sympathy toward all, and especially toward those in suffering and affliction ? Do I interest myself in the joys and sor- rows of others, and do all I can to increase the former, and to soothe and lighten the latter ? Do I put away selfishness, and truly rejoice in the pros- perity and comfort of all about me ? As I have taken the name of Christ upon my lips, am I careful to keep his Spirit in my heart, and to manifest it in my life ? One of the most blessed of all Christianity's lessons for this world is, that we rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. The heart can give what gold cannot purchase. To be full of goodness and kindness and sympathy, is to be a bless- ing to yourself as well as to others. To joy in an- other's prosperity is to give content to your own lot ; to sympathize with another's grief, is to alleviate or dispel your own. * Wouldst thou from sorrow find a sweet relief ? Or is thy heart oppressed with woes untold ? Balm wouldst thou gather from the deepest grief? Pour blessings round thee, like a shower of gold. 'Tis when the rose is wrapped in many a fold, Close to its heart the worm is wasting there Its life and beauty ; not when all unrolled, Leaf after leaf, its bosom rich and fair, Breathes freely its perfume tliroughout the ambient air. — C. Wilcox 292 OCTOBER 11. God is not i ,nrighteous to forget your work and labor of love. — Heb. vi. 10. DO I remember that if I have faith, it must show itself in works ? Am I working heartily and earnestly for God, and in doing good to men ? Do I aim at this from love to him, and in gratitude for all he has done for me ? And if at any time I am dis- couraged or depressed by seeing little or no fruit of my labors, do I draw encouragement from the fact that God does not and will not forget my labors of love if they have been done for him ? The good hope, is the fruitful hope ; the true faith, the faith that goes forth in works of obedience to God. * Good works constitute a refreshing stream in this world, wherever they are found flowing. And behind them all, if they are genuine, and above them, as their fountain, love will, sooner or later, certainly be found. It is never good works alone, but " love and good works " as a complex whole, which make the fountain and its flowing stream. — Aknot. It is thine own, Lord, Who toil while others sleep ; Who sow, with loving care, What other hands may reap ; They lean on thee, entranced, In calm and perfect rest ; Give us their peace, Lord, Divine and ever blest. — A. Procter. OCTOBER 12. 293 I seek not mine own glory. — John viii. 50. IF even the divine Redeemer could so speak, how much more does it become his followers to cherish the same spirit ? Do I avoid both the weakness and the sin of seeking to exalt and glorify self? Rather, in the spirit of humility, do I earnestly aim and en- deavor to promote the interests and glory of God? Is his will, his honor, his kingdom, ever in my view ? Do I consecrate myself, with all that I am, and have, to their advancement ? Had I the faith of the patriarchs, the zeal of the prophets, the good works of the apostles, and the con- stancy of the martyrs, I would disclaim all as the ground of dependence, and rely only on free grace. I would count all as but dross, in comparison with the precious death and meritorious righteousness of Christ. — W. B. Sprague. He that makes earthly possessions, or honors, or pleasures, the main object of pursuit, seldom obtains bis wishes; and even if he does, his enjoyment is marred by anxiety. But the desires of him who de- lights in the Lord, being in accordance with the divine will, are always granted, and even far exceeded. — W. Jay. On earth, God, thou ever lovest best. To walk with those who truly mourn for sin. Oh come thou, then, and make thy chosen rest My broken, humble, contrite soul within ; Dwell, by thy Spirit, in my inmost heart ; Make it thy temple ; never thence depart. 294 OCTOBER 13. Lord, remember me. — Luke xxiii. 42. DOES this prayer faithfully echo the desires of my heart ? Do I wish and pray that God would remember me in all circumstances : in prosperity, to keep me humble and thankful ; in adversity, to sus- tain and comfort ; in temptation, to deliver from evil ; in duty, to give me strength ; in life, that I may always honor him ; in death, that I may be supported, and comforted, and be guided safely through the dark valley to everlasting life in heaven ? And at all times, do I remember God, and strive to please him ? If we remember Christ in our life he will not fail to remember us in the hour of death. * If we ar^ Christians, then are we the sons of God, and God is our Father. He loves us with a father's love ; and cares for us with a father's care ; and pro- vides for us with a father's wisdom ; and protects us with a father's tenderness and power. We should believe his love, and trust his promises, and rely on his guidance, and do all that we can to please ind honor him. — J. Smith. How blest our years of life would flow, In faith, and hope, and joyous trust, Would we but feel, as well as know, That God is kind as well as just. In all life's want, in all its woe. To highest throne, to lowliest sod, ■ Help from on high his love doth send. Our truest, surest friend is God ! OCTOBER 14. 295 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. — Peov. x. 22. IN all my plans and undertakings, do I seek the blessing of God? Do I make it a point never to do anything in which I cannot ask him to bless me ? If he has given me health, or talents, or influence, or wealth, do I endeavor sacredly to use all as his stew- ard, knowing that I must soon give up my account to him ? In all that I have and am, do I acknowledge God, and ask his guidance and blessing; enjoying thankfully what he gives, and endeavoring with it to do good to others ? What a privilege is this, to enjoy God in all things while we have them, and all things in God when they are taken away ! There is nothing we can do, but its complexion for weal or woe depends entirely on what the Lord will make it. It is said of Matthew Henry that he under- took no journey, began no sermon, committed no book to the press, and never apprehended or felt any trouble or difficulty, or began any undertaking, without spe- cially asking for divine assistance and success. And Cornelius Winter never even opened a book without a moment's prayer. — J. Hamilton. All that God blesses, is our good ; And all unblest, is ill. All that seems dark shall brightly shine, If it be his sweet will. The meek God raiseth from the dust ; No evil comes to those who trust. 296 OCTOBER 15. Did not our hearts hum within us while he talked with us hy the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures f — Ltjke xxiv. 32. DO I prize as I ought the privilege of searching the sacred Scriptures, and of communing with Christian friends as to the great truths and duties they make known? Is not such communion, communion with Christ himself, though we see him not with the bodily eye ? What is better fitted to kindle the feel- ings, and warm the heart and animate the life? In such communion, does not Christ, as of old, often re- veal himself to his people ? Be much with Christ, and your face will shine, and all will see that you are his. — Bramwell, Religious instruction, religious conversation, relig- ious communion — do they not always increase religious knowledge, and quicken religious feeling, and lead to religious activity, and bring Christ near to the soul ? How should we prize every opportunity for them, and improve them to the utmost. * We'll talk of all he said and did. And suffered for us here below, The path he marked for us to tread, And what he's doing for us now. Thus, as the moments pass away, We'll love, and wonder, and adore, A id hasten on the glorious day, When we shall meet to part no more. — J. Newton. OCTOBER 16. 297 Holding forth the word of life. — Phil. ii. 16, IS it my earnest endeavor not only to hold fast, but to hold forth the word of life ? Do I not only hold it fast for my own benefit, but hold it forth for the good of others ? Do I bear in mind that it is the duty of the Christian not only to work out his own salvation, but 80 to let his light shine that others may see his good works, and glorify his Father who is in heaven ? As I believe, so do I speak, and so also do I live ? Wilt thou not stir up all the vigor of grace within thee to do great service for thy Saviour on earth, that thy reward in heaven may be great ? Remember that Jesus, the Judge, is coming apace ; and the lustre and weight of thy crown shall be according to thy work for him. — Haebaxjgh. Every Christian should be a missionary to extend the knowledge of the gospel he has received, and to lead men to the Saviour whom he has found. As the disciples, of old, went everywhere preaching the gos- pel, so every disciple now should preach Christ to his fellow-men, that they may be won to him. * Thou must thyself be true. If thou the truth wouldst teach ; Thy soul with love be filled, if thou Another's soul would reach. It needs the overflowing heart, To give the lips full speech. If thou to Christ hast found the way Lead others to him day by day. 298 OCTOBER 17. He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. — 1 John ii, 6. DO I endeavor to be a faithful follower of him whom I call my Lord and Master? Do I cherish his Spirit, and try to imitate his example of perfect obedience? Do I remember that he himself has said, that in keeping his commandments is the great proof that we truly love him? Do I try to walk as he walked, that I may honor him, and that by letting my light shine I may lead others to him ? The strong argument for the truth of Christianity is the true Christian ; the man filled with the Spirit of Christ. The best proof of Christ's resurrection is a living Church, which itself is walking in a new life, and drawing life from him who hath overcome death. — Christlieb. The Christian is the world's Bible, Men of the world do not read God's word to find out what is religion. They look to the life and conduct of those who profess to believe it. A holy life is the most powerful preach- ing. Many a man has been led to Christ by the con- sis "^ent life of some one of his followers. * My dear Redeemer and my Lord, I read my duty in thy word ; But in thy life the law appears, Drawn out in living characters. Be thou my pattern ; make me bear, More of thy gracious image here ; Then God, the Judge, shall own my name, Among the followers of the Lamb. — Watts. OCTOBER 18. 299 Our sufficiency is of God.— 2 Coe. iii. 5. IN every hour of exposure or weakness, do I feel tiiat my sufficiency is in God, and only in him? And if through his grace, I have been enabled to ovejcome temptation, control appetite, subdue selfish inclination, or to do anything for God's glory, do I give all the praise to him? Do I check self-com- placency, and self-rehance, and render thanks to God for his sufficiency and aid which were granted to me in the hour of need ? Everything is to be found in God by those who for the sake of God are willing to give up everything.— Augustine. God will help not once or twice, but at all times, if we ask him. What then would he have me to do ? Only to trust in him, call upon him, and watch and acknowledge his hand. Trust his word, for it is true ; call upon him, for he hath promised ; watch his hand ii the dispensations of providence, for he will do as he lias said. — J. Smith. Thou art the source and centre of all minds, Their only point of rest, eternal word ! From thee is all that soothes the life of man, His high endeavor and his glad success. His strength to suffer and his will to serve. But, oh ! thou bounteoi.1 Giver of all good. Thou art, of all thy gifts, thyself the crown. Give what thou canst, without thee w« are poor, And with thee, rich, take what thou wilt away. — Cow PER. 300 OCTOBER 19. The Lord trieth the hearts. — Peov. xvii. 3. DO I bear in mind, at all times, that he who tries my heart is omniscient, and that all things are open to his eye ? Do I realize that every wrong thought, or feeling, or purpose, — that every allowed or cherished sin, whether great or small, is at once known to him ; that nothing escapes his notice ? In all my thoughts, plans, words, and deeds, do I re- member that I am in God's presence? Does this solemn truth keep me from sinning, and encourage me to all that is good? Our great Master commands a view, not only of our outward actions, but of the very thoughts of our hearts. And not only so, but we know that he is constantly watching us, not to blame merely if we do wrong, but to prompt, and help, and encourage us. What an incentive to diligence. — Vincent. A good conscience is the palace of Christ, the tem- ple of the Holy Ghost, the paradise of delight, the standing Sabbath of the saints. — Augustine. Search my heart, my actions prove ; Try my thoughts as they arise ; For thy kindness and thy love Ever are before my eyes. Keep my soul from all offence ; All my supplications hear ; Let me walk in innocence ; Let m^. Lord, thy mercy share. — W. Wrangham. OCTOBER 20. 301 God is faithful, who toill not suffer you to he temjyied above that ye are able. — 1 Cor. x. 13. DO I feel, with comfort, that though the world and those in it may prove false, yet God is for ever true, and is the sure and unfailing stay of his chil- dren ? Do I feel, as well as know, that he is wise as well as faithful, and that he knows how to proportion our burdens to our strength ? Am I diligent to keep myself out of the way of temptation, remembering that God does not promise strength to those who will- fully expose themselves to its power ? Continual comfort and prosperity would be unsafe for us. Continual affliction would be hard upon us. Therefore our gracious Lord appoints us changes. Comforts and trials are interwoven in our dispensa- tions ; and so closely, that hardly an hour passes, in which we have not many causes for thankfulness. — J. Newton. God's children are most triumphant when most tempted ; most glorious, when most afflicted ; most in God's favor, when least in man's. As their con- flicts, so their conquests; as their tribulations so their triumphs. — Spencer. Meek souls there are, who little deem Their daily strife an angel's theme ; Nor think the cross they take so calm, May prove, in jeaven, a martyr's palm ; That God's own hand, though trials frown, Is leading to the heavenly crown ! 302 OCTOBER 21. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him. — Ps, xxxvii. 7. IN all circumstances does my soul find its rest m God ? Am I reconciled to all that he does, and satisfied with all the allotments of his providence? Do I acquiesce in whatever he appoints, because he, who knows what is right and best, has appointed it ? Am I satisfied that he will make all things work for my good, though I do not now see when or how it can be? Do I rest, submissively and confidently, in his wisdom and unfailing love, and in his ceaseless care for my best, my immortal interests ? A patient bearing of what is laid upon us, and a patient expectation of what is further appointed for us, are as much our interest, as they are our duty ; for it will make us always easy, and give us a realiza- tion of rest in the Lord. — Matthew Henry. The nearer the soul is to God, the less its perturba- tions ; as the point nearest the centre of the circle, is least subject to motion. Calm and patient trust in him, always gives rest to the soul. Long did I toil, and knew no earthly rest ; Far did I rove, and found no certain home ; At last I sought them in his sheltering breast. Who opes his arms, and bids the weary come. With him I found a home, a rest divine ; And I since then am his, and he is mine. — H. F. Lyte. OCTOBER 22. 303 In the day of adversity, consider. — EccL. vii. 14. WHEN affliction or trouble comes, do I see the hand of God in it, and feel that it comes with designs of good from on high ? Does the thought that it is sent by a loving and unerring Father, who knows what is best, keep me from murmuring or repining ? If my plans and hopes are frustrated, do I bow sub- missively to the divine will, and ask for grace wisely to improve the teachings of God's providence, that they may all lead me nearer to him ? No physician ever weighed out medicine to his patient with half so much exactness and care as God weighs out to us eveiy trial : not one grain too much does he ever permit to be put in the scale. — Cecil. This may be said of the trials of all God's servants in all ages, that love appoints them, wisdom chooses them, Providence arranges them, promises are provided for them, grace supports under them, and glory shall bo the issue of them all. — Cadman. What would God have this trial do for me ? What golden fruit lies hidden in its husk ? How shall it nurse my virtue, nerve my will, Chasten my passions, purify my love. And make me in some goodly sense like him, Who bore the cross of evil while he lived. And hung and bhi upon it when he died. And now in glorj wears the victor's crown? — J. G. Holland. 304 OCTOBER 23. Exercise thyself, rather, unto godliness. — 1 Tim. iv. 7. DO I endeavor to live not merely a moral, but a truly godly life ? Is the glory of God my aim ; the will of God, my rule ; the Son of God, my depend- ence ; the Spirit of God, my sanctifier, and comforter, and guide, my helper in every duty and from day to day ? Do I diligently and prayerfully exercise myself to these ends, studying to know and do the will of God ? Do I feel that as to do good, I must be good ; so to be good, I must do good ? Do I endeavor to be faithful to God, as well as to man? To live godly, we must know God by the teachings of his Spirit ; believe on him as reconciled in Christ ; and love him as our heavenly Father. We shall then love his law, and gladly be governed by his command- ments. His word will be precious to us ; his Sabbaths, delightful; his worship, pleasant ; his ordinances, sweet; his service, a joy. In a word, we shall walk holily with God ; it will be our meat and drink to do his will ; and being no longer our own, but bought with a price, we shall glorify him in our bodies and spirits which are his. — BURDER. Jesus, thy crowning grace impart ; Bless me with holiness of heart, That living thus for thee I may behold thine open face, And glorify thy saving grace. And God for ever see ! — C. Wesley. OCTOBER 2^. 305 If ye hww these thiyigs, happy are ye ij ye do them. — John xiii. 17. HAVE I that well-founded, and satisfying, and abiding happiness, which comes from knowing and doing the will of God? Do I receive his truth in love, and endeavor to obey his commands, and seek to cherish his Spirit, and believe in the wisdom and goodness of his providence, and firmly rely on his promises, and try to live for his glory ? If so, have I not the very elements of happiness within me, and how can I do otherwise than rejoice in God, and joy in the rock of my salvation ? Happiness is like manna : it is to be sought from God, and gathered in grains, and enjoyed every day, as we press on in the way to which we are pointed by the divine command. It will not keep ; it cannot be accumulated ; it is not to be sought in remote places, or out of ourselves ; but in our daily path, where, if we walk with God, he will rain it down, as we need it, fiom heaven, * " I hear you have given up all your pleasures/' said a man of the world to a friend who had been converted. " No," said the other, " I never knew what pleasure was till now ; and as I have tried the pleasures both of sin and religion, while you have only tried the former, I ought to be the best judge." — Wise. 20 To take a glimpse with'n the veil, To know that Christ is mine. Are springs of joy that never fail, Unspeakable, divine. — J. Newton. 306 OCTOBER S5. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water y that bring eth forth his fruit in his season. — Ps. i. 3. AM I daily growing in the knowledge and love of God ? Is my tendency, like that of the tree, ever upward ? As the tree is firmly rooted in the earth, so am I rooted and grounded in the faith ? As the tree draws life from the air, so do I draw life from the Holy Spirit? As the tree is nourished by the rivers of water, so do I daily receive fresh supplies from the ever-flow- ing streams of God's mercy and goodness ? As the tree brings forth fruit in its season, so do I improve every season, to bring forth fruit to the glory of Christ, my Saviour ? Even the leaf of those who bring forth only the leaves of profession without any good fruit, shall wither. But if the word of God rule in the heart, that will keep the profession green, both to our com- fort and credit, and we shall bear much fruit for God. — Matthew Henry. The branch is wholly dependent on the vine ; and so are we on Christ : it derives all its supplies from the vine ; and so should we from Christ. Let us rest on Christ ; trust in Christ ; look for all to Christ ; and so walk in union and constant fellowship with Christ. Thus shall we honor our Saviour, and bring fortli fruit for him. * See the trees thine hand hath planted ; Watch them with thy constant care ; Oh let our request be granted. Make them fruitful ; make them fair. Planted by thine hand, may we. Each brinsf forth rich fruit for ihee ! OCTOBER 26. 307 The love oj Christ consfraineth us. — 2 Coe. v. 14. OUGHT not the Christian's life to be devoted to the ser-^ ice of him who gave his own life that we might live ? Does the love of Christ constrain me to make him the great end of my life and conduct? Does it lead me to love his person, to honor his name, to embrace his doctrine, to obey his commands, to promote his cause, to submit to his cross, to love his people, to look forward to his coming ? Does it grieve me to see his love slighted ? Do I do all that I can to lead others to feel its power ? The gi*eat ends of life are best gained by him who in all his conduct is animated by the love of Christ. — McLeod. The more we know of Jesus and his love, the more precious he becomes to us. He is precious in health, but more so in sickness ; precious in life, but more so in death ; precious in his person, in his blood, in his promises, in his presence here, and will be unspeak- ably more so in heaven ! Holy Spirit, aid me to feel his love ; and make him more and more precious to me every day, till I see him as he is ! — J. Smith. Oh ! for this love let rocks and hills Their lasting silence break ; And all harmonious human tongues The Saviour's praises speak. Angels, assist our mighty joys ; Strike all your harps of gold ; But when you raise your highest notes, His love can ne'er be told ! — Watts. 308 OCTOBER 27. As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. — 1 CoE. vii. 17. DO I feel that whatever the circumstances or position in life in which God has placed me, there is the post of duty, and there I am to serve and honor him ? Wherever I am, do I endeavor to walk according to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Do I seek for grace to enable me to be faithful as a disciple of the Saviour, and so to live as to commend my faith to others? Am I willing, everywhere, to acknowledge Christ, and to follow him ? Happy are they who dare venture out in the open street with the name of Christ upon their foreheads at a time when many are ashamed of him and hide him, as it were, under their cloaks, as if he were a stolen Saviour. — Eutheeford. A Christian, when he has made a good profession, should so live as to make his profession good. It is a sad thing when one who professes to be caiTying a lantern for others, is himself walking in darkness. — Peckham. The Saviour lives ! His life is mine ; Then let my life be wholly his. Kise up, my soul, with power divine. Tread down the sin that in thee is. Walk in the light ; arise and shine ; The weak his arms of strength entwine. — A. Warner. OCTOBER 28. 3U9 If any man draw bach, my soul shall have no 'pleasure in him. — Heb. x. 38. DO I feel that it is as truly important to go on in the divine life, as it was to enter it ? And if I am not pressing onward, is it not sad evidence that I have never begun the Christian course? Do I guard against the allurements of the world, and the temptations of the adversary, and the deceitfulness of my own heart ; and is it my earnest prayer, that I may be kept by the mighty power of God, through faith, unto eternal salvation ? Backsliding develops itseK in indifference to prayer and self-examination ; trifling or unprofitable conver- sation; neglect of public ordinances; shunning the people of God ; associating with the world ; thinking lightly of sin ; neglecting the Bible ; ending, if not repented of and forsaken, in a rapid run to perdition. — Buck. Faint not under the perils or trials of the way. The miles to heaven are few and short, and the glori- ous end will come soon. — Kutherfoed, There is no bitterer work than seeking for a de- parted Christ — departed and gone, because he has been driven away. — Power. Oh give me, Lord, the tender heart, That trembles at the approach of sin ; A godly fear of guilt impart ; Implant and root it deep within. Oh may thy wondrous lova to me. For ever bind my soul to thee ! 310 OCTOBER 20. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. — Heb. xii. 14. DO I bear in mind that the whole course of my life here, is the preparation for what I shall be hereafter ; and that without holiness on earth, I can- not expect to be holy or happy in heaven ? Do I en- deavor, then, by a life of penitence and faith and holy living on earth, to be fitted, through divine grace, to see God in heaven ? If justified through Christ, so as to have a title to heaven, do I seek to be sanctified through the truth and by the Holy Spirit, so as to be made fit to enter there ? If here on earth we do not delight in holiness, we have no preparation for that world where God is to be all in all for ever. — ]\Ielvill. The tree will not only lie as it falls, but it will fall as it leans. And the great question every one should bring home to himself, is, " "What is the inclination of my soul? Does it, with all its affections and powers, lean toward God, or away from him?" — GUPvNEY. Pure are the joys above the sky, And all the region peace ; No wanton lip, nor envious eye, Can see or taste its bliss. Those holy gates for ever bar Pollution, sin, and shame ; None shall obtain admittance there. But followers of the Lamb ! — Watts. OCTOBER 30. 311 Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. — Eph. iv. 50. DO I endeavor to be always obedient to the dic- tates of divine truth, and to listen to the voice of (Conscience, when it speaks, either as to duty or danger ? Am I careful, in these things, not to grieve the Holy Spirit, who is ever seeking to enlighten, and sanctify, and guide, and comfort, all who are striving to be faithful ? Do I avoid those worldly allurements, and besetting sins, and evil passions, and unhallowed thoughts, which lead the soul away from God ? In all things do I seek to cherish the Spirit of Christ ? To grieve the Holy Spirit, is to shut the door of heaven against one's own entrance. The sorrow for sin which is the effect of heated feel- ing only, will surely die away ; and that which pro- ceeds from remorse of conscience, is seldom lasting. But the contrition which is lodged in the soul by the Spirit of God, nothing can destroy. No length of time can efface, and no sense of pardon can weaken it. — Bradley. Gracious Spirit, love divine, Let thy light within me shine; All my guilty fears remove ; Fill me with thy heavenly love ; Let me never from thee stray; Keep me in the narrow way ; Fill my soul with joy divine ; Keep me, Lord, for ever thine ! — Stocker. 312 OCTOBER SI. Sanctify them through thy truth : thy luord is truth. — John xvii. 17. DO I seek for sanctification, as well as for justifi- cation ; to be made holy, as well as to be for- given ; to be cleansed from sin, as well as pardoned for sin? Do I feel that conversion is but the first step in the divine life ; and am I prayerfully earnest to grow in grace, and in the experimental knowledge of Christ ? Forgetting the things that are behind, am I daily pressing on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ? Christ is the pattern, the sample, the exemplary cause of our sanctification. Holiness in us, is the copy or transcript of the holiness that is in the Lord Jesus. As the wax hath line for line from the seal ; the child, limb for limb, and feature for feature from the father, so is holiness in us from Christ. — Philip Heney. The word of God is both the rule and the means of our sanctification. Study it with diligence and prayei if you would grow in grace. * The light of truth to us display, And make us know and choose thy way ; Plant holy fear in every heart, That we from God may not depart. Lead us to holiness, the road. That we must take to dwell with God ; Lead us to Chri&t, the living way, Nor let us from his precepts stray. — S. Browne. NOVEMBER 1. 313 Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Re- pice. — Phil. iv. 4. DO I realize that all my joy, to be satisfying and permanent, must not only have its source in God, but must terminate in him ? Do I feel it to be alike my duty and privilege, to rejoice in God, and to re- joice in him at all times, and in all circumstances : in prosperity, in the fullness of his blessings ; and in ad- versity, that I have still so many mercies, and that even trial and sorrow may work out for me everlast- ing joy ? If I do not rejoice, is it not because I do not live up to the privileges and promises of the gospel ? The joy of the Christian is the joy of heaven, be- ginning here, and flowing on to its perfection and full- ness there. The true spirit of religion cheers, as well as com- poses the soul. It banishes, indeed, all levity of be- havior, and all vicious and dissolute mirth ; but in exchange, it fills the soul with perpetual serenity, un- interrupted cheerfulness, and an habitual inclination to please and do good to others, as well as to be happy in itself. — Addison. The hill of Zion yields, A thousand sacred sweets. Before we reach the heavenly fields, Or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound. And every tear be dry ; We're marching through Im nanuel's ground, To fairer worlds on high. — Watts. 314 NO VEMBER 2. Th re is no fear in love ; but i^erject love casteth outfvar. — 1 John iv. 18. AM I careful to draw the distinction between the fear of reverence, and the fear of apprehension and dread ? Do I feel that the former is the very first element of religion, while the latter arises from a sense of sin unpardoned, and is fitted to alarm the soul ? Have I that holy fear and reverence for God which leads me to honor him, and which is consistent with the full assurance of his love ? And if I love him, and feel that he loves me, may I not well rejoice and triumph in his love ? The fear of God casts out all other fears, and brings quiet and peace where they brought trouble. — Leighton. The devils, we are told, believe and tremble ; but our part is to believe and not tremble, but love. It is hard to convince some that nothing short of this can be true Christian faith. So, because they are somewhat terrified by the thought of God, they fancy they believe, though their hearts are far away from him — Hare. Thee will I love, my strength, my tower, My hope, my life, my joy, my crown ; Thee will I love with all my power, Supremely love — love thee alone. Love's sacred flame, a heavenly fire, Shall ever glow with pure desire, My heart from self and sin set free, A holy temple, Lord, for thee. NOVEMBER 3. 315 In his favor is life. — Ps. xxx. 5. DO I desire, above all things, to have the favor of God, and to be assured, by faith, that I am one of his children? Do I endeavor, by the aid of his Holy Spirit, so to order my life, that the full sunlight of his favor may continually shine in upon my soul ? If the light of his countenance is at any time with- drawn and hidden from me, do I prayerfully seek out the reason, and endeavor so to live as to be assured that his promises are mine ? God's favor must be sought in time, if we would enjoy it either in time or eternity. * Just as the sun gleams over the palace, and into the cottage, flushing alike with its splendor the coun- cil-chamber of the monarch and the kitchen of the peasant, so religion illumines at once the heaven of our hopes, and the earth of our cares. Secularities become hallowed ; toil brightens with the smile of God ; business becomes as the air of heaven, a means of life and growth to us; light from God comes through it to us ; and glances from us, go through it up to God. —COLEY. Show me thy face ; the heaviest cross Will then seem light to bear ; There will be gain in every loss, And peace with every care. With such light feet the years will fleet, Life will seem brief as blest; Till I have laid my burden down, And entered irto rest. 316 NOVEMBER 4. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you, also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. — 2 CoE. vi. 1. HAVE I indeed received the grace of God in my soul ? And knowing its infinite value, as a worker together with God do I labor for the good of others around me, endeavoring to lead them to a Christian life? Am I earnest, diligent, patient, pray- erful in the work God has given me to do, improving the present to the utmost, because the future is not sure ? Do I expect as well as pray for a blessing on every effort to do good "i* If you would have great grace, undertake great things for Christ. — Patson. Blessed are they who shall see the day of Christ's coming gloiy ; but more blessed are they who con- tribute to its approach. — Secker. Every day is a golden opportunity which the Father of mercies has put into our hands for moral and relig ious purposes, that we may ourselves be advancing in 1 16 divine life, and doing good to others. — Beuce. Christ ! thou art my king, My king, henceforth, alone ; My heart, my life, to thee I bring, For I am all thine own. Let this my joy, my life, my life-work be, To die to self, to live my Lord, to thee ! — Tersteegen. NOVEMBER 5. 317 He is our peace. — Eph. ii. 14. HAVE I come by faith to the Saviour, and ac- cepted that peace which he purchased for me on the cross? Have I, through his grace, and the influence of the Holy Spirit, that sense of pardoned sin which only can give peace ? Do I look for peace and comfort to any other source than to him ? Know- ing that he is both able and willing to forgive sin, why, if 1 trust him, should I not take the full comfort of the peace that he gives to his people ? Peace is put for reconciliation and love; and the peace bequeathed by Christ, is peace with God, peace with one another, and peace in our own hearts. The last seems especially meant; a tranquillity of mind arising from a sense of our justification with God. — M. Henry. Where the peace is that Christ gives, all the trouble and disgust of the world cannot disturb it. All out- ward distress to such a mind, is but as the rattling of liail upon the tiles to him who sits within the house at a sumptuous banquet. — Leighton. Quiet as the peaceful river, Quiet as the wind-hushed seas, In Jehovah trusting ever, We are kept in perfect peace. This our constant heart consoleth- So we never are afraid — That our heavenly Father ruleth. And on him our trust is stayed. 318 NOVEMBER G. I cm not cmne to call the righteous, hut sinners to repentance. — Matt. ix. 13. HAVE I seen and felt myself to be one of those lost and helpless sinners whom Christ came to seek and save? Do I feel that but for his grace, I have no hope either of being or doing good, or of being saved at last in heaven ? Is my obedience to his will the fruit of my faith in him, and of my love to him ? Do I feel that the holiest life can give no title to heaven ; and do I look to good works as the evidence and offspring of faith, and not as giving a claim to the divine favor? Are you busy and painstaking in the attempt to work out a righteousness of your own? Leave that loom, and your vows and promises which are but gossamer thread. The white linen that robes the saint, the raiment meet for thy soul and approved of God, was woven on the cross, and there it was dyed in the blood of the Son of God.— Gutheie. Good works do not make a Christian ; but one must be a Christian to do good works. The tree bringeth forth the fruit, not the fruit the tree. None is made a Christian by works, but by Christ; and being in Christ, he brings forth fruit for him. — Ltjther. Not what I am, Lord, but what thou art, That, that alone can be my soul's true rest ; Thy love, not mine, bids fear and doubt depart, And stills the tempest of my tossing breast ; Feeling my lost estate, I list thy call, And find in thee my life, my hope, my all ! NOVEMBER 7. 319 Come ; for all things are now ready .—Ij-ukb xiv. 17. AS the blessed Saviour has prepared the feast of salvation, have I accepted the invitation to it? Or am I postponing it to some future season? Am I so living now, that whenever called away, I may be prepared to sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb? For all the offered blessings of the gospel am I devoutly thankful? Do I endeavor so to im- prove them all, that at last I shall be welcomed to the blessed and endless fellowship of heaven ? Those who are satisfied with the world for their portion and seek not for happiness in God, feel no need for accepting the gospel invitation, and are in no uneasiness about their souls. But those who labor and are heavy laden are invited, and they come.— Matthew Henry. You are guilty, and only Christ can forgive ; sinful, and only Christ can cleanse ; weak, and only Christ can strengthen ; wandering, and only Christ can safely guide. There is wrath, and only Christ can dehver. You are lost, and only Christ can save. Come to him just as you are, poor, needy, naked, empty, wretched ; only come, and he will receive you, and be your por- tion for ever. — Mason. Long have we roamed in want and pain ; Long have we sought thy rest in vain ; 'Wildered in doubt, in darkness lost, Long have our souls been tempest tost. Now at thy feet our sins we lay ; Tuni not, Lord, thy guests away. — Heber. 320 NOVEMBER 8. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. — Ps. xxxii. 1. AM I one of those blessed ones who having re- pented of sin, and renounced all self-depend- ence, have come to Christ, and accepted him as the only and all-sufficient Saviour ? Have I found in his atonement, a sure ground of hope ; and in his right- eousness, an ample robe and covering for my soul? Do I find in him the rest and peace which he freely offers to all his true disciples ? Has my repentance led me to avoid sin ; and my faith led me to works of holy obedience ? A good conscience is a continual feast ; and a mind at peace through Christ, is the antepast of heaven. — Bishop Reynolds. Justification includes the forgiveness of sin through Christ's passive obedience, and the imputation of righteousness through his active obedience. — Grew. Go where you will, and your soul will find no rest but in Christ's bosom. Inquire for him ; come to him, and rest you on Christ, the Son of God. I sought him and found him ; and I found in him all I can wish or want. — Rutheefoed. Mine is the sin, but thine the righteousness ; Mine is the guilt, but thine the cleansing blood ; Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace ; Thy blood, thy righteousness, Lord, my God. My hope, my strength, my happiness I find, In thee, blessed Saviour, all combined ! NOVEMBER 9. 321 Open thou mine eyes, that I may hchold ivondrous things out of thy law. — Ps. cxix. 18. IS my knowledge of divine truth, experimental? Do I not only find in the Bible the teachings of infinite wisdom, revealing truths that no mere finite mind could ever have discovered, but am I so en- lightened by the Holy Spirit, that I feel, in my own experience, the fitness of these truths to my own case, and see them beaming with the goodness and mercy of their divine Author ? The more I study the Scrip- tures, the more do I love them ? The more do I make them the man of my counsel, and the guide of all my conduct ? Never do we gain the most vivid and realizing views of divine truth, but through the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. Under that influence, we get new views of old truths ; strong views of truths which be- fore made little impression ; near views of truths which have hitherto seemed distant; realizing views of truths which have only been themes of cold specu- lation ; and joyous and transporting views of truths, which have been regarded with indifference and luke- warmness, or with a hesitating and joyless faith. — G. Speing. The Spirit's light, doth to the sight, Unfold the truth divinely given ; Of joy the source, of peace the course, The joy, the peace, the hope of heaven ! It comes, and lo ! a precious light. Beams in the word, divinely bright, And gives it sanctifying force ! 21 322 NOVEMBER 10. Whoso shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven. — Matt. jc. 32. DO I feel it to be a duty, not only to believe on Christ, but to confess him before men ? If un- willing or ashamed to acknowledge him as my Saviour now, how can I expect that he will acknowledge me, as one of his followers and redeemed ones, before the assembled universe, at the final judgment? What is there in the person, doctrines, service, or friendship of Christ, of which any one should be ashamed; in which all should not glory? It is wonderful what strength and boldness of pur- pose and energy of will come from the feeling that we are in the way of duty. — J. Foster, Christ would have us decided. He would have us willing witnesses ; living epistles, known and read of all men. He asks the whole heart ; the whole pur- pose ; the whole life : and he well deserves them all. If we are ashamed of his name, or his cause, or his service, or his people here, he will be ashamed of us hereafter. * Ashamed of Jesus ! yes, I may, ^ When I've no guilt to wash away ; No tear to wipe ; no good to crave ; No fears to quell, no soul to save. Till then — nor is my boasting vain — Till then I boast a Saviour slain ! And oh may this my glory be, That Christ is not ashamed of me ! — J. Grigg. NOVEMBER 11. 323 Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God. — Joel ii. 13. IS my heart sincerely penitent and truly humbled on account of sin ? Is my sorrow less on account of the consequences to myself, than because my sins have violated God's holy law, and grieved so patient and loving and long-suffering a Saviour? Do I re- member that God is not satisfied with mere words; that he requires a broken and contrite spirit — a heart- repentance, evidenced by a loving, obedient life ? How long-suffering and patient is God with sin- ners ; how slow to punish ; how unwilling to strike ! If there be but a hope of recovery, how many pauses doth he make on his way to justice ? — Spencer. Sorrow for sin only because it exposes to punish- ment, is not true repentance. He that sorrows after a godly sort., would not sin, though escape from con- sequences were possible: for his heart is changed; he is renewed in the spirit of his mind ; he loves God and his service, and has lost his relish for the pleasures of Bin. — Walkee, Oh, for a heart to praise my God ! A heart from sin set free ; A heart that always feels thy blood, So freely shed for me ; A heart in every thought renewed, And filled with love divine ; Perfect, and right, and pure, and good, A copy, Lord, of thine ! — C. Wesley. 324 NOVEMBER 12. Lord, I believe ; heljp thou mine unbelief. — Mark ix. 24. DO I receive implicitly all the teachings of Christ, and trust implicitly all his offers and promises, venturing my all on him for time and eternity ? If my faith is weak, do I pray for its increase? Do I look away from my own weakness, and narrow views, and occasional doubts and fears, to the infinite power and truthfulness and the rich and abundant promises of Christ, that by these my faith may be strengthened, and my confidence and trust be made sure? Difficulties, whether as to truth or providence, which we reckon on meeting in our path, strangely but effect- ually vanish when we are seeking Christ. An unseen Hand has cleared them away before we come, just as the mists are dispersed by the rising of the sun. What was said of the Israelites, that " they could not enter in because of unbelief," may be said of many of our prayers, that they cannot enter heaven because they are not put up in faith. — Saltee. The best way to remove doubts and fears, is, to have Christ within you. Learn his life ; learn to trust him more and love him more ; become identified with him, and all your doubts will disappear. — C. Hodqe. That childlike faith that asks not sight, Waits not for wonder, or for sign, Believes, because it loves aright, Shall see things greater, things divine. — Keble. NOVEMBER 13. 325 Unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of right- eousness arise. — Mal. iv. 2. HAVE I found Christ, to my soul, what the sun *is to the visible world — light to disperse its darkness, and to give life and health and joy? Do I always desire and seek that this divine light may shine into my soul, to disperse the darkness of igno- rance and prejudice, and to lead me to clear views of truth and duty? Do I seek to lead others to this light ? Is it my prayer and effort that it may shine to all mankind ? The soul that truly fears and loves God will always have light and strength and peace from on high. — J. Mason. It is not toiling, but believing, that brings rest and joy, and peace. It is not doing or suffering, bat sim- ply believing that Christ has suffered and done. It is not waiting, but believing now. It is not seeking to make one's .self better, but coming in all our sinfulness, that Christ may make us so. It is through him we come to know the love of God ; and in this is rest and peace. — R. Newton. All my trust on thee is stayed; All my help from thee I bring ; Cover my defenceless head With the shadow of thy wing. Thou of life the fountain art, Freely let me take of thee ; Spring thou up within my heart ; Eise to all eternity. — C, Wesley. 333 NOVEMBER i^. He that is faithfulin that which is least, is faithful, also, in much. — Luke xvi. 10. DO I realize, as I should, tlie importance of little things, in their bearing on character, and attain- ments, and usefulness ? Though it seem but a little duty, do I endeavor to honor God in it? Though it seem but a little temptation, do I shun it as the gate- way to hell? Though it may be but little that I can do, do I seek to please and serve God in it, remember- ing his own lesson, that we are not to despise the day of small things ? He that despiseth small things, shall fall by little and little. — Ecclesiasticus. Life is made up of little things. He who travels over a continent must go step by step. He who writes a book must do it sentence by sentence ; he who learns a science must master it fact by fact, and principle after principle. Of what is the happiness of our life made up ? Of little courtesies, little kindnesses, pleasant words, genial smiles, loving wishes and good deeds. One in a million, once in a lifetime, may do a heroic action. But the little things that make up our life, come every day and every hour. Aid us to strive, with earnest soul, Thy work to do, though small the measure, Knowing it part of one great whole, All tending to our highest goal. Thy perfect will and pleasure ! NOVEMBER 15. 327 In aU things we are more than conquerors, through him that hath loved us. — RoM. viii. 37. DO I feel that in Christ, and in the promised aid of his Holy Spirit, is my only hope of over- coming the world, and self, and sin ? Does the love of Christ animate me, and his sympathy encourage me, and his promise assure me, and his Spirit strengthen and comfort me, so that I faint not in adversity, and endure aflSictions, and fight manfully the good fight of faith? Do I feel that I am con- quering, and that in the end I shall triumphantly and for ever conquer through the grace of Christ ? There are depths of love in Christ beyond all that we have seen. Therefore dig deep, and labor, and take pains for him, and set by as much time for him as you can. He will be won by labor. — Rutherford. Deeper than the love of home, or of kindred, or of rest and recreation, or of life itself, is the love of Jesus. His love to us will ever sustain and keep us from falling ; and our love to him will constrain us to be faithful to the end, so that at last the crown of life may be ours. — J. Hamilton. But fainter than the pole star's ray Before the noon-tide blaze of day, Is all of love that man can know, And all in angels' hearts can glow. Compared, Lord of hosts, with thine, Unwearied, fathomless, divine ! 328 NOVEMBER 16. Leaning upon her beloved. — Sol. Song viii. 5. DO I feel that the ways of sin are like a wilder- ness? And by repentance and faith have I 3ome up from, and out of it, leaning on Christ as the One supremely loved ? Do I realize that there is no escape from sin but through him ? Do I lean on him by faith and in love ; not trusting to my own right- eousness ; not leaning to my own understanding ; not relying on my own strength ; not following my own guidance ; but in, and for all that I need, looking only to him ? Lean upon Jesus for strength. He can increase your faith, and hope, and love, and strengthen your heart for every burden, and trial, and temptation. Lean on him ; for he loves you to link your feebleness to his almightiness, and to have you avail yourseK oi his grace, Eemember, you are not a tree, that can live or stand alone. You are only a branch. And it is only while you al ide in Christ, as the branch in the vine, that you will 11 ^rish, or even live. — McCheyne. True wisdom is in leaning On Jesus Christ, our Lord ; True wisdom is in trusting His own life-giving word. True wisdom is in living Near Jesus every day ; True wisdom is in walking, Where he shall lead the way. NOVEMBER 17. 329 Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhaUteth eternity, whose name is holy, . . . I dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit. — IsA. Ivii. 15. DOES the sense of my sinfulness and weakness, keep me, at all times, humble before God ? Do I feel my insufficiency and un worthiness ; and that but for restraining grace, I should be constantly sin- ning, as but for pardoning grace, I should be con- demned for ever ? Do I pray for light and wisdom from on high, that I may fully know myself, and that at the same time I may know the richness of the grace that is in Christ Jesus ? Do all my hopes rest on him ? It is the peculiar province and glory of gospel grace to humble every believer in the dust, and from grati- tude and love to produce the best obedience. — Venn. Not all the devils in hell, nor all the temptations of the world, can hurt that man who keeps himself humble and depending on Christ. As Christ humbled himself to honor our nature, we should humble our- selves to honor his name. — J. Mason. The lowly spirit God hath consecrated, As his abiding rest ; And angels by the patriarch's tent have waited, When kings had no such guest. The dew that never wets the lofty mountain, Falls in the valley free ; Bright verdure fringes the small desert fountain, But barren sand the sea. 330 NOVEMBER 18. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things are passed avmy ; behold, all things are be- come new. — 2 Cor. v. 17. HAVE I, in penitence for sin and faith in the only Redeemer, become a new creature in Christ Jesus ? Have I not only a new name, but a new heart, and anew nature? Have old thoughts, old principles, old aims, old desires, old practices, old habits passed away ? By divine grace have I so been regenerated, that the controlling love of sin has been taken away, and that now it is my chief and earnest desire to know and do the will of God ? There are three things which the true Christian de- sires with respect to sin : justification, that it may not condemn ; sanctification, that it may not reign ; and glorification, that it may not be. — Cecil. The mere outward reformation of morality, diflfers as much from regeneration by the Holy Spirit, as whitewashing an old rotten house differs from taking it down, and building a new one in its room. — TOPLADY. Finish, Lord, thy new creation, Pardoned, holy, may we be ; Let us know thy full salvation ; Find our highest joys in thee. Take away our love of sinning ; Fill us with a Saviour's love ; Let us serve thee without ceasing, Till we reach our rest above ! NOVEMBER 10. 331 Praise him according to his excellent greatness. — Ps. cl. 2. DO I endeavor to see God, as the Psalmist did, in all his works and ways : in his own character, in the sanctuary, and in all his works both of provi- dence and grace ? Do I acknowledge, and honor, and praise him in all that he is and does ? Do I habit- ually feel my dependence on him for all that I have and am ? With devout thankfulness do I trace all my mercies to him ? In humble gratitude do I devote my life to his service ? God has given us four books: the book of Grace, the book of Nature, the book of the World, and the book of Providence. Every occurrence is a leaf in one of these books. It does not become us to be negligent in the use of any of them. — Cecil. The presence of God's glory is in heaven; of his power, on earth ; of his justice, in hell ; of his grace, with his people. If he deny us his powerful presence, we fall into nothing ; if he deny us his gracious pres- ence, we fall into sin ; if he deny us his merciful pres- ence, we fall into hell ; if we are faithful in doing his will, we shall for ever enjoy his glorious presence in heaven. — J. Mason. I'll praise him while he lends me breath. And when my voice is lost in death. Praise shall employ my nobler powers ; My days cf praise shall ne'er be past, While hfe, and thought, and being last, Or immortality endures ! — Watts. 332 NOVEMBER 20. None of us liveth to himself. — Rom. xiv. 7. WHAT is the end and aim of my life ? Is it self or God ? Have I learned to deny myself, and to live for the happiness and welfare of others ? Do I remember that my influence for good or evil, will be felt more or less by those about me, and by others, perhaps, long after I have gone to the unseen world ? Do I always bear in mind that the great business of the Christian's life is not to seek to please himself, but to please God ? The testimony of a holy life is a still more veritable and impressive one, than even that of a happy death. — J. A. James. A holy life has a voice. It speaks when the tongue is silent, and is either a constant attraction, or a con- tinual reproof. — Hinton. If you do not recognize the claims of God to your body, soul, spirit, time, talents, influence, wealth, to all that you have and are, you cannot be his disciple. — Adam. One of the purest and most refined pleasures in this w wid, is that of doing good to others. — M. Henry. Largely thou givest, gracious Lord ; Largely thy gifts should be restored. Freely thou givest ; and thy word Is "Freely give:" He only who forgets to hoard, Has learned to live. — Keble NOVEMBER 21. 333 His grace, which was bestowed upon me, loas not in vain. — 1 Cor. xv. 10. DO I feel that in myself by nature I have no merit or worthiness before God? And if there be any good in me, do I ascribe it entirely to divine grace, acknowledgmg that it comes only from God ? Does this conviction make and keep me humble? Do I prayerfully seek, and endeavor to improve in the grace thus bestowed upon me, that it may not be in vain, either to myself or others ? As John Newton, in his old age, read the expression, " By the grace of God, I am what I am," he paused a moment, and then uttered this affecting soliloquy : " I am not what I ought to be ; ah ! how imperfect and deficient : not what I wish to be ; I abhor that which is evil, and would cleave to that which is good : not what I hope to be ; soon I shall put off mortality, and with it all sin and imperfection ! But though I am not what I ought to be, or what I wish to be, or what I hope to be, yet I can truly say I am not what I once was, the slave of sin and Satan ; and with the apostle I can thankfully say, ' By the grace of God, I am what lam!'" All that I was, my sin, my guilt, My death, was all my own : All that I am I owe to thee, My gracious God alone. My faith, my hopes, my joys depend On Christ alone, the sinner's Friend ! 334 NOVEMBER 22. Fight the good fight of faith ; lay hold on eternal life.—l Tim. vi. 12. DO I realize that the Christian life is indeed a warfare, and that there is no cessation from the conflict here on earth ? Am I watchful against self, and sin, and the world, and the great adversary of souls ? Do I endeavor not only to hold back the pow- ers of evil, but to extend the victories of truth and holiness ? Knowing how weak I am of myself, do I put on the whole armor of God, and keep near the great Captain of salvation, and in his strength strive to be faithful unto death ? What Dr. Arnold said about the class of young men who professed their sentimental admiration of virtue, applies well to older persons : " Commend me to those that not only love God, but who also hate the devil," There is no fighting on a quagmire. Faith furnishes the only solid and safe ground on which we can con- tend. Faith clothes us with the whole armor of God, and connects us with the Captain of our salvation, without whom we can do nothing, but through whose strength we can do all things. — W. Jay. Soldier of Christ ! arise ! And put your armor on ; Strong in the strength which God supplies Through his eternal Son. Strong is the Lord of hosts, And in his mighty power, Who in the strength of Jesus trusts, Is more than conqueror ! NOVEMBER 23. 335 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. — Ps. xxxvii. 5. WHEN providences seem dark, and the prospects of the future clouded, then, Iq patient and submissive faith, do I commit my ways to the Lord, and quietly wait for light from on high ? Do I bear in mind the blessed assurance of the Saviour, that what we know not now, we shall know hereafter? Though clouds and darkness may be about me, do I endeavor to look beyond them to the Sun of right- eousness, knowing that in due time its beams will shine forth, and every way be made plain ? In all circumstances let faith and patience have their perfect work, and they will bring forth celestial fruits. — G. Macdonald. We all meet with thorns and briars in the pathway of life. We are liable to be disappointed, fretted, or saddened, and to see more or less of strange things and trying occurrences, and providences that sorely task our faith and trust, as we journey onward. To keep right with ourselves and with God in them all, we need a full supply of the rare virtue that can always both say and feel, " God is wiser than IT God's ways seem dark ; but, soon or lat« They touch the shining hills of day ; The evil cannot brook delay ; The good can well afford to wait. Look forward, then, with faith sublime ; God's future is both grand and great ; The safe appeal of truth to time Is answered in the heavenly state I 336 NOVEMBER ^. Holding faith, and a good conscience. — 1 Tim. i. 19. DO I realize that an intelligent faith is the only- sure foundation of a good conscience ; and that conscience, when enlightened and faithful, is as the voice of God himself ; and that obedience to its dic- tates, is the way of duty, and safety, and happiness? By always harkening to its voice, do I encourage it to be prompt and faithful in speaking ? By the prayer- ful study of God's word do I seek to have my con- science divinely enlightened, so that I may always safely obey its voice ? As the sun-dial cannot make known the hour when the sun does not shine upon it, so conscience is not a safe guide to duty unless enlightened by God's word. Conscience is the true vicar of Christ in the soul ; a prophet in its information ; u, monarch in its pe- remptoriness ; a priest in its blessings or anathemas, according as we obey or disobey it. — J. Newman. Keep your conscience tender — tender as the eye that closes its lid against an atom of dust, or as the sensitive plant which shrinks and shuts its leaves not merely at the rude touch of a finger, but at the breath of a moth. O conscience ! conscience ! man's most faithful friend, Him thou canst comfort, cheer, relieve, defend : But if he will thy friendly checks forego. Thy voice is terror — thou his deadliest foe ! — Crabbe. NOVEMBER 35. 337 Be content witli such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. — Heb. xiii. 5. DO I endeavor to cherish, habitually, a cheerful and contented spirit ; and does my contentment spring from a childlike trust in God's providence, and the assurance that all its allotments are ordered in wisdom and goodness? Do I dwell more on the blessings I possess, than on those I have not ? Am I rather thankful for what I have, than dissatisfied that I have no more? Is my constant reliance on the promise, " I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee " ? In whatsoever state I am, I first look up to heaven, and remember that my chief business here is to get there. Then I look abroad on the world, and see how many there are more unhappy than myself. Thus I learn where true happiness is placed, and where all my cares must end, and that I have no cause to re- pine. Happiness consists not in possessing much, but in being content with what we possess. He who wants little has always enough. — Zimmeeman. It is the mind that maketh good or ill, That maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor ; For some that have abundance at their will, Have not enough, but want in greatest store ; While other that hath little, asks no more, But in that little is both rich and wise ; For wisdom is most riches ! — Spencer. 22 338 NOVEMBER 26. Give MS day iy day our daily bread. — Luke xi. 3. DO I realize, habitually, that I am dependent on God for everything, not only for the knowledge of truth, and the offer of salvation, but for every breath I draw, and for the raiment that clothes, and the food that sustains and nourishes me? Do I bear in mind that this dependence is constant, extending to every moment of my being? Do I daily seek for daily blessings ? Every day am I thankful for them ? Do I see the hand of my heavenly Father in them all, and endeavor to improve them all to his glory ? It is a blessed and most comforting promise which Christ has given, that if we " seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things shall be added thereto." As day by day he fed his people in the wilderness with manna from heaven, so day by day he will surely give us our daily bread, if we do but serve him. As a sure ground of dependence, I would rather have God's providence for my inherit- ance, than all the riches the world could give. * " Day by day," the manna fell ; Oh, to learn the lesson well ! Still by constant mercy fed. Give us. Lord, our daily bread. " Day by day," the promise reads, Daily strength for daily needs ; Daily thou our task dost give ; Day by day to thee we live ! — J. Conder. NOVEMBER 27. 339 I die daily. — 1 Coe. xv. 31. IS my warfare against sin a daily and hourly war- fare, carried on in humble dependence on God, through the offered aids of the Holy Spirit? Do I take to myself, for the conflict, the whole armor of God; the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteous- ness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God? Do I carry on the contest with earnest prayer and constant watchfulness? Do I seek to be not only dead to sin, but alive to God and his service ? Daily remembrance of God is the source of daily obedience to God. — J. Mason. To the Christian the little events of daily life tend wonderfully to his sanctification, though he may not know it at the time. This discharge of duty, this trial of patience, this denial of self, this loss, or suffering, or aflSiction, each, like the finishing strokes of the sculp- tor, here strikes off an excrescence, and there brings out a beauty of form or feature, till at last the work IS completed, and the finished image is prepared for tlie upper temple. * Father, help me every hour. Faithfully to walk with thee ; Mine the life, through thine the power, Working grace divine in me. Let thy strength in me appear ; Heaven's own light upon me shine ; All around me feel thee near ; And the glory, Lord, be thine ! 340 NOVEMBER 28. We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. — Heb. ii. 1. DO I feel that conversion is but the first step in the divine life, and that the only way of duty or safety, is, to press on in the knowledge of truth, and in the way of obedience? Do I endeavor not merely to hold fast the profession of my faith without wavering, but to grow in activity, and hope, and holi- ness, and comfort? Do I seek to keep divine truth continually before me, and by it to regulate all my thoughts, and words, and actions ? What evidence have I that I love the truth, if I do not keep it continually in my thoughts ? What proof that I have an obedient spirit, if I am not living an obedient life? What assurance that Christ died for me, if I am not living for him ? * There is nothing so effectual to obtain grace, to re- tain grace, and to increase grace, as always to be found before God, earnest and watchful in the divine life. Happy are we if our hearts are replenished with three fears : a fear lest grace received should not be real ; a greater fear lest grace should be lost ; and the greatest fear of all lest grace should not steadily grow and in- crease. Whate'er pursuits my time employ, One thought shall fill my soul with joy ; That silent, constant thought shall be That all my hopes are fixed on thee, On thee, my God, on thee ! NO VEMBER 20. 341 To him that hioioeth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. — James iv. 17. DO I realize that omissions may as truly be sins, as commissions ; and that for both we are to give account at the judgment ? Do I bear in mind that those who do not the good they know they ought to do, and those who do the evil they ought not to do, are alike guilty, and will alike be condemned ? Do I seek to have my conscience rightly informed and taught by the word of God, and then to follow its dictates ? Do I always seek to know and do what is right ? Sins of commission are the usual punishment for sins of omission. He that leaves a duty, may well fear that he will be left to commit a crime. — Gue,- NALL. We may lose heaven by neutrality, as well as by hostility ; — by wanting oil to our lamps, as well as by taking poison. The unprofitable servant will as surely be punished as the disobedient and rebellious servant. Undone duty will undo the soul. — Bowes. The last words of the excellent and industrious archbishop Usher were, " Lord, in special forgive me my sins of omission." Omit no duty ; ever pray and work ; Say from the heart thy will be done, and then Go forth and do it. Life, if rightly lived, Is one long orison. All faculties. Employed as God would have t.^em, are but steps Upon the stairs by which we climb to heaven ! 342 NOVEMBER 30. If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. — John vii. 37. HAVE I accepted this gracious and unreserved invitation ? When the pardon is so full and free, and the salvation so great, why should any one refuse or delay to accept it ? — Am I willing and now ready to be saved in Christ's own way, through his atoning death, putting away sin by repentance, rely- ing on him by faith, consecrating myself for lime and eternity to him? As all things on God's part are ready, am I ready to accept them ? The Father is ready to accept us ; the Son to inter- cede for us ; the Spirit to sanctify us ; the promises are ready as wells of water for supply. Is all this ready, and shall we be unready ? Is all this prepara- tion made for us, and shall we be unthankful ? — Mat- thew Henry. If we put off repentance another day, we have an- other day more to repent of, and a day less to repent in. God has promised pardon on our repentance, but he has not promised life till we repent. — T. Scott. Wondrous love that brought salvation ! Wondrous grace to sinners shown ! Heaven is wrapt in contemplation Of his love, whom men disown ! Oh ! my soul ! wilt thou disown him ? Wilt thou not, my heart, enthrone him? — Russell. DEQEMBER 1. 343 I wiU medilate in thy precepts. — Ps. cxix. 15. DO I not Eierely read, but carefully and prayer- fully study the word of God, comparing text witli text, that I may know clearly the divine cha- racter and will, and the way of duty and salvation ? Do I endeavor to make all its teachings practical, bringing them home to my own case, striving, every day, to become wiser and better through the divine instructions ? Do I bring everything to the test of God's word, believing whatever it teaches, and doing whatever it commands? The most learned, acute, and diligent student, can- not, in the longest life, obtain an entire knowledge of this one volume. The more deeply he works the mine, the richer and more abundant he finds the ore. New light continually beams from this source of heavenly knowledge, to direct the conduct, and illustrate the work of God, and the ways of men. And he will, at last, leave the world, confessing, that the more he studied the Scriptures, the more he saw his own igno- rance, and their inestimable value. — Walter Scott. Oh ! that thy statutes, every hour, Might dwell upon my mind ; Thence I derive a quickening power, And daily peace I find. To meditate thy precepts. Lord, Shall be my swee t employ ; My soul shall ne'er forget thy word ; Thy word is all my joy. — Watts. 344 DECEMBER 2. Love not the world. — 1 John ii. 15. HAVE I that new heart, and that new spirit, which lead me to find my highest enjoyment in God ? Is my understanding enlightened, my con- science quickened, my affections purified and sancti- fied, my will in all things subordinate to the will of God? Has a higher love expelled the love of the world from my soul, or so broken its power that it is ever kept in its right place ? Do I use the world as not abusing it, remembering how soon it will pass away? To have a portion in the world, is a mercy ; to have it for our portion would be ruin. The great use of this Avorld is to make sure of the next. — J. Mason. This world is but a school and training place for eternity. I will use it only as the pilgrim doth the hostelries and conveniences of the way, to speed me on my journey, and give the refreshment and strength I need for my pilgrimage. I will make the world but a stepping stone to heaven ; not a millstone aboi.t my neck, to sink me down to hell. * The world is beauteous, like the rainbow bright, And if, like that, it point our eyes to heaven, And whisper of the promise, it is well. But if deluded, like the silly child. We seek to grasp, and feed ourselves upon it, It will but mock our hope, and lure us far From truth and duty, joy and lasting peace, And so from heaven ! DECEMBER 3. 345 Ye shall he sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned i7ito joy . — John xvi. 20. AMID the many sorrows and trials and anxieties of life, do I bear in mind this precious assur- ance and promise of the blessed Saviour ? Do I en- deavor so to improve by all the dispensations of his providence, as more and more to cherish that spirit and temper of heart with which Christ delights to dwell ? Does sorrow lead me nearer to the Saviour ? Do I acknowledge his hand and his love in it ? Is every sorrow training me to a higher spirituality, and for eternal joy? Trials and sorrows make us feel our dependence, and work in us tenderness of spirit and humble submission to the will of God. They are the medicine that God sees we need, and that with his own hand he weighs out to us ; and they are for the healing of the soul. " All sorrow ought to be home-sickness," says a Ger- man poet. It ought to fill Christ's pilgrim-band with longings after rest in his likeness and bosom. All the trials and troubles of this life are but the active ministers of God, ordained and employed by him to discipline his people into independence of this world, and into a ripeness for immortality — H. Darling. The soul's dark cottage, battered and decayed, Lets in new light through chinks by sorrow made ; Stronger by trial, wisei men become, As they draw nearer their eternal home. Weaned from this world, a brighter they descry, And press with firmer step to joys on high ' Si6 DECEMBER 4. I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. — IsA. xliii. 19. IF God, in his providence, leads me into the wil- derness of trial, am I content to follow his guid- ance, knowing that he is with me, and wilt make plain the way to the rest beyond? Do I feel that I shall wander if I do not look to him for direction ; that I shall perish with hunger if I am not fed from on high ; that my thirst can never be quenched but from the living waters that he causes to flow ? Are all my steps guided by him ? No temporal blessing is too great to expect from a God whose love was so infinite as to give his own Son for the salvation of mankind. — Sauein. Every event of life has meaning to those, who, in the simple trust of a childlike faith, give themselves up to the leadings and guidance of God's provi- dence. No wind can blow wrong ; no event be mis- timed ; no result be disastrous. If in all thiilgs God is caring for our inward and eternal life, nothing can occur which is not for our good. God doth not leave his own ; The night of weeping for a time may last, Then, when all tears are past, His going forth shall as the morning shine, The sunrise of his favor shall be thine ; He will not leave his own. D DECEMBER 5. 347 Be not high-minded, but fear.— Ho^i. xi. 20. .C I prayerfully watch against trusting too much ^ to my own strength or good purposes? Do I realize that a holy fear is the best safeguard against self-confidence and high-mindedness, and that he who 80 fears, is most sure to stand fast in the divine strength? Do I bear in mind that God ^\l ever keep in safety those who live near to him, and will never fail those who put their trust in him ? Is my great fear that I may be negligent, and false to my duty and to him ? All God's children have received God's Spirit, whereby they are made humble, believing, holy, and watchful : humble, as regards their sins ; believ- ing in regard to Christ; holy in regard of their con- science, and watchful in their effort to keep all God's commandments. — Patson I charge you, be clothed with humility. Let Christ increase, but man decrease. Oh ! for such close com- munion with God, that soul, body, head and heart may all shine with divine brilliancy ! But oh for a holy ignorance of their shining !~McCheyne. Oh, for a lowly, contrite heart. Believing true and clean ! Which neither life nor death can part, From Him that dwells within. A heart in every thought renewed, And full of love divine ; Perfect and right and pure and good, A copy, Lord, of thine.— C. Wesley. 348 DECEMBER 6. No chastening for the present seemeth to he joyous, hut grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteous7iess. — Heb. xii. 11. DO I realize that all the afflictions and trials of life are sent by God, and that each has its def- inite errand and object, and-is directed by him where to go, whom to touch, what to do, and what end to accomplish? Do I receive the divine chastisements as coming from the heavenly Father? Do they draw me nearer to him ? Do I find that they work in me submission, and patience, and experience, and hope, and trust, and so yield to me the peaceable fruits of righteousness ? The soul that is destined to have no other support but God himself, must pass through the strongest trials. One great purpose of all affliction is to bring us to the everlasting arms, that we may know the strength and peace of finding them underneath us, and be held up, and lifted, and carried along by them. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in God. — Payson. God sends earth's bitter, that heaven's sweet, Earth's bitter o'er, may sweeter taste, As Canaan did to Israel's feet, After the desert waste. Like them, before us, in our ways, We view the fountains and the palms, And drink, and raise our voice in praise. Singing our thankful psalms. — Ford. DECEMBER 7. 349 Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest. — Heb. :v. 11. DO I so find my rest in Christ on eartli, as to be every day preparing for rest with him in heaven ? Do I bear in mind that labor, diligent and faithful labor, in the field of my own heart, and in the field of the world, is the only way to that rest ; and that they who labor not now for Christ, shall not rest with him here- after ? Does the prospect of that rest, blessed, satisfy- ing and never-ending, as it will be, cheer and encour- age me to be faithful to the end ? Oh! how many precious moments are wasted in softness and self-indulgence, in frivolous pursuits, in idle conversation, and in vague and useless reverie, which, if rightly improved, might tell upon the world's destiny and the Redeemer's glory ! — Claeke. Be not weary in doing what God bids, or in waiting for what God has promised. Your work may be diffi- cult, but pereevere in it. The delay may seem long, but it will come to an end. Look to the Saviour; rest on the promise ; keep on with the work, and in due season you will go to your rest, if you faint not. * The end shall crown the work. Work on, then, to the end. Though oft the way is dark, And clouds portend. The work is ours to do ; Enough for our faint sight. The end God knows. Press on ! The crown — is light !— Bowker. 350 DECEMBER 8. Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morroio shall take thought for the things of itself. — Matt. vi. 34. DO I feel that the same kind Providence which clothes the lilies with beauty, and feeds the ravens when they cr^'-, knows and cares for my most trivial wants, and will surely provide for all that I need? Trusting in this Providence, and in the divine promises, do I put away all anxiety for the future, casting all my care on him who careth for me ? Is it my chief anxiety that I may do faithfully the duty of to-day, and that trusting in God, I may be ready for whatever to-morrow may bring? One of the most useless of all things, is to take a deal of trouble in providing against dangers that never come. How many toil to lay up riches which they never enjoy ; to provide for exigences that never happen ; to prevent troubles that never come : sacri- ficing present comfort and enjoyment in guarding against the wants of a period they may never li\e to see. — W. Jay. Make a firm -built fence of trust, All around to-day; Fill the space with loving work. And within it stay. Look not through the sheltering bars, Anxious for the morrow ; God will help in all that comes, Be it joy or sorrow. DECEMBER 9. 351 Wlioever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother and sister and mother. — Mark iii. 35, IS it not a blessed thought that the faith of the be- liever rests not merely on a truth, but on a person ; and that the nearest and dearest of earthly relation- ships are less near and dear than those that bind the Christian to a personal Saviour, who has home our nature, and knows our weakness, and can sympathize with, as well as aid us, in all circumstances of life ? Am I one with this Saviour by a living faith ? For time and eternity do I lean on him as a Friend, as well as trust him as a Redeemer ? The histoiy of all God's dealings with man is the record of an approach nearer and nearer still, until in the incarnate Son he shares our sorrows and carries our sins, and faith puts its finger into the print of the nails, and its hand into the wounded side, and cries out " My Lord, and my God \" We need this. We can believe a tri:rth, but can trust only a person ; can admire a truth, but can love only a person ; can medi- tate on a truth, but can commune only with a person ; and faith, stretching out a wistful hand to touch his garment, comes at last to embrace himself. — J. Ker. Saviour, Teacher, Guardian, Friend, Every step I walk with thee ; Through the toils of earthly strife. To an endless victory ! Unto death and over death. Not one object of thy care, But shall prove thy love on earth ; Then, with thee, thy glory share ! 352 DECEMBER 10. The root of the matter is found in me. — Job xix. 28. DO I bear in mind that the living principle of grace in the heart is " the root of the matter " in God's sight, and that it is as necessary to the vital- ity of our religion as the root of the tree is to its life ? Do repentance for sin, faith in Christ, and love to God and to his people, all evidenced in my life, show that I am, indeed, a child of God ? Do I feel that it is all- important that I build on the only true foundation, and that real godliness is the one thing needful ? Grace is a spring whose waters fail not, though the streams of gifts may be dried up. He that did create it in us, will conserve it in us. Having begun the good work, he will finish it. — Mead. A religion which does not suffice to govern and con- trol a man, will never sufiice to save him. That which does not distinguish him from a wicked world, will never distinguish him from a perishing world. The root of religion is the fear of God ; the rule of religion is the law of God ; the motive of religion is the love of God ; the end of religion is to glorify God and enjoy him for ever. Now, my Saviour, gracious God, My comfort, portion, rest, Thou, none but thou, shall reign within my breast. Call me to thee ! call me thyself — oh speak, And bid my heart to thee, whom most I seek. Let this my joy, my life, my life-work be, To die to self, to live, my Lord, to thee ! — Teesteeqen. DECEMBER 11. 353 Those that seek me early shall find me. — Prov, viii. 17. DO I feel the importance of early coming to tlie Saviour, and at once commencing the Christian life ? Do I realize the danger of delay ; that life is un- certain ; that temptations increase, and the power of sinful habit is strengthened by the postponement of God's claims ? Have I thought of the many promises and encouragements the Bible holds forth to the young, and of the greater safety, happiness, and use- fulness of those who early give themselves to Christ ? If I have never come to him, will I come now? A person converted in youth is like the sun rising on a summer's morning, to shine through the long, bright day. But one converted late in life, is but as the evening star, not appearing till the day is closing, and then but a little while. The most matured, and use- ful, and happy Christians are, for the most part, those who early come to the Saviour. — J. A. James. Come, while the blossoms of thy years are brightest, Thou youthful wanderer in life's flowery maze; Come while the restless heart is bounding lightest, And joy's blest sunbeams tremble in th}'- ways. Come while sweet thoughts, like summer buds un- folding, Waken rich feelings in the hopeful breast ; Come to the cross, where Christ the crown is holding, Oh come to him, and find eternal rest. — W. G. Clarke. 23 354 DECEMBER 12. Give diligence to make yoiir caUimj and election sure. — 2 Pet. i. 10. DO I feel tiiat conversion is bnt ilie first step in the divine life, and that constant earnestness and diligence are needful, if I. would press on in the narrow way? Am I diligent in studying the truth, that I may know the will of God ; diligent in doing that will so soon as I know it; diligent in prayer for divine light and assistance ; diligent in resisting temptation, and overcoming the world, and denying self, that I may live entirely for God? All the employments and avocations of life are in tended to be, and if rightly viewed, will be, to us, means of grace ; as truly the gate of heaven to the soul as the sanctuary itself If in them we endeavor to serve and please God, they will develop our Chris- tian graces, and strengthen our Christian character, and give us the very discipline and training that as good and faithful servants we need, and so prepare us for acceptance at the last great day. * Firm, faithful, watching unto prayer. Our Master's voice we will obey ; Toil in the vineyard here, and bear The heat and burden of the day. Then, Lorr^ for us a resting-place. In heaven, at thy right hand, prepare; And till we see thee, face to face, Be all our conversation there ! — J. Montgomery. DECEMBER 13. 355 All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. — Heb. iv. 13. DO I endeavor to live as becomes one whose secret thoughts and most trivial actions are all open to the eye of God ? Do I remember that he looks upon the heart ; and is this thought a safeguard and warn- ing to me in temptation, and an incentive to right motives and holy living? Is God's omniscience a com- fort to me in the day of trouble ? Does it make me careful in self-examination? Is it my encouragement in duty ? It was a saying of Mohammed that "where two are present, God is the third ; and where there are three, God is the fourth." And the celebrated Linnasus placed over the door of his lecture-room, the inscrip- tion, " Live without sinning : God sees you." ^ God is present, and sees, and hears, and takes ac- count of all the thoughts, words and actions of the transgressor. His eye, like a flame of fire, lights up a clear and searching day in his soul, and around his steps, and shows in sunbeams the iniquities which he devises or perpetrates. — T. Dwight. Thine all-surrounding sight surveys ;My rising and my rest ; My public walks, my private ways. The secrets of my breast. So let thy grace surround me still, And like a bulwark prove. To guard my soul from every ill Secured by sovereign love. — Watts. 356 DECEMBER i/,. Watch ye and'pray, lest ye enter into te7nptation. — Maek xiv. 38. DO I feel, constantly, the need of seriousness and watchfulness and prayer, as a safeguard against temptation, as a means of growth in grace, and in view of the uncertainty of the hour when the Son of man may come ? Do I feel my dependence, my exposure, my need of divine help ; and remembering the many promises to prayer, do I come constantly to the throne of grace, and there find all that I need ? It wants nothing but a believing prayer, to turn the promise of God into a performance. — J. Mason. None are so likely to maintain watchful guard over their hearts and lives, as those who know the comfort of living in near and constant communion with God. They feel their privilege, and fear lest they may lose it. They will dread falling from their high estate, and marring their own comforts, by bringing clouds between themselves and Christ. — J. C. Ryle. If you can pray aright you have mastered the great secret of a spiritual life. — E. M. Goulburn. They pray the best, who pray and watch ; They watch the best, who watch and pray They hear Christ's fingers on the latch, Whether he come by night or day. Whether they guard the gates and watch, Or, patient, toil for him and wait, They hear his fingers on the latch, Whether he early comes, or late. DECEMBER 15. 357 The disciples were called Christians, first, in An- tioch — Acts xi. 26. IF I bear the name of Christian, do I endeavor to walk worthily of the high and holy vocation where- with I am called ? As a disciple, do I learn of Christ ? As a follower, do I walk in his steps ? As a servant, do I obey his commands, and do his will ? As a sod and heir, do I cherish his Spirit, and imitate his ex- ample, and honor his name, and not only expect, bm endeavor to be prepared for the inheritance he has promised? Can I say, " For me to live is Christ" ? See that every hour your thoughts, feelings, and actions be like those of Christ; then will your life be his. The Scriptures give several names to Christians, expressive of their graces, and character, and expec- tations: disciples, for their knowledge; believers, for their faith; servants, for their obedience; brethren, for their love ; saints, for their holiness ; and heirs, because they are soon to receive the inheritance of heaven, which Christ has gone to prepare for them above * He walks with God in penitence and faith, Looking for truth and light to him alone ; The cross his only hope, and strength, and stay : His thoughts the thoughts of Christ; his highest aim To be like him, and in his Spirit grow ; God's word his guide ; his path, from day to day, The path of duty, bright, ascending still. And soon to end in the full bliss of heaven ! 358 DECEMBER 16. An inherita7ice incorruptible, and undefiled, and thatfadelh 7iot away. — 1 Pet. i. 4. DO I feel that thougli I am nothing, and have nothing of myself, yet in Christ I possess all things ; that in him I have everlasting riches, and an inheritance that will endure when time shall have passed away ? Is it not a blessed source of comfort to know, that though on earth we may not have great possessions, or may even be in poverty or suffering, we may look forward to riches, and crowns, and king- doms that shall endure for ever ? How blessed are God's people who leave all for him who is worth to them, more than all. If poor for this world, they are rich in him. If earthly riches are theirs, their highest riches are still in God. Their bodies are below, but their hearts are above; their lives here, but their conversation, their hopes, their treasure in heaven. — J. Mason. If the way to heaven be narrow, it is not long ; and if the gate be strait, it opens into endless life. — • Bishop Beveeidge. The kingdom that I seek. Is thine ; so let the way That leads to it be also thine, Else I shall surely stray. Smooth let it be, or rough, It still w'Jl be the best; Winding or straight, it matters not ; It leads me to thy rest ! DECEMBER 17. 359 There is none good but one. — MaPwK x. 18. DO I acknowledge, with becoming humility, the sad truth, that no one of our race is by nature good and holy, and that the blessed Saviour, God manifest in the flesh, is the only example of perfect goodness the world has ever seen ? Do I look to him alone for my righteousness, feeling that I have none of my own, asking to be clothed with the ample covering of his merit, that I may stand accepted in him ? Christ is full and sufficient for all his people. He has righteousness enough to cover all their sins ; wealth enough to supply all their wants ; grace enough to subdue all their lusts ; wisdom and power enough to vanquish all their enemies ; virtue enough to cure all their diseases ; and fullness enough to save them to the uttermost. — Spencee. He who boasts of being perfect, is perfect in folly. I have been. a good ^eal up and down the world, and I never did see either a perfect horse or a perfect man, and I never shall until two Sundays come to- gether. — Spukgeon. Jesus, full of pardoning grace. More full of grace than I of sin ; With humble faith I seek thy face, O^Den thine arms, and take me in. Robed in thy perfect righteousness, Thy love for ever will I bless. Angels shall hear the songs I raise, Prolonged thr )ugh heaven's eternal davs ! 360 DECEMBER IS. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. — IsA. liii. 7. AM I patient under suffering, provocation, or in- jury ? Is it not a relief to remember that my heavenly Father feels for me, and that my gracious Redeemer, under far greater sufferings, opened not his mouth ? And under any suffering, no matter what its cause or source, do I endeavor to cherish a Christian spirit, and to be profited by it ? Am I sub- missive and humble under divine chastening, knowing it is sent in wisdom and goodness? Patience governs the flesh, strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride. She teaches humility ; bridles the tongue ; restrains the hand ; tramples on temptations ; endures persecutions ; consummates martyrdom. She comforts the poor ; moderates the rich ; makes us humble in prosperity ; cheerful in adversity ; un- moved by calumny and reproach. She teaches us to forgive those who have injured us, and to be first in asking forgiveness of those whom we have injured. She delights the faithful ; invites the unbelieving ; and is beautiful in every sex and age. — Bishop Hoene. Think of the gain only ; count not the Think of the crown only ; count not the crosses ; Think of the angels surrounding the throne ; Think of the victory, the song, and the crown ; Faint not, and murmur not ; weary not ever ; Soon thou with Christ shall be, reigning for everl DECEMBER 10. 361 But let a man examine himself. — 1 Cor. xi. 28. DO I always keep before me the divine standard of character and duty, and often compare my- self as I am, with what they teach me I ought to be, that I may know where I stand in God's sight, and what progress I am making in divine things ? Do 1 ask for divine light and assistance in seeking to know myself? Am I willing to know the worst, as well as the best, concerning myself? Is the great end of all my self-searching that I may become wiser and better every day ? The first step in moral, as well as in mental improve- ment, is, to know our deficiencies and errors. He that is satisfied with his attainments, will never make progress, either in knowledge or grace. We must know ourselves, if we would improve ourselves. * Turn thine eyes unto thyself, and judge not the deeds of other men. In judging others, one labors in vain, often errs, and easily sins; but in judging him- self, he always labors fruitfally. — Thomas a Kempis. Thrice ask, as fades each sun's last ray. What's been my life throughout this day ? What have I learned, that's worth the knowing? What have I done, that's worth the doing ? What have I sought, that I should shun? What duties have I left undone ? Such self-inquiries are the road, That leads to virtue and to God. — Pythagoras. 362 DECEMBER 20. Let me die the death of the righteous, and Id my last end be like his. — Num. xxiii. 10. DO I realize that if I would make sure of dying the death of the righteous, I must live his life ? And is it my great concern, from day to day, to live by faith on the Son of God ? Do I feel that every day is forming and fixing the character that I must wear for ever ; and that as I sow here, so I must reap hereafter? Am I diligent to make my calling and election sure; sure to myself, that I may have the comfort of assurance ; sure to others, that I may influence them for good? I love the quaint saying of a dying man, who ex- claimed, " I have no fear of going home. I have sent all before. God's finger is on the latch, and I am ready for him to enter." And when asked if he had no fear of missing the heavenly inheritance, " Nay," said he, "there is one crown in heaven which even Gabriel could not wear ; one throne, that even Paul could not fill. It was made for me, and I shall have it!" Oh, what a joyous thought! "There remaineth a rest !" And if I am a child of God, it is as surely mine as if I was there ! — Spurgeon. Kest remaineth ; rest from sin. Where no guilt can enter in ; Where all warring thought shall cease ; Where are purity and peace ; Rest from sorrow ; rest from tears ; Rest from parting ; rest from fears ; Where each trembling thought shall be, Lost, my Saviour, lost in thee ! DECEMBER 21. 363 If Cie Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that. — James iv. 15. DO I bear in mind that as to all my plans and arrangements for the future, God is the su- preme and only arbiter; and that results rest only with him ? Do I ask his guidance in everything, and watch for the indications of his providence, and am I sincerely willing to be led by him? While doing all that I can to secure what seem desirable ends, is it still in humble submission to the divine will, and with the heartfelt conviction and feeling that God knows what is right and wise and best? Unto them that love and trust God, he causeth all things to work for the best.— Covekdale. All our plans should be formed in dependence on God. In all of them we should remember the un- certainty of life, the short-sightedness of our own wis- dom, and that God, as a sovereign, presides over all the affairs of men. We should ask for his guidance, look to his word and providence for direction, and be satis- fied with the results which he orders or permits. If thus we acknowledge him, he will direct our paths. * He leadeth me, oh blessed thought ; Sweet words, with heavenly comfort fraught ; Whate'er I do, where'er I be, Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. Lord, I would clasp thine hand in mine, Nor ever murmur or repine. Content, whate'er my lot may be. Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.— Gilmore 364 DECEMBER 22. Boast not thyself of to-morrow. — Peov. xxvii. 1. REALIZING the uncertainty of the future, am I earnest and diligent in im23roving the present ? Is it my great aim now to be growing in knowledge and grace and usefulness, so that every day shall show some advance in the divine life ? Do I realize the value of time ? Do I watch for opportunities for doing and getting good ? Do I live, habitually, with eternity in view, and so as every day to honor God, and be pre- paring for the life beyond the grave ? Oh ! how many deeds of deathless virtue, and im- mortal crime, the world had wanted, had the actor said, 1 will do this to-morrow. — Loed John Russell. Blessed is the man who at the close of to-day, can look upon all his work as done, and anticipate to- morrow as bringing only what properly belongs to it. All duties, privileges, trials, joys, sorrows, everything we have, we have to-day. Yesterday is gone. To- morrow, is not. Only to-day is ours; and only in to -day do we hold all our possessions. — Bate. In human hearts what bolder thoughts can rise, Than man's presumption on to-morrow's dawn ? Where is to-morrow ? In another world. For numbers this is certain. The reverse Is sure to none. And yet on this "perhaps," This " peradventure," infamous for lies. As on a rock of adamant, we build Our mountain hopes ; spin out eternal schemes, And big with life's futurities, expire ! — Young. DECEMBER 23. 365 Be ready always to give an ansh.e.r to every man that asketh you reason of the hope that is in you. — 1 Pet. iii. 15. AM I intelligently able, and at all suitable times willing, to give a reason for my faith as a Chris- tian? Do I watch against that fear of man which bringeth a snare ; and feel that if I loved and feared God more, I should fear the world less? Knowing that my faith and hope as a Christian rest on the surest foundation, am I ever ready to defend them against either argument, or cavils, or sneers ? Do I glory in the cross of Christ? I know men, and I tell you Jesus Christ is not a man : he is God. And his divinity once admitted, Christianity appears with the precision and clearness of algebra: it has the connectedness and unity of a science. The gospel is more than a book. It is a living thing, active, powerful, overcoming every ob- stacle in its way. It possesses a secret virtue of in- describable efficacy ; a warmth that impresses the understanding, and softens the heart. The scail can never go astray with this book for its guide.— Napo- leon Bonaparte. I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, Or to defend his cause ; Maintain the honor of his name, The glory of his cross. Jesus, my God ! I know his name ; His name is all my trust ; Nor will he put my soul to shame. Nor let my hope be lost. — Watts, 366 DECEMBER U. He hath done all things well. — Maek vii. 37. HAVE I sucli -unfailing trust and confidence in the wisdom and goodness of my heavenly Father, that in all circumstances I can and do feel that he doeth all things well? In joy or sorrow, in comfort or suffering, in health or sickness, in life or death, can I trust him still? And so trusting, can I feel that all things are working together for my highest good? Do I look habitually to him, and live not merely for this, but for the unseen world ? Thankfulness in joy, is putting God into our com- forts ; and resignation in sorrow, is putting God be- tween us and our grief. How satisfied do we feel when we have learned to see the hand of God in every event of life, and to feel that in all he is guided by wisdom and goodness ! He who has learned to seek nothing but the will of God, shall always find what he seeks. If we stand right with heaven, every cross, even, is a blessing, and every blessing a pledge and foretaste of future happiness. — Hall. There are no lives so full of light. That every day and hour is bright. There are no lives so full of gloom. That happiness has there no loom. The prospered have their hours of care The sad and sorrowing everywhere. At times must feel — their only rest — " God knoweth best — he knoweth best 1" DECEMBER 25. 367 Wine is a mocker; strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby, is not icise. — Pp.ov. XX. 1. DO I seriously endeavor in all things to aim at self-control ; and if need be, self-denial, accord- ing to the will of God ? Do I diligently and prayer- fully strive to keep in subjection all the bodily appe- tites and propensities and passions, that they may not have dominion over me ? In eating do I avoid ex- cess? And especially as to drinking, do I "touch not, taste not, handle not," not only that I may not be injured, but that I may set a good examplo to others ? Strong drink is not only the devil's way into a man, but it is man's way to the devil. — Adam ClAPwKE. thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee " Devil !" Oh ! that men should put an enemy to their mouths to steal away their brains, and that we should with joy, revel, pleasure, and applause, traiisfonn oureelve:^ to beasts ! — Shakespeare. The death of modesty ; the grave of wealth ; Reason's destroyer ; murderer of health ; The bane of character ; the beggar's friend ; Of crime, the source ; of self-respect, the end ; The wife's deep anguish ; children's woe and shame ; Degrading men to brutes, in all but name ; Spreading on earth such woes as none can tell ; The curse of all for life ; and then the gate of hell i 368 DECEMBER 26. In lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. — Phil. ii. 3. DO I look constantly to the perfect standard of character and duty set forth in God's law, and so keep low estimates and humble thoughts of self? Whatever my attainments in knowledge or grace or usefulness, do I still remember my ignorance, and sin- fulness, and shortcomings in both aim and duty ? Do I look more to my own defects than my excellences ; more to the excellences of others than to their de- fects ? Do I pray for a truly humble spirit ? When we think most for others, God thinks most of us. — M. Henry. Either we must lay self aside, or God will lay us aside. — Guenall. If men did but know themselves more, they would be more humble, more content, more thankful, more charitable. As the first step heavenward is humility, so the first step hellward, is pride, the beginning of which is folly, and the end shame ; either penitent shame, ending in repentance, or penal shame, ending in everlasting punishment. — J. Mason. Life is a path where we should humbly walk, Of self forgetful, seeking others' weal ; The hallowed sphere of love to brother man. Esteem of others, deeds of kindness shown To all about us, these may bless and cheer Hearts that are weary, souls that are depressed, And gild earth's pathway with the beams of heaven ! DECEMBER 27. 369 Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. — Ps. Ixi. 2. IN all circumstances do I feel my weakness and de- pendence, and seek for strength and support from on high ? By faith do I rest all my hopes of salvation on the rock Christ Jesus ? In darkness, or doubt, or conflict, or sorrow, do I look to him for light, and guidance, and strength and comfort? In duty, under trial, in life or in death, do I look away from self and self-dependence, to the sympathy, and power, and promise of God, and so find rest and help and peace ? The love, the promise, the grace, the power, the in- tercession of Christ are for ever the same ; and to them, as to a strong tower, we may ever run and be safe. As the rock does not shake or change though the storms may beat and the waves dash against it, so he is for ever the sure trust of all that come to him, * If ever thou look for comfort on earth and salva- tion in heaven, put thyself fully and always on Christ. Look not for any blessing out of him ; and in and by and from him, look for all blessing. Find in him thy wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption ; thy riches, strength, and glory. — Rutherford. The road that leads from earth to heaven, Fast by the cross doth lie ; And all our strength its path to tread, Is drawn from strength on high. How little of that road, my soul, How little hast thou gone ! Take heart, and let the thought of God Allure thee further on ! 24 370 DECEMBER 28. Be ye therefore ready also, for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. — Luke xii. 40. DO I realize how near, at farthest, death must be ; how very near it possibly may be ; how sud- denly, at any moment, it may come? Do I endeavor to live in constant readiness for its coming? If I would die the death of the righteous, am I daily living his life ? By sincere repentance for sin, by faith in Christ as the only and all-sufficient Saviour, by a life conformed to his will and filled with his Spirit, have I the evidence that for me to die shall be gain? An eccentric minister, stepping one day into the shop of one of his parishioners, asked abruptly, with- out even waiting for a salutation, " Did you expect me?" " No !" was the reply. " What if I had been death ?" he asked ; and stepping out, was gone as sud- denly as he came in. What a thought for us ! Does it not impress the lesson, " Be ye also ready !" * Death to the Christian, is the funeral of all his sor- rows and evils, and the resurrection of all his joys. — J. Mason. Oh what is death to him who dies, With God's own blessings on his head ? A charter, not a sacrifice ; A life immortal to the dead. And life is only good and great. When man devotes himself to be. In thought, and aim, and word, and deed, A living sacrifice to thee ! DECEMBER 29. 371 When thox- doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. — Matt. vi. 3. DO I always bear in mind that the property 1 hold, is not mine, but God's ; and that I am but his steward, and soon to give up my account to him ? And when I give is it to please him, as well as from a feeling of sympathy for others who may be in need ? Do I watch against selfishness and self-conceit ; against ostentation in giving, which is but another form of pride ; and against covetousness, which is idolatry ? Do I remember that for all I have and do I must answer at the judgment ? God grant that my bounty may be a clear and transparent river, flowing from pure charity, and un- contaminated by self-love, ambition, or interest. What are the paltry gifts for which others forget to thank me, compared with the blessings for which I have so often forgotten to thank God ! — Gotthold. We might somewhat marvel what the apostle Paul should mean, to say that " covetousness is idolatry," if the daily practice of men did not show that, where- as nature requireth God to be honored with wealth, we honor, for the most part, wealth as God. — Hooker. In all thy thriving still misdoubt some evil, Lest gaining gain on thee, and make thee dim To all things else. Wealth is the conjurer's devil, Whom when he thinks he has, the devil hath him. Gold thou mayest safely touch ; but if it stick Unto thine hands, it woundeth to the quick. — Herbert. 372 DECEMBER 30. Trust ye in the Lord for ever ; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. — IsA. xxvi. 4. IS all my trust for time and eternity quietly reposed on God ? Do I trust his word to instruct, his prov- idence to guide, his Son to redeem, his Spirit to sanctify, his grace to save me ? Do I cast my cares on him, and rest my hopes on his promises, and leave all my earthly interests in his hands, and commit my soul to him, in well-doing, as to a faithful Creator and Redeemer ? Do I feel that I am for ever safe, trusting my all to him ? I was thinking this morning of an expression of Rutherford's which I feel is the burden of my song : — " I lay my head on the bosom of Omnipotence." While I can keep hold of this, it will be for me a fine day, whether it rains, or hails, or shines. — R. Cecil. To make our reliance on Providence both pious and rational, we should prepare all things with the same care and diligence as if there were no such thing as Providence to depend upon ; and then we should as wholly and humbly rely upon it, as if we had made no preparation at all, for if we trust God we may be sure of all that Omnipotence can do for us. — South. Trust in a prince, his word may fail ; In friends, they soon shall die ; In health and wealth, the world's regard, Alas ! how soon they fly ! Trust thine own heart, 'tis faithless all ; Thy life, 'tis insecure ; Bit he that trusteth in the Lord, For ever shall endure ! DECEMBER 31. 373 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle. — Job vii. 6. DOES this last day of the year impress me with the solemn truth that life is fast passing away, and that soon I must go to give up my account to God? Realizing the brevity of life, and how fast it is flying, and how soon its end will come, am I diligent to improve it to the utmost ? Do I feel that the end of all things is at hand ? Am I sober, and do I watch unto prayer ? When the Master calls will he find me ready ? There are two words that should take up most of our thoughts and cares, viz. : time and eternity : time, because it is so fast passing away ; eternity, because it will so soon begin ; time, because it will so soon be ended ; eternity, because it never will end. * Our life hangs, at every moment, by a thread ; but that thread is in a Father's hand. — Evans. We are kept at uncertainty as to the precise time of Christ's coming, that we may be always ready. For it is no thanks to a man to be ready for an attack, if he knows, beforehand, just the time when it will be made. — Matthew Heney. Well, if our days must fly. We'll keep their end in sight ; We'll spend them all in wisdom's way, And let them speed their flight. They'll waft us sooner o'er This life's tempestuous sea ; Soon we shall reach the peaceful shore Of blest eternity ! — Watts. INDEX OF TEXTS. GENESLS. PAGE 32:26 289 EXODUS. 14: 15 151 25:22 237 NUMBERS. 23:10 362 DEUTERONOMY. 4:9 90 8:2 67 10:12 64 33:25 130 JOSHUA. 3:4 70 24:15 146 1 SAMUEL. 3:9 2.35 7:12 221 20 : 3 251 2 KINGS. 5:13 71 JOB. 7:29 373 11:7 187 11:12 214 19:26 283 19:28 352 22 : 21 148 23: 16 66 37:21 272 PSALMS. PAGE 1:3 306 4:4 72 4:6 144 5:3 135 5:8 91 16:3 127 16:11 140 17:5 108 17 : 15 52 18:28 42 19:7 2.33 19:14 88 23:1 150 23:4 134 23:6 65 26:8 28 27:7 302 30:5 315 31 :15 171 32: 1 320 32:5 256 36:9 254 37:3 228 37 :5 335 39:1 263 40:4 53 40:8 106 41:1 132 42:5...... 200 48:14 57 50:23 92 51:9 139 51:10 19 51:12 61 51 : 15 63 51:17 219 55:6 26 55:22 25 375 376 INDEX OF TEXTS. PAGE 56:4 120 61 :2 369 n-_>:8 138 62 : 11 160 66: 18. 194 68 : 19 180 84: 11 273 86 : 11 96 86: 11 137 90:12 153 94:14 89 97:11 218 103 : 2 268 103:3 269 107 : 15 Ill 109:4 163 119:15 343 119: 18 321 119:32 195 119:67 82 119:130 45 126 : 3 77 126:16 174 139 :23 231 139:23, 24 38 141:3 169 143:10 39 145:2 199 145:18 183 150:2 331 PROVERBS. 4:23 287 8:17 353 8:25 54 10: 22 295 11 :25 191 15:23 73 15:29 117 16:3 10 16:32 286 17:3 300 18:24 30 20:1 367 21:23 223 23:26 178 24:9 274 27:1 364 28:13 87 ECCLESIASTES. 7:9 162 7:14 , 303 9:8 116 PAGE 9:10 12 12:14 212 SONG OF SOLOMON. 5:2 192 8:5 328 ISAIAH. 2:5 36 14:31 35 24 : 15 107 26:3 158 26:4 372 27:5 55 32 : 20 211 40:28 80 40:29 243 43:19 346 44 : 22 246 45:22 175 53:7 360 55:11 239 57:15 329 64:6 110 64:6 282 JEREMIAH. 17:9 29 29:13 93 LAMENTATIONS. 3:24 141 HOSEA. 2:14 131 JOEL. 2:13 323 3:16 37 A3I0S. 6:1 .'. 275 4 : 12 103 MICAH. 2: 10 205 HABAKKUK. 2 : 3 224 HAGGAI. 1:5 177 INDEX OF TEXTS. 377 ZECHARIAH. page 4:10 165 8: 13 276 9: 12 104 14:7 136 MALACHI. 3:6 12 4:2 325 MATTHEW. 5:9 278 5 : 13 270 5 : 16 220 6:3 371 6:6 155 6:32 49 6:33 197 6 :34 350 7:1 102 7:12 59 7 : 14 188 8:17 226 8 :25 78 9 : 12 253 9:13 318 9:29 255 10 : 32 322 11:28 101 12:33 241 14:27 31 16 : 24 229 19 : 20 232 20:22 85 21:28 105 24:42 58 24:44 123 26:41 41 28:20 209 MARK. 3:35 351 7:37 366 8:36 152 9:24 324 10: 18 359 13:34 114 14:8 113 14:38 356 LUKE. 8:50 149 10:39 207 10:42 181 11:2 173 PAGB 11:3 3.38 11:9 44 11:13 186 12:32 193 12:40 370 12:48 265 14:17 319 16: 10 326 19: 10 222 21:19 46 22:19 216 23:42 294 24:29 142 24:32 296 JOHN. 5:39 9 6:37 260 7:37 342 8:50 293 12:21 252 12:26 179 13: 7 290 13:17 .305 14:6 204 14:15 Ifll 14:19 213 14:27 277 16:20 345 17:17 312 17:21 190 20:28 32 21 :16 IS 21:17 125 21:17 34 ACTS. 3: 19 84 9:6 118 9:11 182 11 :23 69 11:26 .'. 357 14:22 112 16:31 95 26:20 154 ROMANS. 164 172 259 79 250 94 249 217 378 INDEX OF TEXTS. PAGE 8:31 284 8:37 327 10:10 122 11:20 347 11 :83 26() 12:2 208 12: 3 267 12:9 245 12:10 17 12:11 159 12:12 14 12:15 291 13:11 86 14:7 332 15:3 22 16:20 81 1 CORINTHIANS. 3: 18 257 7 : 17 308 7:29 7 7:31 133 9:24 244 10:13 301 11:28 361 13:4 281 13: 13 99 15: 10 333 15:31 339 2 CORINTHIANS. 2: 11 168 3: 5 299 4:13 24 4:17 74 5:7 33 5:10 258 5:14 307 5:17 330 5:18 .' 201 6:1 316 6:2 119 7:6 97 7:10 51 10:5 48 12:7 43 12:9 109 13:5 13 GALATIANS. 2:20 215 4:18 264 6:2 280 EPHESIANS. PAQB 2:14 317 2:16 297 4:1 100 4:23 129 4:30 311 ^:31 230 5:1 98 5:16 247 6 :6 56 6:11 15 PHILIPPIANS. 1:6 248 2:3 368 2:4 271 2:5 121 3:10 20 4:4 313 4:5 76 4:6 62 4:18 124 4:19 115 COLOSSIANS. 2:7 262 2:10 203 3:2 11 3: 15 60 3:23 167 1 THESSALONIANS. 5:17 189 5:22 242 2 THESSALONIANS. 3:13 238 1 TIMOTHY, 1:19 336 2:5 47 4:7 304 4: 15 23 4:16 - 185 6:12 334 2 TIMOTHY. 1:12 285 2:13 279 4:5 196 TITUS. 2:10 17» INDEX OF TEXTS. 379 HEBREWS. PAGE 2:1 340 3:6 83 4:11 349 4:13 355 6: 10 292 10:22 157 10:37 68 10:38 309 11:16 184 12:1 75 12:2 198 12:11 348 12:14 310 13:5 143 13:5 337 13:8 50 JAMES. 1:12 145 1 :21 234 2:26 288 4: 15 363 4:17 341 1 PETER. 1:4 358 2:7 202 PAGE 3:15 365 3:16 16 4:7 176 4:16 126 5:5 40 5:5 128 5:7 147 2 PETER. 1 : 10 3.54 2 :6 225 3:18 236 1 JOHN. 1:7 156 2:6 298 2: 15 344 2: 28 227 3:2 261 3:3 240 4:18 314 5:14 210 REVELATION. 3:8 166 14:5 206 Princeton Theological Semmary-Speet Lib 1 1012 01005 3082 :t m .\.^r rM