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THE 
 
 BELIEVER'S DAILY 
 TREAS.CJRE, 
 
 OR 
 
 TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE, 
 
 ARRANGED FOR EVERT DAT IN THE TEAR, 
 
 The law of tby month is better unto me than 
 thousaads of gold and silver. Psalm cxix. 72. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 PRESBITERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION. 
 
 No. 821 Chestnut Street. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 JANUARY. 
 
 PAOB 
 
 The True Believer 5 
 
 FEBRUARY. 
 
 EVIDEKCES OP THE BeLIEVER 21 
 
 MARCH. 
 Pbiyileges op the Believer 36 
 
 APRIL. 
 
 Duties op the Believer — per- 
 sonal 52 
 
 MAY. 
 Duties of thp Believer — to 
 
 THE Church 67 
 
 (3) 
 
4 CONTENTS. 
 
 JUNE. 
 
 PA6B 
 
 Duties of the Believer — to 
 THE World 83 
 
 JULY. 
 Joys of the Believer 99 
 
 AUGUST. 
 Sorrows of the Believer 115 
 
 SEPTEMBER. 
 Temptations of the Believer... 131 
 
 OCTOBER. 
 Retrospections of the Believer 146 
 
 NOVEMBER. 
 Anticipations of the Believer. 162 
 
 DECEMBER. 
 
 Final Blessedness of the be- 
 liever I'll 
 
JANUAKY. 
 
 THE TRUE BELIEVER. 
 
 1. THE BELIEVER THE OBJECT OP 
 DIVINE LOVE, 
 
 In this was manifested the love of God 
 toward us, because that God sent his 
 only begotten Son into the world, that 
 we might live through bim. 1 Johnix. 9. 
 
 Pause, my soul, adore and wonder, 
 Ask, Oh, why such love to me ? 
 
 Grace hath put me in the number 
 Of the Saviour's family : 
 
 Hallelujah! 
 Thanks, eternal thanks to thee. 
 
6 JANUARY. 
 
 2. REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. 
 
 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were 
 not redeemed with corruptible things, 
 as silver and gold — but with the pre- 
 cious blood of Christ, as of a lamb 
 without blemish and without spot. 1 
 Pet. i. 18, 19. 
 
 Our sins and griefs on him were laid ; 
 
 He meekly bore the mighty load : 
 Our ransom price he fully paid, 
 
 By offering up himself to God. 
 
 3. RENEWED BY THE HOLY GHOST. 
 
 Not by woi'ks of righteousness which 
 we have done, but according to his 
 mercy he saved us, by the washing of 
 regeneration, and renewing of the Holy 
 Ghost. 7'itus iii. 5. 
 
 Vain is every outward rite, 
 Unless thy grace be given : 
 
 Nothing but thy life and light, 
 Can form a soul for heaven. 
 
THE TRUE BELIETER. 7 
 
 4. PARTAKER OF THE DIVINE NATURE. 
 
 Whereby are given unto us exceed- 
 ing great and precious promises : that 
 by these ye might be partakers of the 
 divine nature, having escaped the cor- 
 ruption that is in the world through 
 lust. 2 Pet. i. 4. 
 
 Blessed are the sons of God ; 
 
 They are bought with Christ's own blood ; 
 
 They produce the fruits of grace 
 
 In the works of righteousness : 
 
 Born of God, they hate all sin ; 
 
 God's pure work remains within. 
 
 6. JUSTIFIED BEFORE GOD THROUGH 
 CHRIST. 
 
 By him all that believe are justified 
 from all things, from which ye could 
 not be justified by the law of Moses. 
 Actfi xiii. 39. 
 Jesus, thy Mood and righteousness 
 My beauty are, and glorious dress ; 
 'Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, 
 With joy shall I lift up my head. 
 
8 JANUARY. 
 
 6. TTNITED TO CHRIST. 
 
 I am the vine, ye are the branches : 
 he that abideth in me, and I in him, 
 the same bringeth forth much fruit : 
 for without me ye can do nothing, 
 John XV. 5. 
 
 Lord of the vineyard, we adore 
 That power and grace divine, 
 
 Which plants our wild, our barren souls, 
 In Christ the living Vine 
 
 For ever there may I abide, 
 
 And from that vital root 
 Be influence spread through every branch, 
 
 To form and feed the fruit. 
 
 7. JOINT-HEIR WITH CHRIST. 
 
 If children, then heirs ; heirs of God, 
 and joint-heirs with Christ. Rom. viii. 
 17. 
 Pronounce me, gracious God, thy son ; 
 
 Own me an heir divine ; 
 I'll pity princes on the throne. 
 When I can call thee mine: 
 Sceptres and crowns unenvied rise, 
 And lose their lustre in mine eyes. 
 
THE TRUE BELIEVER. V 
 
 8. COMPLETE IN CHRIST. 
 
 For in him dwelleth all the fulness 
 of the Godhead bodily. And ye are 
 complete in him. Col. ii. 9, 10. 
 
 Thy saints on earth, and those aboTe, 
 
 Here join in sweet accord : 
 One body all in mutual love, 
 
 And thou their common Lord. 
 Yes, thou that body wilt present 
 
 Before thy Father's face, 
 Nor shall a wrinkle or a spot 
 
 Its beauteous form disgrace. 
 
 9. CHRIST THE BELIEVER'S ADVOCATE. 
 
 If any man sin, we have an advocate 
 •with the Father, Jesus Christ the right- 
 eous. 1 John ii. 1. 
 
 .Look up, my soul, with cheerful eye. 
 See where the great Redeemer stands— 
 
 Thy glorious Advocate on high, 
 With precious incense in his hands. 
 
 He sweetens every humble groan. 
 He recommends each broken prayer ; 
 
 Becline thy hope on him alone. 
 Whose power and love forbid despair. 
 
10 JANUARY. 
 
 10. CHRIST THE HOPE OP THE BELIEVER. 
 
 Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by 
 the commandment of God our Saviour, 
 and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our 
 hope. 1 Tim. i, 1. 
 
 Jesus, my Lord, I look to thee : 
 Where else can helpless sinners go? 
 
 Thy boundless love shall set me free 
 From all my wretchedness and woe. 
 
 11. CHRIST THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER. 
 
 When Christ, who is our life, shall 
 appear, then shall ye also appear with 
 him in glory. Col. iii. 4. 
 
 If my immortal Saviour lives, 
 
 Then my eternal life is sure; 
 His word a firm foundation gives, 
 
 Here let me build, and rest secure. 
 Here, my soul, thy trust repose ; 
 
 If Jesus is for ever mine. 
 Not death itself, that last of foes, 
 
 Shall break a union so divine. 
 
THE TRUE BELIEVER. 11 
 
 12. CHRIST THE PEACE OP THE BE- 
 
 LIEVER. 
 
 Now in Christ Jesus ye who some- 
 time were far off are made nigh by the 
 blood of Christ. For he is our peace. 
 Eph. ii. 13, 14. 
 " He is our peace" — for by his blood 
 Sinners are reconciled to God | 
 Sweet harmony is now restored, 
 And man beloved, and God adored. 
 
 13, CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OP 
 
 THE BELIEVER. 
 
 This is his name whereby he shall 
 be called, The Lord our righteousness. 
 Jer. xxiii. 6. 
 
 Saviour divine, we know thy name ; 
 
 And in that name we trust ; 
 Thou art the Lord our righteousness, 
 
 Thou art thine Israel's boast. 
 That spotless robe which thou hast wrought, 
 
 Shall clothe us all around ; 
 Nor by the piercing eye of God, 
 
 One blemish shall be found. 
 
12 JANUARY. 
 
 14. THE TEMPLE OF THE SPIRIT. 
 
 Know ye not that your body is the 
 temple of the Holy Ghost which is in 
 you, which ye have of God. 1 Cor. 
 vi. 19. 
 
 Creator Spirit ! by whose aid 
 The world's foundations first were laid, 
 Come, visit every humble mind : 
 Come, pour thy joys on human kind : 
 From sin and sorrow set us free, 
 And make us temples worthy thee. 
 
 15. SANCTIFIED BY THE SPIRIT. 
 
 God hath from the beginning chosen 
 you to salvation through sanctification 
 of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 
 2 Thess. ii. 13. 
 
 Come, Tloly Spirit, love divine. 
 Thy cleansina: power impart ; 
 
 Each erring thought and wish refine 
 That wanders near my heart. 
 
THE TRUE BELIEVER. 13 
 
 16. UPHELD BY THE SPIRIT. 
 
 That he would jS^rant you, according 
 to the riches of his glory, to be 
 strengthened with might by his Spirit 
 in the inner man. Eph. iii. 16. 
 
 Assisted by his grace, 
 We still pursue our way ; 
 And hope at last to reach the prize, 
 Secure in endless day. 
 
 17. THE SPIRIT OP ADOPTION RECEIVED. 
 
 Ye have not received the spirit of 
 bondage again to fear ; but ye have re- 
 ceived the Spirit of adoption, whereby 
 we cry, Abba, Father. Bom. viii. 15. 
 
 Assure my conscience of her part 
 
 In the Redeemer's blood, 
 And bear thy witness in my heart 
 
 That I am born of God. 
 
14 JANUARY. 
 
 IS. COMFORTED BY THE SPIRIT. 
 
 When the Comforter is come, whom 
 I will send unto you from the Father, 
 even the Spirit of truth, which pro- 
 ceedeth from the Father, he shall testify 
 of me. John xv. 26. 
 
 In the hour of my distress, 
 When temptations me oppress, 
 And when I my sins confess— 
 Sweet Spirit, comfort me. 
 
 19. SEALED BY THE SPIRIT. 
 
 Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, 
 whereby ye are sealed unto the day of 
 redemption. Eph. iv. 30. 
 
 Forbid it, Lord, that we 
 Who fi-om thy hands receive 
 
 The Spirit's power to make us free, 
 Should e'er that Spirit grieve. 
 Oh keep our faith alive, 
 Help us to watch and pray ; 
 
 Lest, by our carelessness, we drive 
 The sacred Quest away. 
 
THE TRUE BELIEVER. 15 
 
 20. TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT. 
 
 When he, the Spirit of truth, is 
 come, he will guide you into all truth : 
 for he shall not speak of himself; but 
 whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he 
 speak : and he will show you things 
 to come. John xvi. 13. 
 
 Thine inward teachings make me know 
 The mysteries of redeeming love, 
 
 The emptiness of things below, 
 And excellence of things above. 
 
 21. FELLOW-CITIZEN "WITH THE SAINTS. 
 
 Now therefore ye are no more stran- 
 gers and foreigners, but, fellow-citizens 
 with the saints, and of the household 
 of God. Eph. ii. 19. 
 
 The kindred links of life are bright, 
 
 Yet not so bright as those 
 In which Christ's favoured friends unite, 
 
 And each on each repose : 
 Where all the hearts in union cling. 
 With Him, the centre and the spring. 
 
16 JANUARY. 
 
 22. LIVES A LIFE OP FAITH IN CHRIST. 
 
 I am crucified with Christ : never, 
 theless I live ; yet not I, but Christ 
 liveth in me : and the life which I now 
 live in the flesh I live by the faith of 
 the Son of God. Gal. ii. 20. 
 Close to the ignominious tree, 
 
 Jesus, my humbled soul would cleave; 
 Despised and crucified with thee, 
 
 With Christ resolved to die and live : 
 There would I bow my suppliant knee, 
 And own no other Lord but thee. 
 
 23. LIVES A LIFE OP CONSECRATION 
 TO GOD. 
 
 I beseech you therefore, brethren, 
 by the mercies of God, that ye present 
 your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, ac- 
 ceptable unto God, which is your rea- 
 sonable service, Rom. xii. 1. 
 
 Thine, wholly thine. I want to be; 
 
 The sacrifice receive : 
 Made, and preserved, and saved by thee, 
 
 To thee myself I give. 
 
THE TRUE BELIEVER. 17 
 
 24. LIVES A LIFE OF HOPE. 
 
 Looking for the mercy of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 21. 
 
 Rejoice in glorious hope; 
 
 Jesus, the Judge, shall come, 
 And take his servants up 
 To their eternal home : 
 Lift up your heart, lift up your voice ; 
 Rejoice, he bids his saints rejoice. 
 
 25. DELIVERED FROM CONDEMNATION. 
 
 There is now no condemnation to 
 them which are in Christ Jesus, who 
 walk not after the flesh, but after the 
 Spirit. Rom. viii. I. 
 
 Oh love, thou bottomless abyss ! 
 
 My sins are swallowed up in thee ; 
 Covered is my unrighteousness. 
 From condemnation now I'm free; 
 While Jesus' blood through earth and skies, 
 *' Mercy, free, boundless mercy !" cries. 
 
 2 
 
18 JANTTART. 
 
 26. DELIVERED FROM THE POWER OF 
 
 SATAN. 
 
 Forasmuch then as the children are 
 partakers of flesh and blood, he also 
 himself likewise took part of the same ; 
 that through death he might destroy 
 him that had the power of death, that 
 is, the devil. Heh. ii. 14. 
 Dry up your tears, ye saints, and tell 
 
 How high your great Deliverer reigns ; 
 Sing, how he spoiled the host of hell, 
 And led the tyrant Death in chains. 
 
 27. DELIVERED FROM ALL INIQTJITr. 
 
 Let Israel hope in the Lord : for 
 with the Lord there is mercy, and with 
 him is plenteous redemption. And he 
 shall redeem Israel from all his in- 
 iquities. Psalm cxxx. 7, 8. 
 
 Fixed on this ground will I remain, 
 Though my heart fail, and flesh decay ; 
 
 This anchor shall my soul sustain. 
 When earth's foundations melt away ; 
 
 Mercy's full power I then shall prove, 
 
 Loved with an everlasting love. 
 
THE TRTTE BELIEVER. 19 
 
 28. DELIVERED FROM ALL ENEMIES. 
 
 He delivereth me from mine enemies ; 
 yea, thou liftest me above those that 
 rise up against me. Psalm xviii. 48. 
 
 Foes are round us, but we stand 
 On the borders of our land : 
 Jesus, God's exalted Son, 
 Bids us undismayed go on : 
 Onward then we gladly press 
 Through this earthly wilderness. 
 
 29. ENJOYS A PRESENT SALVATION. 
 
 Which in time past were not a peo- 
 ple, but are now the people of God : 
 which had not obtained mercy, but now 
 have obtained mercy. 1 Pet. ii. 10. 
 
 Filled with holy emulation 
 Let us vie with those above ; 
 
 Sweet the theme — a free salvation, 
 Fruit of everlasting love. 
 
20 JANUARY. 
 
 30. PRESERVED UNTO ETERNAL 
 
 SALTATION. 
 
 Who are kept by the power of God 
 through faith unto salvation ready to 
 be revealed in the last time, 1 Pet. i. 5. 
 
 Saints by the power of God are kept 
 
 Till full salvation come: 
 We walk by foith as strangers here 
 
 Till Christ shall call us home. 
 
 31. A PILGRIM TO A HEAVENLY 
 
 COUNTRY. 
 
 Now they desire a better country, 
 that is, an heavenly : wherefore God is 
 not ashamed to be called their God : 
 for he hath prepared for them a city. 
 Heh. xi. 16. 
 
 'Tis true, we are but strangers 
 
 And sojourners below; 
 And countless snares and dangers 
 
 Surround the path we go ; 
 Though painful and distressing, 
 
 Yet there's a rest above, 
 And onward we are pressing 
 
 To reach that land of love. 
 
FEBRUARY. 
 
 EVIDENCES OF THE 
 BELIEVER. 
 
 1. SUPREME LOVE TO GOD. 
 
 Master, what shall I do to inherit 
 eternal life ? And he answering said, 
 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God 
 with all thy heart, and with all thy 
 soul, and with all thy strength, and 
 with all thy mind. Luke x. 25, 27. 
 
 Yes, I would loTe thee, blessed God ! 
 
 Paternal goodness marks thy name ; 
 Thy praises, through thy high abode, 
 
 The heavenly hosts with joy proclaim. 
 (21) 
 
22 FEBRUARY. 
 
 2. GRATITUDE TO GOD. 
 
 And one of them, [the ten lepers,] 
 when he saw that he was healed, turn- 
 ed back, and with a loud voice glorified 
 God. Luke xvii. l.'i. 
 
 What thanks I owe thee, and what love, 
 
 A boundless, endless store, 
 Shall echo through the realms above, 
 
 When time shall be no more. 
 
 3 OBEDIENCE TO GOD. 
 
 Ye were the servants of sin, but ye 
 have obeyed from the heart that form 
 of doctrine which was delivered you. 
 Being then made free from sin, ye be- 
 came the servants of righteousness. 
 Eom.vi. 17, 18. 
 
 Love is the fountain whence 
 All true obedience flows ; 
 The Christian serves the God he loves, 
 And loves the God he knows. 
 
believer's evidences. 23 
 
 4. sttbmissioji to god. 
 
 We have had fathers of our flesh 
 which corrected us, and we gave them 
 reverence : shall we not much rather 
 be in subjection unto the Father of 
 spirits, and live ? Heh. xii. 9. 
 
 Oh let my trembling soul be still, 
 While darkness veils this mortal eye, 
 
 And wait thy wise, thy holy will 
 Wrapped yet iu tears and mystery : 
 
 I cannot, Lord, thy purpose see, 
 
 Yet all is well — since ruled by thee. 
 
 6» FAITH IN CHRIST. 
 
 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is 
 the Christ is born of God. 1 John v. 1. 
 
 Lord, I believe thy heavenly word: 
 Fain would I have my soul renewed; 
 I mourn for sin, and trust the Lord 
 To have it pardoned and subdued. 
 Oh may thy grace its power display, 
 Let guilt and death no longer reign ; 
 Save me in thine appointed way. 
 Nor let my humble faith be vain. 
 
24 FEBRUARY. 
 
 LOVE TO CHRIST. 
 
 He that loveth father or mother more 
 than me is not worthy of me : and he 
 that loveth son or daughter more than 
 me is not worthy of me. 3Iatt. x. 37. 
 
 Whom have I on earth below ? 
 Thee, and ouly thee, I know : 
 Whom have I in heaven but thee ? 
 Thou art all in all to me. 
 
 7. SELF-DENIAL FOR CHRIST, 
 
 If any man will come after me, let 
 him deny himself, and take up his cross 
 daily, and follow me. Luke ix. 23. 
 
 Take up thy cross, let not its weight 
 Fill thy weak spirit with alarm, 
 
 My strength shall bear thy spirit up, 
 And brace thy heart, and nerve thy arm. 
 
 Take up thy cross, and follow me. 
 Nor think till death to lay it down ; 
 
 For only he who bears the cross 
 May hope to wear the glorious crown. 
 
believer's evidences. 25 
 
 8. confession of christ. 
 
 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus 
 is the Son of God, God dwelleth in 
 him, and he in God. 1 John iv. 15. 
 
 I'll tell to all pool- sinners round. 
 What a dear Saviour I have found ] 
 I'll point to his redeeming blood. 
 And say, " Behold the way to God !" 
 
 9. DEVOTEDNESS TO CHRIST. 
 
 For whether we live, we live unto the 
 Lord ; and whether we die, we die unto 
 the Lord : whether we live therefore, 
 or die, we are the Lord's. Rom. xiv. 8. 
 
 My soul, and all its powers. 
 Thine, wholly thine, shall be ; 
 
 All. all my happy hours 
 T consecrate to thee : 
 
 Whate'er I have, whate'er I am, 
 
 Shall magnify my Saviour's name. 
 
26 FEBRTJART. 
 
 10. IMITATIOlSr OF CHRIST. 
 
 For I have given you an example, 
 that ye should do as I have done to 
 you. John xiii. 15. 
 
 Thy fair example may I trace, 
 To teach me what I ought to be : 
 Make me, by thy transforming grace, 
 My Saviour, daily more like thee. 
 
 11. CHRIST IS PRECIOUS. 
 
 Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner 
 stone, elect, precious : and he that be- 
 lieveth on him shall not be confounded. 
 tJnto you therefore which believe he is 
 precious. 1 Pet. ii. 6, 7. 
 
 Jesus, in thy transporting name 
 What glories meet our eyes ! 
 
 Thou art the angels' sweetest theme, 
 The wonder of the skies. 
 
 Oh may our willing hearts confess 
 Thy sweet, thy gentle sway ; 
 
 Glad captives of thy matchless grace, 
 Thy righteous rule obey. 
 
BELIEYER*S EYIDENCES. 27 
 
 12. POSSESSION OP THE SPIRIT OF 
 CHRIST. 
 
 Ye are not in the flesh, but in the 
 Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God 
 dwell in you. Now if any man have 
 not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of 
 his. Rom. viii. 9. 
 
 Author of our new creation, 
 
 Let us all thine influence prove ; 
 Make our souls thy habitation; 
 Shed abroad the Saviour's love. 
 
 13. LED BY THE SPIRIT. 
 
 For as many as are led by the Spirit 
 of God, they are the sons of God. 
 Bom. viii. 14. 
 
 Lead us to holiness — ^the road 
 That we must take to dwell with God ; 
 Lead us to Christ— the living way, 
 Nor let us from his pastures stray ; 
 Lead us to God — our final rest, 
 In his enjoyment to be blest ; 
 Lead us to heaven — the seat of bliss, 
 Where pleasure in perfection is. 
 
28 FEBRUARY. 
 
 14. CONVICTION OF SIN. 
 
 There is no soundness in my flesh 
 because of thine anger; neither is there 
 any rest in my bones because of my sin. 
 For mine iniquities are gone over mine 
 head : as an heavy burden they are too 
 heavy for me. Psalm xxxviii. 3, 4. 
 
 Thou that hearest the prayer of faith, 
 Wilt thou not save a soul from death, 
 
 That casts itself on thee ? 
 
 1 have no refuge of my own, 
 
 But fly to what my Lord hath done 
 And suffered once for me. 
 
 15. REPENTANCE FOR SIN. 
 
 Godly sorrow worketh repentance to 
 salvation not to be repented of: but 
 the sorrow of the world worketh death. 
 2 Cor. vii. 10. 
 
 My lips with shame my sins confess 
 Against thy law, against thy grace : 
 Lord, should thy judgments grow severe, 
 I am condemned, but thou art clear. 
 
believer's evidences. 29. 
 
 16. HATRED OF SIN. 
 
 Whosoever is born of God doth not 
 commit sin ; for his seed remaineth iu 
 him : and he cannot sin, because he is 
 born of God. 1 John iii. 9. 
 
 Oh ! give me, Lord, the tender heart 
 That trembles at th' approach of sin, 
 
 A godly fear of siu impart, 
 Implant and root it deep within. 
 
 17. MORTIFICATION OF SIN. 
 
 They that are Christ's have crucified 
 the flesh with the affections and lusts. 
 Gal. V. 24. 
 
 Great God, assist me through the fight ; 
 Make me triumphant in thy might : 
 Thou the desponding heart canst raise; 
 The victory mine, and thine the praise. 
 
30 FEBRUARY. 
 
 18. SELF-RIGHTEOtrSNESS RENOTJNCED. 
 
 Yea doubtless, and I count all things 
 but loss for the excellency of the know- 
 ledge of Christ Jesus my Lord : for 
 whom I have suffered the loss of all 
 things, and do count them but dung, 
 that I may win Christ. Phil. iii. 8. 
 
 On thee alone my hope relies : 
 Beneath the cross I fall, 
 
 My Lord, my life, my sacrifice 
 My Saviour, and my all. 
 
 19. THE WORLD OVERCOME BY FAITH. 
 
 Whatsoever is born of Grod over- 
 cometh the world : and this is the vic- 
 tory that overcometh the world, even 
 our faith. 1 John v. 4. 
 
 'Tis faith that conquers earth and hell 
 
 By a celestial power ; 
 This is the grace that shall prevail 
 
 In the decisive hour. 
 
believer's evidences. 31 
 
 20. non-conformity to the "world. 
 
 Love not the world, neither the 
 things that are in the world. If any 
 man love the world, the love of tho 
 Father is not in him. 1 John ii. 15. 
 
 Why should our poor enjoyments here 
 Be thought so pleasant and so dear, 
 
 And tempt our hearts astray ? 
 Our brightest joys are fading fast, 
 The longest life will soon be past ; 
 And if we go to heaven at last, 
 
 We need not wish to stay. 
 
 21. SPIRITUAL-MINDEDNESS. 
 
 They that are after the flesh do mind 
 the things of the flesh ; but they that 
 are after the Spirit the things of tho 
 Spirit. Rom. viii. 5, 
 
 Let worldly minds the world pursue. 
 
 It has no charms for me ; 
 Once I admired its trifles too. 
 
 But grace has set me free. 
 
32 FEBRUARY. 
 
 22. HEAVENLY-MINDEDNESS. 
 
 Our conversation is in heaven ; from 
 whence also W3 look for the Saviour, 
 the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. iii. 20. 
 
 Beyond the bounds of time and space 
 Look forward to that heavenly place, 
 
 The saints' secure abode ; 
 On fiiith's strong eagle pinions rise, 
 And force your passage to the skies, 
 Strong in the strength of God. 
 
 23. CONSTRAINED BY LOVE. 
 
 The love of Christ constraineth us ; 
 because we thus judge, that if one died 
 for all, then were all dead : and that he 
 died for all, that they which live should 
 not henceforth live unto themselves, 
 but unto him which died for them, and 
 rose again. 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. 
 
 Be all my heart, be all my days. 
 
 Devoted to thy single praise ; 
 And let my glad obedience prove 
 How much I owe, how much I love. 
 
believer's evidences. 33 
 
 24. love of the truth. 
 
 We are of God : he that knoweth 
 God heareth us ; he that is not of God 
 heareth not us. Hereby know we the 
 spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 
 1 John iv. 6. 
 
 Order my footsteps by thy word, 
 And make my heart sincere ; 
 
 Let sin have no dominion, Lord, 
 But keep my conscience clear. 
 
 25. PERSEVERANCE IN THE TRUTH. 
 
 They went out from us, but they 
 were not of us ; for if they had been 
 of us, they would no doubt have con- 
 tinued with us : but they went out, that 
 they might be made manifest that they 
 were not all of us. 1 John ii. 19. 
 
 When any turn from Zion's way, 
 
 (Alas, what numbers do!) 
 Methinks I hear my Saviour say, 
 
 Wilt thou forsake me too ? 
 3 
 
34 FEBRrrART. 
 
 26. LOVE OP THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 I love thy commandments above 
 gold ; yea, above fine gold. Thy testi- 
 monies are wonderful : therefore doth 
 my soul keep them. Pa. cxix. 127, 129. 
 
 Here mines of knowledg;e, Iots, and joy, 
 
 Are opened to our sight — 
 The purest gold without alloy, 
 
 And gems divinely bright. 
 
 27. LOVE OP ENEMIES. 
 
 Love ye your enemies, and do good, 
 and lend, hoping for nothing again ; 
 and your reward shall be great, and ye 
 shall be the children of the Highest : 
 for he is kind unto the unthankful and 
 to the evil. Luhe vi. 3. 
 
 Lord, shall thy bright example shine 
 
 In vain before my eyes ? 
 Give me a soul akin to thine, 
 
 To love my enemies. 
 
believer's eyidences. 35 
 
 28. love of the brethren. 
 
 Beloved, let us love one another : for 
 love is of God : and every one that 
 loveth is born of God, and knoweth 
 God. 1 John iv. 7. 
 
 Blest be the tie that binds 
 Our hearts in Christiaa love ; 
 
 The fellowship of kindred minds 
 Is like to that above. 
 
 [Zeap Year."] 
 29. THE WITNESS OF CONSCIENCE. 
 
 Hereby we know that we are of the 
 truth, and shall assure our hearts 
 before him. Beloved, if our heart con- 
 demn us not, then have we confidence 
 toward God. 1 John iii. 19, 21. 
 
 How happy are the new-born race, 
 Partakers of adopting grace ! 
 
 How pure the bliss they share ! 
 Hid from the world and all its eyes, 
 Within their hearts the blessing lies, 
 
 And conscience feels it there. 
 
MARCH. 
 
 PRIVILEGES OF THE 
 BELIEVER. 
 
 1. GOD THE believer's SUN AND 
 SHIELD. 
 
 The Lord God ia a sun and shield : 
 the Lord will give grace and glory : no 
 good thing will he withhold from them 
 that walk uprightly. Fs. Ixxxiv. 11. 
 
 If thou art my shield and my sun, 
 The night is no darkness to me ; 
 
 And fast as my moments roll on. 
 They bring me but nearer to thee. 
 (36) 
 
believer's privileges. 37 
 
 2. god the portion op the believer. 
 God is the strength of my heart, and 
 my portion for ever. Pa. Ixxiii. 26. 
 
 His boundless grace shall all my need 
 
 supply, 
 When streams of creature-comfort cease to 
 
 flow : 
 And should he some inferior good deny, 
 'Tis but a greater blessing to bestow. 
 
 3. GOD THE REFUGE OP THE BELIEVER. 
 
 God is our refuge and strength, a 
 very present help in trouble. Therefore 
 will not we fear, though the earth be 
 removed, and though the mountains 
 be carried into the midst of the sea. 
 Ps. xlvi. 1, 2. 
 
 God is our refuge in distress, 
 
 A present help when dangers press; 
 
 In him undaunted I'll confide, 
 Though earth were from her centre tossed, 
 And mountains in the ocean lost, 
 
 Torn piece-meal by the roaring tide. 
 
38 MARCH. 
 
 4. GOD THE GriDE OF THE BELIEVER. 
 
 This God is our God for e\^er and 
 ever : he will be our guide even unto 
 death. Pa. xlviii. 14. 
 
 Haste thee on from grace to glory, 
 Armed by faith, and winged by prayer ; 
 Heaven's eternal day's before thee, 
 God's own hand shall guide thee there. 
 
 5. GOD THE GLORY OP THE BELIEVER. 
 
 Thou, Lord, art a shield for me ; my 
 glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 
 Ps. iii. 3. 
 
 Lord, let thy grace surround me still, 
 And like a bulwark prove ! 
 
 To guard my soul from every ill, 
 Secured by sovereign love. 
 
believer's PRIVILEGES. 39 
 
 6. ALL BLESSINGS THROUGH CHRIST. 
 
 All things are yours ; whether Paul, 
 or ApoUos, or Cephas, or the world, 
 or life, or death, or things present, or 
 things to come ; all are yours ; and ye 
 are Christ's ; and Christ is God's. 1 
 Cor. iii. 21—23. 
 
 Let Christ assure me he is mine, 
 
 I nothing want beside ; 
 My soul shall at the fountain live, 
 
 When all the streams are dried. 
 
 7. ALL BLESSINGS IN CHRIST. 
 
 Blessed be the God and Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed 
 us with all spiritual blessings in hea- 
 venly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. i. 3. 
 
 Oh the rich depths of love divine! 
 
 Of bliss a boundless store ! 
 Dear Saviour, let me call thee mine, 
 
 I cannot wish for more. 
 
40 MAECH. 
 
 8. PARDON THROUGH CHRIST. 
 
 In whom we have redemption through 
 his blood, even the forgiveness of sin. 
 Col. i. 14. 
 
 Lamb of God, thy precious blood 
 Shall never lose its power, 
 
 Till all the ransomed church of God 
 Be saved, to sia no more. 
 
 E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream 
 Thy flowing wounds supply, 
 
 Redeeming love has been my theme, 
 And shall be till I die. 
 
 9. JUSTIFICATION THROUGH CHRIST. 
 
 Being justified freely by his gracQ 
 through the redemption that is in Christ 
 Jesus. Rom. iii. 24. 
 
 No ri^'hteousuess but his we own, 
 No ransom but his blood alone ; 
 While on the Father's name we call, 
 Our faith pleads Christ as all in all. 
 
believer's privileges. 41 
 
 10. reconciliation through christ. 
 
 For if, when we were enemies, we 
 were reconciled to God by the death 
 of his Son, much more, being recon- 
 ciled, we shall be saved by his life. 
 Rom. V. 10. 
 
 Let us love, and sing, and wonder ; 
 
 Let us praise the Savimir's name : 
 lie has hushed the law's loud thunder, 
 
 He has quenched Mount Sinai's flame : 
 He has washed us with his hlood, 
 He has brought us nigh to God. 
 
 11. ADOPTION THROTTGH CHRIST. 
 
 As many as received him, to them 
 gave he power to become the sons of 
 God, even to them that believe on his 
 name. John i. 12. 
 
 Let others boast their ancient line, 
 
 In long succession great ; 
 In the proud list, let heroes shine 
 And monarchs swell their state : 
 Descended from the King of kings, 
 Each saint a uobler title sings. 
 
42 MARCH. 
 
 12. REST IN CHRIST. 
 
 Come unto me, all ye that labour 
 and are heavy laden, and I will give 
 you rest. Matt. xi. 28. 
 
 Jesus, with thy word complying. 
 
 Firm our litith and hope shall be; 
 On thy faithfulness relying, 
 
 We will seek our rest in thee. 
 
 13. SAFETY IN CHRIST. 
 
 I give unto them eternal life; and 
 they shall never perish, neither shall 
 any man pluck them out of my hand. 
 John X. 28. 
 
 " Unnumbered years of bliss 
 I to my sheep will give ; 
 And while my throne unshaken stands 
 Shall all my chosen live." 
 
 Enough, my gracious Lord, 
 Let faith triumphant cry ; 
 My heart can on this promise live, 
 Can with this promise die. 
 
believer's privileges. 43 
 
 14. STRENGTH THROUGH CHRIST. 
 
 I can do all things through Christ 
 which strengtheneth me. PhilAv. 13. 
 
 I can do all things, and can hear 
 All sufferings, if my Lord he near ; 
 Sweet pleasures mingle with the pains, 
 While his left hand my head sustains. 
 
 15. SPIRITUAL FREEDOM THROUGH 
 CHRIST. 
 
 If the Son shall make you free, ye 
 shall be free indeed. John viii. 36. 
 
 Sweet is the freedom Christ bestows, 
 With which he makes his people free, 
 A liberty no mortal knows 
 Till they his great salvation see. 
 
44 MARCH. 
 
 16. CONSOLATION THROUGH CHRIST. 
 
 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, 
 and God, even our Father, which bath 
 loved us, and hath given us everlasting 
 consolation and good hope through 
 grace — 2 Thess. ii. 16. 
 
 In every trouble, sharp and strong, 
 
 My soul to Jesus flies ; 
 My anchor-hold is firm on him, 
 
 When swelling billows rise. 
 
 1*1. PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH CHRIST. 
 
 Being justified by faith, we have 
 peace with God through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. Bom. v. 1. 
 
 No fiery vengeance now, 
 Nor burning wrath comes down ; 
 If justice calls for sinners' blood, 
 The Saviour shows his owu. 
 
believer's privileges. 45 
 
 18, access to god through christ. 
 
 In whom we have boldness and 
 access with confidence by the faith of 
 him. Eph. iii. 12. 
 
 Come boldly to the throne of grace, 
 Where Jesus kindly pleads ; 
 
 Ours cannot be a desperate case 
 While Jesus intercedes. 
 
 19. VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST. 
 
 Thanks be to God, which giveth us 
 the victory through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 1 Cor. xv. 67. 
 
 Thus strong in the Redeemer's strength, 
 Sin, death, and hell we trample down, 
 
 Fight the good fight, and win at length, 
 Through mercy, an eternal crown. 
 
46 MARCH. 
 
 20. INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT. 
 
 Know ye not that ye are the temple 
 of God, and that the Spirit of God 
 dwelleth in you? 1 Cor. iii. 16. 
 
 Think what Spirit dwells within thee ; 
 
 Thiak what Father's smiles are thine; 
 Think that Jesus died to win thee : 
 
 Child of heaven, canst thou repine ? 
 
 21. INTERCESSION OP THE SPIRIT. 
 
 The Spirit also helpeth our infirmi- 
 ties : for we know not what we should 
 pray for as we ought : but the Spirit 
 itself maketh intercession for us with 
 groanings which cannot be uttered. 
 Rom. viii. 26. 
 
 Let pure devotion's fervours rise, 
 
 Let every holy feeling glow; 
 Oh, let the rapture of the skies 
 
 Kindle in our cold hearts below. 
 Come, vivifying Spirit, come. 
 And make our hearts thy constant home. 
 
believer's privileges. 47 
 
 22. sanctification by the spirit. 
 
 Elect according to the foreknowledge 
 of God the Father, through sanctlfica- 
 tion of the Spirit, unto obedience and 
 sprinkling of the blood of Jesus. 1 
 Pet. i. 2. 
 
 Can aught beneath a power diyine 
 
 The stubborn will subdue ? 
 'Tis thine, eternal Spirit, thine, 
 
 To form our hearts anew. 
 'Tis thine the passions to recall, 
 
 And upwards bid them rise; 
 And make the scales of error fall 
 
 From reason's darkened eyes. 
 
 23. THE FRUITS OP THE SPIRIT. 
 
 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, 
 peace, long suffering, gentleness, good- 
 ness, faith, meekness, temperance : 
 against such there is no law. Gal 
 V. 22, 23. 
 
 'Tis God himself the ground prepares. 
 
 His Spirit sows the land ; 
 And every pleasant fruit it bears, 
 
 Is nurtured by his hand. 
 
48 MARCH. 
 
 24. INHERITANCE AMONG THE 
 SANCTIFIED. 
 
 Brethren, I commend you to God 
 and to the word of his grace, which is 
 able to build you up, and to give you 
 an inheritance among all them which 
 are sanctified. Acts xx. 32. 
 
 From earth we shall quickly remove, 
 And mount to our native abode ; 
 
 The house of our Father above, 
 The palace of angels and God. 
 
 25. INCREASE OF GRACE. 
 
 The righteous shall flourish like the 
 palm tree : he shall grow like a cedar 
 in Lebanon. They shall still bring 
 forth fruit in old age; they shall be 
 fat and flourishing. Ps. xcii. 12, 14. 
 
 Lord, one thing we want, 
 
 More holiness grant ; 
 For more of thy mind and thy image we pant: 
 
 While onward we move 
 
 To Canaan above, 
 Gome, fill us with holiness, fill us with love. 
 
believer's privileges. 49 
 
 26. persevering grace. 
 
 The righteous shall hold on his way, 
 and he that hath clean hands shall be 
 stronger and stronger. Job xvii. 9. 
 
 The righteous, blest with light divine, 
 
 Shall prosper on their way ; 
 Brighter and brighter still shall shine, 
 
 To glory 's perfect day. 
 
 27. CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER. 
 
 This is the confidence that we have 
 in him, that, if we ask any thing ac- 
 cording to his will, he heareth us. 1 
 John V. 14. 
 
 He who for man their Surety stood. 
 And poured on earth his precious blood, 
 Pursues in heaven his mighty plan, 
 The Saviour and the Friend of man. 
 With boldness, therefore, at the throne, 
 Let us make all our sorrows known; 
 And ask the aid of heavenly power, 
 To help us in the evil hour. 
 4 
 
50 MARCH. 
 
 28. PRESERVATION IN TROTTBLE. 
 
 In the time of trouble he shall hide 
 me in his pavilion : in the secret of his 
 tabernacle shall he hide me ; he shall 
 set me upon a rock. Ps. xxvii. 5. 
 
 When I can trust my all with God 
 
 In trial's fearful hour — 
 Bow, all resigued, beneath his rod, 
 
 And bless his sparing power ; 
 Ajoy springs up amid distress, 
 A fountain in the wilderness. 
 
 29. ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER 
 
 FOR GOOD. 
 
 We know that all things work to- 
 gether for good to them that love God, 
 to them who are the called according 
 to his purpose. Horn. viii. 28. 
 
 God will keep his own anointed ; 
 
 Nought shall harm them, none condemn ; 
 All their trials are appointed ; 
 
 All must work for good to them : 
 All shall help them 
 
 To their heavenly diadem. 
 
believer's privileges. 51 
 
 30. peace of minb. 
 
 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
 whose mind is stayed on thee : because 
 he trusteth in thee. ha. xxvi. 3. 
 
 Saviour, on earth I covet not 
 That every woe should cease ; 
 
 Only if trouhle be my lot, 
 In thee let me have peace. 
 
 31. PEACE IN DEATH. 
 
 Mark the perfect man, and behold 
 the upright : for the end of that man 
 is peace. Ps. xxxvii. 37. 
 
 How blest the righteous when he dies, 
 When sinks a weary soul to rest! 
 
 How mildly beam the closing eyes ! 
 
 How gently heaves th' expiring breast 1 
 
 Life's labour done, as sinks the clay, 
 Light from its load the spirit flies ; 
 
 While heaven and earth combine to say, 
 " How blest the righteous when he dies !" 
 
APEIL. 
 
 DUTIES OF THE BELIEVER 
 -PERSONAL. 
 
 1. GOOD WORKS TO BE DONE. 
 
 These things I will that thou affirm 
 constantly, that they which have be- 
 lieved in God might be careful to 
 maintain good works. Titus iii. 8. 
 
 Whate'er is noble, pure, refined. 
 Just, generous, amiable, and kind, 
 That may my constant thoughts pursue, 
 That may I love and practise too. 
 
 2. GOOD WORKS TO BE DONE TO THE 
 
 GLORY OF GOD. 
 
 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, 
 or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory 
 of God. 1 Cor. X. 31. 
 
 Through Jesus Christ the .lust, 
 My faint desires receive ; 
 And let me in thy goodness trust, 
 And to thy glory live. 
 (52) 
 
DUTIES— PERSONAL. 53 
 
 3. GOOD WORKS TO BE DONE AFTER THE 
 EXAMPLE OP CHRIST. 
 
 He that saith he abideth in him 
 ought himself also so to walk, even as 
 he walked. 1 John ii. 6. 
 
 To do his heavenly Father's will 
 Was his eiuplo3'ment and delight ; 
 
 Humility and holy zeal 
 Shone through his life divinely bright. 
 
 4. GOOD WORKS TO BE DONE THROUGH 
 THE GRACE OF CHRIST. 
 
 Now the God of peace make you 
 perfect in every good work to do his 
 will, working in you that which is well 
 pleasing in his sight, through Jesus 
 Christ ; to whom be glory for ever and 
 ever. Heh. xiii. 20, 21. 
 
 Then shall we do, with pure delight, 
 Whate'er is pleasing in thy sight, 
 
 As vessels of thy richest grace ; 
 And having thy whole counsel done. 
 To thee and thy co-equal Son 
 
 Ascribe the everlasting praise. 
 
54 APRIL. 
 
 5. GOOD "WORKS TO BE DONE IX THE 
 NAME OF CHRIST. 
 
 Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, 
 do all ia the name of the Lord Jesus, 
 giving thanks to God and the Father 
 by him. Col. iii. 17. 
 
 Whate'er I say or do, 
 Thy glory be my aim ; 
 My offerings all be offered through 
 His ever blessed name. 
 
 6. IMPROVEMENT OP TIME. 
 
 Knowing the time, that now it is high 
 time to awake out of sleep : for now 
 is our salvation nearer than when we 
 believed. Rom. xiii. 11. 
 
 The time is short, but who can tell 
 How short his time below may be ? 
 
 To-day on earth his soul may dwell, 
 To-morrow in eternity. 
 
DUTIES — PERSONAL. 55 
 
 7. IMPROVEMENT OF PRIVILEGES. 
 
 That on the good ground are they, 
 which in an honest and good heart 
 having heard the word, keep it, and 
 bring forth fruit with patience. Lnke 
 viii. 15. 
 
 Father of mercies, we have need 
 
 Of thy preparing grace ; 
 Let the same hand that gives the seed 
 
 Provide a fruitful place. 
 
 8. IMPROVEMENT OF OPPORTUNITIES. 
 
 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, 
 do it with thy might; for there is no 
 work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor 
 wisdom, in the grave, whither thou 
 goest. Eccles. ix. 10. 
 
 Whate'er our hands shall find to do, 
 To-day may we with zeal pursue ; 
 Seize fleeting moments as they fly, 
 And live as we would wish to die. 
 
56 APRIL. 
 
 9. SPIRITUAL DILIGENCE. 
 
 This one thing I do, forgetting those 
 things which are behind, and reaching 
 forth unto those things which are 
 before, I press toward the mark for the 
 prize of the high calling of God in 
 Christ Jesus. Phil. iii. 13, 14. 
 
 A scrip on my back, and a staff in my hand, 
 I march on in haste through an enemy's 
 
 land : 
 The road maybe rough, but it cannot be long, 
 So I'll smooth it with hone, and I'll cheer it 
 
 with song. 
 
 10. ENTIRE CONSECRATION. 
 
 Neither yield ye your members as 
 instruments of unrighteousness unto 
 sin : but yield yourselves unto God, as 
 those that are alive from the dead, and 
 your members as instruments of right- 
 eousness unto God. Rom. vi. 13. 
 
 Yield to the Lord, with simple heart, 
 All that thou hast, and all thou art : 
 Renounce all strength, but strength divinei 
 And peace shall be for ever thine. 
 
DUTIES — PERSONAL. 57 
 11. OPEN PROFESSION OF CHRIST. 
 
 Whosoever shall confess me beforo 
 men, him will I confess also before my 
 Father which is in heaven. 3Ian. x. 
 32. 
 
 Should I, to gain the world's applause, 
 Or to escape its harmless frown, 
 
 Refuse to countenance thy cause, 
 And make thy people's lot my own. 
 
 What shame would fill me in that day, 
 
 When thou thy glory shalt display ! 
 
 12. EVIL APPEARANCES TO BE AVOIDED. 
 
 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 
 1 Thess. V. 22. 
 
 Our Saviour by a heavenly birth 
 Calls us to holiness on earth, 
 Bids us our former follies hate, 
 And from the wicked separate. 
 
 We must have holy hearts and hands. 
 And feet that go where he commands ; 
 A holy will to keep his ways. 
 And holy lips to speak his praise. 
 
58 APRIL. 
 
 13. DILIGENCE IN KEEPING THE HEART. 
 
 Keep thy heart with all diligence ; 
 for out of it are the issues of life. 
 Prov. iv. 23. 
 
 Thy business be to keep thy heart, 
 
 Each passion to control ; 
 Nobly ambitious well to rule 
 
 The empire of thy soul. 
 
 14. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye 
 think ye have eternal life : and they are 
 they which testify of me. John v. 39. 
 
 Lord, thy teaching grace impart, 
 That we may not read in vain ; 
 
 Write thy precepts on our hpart. 
 Make thy truths and doctrine plain ; 
 
 Let the messagje of thy love 
 
 Guide us to thy rest above. 
 
DUTIES — PERSONAL. 69 
 
 15. SECRET PRAYER. 
 
 Thou, when thou prayest, enter into 
 thy closet, and when thou hast shut 
 thy door, pray to thy Father which is 
 in secret; and thy Father which seeth 
 in secret shall reward thee openly. 
 Matt. vi. 6. 
 
 Far from the paths of men, to thee 
 
 I solemnly retire ; 
 See thou, who dost in secret see, 
 
 And grant my heart's desire. 
 
 16. THANKSGIVING. 
 
 In every thing give thanks : for this 
 is the will of God in Christ Jesus con- 
 cerning you, 1 These, v. 18. 
 
 Praise to God, immortal praise, 
 For the love that crowns our days; 
 Bounteous Source of every joy, 
 Let thy praise our tongues employ. 
 
60 APRIL. 
 
 17. MEDITATION. 
 
 Hia delight is in the law of the 
 Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate 
 day and night. Psalm i. 2. 
 
 I love in solitude to shed 
 
 The penitential tear ; 
 And all his promises to plead, 
 
 When none but God is near. 
 
 I love to think on mercies past, 
 
 And future good implore ; 
 And all my cares and sorrow cast, 
 
 On him whom I adore. 
 
 18. SELF-EXAMINATION. 
 
 Examine yourselves, whether ye be 
 in the faith ; prove your own selves. 
 2 Cor. xiii. 5. 
 
 At evening to myself I say, 
 
 My soul, where hast thou gleaned to day ? 
 
 Thy labours how bestowed? 
 What hast thou rightly said or done ? 
 What grace attained, or knowledge won, 
 
 In following after God ? 
 
DUTIES— PERSONAL. Gl 
 
 19. IN PROSPERITY TO BE HUMBLE. 
 
 For I say, through the grace given 
 unto me, to every man that is among 
 you, not to think of himself more 
 highly than he ought to think. Rom, 
 xii. 3. 
 
 Lord, if thou thy grace impart, 
 Poor in spirit, meek in heart, 
 I shall, as my Saviour, be 
 Rooted in humility : 
 Pleased with all the Lord provides, 
 Weaned from all the world besides. 
 
 20. m ADVERSITY TO TRUST GOD . 
 
 Who is among you that feareth the 
 Lord, that obeyeth the voice of hia 
 servant, that walketh in darkness, and 
 hath no light ? let him trust in the 
 name of the Lord, and stay upon his 
 God. ha. 1. 10. 
 
 If Providence our comforts shroud. 
 
 And dark distresses lower, 
 Hope paints its rainbow on the cloud, 
 
 And grace shines through the shower. 
 
62 APRIL. 
 
 21. SELF-GOVERNMENT. 
 
 He that is slow to anger is better than 
 the mighty ; and he that ruleth his 
 spirit than he thattaketh a city. Prov. 
 xvi. 32. 
 
 Happy the man, whose cautious steps 
 
 Still keep the golden mean ; 
 Whose life, by Scripture rules well formed. 
 
 Declares a conscience clean. 
 
 22. SELF-DENIAL. 
 
 All things are lawful for me, but all 
 things are not expedient : all things 
 are lawful for me, but all things edify 
 not. 1 Cor. X. 23. 
 
 Lord, ever let me freely j'ield 
 
 what most I prize to thee, 
 Who never hast a good withheld, 
 
 Or wilt withhold from me. 
 Thy favour all my journey through, 
 
 Thou art engaged to grant ; 
 What else I want, or think I do, 
 
 'Tis better still to want. 
 
DUTIES — PEBSONAIi. 63 
 
 23. CONTENTMENT. 
 
 Be content •with such things as ye 
 have : for he hath said, I will never 
 leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heh. xiii. 
 5. 
 
 Since he has said "I'll ne'er depart," 
 
 I'll bind his promise to my heart. 
 Rejoicing in his care : 
 
 This shall support while here I live. 
 
 And when in glory I arrive, 
 I'll praise him for it there. 
 
 24. PATIENCE. 
 
 Ye have need of patience, that, after 
 ye have done the will of God, ye might 
 receive the promise. Heh. x. 36. 
 
 I would submit to all thy will, 
 For thou art good and wise ; 
 
 Let every anxious thought be still. 
 Nor one faint murmur rise. 
 
 Thy love can cheer the darksome gloom. 
 
 And bid me wait serene, 
 Till hopes and joys immortal bloom 
 
 And brighten all the scene. 
 
#4 APRIL. 
 
 25. MEEKNESS. 
 
 Walk worthy of the vocation where- 
 with ye are called, with all lowliness 
 and meekness, with long suffering, for- 
 bearing one another in love. Eph. iv. 
 2. 
 
 Meekness, humility, and love, 
 Did through thy couduct shine ; 
 
 Oh may my whole deportmeut prove 
 A copy, Lord, of thine. 
 
 26. TEMPERANCE. 
 
 Take heed to yourselves, lest at any 
 time your hearts be overcharged with 
 surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares 
 of this life, and so that day come upon 
 you unawares. Ltilce -xxi. 34. 
 
 The world employs its various snares, 
 Of hopes and pleasures, pains and cares, 
 
 And chained to earth I lie : 
 "When shall my fettered powers be free, 
 And leave these seats of vanity, 
 
 And upward learn to fly ? 
 
DUTIES — PERSONAL. 65 
 
 27. GRAVITY AND SINCERITY. 
 
 In all tbings showing thj'self a pat- 
 tern of good works : in doctrine show- 
 ing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity. 
 Titus ii. 7. 
 
 Pure may I be, averse to sin, 
 
 Just, holy, merciful, and true ; 
 
 And let thine image formed within, 
 
 Shine out in all I speak or do. 
 
 28. WATCHFULNESS. 
 
 Blessed are those servants, whom the 
 Lord when he cometh shall find watch- 
 ing : verily I say unto you, that he 
 shall gird himself, and make them to 
 sit down to meat, and will come forth 
 and serve them. Ltike xii. 37. 
 
 Arm me with jealous care, 
 As in ttiy sight to live : 
 And oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare, 
 A strict account to give. 
 
 Help me to watch and pray, 
 And on thyself rely ; 
 Assured if I my trust betray, 
 I shall for ever die. 
 5 
 
66 APRIL. 
 
 29. DILIGENCE IN WORLDLY CALLING. 
 
 Study to be quiet, and to do your 
 own business, and to work with your 
 own hands, as we commanded you. 
 1 Thess. iv. 11. 
 
 Midst hourly cares, may love present 
 
 Its incense to tby throne; 
 And while the world our hands employs, 
 
 Our hearts be thine alone. 
 
 30. EMINENT HOLINESS THE DESIRE 
 OF THE BELIEVER. 
 
 Not as though I had already attained, 
 either were already perfect : but I fol- 
 low after, if that I may apprehend that 
 for which also I am apprehended of 
 Jesus Christ. Phil. iii. 12. 
 
 Oh for a closer walk with God, 
 
 A calm and heavenly frame, 
 
 A \\%ht to shine upon the road 
 
 That leads me to the Lamb ? 
 
MAT. 
 
 DUTIES OF THE BELIEVER 
 —IN THE CHURCH. 
 
 1. TO SHOW FORTH THE PRAISES OF GOD. 
 
 Ye are a chosen generation, a royal 
 priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar 
 people ; that ye should show forth the 
 praises of him who hath called you out 
 of darkness into his marvellous light. 
 1 Pet. ii. 9. 
 
 Not by your words alone, 
 
 But by your actions show 
 How much from him you have received, 
 
 How much to him you owe. 
 
 (67) 
 
68 VAT. 
 
 2. TO DEPART FROM ALL INIQUITY. 
 
 Let every one that nameth the name 
 of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Tim, 
 ii. 19. 
 
 Faith must obey her Father's will, 
 As well as trust his grace; 
 
 A pardoning God is jealous still 
 For his own holiness. 
 
 3. STEADFASTNESS IN THE FAITH. 
 
 Stand fast in the liberty wherewitli 
 Christ hath made us free, and be not 
 entangled again with the yoke of bond- 
 age. Gal. V. 1. 
 
 From Egypt lately freed 
 
 By the Redeemer's grace, 
 A rough and thorny path we tread 
 
 In hopes to see his face. 
 The flesh dislikes the way. 
 
 But faith approves it well ; 
 This only leads to endless day, 
 
 All others lead to hell. 
 
DUTIES — CHURCH. 
 
 4. ZEAL IN DEFENCE OP THE GOSPEL. 
 
 — exhort you that ye should earnestly 
 contend for the faith which was once 
 delivered unto the saints. Jude 3. 
 
 In the conquests of thy might, 
 May I loyally delight : 
 In thy ever-spreading reign, 
 Triumph as my greatest gain ; 
 Make me conscious by this sign, 
 Gracious Saviour, I am thine. 
 
 5. ZEAL FOR GOOD T70RKS. 
 
 Let us consider one another to pro- 
 voke unto love and to good works. 
 Heh. X. 24:. 
 
 Awake, my soul, awake, my love, 
 And serve my Saviour here below, 
 
 In works which all the saints above 
 And holy angels cannot do. 
 
70 MAY. 
 
 6. ZEAL FOR DIVINE WORSHIP. 
 
 Not forsaking the assembling of our- 
 selves together, as the manner of some 
 is ; but exhorting one another : and so 
 much the more, as ye see the day ap- 
 proaching. Heb. X. 25. 
 
 Oh let me always find a place, 
 Within the temples of thy grace ; 
 Till God command my last remove, 
 To dwell in temples made above ! 
 
 7. CONCERN FOR THE PEACE OF THE 
 CHIJRCH. 
 
 Be perfect, be of good comfort, be 
 of one mind, live in peace; and the 
 God of love and peace shall be with 
 you. 2 Cor. xiii. 11. 
 
 Make us of one heart and mind, 
 Courteous, pitiful, and kind ; 
 Lowly, meek in thought and word, 
 Altogether like our Lord. 
 
DITTIES— CHURCH. 71 
 
 8. CONCERN FOR THE PROSPERITY OP 
 THE CHURCH. 
 
 Peace be within thy walls, and pros- 
 perity within thy palaces. Psa. cxxii. 
 7. 
 
 For our dear brethren's sake, 
 
 Zion, we wish thee peace; 
 Prosper, oh ! prosper long, 
 And may thy sons increase: 
 We seek thy good, we love the road, 
 Which leads us to God's blest abode. 
 
 9. MUTUAL LOVE. 
 
 Walk in love, as Christ also hath 
 loved us, and hath given himself for 
 us an offering and a sacrifice to God 
 for a sweet-smelling savour. Ejyh. v. 2. 
 
 Among the saints on earth 
 Let mutual love be found ; 
 Heirs of the same inheritance, 
 With mutual blessings crowned. 
 
72 MAY. 
 
 10 MUTT7AL STJBJECTION. 
 
 All of you be subject one to another, 
 and be clothed with humility : for God 
 resisteth the proud, and giveth grace 
 to the humble. 1 Peter v. 5. 
 Lord, for ever at thy side 
 
 May my place and portion be ; 
 Strip me of the robe of pride; 
 Clothe me with humility. 
 
 11. MUTUAL HONOUR. 
 
 Let nothing be done through strife 
 or vainglory ; but in lowliness of mind 
 let each esteem other better than them- 
 selves. Phil. ii. 3. 
 
 Oh let each esteem his brother 
 Better than himself to be; 
 
 And let each prefer another, 
 Full of love, from envy free : 
 
 Happy are we. 
 When in this we all agree. 
 
DUTIES — CHURCH. 73 
 
 12. MUTUAL FORBEARANCE. 
 
 Forbearing one another, and forgiv- 
 ing one another, if any man have a 
 quarrel against any : even as Christ 
 forgave you, so also do ye. Col. iii. 13. 
 
 May we each with each agree, 
 Through thy uniting grace : 
 
 Our gift shall thine accepted be, 
 Our life be love and praise. 
 
 13. MUTUAL CANDOUR. 
 
 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 
 Why beholdest thou the mote that is 
 in thy brother's eye, but considerest 
 not the beam that is in thine own eye ? 
 Matt. vii. 1, 3. 
 
 Make us, by thy transforming grace, 
 Great Saviour, daily more like thee; 
 
 Thy fair example may we trace, 
 To teach us what we ought to be. 
 
74 MAY. 
 
 14. MUTUAL FORGIVENESS. 
 
 Be ye kind onie to another, tender- 
 hearted, forgiving one another, even 
 as God for Christ's sake hath forgive'* 
 you. Ei)h. iv. 32. 
 
 " Is Christ divided ?" What can part 
 The members from the Head ? 
 
 Oh how should those be one in heart 
 For whom our Saviour bled 1 
 
 15. MUTUAL ADMONITION. 
 
 I myself am persuaded of you, my 
 brethren, that ye also are full of good- 
 ness, filled with all knowledge, able 
 also to admonish one another. Rom. 
 XV. 14. 
 
 Bonds of everlasting love 
 Draw our souls in union 
 
 To our Father's house above, 
 To the saints' communion. 
 
 Thither may our hopes ascend, 
 
 There may all our labours end. 
 
DUTIES — CHURCH. 75 
 
 16. MUTUAL CONSOLATION AND 
 EDIFICATION. 
 
 Comfort yourselves together, and 
 edify one another, even as also ye do. 
 1 Thes8. V. 11. 
 
 While we journey, let us 
 Help each other on the road; 
 
 Foes on every side beset us, 
 
 Snares through all the way are strewed ; 
 
 It behoves us, 
 Each to bear a brother's load. 
 
 17. MUTUAL INTERCESSION. 
 
 Pray one for another. — The effectual 
 fervent prayer of a righteous man 
 availeth much. James v. 16. 
 
 Before our Father's throne 
 "We pour our ardent prayers ; 
 Our fears, our hopes, our aims are on^— 
 Our comforts and our cares. 
 
76 MAY. 
 
 18. UNITY OF SENTIMENT. 
 
 Whereto we have already attained, 
 let us walk by the same rule, let us 
 mind the same thing. Phil. iii. 16. 
 
 Bound to one Lorcl, by common vow 
 
 In one great enterprise; 
 One faith, one hope, one centre now, 
 
 Our common home, the skies. 
 
 19. UNITY OF JUDGMENT. 
 
 I beseech yon, brethren, by the name 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all 
 speak the same thing, and that there 
 be no divisions among you ; but that 
 ye be perfectly joined together in the 
 same mind and in the same judgment. 
 1 Cor. i. 10. 
 
 Lord subdue our selfish will, 
 Each to each our tempers stilt, 
 
 By thy modulating skill, 
 Heart to heart; as lute to lute. 
 
DUTIES — CHURCH. 77 
 
 20. UNITED PRAYER. 
 
 Where two or three are gathered 
 together in my name, there am I in the 
 midst of them. Jltitt. xviii. 20. 
 
 Where two or three with sweet accord, 
 Obedient to their sovereign, Lord, 
 Meet to recount his acts of grace, 
 And ofifer solemn prayer and praise ; 
 There, saith the Saviour, will I be 
 Amid the little company. 
 
 21. UNITED PRAISE. 
 
 Teaching and admonishing one ano- 
 ther in psalms and hymns and spiritual 
 songs, singing with grace in your 
 hearts to the Lord. Col. iii. 16. 
 
 Teach us, though in a world of sin, 
 Heaven's blest employment to begin. 
 To sing our great Redeemer's praise ; 
 And love his name, and learn his ways. 
 
78 MAT. 
 
 22. PIOUS CONVERSATION'. 
 
 Let no corrupt communication pro- 
 ceed out of your mouth, but that which 
 is good to the use of edifying, that it 
 may minister grace unto the hearers. 
 Eph. iv. 29, 
 
 Wheresoever two or three 
 Meet, a Christian company, 
 Grant us. Lord, to meet with thee : 
 
 Gracious Saviour, hear ! 
 When with friends beloved we stray, 
 Talking down the closing day, 
 Saviour, meet us in the way : 
 
 Gracious Saviour, hear ! 
 
 23. COMPASSION FOR THE WEAK. 
 
 "We that are strong ought to bear 
 the infirmities of the v?eak, and not to 
 please ourselves. Rom. xv. 1. 
 
 When weaker Christians we despise, 
 We do the great Redeemer wrong ; 
 
 For God, the gracious and the wise, 
 Receives the feeble with the strong. 
 
DUTIES— CHURCH. 79 
 
 24. COMPASSION FOR THE AFFLICTED . 
 
 Remember them that are in bonds, 
 as bound with them ; and them which 
 suffer adversity, as being yourselves 
 also in the body. Heh. xiii. 3. 
 
 With pity let my breast o'erflow, 
 When 1 behold another's woe ; 
 And bear a sympathizing part, 
 Whene'er I meet a wounded heart. 
 
 25. COMPASSION FOR THE POOR. 
 
 As we have therefore opportunity, 
 let us do good unto all men, especially 
 unto them who are of the household 
 of faith. Gal. vi. 10, 
 
 Awake, my charity, and feed 
 
 The hungry soul, and clothe the poor ; 
 In heaven are found no sons of need, 
 
 There all these duties are no more. 
 
80 MAY. 
 
 26. COMPASSION TO THOSE WHO HAVE 
 ERRED. 
 
 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in 
 a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore 
 such an one in the spirit of meekness ; 
 considering thyself, lest thou also be 
 tempted. Gal. vi. 1. 
 
 Lord, we would strive, and hope, and wait, 
 The offending still to reinstate ; 
 And when a broken heart we view, 
 Our Christian friendship quick renew. 
 
 27. FREEDOM FROM SLANDER. 
 
 Speak not evil one of another, bre- 
 thren. He that speaketh evil of his 
 brother, and judgeth his brother, speak- 
 eth evil of the law, and judgeth the 
 law : but if thou judge the law, thou 
 art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 
 James iv. 11. 
 
 Love is a pure and heavenly flame, 
 And much regards a brother's name ; 
 It hopeth all things, and believes, 
 Nor easily a charge receives. 
 
DUTIES — CHURCH. 81 
 
 28. ESTEEM FOR THE MINISTRY. 
 
 We beseech you to know them which 
 labour among you, and are over you in 
 the Lord, and admonish you ; and to 
 esteem them very highly in love for 
 their work's sake. 1 Thesa. v. 12, 13. 
 How beauteous are their feet, 
 Who stand on Zion's hill ; 
 Who bring salvation on their tongues, 
 And words of peace reveal! 
 
 29. PRAYER FOR THE MINISTRY. 
 
 Praying always with all prayer and 
 supplication in the Spirit ; — and for me, 
 that utterance may be given unto me, 
 that I may open my mouth boldly, to 
 make known the mystery of the gospel. 
 Eph. vi. 18, 19. 
 
 With heavenly power, Lord, defend 
 Those whom we now to thee commend, 
 Thy faithful messengers secure, 
 And make them to the end endure. 
 Q 
 
82 MAT. 
 
 30. rXBELIEF SHOrLD BE GUAEDED 
 AGAINST. 
 
 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in 
 any of vou an evil heart of unbelief, in 
 departing from the living God, Heh. 
 iii. 12. 
 
 How oft. deceived bv self .ind pride, 
 Has my we.^k he.art been turned aside, 
 And. Jonah-like, has fled from thee, 
 Till thou hast looked again on me ! 
 
 31. CArXIOX AGAINST APOSTASY. 
 
 Looking diligently lest any man fail 
 of the grace of God ; lest any root of 
 bitterness springing up trouble you, 
 and thereby many be defiled. Heh. 
 xii. 15. 
 
 What bright exchange, what treasure shall 
 
 be given. 
 For the lost birthright of a hope in heaven ? 
 If lost the gem which empires could not buy, 
 What yet remains ? — a dark eternity. 
 
JUNE. 
 
 DUTIES OF THE BELIEVER 
 —IN THE WORLD. 
 
 1. BELIEVERS ARE THE SALT OP THE 
 EARTH. 
 
 Ye are the salt of the earth : bixt if the 
 salt have lost his savour, wherewith 
 shall it be salted ? it is thenceforth 
 good for nothing, but to be cast out, 
 and to be trodden under foot of men. 
 Matt. V. 13. 
 
 Strive thou with studious care to find 
 
 Some good thy hands may do ; 
 Some way to serve and bless mankind, 
 Console the heart, relieve the mind, 
 And open comforts new. 
 
 (83) 
 
84 JUNE. 
 
 2. BELIEVERS ARE THE LIGHT OF THE 
 WORLD. 
 
 Ye are the light of the world. 3fatt. 
 V. 14. 
 
 Walk in the light — and thine shall he 
 A path, though stormy, bright ; 
 
 For (jod in love shall dwell with thee— 
 And God himself is light. 
 
 3. THE UNIVERSAL RULE OF EQUITY. 
 
 All things whatsoever ye would that 
 men should do to you, do ye even so to 
 them : for this is the law and the pro- 
 phets. Matt. vii. 12. 
 
 Blessed Redeemer, how divine, 
 How righteous is this rule of thine, 
 To do to all men just the same 
 As we expect or wish from them ! 
 
 How blest would every nation prove 
 Thus ruled by equity and love ! 
 All would be friends without a foe, 
 And form a paradise below. 
 
DUTIES — WORLD. 85 
 4. TO GLORIFY GOD BY HOLY CONDUCT. 
 
 I beseech you as strangers and pil- 
 grims, abstain from fleshly lusts, 'which 
 war against the soul ; having your con- 
 versation honest among the Gentiles. 
 1 Pet. ii. 11. 
 
 Help thy servant to maintain 
 A professioQ free from stain ; 
 That my sole reproach may be, 
 rollowing Christ, and fearing thee. 
 
 5. ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE 
 LORD. 
 
 My beloved brethren, be ye stead- 
 fast, unmovable, always abounding in 
 the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye 
 know that your labour is not in vain 
 in the Lord. 1 Cor. xv. 58. 
 
 Sow in the morn thy seed, 
 At eve hold not thy hand, 
 To doubt and fear give thou no heed, 
 Broad-cast it round thy land. 
 
86 JTJITE. 
 
 6. DECISION OP CHARACTER. 
 
 No man can serve two masters : for 
 either he will hate the one, and love 
 the other ; or else he will hold to the 
 one, and despise the other. Ye cannot 
 serve God and mammon. 3Iatt. vi. 24. 
 
 Not a broken, brief obedience 
 
 Does the Lord of heaven demand; 
 He requires our whole allegiance. 
 Words and deeds, and heart and hand : 
 God will hold divided sway 
 With no deity of clay. 
 
 7. HOLY EXAMPLE. 
 
 Let your light so shine hefore men, 
 that they may see your good works, 
 and glorify your Father which is in 
 heaven. Matt, v. 16. 
 
 So let our lips and lives express 
 The holy gospel we profess ; 
 So let our works and virtues shine 
 To prove the doctrine all divine. 
 
DUTIES— WORLD. 8? 
 
 8 LIVE IN PEACE WITH ALL MEN. 
 
 If it be possible, as mueli as liethin 
 you, live peaceably with all men. Horn. 
 xii. 18. 
 
 His purpose is that we should hear 
 
 His image now on earth, 
 And by our peaceful lives declare 
 Our new and heavenly birth. 
 
 9. LOVE TO OUR NEIGHBOUR. 
 
 If ye fulfil the royal law according 
 to the scripture. Thou shalt love thy 
 neighbour as thyself, ye do well. 
 James ii. 8. 
 Love lays its own advantage by 
 To seek its neighbour's good ; 
 So God's own Son came down to die, 
 And bought our lives with blood. 
 
 Love is the grace that keeps its power 
 
 In all the realms above ; 
 There faith and hope are known no more, 
 
 But saints for ever love. 
 
88 JUNE. 
 
 10. SEEK THE EDIFICATION OP OTIR 
 NEIGHBOUR. 
 
 Let everyone of us please his neigh- 
 bour for his good to edification. Mom, 
 XV. 2. 
 
 May I from every act abstain, 
 That hurts or gives another pain : 
 Still may I feel my heart inclined 
 To be the friend of all mankind. 
 
 11. LOVE TO ALL MEN. 
 
 The Lord make you to increase and 
 abound in love one toward another, 
 and toward all men, even as we do 
 toward you. 1 These, iii. 12. 
 
 May love, that shining grace, 
 O'er all my powers preside ; 
 Direct my thoughts, suggest my words. 
 And every action guide. 
 
DUTIES — "WORLD. 
 
 12. TO SEEK THE SALVATION OF OTHERS. 
 
 He which converteth the sinner from 
 the error of his way shall save a soul 
 from death, and shall hide a multitude 
 of sins. James v. 20. 
 
 My God, I feel the mournful scene ; 
 
 Mj"^ bowels yearn o'er dying men ; 
 
 And fain my pity would reclaim, 
 
 And snatch the firebrands from the flame. 
 
 13. GIVE DUE HONOUR TO ALL. 
 
 Render to all their dues : tribute to 
 whom tribute is due ;, custom to whom 
 custom ; fear to whom fear; honour to 
 whom honour. Rom. xiii. 7. 
 
 Long as the moon her course shall run, 
 Or man behold the circling sun. 
 
 Do thou amidst our nation reign ; 
 Still crown her counsels with success, 
 "With peace and joy her borders bless, 
 
 And all her sacred rights maintain. 
 
90 JUNE. 
 
 14. CONSISTEXCT. 
 
 That ye may be blameless and harm- 
 less, the sons of God, without rebuke, 
 in the midst of a crooked and perverse 
 nation, among whom ye shine as lights 
 in the world. Phil. ii. 15. 
 
 That ■wi?dom, Lord, on us bestow 
 
 From every evil to depart, 
 To stop the mouth of every foe, 
 
 "While upright both in life and heart, 
 The proof of godly fear we give, 
 And show them how the Christians live. 
 
 15. CIRCrMSPECTION. 
 
 See then that ye walk circumspectly, 
 not as fools, but as wise ; redeeming 
 the time, because the days are evil. 
 Eph. V. 15, 16. 
 
 Let every flying hour confess 
 I gain the gospel fresh renown : 
 
 And when my life and lal-ours cease, 
 May I possess the promised crown. 
 
DUTIES — WORLD. 91 
 
 16. DISCRETION. 
 
 A good man sheweth favour, and 
 lendeth : he will guide his affairs with 
 discretion. Psalm cxii. 5. 
 
 Believers love what God commands, 
 
 And in his ways delight ; 
 Their gracious words, and holy hands 
 
 Show that their faith is right. 
 Their converse is with God above, 
 
 Their labours bless mankind; 
 Their works of mercy, peace, and love, 
 
 Through Christ acceptance find. 
 
 17» MODERATION. 
 
 Let your moderation be known unto 
 all men. The Lord is at hand. Phil. 
 iv. 5. 
 
 "We'll look on all the toys below 
 With such disdain as angels do; 
 And wait the call that bids us rise 
 To mansions promised in the skies. 
 
92 JUNE. 
 
 18. FORBEARANCE. 
 
 Dearly beloved, avenge not your- 
 selves, but rather give place unto 
 wrath : for it is writtea, Vengeance is 
 mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. 
 Rom. xii. 19. 
 
 May I feel beneath my wrongs 
 Vengeance to the Lord belongs: 
 Nor a worse requital dare, 
 Than the meek revenge of prayer: 
 Much forgiven, may I learn, 
 Love for hatred to return. 
 
 19. INDTJSTRT, 
 
 Let a man labour, working with his 
 hands the thing which is good, that he 
 may have to give to him that needeth. 
 Eph. iv. 28. 
 
 To thee my very life I owe ; 
 From thee do all my comforts flow; 
 And every blessing which I need 
 Must from thy bounteous hand proceed. 
 
DUTIES — WORLD. 93 
 
 20. INTEGRITY. 
 
 That ye may walk honestly toward 
 tbem that are without, and that ye may 
 have lack of nothing. 1 Thess. iv. 12. 
 
 Come, let us search our ways and try, 
 
 Have they been just and right ? 
 Is the great rule of equity 
 
 Our practice and delight ? 
 In all -we sell, in all we buy, 
 
 Is justice our design ? 
 Do we remember God is nigh, 
 
 And fear the wrath Divine ? 
 
 21. FIDELITY. 
 
 He that is faithful in that which is 
 least is faithful also in much : and he 
 that is unjust in the least is unjust also 
 in much. Luhe xvi. 10. 
 
 Thy gifts are only then enjoyed 
 When used as talents lent; 
 
 Those talents only well employed 
 When in Ilis service spent. 
 
94 JUNE. 
 
 22. TRUTH AND SINCERITY. 
 
 Wherefore, putting away lying, 
 speak every man truth with his neigh- 
 bour : for we are members one of 
 another. Eph. iv. 25. 
 
 Let those who bear the Christian name 
 
 Their holy vows fulfil; 
 The saints, the followers of the Lamb, 
 
 Are men of honour still. 
 
 23. GENTLENESS AND MEEKNESS. 
 
 To speak evil of no man, to be no 
 brawlers, but gentle, showing all meek- 
 ness to all men. Tit. iii. 2. 
 
 Blest are the men of peaceful life, 
 ■Who quench the coals of groAving strife, 
 They shall he called the heirs of bliss, 
 The sous of God, the sous of peace. 
 
DUTIES— "WORLD. Vd 
 
 24. BENEVOLENCE. 
 
 Pure religion and undefiled before 
 God and the Father is this, To visit 
 the fatherless and widows in their 
 aflSiiction, and to keep himself unspot- 
 ted from the world. James 1. 27. 
 
 The poor are always with us here: 
 'Tis our great Father's plan, 
 
 That mutual wants and mutual care 
 Should bind us man to man. 
 
 25. OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD. 
 
 If thine enemy hunger, feed him : if 
 he thirst, give him drink : for in so 
 doing thou shalt heap coals of fire cm 
 his head. Be not overcome of evil, but 
 overcome evil with good. Horn. xii. 
 20, 21. 
 
 Thus artists melt the sullen ore of lead, 
 With heaping coals of fire upon its head ; 
 In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow, 
 And loose from dross the silver runs below. 
 
96 JUNE. 
 
 26. PERSEVERANCE IN DOING GOOD. 
 
 Let us not be weary in well doing 
 for in due season we shall reap if vfi 
 faint not. Gal. vi. 9. 
 
 Meek pilgrim Zionward, if thou 
 Hast put thy hand unto the plough, 
 Oh look not back, nor droop dismayed, 
 At thought of victory delayed : 
 Doubt not that thou, iu season due, 
 Shalt own his gracious promise true ; 
 And thou shalt share their glorious lot. 
 Whom doing well hath wearied not. 
 
 27. SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITT. 
 
 Put them in mind to be subject to 
 principalities and powers, to obey ma- 
 gistrates, to be ready to every good 
 work. Titus iii. 1. 
 
 Lord, thou hast bid thy people pray 
 For all that bear the sovereign sway, 
 
 Who as thy servants reign ; 
 Rulers, and governors, and powers^— 
 Behold, in faUh we pray for ours ; 
 
 Nor let us plead iu vain. 
 
duties — world. 97 
 
 28. universal holiness the 
 
 believer's aim. 
 Whatsoever things are true, •what- 
 soever things are honest, whatsoever 
 things are just, whatsoever things are 
 pure, whatsoever things are lovely, 
 whatsoever things are of good report ; 
 if there be any virtue, and if there 
 be any praise, think on these things. 
 Phil. iv. 8. 
 
 Father of eternal grace, 
 Glorify thyself in me ; 
 Meekly beaming in my face, 
 May the world thine image see 
 
 29. believer's humble confession. 
 So likewise ye, when ye shall have 
 
 done all those things which are com- 
 manded you, say, We are unprofitable 
 Bervants : we have done that which 
 was our duty to do. Luhe xvii. 10. 
 
 My present triumphs, and mj' past, 
 
 Are thine, and must be to the last ; 
 
 And if the crown of life I wear. 
 
 Thy hand alone must place it there. 
 7 
 
98 JUNE. 
 
 30. THE GREAT MOTIVE TO ALL DUTY. 
 
 Ye are not your own ; for ye are 
 
 bought with a price : therefore glorify 
 God in your body, and in your spirit 
 which are God's. lCo>: vi. 19, 20. 
 
 Oh ! grant us, Lord, to feel and own 
 
 The power of loTe divine ; 
 The blood which doth for sin atone, 
 
 The grace which makes us thine. 
 
JULY. 
 
 JOYS OF THE BELIEVER. 
 
 1. JOY IN GOD. 
 
 Let all those that put their trust in 
 thee rejoice : let them ever shout for 
 joy, because thou defendest them : let 
 them also that love thy name be joyful 
 in thee. Psalm v. 11. 
 
 When with his smiles my soul he deigns to 
 bless, 
 Nor cares nor crosses can my peace destroy, 
 Possessing all things if I him possess, 
 Enjoying all things if I him enjov. 
 (99) 
 
100 JULY. 
 
 2. JOY IN CHRIST. 
 
 We are the circumcision, which wor- 
 ship God ia the spirit, and rejoice in 
 Christ Jesus, and have no confidence 
 in the flesh. Phil. iii. 3. 
 
 The opening heavens around me shine 
 
 With beams of sacred bliss, 
 While Jesus shows his heart is mine, 
 
 And whispers, I am his. 
 
 3. JOY IN THE HOLY GHOST. 
 
 The kingdom of God is not meat and 
 drink ; but righteousness, and peace, 
 and joy in the Holy Ghost. Bom. xiv. 
 17. 
 
 Holy Ghost, dispel our sadness, 
 Pierce the cloud of sinful night ; 
 
 Come, thou source of joy and gladnesP, 
 Breathe thy life, and shed thy light. 
 
believer's jots. 101 
 
 4. the gospel a source of joy. 
 
 Blessed is the people that know the 
 joyful sound : they shall walk, Lord, 
 in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 
 Ixxxix. 15. 
 
 Bit-st are the souls that hear and know 
 The gospel's joyful sound ; 
 Peace shall attend the path they go, 
 And light their steps sui-round. 
 
 5. THE ATONEMENT A SOURCE OF JOY. 
 
 We joy in God through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, by whom we have now 
 received the atonement. i?om. v. 11. 
 
 There is a fountain filled with blood. 
 
 Drawn from Immanuel's veins, 
 And sinners plunged beneath that flood 
 
 Lose all their guilty stains. 
 The dying thief rejoiced to see 
 
 That fountain in his day ; 
 And here may I, though vile as he, 
 
 Wash all my sins away. 
 
102 JULY. 
 
 6. THE SCRIPTURES A SOURCE OF JOT. 
 
 Thy words were found, and I did 
 eat them ; and thy word was unto me 
 the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; 
 for I am called by thy name, Lord 
 God of hosts. Jer. xv. 16. 
 
 Oh may these heavenly pages be 
 
 My ever dear delight ; 
 And still new beauties may I see, 
 
 And still increasing light. 
 
 7. THE SABBATH A SOURCE OF JOT. 
 
 This is the day which the Lord hath 
 made; we will rejoice and be glad in 
 it. Psalm cxviii. 24. 
 Oft as this peaceful day shall come, 
 Lord, raise my thoughts from earthly 
 things, 
 And bear them to my heavenly home. 
 On faith and hope's celestial wings : 
 Till the last gleam of life decay, 
 In one eternal Sabbath day. 
 
believer's joys. 103 
 
 8, faith a source of joy. 
 
 Whom having not seen, ye love ; in 
 whom, though now ye see him not, yet 
 believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeak- 
 able and full of glory. 1 Pet. i. S. 
 
 A bleeding Saviour, seen by faith, 
 A sense of pardoning love, 
 
 A hope that triumphs over death, 
 Give joys iilie those above. 
 
 9. PARDOX A SOURCE OF JOY. 
 
 Blessed is he whose transgression is 
 forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed 
 is the man unto whom the Lord im- 
 puteth not iniquity, and in whose spirit 
 there is no guile. Psalm xxxii. 1, 2. 
 
 The Saviour smiles! o'er my blest soul 
 New tides of hope tumultuous roll ; 
 Earth has a joy unknown in heaven, 
 The new-born peace of sin forgiven; 
 Tears of such pure and deep delight. 
 Ye augels ! never dimmed your sight. 
 
104 JULY. 
 
 10. HOPE OF GLORY A SOURCE OF JOY. 
 
 By whom [Jesus Christ] we have 
 access by faith into this grace wherein 
 we stand, and rejoice in hope of the 
 glory of God. Rom. v. 2. 
 
 By faith to Pisgah's top I fly, 
 And there delighted stand, 
 To view beneath a cloudless sky, 
 
 The spacious promised land. 
 The Lord of all the vast domain 
 
 Has promised it to me ; 
 The length and breadth of all the plain, 
 As far as faith can see. 
 
 11. GODLY FEAR A SOURCE OF JOY. 
 
 Blessed is everyone that feareth the 
 Lord ; that walketh in his ways. For 
 thou shalt eat the labour of thine 
 hands : happy shalt thou be, and it 
 shall be well with thee. Psalm exxviii. 
 1,2. 
 
 Happy, beyond description , he 
 Who fears the Lord bis God ; 
 Who hears his threats with holy awe, 
 And trembles at his rod. 
 
believer's joys. 105 
 
 12. obedience a source of joy. 
 
 I •will delight myself in thy corn- 
 mandments which I have loved. Psalm 
 cxix. 47. 
 
 Then shall my heart have inward joy, 
 And keep my face from shame, 
 
 When all thy statutes I obey, 
 And honour all thy name. 
 
 13. COMMTTNION "WITH GOD A SOURCE 
 
 OF JOY. 
 
 There be many that say, Who will 
 show us any good ? Lord, lift thou up 
 the light of thy countenance upon us. 
 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, 
 more than in the time that their corn 
 aud their wine increased. Psalm iv. 
 6,7. 
 
 Lord, what is life ? if spent with thee. 
 In humble praise and prayer, 
 
 How long or short my life may be 
 I feel no anxious care : 
 
 Thouszh life depart, my joys shall last. 
 
 When life and all its joys are past. 
 
106 JULY. 
 
 14. COMMUiaON OF SAINTS A SOURCE 
 OF JOY. 
 
 My goodness extendeth not to thee; 
 but to the saints that are in the earth, 
 and to the excellent, in whom is all my 
 delight. Psalm xvi. 2, 3. 
 
 If 'tis sweet to mingle where 
 Christians meet for fervent prayer; 
 If tis sweet with them to raise 
 Songs of holy joy and praise ; 
 Passing sweet that state must be, 
 "Where they meet eternally. 
 
 15. PRAYER A SOURCE OF JOY. 
 
 Even them will I bring to my holy 
 mountain, and make them joyful in my 
 house of prayer. leaiah Ivi. 7. 
 Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw, 
 Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw ; 
 Gives exercise to faith and iove, 
 Brings every blessing from above. 
 
believer's joys. 107 
 
 16. SALVATION A SOURCE OP JOY. 
 
 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and 
 in the name of our God we will set up 
 our banners. Psalm xx. 5. 
 
 Salvation! ob the joyful sound! 
 
 'Tis pleasure to our ears ; 
 A sovereign balm for every wound, 
 
 A cordial for our fears. 
 
 17. EARLY PIETY A SOURCE OP JOY. 
 
 Oh satisfy us early with thy mercy ; 
 that we may rejoice and be glad all our 
 days. Psalm xc. 14. 
 
 Grace is a plant, ■where'er it grows, 
 
 Of pure and heavenly root ; 
 But fairest in the 5'oung it shows, 
 
 And yields the sweetest fruit. 
 
108 JULY. 
 
 IS. A GOOD CONSCIENCE A SOURCE 
 OF JOY. 
 
 Our rejoicing is this, the testimony 
 of our conscience, that in simplicity 
 and godly sincerity, not with fleshly 
 wisdom, but by the grace of God, we 
 have had our conversation in the world. 
 2 Cor. i. 12. 
 
 Oh happy soul, that lives on high. 
 While men lie grovelling here ; 
 
 Whose hopes are fixed above the sky, 
 And faith forbids his fear. 
 
 His conscience cleansed from all his sins, 
 Love, peace, and joy combine 
 
 To form a life whose holy springs 
 Are hidden and divine 
 
 19. BENEVOLENCE A SOURCE OF JOY. 
 
 Remember the words of the Lord 
 Jesus, how he said. It is more blessed 
 to give than to receive. Acts xx. 45. 
 
 Blest is the man whose heart expands 
 
 At melting pity's call, 
 And the rich blessings of whose hands 
 
 Like heavenly manna fall. 
 
believer's joys. 109 
 
 20. tribulation a source of joy. 
 
 We glory in tribulation : knowing 
 that tribulation worketh patience; and 
 patience, experience j and experience, 
 hope. Rom. v. 3, 4. 
 Then let us wait th' appointed day, 
 
 Nor call this world our home ; 
 To pilgrims iu a foreign land. 
 Afflictions needs must come. 
 
 Who rules the world, overrules their end, 
 
 They destined are for good ; 
 And bear the saints to realms of rest, 
 
 Though mighty as a flood. 
 
 21. TEMPORAL BLESSINGS SOURCES 
 OF JOY. 
 
 Ye shall eat in plenty, and he satis- 
 fied, and praise the name of the Lord 
 your God, that hath dealt wondrously 
 with you : and my people shall never 
 be ashamed. Joel ii. 26. 
 
 Thy bounty gilds the path of life 
 
 With every cheering ray. 
 And oft restrains the rising tear. 
 
 Or wipes that tear away. 
 
110 JULY. 
 
 22. THE DIVIXE BLESSING A SOURCE 
 OF JOY. 
 
 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh 
 rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. 
 Prov. X. 22. 
 
 Better than life itself thy love, 
 Dearer than all beside to me ; 
 
 For whom have I in heaven above, 
 Or what on earth, compared to thee ? 
 
 23. THE DIYINE PROTECTION A SOURCE 
 OF JOY. 
 
 Because thou hast been my help, 
 therefore in the shadow of thy wings 
 will I rejoice. Psalm Ixiii. 7. 
 
 Since thou hast been my help, 
 
 To thee my spirit flies ; 
 And on thy watchful providence 
 
 My cheerful hope relies. 
 
believer's joys. Ill 
 
 24. DIVINE ACCEPTANCE A SOURCE 
 OP JOY. 
 
 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, 
 and di'iuk thy wine with a merry heart ; 
 for God now accepteth thy work, 
 Eccles. ix. 7. 
 
 Whilst I see thy love to me. 
 Every object teems with joy ; 
 
 Here, oh may I walk with thee, 
 Then into thy presence die! 
 
 Let me but thyself possess, 
 
 Total sum of happiness ; 
 
 Real bliss I then shall prove — 
 
 Heaven below, and heaven above. 
 
 25. JOY FOLLOWING SORROW. 
 
 Weeping may endure for a night ; 
 but joy Cometh in the morning. Psalm 
 XXX. 5. 
 
 When comforts are declining, 
 He grants the soul again 
 
 A season of clear shining, 
 To cheer it after rain. 
 
112 JULY. 
 
 26. JOY THE DUTY OF THE BELIEYER. 
 
 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye 
 righteous : and shout for joy, all ye that 
 are upright in heart. Psalm xxxii. 11. 
 
 Let those refuse to sing 
 Who never knew the Lord ; 
 
 But children of the heavenly King 
 Should speak their joys abroad. 
 
 27. JOY TO BE SOUGHT THEOUGH 
 CHRIST. 
 
 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in 
 my name : ask, and ye shall receive, 
 that your joy may be full. John xvi. 
 24. 
 
 Dark and cheerless is the morn, 
 Unaccompanied by thee ; 
 
 Joyless is the day's return, 
 Till thy mercy's beams we see : 
 
 Day-spring from on high, be near ; 
 
 Day-star, in our hearts appear. 
 
believer' s jots. 11 3 
 
 28. believer's joy is satisfying. 
 
 Blessed is the man whom thou choos- 
 est, and causest to approach unto thee, 
 that he may dwell in thy courts : we 
 shall be satisfied with the goodness of 
 thy house, even of thy holy temple. 
 Psalm Ixv. 4. 
 
 These are the joys which satijjfy, 
 
 And sanctify the mind ; 
 Which make the spirit mount on high, 
 
 And leave the world behind. 
 
 29. believer's joy is abiding. 
 
 These things have I spoken unto 
 you, that my joy might remain in you, 
 and that your joy might be full. John 
 
 XV. 11. 
 
 Art thou not mine, my living Lord ? 
 
 And can my hope, my comfort die. 
 Fixed on thine everlasting word — 
 
 The word that built the earth and sky ? 
 
114 JULY. 
 
 30. BELIEVER HAS JOY IN DEATH. 
 
 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant 
 depart in peace, according to thy 
 word : for mine eyes have seen thy 
 salvation. Luke ii. 29, 30. 
 
 When we have numbered all our years. 
 And stand, at length, on Jordan's brink ; 
 
 Though the flesh fail with mortal fears, 
 Oh ! let not then the spirit sink : 
 
 But strong in faith, and hope, and love, 
 
 Plunge through the stream to rise above. 
 
 31. HEAVEN THE CONSUMMATION 
 OF JOY. 
 
 Well done, thou good and faithful 
 servant : thou hast been faithful over 
 a few things, I will make thee ruler 
 over many things : enter thou into the 
 joy of thy Lord. 3Iatt. xxv. 21. 
 
 Soldier of Christ, well done ! 
 
 Praise be thy new employ; 
 And while eternal ages run, 
 
 Eest in thy Saviour's joy. 
 
AUGUST. 
 
 SORROWS OF THE BE- 
 LIEVER, 
 
 1. BELIEVER FOBE WARNED OF SORROW. 
 
 These things I have spoken unto 
 you, that in me ye might have peace. 
 In the world ye shall have tribulation : 
 but be of good cheer : I have overcome 
 the world. John xvi. 33. 
 
 The path of sorrow, and that path alone. 
 Leads to the land where sorrow is unknown, 
 No traveller e'er reached that b]est abode. 
 Who found not thorns and briers in his road. 
 
 (115) 
 
116 ATJGirST. 
 
 2. SOURCES OF SORROW — LOSS OF 
 DIVINE FAVOUR. 
 
 Restore unto me the joy of thy sal- 
 vation ; and uphold me with thy free 
 Spirit. Psalm li. 12. 
 
 Ah! why, by passing clouds oppressed, 
 Should vexing thoughts distract thy breast? 
 Turn, turn to Him, in every pain, 
 Whom never suppliant sought in vain. 
 
 3. SOURCES OF SORROW — INDWELLING 
 
 SIN. 
 
 I see another law in my members, 
 warring against the law of ray mind, 
 and bringing me into captivity to the 
 law of sin which is in my members. 
 Bom. ni. 23. 
 
 Nature may raise her fleshly strife, 
 
 Reluctant to the heavenly life : 
 
 But grace omnipotent at length 
 
 Shall arm the saint with saving strength, 
 
 Through the sharp war with aids attend. 
 
 And his last conflict sweetly end. 
 
believer's sorrows. HT 
 4. sources of sorrow — a deceitful 
 
 HEART. 
 
 The heart is deceitful above all 
 things, and desperately wicked : who 
 can know it? Jer. xvii. 9. 
 
 With flowing tears. Lord, I confess, 
 My folly and unsteadfestness ; 
 When shall this heart more stable be, 
 Fixed by thy grace alone on thee i 
 
 5. SOURCES OF SORROW — INGRATITUDE 
 OF THE UNGODLY. 
 
 They that render evil for good are 
 mine adversaries ; because I follow the 
 thing that good is. Forsake me not, 
 Lord : my God, be not far from 
 me. Psalm xxxviii. 20, 21. 
 
 If wounded love my bosom swell, 
 Deceived by those I prized too well; 
 He shall his pitying aid bestow, 
 Who felt on earth severer woe : 
 At once betrayed, denied, or fled. 
 By those who shared his daily bread. 
 
118 AUGUST. 
 
 6. SOURCES OF SORROW — REPROACH 
 OF THE WORLD. 
 
 Let US go forth therefore unto him 
 without the camp, bearing his reproach, 
 Heh. xiii. 13. 
 
 If on my face, for thy dear name, 
 Shame and reproach shall be, 
 
 I'll hail reproach, and welcome shame, 
 If thou remember me. 
 
 7. SOURCES OF SORROW — PERSECUTION. 
 
 Though I walk in the midst of trou- 
 ble, thou wilt revive me : thou shiilt 
 stretch forth thine hand against the 
 wrath of mine enemies, and thy right 
 hand shall save me. Ps. cxxxviii. 7. 
 
 Man may trouble and distress me, 
 'Twill but drive me to thy breast ; 
 Life with trials hard may press me, 
 Heaven will brinar me sweeter rest. 
 
believer's sorrows. 119 
 
 8. sources of sorrow — earthly 
 losses and bereavements. 
 Naked came I out of my mother'a 
 womb, and naked shall I return thi- 
 ther : the Lord gave and the Lord hatk 
 taken away ; blessed be the name of 
 the Lord. Joh i. 21. 
 
 Oh ! blessed be the hand that gave ; 
 
 Still blessed when it takes : 
 Blessed be he who smites to save, 
 
 Who heals the heart he breaks : 
 Perfect and true are all his ways 
 Whom heaven adores, and earth obeys. 
 
 9. SOURCES OF SORROW — THE SINS 
 OF OTHERS. 
 
 Rivers of water run down mine eyes, 
 because they keep not thy law. Psalm 
 cxix. 136. 
 
 I sorrow for the mertal -night 
 
 In which mankind around me lie ; 
 Almii;hty Father, by thy miciht, 
 Arouse them from their lethargy. 
 
120 AUGUST. 
 
 10. SOURCES OF SORROW — THE NUMBER 
 OF THE WICKED. 
 
 Broad is the way, that leadeth to 
 destruction, and many there be •which 
 go in thereat : because strait is the gate, 
 and narrow is the way, which leadeth 
 unto life, and few there be that find it. 
 Matt. vii. 13, 14. 
 
 Strait is the way, the door is strait, 
 Which lead to joys on high : 
 
 'Tis but a few that find the gate, 
 While crowds mistake, and die. 
 
 11. SORROW CHOSEN RATHER THAN 
 SIN. 
 
 Moses, when he was come to years, re- 
 fused to be called the son of Pharaoh's 
 daughter ; choosing rather to suffer 
 affliction with the people of God, than 
 to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a 
 season. Heh. xi. 24, 25. 
 It is uot for me to be seeking my bliss. 
 And building my hopes in a region like this. 
 I look for a city which hands have not piled ; 
 I pant for a country by sin undefiled. 
 
believer's sorrows. 121 
 12. believer's confidence in 
 
 TROUBLE. 
 
 Althougli the fig tree shall not blos- 
 som, neither shall fruit be in the vines ; 
 the labour of the olive shall fail, and 
 the fields shall yield no meat ; the flock 
 shall be cut off from the fold, and there" 
 shall be no herd in the stalls : yet I 
 will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the 
 God of my salvation. Heh. iii. 17, 18. 
 Although my wealth and comfort's lost, 
 
 My blooming hopes cut off I see, 
 Yet will I in my Saviour trust, 
 Whose matchless grace can reach to me. 
 
 13. believer's comfort in trouble. 
 
 This is my comfort in my affliction : 
 for thy word hath quickened me. Psalm 
 cxix. 50. 
 Thus trusting in thy word, I tread 
 
 The narrow path of duty on ; 
 What though some cherished joys are fled ? 
 
 What though some flattering dreams are 
 Yet purer, brighter joys remain : [gone ? 
 Why should my spirit then complain ? 
 
122 AUGUST. 
 
 14. CHRIST AN EXAMPLE TO THE 
 AFFLICTED. 
 
 Even hereunto were ye called : be- 
 cause Christ also suffered for us, leav- 
 ing us an example, that ye should fol- 
 low his steps. 1 Pet. ii. 21. 
 
 Our glorious Leader claims our praise 
 
 For his own pattern given, 
 While the long cloud of witnesses 
 
 Show the same path to heaven. 
 
 15. THE PATRIARCHS EXAMPLES TO 
 THE AFFLICTED. 
 
 Wherefore seeing we also are com- 
 passed about with so great a cloud of 
 witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, 
 and the sin which doth so easily beset 
 us, and let us run with patience the 
 race that is set before us. Heh. xii. 1. 
 
 Once they were mourning here below, 
 And wet their couch with tears ; 
 
 They wrestled hard, as we do now, 
 With sinsj and doubts, and fears. 
 
believer's sorro-ws. 123 
 
 16. the prophets examples to the 
 
 afflicted. 
 Take, my bi-ethren, the prophets, 
 who have spoken in the name of the 
 Lord, for an example of suffering af- 
 fliction, and of patience. James v. 10. 
 
 And shall not we aspire, 
 
 Like them our couise to run ? 
 The crown if we would wear, 
 The cross must first be borne. 
 DlTinely taught, they showed the way, 
 First to believe, and then obey. 
 
 17. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION — SELF- 
 
 ABASEMENT. 
 
 Surely after that I was instructed, I 
 smote upon my thigh. I was ashamed, 
 yea, even confounded, because I did 
 bear the reproach of my youth. Jer. 
 xxxi. 19. 
 
 Dumb at thy feet T lie. 
 For thou hast brought me low; 
 Remove thy judgments, lest I die ; 
 I faint beneath thy blow. 
 
124 AUGUST. 
 
 18. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION — 
 CONTRITION FOR SIN. 
 
 I will go and return to my place, 
 till they acknowledge their offence, and 
 seek my face : in their affliction they 
 will seek me early. Hos. v. 15. 
 
 What though aflBictions pierced my heart ! 
 I bless the hand that caused the smart ; 
 It taught my teai-s awhile to flow, 
 But saTed me from eternal woe. 
 
 19. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION — 
 PATIENCE. 
 
 The trying of your faith worketh 
 patience. But let patience have her 
 perfect work, that ye may be perfect 
 and entire, wanting nothing. James 
 i. 3, 4. 
 
 Through waves, and clouds, and storms. 
 
 He gently clears thy way : 
 Wait thou his time — the darkest night 
 
 Shall end in brightest day. 
 
believer's sorrows. 125 
 
 20. benefits of affliction — 
 humility. 
 
 If I be wicked, woe unto me ; and 
 if I be righteou?, yet will I not lift up 
 mine head. I am full of confusion ; 
 therefore see thou mine afBiction. Job 
 X. 15. 
 
 To the heart truly humbled by woe, 
 The anointing of joy sball be given ; 
 
 To the tears that from penitence flow, 
 Shall he given a foretaste of heaven. 
 
 21. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION — 
 
 SUBMISSION. 
 
 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth ; 
 because thou didst it. Fsalm xxxix. 9. 
 
 Take all, great God, I will not grieve, 
 But still will wish that I had still to give : 
 
 I hear thy voice, thou bidd'st me quit 
 My paradise ; I bless, and do submit ; 
 
 I will not murmur at thy word, 
 Nor beg thy angel to sheathe up his sword. 
 
126 AUGUST. 
 
 22. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION — HOPE. 
 
 Why art thou cast down, my 
 soul? and why art thou disquieted in 
 me ? hope thou in God : for I shall yet 
 praise him for the help of his counten- 
 ance. Psalm xlii. 5. 
 
 The gloomiest day hath gleams of light, 
 The darkest -wave hath bright foam near 
 it; 
 
 And twinkles through the cloudiest night 
 Some solitary star to cheer it. 
 
 23. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION — 
 
 HOLINESS. 
 
 Now no chastening for the present 
 seemeth to he joyous, hut grievous : 
 nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the 
 peaceahle fruit of righteousness unto 
 them which are exercised thereby. 
 Heh. xii. 11. 
 
 Our hearts are fastened to this world 
 
 By strong and endless ties ; 
 But every sorrow cuts a string. 
 
 And urges us to rise. 
 
believer's sorrows. 127 
 
 24. benefits of afflictiok — tries 
 our sincerity. 
 
 He knoweth the way that I take : 
 when he hath tried rue, 1 shall come 
 forth as gold. Job xxiii. 10. 
 
 Though sorrows rise, and dangers roll 
 In waves of darkness o'er my soul ; 
 Though friends are false, and love decays. 
 And few and evil are my days — 
 Yet even in nature's utmost ill, 
 I love thee, Lord ! I love thee still. 
 
 25. BENEFITS OP AFFLICTION — BRINGS 
 SIN TO REMEMBRANCE. 
 
 If they be bound in fetters, and be 
 holden in cords of affliction ; then he 
 showeth tbem their work, and their 
 transgressions that they have exceeded. 
 Job xxxvi. 8, 9. 
 
 My former hopes are fled, 
 My terror now begins ; 
 I feel, alas ! that I am dead 
 lu trespasses and sins. 
 
128 AUGUST. 
 
 26. BENEFITS OP AFFLICTION — LEADS 
 TO PRAYER. 
 
 Oh remember not against us former 
 iniquities : let thy tender mercies 
 speedily prevent us : for we are brought 
 very low. Psalm Ixxix. 8. 
 
 Ah ! whither could we flee for aid 
 When tempted, desolate, dismayed ; 
 Or how the hosts of hell defeat, 
 Had suffering saints no mercy-seat? 
 
 27. BENEFITS OP AFFLICTION — BRINGS 
 US BACK TO GOD. 
 
 I will hedge up thy way with thorns, 
 and make a wall, that she shall not find 
 her paths. — Then shall she say, I will 
 go and return to my first husband ; for 
 then was it better with me than now. 
 Hos. ii. 6, 7. 
 
 Long unafflicted, undismayed, 
 In pleasure's path secure I strayed: 
 Thou madest me feel thy chusteningrod, 
 And strait I turned unto my God. 
 
believer's sourows. 129 
 
 28. benefits op afplictiox — 
 
 exercises our faith. 
 Ye are in heaviness through manifold 
 temptations : that the trial of your 
 faith, being much more precious than 
 of gold that perisheth, though it be 
 tried with fire, might be found unto 
 praise and honour and glory at the ap- 
 pearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. 
 Dark are the ways of providence, 
 
 While those ■who love thee groan ; 
 Thy reasons lie concealed from sense, 
 Mysterious and unknown. 
 
 29. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION 
 
 TEACHES OUR FRAILTIES. 
 
 Mine age is departed, and is removed 
 from me as a shepherd's tent : I have 
 cut oflF like a weaver my life : he will 
 cut me off with pining sickness. Isa. 
 xxxviii. 12. 
 
 Lord, let me know mine end, 
 My days, how brief their date, 
 That I may timely comprehend 
 How frail my best estate. 
 
130 AUGUST. 
 
 30. BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION" — REMINDS 
 
 US OF FORMER MERCIES. 
 
 We had the sentence of death in our- 
 selves, that we should not trust in our- 
 selves, but in God which raiseth the 
 dead : who delivered us from so great a 
 death, and doth deliver : in whom we 
 trust that he will yet deliver us. 2 Cor. 
 i. 9, 10. 
 
 His love in times past forbids me to think 
 He'll leave me at last in trouble to sink : 
 Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review 
 Confirms his good pleasure to help me quite 
 through. 
 
 31. AFFLICTION SUCCEEDED BY GLORY. 
 
 Our light affliction, which is but for 
 a moment, worketh for us a far more 
 exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 
 2 Cor. iv. 17. 
 
 All trials and sorrows the Christian prepare 
 For the rest that remaineth above ; 
 
 On earth tribulation awaits him, but there 
 The smile of unchangeable love. 
 
SEPTEMBER. 
 
 TEMPTATIONS OF THE 
 BELIEVER. 
 
 1. TEMPTATIONS PERMITTED BY GOD. 
 
 The Lord said unto Satan, Behold, 
 all that he hath is in thy power; only 
 tipon himself put not forth thine hand. 
 Job i. 12. 
 
 Still thine integrity hold fast, 
 
 The tempter's counsel spurn, 
 Hope a.2;ainst hope, and God at last, 
 Will for thy help return. 
 
 2. GOD DOES NOT TEMPT TO SIN. 
 
 Let no man say when he is tempted, 
 I am tempted of God : for God cannot 
 be tempted with evil, neither tempteth 
 he any man : but every man is tempted, 
 when he is drawn away of his own lust, 
 and enticed. James i. 13, 14. 
 
 My crimes, though great, do not surpass 
 The power and glory of thy grace; 
 Oh ! wash my soul from every sin, 
 And make my guilty conscience clean. 
 (131) 
 
132 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 3. TEMPTATIONS — FROM SATAN. 
 
 Lest Satan should get an advantage 
 of us : for we are not ignorant of his 
 devices. 2 Cor. ii. 11. 
 
 Fear not Satan's strong temptations 
 Though they tease thee day by day, 
 
 And thy evil inclinations 
 Overwhelm thee with dismay! 
 
 Thou shalt conquer, 
 Through the Lamb's redeeming blood. 
 
 4. TEMPTATIONS — FROM A DEPRAVED 
 NATURE. 
 
 I find then a law, that, when I would 
 do good, evil is present with me. Rom. 
 vii. 21. 
 Oh ! who can free my troubled mind 
 
 From sin's oppressive load ; 
 Oh wretched man ! how shall I find 
 Acceptance with my God. 
 
 My soul with transport turns to thee. 
 
 To thee my Saviour turns ; 
 Cleansed by thy blood, and saved by grace, 
 
 My soul no longer mourns. 
 
believer's TEMPTATIONS. 1'6Z 
 
 5. TEMPTATIONS — FROM THE LOVE OP 
 
 RICHES. 
 
 They that will be rich fall into temp- 
 tation and a snare, and into many fool- 
 ish and hurtful lusts, which drown 
 men in destruction and perdition. 1 
 Tim. vi. 9. 
 Oh lay not up upon this earth 
 
 Your hopes, your joys, your treasure, 
 Here sorrow clouds the pilgrim's path, 
 
 And blights each opening pleasure. 
 All, all below must f;ide and die, 
 The dearest hopes we cherish, 
 Scenes touched with brightest radiancy, 
 Are all decreed to perish. 
 
 6. TEMPTATIONS — FROM THE FEAR 
 
 OP MAN. 
 
 The fear of man bringeth a snare : 
 but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord 
 shall be safe. Prov. xxix. 25. 
 The taunts and frowns of men of earth, 
 
 What are they all to me ! 
 Oh they are things of little worth 
 
 Weighed with one smile from Thee, 
 Who bore a sorrow deeper far. 
 Than all the^e stingless trifles are. 
 
134 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 7. TEMPTATION TO NEGLECT GOOD 
 WORKS. 
 
 Ye did run well ; who did hinder 
 you, that ye should not obey the truth ? 
 Gal. V. 7. 
 
 Better that we had never known, 
 
 The way to heaven through saving grace, 
 
 Than basely in our lives disown, 
 And slight and mock thee to thy face. 
 
 8. TEMPTATION TO LEGAL DEPENDENCE. 
 
 Are ye so foolish ? having begun in 
 the Spirit, are ye now made perfect in 
 the flesh? G^a^. iii. 3. 
 
 Go, you that rest upon the law, 
 
 And toil and seell salvation there ; 
 Look to the flame that Moses saw, 
 
 And shrink, and tremble, and despair. 
 But I'll retire beneath thy cross — 
 
 Saviour, at thy dear feet I'll lie-; 
 And the keen sword that justice draws, 
 
 Flaming and red, shall pass me by. 
 
believer's temptations. 135 
 
 9. temptation to f0r3iality in 
 religion. 
 Be watchful, and strengthen the 
 things which remain, that are ready to 
 die : for I have not found thy works 
 perfect before God. Rev. iii. 2. 
 
 God is a Spirit just and wise ; 
 
 He sees our inmost mind : 
 In vain to heaven we raise our cries, 
 
 And leave our souls behind. 
 
 10, TEMPTATION TO SLOTHPULNESS 
 IN RELIGION. 
 
 Nevertheless! have somewhat 
 against thee, because thou hast left thy 
 first love. Remember therefore from 
 whence thou art fallen, and repent, and 
 do the first works. Rev. ii. 4, 5. 
 
 I need the influence of thy grace 
 
 To speed me in the way, 
 Lest I should loiter in my race, 
 
 Or turn my feet astray. 
 
136 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 11. TEMPTATION TO SELF-INDULGENCE. 
 
 I keep under my body, and bring it 
 into subjection : lest that by any means, 
 when I have preached to others, I my- 
 self should be a castaway, 1 Cor. ix. 27. 
 
 When thy statutes I forsake. 
 When my graces dimly shine, 
 
 When my covenant I break, 
 Jesus, then remember thine : 
 
 Check my wanderings 
 By a look of love divine. 
 
 12. TEMPTATION TO TRIFLE WITH SIN. 
 
 Shall we continue in sin, that grace 
 may abound ? God forbid. How shall 
 we. that are dead to sin, live any 
 longer therein ? Rom. vi. 1. 
 
 Shall we go on to sin, 
 Because thy grace abounds ? 
 
 Or crucify the Lord again, 
 And open all his wounds? 
 We will be slaves no more, 
 Since Christ has made us free ; 
 
 Has nailed our tyrants to his cross, 
 And bought our liberty. 
 
believer's temptations. 137 
 
 13. temptation to spiritual pride. 
 
 For who maketh thee to differ from 
 another ? and what hast thou that thou 
 didst not receive? Now if thou didst 
 receive it, why dost thou glory, as if 
 thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. 
 iv. 7. 
 
 Oft have I turned my eyes -within, 
 And brought to mind some latent sin; 
 But pride, the vice I most detest. 
 Still lurks securely in my breast. 
 
 14. TEMPTATION TO ENVY THE WICKED. 
 
 As for me, my feet were almost gone ; 
 my steps had well nigh slipped. For 
 I was envious at the foolish, when I 
 saw the prosperity of the wicked. 
 Psalm Ixxiii. 2, 3. 
 
 Tht^ir feet are in a slippery place; 
 
 Their riches swift as shadows fly; 
 Their honours end in de>^p di'^srrace; 
 
 In mirth they live, in anguish die. 
 
138 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 15. TEMPTATION TO MISTRUST 
 
 PROVIDENCE. 
 
 If God SO clothe the grass of the 
 field, which to day is, and to-morrow 
 is cast into the oven, shall he not much 
 more clothe you, ye of little faith? 
 Matt. vi. 30. 
 
 I know not what may soon betide. 
 
 Or how my wants shall be supplied ; 
 
 But Jesus knows, and will provide. 
 
 When creature comforts fade and die, 
 
 Worldlings may weep — but why should I ? 
 
 Jesus still lives, and still is nigh. 
 
 16. TEMPTATION TO DESPAIR. 
 
 I sink in deep mire, where there is 
 no standing : I am come into deep wa- 
 ters, where the floods overflow me. I 
 am weary of my crying : my throat is 
 dried : mine eyes fail while I wait for 
 my God. Psalm Ixix. 2, 3. 
 
 Prostrate before thy mercy-seat, 
 I cannot if I would despair ; 
 
 None ever perished at thy feet. 
 And I would lie for ever there. 
 
believer's temptations. 139 
 
 17. temptation humbles the 
 believer. 
 Lest I should be exalted above mea- 
 sure through the abundance of the 
 revelations, there was given to me a 
 thoru in the flesh, the messenger of 
 Satan to buffet me, lest I should be ex- 
 alted above measure, 2 Cor. xii. 7. 
 What though a thoru my bosom bears, 
 And varied are the wants and cares, 
 
 That mark my chequered way ? 
 My God hath said, iu whom I live, 
 " My grace is thine, and strength I give 
 According to thy day." 
 
 18. TEMPTATION TO BE RESISTED. 
 
 For we wrestle not against flesh 
 and blood, but against principalities, 
 against powers, against the rulers of 
 the darkness of this world, against 
 spiritual wickedness in high places. 
 Eph. vi. 12. 
 
 From strength to strength go on, 
 Wrestle and fight, and pray ; 
 Tread all the powers of darkness down, 
 And win the well fought day. 
 
140 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 19. TEMPTATION TO BE AVOIDED. 
 
 Enter not into the path of the wick- 
 ed, and go not in the way of evil men. 
 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, 
 and pass away. Prov. iv. 14. 
 
 A wicked world and wicked heart 
 
 With Satan are combined : 
 Each acts a too successful part, 
 
 In harassing my mind. 
 
 But fighting in my Saviour's strength, 
 Though mighty are my foes, 
 
 I shall a conqueror be at length 
 O'er all that can oppose. 
 
 20. TEMPTATION AVOIDED BY 'WATCH- 
 
 FULNESS AND PRAYER. 
 
 Watch and pray, that ye enter not 
 into temptation. Matt. xxvi. 41. 
 
 Go to dark Gethsemane, 
 Ye that feel the tempter's power. 
 
 Your Redeemer's conflict see. 
 Watch with him one bitter hour; 
 
 Turn not from his griefs away, 
 
 Learn of Jesus Christ to pray. 
 
believer's temptations. 141 
 
 21. TEMPTATION OVERCOME BY FAITH. 
 
 Above all, taking the shield of faith, 
 wherewith ye shall be able to quench 
 all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph. 
 vi. 16. 
 
 Let fdith exert its conquering power, 
 Say in thy tempted, trembling hour, 
 " My God, my Father, save thy son !" 
 'Tis heard — and all thy fears are done. 
 
 22. BELIEVER ARMED AGAINST 
 TEMPTATION. 
 
 Take unto you the whole armour of 
 God, that ye may be able to withstand 
 in the evil day, and having done all, 
 to stand. Eph. vi. 13. 
 
 The Christian -warrior — see him stand 
 In the whole armour of his God; 
 
 The Spirit's sword is in his hand, 
 His feet are with the gospel shod. 
 
142 SEPTEMrER. 
 
 23. PRESERVATION FROM TEMPTATION. 
 
 Because thou hast kept the word of 
 my patience, I also will keep thee from 
 the hour of temptation. Rev. iii. 10. 
 
 Thus preserved from Satan's wiles, 
 Safe from dangers, free from fears, 
 
 May I live upon thy smiles, 
 
 Till the promised hour appears : 
 
 When the sons of God shall prove 
 
 All their Father's boundless love. 
 
 24. PRESERVATION IN TEMPTATION. 
 
 Blessed is the man that endureth 
 temptation : for when he is tried, he 
 shall receive the crown of life, which 
 the Lord hath promised to them that 
 love him. James i. 12. 
 
 When aught shall tempt my soul to stray 
 From heavenly wisdom's narrow way, 
 To shun the precept's holy light, 
 Or quit my hold on Jesus' might, 
 INIay He who felt temptation's power, 
 Still guard me in that dangerous hour. 
 
believer's temptations. ^43 
 
 25. deliverance prom temptation. 
 
 The Lord knoweth how to deliver 
 the godly out of temptations, 2 Pet. 
 ii. 9. 
 
 What though fierce and strong temptations 
 Press around thee on the way, 
 
 And thy sinful inclinations 
 Often cause thee great dismay ! 
 
 Look to Jesus, 
 Thou through him shalt gain the day. 
 
 26. CHRIST THE STRENGTH OF THE 
 TEMPTED. 
 
 My grace is sufficient for thee : for 
 my strength is made perfect in weak- 
 ness. 2 Cor. xi. 9. 
 
 Why should I fear the darkest hour 
 Or tremble at the tempter's power ? 
 Jesus Touchsafes to be my tower. 
 Though hot the fight, why quit the field ? 
 Why must I either fear or yield, 
 Since Jesus is my mighty shield ? 
 
144 september. 
 
 27. Christ's sympathy with the 
 
 TEMPTED. 
 
 In that he himself hath sufifered 
 being tempted, he is able to succour 
 them that are tempted. Heh. ii. 18. 
 
 Touched with a sympathy -withiu, 
 
 He knows our feeble frame ; 
 He knows what sore temptations mean, 
 
 Tor he has felt the same. 
 
 28. Christ's intercession for the 
 tempted. 
 
 The Lord said, Simon, Simon, be- 
 hold. Satan hath desired to have you, 
 that he may sift you as wheat : but I 
 have prayed for thee, that thy faith 
 fail not. Luke xxii. 31, 32. 
 
 Though faint my prayers, and cold my love 
 My steadfiist hope shall not remove, 
 While Jesus intercedes above. 
 
 Aprainst me earth and hell combine ; 
 But on my side is power Divine ; 
 Jesus is all, and he is mine. 
 
believer's temptations. 145 
 29. THE lord's prayer for the 
 
 TEMPTED. 
 
 Lead us not into temptation : but de- 
 liver us from evil, ^]att. vi. 13. 
 
 Protect us in the dangerous hour. 
 And from the wil.y tempter's power, 
 
 Lord, set our spirits free ; 
 And if temptation should assail, 
 May mishty grace o'er all prevail, 
 
 And lead our hearts to thee. 
 
 30. FREEDOM FROM TEMPTATION IN 
 HEAVEN. 
 
 To him that overcoraeth, ■will I grant 
 to sit with me in my throne, even as I 
 also overcame, and am set down with 
 my Father in his throne. Rev. iii. 21. 
 
 Though temptations now attend thee, 
 
 And thou tread'st the thorny road, 
 
 His right hand shall still defend thee. 
 
 Soon he'll bring thee home to God: 
 
 Full deliverance 
 Thou shalt have in heaven above. 
 10 
 
OCTOBER. 
 
 RETROSPECTIONS OF THE 
 BELIEVER. 
 
 1. DUTY OF RETROSPECTION. 
 
 Thou shalt remember all the way 
 which the Lord thy God led thee these 
 forty years in the wilderness, to humble 
 thee, and to prove thee, to know what 
 was in thine heart, whether thou 
 wouldst keep his commandments. Dent. 
 viii. 2. 
 
 Thus f:ir the Lord has led me on, 
 And made his truth and mercy known ; 
 And while I tread this desert land, 
 New mercies shall new songs demand. 
 (146) 
 
believer's retrospections. 147 
 
 2. of the divine help. 
 
 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it 
 between Mizpeh and Shen, and called 
 the name of it Ebenezer, saying, 
 Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 1 
 Sam. vii. 12. 
 
 Here I raise my Ebenezer, 
 
 Hither, by thy help, I'm come : 
 
 And I hope, by thy good pleasure, 
 Safely to arrive at home. 
 
 3. OF THE DIVINE GUIDANCE. 
 
 Who am I, Lord God ? and what 
 is my house, that thou hast brought 
 me hitherto ? and this was yet a small 
 thing in thy sight, Lord God. 2 
 Sam. vii. 18, 19. 
 
 Rendered safe by his protection, 
 I shall pass the watery waste; 
 
 Trusting to his wise direction, 
 I shall gain the port at last ; 
 
 And with wonder. 
 Think on toils and dangers past. 
 
148 OCTOBER. 
 
 4. OF THE DIVINE FAITHFULNESS. 
 
 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant* 
 Lord, according unto thy word. Pva- 
 cxix. 65. 
 
 Since first the maze of life I trod, 
 
 Hast thou not hedged about my way, 
 
 My worldly vain designs withstood, 
 And robbed my passions of their prey? 
 
 Thrice happy loss, which makes me see 
 
 My happiness alone iu thee ! 
 
 5. OF THE DIVINE FORBEARANCE. 
 
 It is of the Lord's mercies that we 
 are not consumed, because his compas- 
 sions fail not. They are new every 
 morning ; great is thy faithfulness. 
 Lam. iii.'22, 23. 
 
 Lift up to God the voice of praise, 
 Whose goodness, passing thought, 
 
 Loads every minute as it flies 
 With benefits unsought. 
 
believer's retrospections. 149 
 
 6. OF THE DIVINE MERCY. 
 
 He hath not dealt with us after our 
 sins ; nor rewarded us according to our 
 iniquities. Psalm ciii. 10. 
 
 He hath with a piteous eye 
 Looked upon our misery : 
 Let us, then, with gladsome mind, 
 Praise the Lord, for he is kind : 
 For his mercies shall endure, 
 Ever faithful, ever sure. 
 
 7. OF THE DIVINE COUNSEL AND 
 INSTRUCTION. 
 
 I will hless the Lord, who hath given 
 me counsel : my reins also instruct me 
 in the night seasons. Psalm xvi. 7. 
 
 Sure, the Lord thus far has brought me, 
 By his watchful tender care ; 
 
 Sure, 'tis he himself has taught me 
 How to seek his foce by prayer : 
 
 After so much mercy past, 
 
 Will he give me up at last? 
 
150 OCTOBER. 
 
 8. OF DIVINE PROMISES FULFILLED. 
 
 Ye know in all your hearts and in all 
 your souls, that not one thing hath 
 failed of all the good things which the 
 Lord your God spake concerning you; 
 all are come to pass unto you, and not 
 one thing hath failed thereof. Josh, 
 xxiii. 14. 
 
 In all my ways thy hand I own, 
 
 Thy ruling providence I see ; 
 Assist me still my course to run, 
 And still direct my paths to thee. 
 
 9. OF UNNUMBERED BLESSINGS. 
 
 Many, Lord my God, are thy won- 
 derful works which thou hast done, and 
 thy thoughts which are to us-ward : 
 they cannot be reckoned up in order 
 unto thee : if I would declare and speak 
 of them, they are more than can be 
 numbered. Psalm xl. 5. 
 
 For mercies countless as the sand, 
 
 Which daily I receive 
 From Jesus, my Redeemer's hand, 
 My soul, what caust thou give ? 
 
believer's retrospections. 151 
 
 10. OF EARLY PIOUS INSTRUCTION. 
 
 Continue thou in the things "which 
 thou hast learned and hast been as- 
 sured of, knowing of whom thou hast 
 learned them. 2 Tim. iii. 14. 
 
 Lord, hast thou made me know thy ways ? 
 
 Condqpt me in thy fear ; 
 And gran* me such supplies of grace 
 
 That I may persevere. 
 
 11. OP HIS NATURAL STATE. 
 
 You that were sometime alienated 
 and enemies in your mind by wicked 
 works, yet now hath he reconciled. 
 Col. \. 21. 
 
 Plunged in a gulf of dark despair, 
 
 We wretched sinners lay, 
 Without one cheerful beam of hope, 
 
 Or spark of glimmering day. 
 
152 OCTOBER. 
 
 12, OF THE SINS OP HIS LIFE. 
 
 How many are mine iniquities and 
 sins ! make me to know my transgres- 
 sion and my sin. Joh xiii. 23. 
 
 My past transgressions pain me ; 
 
 Lord, cleanse my heart within ; 
 And evermore I'estrain me 
 
 From all presumptuous sin. 
 So let my whole behaviour, ^ 
 
 Thoughts, words, and actions he, 
 God, my strength and Saviour, 
 
 Acceptable to thee. 
 
 13. OP PAST UNPROFITABLENESS, 
 
 For when ye were the servants of 
 sin, ye were free from righteousness. 
 What fruit had ye then in those things 
 •whereof ye are now ashamed ? Rom. 
 vi. 29, 21. 
 
 Lord, I confess my numerous faults. 
 How great my guilt has been ; 
 
 Foolish and vain were all my thoughts, 
 And all my life was sin. 
 
believer's retrospections. 153 
 
 14. of the seasok of conversion. 
 
 Giving thanks unto the Father, 
 which hath made us meet to be par- 
 takers of the inheritance of the saints 
 in light : who hath delivered us frcim 
 the power of darkness, and hath trans- 
 lated us into the kingdom of his dear 
 Son. Col. i. 12, 13. 
 
 Since the dear hour that brought me to thy 
 
 foot, 
 And cut up all my follies by the root, 
 I never trusted iu an arm but thine. 
 Nor hoped but in thy righteousness Divine: 
 Cast at thy glorious feet, mine only plea 
 Is what it was, dependence upon thee. 
 
 15. OF SPIRITUAL DELIVERANCE. 
 
 Great is thy mercy toward me : and 
 thou hast delivered ray soul from the 
 lowest hell. Psalm Ixxxvi. 13. 
 
 He pardoned my transgressions, 
 Bade all my sorrows cease; 
 
 Ajid, in his rich compassions, 
 Restored my soul to peace. 
 
154 OCTOBER. 
 
 16. OF SPIRITUAL ENJOYMENTS. 
 
 I sat down under his shadow with 
 great delight, and his fruit was sweet 
 to my taste. He brought me to the 
 banqueting house, and his banner over 
 me was love. Sol. Song ii. 3, 4. 
 
 Kindly he brought me to the place 
 Where stands the banquet of his grace; 
 He saw me faint, and o'er my head 
 The banner of his love he spread. 
 
 17, OP SUPPORT IN AFFLICTION. 
 
 Unless thy law had been my delight, 
 I should then have perished in mine 
 affliction. Psalm cx'ix. 92. 
 
 God of my life, how good, how wise 
 Thy judgments to my soul have been 1 
 
 They were but blessings in disguise, 
 The painful remedies of sin. 
 
 How different now thy ways appear. 
 
 Most merciful, when most severe ! 
 
believer's retrospections. 155 
 
 18, op answers to prayer. 
 
 I love the Lord, because he hath 
 heard my voice and iny supplications. 
 Because he hath inclined his ear unto 
 •me, therefore will I call upon him as 
 long as I live. Psalm cxvi. 1, 2. 
 
 Did ever trouble yet befall^ 
 And he refuse to hear thy call ? 
 And has he not his promise passed, 
 That thou shalt overcome at last ? 
 
 19. OF DELIVERANCE FROM ADVERSITY. 
 
 I will be glad and rejoice in thy 
 mercy : for thou hast considered my 
 trouble ; thou hast known my soul in 
 adversities. Psalm xxxi. 7. 
 
 Oh, magnify the Lord with me ; 
 
 Come, join his name to bless : 
 To him did I in trouble flee; 
 
 He saved me from distress : 
 Oh, let him then your refuj!;e be, 
 
 Nor shall you want success ! 
 
156 OCTOBER. 
 
 20. OF DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER. 
 
 Thou drewe^t near in the day that I 
 called upon thee : thou saidst, Fear 
 not. Lord, thou hast pleaded the 
 -zauses of uiy soul ; thou hast redeemed 
 my life. Lam. iii. 57, 58. 
 
 Be all my added life employed 
 Thy imasie in my soul to see: 
 
 Fill with thyself the mighty void ; 
 Enlarge my heart to compass thee. 
 
 21. OF DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH. 
 
 Lord, thou hast brought up ray 
 soul from the grave : thou hast kept 
 me alive, that I should not go down to 
 the pit. Psalm xxx. 3. 
 
 Thy mercy chased the shades of death, 
 And snatched me from the grave ; 
 
 Oh may thy praise employ that hreath 
 Which mercy deigns to save ! 
 
believer's retrospections. 157 
 
 22. of the vanity of human life. 
 And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The 
 
 days of the years of my pilgrimage are 
 an hundred and thirty years : few and 
 evil have the days of the years of my 
 life been. Gen. xlvii. 9. 
 
 This life's a dream, an empty show, 
 But the bright world to which I go 
 Hath joys substantial and sincere: 
 "When shall I wake and find me there ? 
 
 23. OF DEPARTED FRIENDS. 
 
 I would not have you to be ignorant, 
 brethren, concerning them which are 
 asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others 
 which have no hope. For if we believe 
 that Jesus died and rose again, even so 
 them also which sleep in Jesus will God 
 bring with him. 1 Thesa. iv. 13, 14. 
 
 Though loved and lost, not ours the pang 
 of those [knows : 
 
 Whose earth-born grief no heavenly balsam 
 
 We would not call their spirits from their 
 home [not come. 
 
 Where sin assails them not, and sorrow can- 
 
158 OCTOBER. 
 
 24. AGED believer's RETROSPECT. 
 
 God, thou hast taught me from 
 my youth : and hitherto have I declared 
 thy wondrous works. Now also when 
 I am old and gray -headed, God, for- 
 sake me not. Psalm Ixxi. 17, 18. 
 
 Still hath my life new wonders seen 
 
 Repeated every year : 
 Behold, my days which yet remain 
 
 I trust them to thy care. 
 
 25. RETROSPECTION SHOULD LEAD TO 
 GRATITUDE. 
 
 What shall I render unto the Lord 
 for all his benefits toward me I I will 
 take the cup of salvation, and call upon 
 the name of the Lord. Psalm cxvi. 12, 
 13. 
 
 When all thy mercies, my God, 
 
 My rising soul surveys, 
 Transported with the view, I'm lost 
 
 lu wonder, love, and praise. 
 
believer's retrospections. 159 
 
 26. retrospection should lead to 
 self-examination. 
 I have considered the days of old, the 
 years of ancient times. I call to re- 
 membrance my song in the night : I 
 commune with mine own heart: and 
 my spirit made diligent search. Psalm 
 Ixxvii. 5, 6. 
 
 Help me, Lord, to try my heart, 
 
 To search with strictest care, 
 And all my thoughts, and words, and ways. 
 
 With Scripture to compare. 
 
 27. RETROSPECTION SHOULD LEAD TO 
 SELF-ABASEMENT. 
 
 And Jacob said, I am not worthy 
 of the least of all thy mercies, and of 
 all the truth, which thou hast shewed 
 unto thy servant. Gen. xxxii. 10. 
 
 Unworthy, Lord, of all 
 Thy mercies though we be, 
 Yet for the greatest we may call, 
 The greatest are most free. 
 
IfiO OCTOBER. 
 
 28. RETROSPECTION SHOtTLD LEAD TO 
 REPENTANCE. 
 
 Surely it is meet to be said unto 
 God, I have borne chastisement, I will 
 not offend any more: that which I see 
 not teach thou me : if I have done in- 
 iquity, I will do no more. Job xxxiv. 
 31, 32. 
 
 In thought, in will, in word and deed, 
 
 What evils have I done, 
 Against the God of grace and love, 
 
 His Spirit and his Son ! 
 
 29. RETROSPECTION SHOULD LEAD TO 
 AMENDMENT OP LIFE. 
 
 I thought on my ways, and turned 
 my feet unto thy testimonies. I made 
 haste, and delayed not to keep thy 
 commandments. Psalm cxix. 59, 60. 
 
 Thou art my portion, my God ; 
 
 Soon as I know thy way. 
 My heart makes haste to obey thy word, 
 
 And suffers no delay. 
 
believer's beteospections. 161 
 
 30. retrospection should lead to 
 
 confidence in god. 
 Return unto thy rest, my soul; for 
 the Lord hath dealt bountifully with 
 thee. For thou hast delivered my soul 
 from death, mine eyes from tears, and 
 my feet from falling. Psalm cxvi. 7,8. 
 For this, when future sorrows rise, 
 To him will I direct my cries; 
 For this, through all my future days, 
 Adore his name, and sing his praise. 
 
 31. RETROSPECTION SHOULD LEAD TO 
 
 DEVOTEDNESS TO GOD. 
 
 Only fear the Lord, and serve him 
 in truth with all your heart : for con- 
 sider how great things he hath done 
 for you. 1 Sam. xii. 24. 
 
 My God. my Kiug, thy various praise 
 Shall fill the remnant of my days; 
 Thy grace employ my humble tongue 
 Till death and glory raise the song. 
 May every hour successive hear 
 Some thankful tribute to thine ear; 
 And by thy grace accepted be, 
 As works of love performed for thee. 
 11 
 
NOYEMBEE. 
 
 ANTICIPATIONS OF THE 
 BELIEVER. 
 
 1. believer's confidence in god. 
 My times are in thy hand: make 
 
 thy face to shine upon thy servant : 
 save me for thy mercies' sake. Psalm 
 xxxi. 15, 16. 
 
 " My times are in thy hand," 
 My God, I wish them there : 
 My life, my friends, my soul, I leave 
 Entirely to thy care. 
 
 2. OF FUTURE SUPPORT. 
 
 Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so 
 shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily 
 thou shalt be fed. Psalm xxxvii. 3, 4. 
 
 The birds without barn or storehouse are fed; 
 From them let us learn to trust for our bread: 
 His saints what is fitting shall ne'er be 
 
 denied, 
 So long as 'tis written, The Lord will provide. 
 (162) 
 
believer's anticipations. 163 
 
 3. of deliverance from trouble. 
 
 Thou, which hast shewed me great 
 and sore troubles, shalt quicken me 
 again, and shalt bring me up again 
 from the depths of the earth. Psalm 
 Ixxi. 20. 
 
 From every piercing sorrow- 
 That heaves our breast to-day 
 
 Or threatens us to-morrow, 
 Hope turns our eyes away; 
 
 On wings of faith ascending, 
 We see the land of light, 
 
 And feel our sorrows ending 
 In infinite delight. 
 
 4. OF BEING KEPT BY CHRIST. 
 
 I know whom I have believed, and 
 am persuaded that he is able to keep 
 that which I have committed unto him 
 against that day. 2 Tim. i. 12. 
 
 Beneath his smiles my heart has lived, 
 And part of heaven possessed ; 
 
 I thank him for the grace received, 
 And trust him for the rest. 
 
164 NOVEMBER. 
 
 5. OF THE COMPLETION OF THE WORK 
 OF GRACE. 
 
 Being confident of this very thing, 
 that he which hath begun a good work 
 in you will perform it until the day of 
 Jesus Christ. Phil. i. 6. 
 
 He will complete the work begun, 
 
 He will his own defend ; 
 Will give me strength my course to run, 
 
 And love me to the end. 
 
 6. OP THE TRIUMPHS OP THE GOSPEL. 
 
 His name shall endure for ever : his 
 name shall be continued as long as the 
 sun : and men shall be blessed in him, 
 all nations shall call him blessed. 
 Psalm Ixxii. 17. 
 Lord, let the thought of that bright day 
 Kindle our hopes, and warm our love; 
 Cheer us while here ou earth we pray. 
 And crown our song in heaven above. 
 
believer's anticipations. 165 
 
 7. OF THE END OF HIS ■WARFARE. 
 
 The time of my departure is at hand. 
 I have fought a good fight, I have 
 finished my course, I have kept the 
 faith. 2 Tim. iv. 6, 7. 
 
 Oh most delightful hour by man 
 
 Experienced here below, 
 The hour that terminates his span 
 
 Of conflict and of woe. 
 
 8. OP VICTORY OVER SATAN. 
 
 The God of peace shall bruise Satan 
 under your feet shortly. Rom. xvi. 20. 
 
 Now let my soul arise, 
 
 And tread the tempter down; 
 My Captain leads me forth 
 To conquest and a crown : 
 A feeble saint shall win the day, 
 Though death and hell obstruct the way. 
 
166 NOVEMBER. 
 
 9. OP VICTORY OVER SIN. 
 
 Oh wretched man that I am ! who 
 shall deliver me from the body of this 
 death ? I thank God, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Rom. vii. 24, 25, 
 
 Now to the God of victory 
 
 Immortal thanks be paid, 
 Who makes us conquerors while we die, 
 
 Though Christ our living Head. 
 
 10. OF VICTORY OVER THE GRAVE. 
 
 God will redeem my soul from the 
 power of the grave : for he shall receive 
 me. Psalm xlix. 15. 
 
 There, till the archangel's trumpet sound, 
 
 Ages of silence I shall lie ; 
 Then from my earthly cell rebound. 
 
 Glorious in immortality. 
 
believer's anticipations. 167 
 
 11. of the certainty op death. 
 
 When a few years are come, then I 
 shall go the way whence I shall not 
 return. Job xvi. 22. 
 
 Welcome, sweet hour of full discharge. 
 That sets my longing soul at large ; 
 Unbinds my chains, breaks up my cell, 
 And gives me with my God to dwell. 
 
 12. OP SUPPORT IN THE HOUR OF 
 DEATH. 
 
 Yea, though I walk through the 
 valley of the shadow of death, I will 
 fear no evil : for thou art with me ; thy 
 rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
 Psalm xxiii, 4. 
 
 When the vale of death appears, 
 (Faint and cold this mortal clay,) 
 
 Kind Forerunner, soothe my fears. 
 Light me through the darksome way : 
 
 Break the shadows, 
 Usher in eternal day. 
 
168 KOVEMBER. 
 
 13. OP THE END OF THE WORLD. 
 
 The day of the Lord will come as a 
 thief in the night • in the which the 
 heavens shall pass away with a great 
 noise, and the elements shall melt with 
 fervent heat, the earth al&o and the 
 works that are therein shall be burned 
 up. 2 Pet. iii. 10. 
 
 Lo ! it comes — that day of wonder ! 
 
 Louder chorals shake the skies : 
 Hades' gates are burst asunder ; 
 
 See the new-clothed myriads rise 
 
 14. OF A JOYFUL RESURRECnOX. 
 
 I know that my Redeemer liveth, 
 and that he shall stand at the latter day 
 upon the earth : and though after my 
 skin worms destroy this body, yet in my 
 flesh shall I see God. Job xix. 25, 26. 
 
 Though worms may waste this withering 
 clay, 
 
 When flesh and spirit sever ; 
 My soul shall see eternal day, 
 
 And dwell with God for ever. 
 
believer's Anticipations. 169 
 
 15. op the coming of christ to 
 judgment. 
 
 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and 
 every 63^6 shall see him, and they also 
 which pierced him : and all kindreds 
 of the earth shall wail because of him. 
 Bev. i. 7. 
 Great God ! ■what do I see and hear! 
 
 The end of things created : 
 The Judiie of mankind doth appear 
 
 In clouds of glory seated ; 
 The trumpet sounds, the graves restore 
 The dead which they contained before : 
 Prepare, my soul, to meet him. 
 
 16. OF MEETING THE JUDGE. 
 
 We must all appear before the 
 judgment seat of Christ ; that every 
 one may receive the things done in his 
 body, according to that he hath done, 
 whether it be good or bad. 2 Cor. v. 10. 
 
 Oh ! on that day, that wrathful day, 
 When man to judgment wakes from clay. 
 Lord, be the trembling sinner's stay, 
 Though heaven and earth shall pass away. 
 
170 NOVEMBER. 
 
 17. OF ENTIRE ACQUITTAL. 
 
 Who shall lay any thing to the charge 
 of God's elect ? It is God that justi- 
 fieth. Who is he that condemneth ? It 
 is Christ that died ; yea rather, that is 
 risen again, who is even at the right 
 hand of God, who also maketh inter- 
 cession for us. Mom. viii. 33, 34. 
 
 Fear not the trump's earth-rending sound, 
 
 Dread not the day of doom ; 
 For He that is to be thy Judge, 
 
 Thy Saviour is become. 
 
 18. OP PARTICIPATION IN THE 
 
 JUDGMENT. 
 
 Do ye not know that the saints shall 
 judge the world ? 1 Cor. vi. 2. 
 
 See the Judge, our nature wearing, 
 
 Clothed in majesty divine ; 
 Ye who long for his appearing 
 
 Then shall say, "This God is mine:'* 
 Gracious Saviour, 
 
 Own us in that day as thine ! 
 
belieyer's anticipations. 171 
 
 19. op being presented faultless. 
 
 Unto him that is able to keep you 
 from falling, and to present you fault- 
 less before the presence of his glory 
 with exceeding joy. Jude 24. 
 
 What transport then shall fill my heart. 
 When thou my worthless name wilt own; 
 
 When I shall see thee as thou art, 
 And know as I myself am known ! 
 
 20. OF AN INCORRUPTIBLE BODY. 
 
 So when this corruptible shall have 
 put on incorruption, and this mortal 
 shall have put on immortality, then 
 shall be brought to pass the saying 
 that is written, Death is swallowed up 
 in victory. 1 Cor. xv. 54. 
 
 Where then thy triumph, Grave ? and where 
 
 thy stino;, 
 sullen Death? what terror dost thou 
 
 bring ? 
 We burst thy iron hand, and soar on high : 
 Glory to Christ the Lord, who brings us 
 
 victory ! 
 
172 NOVEMBER. 
 
 21. OF A GLORIOUS BODY. 
 
 Who shall change our vile body, 
 that it may be fashioned like unto his 
 glorious body, according to the work- 
 ing whereby he is able even to subdue 
 all things unto himself. Phil. iii. 17. 
 
 My flesh shall slumber in the ground 
 Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; 
 Then burst the chains, with sweet surprise, 
 And in my Saviour's image rise. 
 
 22. OF BEING WITH CHRIST. 
 
 To me to live is Christ, and to die 
 is gain. For I am in a strait betwixt 
 two, having a desire to depart, and to 
 be with Christ, which is far better. 
 Phil. i. 21, 23. 
 
 'Tis best, 'tis infinitely best, 
 To go where tempests never come ; 
 
 Where saints and angels, ever blest, 
 Dwell, and enjoy their heavenly home. 
 
believer's anticipations. 173 
 
 23. of being ever "with christ. 
 
 Then we which ai'e alive and remain 
 shall be caught up together with them 
 in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the 
 air : and so shall we ever be with the 
 Lord. 1 These, iv. 17. 
 
 Oh, who can tell what joy shall beam 
 
 Ou all the ransomed race, 
 When they shall join the hallowed strains 
 
 And see the Saviour's face I 
 
 24. OF REIGNING WITH CHRIST. 
 
 It is a faithful saying : For if we be 
 dead with him, we shall also live with 
 him : if we suffer, we shall also reign 
 with him. 2 7'im. ii. 11, 12. 
 
 Ever upward may we move, 
 Wafted on the wings of love : 
 Looking when our Lord shall come. 
 Longing, gasping after home ! 
 There may we with thee remain, 
 Partners of thine endless reign. 
 
174: NOVEMBER. 
 
 25. OP BEING LIKE CHRIST. 
 
 Beloved, now are we the sons of 
 God, and it doth not yet appear what 
 we shall be : but we know that, when 
 he shall appear, we shall be like him; 
 for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 
 iii. 2. 
 
 Him eye to eye we there shall see, 
 Our face like his shall shine : 
 
 Oh. what a glorious company, 
 When saints and angels join I 
 
 26. OP AN HEAVENLY HABITATION. 
 
 We know that if our earthly house 
 of this tabernacle were dissolved, we 
 have a building of God, an house not 
 made with hands, eternal in the hea- 
 vens. 2 Cor. V. 1. 
 
 There is a home for weary souls, 
 
 By sin and sorrow driven ; 
 When tossed on life's tempestuous shoals, 
 Where storms arise, and ocean rolls, 
 
 'Tis found above — in heaven. 
 
believer's anticipations. 175 
 
 27. of perfection of knowledge 
 
 in heaven. 
 
 Now we see through a glass, darkly ; 
 but then face to face : now I know in 
 part ; but then shall I know even as 
 also I am known. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. 
 
 As through a glass I dimly see 
 
 The wonders of thy love ; 
 How little do I know of thee, 
 
 Or of the joys ahove ! 
 'Tis but in part I know thy will— 
 
 I bless thee for the sight ; 
 When will thy love the rest reveal 
 
 In glory's clearer light ? 
 
 28. OF A CROWN OF RIGHTEOTTSNESS. 
 
 Henceforth there is laid up for me a 
 crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
 the righteous Judge, shall give me at 
 that day. 2 Tim. iv. 8. 
 
 God has laid up in heaven for me 
 
 A crown which cannot fade ; 
 The righteous Judge, in that great day, 
 
 Shall place it ou my head. 
 
176 NOVEMBER. 
 
 29. OF REUNION WITH GLORIFIED 
 
 SPIRITS. 
 
 What is our hope, or joy, or crown 
 of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the 
 presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at 
 his coming? 1 Thcss. ii, 19. 
 
 We soon shall join the throng, 
 Their pleasures we shall share, 
 
 And sing the everlasting? song 
 With all the ransomed there : 
 
 Hallelujah! 
 We are on our way to God. 
 
 30. belieyer's anticipations a call 
 
 to holiness. 
 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye 
 look for such things, be diligent that 
 ye may be found of him in peace, 
 without spot, and blameless. 2 Pet. 
 iii. 14. 
 
 Yet with these prospects full in sight 
 I'll wait thy signal for my flight; 
 For while thy service T pursue, 
 I find a heaven in all I do. 
 
DECEMBER. 
 
 FINAL BLESSEDNESS OF 
 THE BELIEVER, 
 
 1. ETERNAL LIFE THE GIFT OF GOD. 
 
 Now being made free from sin, and 
 become servants to God, ye have your 
 fruit unto holiness, and the end ever- 
 lasting life. For the wages of sin is 
 death ; but the gift of God is eternal 
 life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Horn. vi. 22, 23. 
 
 From thee, my God, my joys shall rise, 
 
 And run eternal rounds, 
 Beyond the limits of the skies. 
 
 And all created bounds. 
 
 12 ( 177 ) 
 
l^'S DECEMBER. 
 
 2. ETERNAL LIFE THE PURCHASE OP 
 CHRIST. 
 
 Neither by the blood of goats and 
 calves, but by his own blood he entered 
 in once into the holy place, having 
 obtained etei*nal redemption for us. 
 Heh. ix. 12. 
 
 Pardon and peace to dying men, 
 And endless life are given : 
 
 By the rich blood that Jesus shed 
 Our souls are brought to heaven. 
 
 3. ETERNAL LIFE SECURED BY THE 
 SPIRIT. 
 
 The Holy Spirit of promise is the 
 earnest of our inheritance until the re- 
 demption of the purchased possession, 
 unto the praise of his glory. Eph. i. 
 13, 14. 
 
 Dost thou not dwell in all the saints, 
 And spal the heirs of heaven ? 
 
 When wilt thou banish my complaints, 
 And show my sins forgiven ? 
 
FINAL BLESSEDNESS. 179 
 
 4. HEAVEN THE DESIRE OF THE SAINTS. 
 
 Whilst we are at home in the body, 
 we are absent from the Lord, we are 
 confident, and willing rather to be ab- 
 sent from the body, and to be present 
 with the Lord. 2 Cor. v. 6, 8. 
 
 In that bright city I would dwell, 
 "With that blessed church the Saviour 
 praise. 
 
 And, safe redeemed from death and hell, 
 Sit at his feet through endless days. 
 
 5. HEAVEN A REST. 
 
 There remaineth a rest to the people 
 of God. Heh. \v. 9. 
 
 Oh where shall rest be found, 
 
 Rest for the weary soul ? 
 'Twere vain the ocean-depths to sound, 
 
 Or pierce to either pole. 
 
 Beyond this vale of tears. 
 
 There is a life above, 
 Unmeasured by the flight of years— 
 
 And all that life is love. 
 
180 DECEMBER. 
 
 6. HEAVEN COMPARED TO A MARRIAGK 
 SUPPER. 
 
 Write, Blessed are they which are 
 called unto the marriage supper of the 
 Lamb. Rev. xix. 9. 
 "Worthy the Lamb!" aloud they cry, 
 
 " That brought us here to God :" 
 In ceaseless hymns of praise they shout 
 The merits of his blood. 
 
 7. HEAVEN AN INHERITANCE. 
 
 He is the mediator of the new testa- 
 ment, that by means of death, for the 
 redemption of the transgressions that 
 were under the first testament, they 
 which are called might receive the 
 promise of eternal inheritance. Heh. 
 ix. 15. 
 
 There is my house and portion fair, 
 
 My treasure and my heart are there, 
 And my abiding home ; 
 
 For me my elder brethren stay, 
 
 And angels beckon me away, 
 And Jesus bids me come. 
 
riNAL BLESSEDNESS. !!81 
 
 8. HEAVEN A KINGDOM. 
 
 I appoint unto you a kingdom, as 
 my Father hath appointed unto me ; 
 that ye may eat and drink at my table 
 in my kingdom. Luke xxii. 29, 30. 
 
 God! Good beyond compare! 
 If all thy meaner works are fair, 
 How glorious must that kingdom be, 
 Where thy redeemed shall dwell with thee ! 
 
 9. HEAVEN IS PREPARED MANSIONS. 
 
 In my Father's house are many man- 
 sions : if it were not so, I would have 
 told you. I go to prepare a place for 
 you. John xiv. 2. 
 
 High in yonder realms of light, 
 Far above these lower skies, 
 
 Fair and exquisitely bright, 
 Heaven's unfading mansions rise. 
 
 Glad within these blest abodes, 
 Dwell th' enraptured saints above. 
 
 Where no anxious care corrodes, 
 Happy in Immanuers love. 
 
182 DECEMBER. 
 
 10. HEAVgK COMPARED TO PARADISE. 
 
 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say 
 unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with 
 me in paradise. Luke xxiii. 43. 
 
 There is a land of pure delight, 
 Where saints immortal reign ; 
 
 Infinite day excludes the night, 
 And pleasures banish pain. 
 
 There everlasting spring abides, 
 And never-withering flowers: 
 
 Death, like a narrow sea, divides 
 This heavenly land from ours. 
 
 11. HEAVEN A STATE OP HOLINESS. 
 
 There shall in no wise enter into it 
 any thing that defileth, neither whatso- 
 ever worketh abomination, or maketh 
 a lie ; but they which are written in 
 the Lamb's book of life. Rev. xxi. 27. 
 
 The soul, from sin for ever free. 
 Shall mourn its power no more, 
 
 But clothed in spotless purity, 
 Redeeming love adore. 
 
PINAL BLESSEDNESS. 183 
 
 12. HEAVEN A STATE OP HAPPINESS. 
 
 Thou wilt show me the path of life : 
 in thy presence is fulness of joy ,• at 
 thy right hand there are pleasures for 
 evermore. Psalm xvi. 11. 
 
 Love, in an ever-deepening tide, 
 
 O'er all the plains above 
 Spreads, like a sea immensely wid^— 
 
 For God himself is love. 
 
 13. HEAVEN A STATE OF SERVICE. 
 
 They serve him day and night in his 
 temple ; and he that sitteth on the 
 throne shall dwell among them. Bev. 
 vii. 15. 
 
 And swift to do his high behest 
 Each spirit wings its flight ; 
 
 And virtue glows on every breast, 
 A gem of purest light. 
 
184 DECEMBER, 
 
 14. NO SORROW m HEAVEN. 
 
 God shall wipe away all tears from 
 their eyes ; and there shall he no more 
 death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nei- 
 ther shall there be any more pain ; for 
 the former things are passed away. 
 Jtev. xxi. 4. 
 
 Joy and gladness banish sighs, 
 Perfect love dispels their fears, 
 
 And for ever from their eyes, 
 God shall wipe away all tears. 
 
 15. NO CURSE IN HEAVEN. 
 
 There shall be no more curse : but 
 the throne of God and of the Lamb 
 shall be in it. Rev. xxii. 3. 
 
 When we shall Christ in glory meet, 
 Our utmost joys shall be complete : 
 When landed on that heavenly shore, 
 Death and the curse shall be no more. 
 
FINAL BLESSEDNESS. 185 
 
 16. NO NIGHT IN HEAVEN. 
 
 There shall be no night there ; and 
 they need no candle, neither light of 
 the sun ; for the Lord God giveth them 
 light : and they shall reign for ever and 
 ever. Rev. xxii. 5. 
 
 Nor needed is the shining moon, 
 Nor e'en the sun's hright ray ; 
 
 For glory, from the sacred throne, 
 Spreads everlasting day. 
 
 17. NO DEATH IN HEATEN. 
 
 They which shall be accounted worthy 
 to obtain that world, and the resurrec- 
 tion from the dead, neither marry nor 
 are given in marriage : neither can they 
 die any more : for they are equal unto 
 the angels. Luke xx. 35, 36. 
 
 There pain and sickness never come. 
 And grief no more complains ; 
 
 Health triumphs in immortal bloom, 
 And endless pleasure reigns. 
 
186 DECEMBER. 
 
 18. PRAISES OP HEAYEN. 
 
 They sung a new song, saying, Thou 
 wast slain, and hast redeemed us to 
 God by thy blood out of every kindred, 
 and tongue, and people, and nation. 
 Rev. V. 9. 
 
 Hark ! hark ! the voice of ceaseless praise 
 
 Around Jehovah's throne! 
 gongs of celestial joy they raise, 
 
 To mortal lips unknown. 
 
 19. SOCIETY OF HEAVEN. 
 
 These are they which came out of 
 great tribulation, and have washed 
 their robes, and made them white in 
 the blood of the Lamb : therefore are 
 they before the throne of God. Rev. 
 vii. 14. 15. 
 
 Clad in raiment pure and white, 
 Victor palms in every hand, 
 
 Through their great Redeemer's might, 
 Jlore than conquerors they stand. 
 
FmAL BLESSEDNESS. 187 
 
 20. SAINTS SHALL BE WITH GOD. 
 
 He will dwell with them, and they 
 shall be his people, and God himself 
 shall be with them, and be their God. 
 Eev. xxi. 3. 
 
 Oh glorious hour ! oh blest abode ! 
 I shall be near and like my God ; 
 And flesh and sin no more control 
 The sacred pleasures of the soul. 
 
 21 . SAINTS SHALL BE WITH CHRIST. 
 
 Father, I will that they also, whom 
 thou hast given me, be with me where 
 I am ; that they may behold my glory. 
 John xvii. 24. 
 
 Oh then shall the veil be removed. 
 
 And round me thy brightness be poured: 
 
 I shall meet Him whom absent I loved, 
 I shall see Him whom unseen I adored I 
 
188 DECEMBER. 
 
 22. SAINTS SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS. 
 
 He that overcometh shall inherit all 
 things ; and I will be his God, and he 
 shall be my son. Rev. xxi. 7. 
 
 The saints in his presence receive 
 Their great and eternal reward ; 
 
 With Jesus in heaven they live; 
 They reign in the smile of their Lord. 
 
 23. SAINTS SHALL BE PERFECT. 
 
 Te are come unto the general assem- 
 bly and church of the first-born, which 
 are written in heaven, and to God the 
 Judge of all, and to the spirits of just 
 men made perfect. Heh. xii. 22, 23. 
 
 A life in heaven ! oh what is this ? 
 
 The sum of all that faith believed; 
 Fulness of joy, and perfect bliss. 
 
 Unseen — unfathomed— uuconceived . 
 
FIXAL BLESSEDNESS. 189 
 
 24. SAINTS SHALL BE GLORIOUS IN 
 APPEARANCE. 
 
 Then shall the righteous shine forth 
 as the sun in the kingdom of their 
 Father. i/a«. xiii. 43. 
 
 The Lamb is their light and their sun, 
 And, lo, by reflection they shine ; 
 
 With Jesus ineffably one. 
 And bright in effulgence divine. 
 
 25. SAINTS SHALL BE HONOURED AS 
 VICTORS. 
 
 I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, 
 which no man could number, of all 
 nations, and kindreds, and peoj^le, and 
 tongues, stood before the throne, and 
 before the Lamb, clothed with white 
 robes, and palms in their hands. Rev. 
 vii. 9. 
 
 Now the conquerors bring their palms 
 To the Lamb amidst the throne, 
 
 And proclaim in joyful psalms, 
 Victory through his cross alone. 
 
190 DECEMBER. 
 
 26. SAINTS SHALL BE KINGS AND 
 PRIESTS UNTO GOD. 
 
 Thou hast made us unto our God 
 kings and priests : and we shall reign 
 on the earth. Bev. v. 10. 
 
 Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood, 
 
 Hast set the prisoners free, 
 Hast made us kings and priests to God, 
 
 And we shall reign with thee. 
 
 27. JOYS OF HEAVEN ARE StTRE. 
 
 Oh how great is thy goodness, which 
 thou hast laid up for them that fear 
 thee ; which thou hast wrought for 
 them that trust in thee before the sons 
 of men I Psalm xxxi. 19. 
 
 This is the hope that shall sustain me 
 Till life's pilgrimage be past ; 
 
 Fears may vex, and troubles pain me, 
 I shall reach my home at last. 
 
FINAL BLESSEDNESS. 191 
 
 28. JOYS OP HEAYEN ARE ABUNDANT. 
 
 The Lamb which is in the midst of 
 the throne shall feed them, and shall 
 lead them unto living fountains of 
 water. Eev. vii. 17. 
 The Lamb that fills the middle throne 
 
 Shall shed around his milder beams, 
 There shall they feast on his rich love, 
 
 And drink full joys from heavenly 
 streams. 
 
 29. JOYS OF HEAVEN ARE SATISFYING. 
 
 I will behold thy face in righteous- 
 ness : I shall be satisfied, when I 
 awake, with thy likeness. Psalm xvii. 
 15. 
 
 Oh ! when awakened by thy care, 
 Thy face I view, thy image bear, 
 How shall my breast with transport glowl 
 What full delight my heart o'ertiow/ 
 
192 DECEMBER. 
 
 30. JOYS OF HEAVEN ARE ETERNAL. 
 
 Him that overcometh will I make a 
 pillar in tho temple of my God, and he 
 shall go no more out. Mev. iii. 12. 
 
 The everlasting doors 
 
 Shall soon the saints receive 
 
 Above, with angel powers, 
 In glorious joy to live: 
 
 Far from a world of grief and sin, 
 
 With God eternally shut in. 
 
 31. BELIEVERS TO WAIT FOR HEAVEN". 
 
 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh 
 to the thousand three hundred and five 
 and thirty days. Bat go thou thy way 
 till the end he : for thou shalt rest, and 
 stand in thy lot at the end of the days. 
 Dan. xii. 12, 13. 
 
 Jerusalem, my happy home, 
 
 My soul still pants for thee ; 
 "When shall my labours have an end 
 In joy, and peace, and thee ?