i ->=*=- A LAMP THE FEET. PHILADELPHIA: AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION. 1122 Chestnut Street. NEW YORK: 599 BROADWAY. 0 '=0= 0 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by the AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION, , In the Clerk's OflBce of the District Court of the United States for the E{istern District of Pennsylvania. *8« Thy word is a lamp unto my feet. — Ps. cxix. 105. The entrance of thy words giveth light. — Ps. cxix. 130. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. — ^Ps. cxix. 9. -3& Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/lampforfeetOOunse A LAMP FOR THE FEET. January 1. Remember now thy Creator in tlie days of thy youth. — EccL. xii. 1. Behold, now is the accepted time ; behold, now is the day of salva- tion. — 2 Cor. vi. 2. Now, in the heat of youthful blood, Remember your Creator, God, Before the years come hastening on When you shall say. My joys are gone. c ■o JANUARY. J anuary 2. Seek ye the Lord while he may- be found, call ye upon him while he is near. — Isa. Iv. 6. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find. — Matt. vii. 7. Return and come to God, A Cast all your sins away, j i { Seek ye the Saviour's cleansing blood, A ' ^ Repent, believe, obey. ^ J anuary 3. The fear of the Lord is to hate ovil. — PROV, viii. 13. Fear God.— 1 Pet. ii. 17. If you will turn away from sin in childhood's early day, The Lord will make you pure within, And take your guilt away. =4 ^ ' 0 =5^=— JANUARY. 9 January 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. — Ex. xx. 8. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath. — Mark ii. 28. Ob, let me be tbougbtful and prayerful to-day, And not spend a minute in trifling or play, Remembering these seasons were graciously given To teach me to seek and prepare me for He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty. — Prov. xvi. 32. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, ... be put away from you. — Eph. iv. 31. Little children, love each other, Never give another pain ; If your brother speak in anger. Answer not in wrath again. heaven. Januarys. 10 JANUARY. 6- January 6. Thou God seest me. — Gen. xvi. 13. All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. — Heb. iv. 13. Almighty God, thy piercing eye Strikes through the shades of night, And our most secret actions lie All open to thy sight. ■ January 7. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love. — Jer. xxxi. 3. God is love. — 1 John iv. 16. God is love ; his mercy brightens All the path in which we move ; Bliss he grants, and woe he lightens : — God is light, and God is love. JANUARY. 11 January 8. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. — Ps. cxix. 105. Search the Scriptures. — John v. 39. What is it shows my soul the way To realms of everlasting day, And tells the danger of delay ? J It is the precious Bible. January 9. He shall feed his flock like a shep- herd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom. — IsA. xl. 11. I am the good shepherd. — John X. 11. Lord, wilt thou my Shepherd be? Help me, then, to follow thee : At thy feet myself I cast, Thee to serve while life shall last, / =^ —————«= ^ 12 JANUARY. J anuary 10. My son, if sinners entice tliee, .consent thou not. — Peov. i. 10. Flee also youthful lusts : but fol- low righteousness. — 2 Tim. ii. 22. But, lest my feeble steps should slid© Or wander from thy way, Lord, condescend to be my guide, And I shall never stray. J anuary 11. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. — Ps. cxviii. 24. It is lawful to do well on the Sab- bath days. — Matt. xii. 12. How sweet is the Sabbath to me, — The day my Redeemer arose ! 'Tis heaven his beauties to see. And in his soft arms to repose. c /\ JANUARY. 13 J anuary 12. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. — Ex. xx. 7. Swear not at all. — Matt. v. 34. Set thou a watch, 0 Lord, And guard our lips from sin ; And, lest we ever should offend, J Create us pure within. ^ \ 1r January 13. If I am the Lord that healeth thee. —Ex. XV. 26. Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him ; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. — Luke iv. 40. I lay my wants on Jesus, All fulness dwells with him ; He healeth my diseases, He doth my soul redeem. 6 = »<=■ o c ^ o 14 . JANUARY. January 14. It pleased tlie Lord to bruise him. —IsA. liii. 10. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John iii. 16. JL One there is above all others ft if Well deserves the name of Friend ; ^f His is love beyond a brother's, Costly, free, and knows no end. January 15. Labour not to be rich. — Prov. xxiii. 4. For the love of money is the root of all evil.— 1 Tim. vi. 10. I would not live to gather gold Which misers round them hoard ; For he who trusts in riches here Can never please the Lord. C ^ s> o o JANUARY. 15 January 16. I have been young, and now am old : yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. — Ps. xxxvii. 25. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, . . . and all these things shall be added unto you. — Matt. vi. 33. Jesug, take us ia thine arms ; jj { Suffer us to come to thee ; j| ^ 0 With thy blessing, earthly harms P From our path will flee. January 17. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me, — Prov. xxiv. 29. Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. — Matt. v. 39. Great God, forgive whenever we Forget thy will and disagree ; And grant that each of us may find The sweet delights of being kind. 0 =><= o — 16 JANUARY. January 18. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. — Ps. Ixxxiv. 4. And, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. — Luke iv. 16. Today, with pleasure, Christians meet To pray and hear thy word. And I would go, with cheerful feet, ; To learn thy will, 0 Lord. J anuary 19. Have mercy upon me, 0 God, ac- cording to thy loving-kindness. — Ps. li. 1. Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. — Luke xviii. 38. At his feet confess your sin, Seek forgiveness there ; For his blood can make you clean, He will hear your prayer. c =^J=>— ■ JANUARY. J anuary 20. Honour thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. — Ex. xx. 12. Children, obey your parents in the Lord : for this is right. — Eph. vi. 1. But those that worship God, and give Their parents honour due, Shall long on earth in comfort live, And live hereafter too. J anuary 21. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. — Prov. xviii. 24. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatso- ever I command you. — John xv. 14. There is a friend we ought to love More than all friends beside ; His name is Jesus, and his lov© Forever shall abide. 18 JANUARY. J anuary 22. This is his name -whereby he shall be called, The Lord our Righteous- ness. — Jer. xxiii. 6. Thou shalt call his name Jesus : for he shall save his people from their sins. — Matt. i. 21. There is no name so sweet on earth, Xo name so sweet in heaven, — Si The name, before his "wondrous birth, Tf To Christ the Saviour given. January 23. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. — Lev. xix. 18. Love -worketh no ill to his neigh- bour. — Rom. xiii. 10. Love is the grace that keeps her power In all the realms above : There faith and hope are known no more, But saints forever love. — o 19 January 24, He saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth ; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. Job xxxvii. 6. He sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. — Matt. v. 45. The changing seasons he ordains, The early and the latter rains ; His flakes of snow, like wool, he sends, And thus the springing corn defends. January 25. Hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. — Ezek. xx. 20. And they rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment. — Luke xxiii. 56. I'll leave my sports to read and pray, And so prepare for heaven : Oh, may I love this blessed day The best of all the seven i » ^ 20 JANUARY. January 26. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding. — Prov. xiv. 29. Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. — James i. 19. Angry words, — oh, let them never From the tongue unbridled slip ! May the heart's best impulse ever Check them ere they soil the lip ! J anuary 27. Call upon me in the day of trouble : I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.— Ps. 1. 15. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. — James v. 13. The Lord attends when children pray ; A whisper ho can hear ; He knows not only what we say, But what we wish or fear. — =s= ^ JANUARY. 2 January 28. Thou Shalt not kill.— Ex. xx. 13. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. — 1 John iii. 15. " Thou Shalt not kill." May God forgive Each angry word and thought ! That we at peace with all may live, R In lovo to him be brought. ' January 29. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup. — Prov. xxiii. 31. And be not drunk with wine. — Eph. v. 18. The first little drop of strong drink that is taken [know : Is the first step to ruin, e'en children may If the first little drop be in earnest forsaken, We'll never be drunkards, — oli, never! — oh, no! JAXUARY. J anuary 30. BoasL not thyself of to-morrow ; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. — Pro v. xxvii. 1. Ye know not what shall be on the morrow. — James iv. 14. To-morro-^v, Lord, is thine, Lodged in thy sovereign hand ; And if its sun arise and shine, It shines by thy command. J January 31. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him. — Isa. It. 7. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. — .John vi. 37. Little children, come to Jesus, See him still inriting stand; Hark ! he bids yon leave destraction, Calls you to the better land. o =^>=— FEBRUARY February 1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to • the house of God. — Eccl. v. 1. My house shall be called the house of prayer. — Matt. xxi. 13. In the house of ray God, iix his presence and fear, When I worship to-day, may it all be sincere ! In the school when I learn, may I do it with ji care, [there. X IT And be grateful to those who watch over me if February 2. Create in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew a right spirit within me. — Ps. li. 10. Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. — Matt. viii. 2. The Lord can change this evil heart, And give a holy mind, And his own heavenly grace impart, Which those who seek shall find. t 6 — o 23 O =0= o 24 FEBRUAEY. Februaxy 3. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean. — — EzEK. xxxvi. 25. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. — 1 John i. 7. Just as I am, — and waiting not 1 1 To rid my soul of one dark blot, — . > XX To thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, « I ' 0 Lamb of God, I come ! ' I February 4. Keep thy heart with all diligence ; for out of it are the issues of life. — Prov. iv. 23. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. — Matt. xii. 3-4. Oh, may my heart, by grace renewed, Be my Redeemer's throne ! And be my stubborn will subdued His government to own I o 6 =^1= FEBRUARY. 25 February 5. Thou shalt not steal. — Ex. xx. 15. Let him that stole steal no more ; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is go.od, that he may have to give to him that needeth. — Eph. iv. 28. I know I should not steal, nor use The smallest thing I see, Which I should never like to lose If it belong'd to me. February 6. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. — Prov. XV. 3. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight. — Heb. iv. 13. If I could find some cave unknown. Where human feet had never trod, Yet there I should not be alone : — On every side there would be God. (\^ — =4^= ^ 26 FEBRUARY. February 7. A soft answer turnetli away wrath ; but grievous words stir up anger. — PrOV* XV. 1. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. — James iii. 2. Kind words can never die : Heaven gave them birth ; "Wing'd with a smile, they fly j All o'er the earth. " i It February 8. J Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it ; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it. — IsA. Ivi. 2. And when the Sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue. — Mauk vi. 2. May we improve our Sabbaths more, And thus for heaven prepare ; That we raaj'- spend, when life is o'er. An endless Sabbath there. FEBRUARY. 27 February 9. H*o, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat. — ISA. Iv. 1. If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. — John vii. 37. ' , This spring with living water flows, And heavenly joy imparts : , L Come, thirsty souls, your wants disclose, JL ' f And drink with thankful hearts. TT February 10. And gave them bread from heaven. — Neh. ix. 15. And Jesus said, I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me shall never hunger ; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. — John vi. 35. Ye wretched, hungry, starving poor, Behold ?!f royal feast ! "Where mercy spreads her bounteous store For every humble guest. c — — =^ 6 2^5 FEBRUARY. February 11. For I have saiiaied the "vreary soul, and I hare replenished eyery sorrow- ful scul. — Jek. xxxi. 25. Come unto me. all je that labour and are heary laden, and I will give YOU rest. — Matt. xi. 2S. Come, yo vrearr. heavy kiden. Bruised and mangled by the fall : If y:-j tarry till you're better, He that, covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and lorsaketh them shall hare mercy. — Prov, xxviii. 13. If we confess our sins, he is faith- ful and just to forgive us our sins. — 1 John i. 9. All yonr sins to Him confessing Who is ready to f:rgive, Seek the Sav::ur s richest blessing. On his pre<:ioiis name believe. u vriil never come at ail. February 12. ir O o FEBRUARY. 29 February 13. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. — Ex. xx. IG. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour. — Eph. iv. 25. Lord, if e'er I dare to speak Words of falsehood, check my tongue, Lest I sin against thy laws J ^ By committing what is wrong. J I February 14. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe. — Ps. cxix. 117. And beginning to sink, he cried, saying. Lord, save me. And imme- diately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him. — Matt. xiv. 30, 31. We are thine : do thou defend us ; Be the guardian of our way ; Keep thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray. C— =^ s> o = ^ o so FEBRUARY. February 15. If thou turn away thy foot froia the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day ; and call the Sab- bath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable ; ... then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high j , places of the earth, and feed thee , , if with the heritage of Jacob thy father, —IsA. Iviii. 13, 14. February 16. There shall come a Star out of Jacob. — Num. xxiv. 17. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morn- ing star. — Rev. xxii. 16. Hark ! hark ! to God the chorus breaks From every host, from every gem ; But one alone the Saviour speaks, — It is the Star of Bethlehem. c =«= — — 6 O 1 = ^ 0 FEBRUARY. 31 February 17. I love them that love me ; and those that seek me early shall find me. — Prov. viii. 17. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. — John xiv. 21. Early let' us seek thy favour, Early let us do thy will ; I noly Lord, our only Saviour, i { With thy grace our bosoms fill. > k ' February 18. ' He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and ac- quainted with grief. — Isa. liii. 8. . . . Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. — 2 Cor. viii. 9. He came to earth from heaven, To weep and bleed and die, That we might be forgiven And raised to God on high. 0 =i^= s> FEB?.rAE.Y FcbmBTy 19. >^ he was iheir SaTiour. — Isa. IxiiL 8. This is ft f&iflifial saying, ani woTthy of an acceptation, thai Chrii i Jesus came into the world to s^ve sinners. — 1 Tim. L 15. . Skiiuiu, me? In my heart to than. Febniaz720. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter. — Isa. liiL 7. ' Behold the Lamb of Ciod, which the sin of the world. — 1^ 5 'f — ^ came from, the sky, ; 1 ■ _ 5 : tt: - naiFd to the tree. O 0 FEBRUARY. 33 February 21. Thou shalt not covet thy neigh- bour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man- servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. — Ex. xx. 17. Take heed, and beware of covet- ousness. — Luke xii. 15. ^ ^ " Thou shalt not covet," God has said ; j L i But be content with what TT He, in his sovereign will, has made The portion of thy lot. February 22. We will go into his tabernacles : we will worship at hia footstool. — Ps. cxxxii. 7. Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. — Luke xi. 28. Come, worship at his throne ; Come, bow before the Lord ; We are his work, and not our own, He form'd us by his word. C =5p 6 31 c:^ FEBRUARY. February 23. In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. — Ps. cxx. 1. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. — Rom. X. 13. The Spirit says, "Come!" his gentle voice hear; To-day pray for pardon, while Jesus is near : JL Come and welcome to Jesus while he is so A f near. )f February 24. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. — Ps. cxix. 18. Then opened he their understand- ing, that they might understand the Scriptures. — Ltjke xxiv. 45. Oh, let thy word instruct my heart, And guide me all my days ! Its wonders. Lord, to me impart. And thou shalt have the praise. O V FEBRUARY. 35 February 25. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. — Ps. cxix. 11. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. — Col. iii. 16. How shall the young secure their hearts And guard tlieh- lives from sin ? Thy word the choicest rules imparts , To keep the conscience clean. V February 26. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat ; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink. — Pro v. xxv. 21. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give him drink. — Rom. xii. 20. And when his foes assail'd him, He sought but to forgive ; [that we might live : When to the cross they nail'd him, He died This bright example shows us What duties to fulfil, [will! Oh, may it now arouse us To learn and do his O ' ' =11== N> 36 FEBRUARY. February 27. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.— Prov. xviii. 19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace. — Rom. xiv. 19. Be kind to each other : The night's coming on, J When friend and when brother * Perchance may be gone. February 28. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love. — Prov. xvii. 9. Charity shall cover the multitude of sins. — 1 Pet. iv. 8. Little deeds of kindness, Little words of love, Make our earth an Eden Like to that above. <^ =^^= — ^ FEBRUARY— MARCH. 37 February 29. Lea;p-Year. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed. — Lam. iii. 22. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise. . . ; but is long-suffering to US-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. — 2 Pet. iii. 9. I Oh, bless the Lord, my sonl, Jl His mercies bear in mind ; jj. If Forget not all His benefits T Who is to thee so kind. . March 1. Holiness becometh thine house, 0 Lord, forever. — Ps. xciii. 5. The temple of God is holy. — 1 Cor. iii. 17. As we meet, thy name to praise, Let us feel thy presence near ; May thy glory meet our eyes While we in thy house appear ; Here afford us. Lord, a taste Of our everlasting feast. 6 0> c — 38 MARCH. March 2. Enter not into tlie patli of the wicked, and go not in the. way of evil men. — Prov. iv. 14. Destruction and misery are in their ways. — ^Eom. iii. 16. Many voices seem to say, " Hither, children, here's the way ; Ah, but whither would ye lead? Is it happiness indeed? Or a little shining show. Leading down to death and woe? March 3. The path of the just is as the shin- ing light, that shineth morb and more unto the perfect day. — Prov. iv. 18. 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. The ways of truth are ways of bliss. And all her paths are happiness : Then, weary souls, your sighs give o'er, — We're going home, to die no more. — =5^= o MARCH. 39 ji Nor pardon ofi'er'd to the dead. Jj T March 5. T March 4. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. — Eccl. ix. 10. Not slothful in business ; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. — PtOM. xii. 11. Let me improve the hours I have, Before the day of grace is fled : There's no repentance in the grave, Nor pardon ofi'er'd to the dead. March 5. • The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich. — Prov. x. 22. Blessed are they that do his com- mandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. — Rev. xxii. 14. Jesus, take us in thine arms ; Suffer that we come to thee ; With thy blessing, earthly harms From our path will flee. . : 40 MA lie II. Marcil 6. Hatred stirreth up strifes : but love covereth. all sins. — Prov. x. 12. Charity suffereth long, and is kind. — 1 Cor. xiii. 4. All the fairest, tlie fondest, the purest that met, [get : Ever still found the need to forgive and for- Then, oh, though the hopes that we nomish'd a decay, Let us love one another as long as we may ! y March 7. Who is able to stand before envy ? — Prov. xxvii. 4. Charity envieth not. — 1 Cor. xiii. 4. " Thou shalt not covet." Each desire For what another holds. Is adding fuel to the fire Of envy in our souls. ^ =^ o MARCH. 41 March 8. In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day. —Ex. XX. 11. ^ And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. — Heb. iv. 4. Oh, welcome the day, — 1 1 The Sabbath day returning ! \ XX Sweet day of rest ! — we love it best : J k ' Oh, welcome the day ! ' March 9. In the way of righteousness is life ;' and in the pathway thereof there is no death.— Peov. xii. 28. Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. — John xi. 26. There is a path that leads to God, , All others go astray ; Narrow bnt pleasant is the road, And Chi'istians love the way. c =ii^~ — - — — 6 MARCH. March 10. He giveth his beloved sleep. — Ps. cxxvii. 2, After that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.— John xi. 11, Asleep in Jesus ! — blessed sleep, From -which none ever wakes to weep, — A calm and undisturb'd repose, Unbroken by the last of foes. ^ March 11. ^ ^ Though after my skin worms de- > * stroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. — Job xix. 26. The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall* hear his voice, and shall come forth. — John v. 28, 29. Blest Saviour, grant it by thy grace, — JjQ thou my only hiding-place In tiiis the accepted day ; And, when the archangel's trump shall sound, Let me among thy saints be found. And see thy smiling face. =^<=>- — ^ MARCH. 43 March 12. \The judgment was 'set, and the books were opened. — Dax. Tii. 10. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God ; and the books were opened. — Rev. xx. 12. How careful, then, I ought to live ! — With what religious feai- ! — "Who such a strict account must give For all my conduct here ! March 13. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. — Dan. xii. 2. And these shall go away into ever- lasting punishment: but the right- eous into life eternal. — Matt.xxv. 4G. Show me the way to shun Thy dreadful wrath severe, That, when thou comest on thy throne, I may with joy appear. * o =^ o 44: MAECH. MarcH 14. And thej that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. — Dan. xii. 3. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. — Matt. xiii. 43. But to those v/ho have confess'd, Loved and served theu' Lord below, He will say, " Come near, ye bless'd," Jl See the kingdom I bestow : If You forever Shall my love and glory know. Marcil 15. The Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces. — Isa. xxv. 8. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. — Rev. xxi. 4. Oh, we love to come to our Sabbath-home, And learn of our teachers dear, "Who point us with love to our home above, And the joys that await us there. (S O MARCH. 45 March 16. \ Tliy people also shall be all righteous. — Isa. Ix. 21. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, nei- ther whatsoever worketh abomina- tion, or maketh a lie. — Rev. xxi. 27. In that bright land no sin is found, But all are happy there ; . Jt And youthful voices there shall join J ^ T With the angelic choir. IT March 17. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty. — Isa. xxxiii. 17. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. — Matt. v. 8. On earth they sought the Saviour's grace, On earth they loved his name ; So now they see his blessed face And stand before the Lamb, — Singing, Glory, glory, Glory be to God on high. V =><=>— S> - — ^ — ^ — — ^ 46 MARCH. March 18. If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. — Ps. Ixii. 10. Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches- to enter into the kingdom of God ! — Mark x. 24. If I am rich, He'll guard my heart Temptation to AYithstand, JL And make me willing to impart Jl Tr The bounties of his hand. T March 19. Is any thing too hard for the Lord? — Gen. xviii. 14. With God all things are possible. — Mark x. 27. My times are in thy hand : Why should I doubt or fear ? My Father's love will never cause Ills child a needless tear. o — =^ o 47 March 20. And he said, Thou canst not see my face ; for there shall no man see me and live. — Ex. xxxiii. 20. No man hath seen God at any time. — John i. 18. ■\yiien I sleep and when I wake, When my daily walks I take, Though my eyes no God can see, As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness. — Ps. xvii. 15. And they shall see his face. — Rev. xxii. 4. Oh, how happy we shall be ! For our Saviour we shall see Exalted on his throne. Oh, that will be joyful When wo meet to part no more ! Still he ever looks at me. March 21. 48 MARCH. March 22. One tiling have I desired of the Lord, that Tvill I seek after ; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. — Ps. xxvii. 4. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. — Rev. xxi. 22. Happy day ! liappy day ! ijp Here in thy courts we'll gladly stay, " And at thy footstool humbly pray That thou "svouldst take our sins away. Happy day ! happy day ! When Christ shall wash our sins away. March 23. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. — Ps. xcii. 1. Be ye thankful. — Col. iii. 15. Thanks to our heavenly Father, Though angels tune his praise, Ho will permit his children Their humhle song to raise. = ^ s > MAKCH. 49 4 March 24. Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. — Prov. xx. 20. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promis-e. — Eph. vi. 2. Teach us for our friends to pray, And our parents to obey ; Richest blessings from above ; Give them for their tender love. March. 25. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger ; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. — Prov. xix. 11. -*-L_Even as Christ forgave you, so 'also do ye. — Col. iii. 13. When, for some little insult given, My angry passions rise, I'll think how Jesus came from heaven And bore his injuries. 50 MARCH. March 26. He that hath pity upcn the poor lendeth unto the Lord ; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. — Prov. xix. 17. God loveth a cheerful giver. — 2 Cor. ix. 7. I want to be like Jesus, I Engaged in doing good ; So that of me it may be said, J I U " She hath done what she could." T March 27. Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work bepure, and whether it be right. — Proy. xx. 11. ^ Ye shall know them by their fruits. — Matt. vii. 16. The lambs of Jesus. — ^who are they But children that believe and pray, That keep God's laws and ask his grace, And seek a heavenly dweUing-place ? O ^ s> — >i — M AS OIL March 28. The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him. — Ezra viii. 22. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.— EoM. viii. 28. Hell lead you in the pleasant way Of holiness and peace, jl And guide you thus to endless day, [f Where sin and sorrow cease. March. 29. Sunday. Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day. — Jer. xvii. 21. They came to Antioch . . ., and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. — Act?s xiii. 14. To-day we lay our toils aside, Our studies and our play ; Far better things doth God proYido For this, his holy day. 54 APRIL. April 3. His mercy endureth forever. — Ps. cxxxvi. 1. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. — Luke vi. 36, With grateful praise we will proclaim The mercies of our God, And sing the glories of His name Who bought us with his blood. April 4, Unto thee have I cried, 0 Lord. — Ps. Ixxxviii. 13. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. — Luke vi. 12. My Father, when I come to thee, I would not only bend the knee, But with my spirit seek thy face, With my whole heart desire tiiy grace. O =0= APRIL. 55 April 5. The seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation : ye shall do no work therein. — Lev. xxiii. 3. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them. — Acts xx. 7. Once more we keep the sacred day That saw the Saviour rise ; Once more we tune our thankful song To Him that rules the skies. April 6. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. — Num. vi. 26. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always. — 2 Thess. iii. 16. Unmingled joys are thine to give, And undecaying peace ; For thou canst teacn us so to live That life shall never cease. 56 APRIL. AprilJ. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. — Is a. Ivii. 21. The way of peace have they not known. — Eom. iii. 17. I was troubled with my burden, Hard it was to bear ; Rest I sought, but could not find it, Peace I could not share, Till I sought and found my Saviour : Now he's dear to me ; And, as others loved and praised him, So it is vdth me. April 8. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. — Ezek. xxxiii. 11. God our Saviour ; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. — 1 Tim. ii. 4. To-day the Saviour calls : Yo wanderers, come I 0 ye benighted souls, Why longer roam ? — . =s= 9 APllIL. 57 April 9. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways ; for why will yo'Jie ? — Ezek. xxxiii. 11. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. — Luke 32. Oh, say not, " I v^ill yet delay To seek God's offer'd grace When Jesus, with a voice of love, Says now, " Seek thou my face." April 10. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep. — Prov. xix. 15. Be not slothful.— Heb. vi. 12. Awake, my soul, and with the sun Thy daily stage of duty run ; Shake off dull sloth, and early rise To pay thy morning sacrifice. c = ^ I 5S APKIL. April 11. An idle soul shall suffer hunger. — Proy. xix. 15. For -we hear that there are some ^hich -svalk among you disorderly, working not at all. — 2 Thess. iii. 11. In works of labour or of skill I would be busy too ; For Satan finds some mischief still J |j For idle hands to do. ^ ^ April 12. SuTiday. And they shall come, . . . bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the Lord. — Jek. xvii. 26. Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, . . . giving thanks to his name. — Heb. xiii. 15. To thy temple I repair : May i love to worship there ! TThile thy glorious praise is sung, Touch my lips, unloose my tongue. o o APEIL. 1 59 April 13. Surely lie liath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. — Is a., liii. 4. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. — Heb. ix. 28. Before he left this world of woe, On Calvary he died ; Ji His blood for us did freely flow If Forth from his wounded side. I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. — Ps. xxxix. 12. They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. — Heb. xi. 13. I'm a pilgrim, and I'm a stranger, I can tarry, I can tarry but a night. April 14. o 60 APEIL. April 15. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. — EzEK. xviii. 4. The wages of sin is death. — Rom. vi. 23. Child of sin and sorrow, why wilt thou die ? Come while thou canst borrow help from on high; Grieve not that love Which, from above, ^ ^ Child of sin and sorrow, would bring thee nigh. April 16. Whoso findeth me findeth life. — Prov. yiii. 35. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. — Rom. vi. 23. Come, said Jesus' sacred voice, Come, and make my paths yom' choice ; I will guide you to your home : Weary wanderer, hither come. =^^= o ■ — — A PHIL. — 0 61 April 17. Ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons forever. It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover. — Ex. xii. 24, 27. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. — 1 CoK. v. 7. Which of all onr friends, to save us, Could or would have shed his blood? J But this Saviour died to have us 1 Keconciled in him to God. April 18. He hath poured out his soul unto death. — Isa. liii. 12. Christ died for our sins accord- ing to the Scriptures. — 1 Cor. xv. 3. Teach me to sing the Saviour's love, Which brought him from his throne above, And made him suffer, bleed, and die For sinful creatures such as I. April 19. On that day shall the priest make an atonement for you. — Lev. xvi. 30. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he ap- peared first to Mary Magdalene. — Mauk xvi. 9. This is the day "when Jesus broke jS The powers of death and hell ; Ji X ? And shall I still -wear Satan's yoke, * p V And love my sins so well ? ■ April 20. Thus saith the high and lofty One, ... I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit. — Is a. Ivii. 15. Be clothed with humility. — 1 Pet. V. 5. In a modest, humble mind God himself will take delight ; Bnt the proud and haughty find They are hateful in his sight. o = ^ -<4I= ^ APRIL. 63 April 21. He shall save the humble person. — Job xxii. 29. God resist eth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. — James iv. 6. 'Tis humility will last, Fail- and sweet, when beauty's past ; And the Saviour, from above, Yiews a humble child with love. ^ April 22. Y Oh, remember that my life is wind. — Job vii. 7. For what is your life ? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. — James iv. 14. Oh, how fleeting:, oli, how fleeting Is our earthly being! Like a mist in autumn weather, (jrather'd in an hour together, And as soon dispersed forever. t -=^5= o o — ^ ^ 64 APRIL. April 23. Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields. — Job v. 10. He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons — Acts xiv. 17. GrocI sends upon the earth The kind refreshing rain ; J) To heaven, from whence it fell, ft It turns not back again, But waters earth through every pore, And calls forth all her secret store. April 24. Like as a father pitieth his chil- dren, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. — Ps. ciii. 13. The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. — James v. 11. The pity of the Lord, To those that fear his name, Is such as tender parents feel : He knows our feeble frame. — 0> APRIL. 65 April 25. And the Lord turned the cap- tivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends. — Job xlii. 10. Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. — James v. 16. Teach us, 0 Lord, to pray aright, Thy grace to us impart, That we in prayer may take delight, And servo thee with the heart. April 26. Sunday, I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. — Ps. Ixxxiv. 10. That thou may est know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God. — 1 Tim. iii. 15. When to the house of God we go, To hear his word and sing his love, We ought to worship him below As do the saints iip heaven above. =^ ^ 6G APEIL. Aprj^ 27. I have gone astray like a lost sheep. — Ps. cxix. 176. Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shep- herd and Bishop of your souls. — 1 Pet. ii. 25. The Lord is my Shepherd, my Guardian, my Guide, Whatever I want he will sm-ely provide ; jl To sheep of his pasture his mercies abound, His care and protection his flock shall sm-- round. April 28. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy. — Ps. xxxiii. 18. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous. — 1 Pet. iii. 12. Among the deepest shades of night Can there be one who sees my way ? Yes ; God is like a shining light That turns the darkness into day. APRIL. ? 67 April 20. Ob, taste and see that the Lord is good! — Ps. xxxiv. 8. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. — 1 Pet. ii. 3. Oh, come, and with his children taste The blessings of his love, While hope attends the sweet repast j Of nobler joys above. A Y April 30. T I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. — Job xxiii. 12. As new-born babes, desire the sin- cere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. — 1 Pet. ii. 2. Holy Bible ! book divine ! Precious treasure ! thou art mine ! — Mine to tell me whence I came ; Mine to teach me what I am. 0 ^ o TO :iAT. May 5. Wilt tliou not from this t?ine cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth ? — Jee. iii. 4. He will guide you into ail truth. — John xvi. 13. Yes, blesse-i Jesus, we'll come ucto thee: Tlion our Protector and SaTiour sbalt be : Guide us, dear Saviour, through life's dreary *Soon shall -vre come to that glorious dav [way ; j* "NVlien sin and sorrow shall vanish away : — ' ' Oh, we wiE come ! we will come ! May 6. And the woman said. The serpent beguiled me. and I did eat. — Gen. iii. 13. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. — Matt. xxtI. 41. Sin has a thousand treacherous arts To practise on the mind : With fiattering looks she tempts our hearts. But leaves a^sting behind. 1 =^ 6 o — =^ o MAY. 71 May 7. ~ The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul, — 1 Sam. xviii. 1. Beloved, let us love one another : for love is of God. — 1 John iv. 7. Lot us love one another : not long may we stay [life's day : A In this brief world of mourning, so short is . L (f Let us love one another as long as we may. IT May 8. With their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. — Ezek. xxxiii. 31. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue ; but in deed and in truth. — 1 John iii. 18. Be you to others kind and true, As you'd have others be to you, And neither do nor say to men Whato'er you would not take again. 0 g =>r = O o ^ o 72 MAY. May 9. Then Moses said unto them, Take you a lamb, and kill the passover. — Ex. xii. 21. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. — John i. 29. I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God ; JL He feears them all. and frees us Jt TT From the accursed load. IT May 10. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house. — Ps. xxxyi. 8. Now Peter and John went up to- gether into the temple at the hour of prayer. — Acts iii. 1. TVc to thy sacred house of prayer "With gratitude would oft repair, To adore thy name, and seek thy face, And hear the mes^aares of grace. O =«=^ s> o =^*= . MAY. 73 May 11. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me. — Ps. XXV. 5. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. — 3 John 4. Jesus, my Saviour and my Lord, To thee I lift mine eyes ; I Teach and instruct mo by thy word, And make me truly wise. v May 12. Learn to do -well. — Isa. i. 17. He that doeth good is of God : but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.— 3 John 11. The lambs of Jesus, — they are meek, The words of peace and truth thoy speak ; To all God's creatures they are kind, And, like their Lord, of gentle mind. 6- 74 MAY. May 13. Depart from evil, and do good. — Ps. xxxvii. 27. Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. — 3 John 11. The road that many travel Is not the road for me ; [not be : It leads to death and sorrow, In it I would But there's a road that leads to God, 'Tis mark'd by Christ's most precious blood : i The passage here is free, — ; Oh, that's the road for me ! May 14. The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee Zech. xiv.5. The Lord cometh with ten thou- sand of his saints. — Judb 14. Lo ! he comes, with clouds descending, Once for favour'd sinners slain ; Thoiisand, thousand saints, attending, Swell the triumph of his train : nallelujahl God appears on earth to reign. o =^ o MAY. 75 May 15. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven. — Dan. vii. 13. Behold, he cometli with clouds: and every eye shall see him E,EV.i.7. Oh, may I then with joy appear Before the Judge's face, Jl And, with the bless'd assembly there, Jl y Sing his redeeming grace. IT May 16. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork. — Ps. xix. 1. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen. — Eom. i. 20. I sing the wisdom that ordain'd The sun to rule the day ; The moon shines full at his command, And all the stars obey. 76 MAY. May 17. Sunday. Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary : I am the Lord. — Lev. xix. 30. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. — Rev. i. 10. This is the day of holy rest, The Sabbath day which thou hast blest ; Oh, may we all thy will obey, K ♦ And holy keep the Sabbath day. f May 18. If Thou visitest the earth, and wa- terest it : ... thou makest it soft with showers. — Ps. Ixv. 9, 10. When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There Cometh a shower; and so it is. — Luke xii. 54. He sends his showers of blessing down, To cheer the plain below; He makes the grass the mountains crown, And corn in vallevs grow. c o O =55= 0 MAY. 77 May 19. I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. — Gen. ix. 13. And there was a rainbow round about the throne. — Rev. iv. 3. He bids his galea the fields deform ; Then, when his thunders cease, jl He paints his rainbow on the storm. Si ^ And lulls the winds to peace. ^ May 20. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. — Isa. i. 18. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. — Rev. vii. 14. Now, for thy tender mercy's sake. Forgive my past delay. And in thine own redeeming blood Wash all my sins away. C ^ s> •8 MAY. May 21. The voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her. — Isa. Ixv. 19. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. — Rev. vii. 17. There sin is known no more, Nor tears, nor want, nor care ; There good and happy beings dwell, And all are holy there. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. — Ps. cxlv. 17. They rest not day and night, say- ing, Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty. — Key. iv. 8. Our Father in heaven, We hallow thy name ! May thy kingdom holy On earth be the same ! May 22. c =^ o MAY. 79 May 23. Set a 'watcli, 0 Lord, before my mouth ; keep the door of my lips.-— Ps. cxli. 3. The tongue can no man tame. — James iii. 8. I want to be like Jesus, So lowly and so meek ; For no one mark'd an angry word That ever heard him speak. jy 11 May 24. f I will offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy ; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. — Ps. xxvii. 6. Children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David. — Matt. xxi. 15. Ilosannas were by children sung When Jesus was on earth ; Then surely we are not too young To sound his praises forth. c =5= 0 0 o 80 MAY. May 25. Thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found writ- ten in the book. — Dan. xii. 1. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life. — Rev. iii. 5. 1 In thy fair book of life divine, , i s Great God, inscribe my name ; j x Y There let it l3ear some humble place y Beneath my Lord the Lamb. May 26. The Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords. — Deut. x. 17. The Lamb shall overcome them : for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. — Hev. xvii. 14. All hail the Saviour, Prince of Peace ! Let saints before him fall ; Let sinners seek his pardoning grace, And crown him Lord of all. O =0=>— — s> O =0= o MAY. 81 May 27. In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at mid- night, and pass away Job xxxiv. 20. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments. — Rev. xvi. 15. Help me to watch and pray, I And on thyself rely ; , s S Assured, if I my trust betray, j t \ I shall forever die. May 28. With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. — Isa. xii. 3. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. — Rev. xxi. 6. The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day, And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away. C =^ o 6 82 MAY. May 29. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants. — Ps. xxxiv. 22. Ye were not redeemed with cor- ruptible things, as silver and gold, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ.— 1 Pet. i. 18, 19. I bring my guilt to Jesus, To wash my crimson stains Si White in his blood most precious, Jt Tr Till not a spot remains. IT May 30. Ask for the old paths, . . . and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. — Jer. vi. 16. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; ... and ye shall find rest unto your souls. — Matt. xi. 29. Rest for my soul I long to find, Saviour of all, if mine thou art; Give me thy meek and lowly mind, And stamp thine image on my heart. O = ^ O =IJ=>— MAY— JUNE. ? 83 May 31. Be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools. — Eccl. v. 1. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must "worship him in spirit and in truth. — John iv. 24. We dare not trifle now ; In silent awe we bow : Check every wandering thought, And let us all be taught To serve thee as we ought On this thy holy day. June 1. Thou hast made summer. — Ps. Ixxiv. 17. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? — John iv. 85. The flowery spring, at thy command, Embalms the air and paints the land ; The summer rays with vigour shine, . To raise the corn and cheer the vine. June 2. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted. — Isa. liii. 7. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well. — John iv. 6. We loA'e to sing of Jesus, Who wept our path along ; We love to sing of Jesus, L The tempted and the strong June 3. The Lord God is a sun. — Ps. Ixxxiv. 11. And there shall be no night there ; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun ; for the Lord God giveth them light. — PwEv. xxii. 5. There's the city to which I journey; My Redeemer, my Kedeemer is its light ; There the glory is ever shining : I am longing, I am longing for the sight. JUNE. 85 J une 4. And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick. — Isa. xxxiii. 24. Neither shall there be any more pain. — Rev. xxi. 4. Pain and sickness ne'er shall enter, Grief nor woe my lot shall share, But in that celestial centre I a crown of life shall wear. h June 5. \ * Behold, thy salvation cometh ; be- hold, his reward is with him. — Isa. Ixii. 11. Behold, I come quickly ; and my reward is with me. — Eev. xxii. 12. Soon our Saviour will return Triumphant in the skies : Yet a season, and, you know, Happy entrance will be given. All our sorrows left below, And earth exchanged for heaven. V — O 86 JUNE. June 6. Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. — Isa. ii. 6. I am the light of the world: he that foUoweth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. — John viii. 12. Thou of life the fountain art, , Freely let me take of thee; A ii Spring thou up within my heart, 5|? ' Rise to all eternity. ' J une 7. And God blesse(J the seventh day, and sanctified it. — Gen. ii. 3. The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. — Mark ii. 27. Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns So sweet a rest to wearied minds, Draws us away from earth to heaven, And gives this day the food of seven. t- ^ sl> JUNE. 87 June 8. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.— Gen. ii. 7. The first man is of the earth, earthy. — 1 Cor. xv. 47. I am the creature of the Lord, I He made me by his powerful word ; 4^ This body, in each curious part, «k ^ Was form'd by his unerring art. June 9. Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. — Gen. iii. 19. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. — 1 Cor. XV. 22. My body is of little worth, 'Twould soon be mingled with the earth ; For we were made of clay, and must Again, at death, return to dust. c 88 JUNE. June 10. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, 0 Lord, who shall stand ? — Ps. cxxx. 3. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.— Kom. iii. 23. Lord, I would come to thee, A sinner all defiled ; Oh, take the stain of guilt away, And own me as thy child I June 11. There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. — Ps. cxxx. 4. Forgive us our sins. — Luke xi. 4. For Christ's sake, 0 God, forgive us 1 Guide us to that happy home Wliere the Saviour will receive us, And where sin can never come ! JUNE. 89 June 12. And Enoch walked with God. — Gen. v. 24. If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him. — John xiv. 23. Let the sweet hope that thou art mine My life and death attend ; Thy presence through my journey shine, And crown my journey's end. June 13. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me. — Ps. xxiii. 4. Lo, I am with you alway. — Matt, xxviii. 20. And art thou my Father above ? Will Jesus abide in my heart ? Oh, bind me so fast with thy love That I never from thee shall depart ! =^5= 0> 90 JUNE. June 14. A day in thy courts is better tlian a thousand. — Ps. Ixxxiv. 10. And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. — Acts xiii. 44. Jesus, we lovo to meet On this thy holy day To worship round thy seat , I On this thy holy day : , , J s Thou tender, heavenly Friend, xk I To thee our prayers ascend : ' ' O'er our young spirits bend. June 15. God will provide. — Gen. xxii. 8. Be careful for nothing Phil. iv. 6. Though dark be my way, Since ho is my guide, 'Tis mine to obey, 'Tis his to provide ; His way was much rougher And darker than mine: * Did Jesus thus suffer ? And shall I repine ? c ^ o JUNE. — o 91 June 16. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. — Prov. iii. 6. The Lord direct your hearts. — 2 Thess. iii. 5. 0 Jesus, delight of my soul ! My Saviour, my Shepherd divine, 1 yield to thy blessed control, My body and spirit are thine. ' Jj^^ f June 17. T And there was set meat before him to eat : but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. — Gen. xxiv. 33. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. — John iv. 34. Father, guide our steps aright In the way that Jesus trod ; May it be our great delight To obey thy will, 0 God ! S> JUNE. June 18. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I -will answer ; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. — Isa. Ixv. 24. For every one that asketh re- ceiveth. — Luke xi. 10. Lord, teach a sinful child to pray, Jt And then accept my prayer ; Jl IT For thou canst hear the words I say, '|f For thou art everywhere. June 19. "Who healeth all thy diseases. — Ps. ciii. 3. Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. — Matt. viii. 17. Thou, 0 Christ, art all I want, More than all in thee I find ; Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind. 6- =^= 6 JUNE. 93 June 20. Fear not, for I am with thee. — Gen. xxvi. 24. Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. — Luke xii. 32. Shout, ye little flock, and blest ; You on Jesus' throne shall rest ; There your seat is now prepared, There your kingdom and reward. June 21. Enter into his gates with thanks- giving, and into his courts with praise. — Ps. c. 4. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple. — Acts iii. 8. Children of the heavenly King, As ye journey, sweetly sing; Sing your Saviour's worthy praise, Glorious in his works and ways. o- o — 94 JUNE. June 22. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. — Ps. cii. 17. Ask, and ye shall receive. — John xvi. 24. ' Jesus, the condescending King, Is pleased to hear when children sing, And, while our feeble voices rise, Jj ^ r Will not the humble prayer despise. ' r June 23. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. — Ps. xxxiv. 7. And, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. — Matt. iv. 11. God's angels come from heaven on high To keep me safe from harm, To guard my head from danger nigh, My bosom from alarm. C — -=^= v> O =0= o JUNE. 95 June 24. A gift in secret pacifieth anger. — Prov. xxi. 14. Be reconciled to thy brother. — Matt. v. 24. We're all children of one Father, — The great God who reigns above ; Shall we quarrel ? No : much rather I Would we be like him, — all love. JL r If J une 25. His brethren envied him. — Gen. xxxvii. 11. Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. — James iii. 16. We must be content and quiet, Our appointed station in ; Oh, to envy or to covet Others' good is grievous sin. 6 =^ -o 96 JUNE. June 26. The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. — Gen. xxxix. 2. God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions. — Acts vii. 9, 10. The feeblest lamb amidst the flock Shall be its Shepherd's care ; While folded in the Saviour's arms We're safe from every snare. June 27. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? — Gen. xxxix. 9. He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done. — Col. iii. 25. When every eye around me sleeps, May I not sin without control ? No ; for a constant watch he keeps On every thought of every soul. JUNE. 97 June 28. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. — Ps. cxvi. 18. He went into the temple of the Lord. — Luke i. 9. Delightful Sabbaths, when we meet Our pleasant lessons to repeat ! Dear Saviour, fit our souls to rise To that long Sabbath in the skies ! June 29. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him.— Dan. ix. 9. Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do. — Luke xxiii. 34. Oh, keep us. Lord, from every sin Which we can sec and feel within ; And what we neither feel nor see Forgive, for all is known to thee. 0^ 98 JUNE— JULY. June 30. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel pre- vailed. — Ex. xvii. 11. I will therefore that men pray- everywhere, lifting up holy hands. — 1 Tim. ii. 8. Teach us to find our bliss In earnest, fervent prayer ; And bliss is only there. July 1. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. — Ps. Ixvi. 18. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye asi^amiss. — James iv. 3. I may as well kneel down And worship gods of stone, As offer to the living God A prayer of words alone. For where we pray our Saviour is, JULY. ? 99 July 2. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him. — IsA. Iv. 7. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness. — Acts viii. 22. Lord, make us now sincere He hath not dealt with us after oui: sins ; nor rewarded us accord- ing to our iniquities. — Ps. ciii. 10. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. — Luke vii. 48. Just as I am, — thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. Because thy promise I believe, — 0 Lamb of God, I come ! O =^ — 100 JULY. July 4. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. — Ps. xxxiv. 15. What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them Mark xi. 24. But God is present everywhere, And watches all our thoughts and ways ; jj { He sees who humblj' join in prayer, j ( < And blesses those who ask in faith. July 5. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. — Ps. Ixv. 4. And ho entered again into the synagogue. — Mark iii. 1. To-day, with pleasure, Christians meet To pray and hear thy word ; And I would go with cheerful feet To learn thy will, 0 Lord. o ^ o C ^ O JULY. 101 July 6. And the Lord gave the people fa- vour in the sight of the Egyptians. —Ex. xi. 3. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. — Luke ii. 52. As in age and strength he grew, Heavenly wisdom fill'd his breast ; A Crowds attentive round him drew, u 1? Wondering at their infant guest; 'Ir And it was his lot to gain Favour both with God and man. July 7. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man. — Ps. civ. 14. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. — Matt. vi. 28. When the spring is wreathing Flowers rich and rare, On each leaf is written, " Nature's God is there." C =4^= s> { In him shall the righteous have peace. j t. July 9. He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with good- ness. — Ps. cvii. 9. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled. — Matt. v. 6. I know that my Redeemer lives : "What comfort this sweet sentence gives ! He lives my hungry soul to feed, — He lives to help in time of need. C = 0 = o o =^ o JULY. 103 July 10. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. — Prov. xi. 30. Every good tree bringeth forth gQod fruit. — Matt. vii. 17. Have I a single good desire ? Then must I freely own 'Twas God who did that wish inspire, — J It came from him alone, , I July 11. Y The meek will he guide in judg- ment : and the meek will he teach his way. — Ps. xxv. 9. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. — Matt. V. 5. He that is meek and lowly The Saviour's face shall see ; To none but to the holy Heaven's gates shall open'd be. C =^ s> c = ^ o 104 JULY. July 12. Six days shall work be done : but . the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein. — Lev. xxiii. 3. And he was teaching in one of t^e synagogues on the Sabbath. — Luke xiii. 10. , , The Sabbath is the day of rest , as From earthly toil and care, « I r The holy day that God hath bless'd, ' The time for praise and prayer. July 13. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. — Ex. xx. 3. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. — Matt. iv. 10. Come, worship at his throne, Come, bow before the Lord : We are his work, and not our own, He form'd us by his word. c ^ o JULY. 105 July 14. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. — Ex. xxii. 22. Visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. — James i. 27. Ob, may our sympathizing breasts Tbe generous pleasure know Kindly to sbare in others' joys And weep for others' woe ! July 15. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. — Ex. xxiii. 2. Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. — Matt. vii. 13. Ob, shun tbe crowded gate, Though wide it seem, and fair ! 'Twill bring you, soon or late, To anguish and despair. 0 =^ o c:0s > 106 JULY. July 16. Your heart shall live that seek God.— Ps. Ixix. 32. Seek ye the kingdom of God. — Luke xii. 31. Seek God's face without delay, Give him now your heart ; Tarry not, but, while ye may, Choose the better part. July 17. I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. — Ex. xxix. 45. Abide in me, and I in you. — John xv. 4. Now to thee, 0 Lord, we come. In our morning's early bloom ; Breathe on us thy grace divine. Touch our hearts, and make them thine. JULY. 107 July 18. None of them can by any means tedeem his brother, nor give to God a, ransom for him. — Ps. xlix. 7. There is one God, and one media- tor between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. — 1 Tim. ii. 6. Thou blest Redeemer, dying Lamb, We love to hear of thee ; J J No music like thy charming name, jL TP Nor half so dear can be. y July 19. Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep : for it is a sign between me and you. — Ex. xxxi. 13. And it came to pass also on another Sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught. — Luke vi. 6. Lq his heavenly Father's house Jesus spent his early days ; There ho paid his solemn vows, There proclaim'd his Father's praise. C ^ s> O =5J= 7 108 JULY. July 20. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. — Ps. cxlvii. 3. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because h^" hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. — Luke iv. 18. Christ came the broken heart to bind, i { The bleeding soul to cure, j ( 1 And with the treasures of his grace Y Enrich the humble poor. July 21. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. — Jer. iii. 22. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. — Luke v. 32. Hear, 0 sinner ! mercy hails you : Now with sweetest voice she calls ; Bids you haste to seek the Saviour Ere the hand of justice falls. c ^ 6 JULY. ? 109 July 22. Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.— Ps. Ixxxi. 10. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. — John xv. 7. Depend on him, — thou canst not fail ; Make all thy wants and \vishes known ; Fear not : his merits must prevail ; Ask but in faith, it shall be done. July 23. Thou art my trust from my youth. Cast me not off in the time of old age. — Ps. Ixxi. 5, 9. Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. — John xiii. 1. Lord, may we remember thee While from pain and sorrows free , Then, when night and age appear, Thou wilt chase each doubt and fear. 110 JULY. July 24. With thee is the fountain of life. — Ps. xxxvi. 9. Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst. — John iv. 14. Come to Calvary's holy mountain, Sinners ruin'd by the fall ; Here a pure and healing fountain Flows to you, to me, to all : Health this fountain will restore, ; He that drinks shall thirst no more. July 25. In thy light shall we see light. — Ps. xxxvi. 9. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. — John xii. 46. E'en the hour that darkest seemeth His unchanging goodness proves ; From the mist his brightness streameth : God is light, and God is love. o = ^ o JULY. Ill July 26. Ye shall keep the Sabbath there- fore ; for it is holy unto you. — Ex. xxxi. 14. Why do ye that which is not law- ful to do on the Sabbath days? — Luke vi. 2. Oh, may we never trifle so, j Nor lose the days our God has given, > < But learn, by Sabbaths hero below, 5 ? ' To spend eternity in heaven. ' July 27. Pleasant words are as a honey- comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. — Prov. xvi. 24. Let your speech be always with grace. — Col. iv. 6. Speak gently ! 'tis a little thing Dropp'd in the heart's deep well ; The good, the joy, which it may bring, Eternity shall tell. I =«= 6 112 JULY. July 28. The Lord "vvill give strength unto his people. — Ps. xxix. 11. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. — Eph. vi. 10. Be our strength, for we are weakness ; Be our wisdom and our guide ; May we walk, in love and meekness, Nearer to our Sa\-iour's side ! July 29. It is God that girdeth me with strength. — Ps. xviii. 32. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth. — Eph. vi. 14. Oh, give me power to conquer sin ! With grace my soul defend ; And that good work in me begin Which shall in glory end. 0 =^ o JULY. 113 July 30. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation. — Ps. xviii. 35. Above all, taking the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. — Eph. vi. 16. Faith is a precious grace . Where'er it is bestow'd : , It boasts of a celestial birth, 1 r Aud is the gift of God. 1 July 31. Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. — Ps. cxliv. 1. Put on the whole armour of God. — Eph. vi. 11. Fight on, ye little soldiers, The battle you shall win, For the Saviour is your Captain, And he hath vanquish'd sin. 8 o ^ o 114 AUGUST. August 1. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not Ps, xvii.5. And your feet shod with the pre- paration of the gospel of peace. — Eph. vi. 15. Oh, may I never faint nor tire, Nor, wandering, leave his sacred ways ! Great Go(i, accept my soul's desire, jS And give me strength to live thy praise. Jj^ T August 2. T Every one that keepeth the Sab- bath from polluting it, ... even them will I bring to my holy moun- tain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. — Isa. Ivi. 6, 7. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath. — Acts xviii. 4. Welcome, welcome, day of rest. With thy influence all divine ! May thy hallow'd hours be blest To this feeble heart of mine ] <6 — -— = AUGUST. August 3. Ye are strangers and sojourners with me. — Lev. xxv. 23. Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. — 1 Pet. i. 17. I'm but a pilgrim here, Heaven is my home ; Earth is a desert drear, Heaven is my home. August 4. Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind. — Lev. xix. 14. But judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. — Rom. xiv. 13. When the most helpless sons of grief In low distress are laid, Soft be our hearts their pains to feel, And swift our hands to aid. 116 AUGUST. August 5. Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people. — Lev. xix. 16. And withal they learn to be idle, . . . and not only idle, but tattlers also andbusybodies, speaking things which they ought not. — 1 Tim. v. 13. The one who minds religion now, { And humbly walks with God below, Permits no slanders on his tongue, And hates to do his neighbour wrong. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart. — Lev. xix. 17. He that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness. — 1 John ii. 11. Tender and kind be all our thoughts, Through all our lives let mercy run, So God forgives our numerous faults For the dear sake of Christ his Son. August 6. AUGUST. 117 August 7. Thou Shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people. — Lev. xix. 18. Dearly beloved, avenge not your- selves, but rather give place unto wrath. — Rom. xii. 19. The Saviour answer'd not again, Nor spoke an angry word, To all the scofis of wicked men, . Although he was their Lord. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man. — Lev. xix. 32. Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father. — 1 Tim. v. 1. Speak gently to the aged one ; Grieve not the care-worn heart ; The sands of life are nearly run : Let such in peace depart. 0 ' ^ti ^ August 8 <> — — =^ — 118 AUGUST. August 9. Lift up your hands in the sanc- tuary, and bless the Lord. — Ps. cxxxiv. 2. And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scrip- tures. — Acts xvii. 2. Come, ye children, and adore him ; Lord of all, he reigns above ; i Come, and worship now before him, — He hath call'd you by his love. August 10. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous. — Ps. xcvii. 12. Rejoice in the Lord always : and again I say, Rejoice. — Phil. iv. 4. Rejoice in the Lord, Believe in his word, Confide in his mercy and grace. AUGUST. 119 August 11. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. — Ps. cxxxix. 3. The Lord is at hand. — Phil. iv. 5. Within thy circling power I stand, On every side I find thy hand ; Awake, asleep, at home, abroad, I am surrounded still with God. ^ August 12. *p If thy brother be waxen poor, then thou shalt relieve him Lev. xxv. 35, But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ? — 1 John iii. 17. Speak gently, kindly, to the poor; Let no harsh tone be heard : They have enough they must endure, Without an unkind word. V* =>r= O C =55= o 120 AUGUST. August 13. Buy the truth, and sell it not. — Prov. xxiii. 23. The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. — Matt. xiii. 44. J { Go, Beek for thine adorning ^ It The precious pearl of truth ; y Sell all thou hast, and buy it : 'Tis worth all earthly things. August 14. Every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death. — Lev. xx. 9. He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. — Matt. xv. 4. Oh, 'tis a grievous sin and shame Our parents' word to disobey. And bring dishonour on their name Whoso kindness wo can ne'er repay. V =^ — -s> — =^ I- 1 AUGUST. 121 August 15. Andifc shall come to pass, that who- soever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered. — JoELii. 32. AVhosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shallbe saved—RoM.x. 13. Woe to him who turns away ! Jesus kindly calls to-day: Come, 0 children, while you may, J Raise your souls in prayer ! \ Y August 16. T 8ix days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest : in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest. — 'Ex. xxxiv. 21. There are six days in which men ought to work : . . . not on the Sab- bath day. — Luke xiii. 14. " Remember thou the Sabbath day!" Oh, could we see in memory's light Our Sabbath sins in full array. How we would tremble at the sight ! =5^= ^ o o 122 AUGUST. August 17. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble ; and he knoweth them that trust in him. — Nahum i. 7. The Lord knoweth them that are his.— 2 Tim. ii. 19. Our Saviour, ever good and kind, To us his word hath given, That children such as we may find jj J A certain path to heaven. j| j, August 18. The Lord seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward ap- pearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. — 1 Sam. xvi. 7. Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men. — Acts i. 24. Oh, wondrous knowledge, deep and high ! Where can a creature hide ? Within thy circling arms I lie Beset on everv side. o — — --^^ o AUGUST. 123 August 19. Obey my voice, and I -will be your God. — Jer. vii. 23. If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. — Matt. xix. 17. Make me to walk in thy commands, — 'Tis a delightful road ; Nor let my head, nor heart, nor hands Offend against my God. The Lord was ready to save me. — IsA. xxxviii. 20. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. — Matt. xviii. 11. He left his starry crown, And laid his robes aside, On wings of love came down. And wept, and bled, and died : What he endured, oh, who can tell. To save our souls from death and hell ? August 20, AUGUST. August 21. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. — Num. vi. 24. God haying raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. — Acts iii. 26. To each thy blessing give, Thy saving grace bestow, , That we may serve thee while we live, «! And all thy mercy know. August 22. The Lord make his face shine upon thee. — Num. vi. 25. God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts. — 2 Cor. iv. 6. Oh, shine on this benighted heart, With beams of mercy shine, And let thy healing voice impart A ray of hope diNine. AUGUST. 125 August 23. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. — Ps. cxxii. 1. They assembled themselves with the church. — Acts xi. 26. Lord, how deliglitful 'tis to see A whole assembly worship thee ! At once they sing, at once they pray. They hear of heaven, and learn the way. August 24. The fear of the Lord tendeth to life.—Piiov. xix. 23. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. — J Tim. iv. 8. 'Tis religion, that can give Sweetest pleasure while we live ; After death its joys shall be Lasting as eternity. o ^ o 126 AUGUST. August 25. Order my steps in thy word : and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. — Ps. cxix. 183. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. — Rom. vi. 12. Conduct my footsteps by thy -word, And make my heart sincere ; Let sin have no dominion, Lord, jl But keep my conscience clear. Jt If T August 28. Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. — Ps. cxxxviii. 6. Godresisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. — 1 Pet. v. 5. To do his heavenly Father's will Was Christ's employment and delight ; Humility and holy zeal Shone through his life supremely bright. O =5= O O =tJ= o AUGUST. 127 August 27. There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. — EccL. vii. 20. For all have sinned. — Uom. iii. 23. I know I'm weak and sinful ; . , But J esus will forgive ; / { Por many ransom'd sinners Jt i Have gone to lieaven to live. TT August 28. Come thou with us, and "we will do thee good. — Num. x. 29. And let him that heareth say, Come. — Kev. xxii. 17. Oh, we love to come to our Sabbath-home ! But we would not come alone ; [sin, We would each bring in, from the paths of Some wretched, wandering one. V — O 0^ -0 128 AUGUST. August 29. And wlien the people complained, it displeased the Lord. — Num. xi. 1. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured. — 1 Cor. x. 10. Since, miglity God, my health and ease And life belong to thee, I would not murmur though thou please To take them all from me. And some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no bur- den be brought in on the Sabbath day. — Neh. xiii. 19. It is the Sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. — John v. 10. Now, children, to God's house repair, And, with the humble thrrmg, Oh, give your hearts to humble prayer, And raise the cheerful song ! August 30. < =«=>—— o AUGUST — SEPTEMBER. 129 August 31. The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. — Jer. viii. 20. Now it is high time to awake out of sleep. — Rom. xiii. 11. Rouse ye at the Saviour's call ! Children, rouse ye, one and all ! Wake, or soon your souls will fall, — A Fall in deep despair ! 1p September 1. Put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes. — Isa. i. 16. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. — Rom. xiii. 12. Children, you have sinful hearts : Jesus Christ can make you whole ; He can cleanse your inward parts, Sanctify and save youf soul. 130 SEPTEMBER. September 2. Cease to do evil ; learn to do well. — IsA. i. 16, 17. Let Mm eschew evil, and do good. — 1 Pet. iii. 11. Repentance is to leave The sins we loved before, And show that we in earnest grieve, By doing so no more. September 3. Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read. — Isa. xxxiv. 16. They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily. — ^Acts xvii. 11. My Bible 1 Oh that I may ne'er Consult it but with faith and prayer I That I may see my Saviour there, Who died for me I =55= rs SEPTEMBER. 131 September 4. All thy commandments are truth. — Ps. cxix. 151. Thy word is truth. — John xvii. 17. The Bible 1 the Bible I blest volume of truth ! How sweetly it smiles on the season of youth ! It bids me seek early the pearl of great price, Ere the heart is enslaved in the bondage of , ■vice. i September 5. Blessed are they that keep my ways. — Prov. viii. 32. Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. — Luke xi. 28. Jesus, my Saviour and my Lord, To thee I lift mine eyes ; Teach and instruct me by thy word. And make me truly wise. 0- 132 SEPTEMBER. September 6. Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them. — EzEK. xx. 12. For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day. — Matt. xii. 8. Day of tidings from the skies, Day to make the simple wise, Oh, how great thy blessings are ! September 7. And he bare the sin of many. — ISA. liii. 12. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. — Heb. ix. 28. He saw our sad condition, Our guilt and sin and shame ; To save us from perdition The blessed Jesus came. Day of solemn praise and prayer, "0 SEPTEMBER. 133 September 8. And made intercession for the transgressors. — Isa. liii. 12. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him. — Heb. vii. 25. Come in tlie name of Him Who all your sorrows bare, Who ever lives to pardon sin, And will bo sought by prayer. The soul that doeth aught pre- sumptuously, the same reproacheth the Lord. — Num. xv. 80. If we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. — Heb. x. 26. My lips with shame my sins confess • Against thy law, against thy grace : Lord, should thy judgments grow severe, I am condemn'd, but thou art clear. September 9. SEPTEMBER. September 10. As tliy days, so shall thy strength be. — Deut. xxxiii. 25. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee : for my strength is made perfect in weakness. — 2 Cor. xii. 9. Fear not; I am with thee: oh, be not dis- j For I am thy God, and will still give thee ' I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. 0 my God, I trust in thee : let me not be ashamed. — Ps. xxv. 2. Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. — Hom. x. 11. Hither come, for hero is found Balm that flows for every wound, Peace that ever shall endure, Rest eteiBal, sacred, sure. may'd ; [aid: September 11. <> (\ ^ o SEPTEMBER. 135 September 12. The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him. — Deut. xxxiii. 12. He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. — John xiv. 21. Oh, may we feel a Saviour's love ! To him our souls commend Jt "Who left his glorious throne above JL It To be the children's Friend. September 13. Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it. — Deut. v. 12. And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made. — Acts xvi. 13. Within thy house -wo sing and pray, And learn to love the Sabbath-day, That, when on earth our Sabbaths end, A glorious rest in heaven we'll spend. o = ^ 6 <% ^ ^ 136 SEPTEMBER. September 14. Cleanse thou me from secret faults. — Ps. xix. 12. For thou wast slain, and hast re- deemed us to God by thy blood. — Rev. v. 9. 'Tis thine to cleanse the heart, To sanctify the soul, To pour fresh life in every part And new-create the whole. J { September 15. s ( 1 Look unto me, and be ye saved. ' — IsA. xlv. 22. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up : that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John iii. 14, 15. Little children, look to Jesus ! — Look to J esus I — look and live I Jesus sufifer'd death to save you : Freest pardon ho will give. 0 = ^ o SEPTEMBER. 137 September 16. Let me die the death of the right- eous, and let my last end be like his. — Num. xxiii. 10. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. — Kev. xiv. 13. Children, you may shortly die : Jesus died your souls to save : You shall live beyond the grave. Life eternal he mil give : Look to J esus ! — look and live ! September 17. God is not a man, that he should lie ; neither the son of man, that he should repent. — Num. xxiii. 19. God, that cannot lie. — Titus i. 2. Firm as his throne his promise stands, And he can well secure What I've committed to his hands Till the decisive hour. If you to the Saviour fly, i o =»= -o 138 SEPTEMBER. September 18, And these words, wliicli I com- mand thee this day, shall be in thine heart. — Deut. vi. 6. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. — Col. iii. 16. Oh, may this treasure ever be The best of all on earth to me I And still new beauties may I see In this the precious Bible ! September 19. The joy of the Lord is your strength.^ — Neh. yiii. 10. Rejoice evermore. — 1 Thess. v. 16. In the rosy light of the morning bright Lift the voice of jJraise on high ; From the lips of youtli to the God of truth Let the joyful echoes fly. SEPTEMBER. — o 139 September 20. Thy way, 0 God, is in flie sanc- tuary. — Ps. Ixxvii. 13. And straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. — Mark i. 21. Lord, to thy house will I resort, To taste thy mercies there ; h I will frequent thy holy court j\ And worship in thy fear. i ^ September 21. Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. — Jer. xxix. 13. .He that seeketh findeth. — Matt. vii. 8. He will not let me seek in vain; For all who trust his v/ord Shall everlasting life obtain And favour from the Lord. 0 O o = ^ o 140 SEPTEMBER. September 22. Then shall ye call upon me, . . . and I will hearken unto you. — Jer. xxix. 12. When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret. — Matt. vi. 6. Come to the mercy-seat, \ Come to the place of prayer ; A i i Come, little children, to His feet ^ i ' In whom we live and are. ' September 23. I know that it shall be well with them that fear God. — Eccl. viii. 12. Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. — Matt. xxv. 34. For, if true wisdom wo possess, Our joys shall never cease; Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. O 0 SEPTEMBER. 141 September 24. Thou art the helper of the father- less. — Ps. X. 14. Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of. — Matt. vi. 8. I cannot bo an orphan, then : My Father is the Lord of all ; And, though I have no friend in men, He hears me whensoe'er I call. September 25. Be not afraid of their faces : for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. — Jer. i. 8. We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. — Heb. xiii. 6. Jesus, thou Friend divine, Our Saviour and our King Thy hand from every snare and foe Shall great deliverance bring. <> — 142 SEPTEMBER. September 26. The Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee ; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee Deut. xxxi. 6. He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. — Heb. xiii. 5. Should friends and kindred near and dear Leave me to want or die, My God will make my life his care, ( And all I need supply. September 27. Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways. — Isa. ii. 3. And Jesus went into the temple. — Mark xi. 16. The Sunday-school, the house of prayer, With open doors invite ; We meet our kind instructors there, And pleasant is the sight. 4 -■ — <=lr= o o SEPTEMBER. 143 September 28. Know thou the God of thy father. — 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. — John xvii. 3. My son, know thou the Lord, Thy father's God obey; J J Serve him with all thy heart and soul, Jl Tr And walk in wisdom's way. IT September 29. Serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind. — 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. — Eph. vi. 7. May I resolve, with all my heart, With all my powers, to serve the Lord, Nor from His precepts e'er depart Whose service is a rich reward I C ^ S> c = ^ — o 144 SEPTEMBER— OCTOBER. September 30. The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. — 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts. — Rev. ii. 23. Thine all-surrounding sight surveys My rising and my rest, My public walks, my private ways, And secrets of my breast. October 1. Thou renderest to every man ac- cording to his work. — Ps. Ixii. 12. I will give unto every (me of you according to vour works. — Rev. ii. 23. Yes ; every secret of my heart Shall shortly be made known, And I receive my just desert For all that I have done. OCTOBER. October 2. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. — 2 Chron. xiv. 2. Let him eschew evil, and do good. —1 Pet. iii. 11. Almighty God, our hearts incline Thy heavenly voice to hear ; Let all our future days be thine, Devoted to thy fear. ' October 3. Drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.— Pro V. xxiii. 21. This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. — 2 Thess. iii. 10. There's nothing worse than idleness To lead us into sin : 'Tis sure to end in wretchedness. In poverty and pain. 10 146 OCTOliER. October 4. The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. — Deut. v. 14. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath. — Mark ii. 28. " Kemember thou the Sabbath-day," — God's gracious gift to erring man, To bring us from our wandering way And bless us with redemption's plan. October 5. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. — Prov. xxii. 4. He shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, . . . and in the world to come eternal life. — Mark X. 30. God has said, Forever blessed Those who seek me in their youth ; They shall find the path of wisdom And the narrow way of truth. 6- OCTOBER October 6. Whoso kcepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles. — Prov. xxi. 23. By thy words thou shalt be justi- fied, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. — Matt. xii. 37. Teach me, then, 0 Lord, to shun E^^l-speaking in my youth ; , , So shall I in after-days , Hope to walk with thee in truth ^ x ' October?. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord. — Prov. xvi. 5. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that hum- bleth himself shall - be exalted. — Luke xiv. 11. God scorns not humble things : Here, though the proud despise, The children of the King of kings Are training for the skies. — o 147 OCTOBER. Octobers. % The Lord givetli wisdom. -^Prov. ii. 6. I If any of you lack wisdon^^ let him ask of God, that giveth to / all men liberally, and upbraideth h-oi; and it shall be given him. — Ja^lbs i. 6. Go, seek thy great Creal|)r ; Learn early to be wise ; ^ Go, place upon the altar A niorniDg sacrifice. October^9. Be not wise in thine own eyes. — Prov. iii. 7. Be not wise in your own conceits. — Rom. xii. 16. Man's "wisdom is to seek His strength in God alone ; And e'en an angel would be weak Who trusted in his ovrn. , , ^ =^5= , c =*= — 0 OCTOBER. 149 October 10. Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth. — Peov. xxiv. 17. But I say unto you, Love your enemies. — Matt. v. 44. Love ye your enemies, and pray For those who curse you to your face, And do to all men still the same That you would hope or wish from them. A October 11. k ' Stand in the court of the Lord's ' house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord's house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them. — Jer. xxvi. 2. And taught them on the Sabbath days. — Luke iv. 31. To-day wo hear the Saviour's voice : There is no love like his : Oh, may v/e make that love our choice And follow him to hliss ! A . 150 =4J= OCTOBER. October 12. Be sure your sin will find you out. — Num. xxxii. 23. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed ; neither hid, that shall not be known Luke xii. 2. Every disobedient word, False or cross, in heaven is heard ; Though no human eye can see, A God my Saviour looks at me. Y October 13. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. — Jer. xxiii. 24. He knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man ; for he knew what was in man. — John ii. 24, 25. Lord, thou hast search'd and seen me through ; Thine eye commands, with piercing vievs^, My rising and my resting hours. My heart and flesh, with all their powers. O— — — --=Jl=> " o— =^ o OCTOBER. 151 October 14. I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. — Jer. xxxi. 34. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. — Heb. x. 16. Now, for thy tender mercy's sake, Forgive my past delay, And in thine own redeeming blood J J Wash all my sins away. JL October 15, I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me. — Jer. xxxiii. 8. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgive- ness of sins. — Col. i. 14. The way is plain to those Who will repent of sin : The blood that freely flows Can cleanse each guilty stain. r= ■ S> O =5J= 152 OCTOBER. October 16. I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord. — Jer. xxx. 17. They that are whole need not a physician ; but they that are sick. — Luke V. 31. I deliver'd thee "when bound, And when wounded heal'd thy wound, Found thee wandering, set thee right, , , J { Turn'd thy darkness into light. October 17. ' Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord. — Jer. xxxviii. 20. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. — Matt. vii. 21. Art thou my Father ? let me be A meek, obedient child to thee, And try, in word and deed and thought, To servo and please thoo as I ought. OCTOBER. 153 October 18. Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving. — Ps. cvii. 22. And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. — Luke xxiv. 63. Sweet is the work, my God, my King, To praise thy name, give thanks, and sing, To show thy love by morning light, J J And talk of all thy truth at night. j ^ October 19. Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.— «-JoB xxviii. 28. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, .and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits James iii. 17. How happy is the youth who hears Instruction'* warning voice, And who celestial msdom makes Ills early, only choice ! O =^ — O o 154 OCTOBER. October 20. He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him. — Job xxxiii. 26. All things, -whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. — Matt. xxi. 22. Gracious God ! to thee I pray : Give me grace to pray aright ; Guide and bless me every day, And defend me every night. October 21. Let your heart therefore be per- fect with the Lord our God. — 1 Kings viii. 61. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. — Matt. v. 48. Oh that the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still ! V 'Oh that my God would grant me grace To know and do his will I OCTOBER. 155 October 22. Thou art great, 0 Lord God : for there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee. — 2 Sam. vii. 22. There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, . . . and one Lord J esus Christ, by whom are all things. — 1 Cor. viii. 6. The Lord is great, the Lord is good ; He feeds us from his store With earthly and with heavenly food : We'll praise him evermore. October 23. I have sinned against the Lord. — 2 SA3r. xii. 13. God be merciJful to me a sinner. — Luke xviii. 13. And now, 0 God, to thee I cry : Oh, form ray soul anew ! The Saviour's cleansing blood apply, And all my sins subdue. = ?r= S> OCTOBER. 159 October 30. Thou, 0 Lord, art a God full of compassion. — Ps. Ixxxvl. 15. So Jesus liad compassion on them. — Matt. xx. 34. His kindness and compassion To children then were shown The heirs of his salvation, He claim'd them for hia own. October 31. Judge righteously between every man and his brother. — Deut. i. 16. Judge not according to the ap- pearance, but judge righteous judg- ment. — John vii. 24. Let party prejudice begone, And love unite our hearts in one ; Let all we have and are combine To aid thy glorious cause divine. c =^ 160 NOVEMBER. !K*ovember 1. I will go into thy house "with burnt offerings. — Ps. Ixvi. 13. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple ; and he healed them. — Matt. xxi. 14. In holy duties may the day, In holy pleasures, pass away ! How sweet a Sabbath thus to spend In hope of one that ne'er shall end 1 , ITovember 2. It shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these command- ments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us. — Deut. vi. 25. The man which doeth those things shall live by them.-— Rom. x. 5. How shall the young secure their hearts And guard their lives from sin ? Thy word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean. NOVEMBER. 161 IJ'ovcmber 3. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God. — Deut. vii. 9. TheLordisfaithful._2 TnESS.iii.3. This God is the God we adore, Our faithful, unchangeable Friend, Whose love is as great as his power And neither knows measure nor end. liTovember 4, fThou shalt keep the commandments Jl of the Lord thy God.— Deut. viii. 6. J Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven : but whoso- ever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. — Matt. v. 19. May we receive the word, And feed thereon and grow, Go on to seek and know the Lord, And practise what we know ! I 6 11 o =^ o 162 NOVEMBER. November 5. When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God. — Deut. viii. 10. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.— 1 Cor. x. 31. Lord, I would own thy tender care And all thy love to me : The food I eat, the clothes I wear, jI ; Are all bestow'd by thee. (, Ifovember 6. Fear God, and keep his command- ments : for this is the whole duty of man. — ^Eccl. xii. 13. Thou -shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. — Matt. xxii. 37. Let me love thee more and more, If I love at all, I pray : If I have not loved before, Help mo to begin to-day. t ^ — s> -ej^ NOVEMBER. 163 Ifoveniber 7. Love ye therefore the stranger. — DeiTt. X. 19. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. — Matt. xxii. 39. Love God with all your soul and strength, With all your heart and mind, And love your neighbour as yourself: Be faithful, just, and kind. November 8. As for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy : and in thy fear will I worship to- ward thy holy temple. — Ps. v. 7. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. — Luke ii. 27. Maker of the Sabbath day, Teach us how to praise and pray; Thou this blessed day hast given To prepare our souls for heaven. 164 NOYEMBER. November 9. Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul. — Deut. xi. 18. Holding fast the faithful word. — Titus i. 9. Oil, vrrite upon my memory, Lord, The texts and doctrines of thy word, Jl That I may break thy laws no more, n -IP But loTe thee better than before. ' ^ November 10. Vv'hen he dieth he shall carry nothing away. — Ps. xlix. 17. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. — 1 Tim. yi. 7. Then let us think of death, Though we are young and gay ; For God, who gaye our life and breath, Can take them both away. o =>f = o NOVEMBER. 0> 165 ISTovember 11. The lip of truth shall be esta- blished forever. — Prov. xii. 19. Lie not one to another. — Col. iii. 9. Thou hearest all the words I say, And know'st the tlioughts I have within, And, whether I'm at work or play, ^ Art sure to see it if I sin. J ^ l^ovember 12. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly. — pROV. xiv. 17. As much as licth in you, live peaceably with all men. — Rom. xii. 18. Whene'er the angry passions rise And tempt our thoughts or tongues to To Jesus let us lift our eyes, — [strife, Bright pattern of the Christian life, C ' 0 O — =45= ^ 166 NOVEMBER. nSTovember 13. For the transgression of my people "was he stricken. — Isa. liii. 8. God commendeth his love toward us, in that, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. — Rom. v. 8. Which of all our friends, to save us, Could or would havo shed his blood ? But the Saviour died to have us i Reconciled in him to God. ^ p I^'ovember 14. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. — Ps. iii. 4. Men ought always to pray, and not to faint. — Luke xyiii. 1. Jesus, who knows full well The heart of every saint, Imites us all our griefs to tell, To pray and never faint. o — o o o 163 NOVi::>IBER. !N"ovember 17. Eend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God. — Joel ii. 13. If any man sin, we have an advo- cate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. — 1 John ii. 1. The Savionr loves to see 1 1 A broken-hearted one : , , X}i Ke loves that sinners such as we %t 0 Should mourn for what we've done. y ITovember 18. Thus saith the Lord, Seek ye me, and ye shall live. — Amos v. 4. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath ever- lasting life. — John vi. 47. Children, listen to the Lord, And obey his gracious word ; Seek his face with heart and mind, Early seek, and you shall find. o — — — - — o =^l=>— NOVEMBER. O 169 nSTovember 19. Hate tJie evil, and love the good. — Amos v. 15. Abhor that which is evil ; cleave to that which is good. — Rom. xii. 9. Repentance is to leave The sins we loved before, And show that we in earnest grieve, Ey doing so no more. TyTovember 20. Salvation is of the Lord. — Jonah ii. 9. Neither is there salvation in any other ; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. — Acts iv. 12. Sliould my tears forever flow, Should my zeal no languor know. This for sin could not atone, — Thou must save, and thou alone. ■ = ^ ' ■ " 170 NOVEMBER. IJ'oveinber 21. \Ye "will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. — MiCAH iv. 5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. — Phil. ii. 5. Lord, submissive make ns go, Gladly leaving all below, Only thou our leader be, And we still will follow thee. ' !N"ovember 22. My Sabbaths they greatly pol- luted. EZEK. XX. 13. Behold, why do they on the Sab- bath day that which is not lawful? —Mark ii. 24. Oh, let these earthly Sabbaths, Lord, Be to our lasting welfare blest, The purest comfort here afford, And fit us for eternal rest I NOVEMBER. 171 November 23. Thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto. — Deut. xii. 18. Rejoice in the Lord. — Phil. iii. 1. Come, ye who love the Lord, And let your joys be known ; Join in a song of sweet accord, And thus surround the throne. Ifovember 24. il Observe and hear all these words Jl ' which I command thee, that it may V go well with thee, . . . when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God. — Deut. xii. 28. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. — Col. iii. 23. Oh, be his service all my joy! And may it be my earnest choice To yield to his supreme control And in his kind commands rejoice ! 6 <^ o <^ o 172 NOVEMBER. !N"ovember 25. Ye shall be lioly unto me : for I the Lord am holy. — Lev. xx. 26. As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. — 1 Pet. i. 15. Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, impart ; Impress thy likeness on my heart ; Let me obey thy truth in love, Jl Till raised to dwell with thee above. ft Y JSTovember 28. 0 Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death Jer.xxI.S. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that be- lieveth not the Son shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him. — John iii. 36. Come now, dear youth, for ruin bound. Obey the gospel's joyful sound! Come, seek the Lord, and you shall prove The joy of Christ's redeeming love. o ^= o NOVEMBER. 173 IJJovember 27. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. — Ps. Ivi. 3. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer : it is I ; be not afraid. — Mark vi. 50. What sorrows may my steps attend j I I never can foretell ; But, if the Lord will be my friend, I ' I kno w that all is well. ITovember 28. He that keepeth the law, happy is he. — PROV. sxix. 18. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. — John xiii. 17. Father, let me never covet Things of vanity and pride ; I Teach me truth, and may I love it More than all the world beside ! Blessed Bible ! May it be my heavenward guide ! O =41=' " ' — o 174 NOVEMBER. ISTovember 29. Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest. — Ex. xxiii. 12. This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day. — John ix. 16. To waste the Sabbatli hours, Oh, may we never dare, ^ Nor taint with thoughts of our's , . These sacred days of prayer 1 ' nSTovember 30. f Now, my son, the Lord be with thee. — 1 Chron. xxii. 11. I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an in- h-eritance among all them which are sanctified. — Acts xx. 32. May Father, Spirit, Son, Rul<3 us in peace and love, And, when on earth thy will is done, Receive our souls above I O ' \. O ' -4^:^— DECEMBER. 175 December 1. Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother. — Deut. xv. 7. Give, and it shall be given unto you. — Luke vi. 38. When the poor aro unbefriendedj When we will not pity lend, Christ accounts himself offended, Who is every creature's friend. A December 2. A Every man shall give as he is able, ' ' according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. — Deut. xvi. 17. If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. — 2 Cor. viii. 12. Love and kindness we may measure By this simple rule alone : — Do wo mind our neighbour's pleasure Just as if it were our own ? c — — o 176 DECEMBEIl December 3, Thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest. — Deut. xv. 10. He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity. — Rom. xii. 8. "Wealth, talents, labour, freely give, Spend and be spent that souls may live : What hath your Saviour done for you ? And what for him would you not do ? December 4, Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. — Deut. xviii. 13. Labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. —Col. iv. 12. Oh for a heart in thought renew'd, And full of love divine. Perfect and right, and pure and good, — A copy, Lord, of thine ! , o o DECEMBER. 177 December 5. He shall write him a copy of this law . . . : and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life. — Deut. xvii. 18, 19. They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily. — Acts xvii. 11. , I Be thankful, children, that you may it Read this good Bible every day ; 1 'Tis God's own word which he has given ' ' To show your souls the way to heaven. December 6. I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving. — Jonah ii. 9. The voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day. — Acts xiii. 27. 0 thou whom high archangels praise, Whose glory shines with brightest rays, To thee our grateful hjTnns we tune, For none can sing thy praise too soon. C =0=>— 178 DECEMBER. December 7. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect to- ward him, — 2 Chron. xvi. 9. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. —2 Tim. ii. 1. ^ All noodful help is thlno to give : To theo our souls apply For grace to teach us how to live And make us fit to die. December 8. The Lord is with you, while ye be with him. — 2 Chrqn. xv. 2. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. — James iv. 8. With humble heart and tongue, My God, to thee I pray ; Oh, bring mc now, while I ara young, To thee, the living way. DECEMBER. 179 December 9. Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. — Deut. xxii. 1. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. — Eom. xiii. 8. I Each day upon its heavenward flight , ^ { Should bear some record, golden, 2 { ' Of gentle words and loving deeds, And helping hands outholden. December 10. I know, that the Lord will main- tain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. — Ps. cxl. 12. Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. — Luke vi. 20. If I am poor, He can supply Who has my table spread, Who feeds the ravens when they cry, And fills his poor with bread. o ^ 0 =*= — ISO DECEMBER. December 11. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life. — Prov. x. 11. He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. — 1 Pet. iii. 10. Past "v^ords of sin forgive, "VMiich we to thee confess, , And help us that henceforward. Lord, t Our tongues may not transgress. ' December 12. With his stripes we are healed. — IsA. liii. 5. ^yho his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree. — 1 Pet. ii. 24. Pardon me, cleanse me, God of grace, And let rae holy be, Array'd in thine own holiness. And meet to dwell with thee. -o DECEMBER. 181 December 13. Oh come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before the Lord our maker. — Ps. xcv. 6. And were continually in the tem- ple, praising and blessing God. — Luke xxiv. 63. Come, let us join, Tvith one accord, In liynms around the throne ; This is the day our risen Lord Ilath made and call'd his OAvn. December 14. He shall give his angels charge over thee. — Ps. xci. 11. Take heed that ye despise not one of theselittle ones ; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. — Matt, xviii. 10. God's angels come from heaven on high, To keep us safe from harm, To guard our heads from danger nigh, Oiir bosoms from alarm. 182 DECEMBER. December 15. He shall deliver thee in six troubles : yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. — Job v. 19. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.— 1 Cor. x. 13. Though ten thousand ills beset thee From -without and from within, Jesus says he'll ne'er forget thee, Uut "Will save from hell and sin. December 16. Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my suppli- cations. — Ps. xxviii. 6. Whatsoever. we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his command- ments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight, — 1 John iii. 22. He bows liis gracious ear : ATe never plead in vain : Then let us wait till he appear, And pray, and pray again. I o o DECEMBER. 183 December 17. They shall praise the Lord that seek him : your heart shall live for- ever. — Ps. xxii. 26. I am the living bread which came down from heaven : if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever. — John vi. 61. Bread of heaven I on thee I feed ; 1 k For thy flesh is meat indeed ; iy I Ever may my soul be fed i With the true and living bread ! December 18. Serve the Lord with fear. — Ps. ii. 11. Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. — Heb. xii. 28, Let deep repentance, faith and love Be join'd with godly fear, And all my conversation prove . My heart to be sincere. O ^ s> =-J= ^ 184 DECEMBER. December 19. The Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. —2 Sam. iii. 89. I will give unto every one of you according to your works REv.ii.23. Oh, let me, then, at once apply To Him who did for sinners die, And this shall be ray great reward, To dwell forever with the Lord. Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God, praise the Lord. — Ps. cxxxv. 2, 3. My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer. — Mark xi. 17. Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns So sweet a rest for wearied minds. Draws us away from earth to heaven, And gives this day the food of seven. December 20. DECEMBER. December 21. All that do unrighteously are an abomination unto the Lord. — Deut. XXV. 16. That no man go beyond and de- fraud his brother in any matter : because that the Lord is the avenger of all such.— 1 TiiEss. iv. 6. Oh, can I ever tell a lie, jl Or cheat in play, or steal, or fight, i { Now that I know the Lord is nigh ^ And has me always in liis sight? December 22. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. — Deut. xxvii. 26. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. — Gal. iii. 13. Thy sins I bore on Calvary's tree, The stripes thy due were laid on me, That peace and pardon might be free : 0 wretched sinner, come ! o 186 DECEMBER. December 23. All these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.—DEUT. xxviii. 2. Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. — James i. 25. >l So a pleasant path we'll tread, By the hand of Jesus led, Till, from sin and sorrow freed, Our's is happiness indeed. December 24. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. — Ps. cxix. 26. Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord. — Luke xix. 38, When he came, the angels, singing, Told the shepherds of liis birth ; Christ, they said, is come : he's bringing Joy and peace to men on earth. ' =0 = S> O =»*=>——— ^ DECEMBER. 187 December 25. Rejoice greatly, 0 daughter of Zion ; shout, 0 daughter of Jeru- salem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. — Zech. ix. 9. Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. — Luke ii. 11. Christ is born, — the great Arvointed ; J Heaven and earth, his praises sing ; j i < Oh, receive whom God appointed ' ^ I'or your Prophet, Priest and King ! December 26. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him With righteousness shall he judge the poor. — Isa. xi. 2, 4. Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. — Luke ii. 30, 31. He comes to break oppression. To set the captive free, To take away transgression And rule in equity. V =^ S> o 188 DECEMBER. December 27. I -will worship toward thj holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth. — Ps. cxxxviii. 2. And it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple. — John x. 22, 23. I Lord, when our lives are finish'd here, , jJ Y And days and Sabbaths shall be o'er, ; k y May we, ^vith all we love, appear, v To serve and praise thee evermore ! December 28. Arise ye, and depart ; for this is not your rest. — Micah ii. 10. Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. — Heb. xiii. 14. If from sin at once we flee, Then in heaven our rest shall be ; If we seek redeeming grace, We shall reach that blissful place. C =^5= v> <^w =5^= DECEMBER December 29. God sliall bring every -work into judgment, with every secret thing. — EccL. xii. 14. We shall all stand before the judg- ment-seat of Christ. — EoM. xiv. 10. Lord, at thy feet ashamed I lie, Upward I dare not look ; Pardon my sins before I die, And blot them from thy book. A December 30. A ' Hearken unto me, 0 ye children : ' ' for blessed are they that keep my ways. — Pkov. viii. 82. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock : if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. — Rev. iii. 20. Hark ! it is the Saviour calling, In his kindness, " Follow me !" Jesiis, keep our feet from falling, Teach us all to follow thee. o o 1S9 190 DECEMBER. December 31. What dotli the Lord thy God re- quire of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul ? — Deut. x. 12. The word of the Lord endureth jt forever. And this is the word which T by the gospel is preached unto you. —1 Pet. i. 25. Father of mercies, hear The closing hymn we raise ; To our request bow down thine ear, And hearken to our praise : Within onr hearts the seed Of sacred truth is sown ; But, Lord, the blessing that we need Must come from thee alone. THE END.