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 I ZSTQUmir OKT XUXSSZONS, I 
 
 I THE STATE OF RELIGION. | 
 
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 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
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SPIRITUAL TREASURY 
 
 Ft)R THE 
 
 CHIIiJDlREM OIF <GrOB : 
 
 COXSISTING OF 
 
 A MEDITATIO.VFOR EACH MORjYIjYG IjY THE YEAR, 
 
 ^t\ttt (Ztxti of ^tripturc^ 
 
 o 
 
 HUMBLY INTEXDED TO ESTABLISH THE FAITH, PROMOTE THE 
 
 COMFOltT, AND INFLUENCE THE PRACTICE OF THt 
 
 FOLLOWERS OF THE LAMB. 
 
 BY WILLIAM MASON, ESQ. 
 
 AVlierc your trcnsurc is, tiiere will yoiu- heart be also Matt. TJ. 21. 
 
 IX TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. I. ^ 
 
 THE FOURTH AMERICAN EDITION. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY J. SIMPSON & CO 
 
 I.. DEARE, PRINTER. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 READER, 
 
 I HAVE found a sweet savour of Jesu's precious 
 name, free grace, and perfect salvation, in these medita- 
 tions ; and therefore I am persuaded it will be doing thee 
 great service to recommend them to thy perusal. They 
 will be profitable to thee, if thou art hungering and thirst- 
 ing after Jesus and his righteousness ; or if thou art one 
 of those happy souls who know Jesus to be the Lord by the 
 Holy Ghost, and art desiring to grow in the knowledge of 
 his adorable person, and in the love of the Father through 
 him ; may the Lord the Spirit witness to thy heart of 
 Jesus, whilst thou art reading them, and render them the 
 means of glorifying Jesus in thy life and conversation, 
 that thou mayest learn from every page to trust him more, 
 to hope more in him, and to love him more, who is thy 
 all ; and if thou livest upon him in all, he will be thy 
 heaven upon earth, and thy heaven of heavens in eternal 
 glory. To his tender compassion I commend thee and 
 thine, being thy well-wisher (whoever thou art) in that 
 ever dear Lord. 
 
 W. KOMALNE.* 
 
 L-.imbctli, June 13, ]765. 
 
ABBHESB. 
 
 QHRISTIAN READER, 
 
 felLVER of human eloquence, and gold of acquired 
 literature, have I none; but such as I have, I give to thee, 
 plain truth in plain style, in the name of Jesus Christ, 
 He is our one master. It has been my earnest prayer, that 
 to his glory mine eye might be single. One grand point 
 has been my chief aim, namely, to exalt the Lord Jesus, 
 the perfection of his atonement and righteousness, and die 
 glory of his salvation. This I have found the blessed 
 support and joyful triumph of my own soul, while exercis- 
 ed with great disorder and weakness of body, in this work. 
 If the Lord and giver of all grace, is pleased to bless this 
 feeble attempt to the spiritual profit of any of his dear 
 children, to him only all the glory is due. 
 
 As love covereth a multitude of faults, and tlie i^rayer 
 of faith availeth much, may these, reader, be excited in 
 behalf of the following sheets ; and towards him who 
 desires to esteem it his highest honor, and greatest glory 
 on earth, to confess imd serve the Loid Christ, though 
 less than the least of all his ser^'antS; and thine also for 
 his sake. 
 
 , W. MASON. 
 
 Rotherhithe-wull." 
 
LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 TROM THE LONDON EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, 
 
 X HE subject of this memoir was bom at Rotherhithe, in tlte 
 county of Surrey, in the year 1719. His father was by trade a clock- 
 maker. He gave his son a decent education at a grammar-school, 
 where he learnt the rudiments of the Latin language ; and, possess- 
 ing a mind naturally inquisitive, devoted many hours of his younger 
 years to reading. At a proper age he was bouad an apprentice to 
 his father; who having no idea beyond the acquisuion ot present good, 
 took no pains to train him up in the way he should go, or to impress 
 his mind with the truths of revelation. 
 
 Just before the expiration of his apprenticeship, his father was re- 
 moved by death. By this event Providence culled him very early ia 
 life to act the part of a Joseph. A mother.^ a sister^ and a brother, 
 liow became his charge. When reflecting on this circumstance, and 
 llie direction and support wliich that God, whose ways are in the great 
 deep, was pleased to afford him, tears of gratitude would frequently 
 burst from his eyes, and the language ofpraise fail from his lips. To 
 his mother he rendered, to the day of her deaths all that assistance 
 Avhich duly, affection and industry, could inspire. Ilis sister, by 
 marriage, was taken from under his protection, and in a few years 
 died. His brother, who yet survives, was, when very young left to 
 his care, whom he put to school, and afterwards brought liim up to 
 his own business. 
 
 At the age of twenty-two, he gave his hand in marriage to Miss 
 Cox, with whom he lived in happy union nearly fifty years, and which 
 only terminated in his death. He frequently acknowledged the good- 
 ness of God, in restraining in him the violence of youthful passions. 
 Though his mind was not impressed with religious truths, yet at no 
 one period was he led captive by those vices to whicli youth arc partir 
 cularly addicted. But, as his moral conduct was exemplary, he deriv- 
 ed from it no small hope of obtaining favor from God. He constantly 
 attended his parish church, and was seldom absent from the sacra- 
 ujent ; but, to use Uie language of the Prqphet, he found <« the bed 
 
 Vol. I. A 
 
6 LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it, and the covering 
 narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." His mind was not un- 
 frequently distressed with tlie suspicion, that he was not so good as 
 he ought to be. His conscience would sometimes upbr^d him with 
 the omission of duty and the commission of sin. Being at this time 
 wholly unacquainted with the nature of evangelical sentiments, and 
 that peace which results from the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as oui* 
 wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, he would 
 seclude himself from the world, and, by agonizing in prayer, endeavor 
 to perfect, by the flesh, that righteousness which he had long been 
 attenipthig to establish Being convinced that no exertions of his own 
 would produce that happiness which his mind was ardently set upon, 
 and finding that the system of mere Heathenish moiality, which he 
 had been accustomed to hear at his parish church, would administer 
 no relief to his soul ; he began occasionally to attend at Mr. Wesley's 
 chapels, and in a few years was admitted into their societies, and ap- 
 pointed a leader of a class. 
 
 His new connection soon brought upon him the persecution of the 
 nvorld. In a diary, which he wrote in the year 1749, he has this re- 
 mark : Aug. 6. » I was severely reflected on by one, who cursed and 
 swore at me, saying I was commenced preacher : I was despised in 
 the company of die world ; a good lesson to nie, that I am called out 
 of the world." This wus succeeded by another persecution of the 
 
 tongue : «• My worth) fi lend th^ Rev. Dr. rages nughtily : He 
 
 says, I have ruined a good Christian family, for whom he had the 
 -greatest love. As for me, 1 am melancholy mad ; or, as another 
 honest inoffensive clergyman tells me, I perplex myself too much 
 about religion." 
 
 But this was not the only pei^ecution he met with. Many of his 
 former acquaintance not only deserted him, init used their endeavours 
 to injure him in his buomess ; several captidns of ships, who before 
 had given liim large orders, now entirely withdrew their favors, and 
 he had the very trying prospect of an increasing family, witli a de- 
 creasing trade. To this circumstance he ^dludes in his Spirituai; 
 TuKASUKY, in the meditation from Luke xxii. 35, Lacked ye any 
 thing? Jnd they said, Xothing. He begins it: "Precious words to me I 
 With tears of Uiankfulncss I record the goodness of my Lord to the 
 chifcf of sinners. Upwards of twenty years ago, when it pleased him to 
 call mc by his grace, and make me happy in his love, my name was 
 cast out as evil— friends became foes^their hands were against me— 
 they withdrew their favors from me, and derided me; under narrow 
 circumstances, tender feelings for a large l\mnly, carnal reasonings of 
 my corrupt nature, and strong temptations from the enemy, I was 
 often sore distressed. But my Lord was gracious ; many and many 
 
LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, '7 
 
 a time did he bring this text to my mind, Lackedst thou any thing ? 
 I was constrained with gratitude to reply, jYo thing; Lord : Christ is 
 a most precious Master to serve I I have proved it." 
 
 During- his connection with Mr. Wesley, though he in a great 
 measure perceived the insufficiency of his own rigiiteousness to jus- 
 tify him before God (for in the diary before alluded to, he expresses 
 himself thus, « I would as soon attempt to swim by the hi Ip of a 
 mill-stone, as to rely on my own works for salvation") ; yet the doc- 
 trine which he had been taught to believe to bt scriptural, that a per- 
 son may be one day high in the favor of God, and the next, an obj. rt 
 of the divine vengeance, would often make him niistrablt-. Unc night 
 returning from Mr. Wesley's chapel, under great dejection of mind, 
 fearing he should not ba faithful to grace received, cuid so make ship- 
 wreck of faith, and finally perish ; these words were im.nediately 
 suggested to his muid : " If when we were enemies we were recon- 
 ciled to God, by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled 
 we shall be saved by his Ufe." His fears instantly subsided, his con- 
 science felt a calm, to which before it was a stranger, and his mind 
 ■was made happy in the belief of the truth. 
 
 In his next interview with Mr. Wesley, he hinted at the doctrine 
 of the saints' final perseverance ; upon tliis Mr. Wesley asked, 
 « Where have you been to learn that ?" He related the distress of his 
 mind, together with the cause of it, and the means by «nich he liad 
 been relieved. As his understanding became more cnhghn i.ed, he 
 found this connection less desirable; he was less pleased wnh tlie So- 
 ciety, ?Jid they were not more satisfied with him : His atteiukaice on 
 ministers who preached the Calvinistiq doctrines soon procured his 
 dismission. 
 
 He now become personally acquainted with the Rev. Mr White- 
 field, was particularly intimate with the Rev. Mr. Jones, Chaplain 
 of St. Saviour's, Soutliwark, and had the happiness to class among 
 his dearest friends the Rev. Mr. Romaine, for whom, to the day of 
 his death, he ever expressed the most sincere regard, having sat for 
 many years under his ministry. 
 
 In the religions world he was well known as an author. Many of 
 his productions have met with general acceptance. He liad been fre- 
 quently solicited to exercise himself in public preaching, which he 
 as often declined, under the impression of his not !)cing called to 
 glorify Ciud in that service. Though he could never be prevailed 
 upon to comply with the solicitations of his friends in that particular, 
 yet his talents were not laid up in a napkin ; for since his death his 
 family have found among his papers, letters from correspondents in 
 England, Scotland, Ireland, and America, expressing the spiritual 
 benefits they devived from liis publications. 
 
» LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 He first appeared as a writer, in a pamphlet under the title of « 3/o- 
 rality not Christianity ; or remarks on a very extraordinary Sermon, 
 preached at St. George's, Southwark, by the Rev. Mr. Wingfield, 
 Curate of said parish ; in a letter to that Gentleman, by a Layman of 
 the Church of England." 
 
 In the year 1754, he published some "Flai?i Queries^humbly offered 
 to the C/t'r^j/,with an expostulatory address to the Laity of the Church 
 of England, on the declension of scriptural Christianity." 
 
 He wrote, in the year 1758, ^'■Remarks and Observations 07i the Mo- 
 rality anclDiviiiity contained in Dr. Freehs CertuiriArticleSf proposed 
 to the Court oJ'Assista}it8 of the nvorshipfui company of i>alters^ in a 
 letter to the Rev. Dr. Free." The motto in the title-page is, <'as fkee, 
 and not using your liberty as a cloak of maliciousness," \ Peter li. 16. 
 He evidences in these pieces, a knowledge of his subject, an ac- 
 quaintance with the scriptures, and a concern for the glory of God. 
 Though he much disapproved of the Armenian doctrines offree will, 
 jusfijication by works, universal redemptiofi, Ecc. yet was he no less an 
 enemy to the licentious tenets of the Antinomians ; and, at the time 
 when Mr. Relly disturbed the peace of the church, by his unsciip- 
 tural preaching, and his Treatise of Union, he nobly appeared to de- 
 fend that truth, "which is according to godliness," and printed a pam- 
 phlet under this title, '^Jntinorman Heresy Exploded., in an Appeal to 
 the Christian world, against the Unscripiural Doctrines, and Licen- 
 tious Tenets, of Mr. James Relly, advanced in his Treatise of Union." 
 
 In a pamphlet which he published under the title, "• Alethodism dis- 
 played, and Enthusiasm detected ; intended as an Antidote against the 
 delusive principles and unscriptural Doctrines of a modern Set of 
 seducing Preachers ; and as a Defence of our regular and orthodox 
 Clergy, from their unjust reflections ; addressed to the Rev. Mr. Ro- 
 maine, the Rev. Mr. Jones, &c." he might truly adopt the language 
 of St. Paul, " I caught you with guile.'* Many eagerly bought it, 
 who afterwards heartily repented of their purchase. A gentleman 
 passing by a book-seller's shop, caught by the title-page, went in and 
 bought it. In the evening, after the business of the day was over, he 
 put it into the hand of his son, saying, he had purchased it as an an- 
 tidote against that poisonous doctrhic he bad lately imbibed, and in- 
 sisted upon his reading it, hoping it would prevent his running after 
 a se"i of enthusiastic preachers. The son obeyed. While reading 
 the first and second pages, the father frequently interrupted him by 
 saying, Mind that : But proceeding a little farther, he soon perceived 
 the design of the author ; and altering his language, begged he would 
 cast it behind the fire : the son replied, " Sir, 1 bcgiui to read it at 
 your request, do suffer \nc to finish it." 
 
LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. ^ 
 
 As a farther proof of the vivacity of his disposition, one day read- 
 ing Mr! Wesley's C/iri-stian Library^ unci observing in hovv- muiiy pla- 
 ces he had published the works of tliose who hud luuiniuiiied the doc- 
 trine of imputed righteousness, he immediately formed the design of 
 making extracts, wliich he accordingly did, and sent them into the 
 world, under the title of" The ScrifitureDoctrme of Imputed Righte- 
 ouanens, asserted and maintained by the Rev. Mr. Joim Wesley, A. M. 
 late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford." This little piece was soon 
 caught up. It quickly ran through the societies in London, and at 
 length reached Ireland, where Mr. Wesley then was. One of his 
 preachers coming to thank him for the very excellent piece he had 
 lately published, on the doctrine of imputed righteousness,"Mr. Wes- 
 ley instantly started with amazement, and pronouriced it a pious fraud ; 
 but the book being produced, and the contents read, he found in the 
 last page, that the whole was declared to be taken from his Christian 
 Library. 
 
 After publishing several small pieces for children, (A plain Ser- 
 mon, recommended by the Rev. Mr. Jones ; A Catechism ; The His- 
 tory of Jesus ; A precious Testimony of Jesus, in the Experience of 
 two children, one ten, the other twelve years of age), he entered upon 
 that work which will long live in the remembrance of those who have 
 read it; two volumes entitleef, "^ Sjiiritual Treasury for the Chil- 
 dren of Godi consisting of a Meditation for each Day in the Year, up- 
 on select texts of Scripture ;" The first volume for morning, the 
 second for evening. Never did a miser arise with greater avidity from 
 his bed, to accumulate wealth, than he did to compose these medita- 
 tions. Hence, while others were indulging themselves in sleep, he 
 would be up in the morning, in the depth of winter, at four o'clock, 
 would sit in his room without a fire, and has declared, that his min<l 
 was so intent on the glorious and animating truths, on wliicii he was 
 writing, that he felt no cold. 
 
 While executing this work, a gentleman waited upon liim on bu- 
 siness. Instead of taking his name and address as desired, and as he 
 thought he had done, he wrote the chapter and verse on which he had 
 been meditating, and when he came afterwards to look at the papei- 
 in order to wait upon the gentleman, he found nothing upon it but 
 ^cts the seco7id, verse the eighth ; so much was his mind absorbed in 
 divine things. He has frequently mentioned the many happy sea- 
 sons he enjoyed when writing his Treasury, and he lived to ki.ow that 
 his labor was not in vain in the Lord. 
 
 As he professed himself a member of the estoblished Church, and 
 constantly attended her worship, he felt a concern that many, who 
 had written on the Lord's Supper, had advanced doctrines which 
 were in direct opposition to those maintained and taught in her Ar- 
 
1ft LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 tides. The Comfmnion to the Jltar may do lor a self-righteous mo- 
 ralist ; but it is a miserable guide to a mind enlightened by the Spirit 
 of God. He the refore publislicd a small octavo, under the title of 
 ^^The Christian Communicant, or a suital)le Companion to the Lord's 
 Supper." Mr. Romaine, in his Recommendatory Preface, says, "The 
 subject here treated of, is one of the deep things of God, of which 
 none can write, as Mr. Mason has, unless he be in heart alive to 
 God; nor can any but such understand the nature of the ordinance, 
 or be fed and nourished at it." 
 
 It might, perhaps,prove tiresome to our readers tonotice the whole 
 of his publications. The Believer's Pocket Companion met with a 
 very favorable reception, and in a very little time ran through six 
 editions. After the death of Mr. Toplady he became the editor of 
 the Gospel Magazine, which he solely coi^ducted for several years ; 
 and in this publication first appeared his notes on Banyan's Pilgrijn. 
 Though as a private christiim and an author, Mr. Mason was dis- 
 tinguished from many religious characters, yet he was too sensible 
 of the depravity of his nature, and the spirituality of God's law, not 
 to feel and acknowledge that he was wholly indebted to the sovereignty 
 of divine grace for whatever he enjoyed in preference to the genera- 
 lity of Christians ; and would frequently express himself in the lan- 
 guage of the apostle, By the grace of God I am what lam. 
 
 Having presented our readers Avith a striking likeness of the sub- 
 ject of these memoirs, and faithfully delineated the prominent features 
 of his mind, wc would not pass over unnoticed those imperfections, 
 from v/hich he only was cntierly free, " who v/as holy, harmless, ur.- 
 defiled, and separate from sinners." 
 
 He was naturally very warm and hasty : and as the heat of his 
 temper would sometimes gain an ascendancy Dver his judgnient, in 
 the moments of cool reflection it would produce the mobt serious con- 
 trition. Being frequently called to struggle with this constitutional 
 evil, he. thought, on this account, no person, more competent to point 
 out the sinfulness of yielding to passion, and the evil eft'ects which 
 flow from an ungovernable warmth of temper. 
 
 His mind being deeply impressed with the truth of that scripture, 
 The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of greet 
 /jrzV^and his conscience feeling the smart of that^-of/Zy sorrow which 
 workcth repentance tosalvation,hc wrote "An affectionate Address to 
 passionate Professors," shewing the blessedness of a meek and quiet 
 ppiiit> the evil of giving way to bad tempers, and pointing out some 
 likely means for subduing them. He begins this little tract with, 
 <' My brethren, suffer a word of exhortation from a heart that knows 
 Its own bitierness, and gronns under the ruins of a sinful nature and ' 
 disordered passions. Pernut one, who frceJy owns witli grief and 
 
lif£ of the author. ^ 1 1 
 
 shame, that he is naturally of a very hasty temper and passionate dis- 
 position,, to address you on the evil of indulging and giving way to 
 this. In this attempt, I huni'jly crave your most serious attention 
 and afitctionate regard, hoping therein mine eye is singly directed 
 to our Lord's glory, and my heart sincerely engaged for your spi- 
 ritual good, and my own. Bear with my freedom, as I assure you 
 I desire to write form my otvn sense and experience of this evil, as 
 well us from observation of it in others. I would apply to my own. 
 soul a\\ that I write to you : and desire to fall under every conviction 
 myself^ which I may bring against you." 
 
 ' Having been long named in the commission of the peace for the 
 county of Surrey, in the year 1783 he retired from business, and be- 
 came an acting magistrate As tlie evening of life was now drawing 
 on, he thought, in this department, he might employ those hours for 
 the public good, which otherwise might appear to himself dull, and 
 to others useless. 
 
 About four years previous to his death, he first felt a slight stroke 
 of the palsy. His speech for a few days was interrupted, and he com- 
 plained of a pain and numbness in his head. It then left him; but not 
 without having, in some degree^ impaired his faculties. About two 
 years after, while performing the duty of a magistrate at Union-Hall, 
 in the borough of Southwark, he suddenly fell from his chair, and 
 was taken up speechless: from this shock he also recovered; but not 
 without a greater debility of the mental powers. 
 
 On the morning of his death, he intended to walk as usual; was as 
 perfectly in health as he had been for some time, and appeared to pos- 
 sess a more than common vivacity : he ran down stairs with an un- 
 usual agility ; and when engaged in prayer with his family, evinced a 
 more than common degree of fervor. About eleven o'clock in the 
 forenoon, as he was walking in his own room, in a moment he was de- 
 prived of the use of his limbs on one side. An apothecary and phy- 
 sician were immediately called in ; but death hud received his com- 
 mission. In less than two hours, his speech, which from the first had 
 faultered, was entirely taken away; and though it would have afforded 
 his surviving relatives the greatest pleasure, to have heard him, in his 
 dying moments, extol that Saviour, whom having not seen he loved, 
 and boast of that salvation from which he had derived unspeakable 
 joys ; yet that God, who orders all things after the counsel of hi^.own 
 will, was pleased to deny them that privilege ; for at eleven o'clock 
 in the evening of the same day, Sept. 29, 1791, in the 7od year of 
 his age, he breathed his last. 
 
 He has left a widow, two daughters and a son. His remains were 
 interred in the church of St. Mary Magdalene, BcTmoudscy, in which 
 
12 LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 parish he had resided upwards of sixty years, and where, for the last 
 •twelve years of his life, he attended on his soh's ministry. 
 
 Mr. M. may with strict propriety be classed among the good* the 
 great, and useful of society. In his personal appearance, there was 
 nothing to impress a stranger with a favorable idea of his talents ; 
 but in company,in his conversation evidenced marks of superior sense 
 and prevailing piety, and rendei'ed him an instructive and entertaining 
 companion. Influenced by the power of divine grace, he glorified 
 God in his generation. His soul was the peaceful residence of all the 
 social virtues. In the discharge of the filial, fraternal, conjugal, and 
 parental duties, he was cheerful and exact. The urgencies of busi- 
 ness were never sufiered to intrude upon the more urgent claims of 
 his soul. In persecution for righteousness sake "his heart was fixed, 
 trusting in the Lord ;" and at length he had the happiness to expe- 
 rience, that God had " redeemed his soul from all adversity, and 
 brought him through fire and water, into a wealthy place." Many 
 years he lived on Jesus Christ, as the alp.ha and omega of his own 
 salvation, and possessed the enviable talent, of recommending him to 
 others with peculiar advantage. His mind was equally averse to the 
 leaven of Pharisaical pride and Antinomian presumption ; which he 
 considered as dangerous extremes, and against which his exertions 
 were uniformly and equally directed. Though he was never dignified 
 with the epithet of reverend^ or elcviited to the pulpit, yet by the dis- 
 creet husbandry of histin-.c, he was enabled to compose those works, 
 ■which, during his life-time, rendered him useful to thousands ; and 
 which will embulni his memory, and convey instruction to succeed- 
 ing generations. 
 
 Reader, for thee this memoir v/as collected — ^not for the entertain- 
 ment of thy leisure moments, but for the improvement of thy future 
 days. Learn from the character and conduct of a private individual, 
 that real worth, heavenly wisdom, and extensive usefulness, are not 
 confined to men of public profession. Let Jesus and his salvation be 
 thy first concern. Assured of his favor, make it thy study to live for 
 God, and glorify him in thy body and spirit, w:hich are his. Then, 
 when called to drop the veil of mortality, thou wilt survive in tlie 
 esteem of his saints, the excellent of the earth, and be rewarded by 
 the admiration of posterity— rwhile thy happy spirit, wafted to the 
 regibiis of bliss, shall enjoy in the beatific presence of Jcsius, ineffable 
 and etcinal fclicitv. 
 
SMRITUAIL TREASURY, 
 
 JANUARY L 
 
 Thou shalt be called by a new name^ which the mouth of 
 the Lord shall name. — Isa. ixii. 2. 
 
 A HIS is predicted of the church of God ; which, according to 
 coveniint-transactions of the glorious Trmity, stands in the nearest 
 and dearest relation to jEsus'her head. She is here spoken of as a 
 single person, thou: she is called " Christ's body," Col i. 24, and 
 « the bride, the lanib's wife," 'Rev. xxi 9 ; of whom, saith God the 
 Father, " I have loved thee with an everlasting love," Jer. xxxi. 3. 
 Yea, saith the Son of God to his Father, of all his beloved members, 
 " Thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me, and thou lovest me 
 before the foundation of the world," John xvii. 28, 24. O most 
 comforting truths of God's word ! how ancient is tlie love of God to 
 his church ! That God should love us miserable smners at all is 
 amazing ; but that he should love us with the very same everlasting 
 unchangeable love, wherewith he loves his own beloved Son, this 
 surpasseth all knowledge ! This love is the source of all blessings in 
 time ; this love secures all happiness in eternity. 
 
 The Son of God has manifested his infinite love to his church, by 
 conflicting with and overcoming all the powers of earth and hell for 
 her sake. He most dearly purchased her, m a way of strict justice, 
 with his most precious blood. But he finds every one of his ransomed 
 ones branded with this old name of infamy, a sinner : it being near 
 six thousand ycarssince first entailed. By nature we are all old in sin, 
 and dead in sin : but being prcde stinated unto the adoption of children 
 by Jesus Christ, and to be conformed to his image, to the praise of the 
 glory of God's grace, therefore we shall be called by a new name. 
 
 This the Lord, the Spirit, cfFcctcth, Being born of the Spirit, and 
 baptized witli the Holy Ghost into the faith of Jesus, the Lord calls 
 us by a new. name, which the moutli of the Lord shall name. This 
 is it, verse 12, " The Holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, thou 
 shalt be called sought out." O the blessedness of being sought 
 
 Vol. T. B 
 
14 JANUARY 1. 
 
 out! how precious is he who sought us out ! He sought us in the 
 ruins of the full. He found us in a most miseruble coudition ; but 
 he calls us by a new name, which signifies new creatures in our living 
 head, who is the new man. '1 his he makes us. Then wc experi- 
 ence the blessedness of a new state in, and of a new life from Jesus. 
 He is a new and living way to us. By faith we walk with God — i.ve 
 upon Jesus — feel sweet fellowship with him — enjoy comiortiu^- com- 
 muiiion from him — und have joyful access to the Fatiier througii him. 
 Thus the Lord writes " a new name upon his members, which no 
 man knowcth, saving he who receivctli it,'' Rev. ii. 17. 
 
 Thus, as Luther testifies, < a christian is a new creature in a nevr 
 World.' He is a subject of a new King, whose name is love ; and of 
 a new kingdom, wherein dwcUeth righteousness. He is possessed of 
 new hopes — new pleasures—new desires and new joys. Yes, and he 
 finds new fears-— new sorrows — new conflicts, yea, and new enemies- 
 too. Though that old serpent the Devil and Sdtan, who deceiveth 
 tlic whole world, is cast out of us, he still wageth war against us. 
 What then ? every tria we meet with, every temptation we are beset 
 with, shall only glorify the riches of God's love to us, and the power 
 of the grace of Jesus in us — shall learn us the use of our spiritual 
 weapons — deaden our affections to earth— quicken our longings for 
 glory — endear Jesus more to our hearts, so as with ardency to cry 
 out, O that I may be found in him : how glorious the privileges ! 
 how animating the prospect of all such new-named' souls ! they arc 
 interested in all new covenant blessings. New wine of gospel-peace 
 and love is put into such new bottles. A new song, " Salvation to 
 the Lunib that was slain," inspires their tongues. Such are lovmgly 
 called, by the word of their Fathei', and powerfully enabled, by the 
 Spirit of his grace, to serve and glorify him, " not in the oldness of 
 the letter," but in newness of the Spirit, in " righteousness and true 
 holiness befoi-e him all the days of their life :" happy new year to such 
 ncv/-numed souls ! every revolving year on earth brings them nearer 
 their Father's house, their Saviour's kingdom in glory. Thus " if 
 nny man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things are passec! 
 away, behold all things are become new," Cor. v. 17. 
 
 Mr .losus, my almighty friend. My feet shall travel all ihe length 
 
 Wiim? I hof>:in thy praise, Of the celestial road, 
 ■WIktc will the srrowing niimhcrs end ! And march with courage in thy strength. 
 
 The niimhcrs of thy gi-ace ! To see my Father God. 
 
 St:M has my life new wonders seen When I am fiU'd w ith sore distress 
 
 Repeated cv'ry yer.r ; Fcir some svn-prising sin, 
 
 richnld my days tliat yet remain I'll jjlead thy perfect righteousness 
 
 1 rr-.ist them totliy care. And mention none but thine, 
 
 riion art mj'cverlasting trusty ITow will my lips in gloi-y tell 
 
 Tiiv l.'c)-Kon I ndore : . Thv vict'ries, O my Kin., ! 
 
 \'ul si'ice I knew thv p:ra/. cis ftrsf. My soil rcdcCin'd from sin sxtai hell 
 
 I r;ic-ak thy gloilc^ mores Shall thr sidyation sing. 
 
JANUARY 2. 15 
 
 Behold the I jumh of God ^ which taketh away the sin of 
 the 7i'orld— John I. 29. 
 
 Nothing can ni-ak. poor sinners triily happy, but that which 
 taketh awi y the cause of all misery, sin. Tliis is effected, l he 
 Lamb of God hath taken away all sin, by his ScXrifice tor us. Wht n, 
 by the eye of faith, we behold this Lamb, then all sui is taken aw v,y 
 out of our conscience. When u soul thinks, 'Sin has condt mued me 
 before God ; the l«w accuseth me daily ; it works wratli in my con- 
 science continu.-lly ; and I am oft ready to cry out, O wrtlched 
 that I am, who shall deliver me ?' Thanks be to God for a prtcums 
 Redeemer. The Lamb, which God provided, hath done-it for ever. 
 Ail our iniquities were laid upon him. " He bare it Hl his own body 
 on the tree," the sin, the whole of sin, every sin of all that sliail be- 
 lieve in him, to the end of the world. By the sacrifice of liinibelt he 
 put all awuy, out of the sight of God, as one puts away an offensive 
 thing. He bore it away into a land of forgetfuhiess, as a tiling that 
 is hurtful. So then saith God the Fahcr, to all his chiiaren in 
 Christ, " Vour sins and your iniquities I will remember no more," 
 Jer. xxxi. 34. 
 
 But one is often ready to say. How can this be true ? for I daily 
 •see I am a sinner; the remcmbrajice of sin is belore me, in my 
 thoughts ; though, for a season, time may efiUce sin irom my memoiy, 
 yet it recurs afresh upon my conscience. It may, it will do so, O 
 soul ; and nothing can effectually take it away but this, "Behold the 
 Lamb of God." He taketh away no^y, this present moment, 
 every moment : at what time soever thou beholdeat Jl sus by the eye 
 of faith, all the sin which troubles thet, thou wilt see it laid on him, 
 and he taketh it away from thee. O how sweet to have no more 
 conscience of sin ! 
 
 Continually to behold this Lamb of God, is life to our souls, and 
 death to our sins. Sin cannot terrify with its guilt : sin cannot pre- 
 vail in its power while the heart is looking to this Lamb of God, for 
 he says, "Look unto me, and be saved." Astonishing mystery 1 but 
 tliis is God's truth. Thus to behold, is to be happy. Thus to look, 
 is to be holy. -May this. O my soul, be thy daily employ below, till 
 thou beholdest tlie Lamb in the midst of the throne above. Tli^nks 
 lo the gracious Father, for the gift of this precious Lumb ; tlianks 
 to this holy Lamb for bearing and taking away sin ; and thanks to 
 the loving Spirit, for shewing this Lamb to poor sinners and me, 
 " God forbid I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ," Gal. vi. 14. ' 
 
 If sir. most vile to me appcirs, This is the tnith by wliich -no live : 
 
 Wliat must fh' Omnisticnt see ! By Faith bciioldJng Christ. 
 
 But, God beholds us in Ids Umb, Our consciences fiom guilt are iVecU : 
 
 From.sin forever free. Then unbelief i-esitt. 
 
16 JANUARY 3. 
 
 Little children^ keep yourselves from idols. Amen.-^ 
 1 John V. 21. 
 
 Idolatry is fouidedin ignorance of Jesus, the true God, and 
 eternal :'ie. None are spiritual worsliipcrs of God but believers in 
 Jesus. There are many idols in the world, suited to the pride and 
 lusts of our corrupt nuture. Tnese we are cuutioncd agamst. But, 
 in reading this very exhortation, tlie idol of free-will is ready to pre- 
 S(ni itself; as though disciples, by their own power, were to keep 
 themselves. This notion opposes the Spirit and power of Jesus, and 
 springs frc'in that grand idol, pride. Pride introduces the iaol of 
 seif-rigliteousness. TJiis blinds the eye to the glory of the righteous- 
 ness of Christ, freely imputed by God, through faith. Tnus this 
 trinity of idols, free-will, pride, tuid self-righteousness, are m unity 
 with each other. By the simple faith of Jesus, we are daily to guard 
 our heans against all their specious pretentions. 
 
 So also, every outward object suited to our corrupt nature, the lust 
 of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life ; these naturally 
 call for the attention of our minds, tend to attract the affections of 
 our hearts, and promise us pleasure, hi.ppiness, and joy. But if these 
 are sought unto, coveted, and enjoyed, they also become idols — they 
 rival Jesus - they rob our hearts of the consolation of the Saviour's 
 love — and him of the glory due to his niime ; which is ever the in- 
 dispensable duty of all his beloved discip.es, to give unto him only. 
 Shall we then say of our own righteousness, or our sins, ye are our 
 glory ? Shall we at all hope in the one ? Shall we ever seek happiness 
 from the other ? Verily, if so, our hearts are not right with God : our 
 souls are not sincere and upright with Jesus. Can we at any time 
 halt between two opinions in our conduct, Jesus and self^ God and 
 the world ? O where then is our faith in Jesus, our love to God ! Has 
 not God manifested love enough to us, in -the gift of his beloved Son ? 
 Has not Jesus done enough, suffered enough, to attract every affec- 
 tion, and to engage our whole hearts m love to himself ? Has not the 
 holy Spirit so clearly and fully revealed the loveof the Father, and 
 the salvation of the Son, as to make us happy ? We must confess 
 this. Surely then conscious shame, holy blushing, godly sorrow, 
 should fill our hearts, if we act not as chaste virgins to our heavenly 
 bridcJ^-room. While v/e cry in the fervency of prayer to the divine 
 Spirit for power, we shall in the fervor of love, and in the resolution 
 of faith, say with Ephraim, "Get ye hence: what have I to do any 
 more with idols ?" Hos. xiv. 8. 
 
 Mortals with Joy bdiold liis face, Arcliangcls leave their liiRh abo.lc,- 
 
 Th' eternal Father's only Son : To learn new mvst'i;ies here : and tell - 
 
 : low full of (ruth ! how full of jrrace ! The loves of our descending God, 
 
 When thro' his eyes the Godhead shone. The glories" of Immanuel. 
 
JANUARY 4. 17 
 
 / will go in the strength of the Lord God: 1 will make 
 mention of thy righteousness^ even of thine only. -V^-^vm. 
 Ixxi. 16. 
 Wise travellers provide things needful for their journey, and 
 guard against such as lie in wuit, by tlie wuy, to rob them. Our 
 gracious God calls not his dear children to Ibrsoke their native coun- 
 try, to travel to the hcc^vcnly city, without furnishing thenx with a 
 rich supply of all things necessary for their cointort, and also strength 
 to protect tliem from the power of every enemy. No soldier ol his 
 g'octh a warfare at his own charge ; Christ being both their righte- 
 ousness and strength, they can want notlung ; neither riches nor 
 power. Hence, they go on from day to day, glorying in liim, as 
 their richest treasure, and trusting in him as their ^Imii^luy strength; 
 and this is their constant song in the house of their pilgrimage, and 
 all through their journey : « Surely, in tiie Lord have 1 righteous- 
 ness and strength," Isa. xlv. 24. Jesu's righteousness inspires the 
 soul with boldness before God. Jesu's strength obtains victory over 
 every enemy. This is the triumph of faith. So uclievers walk safciy 
 and comfortably. ...hildren of grace are not called to be idle specula- 
 tists in doctrines, but to a life of activity — to holy walking with Jesus 
 -—constant hearing of his love — cheerlul obedience to his will — dili- 
 gent search of the scriptures — steadfast resistance of Satan— .striving- 
 daily against sin— and praying always with all prayer Li;d supplication. 
 Well may one ask, " But who is suflicient for these things.'" From 
 natural power and inherent strengtli, we must all sit d(;wn in despair. 
 But faith leads from self to Jesus. I ciui do ail things, through ^.hrist 
 strengthening me ; so will I go on against my enemies ; thus 1 shall 
 be enabled to walk in tlie path of every duty. But after I have done 
 all, still my Saviour bids me confess the truth, that 1 am an unprofit- 
 able servant. But is not this discouraging to the soul ? No ; for it 
 •works not to obtain righteousness. It is already cloUicd with tliat, 
 and, in the views of faith, rejoices in it ; abjures all other, and will 
 make mention of Jesu's righteousness, and his onhj^ for acceptance 
 with God, perfect justification before him, from every condemnation 
 of the law, and accusation of Satan. True, doubtfid fears may arise ; 
 distressing thoughts deject ; but happy is our conduct, joyful shall 
 be our experience, while tlie righteousness of Christ is beheld by 
 faith, as our only hope, our only joy, our only crown of rejoicing. For 
 we are made the righteousness of God in Chrint^ 2 Cor. v. 21. 
 
 While in thy riijilueousness I trust, My grace and safety lie in this, 
 
 Wliich only makes a sinner just : My Creditor my surety is, 
 
 This truth of faith, Loitl, make me prove, The jii(I,E:mcnt-<lay I dread the less : 
 That faith thou giv'st, which Morks by My Judgcismadciny righteousnc-s. 
 love. 
 
IS JANUARY 5. 
 
 For the mnimtams shall depart and the hills be removed^ 
 but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall 
 ^ the covejiant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord, 
 -who hath mercy on thee. — Isa. liv. 10. 
 
 The absolute promises of our gracious Lord, are the foundation 
 offiiith, the encouragement of hope, tlie excitement of love, the source 
 of comfort, and' the spring of true holiness. Why then are not tlic 
 childi-en of fuith always joyful in hope, ever comfortable in love, and 
 constantly hrppy in the way of holiness ? Truly, because an enemy 
 hath sown the tares of unbelief in our nature. '1 his evil root of bit- 
 terness continually spi'ings up, and troubles us. It bears the most 
 base, dishonourable fruits, I'espccting our God ; and is most hurtful 
 and poisonous to our souls. Little reason have we to dung and water, 
 so as to strengthen this degenerate plant, with the corrupt notion of 
 those who deny God's covenant love and fiiithfulness, and dare tcuch 
 ^ That one may be a child of God to-day and a child of the Devil to- 
 morrow — .that souls redeemed by the blood of Jesus, m.ay, after all, 
 burn in hell.' Shocking ! it is our daily duty, our greatest wisdom, 
 ever to be on our guard against, and avoid all such doctrines. They 
 are contrary to the precious declarations of our loving Lord ; and 
 tend to weaken our fiuth in and hope of perfect salvation by Jesus. 
 But a false show of humility v.-orks very deceitfully upon men. 
 Hence we are prone to look into ourselves, to find some inherent 
 worth, some personal goodness, as the cause whij the Lord should 
 deal thus bounteously with us. 
 
 Alas ! pride is at the bottom of this. Hereby our eyes arc diverted 
 from the alone object oi^ith, Jesus, and turned to self. 'Ihen, na 
 marvel unbelief prevails, and we lose sight of God's free grace, 
 rich love, and inestimably precious promises. Soul, know thyself. 
 Though an object of mercy, a subject of grace, and an heir of pro- 
 mise, yet not one single drop of mercy, or of grace, nor one word of 
 promise is made to thy person, but only as thou standest in, and art 
 related io thy precious Saviour, according to covenant love. There- 
 fore God's covenant of peace shall not, cannot fail. Sooner shall the 
 hills and mountains be removed, yea heaven and earth shall pass 
 away, but thy Lord's love and' kindness shall never depart from thee. 
 TheSnouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Here to doubt, is to dishonor 
 the God of truth. Here stedfastly to believe, is to glorify the God 
 of love — « He sent redemption unto his people ; he hath comnumdcd 
 his covenant/or iv^-r," Psalm c^ix.i). 
 
 " O \vl;;it a sU^dfnst lio^.c have I, Then wliy should faith or courRgc fiill" 
 IJu'lf on'thy faithful uoi-fl ! Or comforts me forsake ) 
 
 Tho' ail Uii„_t;s fail hene.tth the skr, trt f:..ith htit. look within the vcii. 
 Thy ti-uth stands fast, ir^y Uul.-' ATJ"^- snftVor Jdja^ i^lic . 
 
JANUARY 6. 19 
 
 JFalk exrciimapectly ; not as fools, hut as wise, redeeming 
 the time, because the days are evil. — i:.piic . v. i6, io. 
 
 Light and life are communicated from Jesus to his members, not 
 merely to fill their heads with gospel truths, as matters ot specu- 
 lation, or to make them fiuent talkers about religion, but claclly to 
 affect their heiats, renew their minds, and cause tlnem to be close, 
 consistent, ivalkcrs^ with Jesus. Without this, wc only seem to be 
 religious, and deceive our hearts, while our religion is vaui : for we 
 Ciinnot stand approved in the -sight of God, before men, nor to our 
 own consciences. " The wise man's eyes arc in his head ;" he looks 
 around him and sees the evil of sin, the vanity of this present worid 
 — that its gay pleasures, alluring pastimes, bewitching diversions, 
 are the gilded bait of the god of this world, whereby he ensnares 
 unwary fools to kill their precious time, aiid to blind and destroy tlieir 
 immortal souls ! The wise man looks above him — directs his eye of 
 faith to his Saviour, as his example — to have his Spirit lor his guide 
 — to be kept by his power— to have his steps directed by his grace, 
 that his word may be the rule of his life, and that his walk and con- 
 versation may please his Lord, iind adorn his gospel. Without this 
 constant circumspection, we beti'ay the greatest foily, and make sad 
 work for future grief and rei^entance. Lord keep us from this ! 
 
 Time is the gift of God. It is too precious a jewel to be worse 
 than idly lavished away upon vanity. It is tlie wisdom of the wise to 
 improve time to the noblest and best of purposes, in acquiring more 
 knowledge of spiritual and eternal things. It is the iooiishness of 
 folly for God's wise virgins, at any timc,^so to debase tlaemseives, tis 
 to sacrifice their precious moments upon hi|athciiish altars, devoted 
 to vain delights ar.d sinful pleasures We dare not, wc cannot com- 
 ply with these things, consistent with faith in Jesus, leve to God, 
 and a good conscience in the Holy Ghost.' 
 
 The days are evil ; iniquity abounds ; the love of many waxctl'v 
 eold ; heresies prevail ; the way of holiness is awiully ricglected ; 
 but the Lord's arm is not shortened, that he cannot .save : he can 
 keep us close to himself, in the most perilous times. Constant 
 watchfulness, and earnest prayer, are our daily duty — " Let us con- 
 sider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works ; not 
 forsaking the assembling ourselves together, as tlie manner of some 
 is ; but exhort one another ; and so much the more, as yc see die 
 day approaching," Hcb. x. 24, 25. 
 
 Fmm precious faitJi a precious strife WhcrcTer f;uth docs justify. 
 
 Of precious virtues flow. It purifies f lie heart ; 
 
 V precious lieart, a precious Jj/e, TLe paiddii nnd tlic purity 
 
 Vad prccions dntic3 too. i<^ h^fyls, and ncrer pai-t: 
 
20 w JANUARY 7. 
 
 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they 
 shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.-^ 
 Pbalm Ixxxix. — 15. 
 The psalmist alludes to tlie jubilee -trumpet, which was sounded 
 throughout the land on the great day of atonement. This was an or- 
 dini'.nce of the Lord, Lev xxv. 10. It was a joyful sound of liberty 
 to God's people. A true type, and just emblem this, of the blow- 
 ing the great trumpet, and the sound of the everlasting gospel re- 
 storing life, liberty, and salvation, to perishing captive souls. Has 
 the gospel thus proved the power of God to the salvation of our souls? 
 Surely then, we must esteem it, as the most joyful sound that ever 
 saluted our ears ! Joyful, that it is not clogged with any terms and 
 conditions : Joyful, that it is not, as some call it, a milder law, pro- 
 posing mercy on easier performances tlian the legal yoke. No ; 
 such notions are subversive of the very nature of the gospel ; they 
 only humor self-confidenee, and elate the pride of sinners. 
 
 We are all naturally deceived by such human, anti-evangelical 
 systems. Hence we grow vain in our imaginations, and our foolish 
 hearts are darkened to the freeness and glory of the gospel. But 
 when the Sun of Righteousness arises upon the heart, these mists 
 of ignorance and error are scattered. Then we truly know the gos- 
 pel to be nothing but good news, glad tidings, a joyful sound indeed: 
 a free declaration of what the infinitely blessed and eternally glori- 
 ous Trinity have planned, and what the adorable God-man hath ef- 
 fected, for the salvation of the lost and guilty. It is one joyful, con- 
 sistent, harmonious sound of free grace, undeserved love, and un- 
 merited mercy ; free from any jarring discords of wrath ajid terror. 
 It proclaims not pardon to-day, and condemnation to-morrow to be- 
 lievers ; now peace with God, anon war against us ; now happiness 
 in the heaven of his love, by and by a hell of misery from his anger 
 and hatred ; once justified by his grace, and after all left to perish to 
 eternity in our sins. God's blessed people reject such debasing no- 
 tions, knowing they are contrary to the truth, and destructive oi the 
 joy of the gospel, damp their love, deaden their aflections to a God 
 of love, cool their zeal for his glory and service, and stop their pro- 
 gress in true holiness. But by the love of the truth, they solace 
 themselves with the joyful sound, are enabled to walk in the light of 
 God's countenance, in the comforts of his love, and in the joys of 
 Tesu's salvation. Such are blessed now in the knowledge of God's 
 ruth ; they shall be blessed in the enjoyment of God's eternal glory, 
 John X. 18. 
 
 O blessed clay ! O linppy liour ! .0 Spirit divine ! thine was the pow'r. 
 
 That brought this jo.vful sound, AVhich gave the hearing ear : 
 
 Of piiifl'ninglove tliro' Christ's rich grace. My lieart, with love, in praises join, 
 To heal my mortal v ound. To thee, my Lord, most dear. SI- 
 
JANUARY 8. 21 
 
 Because thy loving k'mchiess is better tlian lifc^ my lips 
 slmll praise thee. — Psalm Ixiii. 3. 
 
 Forsake all, cmd possess all. Give up all, and enjoy all- This is 
 Uic doctrine of Jesus, and the experience of faitli. So we overcome 
 the world, by preferring tlic love of Christ to every thing- beside. Most 
 blessed enthusiasm ! really tasting lliat the Lord is gracious — truly 
 teeling tlie comforts of his love — actually partaking of fellowship 
 with Jesus — communion of the Holy Spirit — freely conversing with 
 the Fiithci' of all consolations — O how transporting to the Spirit ! 
 how ravishing to the soul ! With what holy iudifiercnce. does the en- 
 rupturcd heai't look down upon the objects of sense ! The gilded toys 
 of time, that so attract the views — the glittering vanities of life, that 
 so enslave earthly minds^ — .the empty shadows of sense, tliat so be- 
 witch the heart ; yea, life itself, with all its comforts, What are all, 
 compared to one moment's enjoyment of the loving-kindness of the 
 Lord ! In competition, as shadow to substance ; in worth, as the dust 
 of the earth to tlie gold of Ophir. Sense is but short-lived fancy: 
 Fcdth is reality and substance ; for it brings love, the kindness of 
 love, yea, the God of loving kindness hmiseif into the sinner's heart. 
 This changeth a fallen son of Adam into a glorious saint in Christ; 
 a miserable sinner into a comfortable, holy, humble praiser of our 
 covenant Lord. 
 
 Thus it is when the soul hatli found God in Christ, who is its life, 
 its glory, its treasure, its heaven, its all. But this knowledge con- 
 sists, not only in ecstacy of soul and rapturous sensations, but faith 
 is ail habitual principle ; love is an active grace ; hope has a purify- 
 ing f^fficacy. Not only are the lips opened in praise, the tongufc 
 loosed, to speak of the glory of Jesus, but the life, the practice, tlio 
 conversation, will also be favoured with the grace of truth, as ail 
 evidence that we know his love, and have been with Jesus. So we 
 prove that he has taught us wisdom, not to prefer heaven to earth 
 in word only, but in conduct also. Therefore, having received all 
 from him freely, in love and by grace, we desire to do what he has 
 commanded ; to avoid what he hrs forbidden. The fruits of righte- 
 ousness are by him, to the glory of God the Father ; tlierefore we 
 pray to be filled with them The works of the flesh, the works of. 
 darkness, we desire to mortify, and have no fellowship with, because 
 contrary to love, and the enjoyment of it — " We have known and 
 believed tlie love tliat God hath to us. God is love ; and he tliat 
 dwcllcth in love dwelleth in God, iind God in him," 1 John iv. IG. 
 
 Of nil tlicjoys we morfals know. Sweet are iny thoughts and soft my care*, 
 
 •Tcsiis, tliy love exceeds the rest : When tlie celestial flame I f(;cl : 
 
 Love, the hlest blessing here below, In all my thoughts, and all my fears. 
 
 And nearest image of (lie West. There's sgmc^lwg kind amd picasrng sliH. 
 
 V OL. I. C 
 
22 JANUARY 9. 
 
 Godliness is prof table unto all things, having promisor of 
 the life that now is, and of that which ii to come,--* 
 1 Tiai. iv. 8. 
 
 While under the law, we naturally think, for so much work, so 
 tnuch Wages — God Mill be faithful to his word of promise, if wc 
 peiform those terms «nd conditions he requires of us. Such are the 
 notions of a legal spirit — they are the result of pride— they swell with 
 a vain conceit of doing sonittliing to mtke God a debtor to our 
 works ; they are founded in ignorance, both of ourselves, and of tlie 
 word of God's rich gruce and free promises ; not one of which is 
 made, absolutely, in respect to us, or to any thuig we either believe 
 or do ; but only as we are in Christ Jesus, members of him, our 
 blessed head — For " a// the promises of God are in Christ Jesu*' 
 yea and amen, unto the glory of God." w Coc. i. 30. 
 
 Every believer in Christ is a holy, godiy soul ; he is exhorted t» 
 be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. He hus uU cause 
 for dcaiy comfort and joy. He is fully assured of his interest in that 
 blessed cutidogue of mercies, " nunisters, the world, life, death, 
 things present, or things to come, all are yours." Why ? where- 
 fore has he property herein ? " Because ye are Christ's, and Christ 
 is God's," 1 Cor. iii. i22, 23 — therefore he shall WcUit nothing ; he 
 shall enjoy every thing he cai will, or desire, as a godly person : 
 for true holiness is profit.ble to bring the. will into cheerful acquies- 
 cence with the will of God, and to enable the soul to say, " Thy 
 Will be done." All the blessings of hiovidencc, all the riches of 
 |-race, all the glories of eternity, are secured by Jehovali's promise 
 to the godly in Christ. 
 
 Through the faith of Jesus, godly souls are profitable to tlieir 
 ffellow-sinners, and felloAv-members in him : Their good conver- 
 sation, their holy walk, the Lord owns and blesses, to win others to 
 the knowledge and love of God, to a h..tred of shi, to rcr.ouncc tlic 
 vanities of the world, and quit the sK.very of Satan. 
 
 Oh, christian, remember thy cidling-^be careful of thy walk— 
 ■iratchful over thy conduct— see to it, lest Jesus be wounded in the 
 house, of his friends.. Pray earnestly, and study daily that thy pro- 
 ftting in godliness may appear to all. to the glory of him " who hath 
 lovfed us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Are you 
 ambitious ? are you covetous ? do you love gain ? are you earnestly 
 desirous to enjoy it ? Hear, believe, and rejoice. ♦' GouUucss with 
 contentment is great gain ?" 1 Tim. vi. 6. 
 
 O mr Lord, how strange the gra«e K">*' the proiniRc is en j«vM, 
 
 ■Wliii-h ifn^jo-Mv godly m.ikos ! Hope of grcatci- isemiiloyM : 
 
 J h:iTi' fonnil (1ms matter truc, All is mine b_v gift of ijrace : 
 
 ^ .he giorj is tfe' dac. I^iUkeMfi'lwjto sue tbj lace M". 
 
JANUARY la fS 
 
 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath 
 made us accepted in the hAoved- — iL-phts. i. 6. 
 When J^cob w..s ubout to meet liis oftVnded brotlicr Esau, he 
 vras greatly ufruid and distressed. He sends u present to uppe^sc Ids 
 >v rath before he duist venture into his presence. « Perudventure he 
 will accept of me," says he. Gen. xxxii. 20. Now Ills hope was not 
 founded on the affections of his brother, bu<. upon the favour which his 
 prt-sent should procure. He was not influenced by love, but fcar uiid 
 terror ; hence his expectation arose only to a porad venture. So it is 
 natural for sinners to conceive of lUi act to in oficnclcd God. Insiead 
 of believing his gospel of free grace, and confiiling in his messagt s of 
 rich mercy in Christ, we are prone to think of sending presents, of 
 ' doing something to pi.cify God's wrath, and conciii.'.te his love to us. 
 Some terms of accommodation, some conditions of peace, we nutuiailf 
 think, and we hear many contend for, must be filled by us. Thi» 
 notion keeps tlie soul always in suspense. It may flatter it with a 
 perudventure, God will accept me ; but there is not the least ground 
 for hope of acceptance upon a human system. It springs from the 
 corrupt reasonings of man, is founded in the pride of nature, which 
 ever rejects the fiath of the gospel. 
 
 H ppy for us, to "hear what God the Lord will speak : for he will 
 si^eak peace to his people, and to his saints," Psalm Ixxxv. 8, — iiOt 
 because of their prayers, tears, repentance, faith or obedience ; but, 
 for an infinitely higher cause than all these, even because he loved 
 them, and hath made them accepted hi his beloved Son, Jesus. Here 
 are no legal Ifs and Peradventures ; but the certainty and assurance, 
 of free love and unmerited favor- This is the most blessed, stedfast 
 anchor-hold of faith. Its laJiguage is not. What shall I do to be ac- 
 cepted ? but. How shall I please my God, who hath made me accepted 
 in the beloved ? In this w.y only, God secures all the prcJse and glory 
 of his own grace to himself. The belief of this expands the heart 
 with love, fires the soul with gratitude, excites to praise, and influ- 
 ences to all true holiness. Hell may terrify with horror, the law 
 work wrath in the conscience, a sight of sin cause us to tremble be- 
 fore God ; but grace, the free unmerited favor of God hi Christ Je- 
 sus, that alone changes rebels to saints, subdues sin, mortifies lusis, 
 triumphs over all the curse and ruin of the Lll, and raises its happy 
 ■subjects to the exalted heights of s.Avation and glory. H^ppy those, 
 V/ho know and believe " Grace reigns through the righteousness of 
 Christ unto eternal life," Rom. v. 3 1 . 
 
 [case, 
 Content to be in Jesu's debt for all ; Freed from law-debt, and blest vitb f^nspel 
 
 At sovereign grace'o feet we prostrate fall, Our work is now our dearest Lord to pleas* 
 All glory to tbe Lord tbat grace is free. By living on him, as our ample stock, 
 Else ntTcr would it light o* guilty jja*. And kkning oj;i him as our potent r»«.'b 
 
24 JANUARY 11. 
 
 Jesus said, Ye know not what ye ask. — Mark. x. 38. 
 
 Strange ! what, James and John, two disciples of a despised and 
 rejected Master, who had not wiiere to lay his head, yet dreaming of 
 earthly pomp and worldly grandeur, aiid petitioning lor the highest 
 pitch of worldly glory ? yes, nothing less than the right hand of pre- 
 eminence, and the left hand of power, would suit tliem. Human na- 
 ture, how earthly, carnal, and selfish ! How low are we fallen ! yet 
 how lofty in pride I What are the best of men, when left to their own 
 spirits ? Truly, we know not what to pray for, as we ought. Jesus, 
 Master, instruct us, what we are called to I Teach us Avhat to pray 
 for. Let thy word, " My kingdom is not of this world," be ever 
 uppeiTTiost in our minds ! 
 
 Poor Baruch could not be honored of God, and commissioned to 
 read the roll to the princes of Judah, but he tliinks, now I am some- 
 body ; I have got in the way of earthly honor and preferment. But 
 his brother Jeremiah is sent to him, with this question and reproof, 
 " Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not," Jer. xvi. 5. 
 How many distresses were brought upon the children of Israel by the 
 mixed multitude that went with them ! So the swarms of corrupt 
 lust, earthly affections, and carnal desires, which are found with us, 
 are ever opposing the glory of Jesus, and exciting us to seek that 
 happiness, in nature and sense, which can only be found in tlie spirit- 
 ual reign of Jesus, in the heart. , 
 
 But so kind and gracious is our dear Saviour, that he crosses our 
 wills, and denies our request, when contrary to our spiritual mterest. 
 Thus in love he answers our prayers : he withholds what we ask ; he 
 gives what he knows is best for us. If discij-ies ask what is unfit to 
 receive, or unlawful to beg, shall we complain of God's love if he de- 
 xiies ? Gi-anting is not always the effect of love. If so, Paul had been 
 less loved than Satan. Satan asked but oiuce concerning Job, and his 
 request was granted. Paul besought the Lord thrice, that thomes- 
 sengers-of Satan might depart, yet was denied in that. Yea, blessed 
 Jesus thrice prayed his Father that the cup might pass from him; 
 but that could not be. The Lord delights in the prosperity of his 
 people, therefore withholdsno good thing from them. Not our judg- 
 ment, but his wisdom must determine this. We pray to be in the 
 hcightvjf comfort, and on the pinnacle of joy. But love answers by 
 keeping us in the safe vale of humility and self-abasement. Lord, 
 what prcud, aspiring creatures are we ! enable us to obey thee I 
 " Humble yourselves under the mighty^hand of God," 1 Pet. v. 6. 
 
 .' lu liL-ard, when answer'd soon or late Peace tlien my soul, for Christ knows best, 
 
 Andheiinl, v^ien I no answer get : TJlhci- togivc or to withl'iold : 
 
 Yea, kindly an^vcr'd vhcn rcfus'd ; On him still wait, on his word rest, 
 
 By i<:m% lov'd, v Leu harshly u:;'d. Against thy fe.irs be Erm and bold M. 
 
JANUARY 12. 25 
 
 The Lord God is imj strength, and he will make my feet 
 like hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine 
 high places. — Heb. iii. 19. 
 
 " The righteous are as bold as a lion." — Prov. xxviii. I. The 
 words of wisdom are not like the pithy sayings of tlie Heathens, 
 which merely describe states and things to which men never arrive 
 nor enjov ; but they assure us, such and such has been, and still is 
 the knowledge and experience of God's sidnts. So children of wis- 
 dom are taught their privileges, and their souls are drawn out iii 
 prayer and diligence, that they may also partake of tiie fulness of 
 the blessings described. Whence is the boldness and courage of tlie 
 righteous derived ? See the young stripling David, how boldly he 
 advcuices to tlie mighty gii.nt Goliah, witli an insignificant wei.pon in 
 his hand, yet assured of success. For the faith of Or/mipotence was 
 in his heart, and these soul-encouraging words in his mouth, •' 1 come 
 to thee in the mane of the Lord of hosts," 1 Sam. xvii. 45. 
 
 Faith receives all its courage and strength from its author, Jesus. 
 It is armed witli Opanipotencc ; tlicrefore he saith, " All things arc 
 possible to him who believeth," Mark ix. 23. So Paul, " I can do 
 all things." Why ? because he was a great apostle ? No : prophets 
 and ctpostles are all of one mind, even with the weakest believer: "It 
 is Christ who strengthens me." « The Lord God is my strength." 
 Arc our hearts weak and low, ready to sink and faint ? arc our graces 
 upon the decline ? are our enemies strong, and our troubles increas- 
 ed ? To whom should we fly, but to our almighty God and Saviour, 
 Jesus? For this very end he makes his dear members '•'feet like 
 hinds feet :" swift to run from danger, and to fly to him for safely : 
 so also « to run the way of his commandments with great delight." 
 
 Such happy souls shall also walk with composure and comfort upon 
 the high places of safety and security ; above tiic reach of their in;- 
 placable foes. O, those are sweet seasons, when we mount up with 
 wings as eagles ; soar aloft it the exercise of faith; dwell high in 
 the contemplation of love ; converse much witli Jc-sur, in glory, 
 though on earth in the body. How safe are the people of God ! how 
 joyful should they be in faith ! how confident in hope ! howfer.vcnt 
 iu love I " For they shall dwell on high ; their d< fence shall be the 
 munition of rocks ; their bread shall be given them, and their w^aters- 
 shall be sure," Isa. xxxiii. 16. 
 
 Salvation is for ever nigh And grace desccniling from on Iilu;h, 
 
 Tlic souls tUat fear and tvnst the Lord, Fresli tnitli rind {{lory, shuil afford. 
 
m JANUAT^Y 15. 
 
 Izuill hear the indignation of the Lord, because I have 
 sinned against him. until he plead my cause and execute 
 judgment for me : he ivill bring me forth to the lights 
 and I shall behold his righteousness — Micah vii. 9. 
 
 Sin, thout^h atoned for by the blood of Jesus, und through the 
 faith of this the soul be made holy and huppy, yet dwelleth ia us. 
 Hence all our griefs, our sufferings, our wretchedness. God's judg- 
 ments are sometimes secret, alwc.ys just, ever in love to his own. 
 Misery should never afilict us, if sin did not infect us. A good in- 
 strument may be out of tune ; the hand of a skilful musician is ne- 
 cessary to set it, and display its harmony and sound. God disci- 
 plines by afflictions for our profit and his glory. The Ldth, pa- 
 tience, and valor of God's soldiers are best known in times of exer- 
 cise : then how animating to viev/ the love and trust to the fcdtliful- 
 ness of a covenant God ! To see a father's love to the soul in tlic 
 ixid of his displeasure against sin, how supporting ! 1 will bear the 
 G^i.tstisements of my Father — my sins deserve them : yea wrath 
 and hell is my desert : my mouth is stopped — I have nothing to 
 plead — guilt silences me. 
 
 But see, hear, and rejoice, O soul. The church beholds a blessed 
 person. Who is that he she thhiks upon and mentions ? " Until 
 he plead my cause." O it is the dear advocate Jesus, the ever pre- 
 cious pleader for poor sinners. How reviving are' the sacred pages ! 
 they ever testify of the blessed name, and soul-comioriing work of 
 Jesus 1 He never intermits in his plea for the life of the soul :• he 
 prevails over the desert of sin by his atonement and prayers. Shortly 
 he will speak destruction to all sin by the word of his power. 
 
 In the mean time he sends his Spirit the Comforter, the third per- 
 son in the glorious Trinity. " He will bring me forth to the iiglu." 
 Here see Old Testament faith in New Testament love. It is the 
 Spirit's office to bring souls out of the dark dungeon of nature's sor- 
 rows, to see Jesus the light of life. " I. sliall behold his righteous- 
 ness." Then it is a day of comfort after a night of distress Is the 
 righteousness of Jesus mine ? am I righteous by that in the sight of 
 God? Then truly it -is in righteousness God deivleth with me, luid 
 will^Siive me. Tlvis fcjth humbles the soul to the dust, strips it of 
 proud murniurings and self-righteous pleas, and inspires it wilh 
 boldness at a throne of grace. Tiiis is the conlident pica of faith ; 
 « for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble : Destroy 
 vli them that iJHict niy floiii, for I -&in thy ^xrviiiu," Psdm cxliii. 
 11, U. 
 
/ANOARY 14 27 
 
 Leve as brethren, 1 Pet. iii. 8. 
 
 LovK without reason is a mad passion. ProfC'saion tvithout lore, 
 Is but " a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal; ui.n-ca.ii.g loise to 
 others; unprofiting to him that makes it. Loyc is of God. It k 
 that precious ointment tJiat is poured forth from the Father of love 
 upon the head of our spiritual Aaron, and runs down to the skirts 
 of his garment, even upon all his bretluen, the children of love. 
 Love descends from God, through Jesus, to us, spreads itself amonj 
 the brethren, and descends in grateful odours to the God of love. 
 
 The prophet asks, « Have we not all one Father?" Mai. ii. 10. 
 Yes, saith our elder brother, «I ascend unto my FaUierj.and your 
 Father," John xx. M. Hence the holy spirit draws the image of 
 Jesus, « the first born of the many bredu-en," upon each of their 
 souls ; and possesses them with the fuith of Jesus. " And whoso- 
 ever bclieveth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God ; and every 
 one that lovctli him that begat, lovetli him also that is begotten of 
 him," 1 Johnv. 1. FiUth in Jesus is the band and cement of bro- 
 tlierlyloTC. Are we the brethren of Jesus, beloved and chosen by 
 one Father, born again in the • same Spirit, partakers of the same 
 grace, heirs of the same promises, travellers to the same kingdom, 
 .ind shall we not love each other ? Alas ! alas ! we mourn for tlie 
 loss of health, substance, &c. but what greater cause is there to la- 
 ment the loss of love amoncjst God's dear cliildren, Jesu's beloved 
 brethren ! 
 
 But we are all like Simeon and Levi, brethren in iniquity : and as 
 with them, so anger and self-will is also found with us, Gen. xlix, 
 5, 6. Both arc the effect of pride, anc>are contrary to faith and love. 
 The question is not. Are we perfectly freed from every passion an* 
 temper contrary to love? Nor are we to axpcctthis from our brethren. 
 God loves us not as sinless, but as he views us in Christ Jesus. Do 
 wc really love the children of God as such — love the members of 
 Jesus purely for his sake ? Instead of indulging, do we curb and re- 
 sist, watch and pray against our tempers, which arc contrary to love? 
 This is a blessed evidence, the root of love is in us.' Let us be im- 
 portunate with Jesus, that the fruits may abound more and more to 
 the glory of God, « whom we love, because he first loved us." 
 
 Lore lays lier own aclrartatrp bj Lore is the g^aec llint keeps her pow'» 
 
 To seek her riciglibotir's s;ooil : In all the realms above ; 
 
 So (;n<!'s own Son came <lo\vn to die, Thr>f faith and hope aro ka»^» »• iji«rA 
 
 Ami bfcosht orrr &t;s witji bltei^ Bw^jiapt &>renT !.«tp. 
 
28 JANUARY 15. 
 
 Mine iniquities are gone over my head ; as an heavy bur- 
 den they are too Jieavy for me. — Psalm xxxviii. 4. 
 
 Those who think lightlj'^ of sin, and account iniquity a trifling 
 tiling, evidently shew tluit the god of his world hatli biUided tlieir 
 eyes to the infinite atonement of Jesus, and iiardencd their hcciX'ts 
 through the deceitfuhiess of sin j therefore they ure insensible of 
 grief, and without feeling of godly sorrow for sin. When Jesus is 
 known in the heart, sin is truly abhorred, forsaken, and overcome. 
 But it is most distressing to the regenerate soul when the load of guilt 
 and the burden of sin are suffered to lie, day after day, upon the con- 
 science. O the insupportable agony of such a state, none know but 
 those who have experienced it ! One v/ould ask, Is not tliis coiitra- 
 dictory to that comforting assertion, " There is liow no condemnation 
 to them that are in Chi'ist Jesus ?" Rom, viii. 1, — inconsistent with 
 that triumphant challenge, " Who shall lay any thing to the charge 
 ©f God's elect ?" Rom. viii. 33. No ; for though charge and con- 
 demnation for sin may be brought by Satan, the accuser of the bre- 
 thren ; the law may condeinn, and our own spirits must confess we 
 are sinners ; yet our covenant God hath no condemnation against us. 
 For he hath laid all our iniquities upon Jesus; and this'is the full 
 and free charter of his covenant concerning his children : " Their 
 sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." 
 
 Jesus is the only balm in Giicad, the only physician for sin-dis- 
 tressed, sore burdened, heavy laden souls. We may seek rest, but 
 all in vain, from any other object. Notliing can quiet and relieve 
 the distressed soul but this one truth, Jesus hatli actually bore, Jesus 
 hath fully suffered, Jesus hath perfectly atoned for i;ll the sins of his 
 people ; so that the Lord has discharged all their sins, ai:id will re- 
 member no sin, no, not one sin against them. O Avhen one beholds 
 this general release, every debt crossed by Jesu's blood, and God 
 acquitting from every accusation of law and conscience, then our 
 souls return to their rest. I'his is the faith of God's elect. So the 
 Spirit bears witness to Jesus. So he is gloi'ifieu and delighted in, as 
 " the chicfcst among ten thousand, and altogether lovely." And while 
 «ur hearts are kept simple, lovirig, -faithful to him, we live tipon his 
 g;racc, imd feast upon his love, and holy longings inspire our hearts 
 that ^^e may fully enjoy Li.a in glory. O then, 
 
 Sin, (my worst enemy before) Tlicn slmlll see, ajid he.ir, and knou 
 
 Sh.ill vex my eyes and enrs no more ; All I desir'dand wisU'd below : 
 
 My itnvard foes shall nil Tje slain, AutTcY'ry pow 'r find sweet employ 
 
 Nor Siitaii break my peace ngain. lii (list cteinul world of joy. 
 
JANUARY 16. 29 
 
 Yea, hath God said ^ Ye shall not eat of every tree of the 
 garden?. — Gen. iii. 1. 
 
 It is the grand master-piece of that wisdom which is earthly, 
 sensual, devilish, to cdl in question the truth of God's word ; to in- 
 sinuate a doubt about it. But here appears more modesty even in 
 Satan, than in some of his servants ; for he only puts a query upon 
 it, whereas they absolutely deny and ridicule the truth of Jehovah. 
 In the same way that the old serpent attacked and prevailed against the 
 innocence of our first parents, he still attempts to destroy the com- 
 forts and oppose the holiness of God's children by artful suggestions 
 against the truth of God's word. If he can but raise a doubt in oui* 
 minds concerning what the Lord hath spoken, he strikes at the very 
 foundation of our faith, hope, love, and obedience. As he abode not 
 in the truth, he is a restless implacable enemy to the truth, and to 
 every soul who embraces the truth as in Jesus. 
 
 Really, one finds Satan like a laborious domestic chaplain, preach- 
 ing in season, and out of season, in one's ears : ' Hath the pord 
 spoken tliis ? hath he forbidden that ? how can this doctrine be" e ? 
 it is so contrary to reason, so inconsistent with the nature of things j 
 you a child of God ? you a believer in Jesus ? your sins atoned for by 
 Jesus ? your soul clothed with his righteousness and sanctified by his 
 Spirit ? Is not everlasting love mere imagination ? electing grace, the 
 creature of fancy ? the safety and perseverance of the saints of Jesus, 
 the whim of a heated brain ? is Jesus tlie essentially true God ? hath 
 the Lord spoken so much against sin ? doth he require so muck 
 strictness of life and holiness in walk as is contrary to the rest of the 
 world, and exposes to their hatred and contempt ? hath God said so 
 and so ?' 
 
 Thus with art and sophistry, he insinuates and puts on the air of 
 a candid disputant for truth. ^Vhat did Eve get by listening to him, 
 and conversing with him ? rather, what did she not lose ? e\en tho 
 life, the love, the joy, the peace of her soul. It is our wisdom not 
 to parley with or study to answer Satan's suggestions, but instantly 
 to " resist him stedfastin the faith," 1 Pet. v. 9; taking the sword 
 of the Spirit, the word of God, wherein is contained the truth, tlip 
 whole truth, and nothing but the truth. " All scripture is given by 
 inspiration of God, being alilc to make us wise unto salvation through 
 faith which is in Christ Jesus," 2 Tim, iii, 1 G. 
 
 Sec liow the prince of daikness tries O tlion my sun, and ihon ray sliiclil. 
 All his malicious arts ; My soul iu safely keep ; 
 
 He spreads a mist around my eyes, ^lakc Iiaste, before mine eyes nrc seal'*! 
 And throws his fi'ry darts. Iji death's eternal sleep. 
 
 Vol,. I. D 
 
30 JANUARY 17. 
 
 And all they In the synagogue, when they heard thesi 
 things, were filled with w;rrtM.— Luke iv. 28. 
 IK-MAN nature, how low fallen in misery and wretchedness? 
 yet how high doth it rise in pride ! Thovigh the meek Lamb ot God 
 is the preacher ofsovercign grace and distinguishing love, yet the 
 wrath of man dares to exalt itself against his doctrine. Fury burst 
 forth like n.c, vengeance and resentment breuk the bounds of the 
 law of G'.d and man, and would have instantly put Jesus to death. 
 
 Pride is the first-born of Lu'cifer : " Ye shall be as gods," hath 
 kiinted our whole nature with the cursed leaven, and will be the last 
 enemy that is destroyed in us. Out of the abmidance of pride m the 
 heart, the mouth is opened against God's sovereign grace, discrmii- 
 nating love, and divine dispensations « Be still, and know tliat I am 
 God," is a lesson the proud nature of man is averse to. " I will be 
 gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom 
 I will shew mercy," Exod. xxxiii. 19, though spoke from the 
 mouth of the Lord, yet the hearts of sinners rise in wrath against it : 
 the •■ ok with an evil eye upon the good pleasure of the Lord ; and 
 dai^cchallcngc and call in question his truths, and his dealings with 
 
 the children of men. 
 
 Disciple, this d.iy, a real likeness, a true picture of thy proud 
 nature is presented to thy view. Behold thyself in thy proud breth- 
 f-cn. See thy natural aversion to the sovereignty of God's iruths, 
 and thy Saviour's doctrines. All these worshipping Jews, priests 
 as well as people, conceived wrath ev<;n in God's house : yea, their 
 teeming hearts were soon filled with it against Jesus, a man who 
 told them the truth. Ihe histories of the Sarcptan widow and 
 Naaman the Assyrian, tliey were well acquainted with, but could not 
 bear the doctrine of them. Good Hezekiah humbled himself for the 
 pride of his heart, 2 Chron. xxxii. 26, - do we feel the stirrings 
 of it also ] O what cause, what daily cause for his practice. Stout 
 woi-ds proceed from unhumblcd hearts. When our voices are heard 
 on hi;^h against God's sovereign determinations, it is a sad proof 
 'hal our hearts are not laid low witli a sight and sense of being guilty 
 !)cfore God. Those who challenge God's purposes, have some plea 
 founded upon their own imaginary goodness. " Be clotlicd with hu- 
 mility ; for God rcsisvcth the proud, and giveth grace to the hum- 
 ble," 1 Pet. V. 5. 
 
 .^!.:iU n>r.n icf.lyagRinsttheLord, Euf, O my sonl, if truth so bright 
 
 \nil f!ill his; Make -'s whvs unjust ? ' SlioiiM da/.zle aiul confound thy sigh;, 
 
 riic tJiiiiidcr of his (Ircmlfiil word Yi t still his v rittcn will nhv\ 
 
 - to I 
 
 A II J virtt flic g:voal deiisive day. 
 
JANUARY 18. 31 
 
 SeUrch me, God andhwiv my heart: try mc and know 
 my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me^ 
 and lead me in the way everlasting, — Psalm cxxxix. 
 23, 24. 
 
 « He that doth the truth cometh to the light, that his deeds ma) 
 be made manifest that they urc wrou'^^ht in God," John iii. 21. This 
 is an hifulUblc touchstone of true conversion, given by the Oracle oi" 
 truth. " He that trustcth to his own heart is a fool." Prov. xxviii. 
 26. Sincerity may be attended with diflidence. Sincere upright 
 souls know they have to do with a heart-searchirig God : to him they 
 appeal, and desire to be searched and tried by him. What avails 
 the soul, to obtain a f.ivorable opinion from our vain fellow-mor^ 
 tals, if we are conscious all is not right within 1 What peace, what 
 comfort, what joy, though men approve, and the soul itsi;lf be ever 
 so confident, while conscience testifies my ways do not please the 
 Lord, my walk is contrary to his will ! True love to Jesus excites 
 godly jealousy in the heart.' 
 
 While in the flesh, we are ever exposed to deceit from a subtle 
 foe, a deceitful heart, and an ensnaring world, yea and from lalse 
 teachers also. Intricate paths piay present — darkness may over- 
 take — and Satan may thrust sore at the soul that it may fall, or be 
 driven into by-ways of error and wickedness. Here is the wisdom 
 and patience of saints when they cannot see their way, to cry to 
 their guide. Jesus is the way— the only way— the way everlasting ; 
 in which the saints in all ages walked to glory. Faith in Jesus is 
 inconsistent with every wicked way. 'ihough in our present state 
 there is no entire freedom from sin, which dwelleth in us ; conse- 
 quently no perfection in righteousness, performed by us : ) ct the 
 •more we abide m Jesus, the closer we cleave to him, the mere sted- 
 fastly we behold him, so much the more, through the gruce of the 
 holy Spirit, we shall be dead to sin and alive to holiness. We shall 
 experience the ways of wisdom to be " ways of pleasantness, and 
 all her paths to be paths of peace," Prov. iii. 17. This is the end 
 of simple-hearted, sincere souls, in their appeals at a throne of grace, 
 that "with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, 
 they may be changed into the same image from glory to glory, even 
 as by the Spirit of the Lord," 2 Cor. iii. 18. 
 
 His spirit purifies our frame, O let tliy p^-ace snrroun J me stiU, 
 
 And seals our peace with God : And like a bulwark piove, 
 
 Jesus and liis salvation came To guard i«y soul from ev'jy ill. 
 
 By v.'ater and by blood. SeciirM by sov'reigii Iom- 
 
32 JANUARY 19. 
 
 Jfye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples iii- 
 deed. — John viii. 31. 
 
 As mutual love subsists between Jesus and his believing mem- 
 bers, so there is a mutual choice of each other. Hence, saith the 
 church, " I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine," Cant. vi. 3. 
 So also there is a mutual inhabitation ; every believer dwells hi Christ, 
 and Christ in him. This matter is only comfortably experienced by 
 continuing in the truth. For " whosoever transgrcsscth, and abidcth 
 not in the doctrine of Christ, hatln not God ; he that abideth in the 
 doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Fatlier and tlic Son," 2 John ix. 
 Many profess to be disciples of Jesus in name. But what profit is 
 tliis ? If souls have not been sick of shi, alas, Jesus will be a physi- 
 cian of no value to them. If souls have not seen themselves lost, 
 their state accursed, and their case hopeless iind desperate, so tliat 
 none but Jesus can restore and suve them, they will but lightly 
 esteem our Saviour. However precious Jesus is to others? he will 
 Ijc but little regarded by them. They may profess his word, but 
 not being his disciples indeed, they will not continue long ; they will 
 only follow him for a season. Ah, poor soids, how soon are they 
 offended ? Little things put them to a stand. Trifles turn them 
 back. Temptations and trials prove what they are. Other objects 
 engage their affections, and they presently fall quite away, and fol- 
 low tlie Lamb no more. 
 
 Continuance in tire truth is tlie touchstone of faith : thus only it is 
 evidenced. Disciple, remember, "if thou comestto serve the Lord, 
 prepare thy soul for temptation," Eccles. ii. 1 ; so surely as thou 
 ■ art a disciple in deed and in truth, thou must become a crucified 
 servant of a crucified Lord. As thou hopcst for the comforts of 
 faith, so expect the trials of faith, and the exercise of patience. 
 Thou nmst abide the tribulations of Jesu's woi'd, as well as its conso- 
 lations. The master deceives none. He tells us what we are to ex- 
 pect ; every thing grievous to flesh and- blood. But blessed be his 
 gracious name and precious love, he hath bid us " fear not," and 
 hath given us the most comfortable assurances. " I have redeemed 
 thee, I have called tiiee by thy name ; thou art mine. When thou 
 passcst througli the water (of aflliciion) I will be with thee ; and 
 through the rivers (deep and overwhelming distress) tliey shall not 
 overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire (fiery darts of 
 Satah> hot temptations within, and burning malice of men without) 
 thou Shalt notbebunu; (like the burning bush, thou shalt not be 
 consumed) neither shall the flume kindle upon thee." (Thou shalt 
 be fire-proof.) Why all this safety iti the midst of such danger ? 
 Most joyful reason I " For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of 
 liiJMtl, thy Saviour," Isa. xliii. I. :, 3. 
 
 1$ 
 
JANUARY 20. 33 
 
 Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man, that tnisteth in 
 man and maketh fiesh his arm, and whose heart de- 
 partethfrom. the Zo/y/. — Jer. xvii. 5. 
 
 It is very remarkable, after the prophet pronounces the curse 
 of confidinsj in the flesh, and the blessedness of trusting in the Lord, 
 he immediutcly adds, " The heart is deceidul above all things, and 
 desperately wicked," Jer. xviii. 9. Hence we may infer, that the 
 poison of pride, vain confidence in the flesh, and self-righteous hopes, 
 may lurk under the most exalted pretensions to piety, holiness, and 
 perfection. Tliis matter calls for great care and circumspection. 
 ' " As many as are of tlie works of the law (who in ta^y wise seek to 
 be made righteous by doing) are under the curse," Gal. iii. 10. 
 Think not this contrary to the holiness of God to pronounce such to 
 be cursed, as though the Lord did not hate sui, and love and approve 
 true holiness. No : but such deceive their own souls, and iialter 
 themselves in their own sight. They dishonor the perfection of 
 God's law, by bringing down its purity and spirituality to a level 
 with their own works and obedience. They reject the righteousness 
 of Jesus, deny the faith of him, look to tlieir own holiness, trust in 
 themselves that they are righteous, conlide in the power of the flesh, 
 and so their hearts depart from the Lord. Pride iind self-cxdltiug is 
 ?t the bottom of all this. As they appeal to the lav/, they must go to 
 the law, and hear its sentence, which sounds noUiing but curse, and 
 wrath, and hell. 
 
 These are precious evangelical words of Luther : < So M-e teach 
 and comfort the afilicted sinner. Brother, it is not possible foi- thee 
 to become so righteous as to feel no sin at all. In that thou dost feel 
 and acknowledge it, it is a good token ; «give thanks to God. Christ 
 healeth them that are broken in heart, and saveth sinners. Follow 
 not the judgment of reason? which tcUeth thee, Chris.t is tuigry with 
 sinners ; but kill reason and believe in Christ, tuid the sin which re- 
 maineth in thee is pardoned for Christ's sake, in whom thou beiievest) 
 whose righteousness is thy righteousness; and thy sin is his sin. 
 Every christian is an high priest. This is the daily sacrifice of the 
 New Testament, which must be offered up. The evening sacrifice is 
 to kill reason : the morning sacrifice is to glorify God.' On Gal. iii. 
 6. " Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the 
 Lord is," Jer. xvii. 7. 
 
 I am tlic mail m lio stood accurst : But .Testis, Lord, v liat liast Uioii done ? 
 
 My heart departed from the Lord : Turn me, i proiid self-righluous foe, 
 
 Flcbli was my arm, pride was nij luit : To trust i.i tliee, and thee aloiii.-, 
 
 .My just deserts to be abliori'd. A i»d all "' v former liopci folToO^ il. 
 
34. JANUARY 21. 
 
 Let us ^0 forth unto him -without the camp, hearing hk 
 reproach. — Heb. xiii. 13. 
 Tiriu profession of Jesus is easy to nature. There is nothing 
 irksome to the flesh in hcuig called a chiisti«n. But to know Jesus 
 in heart, to confess him ^vilh the tongue, and to foiiow him in our 
 life, will ever expose us to reproach and contempt. But it, with 
 Philip, we have really found that blessed him of whom Moses and 
 the prophets wrote, we must, we shall speak of him to others. We 
 shall esteem Jesus our beloved as our richest treasure. Ou r hearts 
 and affections will be going out after him. Moses' choice will be 
 oui-s': "We sliall esteem the reproaches of Christ greater riches mau 
 the treasures of Egypt." But fleshly wisdom is contrary to ail tliis. 
 That ever prompts, ' Save thyself— tiike care of thy gooa name— - 
 fear, lest that be cast out as evil — beware of thy character — go. not 
 too fai-, thou wilt sustain damage. In the camp ot this world, riches, 
 pleasures, and honors arc enjoyed. Study th 'lappy mean. Thou 
 maycst hold with the world, and yet not quit Jesus.' Nay, but thou 
 canst not love and serve two such contrary masters : thou wilt soon 
 grow tired of one or the other. The inward glory and peace of Jctus 
 •will not, cannot be enjoyed but while the heart and affections are 
 placed on hhn. The faith of Jesus is contrary to the world, it can- 
 not be reconciled to its vain customs and sinful maxims. Nay, iaith 
 is the victory that overcomeih the world. Tae world is an enemy's 
 camp. A despised Nazarine is the cliristiun's glory. To bear his 
 reproach is our highest honor. 
 
 The heaven-born soul, though like a captive imprisoned in flesh, 
 yet hath free access to Jesus by faith. So it endures present re- 
 proaches, seeing him that is invisible. And do we hope for future 
 .sight, and eternal fruition of him who endured the cross and despised 
 the shame for us ? l.ct us take and bear his cross ; despised disciples 
 Jet us be. Look d(nvi) ou the Avorld with contempt. Look up to 
 Christ with joy. Go fortli to meet him in love, O soul. Remember, 
 ever bear on thy miud, Jesus went forth cheerfully to meet all his 
 conflicts and agonies for us. It is but ?. Utile while ere we shall go 
 forth from the body " to meet the l^ord if. the aii-, and so shall we be 
 ever with the Lord, 1 Thess. iv. 17. 
 
 When I cnn ronil my'tiflp f 1< .- KouW earth against rny soul engage, 
 Tn^ii;inbions in tl.c files, And hellish d;:rtE be hui I'd, 
 
 I bill fiiTfiv ell to cv'ry fpflr, Tl.cii can I eniilc at Sjitan's rage. 
 And wipe tuy weeping e_v.; . And face a f: o -i iii;v' world. 
 
JANUARY 22. 35 
 
 For his anger endureth but a moment ; in his favor is life. 
 
 fFecping maij endure for a night, hut joy cometh in the 
 
 morning. — Psalm xxx. 5. 
 Verily here is a glorious assemblage of comforting truths like 
 a reviving cordial of rich compounds to enliven drooping spirits. 
 Too, too often do God's children judge of their Father's love, from 
 corrupt ideas. 1 hrough the carnality of their natures, the depravity 
 of their judgment, the weakness of their faith, the uncertainty of their 
 frames and feelings, and the artful insinuations of Satan, their loving 
 Father is considered as an implacable being, full of wrath and euiger 
 against them. But this is contrary to God's revelation of himselt m 
 Christ Jesus as a God of Love. So also is it injurious and hurtful to 
 the souls of the f.dthful ; for it damps their love, distresses their 
 spirits, deadens the exercise of their graces, andhiuders their increase 
 in holiness ; the essence of which is founded in the love of God. 
 Therefore such views come not from God. But thus Satan gains an 
 adv -.ntage, and triumphs over poor souls, with, ' There, there, so 
 would I have it.' 
 
 V/hat can the soul do ? whither can he fly ? what course can he 
 take ? All legal efforts are vain — creature acts inefiectual — from self 
 and nature no hope can spring. What can he think ? Truly stand 
 amazed that he is out of hell. He cannot sink lower in his views of 
 himself, than what his just deserts are. But never so miserable can 
 he be in his own sight, but the grace of God in Christ Jesus is all- 
 sufiicient to afford liope and help. In nature's despair, grace ti'i- 
 umphs. A sense of momentary anger heightens returning favor. 
 The joy of the morning is improved by a past night of sorrow. Gocl 
 ever rests unchangeable in his love to his people. This is the essence 
 of gospel grace and truth. That we 'vary and fluctuate in our appre- 
 hension of his love, is natural to our very existence, as old and new 
 creatures. " But we have a more sure word of prophesy, whereunto 
 ye do well that yc take heed, as unto a liglit that shineth in a dark 
 place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts," 
 2 Peter i. 19. " The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy," 
 Rev. xix. 10. 
 
 How will the pow'rs of cJaikncss boast IVIy heart sh.ill feci thy love, and raise 
 
 If but one praying soul be lost ! My cheenul voice to songs of praise. 
 But I liave tnisttd in thy grace, 
 
 And shall again behold thy face. Tliy aiig«r but a moment stays : 
 
 Thy love is life and 1 ngtli of days ; 
 
 Whate'er my fears or foes suggest, Tho' grief and te^i-s the night employ. 
 
 Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest ; Tkoo, Mormug-Star, rcstor'st my joy. 
 
.36 JANUARY 23. 
 
 O my God, my soul is cast down ivithin me ; therefore 
 will I remember thee from the land of Jordan^ and of the 
 Ilcrmomtes.from the hill Mizar. — Psalm, xlii. 6. 
 
 In times of dejection and distress, the thoughts of a dear friend, 
 who has comforted us in times past, tend to alleviate the mind. If 
 wc are assured of his love to us, we question not his readiness to 
 ajisist us. So under the affecting loss of a dear brother, Martha 
 ;jldrcsscs the Saviour, " Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother 
 had not dieil," John xi. 21. 
 
 Inexpressible blessedness, to live in a holy familiarity with the 
 Cod of love ! How simple are David's words ! how freely doth he 
 pour out his complaints, and tell God of his sorrows! though his 
 soul was bowed down within him, heaviness of mind beset him, the 
 sweet sunshine of joy was overcast by tlie dark cloud of sorrow, yet 
 faitli's piercing eye looks through all. Regardless of his own frames 
 and feelings, he has direct recourse to God. 
 
 O my (iod, how sweet, how animating are appropriating views 
 to the soul ! Though cast down, though dejected in self, and all 
 within heightens the gloom, yet all above is hopeful and encourag- 
 ing. I'hough no confidence about us, yet Jesus is before the throne 
 for us. ' I will not, I cannot, I dare not forget this. Rejoice not 
 over mc, O mine enemy; I will still remember my God! my thoughts 
 shall be yet to\7r.rds him ; my hope is in him; my expectations from 
 hnn. Tliougii it is now dark, I will remember past times of light and 
 lo^vc. Though now bowed down, yet my God. has been the lifter-up 
 •■fmy head. The light of his reconciled face in Jesus hath shined 
 up.on me. Clouds may intercept my joyful views of this, but not 
 prevent his sight of mc, nor turn away his love from me. My case 
 is before bin). My soul lies open to his view. The times of refresh- 
 ing shall come from his presence. He rests in his love.' Such arc 
 the reasonings of faith. Departed saints' experience should encourage 
 lun.g saints' confidence. Cast down, mourning souls, when they 
 ci.joy not God',s comforts, should meditate on his loving purposes, 
 i-ieh promises, and free grace in Christ Jesus- holding fast by the 
 word of h.s truth, "God is laithful, by whon. yfe were called iuto the 
 !• llowsli-p ol his son Jcbus Christ our Lord," i Cor. i. Q. 
 
 1-f tr.nptations sharj. an.l hm^ The gospel bears my spirit i.p ; 
 
 ^ Hc,Ml to tlus ,lcMi- .TfuRc. fli.s : ' A raill.r..l an.l unchanging Go.l 
 
 _ .H n.T anchor tuMn an.l strong, L...vs the Ibv.ndation for my hope 
 
 h.U- t. n.pcsti blow a,Ml billows lis.-. Jn o:.tl.«, and promise?, and bloo.l: 
 
JANUARY 24. 37 
 
 Sanctify them through thy truth^ thy word is truth.^- 
 John xvii. 17. 
 
 ThIjs prayed our great High Priest on earth. What he asked 
 in his hunuUation, is founded upon the word and will of his fainer ; 
 and he hath power to efiect in his exaltation. Hence w^c have the 
 fullest assurance of the perfect sanciification of all his members. 
 Hence the desires luid breathings of souls after holuiess are encour- 
 aged ; and tlie prayers of the faithful gatlicr the strongest conhciencc 
 of success. 
 
 While our beloved expresses his affectionate concern for his peo- 
 ple's salvation, we see an equal regard for the honor and glory of 
 his Father's word. Love for holiness, and love of the truth are in- 
 separable As the gospel prcviiils in tlie heart, holiness is increased. 
 It is first life, then liveliness in the soul : it is tlie ministration of 
 the Spirit in the sanctification of tlie spirit. Whatever working 
 we find of the Spirit in the heart, it is by the word of truth. The 
 life of believers is from Christ, who is the truth ; therefore in- 
 creasing light, refreshing comforts, stronger aflections shall abound, 
 and all by that same law of grace and truth, whereby the soul was 
 at first converted to tlie fcdth of Jesus. " The law ot tlie Lord is 
 perfect, converting the soul, niv.liing wise the simple, rejoicing the 
 heart, enlightening the eyes," Psalm xix. 7, 8. 
 
 There is a peculiar glory in the order of salvation, " God hath 
 ehosen us from the beginning (before the foundation of the world) 
 to salvation." But how is this made manifest I only " through sanc- 
 tification of the spirit, and belief of the trulli," 2 Tness. ii. 13. 
 Thus faith and holiness How from electing love. So every word o£ 
 God's truth is prizi d ; and the fulfilment of every promise is ex- 
 pected. W'e love the truth, because it discovers Gou's most ancient 
 love to us in Christ : it reA^ciJs Christ's righteousness to us for 
 our justification ; revives our hearts with the knowieagc of pardon 
 by his blood, and the certainty of full sanctification and perfect glorjr 
 through his intercession. So Jesus prayed — so we believe — so poor 
 sinners are saved. Saved, unspeakable mercy ! saved from the 
 power of sin and the prevalence of pride. H^.ppy the heart where 
 the love of holiness prevails agreeable to the word of truth. Dread- 
 ful delusion ! when the truth is held in unrighteousness ; or zeal for 
 holiness is contended for, while the truths of electing love, Christ's 
 righteousness, his members' certain salvation are opposed and de- 
 nied. Glory to the Father for his everlasting love. Glory to Jesu? 
 for his justifying righteousness and atoning blood. Glory to the 
 Spirit ; for his sanctifying uifluences will ever be ascribed to them by 
 truly sanctified hearts. " What God hatli joined tggetlier, let no 
 man put asunder," Matt. xix. 6. 
 
 Vol.. I. E 
 
38 JANUARY 25. 
 
 Whosoever he he of you that forsaketh not all that he 
 hath, he cannot be my disciple. — Luke xiv. 2>o. 
 
 " Maijvkl not that 1 sM unto thee, Ye must be bom again," 
 sallh Christ — John iii. 7 The blessed effects of this spiritual birth 
 will be evident in the life. Earthly objects will be forsaken : hea- 
 venly ones prized. Jesus will be chosen as our beloved master and 
 only hope. He being esteemed our treasure, our hearts will be with 
 him, our affections towards him ; and it will be our chiefest delight 
 to hear his voice, and to follow him in the regeneration. Coming 
 to Christ, is turning our backs upon the " lust of the flesh, the lust 
 •f the eye, and the pride of life," By the faith of Jesus we renounce 
 and forsake all these things as our curse and shame. The clearer 
 views we have of Christ's glory, and the stronger our faith is in 
 him, so much the more we become dead to all things beside him. 
 Thus it is mainfest who are the disciples of Jesus Their master so 
 tcacheth them. We have need to pray daily, Sun of righteousness, 
 shine brighter on our minds I Lord, increase our faith! For the 
 flesh, with its affections and lusts, still abide with us ; and as the 
 life of Jesus increasetli through faiUi in the heart, so shall we more 
 and more groan under whatever is contrary thereto. The victory is 
 obtained only through faith. In its nature very simple, but in its 
 fruits and effects most comprehensive. For hereby we enjoy more 
 happiness and comfort in Christ, tlian all that this present world can 
 give us. Ye sons of earth, ye disdidn us ; we pity you. As ye are 
 now, so once were we. We enjoyed your carnal gratifications, and 
 feasted on your vain delights too, too long. We confess it, and 
 grieve for it. Now we have found Jesus. We have another and a 
 better life. In divine pleasures, spiritual joys from Christ, and 
 sweet communion with him, we anticipate future glory. We enjoy 
 a heuven of comfort in a world of sorrow. Therefore, in forsaking 
 all, we gain all. In following Jesus, though painful and grievous 
 to the flesh, yet it is consolation and joy to the life of our souls. 
 
 Experieiice will ever prove, that he who walks most by faith, will 
 be Um; most comfortable disciple. He who lives nearest Christ in 
 fttilli, will follow him closest in love; and, consequently keep at the 
 greatest distiuice from the world's vain pleasures, and the carnal 
 delights of the flesh. » If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but 
 if ye, through the spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall 
 livV' Rom. viii. 13. 
 
 AlinUikcn souls that drijim of Iicn\'n, Faltli must obey thtii- Father's will. 
 And iiiitki- their riiii)ty Loii-it As v ell :is trust his i^i-ace ; 
 
 Of ifiw:i.(l j(,\ s null 8iii« forpv'ri Apaixl'iiiiij^ God is jealous still 
 AS'Uiic tiiey wc ibvfs of hut ! Tor his own holiness. 
 
, JANUARY 26. 39 
 
 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due 
 time. — 1 Tim. ii. 6. 
 
 The gospel is quite sufficient to answer every objection, and 
 to silence every cavil against iuivation by Christ. This Siicrea oracle 
 ve are to consult day after clay. Do we ask, Why are any siiiucrs 
 saved ? It assures Us God hath loved them ; tliis is the c. use. If 
 we enquire how God doth save them \ It tells us, It is in a way of 
 strict justice, consistent with the honor ot God's law, tiie perlec- 
 tion oi his righteousness, holiness, and trutn. Therefore redemp- 
 tion is, by stipulated price, the blood of the covenant, ihe precious 
 blood of Christ as a Lamb without spot. Do we seek to know who 
 arc the redeemed of the Lord ? Jesus assures us »' he gave nis lite- a 
 ransom lor many," Matt. xx. 28 — oven lor all whom the i-'ailxef 
 hath given him. 
 
 The word of God mentions no one in particular ; but sets forth 
 salvation in general and extensive terms — it is exactly suited to the 
 most vile and accursed state of sinners — ^it is peiiectiy sutticicni to 
 relieve the mind, encourage hope, forbid clespcur, uiiacr a sense of 
 the most complicated sins and accumulated guilt ot lost, wreiched, 
 and undone souls ; for the ransom of Jesus is sufticitnt, is ail-sufti- 
 cient. The price he piiid for our redemption is luily equivalent to 
 satisfy for all our transgressions, aiid to iuiswer every demand of 
 law and justice. To this very end Christ gave himself. So is he 
 testified of in the gospel of grace. This essential and important 
 enquiry, Have I redemption in the blood of Christ, even the for- 
 giveness of my sins ? is also explicitly answered — for " he tliat be- 
 lieveth, shall be saved" — " he is justified from all things." Thus 
 the Holy Ghost testifies in the word. Where this is receiveu cuid 
 believed in the heart, the same Spirit also bears witness to it with 
 our spirit^. And the faith of God's elect is evidenced, by bringing 
 forth the fruits of the Spirit. 
 
 There is a lime, a due time, when Christ shall be thus testified of 
 to the souls of all God's chosen. The ransom-price being paid, he 
 ^yill set the captives free, and " say to the prisoners, go fortli ; to 
 them that are in darkness, shew yourselves. Ihcy shall iecd in the 
 ways (of light and truth) ; and their pastures shall be in ail high 
 places (even the iiiountains of consolation and the hills ol joy). 
 They shall not hunger nor thirst (after any oilier hope^jut Jesus) : 
 neitlicr shall the heat, nor the sun smite them ; (trials and afilictions 
 shall profit them) ; he that hath mercy upon them shall lead ihem : 
 (they shall not be left to walk in their own crooked ways): but by the 
 springs of water (^of refreshment and lioliness) shsdl he giudc 
 them," Isa. xlix. 9, 10. 
 
40 JANUARY 27. 
 
 And Jesus said unto them, when ye pray, say, Our Father^ 
 which art in heaven, ^c. — Luke xi. 2, 
 Faith in the heurt excites pictyer from the lips. So the faith 
 of God's elect muiiifcsts itself, li conieUi from Jie Lord the Spirit. 
 By it the soul is led to Jesus the mediator ; uud by him to God the 
 Tutlicr. So each person in the Godhetid is known, worshipped, and 
 glorified by believing souls. While we see aid teel notiiing of our 
 misery and wants, no marvel prayer is an irksome task. From a 
 sight of ourselves, and the knowledge of Jesus, we come to him 
 daily with smiplicity of heart, Master, teach us to pray ! It is the 
 Iiighest honor, the sweetest privilege, tlie most blessed exercise of 
 the soul to draw nigh to God. What greater on earth than to come 
 to the throne of the King of kings ? And ihat fear and shame may 
 not beset and keep us back, knowing our vile nature iind siniul 
 practice, hear our Lord I'lid Saviour's encouraging direction, " Wuen 
 ye pray, s.iy, Our Father," Sec. 
 
 And can it be, that I, a child of wrath by nature, a son of perdi- 
 tion by sin, a vassal and slave of Satan by practice, and accurstci by 
 the holy law ; ciin it be that God will own me, hear me, and bless me 
 as his child ? Yes; grace triumphs over nature's deserts ; love glories 
 over creature's demerits, liie lips of truth have suia it, and who 
 shall dare reverse it ? By the sword of the Spirit slay the unbelief 
 of thy heart. What Jesus hath taught his disciples to call God, Uiat 
 he is to them. As Jesus is the SuViour of a.l men, but especially 
 of them that believe, so God is the UiiiveisiJ Parent of all ; but iu 
 an especial manner, the Father of ail the dear membeis of his be- 
 loved Son. A FaUicr by coveniuit love, by election of grace— by 
 precious promise— by strict justice. A Father in holiness and truth, 
 because of the suretyship of Jesus — the righteousness of Jesus — 
 the atonement of Jesus — the holmess of Jesus. And the weakest, 
 fcel)]est member in the faith of Christ, possesseth Jesus, witli all 
 his blessings, as man and mediator. Hence God is their Father : 
 He loveth them with complacency and delight. The paternal aflec- 
 tions" of his heart yearn over them. Children's hearts should con- 
 tinually be drawn out to their Fatlicr in holy affection, fervent 
 dcsii-es, and humble confidence. Notliing doubting, but gathering 
 all cot fulencc of hope, as being taught by Jesus, «' In whom we 
 have holdntBS and acceess with confidence by tlie fcuUi of him," 
 Epti.iii. 12. 
 
 Lord J .n'l(»ms ti.y hrnv'nly throne ; Tlu-ic hJ.< fl thy choicest loves already 
 Callnicaihill nf iliinr; And ni;ikc my comforts strong ; 
 
 Send down the Si.iiit of thy Ron 'flKn sliall 1 sriy, My Fatlier, Go^ 
 To form lay soul tUviuo. W illi un nnway'riug to«su«r 
 
JANUARY 28. 41 
 
 Ye have need of patience ; that after ye have dotie the will 
 of God, ye might receive the promise. — Htb. x. 36. 
 
 Are the chiistiun's exercises great, and his patience small ? 
 Yet can he ever be at a loss to know by whom this giiicc is increased ? 
 Veiily die Lord he servetli is " the God of patience," Rom. xv. 5. 
 Hath he need of patience ? Hear the Comforter's declaration, by 
 St. Paul : " My God shall supply ail your need, according to his 
 riches in glory " Mind, discipie, this is covenant mercy ; there- 
 fore, with every other grace it comes through a Mediator : hence 
 it is added, " by Jesus Christ," Phil. iv. 19. « We do the will of 
 God when we believe on the name of his Son Jesus, and love one 
 another," I John iii. 23 " And all the promises are in Christ 
 Jesus, yea and amen," sure and certain to evei y believing soul. " By 
 Lith we hi.ve the eaniest of eternal life." " Ilavuig received the 
 first fruits, the harvest shall follow in due season." But there are 
 m:iny conflicts to be engaged in, a great sight of afflictions to be en- 
 dured on earth, before we sh.Jl be crowned in glory ; therefore, pa- 
 tience is necessa' y. Pctience must h-.ve its perfect work. By faith 
 we stand — by patience we ei.dure. Believing, we look forward in 
 hope ; this brings p.lience in sufferings. 
 
 But Sataa has a very poign<.ait dart, which he dared to cast at Jesus; 
 no marvel that he shoots it against us also — " If tliOU be the Son of 
 God,!' why doth thy loving Father suffer such distress and afiiiction 
 to fall on thee? Faith can answer. All is my F.. her's will: Ail is 
 from his love — all shall be to his glory ; and all shall be for the good 
 and proP.t of my soul. I cannot doubt his love — I dare not murmur 
 against his dispensations — I desire patience uader all — 1 will not cast 
 uway my coi fi lence — time is short — sufferings are but for a mo- 
 ment — eternity is near — afflictions are not worthy to be compared 
 with the glory that shall be revealed in us. " Through Jesus, we 
 have access Iiy faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in 
 hope of the glory of God." " We glory in triluilation, knowing 
 that tribulation worketh patience," Rom vi. 2, 3. " Yet a Utile 
 while, and he that shall come will come, smd will not tarry. Now 
 the just shall live by faith," Heb. x. 37, 38. Christ accomplishcth 
 the most glorious things in us by degrees. Patience must endure 
 the whole military exercise. It is as necessary as faith to the enjoy- 
 ment of the promised inheritance. " Through faith anc. patience we 
 shall inherit the promises," Hob. vi. 12. 
 
 ■•Tis Hod that lifts our comforts liigli. If smiling; mercy crown our lives. 
 Or sinks them to the grave ; Its praises shall be sjircad ; 
 
 Ue gives, arnl (Wesscil be hisnamc) And we'll adore the justice too 
 He takes hut what he gave- That strikes our comforts dciwJ. 
 
4S JANUARY 29. 
 
 He tJiathclievethon him, is not condemned. — John iii. 8. 
 
 Dost tliou believe on the Son of God ? is Uic most important 
 question in tiie world. Faith in Jesus is the "one thmg needful." 
 Witliout this the day of life is a state of sin and condemnation. 
 The night of death, full of terror; and the day of judgment, most 
 dreadful. It cannot be otherwise. As we are all malefactors, under 
 the sentence of the law, the thoughts of execution must be most 
 alarming. But ' what the eye doth not sec, the heart doth not rue.* 
 Sinnaturally blinds men's eyes, hardens their hearts ; and vain self- 
 righteous hopes deceive their souls into an insensibility of their 
 undone state. 
 
 What a special mercy to know one's selfl what distinguishing 
 grace to know Jesus ! wjiat peculiar favor to know one is delivered 
 from condemnation by hhn ! This is the joyful privilege of every 
 believer. Though the law condemns him as a transgressor, yet God 
 dotli not impute sin, butimputeth righteousness unto him : a righte- 
 ousness which is equivalent to every denuuid of the law ; even the 
 perfect righteousness of the ever-blessed man and mediator Jesus, 
 our brother, our surety in the flesh. Therefore we arc not con- 
 demned. 
 
 Sin cannot condemn us ; it is all atoned for by the blood of Jesus. 
 Tlic law cannot condemn us ; that is satisfied : yea more, it is mag- 
 nified and made honourable by the obedience of the God-maii Jesus, 
 more so than it could have been by all the obedience of a world of 
 innocent spotless saints, or of the whole company of the heavenly 
 host of angels and archangels. Tlie justice of God cannot con- 
 demn us : for what charge can the strictest justice bring against 
 a righteous person ? God's faithfuh^.ess and truth cannot condemn, 
 tlicy ari; engaged in the behalf of the righteous. " God is faithful 
 and just to forgive us ;" and his love and m.ercy embrace such on 
 every side ; for the rii^hteous Lord lovetli righteousness. 
 
 Lo, thus is the man blessed that believeth in Jesus ; Righteous in 
 Christ, liueugh faith ; yet not faith, but Jesus is his righteousness. 
 By faith he ever glories in Jesus as his all in all. He tliat abides 
 in Jesus, enjoys — what ? perfect freedom from the being of sm ? 
 No. But this blessedness, perfect freedom from all condemnation 
 for sin. He brings forth fruit to the glory of God ; he is an heir of 
 "the inheritance among them, who are siuictificd by the fidih whicli 
 isiiWesus," Acts xxvi. la. 
 
 M'liat t'.ioii hast spoken in thy vonl, ^\^lo sli.-iU con<k-mii ? Faitli boMlv cries, 
 
 Appl) unto my conscience, Lord ; I Imve :i tVieiid Ik yoiul ihe skies : 
 
 TliHllaitli uiiiyeeho buck the soiind^ Itlsatari, sin, and l:\u liesel, 
 
 And luve, uud joy, iiud pcjcc ab'^und. !My surely dotli Tioni ail aciiuif. , IVf. 
 
JANUARY SO. 43 
 
 The xvicked flee vjhen 7io man pursiieth; hut the righteous 
 are bold as a lion. — Prov. xxviii. I. 
 
 Watchful arid bold, is the christian's motto. Wiitchful to 
 avoid sin ; bold, to resist the enemies of his soul. For he is engaged 
 in a righteous cause, animated by righteous hopes, made righteous 
 by a righteous Lord ; from whom he derives all his strength and 
 courage. « In Jehovali (Jesus) have I righteousness and strength," 
 Isa. xlv. 24. This is the glorying of his soul. Not his own 
 inherent strength) nor his own personal righteousness, are the cause 
 of his fortitude, but the arm of Jehovah is liis shield, and the perfect 
 righteousness of Jesus is hisj breast-plalc of dcfen9i^^ against every 
 enemy. Being cleansed from guilt by the blood of Jesus, and 
 clothed with his righteousness, by faith the soul experiences a 
 holy boldness at a throne of grace — Lippeals against the fury of the 
 enemy and oppressor — and finds supplies of strength in every time 
 of need. This is the life of fiiith. So believers grow strong (not 
 in conceit of what they are in themselves, but) " strong in the grace 
 which is in Christ Jesus — strong in the Lord, and m the power of his 
 might." 
 
 Thus righteousness inspires with courage and boldness. Such is 
 the comfort of faithful souls. A'll the glory is due to Jesus, from 
 whom the Spirit of love, power, luid of a sound mind, is given 
 unto his righteous children. The action of Joseph of Arimathea, is 
 recorded with an emphasis upon his courage : " He went in boldly 
 to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus," Mark xv. 43. Here 
 was boldness in the midst of danger — an act of faidi, in the face of 
 foes — a token of love, without fear or shame of the greatest ene- 
 mies to Jesus. But " he was waiting for the kingdom of God." 
 
 " The boldness of Peter and John astonished tiie Jewish sanhe- 
 drim, who took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus,'* 
 Acts iv. 1 3. Have we been with Jesus, in the f;uth of our souls ? 
 Are we waiting for tlie coming of his kingdom ? Shall we then be 
 afraid of the worms of the earth ? ashamed of our Miister, his cross, 
 or his ways ? Forbid it. Lord ! inspire our souls with boldness, that 
 with David we may triumph : I'he Lord is my light and iny salva- 
 tion, whom shall I fear ? the Lord is the strength of my life, of 
 whom shall I be afraid ? Though an host shall encamp against mc, 
 mine heart shall not fear ; tliough war should rise agairist me, in 
 this will I be confident," Psalm xxvii. 1, 3. 
 
 Is .Icsiis my almighty king ? This makes me bolj before his throne. 
 
 Doth he forl)ifl my feaj- ? Yea bold my foes to face ; 
 
 What toes shall \)!it my soul to 8i^t : 1 flee to Christ — Lord, make me stand, 
 
 Hisrightconsnejsl yvtaf. P!y fJirBC fllmighly gra<f . M. 
 
44 JANUARY 31. 
 
 Christ's house are we. if we holdfast the confidence, and 
 the rejoicir.g of the hope firm unto the end. — Heb. iii. 6. 
 
 Thk tabernacle, with its furniture — the ark of the covenant— 
 the institution of sacrifices, &c. were appointed by Jehovuh to shew 
 the nature of his house — to tipify God's dwelling in the human na- 
 ture of Jesus his sacrifice for and special presence with the house- 
 hold of faith. David asks, " Lord, who shall dwell witli thee V* 
 Fsalm XV. 1 . The answer is. Only those whose hearts are furnished 
 with the g-races of Jesus, and whose lives evidence it. 
 
 It bespeaks a person's propriety of and delight of residence in a 
 house, when he adorns and furnishes it.. This Jesus doth by the 
 hearts of all his members. He is our brother in flesh. He complies 
 with his own command. When thou lettest a servant go free, " thou 
 Shalt furnish him liberally," Deut. xv. 14. Out of the fulness of 
 Jesus, most liberally, his members receive grace for grace. Hence 
 they have the confidence of faith, the rejoicing of hope. 
 
 But why doth the apostle put an if here ? Is it to weaken our con- 
 fidence and damp our joys, as though Jesus was not faithful to us ? 
 or that our own efforts could make salvation more secure than his 
 blood and righteousness have ? Is it to keep us always in a state of 
 diffidence and uncertainty ? Far from it ; this would counteract the 
 grace of Jesus, weaken faith and hope in him, and strengthen the 
 pride and vain glory of us sinners, as though Jesus was the founda- 
 tion, but our own arm, our own fiuthfulness was to ndse the super- 
 structure, and bring forth the head-stone of salvation witli shout- 
 ings, not of grace, grace to him; but glory, glory to us. Most 
 detestable thought ! 
 
 We are assured that all those whose names are written in the 
 Lamb's book of life, shall enter into his glory. Rev. xxi. 27. There 
 arc no Ifs, no doubt of this. But who is of that happy number? 
 This we can only know by the Spirit given unto us, whereby we 
 elcavc unto Jesus, in heart, and affecfion, as our only hope ; re- 
 nounce both the righteousness and sinfulness of the flesh, and con- 
 tinue to hold fast and persevere in the faith of the gospel ; « and 
 walk worthy of tlie vocation wherewith we are called," Eph. iv. 1. 
 " Wherefore, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and 
 election sure ; fur rf ye do these things, yc shall never fall,"' 
 2 P^t. i. 10. 
 
 Hold r:ut your trust, ret.iin your hope, All of thy luiiise sliall persevere, 
 III siiitc of Satan anil of sin ; Tlicy of thy fulness shall partake : 
 
 Thus honor Christ your Sftviour's won]. Thy word is li y'<I, thy piomise sure, 
 Till rt)u his glorious kingdom win. Tiiou, Lord, tliine pwu wilt nc'cF 
 
 forsake. - M. 
 
 I 
 
FEBRUARY 1. 45 
 
 Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself and let him he your 
 feary and let him be your dread. — Isa. viii. 13. 
 
 In consequence of a blessed union between Jesus and his believ- 
 ing members, the word discovers the sweet concord and delight 
 that mutually subsists in the heart tq each other* Thus of old it 
 is declared, " The Lord's portion is his people," Deut. xxxii. 9. 
 And the church claims Jesus under the same appellation , " The Lord 
 is my portion, saith my soul," Lam. iii. 24. " Ye shall be to me a 
 holy nation," Exod. xix. 6. " I will dwell in them, and walk in 
 them," saith our gracious Immanucl. Therefore, such highly 
 favored souls are called to the most special and peculiar service on 
 earth ere they attain the perfect enjoyment of Jesus in glory. What 
 more exalted pitch of honor, than for creatures of a day to sanctify 
 the Lord of the heavenly hosts, the Lord of the armies of the whole 
 earth ? 
 
 Is Jesus the Lord thy God ? worship thou him ; give him the 
 glory due unto his name. The heart is his temple ; there sanctify 
 thy Lord. Separate every idol of self-righteousness, every vain 
 pretension, every boasted plea for mercy, but what is in Jesus, and 
 flows through him. Spurn from thee all tilings else as detestable, 
 that would rival Jesus, detract from his glory, or cast a veil over 
 his finished salvation, by the life of his obedience, and the blood of 
 his atonement. 
 
 " Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice," Phil. iv. 4 
 — but rejoice with trembling ; for the Lord our God is a holy God. 
 Fear his frown, dread his displeasure, stand in awe of his majesty 
 daily. The righteousness, the peace, the joy of tlie soul is from 
 him ; therefore thy heart should be e^ver towards him — thy eye 
 looking up to him — thy affections placed upon him — thy hands la- 
 bouring to work those things which are well-pleasing in his sight— 
 and Ihy feet running the way of his commandments with delight. 
 But, who is sufficient for these things ? From daily experience we 
 are constrained to confess, " when I would do good, evil is present 
 with me." Tlus is humbling, but not discouraging. Thy Master 
 knows thy compound stale — the desire to good is from-him — the evil 
 from thyself. Inspired Paul is upon a level with the weakest belie- 
 ver, alike naturally prone to evil, destitute of inherent power ;, but 
 yet saith he, " I can do all things through Christ, who strcngthen- 
 cth me," Phil. iv. I 3 This is the daily exercise of faith, to oppose 
 Christ's righteousness to the feeling of sin ; the sanctification of the 
 Spirit to every lust : the strength of Jehovah to the weakness of na- 
 ture. For this is the hope, the joy, the triumph of every believer, 
 " In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory," 
 Isa. xlv. 2;). 
 
 Vol.. I. F 
 
46 FEBRUARY 2. 
 
 Dearlif helnved. T heaecrh you as stran^^ers and pilgrim s^^ 
 abstain froni fieshltj lusts, which war against the soul, 
 — I Pet. ii. 11. 
 The soul of every disciple of Jesus is most dearly beloved by 
 the holy Trinity. It is u precious jewel m the eyes of ttie lovbg Fa- 
 tl'> I-, the redeeming Son, ^nd the sanctifying Spirit; who all unite 
 to make it liuppy. But it hath a world of enemies. Yea, it is at pie- 
 sint in the closest and nearest relation to one of its greatest foes, the 
 fl. sh ; the lust and desires of which are at continual war against the 
 pe..ce, comfort, aud welfare of the soul. '1 h i efoie, O christian, 
 thy best friend sounds aii alarm of iove, gives tnee a dcLortt^tion of 
 kindness : " Abstain from fleshly lusts." He knows what gieut 
 hurt compliance with and indulgence m them will do thee ; thou v lit 
 surely smart and be sorely grieved for it. Destroy hee, thty shall 
 not ; but distress thee, like the prev^ilings of a bitter enemy, ihcy 
 will. Consider, beloved christians, we are stnjigers and pilgrims, 
 sojourning and p. ssing through a strange hjid and foreign country ; 
 our clothing is. Christ and his righteousness ; our food, Christ and 
 his fulness : our st..ff, Christ and liis promises ; oui rule, the word 
 of Ciirist; our guide, the Spirit of Cniist; the pi..ce whither we are 
 bound, is heaven, a better country, our father's house, the inherit- 
 ance of our friends and brethren. 
 
 Settle this in your minds. Meditate daily on your calling, your 
 hope, your heaven, where your treasure is. Where shcuid your 
 affections and dcliglit be ? Not on earth, this isi.ot y(,ur rest, it is 
 polluted ; not in the flesh, tliis is to be denied, its moiions abstained 
 from, its lusts and affections crucified daily. Ki.ow the flesh as 
 thine enemy, treat it as such, keep it under; in it " dwells no good 
 thing" — its lustings and desires car.not but be evil continuuliy— . 
 they will never cease to oppose the spirit, the life and Jibtrty of thy 
 soul ; they „rc ever at War against the pL.,ce, consoLtion, ai;d joy, 
 wiiicli is in Christ Jesus. Daily victory is joyiul triun.ph. There- 
 fore ever consider the need of following tiiis advice : *' Put on the 
 whole armour of God," Eph. vi. 11. Feeling foes within, and be- 
 ing at war a;,' vinst them, is a sure evider.ce of a gobd soldier of Jesus 
 Christ. " Fight the good fight of faith." 
 
 This life's a dream, an cmptv sJiow ; Aid flesh and sin no more controul 
 
 niitM.o Lright world to « hith T go, The sacred pleasures of the soul. 
 
 Hath joys suhHtantial and sincere : 
 
 When shall I wake and find me there ? My flesh shall slumber in the g^ronnd. 
 Till the last trumpet's jovfiil sound ; 
 
 Kdorious hour \ O hlest ahode ! Tl.en hurst the chains, 'will, sweet sin- 
 
 1 shall be near and like my JJod, Aud in my Saviour's image rise, [prise. 
 
FEBRUARY 3. 47 
 
 Who cnn ynrlfrstfarnf his; n'rors ? Cleanse thou me from my 
 secret faults Keep hack thij S'^rvant aLo from pre- 
 sumptuous sins: let them not have dommion over trie. — 
 Paalm xix. 12, 13. 
 
 As faith gives a holy boldness at the throne of grace, so the 
 regenerate soul is open and ingenious in confession ol sni. Wiicn 
 sui is dethroHcd in the heart, its errors are its conccn.s ; the n,ost 
 secret f.>ults how it in humility before the L.mb. To his preeuais 
 blood the believer has recourse for cleansing ; he Iv.s dJly need ot it. 
 He cannot uiiderstand all his errors. M.n.y secret f. uils cleave ui.to 
 him. He is sensible tliat even these must be washed away, lest tl.ey 
 d.file his conscience, and spread a cloud over his mind. Jt is the 
 pxuliar wisdom of disciples, not only to observe the bud, blossom, 
 and fruit of sin, but also to consider the evil root, the polluted na- 
 ture from which it springs. Here is the exercise of w.tciiiuuiess. 
 This calls for their daily prayer to be kept by the power of God. - 
 
 H-.ppy souls! who, under a sense of peace through the blood of 
 Jesus, are daily praying to be kept by the grace of the Spirit. Such 
 truly know themselves — see their danger oi f..lliiig — will r.ot, d..re 
 not palliate or lessen the odious nature and hateful defornaty of their 
 sin. ■) hey will not give a softer name to sin than it deserves, lest 
 they depreciate the infinite value of that precious biood which Jesus 
 shed to atone its guilt. Far will they be from fluttering theniselves 
 into a deceitful notion that they arc peifect, and huve no sin in tl.cm. 
 The Spii-it of truth del'vers them from such errors — he teachcth 
 them js poor sinners to look to the Saviour, and to beseech him to 
 keep b.ck the headstrong passions, the unruly lusts, and evil cou- 
 cupiscences which dwell in their sinfifl mauies. rvh^s 1 the n ost 
 exalted Scint, the most established believer, it kit to iiiniseif, i.ow 
 soon might the blackest crimes, the most presunipiuous sir.s, get 
 the dominion over him ? D..vid had woful experience ol Uus lor a 
 season. Fie prays from a heartfelt sense of p-st n.isery, yi.d the 
 drr-ad of future danger. And he found the blessing of that covei!..nt- 
 promise : t) believer, may it be the exercise of tiiy fJthcLaiy lo i.ve 
 upon it, diiily to plead it before thy Saviour 1 •' Sin shJl not h.ve 
 dominion over yo\i ; for ye are not under the law, but under giace," 
 Rom. vi. 14. Why shall not sin lord it over the conscience of a 
 believer ? Truly, because the grace of Jesus reigns for him, i^nd 
 within him. For he saith, "I will put my fear in their hearts, that 
 they shall not depart from me," Jer. xxxii. 40 
 
 O wlio can ever find Warn me of ev'ry sin, 
 
 Thci-rr-orsofhis wavs? Forgive my setrctiaiiKs, 
 
 Yet Willi a bolfl presumptuous miad And cleanse iliis gaiily soul of mine, 
 
 I would not dare trahsgrese. Whose ciimcs exceed my tliou^Ijts. 
 
48 FEBRUARY 4. 
 
 If ye love me. keep my commandments. And 1 will pray 
 the Father, and he shall give you another comforter^ 
 that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of 
 truth.' -]o\-\\\x\\. 15, Uc. 
 
 Hk wovild be u traitor and a rebel who should dare to set up his 
 standard in Entjland, and demand allegiance from the king's sub- 
 jects, and require obedience to his commands, who had no right to 
 the crown. So Jesus, if he is not Kin[r of kings and Lord of lords 
 —the King of saints — the living and true God ; but only a mere man, 
 a Prophet mighty in word and in deed, a very good man, who taught 
 the best morals, and set us a good example, as some proud, vain, 
 ignorant creatures pretend ; verily, if this were all, we, christians, 
 could see no goodness in him. But he would be a bold usuper 
 agiiinst the one eternal Jehovah, striving to alienate the affections 
 of tlic heart, and the obedience of the life from God, whom ye arc 
 commanded to love and serve only. Therefore, " If ye love me, 
 keep MY commandments," saith Jehovah the mighty God, \>y the 
 wonderful man Christ Jesus. Disciples know his voice. In love, 
 he huth done all things for their salvation. From love, he requires 
 all of them in duty. Obedience without love is slavery : Love with- 
 out obedience is dissimulation. In keeping his commandments tliere 
 is great reward, enjoyed in present peace, expected in future hope ; 
 both are the fruits of free grace and unmerited love, and secured by 
 precious promises. 
 
 While others might hear of Jesus, and talk of the miracles Jesus 
 . wrouglit in the days of his flesh ; yet those disciples only, who were 
 obedient to his call and followed him, saw his glory, and enjoyed 
 the comforts of his presence. So the closer disciples walk with Jesus 
 in love and obedience, they enjoy more of the comforts of faitli. 
 And liesides tlie gift of faith, as an evidence, they shall receive the 
 comforting witness of their being the children of God, even from 
 tlie Spirit of truth ; another comforter, who shall abide with them 
 for ever, as a seal, earnest, and pledge of their future glory So 
 Jesus prays — so the Father bestows — so the Spirit applies and com- 
 forts. Glory be to the ever-blessed three, who thus agree in one, 
 and bear witness on earth of salvation, to the comfort and joy of poor 
 sinners. Love to Jesus is the spring of obedience. Keeping his 
 conxTiandments, is the way i?; which, though not for which the 
 Spii'it comforts our hearts. " What God hath joined together, let yi& 
 man put asunder," Matt. xix. G. 
 
 llic Cofl of inoicy be adorM, To praise <he Father and the Son, 
 Who c-.ills Dili- souls from ileath. And Sp'iiit (nil divine) 
 
 yiin Navt;,s by his rid.cmiiiR word The one in three, and three inm6, 
 
 A.ntlncn-crvniingbrcMh. • T.ct sniuts andao-clsjou*. 
 
► 
 
 FEBRUARY 5. 49 
 
 Turn. ye backsliding children ; for I am married to you^ 
 saith the Jjord — Jcr. iii. 14. 
 
 When a child departs from an indulgent father, or a wife for- 
 sakes an :iffectionute hushaiid, they, in effect say, they have other 
 objects with wlom tliey are more delighted, and from whom they 
 expect greater huppiness. O backsliding soul ! is such thy conduct 
 tow;irds tlie best of Fathers, the most affectionate bridegroom ? Thy 
 present practice loudly speaks this langUc^ge, ' I have other lovers, 
 and after them I will go.' Monsti'ous ingratitude ! a child of special 
 grace, and yet fly from thy most loving Father ! a spouse of the 
 most affectionate bridegroom, and yet be unchaste to thy rightful 
 husband 1 Shocking carriage ! Vet, O soul, hear imd wonder, hear 
 and love, love and be ashamed, be ashamed and return ; for, mar- 
 vellous grace ! though thou hast broken thy marriage contract, for- 
 feited the privileges of children, yet the relation continues. " I am 
 married to you," (children, still, notwithstanduig all their un,kind 
 carriage), '< saith the Lord." Amazing love ! instead of ' I will 
 pursue with vengeance, overtake with destruction,' it is, < I intreat 
 with love, expostulate with kindness, invite with affection.' 
 
 Who are thy present lovers ?_ remember, the rivals of thy Lord 
 are thy greatest foes, and seek thy present misery and etcriml de- 
 struction. Dost thou " live after the flesh ?" have Sattai's wiles and 
 the snares of the world prevailed over thee ? the world, the flesh, 
 and the devil ! Poor soul ! canst thou be happy in their friendship 
 and embraces ? O no ! thou art got into bad, yea the worst company. 
 O what leanness of soul is brought upon thee ? Thy love to Jesus is 
 grown cold ; thy faith in him weak ; zeal for him ar.d his truth have 
 forsaken thee ; the way of sin and folly pleaseth thee ; sweet inter- 
 course in private prayer ; communion with thy God in public ordi- 
 nances, is gone ; thou neglectest thy duty ; ai't grown shy of tiiy 
 Father and his children. But still thy Father calls, tliy husband 
 wooes thee again and again to turn, to return. Love, the bond of 
 relation, never alters on God's part, notwithstanding base, buck- 
 sliding, and monstrous ingratiude on thine. Sj/ccial grace makes 
 love-calls effectual. Such shall one day call to mind " the love of 
 their espousals ;'' be ashamed and confounded for all they have done, 
 and take up this language, " I come unto thee, for thou art my 
 Father. I will go and return unto my first husband, for then it was 
 better with me than now," Hos. ii. 7. 
 
 Better ! yea, best of all those times Thy Father stands with open air.ii ; 
 
 When I to Jesus cleavM : Thy bii<logrooin calls in love, 
 
 Rvt-iirj unto thy rest, my soul, " Return, thou wanirrin" so-il. to me, 
 
 Xo lunger be deceiv'd. " AjicI my atfectjon'^ piovr " 
 
m FEBRUARY 6. 
 
 Cometh f/rif hhstsrdnpss tlvn upon the circumcision only, 
 or upon the iincircumcision also .^— Rom iv. 9. 
 
 « Beu AHE lest any mnn spoil you through philosophy and vaiii 
 deceit, after the tri.ditions of men, uftcr the rudinieuis ot the world, 
 and not after Christ," Col. ii. 8. Why this caution from the voice 
 of inspiration? Our daily danger mc.kes it expedient, "lest oXij 
 man beguile you of your reward. Beware of men. CiiU r,o man 
 Rabbi," saith thy Lord, lest any mun judge agauist your privileges, 
 impair your comforts, or distress your mind. 
 
 Here is every blessing to make poor sinners hi ppy. Righteous- 
 ness imputed withrut works ; ii.i(juities. forgiven, and sins covered ; 
 sin not imputed. This trinity of blessings flow from the imity of 
 free grace. Such blessedness comrth^ free as tlie iJr, unmerited 
 as the light, comforting as the sun : possessed by the unworthy, 
 enjoyed by the ill-deserving, sure to all the redeemed, the hicsiimuUy 
 rich privileges of every believer in Jesus. 
 
 Here the wise God and Vdin man difltr in judgment. Legal hearts 
 arc ever thinking of obtaining a righteousness by works, and purdon 
 upon conditions : but God imputes a righteousness without works, 
 even the best roljc. None but untoward children find haiit with tlie 
 father's gifts ; none but proud children object to the lather's cloth- 
 ing. For thy righteousness, even if perfect, (J soul, is at best but 
 the righteousness of a creature ; but Jesus' righteousness is the 
 righteousness of llie God-man j infinite in value like his precious 
 hlood, by which our sins are atoned. They are not imputed to us, 
 because laid upon Jesus. God piirdons them in justice to him. 
 Christ hath performed every condition for us. Faith takes its views, 
 M\Ci forms its judgments from revealed truths. So it evidences its 
 divine original. 'I bus it gives all glory to God ; while the sense of 
 pardon is applied to the soul by the Spirit, who comforts the soul in 
 truth. And thus a living, vital union is preserved between Jesus 
 and his members through f;iith. From a joyful sense of pardon, love 
 is increased, holiness incited, man is humbled, Jesus exalted, free 
 grace glor-ed in, hope encouraged, slavish fears ejected, and the 
 heavenly inheritance longed for as a free gift by Jesus. Thus all is 
 of God, all is of grace, all cometh freely. Even eternal life is the 
 free gift of God by Jesus Christ, who suith, " Fear not, little flockj 
 it is^our Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," Luke 
 \ii. 32. 
 
 ^ii«l (Intb th'" Lord impute no sin ? Reject tlioleg;,il pr.ntc of those 
 
 Art tlioii tli>jH bit'sf (-(I.^O my soul ! Who make God debtor to tlieip terms, 
 
 %\>\\rn urdxliif, and Kiitan's wiles, Who strip free Rrnce ofitsjust due, 
 
 Aud let them not thy peace controul. And rob God's glory of its charms. "SI. 
 
FEBRUARY 7. 51 
 
 God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath 
 shined into our hearts to i^ive us the knowledge of the 
 glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ. — 2Cor.iv.6. 
 
 This is the glorious confession of fc.ith, woilhy to be wrote in 
 letters of gold, unci set with the n\osl precious jcwtis, i,nd ever to be 
 worn as the believer's ornament and gloi y. For here is the rich 
 display of sovereign grace, and the glory ol aimighty power, in 
 producing light in the hearts of sinners, who are by nature i.ot only 
 in the dark, but even darkness itself. The knowiedge of Jesus is 
 commanded by the}, same omnipotent agent, who called forth light 
 iii the beginnuig, upon this dUrk terraqueous globe. L-ight gladdens 
 tlie whole creation of nature ; and this spiritual light causeth joy in 
 the soul; for it gives the knowledge of God's glory. In what 
 respect ? that God is glorious in majesty ? O this strikes us with 
 horror. Glorious in power ? 1 hat fills us with terror. Glorious in 
 holiness ? This causes despair. So every attribute and perfection 
 of Jehovali would sink sinners into dread, astonishment, and death. 
 But here is our relief, ' It is the knowledge of the glory of God, 
 in t4ie person of the anointed S.^viour.' In Am, God's glorious 
 favor, ctenicJ love, everlasting counsel of peace, covenant of grace, 
 promises of mercy, scheme of salvation, shine with the most re- 
 splendent lustre. Hence pardon, love, peace, joy, holiness, hope, 
 security, heaven in pus session, glory in reversion ; all, all center in 
 the person of Jesus Thus we behold the glory of God. God in 
 him. This is the only comfortable knowledge, the only reviving 
 experience of the christian heart. And here we see how inseparably- 
 connected God's glory and his people's comforts are Each leads 
 to the other, and both tend to lay sinner's low in humility, and sink 
 them to nothing before a sovereign, gracious Lord. Could a dark 
 chaos contribute any thing to the production of light ? Canst thcu, 
 O worm of the earth, exert u.y power to cause that glorious 
 luminary, the sun, to send forth its reviving beams of light ? No, the 
 first is l)y the command of the sovereign agent ; the Litter acts by die 
 laws of its wise Creator. So as to spiiiuud light, saving ki.owledge, 
 it is given to those who sought it iiot ; it is made manifest to them 
 who asked not afttr it. What then becomes of terms and conditions 
 of salvation? O thou once spiritually blind and dead soul, if -God 
 hath commanded the light and knowledge of Jesus in thine heart, 
 all boasting is excluded, all glorying in self is at an end. Surely 
 thou wilt say — Thine is the power ; to thee, to thee alone, Jehovah, 
 be all the glory ! 
 
 Now be tlie Hod of Israel l)lcssM, He makes Lis great salvation known ; 
 
 Who makes his truth appear ; By Christ he pardons sins ; 
 
 Ilis mis;hlv hand fulfils his word. While sov'n.i;j:n i!;racc and hcay'Mlv l«ve 
 
 And idl tlic oaths he swar«. hi its own glorv slunes 
 
5fi FEBRUARY 8. 
 
 JFho hew^ the brightness of his glory, and the express 
 image of his person, and upholding all things by the 
 xvord of his power, when he had by Imn self purged our 
 sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on 
 high.—Heb. i. 3. 
 
 What St. Paul says of the resurrection of Jesus, 2 Cor. xv, 
 may, with equal truth, be applied to his divinity. If Jesus be not 
 truly and essentially the self-existing God, « all preaching is vain ; 
 all faith is vain ;' all the saints of God must perish in their sins. 
 But we have not so learned Christ, if so be we have heard him, and 
 know the truth as it is in Jesus. His eternal power and Godhead 
 angels adore, devils tremble at, saints rejoice in, and only poor, 
 blinded, proud sinners dare cavil against and deny. 
 
 That Jesus is both Lord and God, lies ut tlie foundation of our 
 faith. That he uphold all things by the word of his power, is tlie 
 joy of our hearts. That, as man, he hath purged our sins, causes 
 all our hope and comfort. That he is entered into heaven for us, 
 and there pleads our cause, O this is the glory of our souls. For 
 our hope entereth into that within the veil. There Jesus our fore- 
 runner is fo7- 2is entered. On this rock Christ's church is built, 
 and neither the " powers of earth and sin, nor the gates of hell shall 
 prevail against it." When the Spirit brings the soul up to Nebo, 
 the mount of prospect and prophecy, it has glorious views of the 
 inheritance ; it speaks of it ; it fructifies ; the grace of faith, hope, 
 love, peace, and joy, abound in the heart. But, alas 1 all is barren 
 as a wilderness ; unfruitful as a desart, while sin in its guilt and 
 punishment is not known and believed to have been purged by the 
 blood of Jesus. This is the only physic for sin-sick souls, die most 
 reviving cordial for drooping spirits. The same blood, which was 
 all-sufficient to purge away sin in the court "of heaven, is also all- 
 sufficient to cleanse the guilt of it from the conscience. Sweet con- 
 solation for the members of Jesus ! Their living head, in his human 
 form, is at the right hand of the majesty in glory ; the blessed object 
 to whom wc are ever to look, through whom every comfort flows, 
 and on whom is our hope in every soul-conflict with sin and Satan. 
 This is the reasoning of faith: "If when we were enemies we were 
 reconciled to God by'the death of his Son, ?mich rmre, beino- recon- 
 ciltitj, we shall be saved by his life," Rom. v. 10. 
 
 Tlifi-c's notio ifin know tlic Fntlicr rigl.i Then lot om- souls adore om- God, 
 Bnt il.ogf, ^^],o lenrn it from tlu- Son ; TJiat deals his graces as ho please, 
 
 X»r oaji the Son be well l■ecci^^<l, IS:,!,- i^ives to mortals i.n account. 
 
 Bat whoro tlic FaUitr uuikes him known. Or of hi? actions, or decrees. 
 
FEBRUARY 9. 6S 
 
 Keep yourselves in the love of God, — Jude, vcr. 21. 
 
 The love of God, like every other attribute aiid perfection of 
 Jehoviih, is "everlasting- and unchangeable ; even as the essence of 
 God himself. This love is manifested to his people in Christ Jesus ; 
 he is the object in whom they are viewed and loved by the Father. 
 As "Jesus is the same yesterday, to-duy, and for ever," so is God's 
 love towards them. Time, with all its concurring circumstances, 
 can make no alteration or change, increase or diminution herein. 
 But as to tlie sense and enjoyment of this love, the word of truth 
 and experience of saints plainly testify of its ebbing and flowing, its 
 fervor and abatement in the soul. Hence the necessity of those ten= 
 der calls, kind warnings, and loving counsels, addressed to believers, 
 in the word of truth ; because they are ever to be active as tlrose who 
 are made alive to God, and have their senses exercised to discern 
 between good and evil. Exhortations excite to jealousy, and quicken 
 to diligence. The enjoyment of the love of God is our heaven 
 below ; to keep ourselves in the ht.ppy sense of it, is our highest 
 privilege, our greatest happiness. Keep ourselven in the love of 
 God I Yes : How ? Use every means which love commands ; avoid 
 all things which love forbids. Account not this le^aL Those who 
 do, have only the notion of love 'in the head, but are strangers to 
 <he constraints of love in the heart. 
 
 Wouldst thou ever enjoy love, O Christian ? Be much in meditation 
 upon it — think daily, constantly of that unparalleled instance of it, 
 God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son Jesus to atone 
 for sin by his precious blood — to justify sinners by his perfect righte- 
 ousness. Dost tliou know this by the gospel ? 1 his is love revealed. 
 Dost thou believe this in thine heart by the Spirit ? This is love 
 felt and enjoyed. All, all flows from (he rich, transcendantly rich 
 love of God in Christ Jesus. O be concerned daily to keep thy soul 
 in and under a lively sense of this love ? and also keep thyself by 
 this love from worldly lusts, carnal indulgences, and sensual gratifi- 
 cations. These are forbidden fruits; thy flesh may long for and covet 
 them, but by the love of God, by his mercies in Christ Jesus, and 
 for thy soul's sake, abstain from them. Know verily, as hurtful 
 food will impair the health of thy body ; so these things as certainly 
 will rob thy soul of its peace — damp the warm sense of God's love, 
 and render thee cool, indiff"erent, and lifeless, to the love of God. 
 Thus saith the God of love, « Consider your ways," Hag. i. 5. 
 
 Aly God, permit my tongue For life without thy love 
 
 This joy to csill tliee mine ; No relish cau artbixl ; 
 
 And let my constant cries prevail ^o joy can be comparM with this. 
 To taste t]>y love divine. To serve and please the Lovd. 
 
 Vot. I; ' G 
 
•54 FEBRUARY 10. 
 
 The path of the just is as the shinmg light, which shinetk 
 more and more unto the perfect day. — Prov. iv. 18. 
 
 Since the fall of man, there is no other way of being made just 
 or righteous, but by the righteousness of tine mjin Christ Jesus. Just 
 Noah, righteous Lot, meek Moses, faithful Abraham, patriarchs, 
 prophets, and apostles, all were sinners in themselves, but " their 
 righteousness is of me," saith Jehovah Jesus, Isa. liv. 17. Hence 
 the Lord calls his people righteous. They are really constituted so 
 in his sight. This truth should ever dwell in our minds. It is the 
 foundation of all delight in God and love to him. Hence we are com- 
 forted in the wayof truth and holiness. For Jesus, who is our righte- 
 ousness, is also our light to direct our steps, and our path wherein 
 we walk. He is the " light of the world, the light of life." " I am 
 the way," saith Jesvis. St. Paul exhorts, " As ye have received the 
 Lord Jesus, so walk ye in him," Col. ii. 6. 
 
 Our faith in Jesus, is no new-fangled doctrine, but the same as 
 V as from the beginning. Christians are not loft to the darkness of 
 nature ; they are not led by sudden, transient flashes of light ; but by 
 the clear, steady shining of truth upon their minds. Their walk, in 
 the path of truth, is consistent and uniform. 
 
 Like the dawning light of the morning, the light of truth first 
 breaks in upon the soul, and gradually incrcascth brighter and bright- 
 er : so we sec more clearly, believe more strongly, love morefer- 
 v^ently, hope more steadily, obey more delightfully, and long more 
 cheerfully for the perfect day. Though at some, seasons, when va- 
 pours and mists of nature's corruption arise, and the night of afflic- 
 tion and desertion overtakes the just, upright soul, he may be in 
 fear, lest he should never hold out and see the perfect day. In such 
 seasons he is too apt to lend his ear to a whisperer, who is ever ready 
 to dishearten him. What with his corrupt heart, Satan's suggestions, 
 and men's false doctrine, he is thrust sore at. He may fear, lest he 
 should fail and perish for ever ; but God's power and truth will sup- 
 port him. . 
 
 If the comforting Spirit had not left another word of proof in the 
 whole bil)le for the presevcrance of the just, this one is sufficient. 
 Wisdom hath spoken it ; nor men nor devils shall reverse it. Every 
 justified soul shall enjoy the perfect day of Jesus' meridiiui glory and 
 salvation of his kingdom. Till then, " the righteous shall hold on his 
 Wajs and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger," 
 Job xvii. 9. 
 
 Hy Riacc I see Uie sliiuing path O blessed,' joyful, perfect day 
 VVIiicli It ads to pcrffVt Miss ; "Df cidlcss lisjlit and love ! 
 
 ,Tr.siis, iiiv lif^lit, my lifi-, my wnv, Press on, m\ soul, nor stay thyxourse,. 
 y^ iTl bring mc uLere he js. Till tboii dost reign above. M. , 
 
FEBRUARY 11. 55 
 
 But Jesus answered not a word — Matt. xv. 23. 
 
 WuAT^! not a word from the compassionate Saviour, who isr 
 touched with a feeling of our infirmities ? is he deaf to the cries, 
 and dumb to the intreaties of a distressed, sorrowful heart ? No; love 
 in the heart has always an open ear to complaints, a ready tongue to 
 speak comfort, and a kind hand to relieve. But love afflicts to 
 bring his children to him, and to make them call upon him : he for' 
 bears to answer, that they may be more importunate. God's delays 
 prove faith's vigor, make love cling closer, prayer more fervent, and 
 patience shine brighter. So the graces of God's children ai'e drawn 
 fcn-tii into lively exercise, and are made manifest that they are wrought 
 by God. Perseverance obtains the blessing in due time. Jesus 
 honors and applauds the grace of his beloved members with, ' O 
 man, O woman, great is thy faith 1' 
 
 Christ knew what work he had wrought in this poor humble sup- 
 plicant's heart, whereby she knew Jesus to be Lord and God ; there- 
 fore he proved her and tried her, that her faith might shine bright 
 to his glory and her soul's comfort. As she possessed the same faith, 
 so she discovers the same resolution of Job, " Though he slay me, 
 yet will I trust in him." And, ^vith Jacob, she would wrestle : and 
 her heart determined, " I will not let thee go except thou bless me," 
 Gen. xxxii. 26. But the silence of Jesus was very disheartening. 
 When he speaks, it is quite discouraging Though she worshipped 
 Iiim and sighed out, " Lord, help me ;" yet Jesus seems rather to 
 repulse than comfort her. But true faith ever sinks the soul low in 
 humility, while it clings close to the most high God. The soul owns 
 its hateful vileness and utter unworthiness, and fixes all its pica upon 
 free-grace mercy ; all its hopes upon .Jesus only. Thus Christ 
 empties whom he delights to fill. He makes us see and confess our- 
 selves to be dogs, fit only to feed under the table, though he loves 
 us as children, and all tliat he hath is ours, by free gift, precious 
 promise, and rich grace. O thou poor, fearing, doubting soul, who 
 hast long been seeking, Wcdting, and praying for comfort, in a word 
 or look from Jesus, take courage hence. Ever trust in him who 
 saitli, " I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every 
 sorrowful soul," Jer. xxxi. 25. 
 
 My spirit looks to God alone : Trust hlrn, ye saints, in all your \^•ny.sJ 
 
 i- My rock and refuge is Ills throne ; Pour out your heai-ts before his face ; 
 
 f In all my fears, in all my straits, When helpers fail, and foes invadi". 
 
 My soul on lus salvation vaits. God is oui' all-safficicpt aid 
 
56 FEBRUARY 12. 
 
 And experienee xvorketh hope. — Rom. V. 4. 
 
 WEdi-e ever to consider the gospel as a proclamation of grace 
 to rebels ; a declaration of mercy to the profligate and abandoned ; 
 glad tidings of salvation to lost, desperate, hopeless sinners. It 
 finds the soul destitute of any one encouraging symptom : it brings 
 all hope and cncouiagement with it. When the gospel becomes tlie 
 "power of God to salvation" to any sinner, it works a mighty 
 change in his state and practice. In the sweet experience, proof, 
 or the trial of this, the soul is comforted. Hope concerning his 
 state is confirmed. Expeiience worketh hope of one's own interest 
 in Jesus, and salvation by him. It worjis not by legal terrors and 
 dreadful horrors, as was Judas ; nor by working up the animal pas- 
 sions to a flash of joy, just as the stony groimd hearers were aft'ect- 
 ed by the word. But it powerfully enlightens the soul to see the evil 
 of sin, and the infinite preciousness of the Lord Jesus, so as to loath 
 and detest the former, and cleave to and trust alone in the latter. 
 
 Hence Jesus becomes the tried stone, the- sure foimdation of the 
 B'^ul. Upon the finished work of Jesus, all hope, in time and for 
 eternity, is laid. All other foundations are rejected as sandy ; all 
 other hopes as vain. Faith in God's word, relyir.g on his promises 
 in Christ, begets resignation to his will, and patience under his dis- 
 pensations, being assured, that " all things work together for good 
 to them who love God, to them who are the called according to his 
 purpose," Rom. viii. 28 
 
 We first experience his power in effectual calling, and then his 
 love in keeping us close to himself, and obedient to his will. So we 
 enjoy peace from him, and our hearts are cheerfully devoted to him. 
 But how oft doth the believing soul find coolness of affection, heavi- 
 ness of heart, and dejection of mind ? Doth not this destroy his 
 hope ? No : even this experience, sad as it seems, worketh hope : 
 hereljy pride and self-confidence are slain ; sin embittered ; the soul 
 humbled at the feet of Jesus, with 'Thou, even tliou alone art my 
 hope. I dare not trust in any other ; my soul shall make her boast of 
 tlicc, and thee only.' 
 
 We have the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not 
 trust in ourselves : and the more we live upon, and trust in the 
 Loid, so shall we experience hope spring up, love flourish, and 
 holiness abound. Praised be the Lodr our God, who is " the God 
 of hope, and who fills us with joy and peace in believing, that we 
 may abound in hope through tlie power of the Holy Ghost," Rom. 
 JT. 13. 
 
 J.,onf; <li(l my l.onl in ymtience VRit, Let pntjence prove tliy tried woi-d, 
 
 Till I leturnM to him, AndtheieLj hope coiilJnn. }!t|.. 
 
FEBRUARY IS. 57 
 
 Having on the breast plate of righteousness. — Eph. vi. 14. 
 
 When ScAiI hud urnitd Davkl, with his uimour, lo go against 
 Goliah, the -Philistine giur.t, his heurt smote him, lest lie should 
 confide in it, and so be druwu from simply trusting to the power of 
 God only ; therefore he-suid, " I cannot go with these ; I have not 
 proved thm : and David put them off him," 1 Sum. xvii. 39. A 
 faithful heart is jealous of the Saviour's glcry. Though the believer 
 is made righteous, and loves and walks in the paths of righteousness, 
 yet he w ill glory in nothing before God, nor trust in any righteousness 
 lo shield him from the fiice of the enemy, but the peifect, spotless 
 righteousness of his dear and precious Saviour. He puts off all 
 others, by tlie faith of Christ, as contrary to his hope.. As he sees 
 the purity trd extent of the divine law, that it is quick and powerful, 
 and is adiscerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, knowing 
 his own righteousness to be defective, and that in many things we all 
 off.Mid ; therefore he could just as soon trust an honey-comb for a 
 breust-plate, as the moth-eaten garment of his own best works. 
 
 Why doth Satan, sin, and the law, so often wound our breasts, 
 ancl grieve our hearts ? It is because w^e arc not careful tt> guard 
 with our breast-plate of Jesus' I'ighteousness. It should ever be the 
 joy and rejoicing of our souls to 'consider the work of Jesus as man 
 and mediator. Did he shed his blood ? did he die a cursed death ? 
 did he in his holy life "put on righteousness as a breast-plate?" 
 Isa. lix. 17. Faith triumphs in his death, as the one atonement 
 for sin. Faith glories in his life, as the one righteousness. So the 
 once guilty soul is cleansed, so the once naked soul is clothed and 
 adorned ; and thus it is ever glorious in the sight of God in this best 
 robe of its elder brother, Jesus. So also is the once defenceless soul 
 armed against every attack of sin, Sutaw, the law and death. This 
 breast-plate is more than proof against all. While pride and self- 
 righteousness go hand in hand, and unite in objections against the 
 imputed righteousness of our Immanucl, humble, self-emptied souls, 
 glory and triumph that their salvation is according to the laws of 
 strict justice and perfect righteousness. Possessing righteousness 
 in Jesus, we draw nigh to a throne of grace with boldness nov,', and 
 shall lift up our heads with joy before a righteous throne of jurlgniciii 
 in the great and tremendous day. "For righteousness dclivcveth 
 from death," Prov. x. 2. «' Though sin hath reigned unto dcatli, 
 (in us) yet grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life 
 (for us) by Jesus Christ our Lord," Rom. v 21. 
 
 Jesu, tliy blood and righteousness Then while I am thy s-ohijer "wc f , 
 
 Mv hcauty are, my glorious dross ; O learn nic more this hcav'.ily art, 
 
 Midst flaming worlds, in these array'd, To gloiy in thy ri-^hteousness. 
 
 With joy shall I lift up my Jj^atl. To guard my breast from ev'ry dait. M. 
 
58 FEBRUARY 14. 
 
 But now the righteousness of God without the hiw, is 
 manifested, being ivitJiessed by the law and the pro- 
 phets. — Rom. iii- 21. 
 
 «' \'ain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild 
 ass' colt," Job xi. 12. Proud man would be righteous, though 
 conceiA-ed in iniquity, brought forth in sin, and no goodness in him. 
 This pride accompanies him all his days ; yea it forsukes not new- 
 bom souls. Our natural notions are ever, that doing something will 
 make us righteous. So the judgment of the flesh ever opposeth the 
 truth of the Spirit. Carnal reason ever runs counter to spiritual laith. 
 But it is the glory of believing hearts to. take their views of righte- 
 ousness from revealed truth. This, to the ineffable joy and unspeak- 
 able comfort of poor sinners, manifests a righteousness for tlieir 
 garment, which they toiled not for, neither did they spin. And 
 what shall we say of it ? Truly, Solomon, in all his glory, yea, 
 angels in all their brightest perfection, are not arrayed like those, 
 who are clothed with the righteousness of the God-man, Christ Jesus. 
 O for stronger faith in this ! 
 
 Poor, weak, doubting believer ! Avhy takest thou thought for 
 raiment ? hath not God clothed you ? " O thou of little faith 1" thou 
 hopcst, thou trustcst in Jesus' blood alone for the pardon of thy sins, 
 but art distressed in seeing thyself a poor sinner. Thou knowest 
 thou ai't not righteous in tlivsclf, and often fearest thou shall never 
 atttun righteousness, and perish at last for want of it. Verily, thy 
 face is turned towards Mount Sinai, instead of ISIount Calvary ; to 
 ISIoscs, instead of Jesus ; to thy life of obedience, instead of his life 
 ■ of righteousness ; to the law (^which requires all) instead of the 
 gospel, whi( h freely gives all. 
 
 So suie as thou hast the faith of Jesus in thine heart, thou hast 
 the righteousness of Jesus on thy back, let law, men, and Satan say 
 what they will. God finds his children naked, he clothes them. 
 Witnesses arc ever at hand. Evidences are never wanting to prove 
 this truth. ' The Spirit of truth bears infallible testimony, by the law 
 and the prophets, to the glory of this righteousness. Read, be joyful, 
 and give all glory to free grace for its free iinputation : " The righ- 
 teousness of God, which is by faith in Jesus Christ, is unto all, and 
 upon all them that believe, for there is no difference," ver. 22. But 
 who enjoy the comfort of this ? Verily no soul, till he is brought to 
 say, with Paul, " I through the law am dead to the law," Gal. ii. 19. 
 
 Tn vain we f sk God's tiglilcons law .Tcsus, liow glorious is thy grace ! 
 
 T" justify tis now, Wlien in thy name \vc trust, 
 
 Since to convince, iind to condemn, Our faith receives a rii^hteotisness 
 
 Is all (he law can ifo. That makes the sjuiitv just. - 
 
FEBRUARY 15. 59 
 
 Our gospel came not to you in word onli/y but also in 
 power and in the Holij Ghost ^ and in much assurance. — 
 1 Thess. i. 5.. 
 
 Sin, salvation, death, judgment, eternity, though matters of the 
 lughest moment and utmost importance to us, yet we naturally think 
 of them with little concern, speak of them with great indiflerence, 
 and treat the consideration of them as Tclix did Paul, « Go thy way 
 for this time ; when I have a convenient season I will s«nd for thee," 
 Acts xxiv. 25. And yet perhaps such have long sat under a preach- 
 ed gospel ; hugely cry up and upplaud the preacher, and are ready 
 to- condemn others who do not see and admire the excellency of the 
 man But, alas ! what are the most excellent words of man without 
 the power of the Spirit ? Light as air, ineffectual to soul-saving pur- 
 poses, as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 
 
 The grand question is, Have I inwardly known and felt the power 
 of the gospel ? Our gospel came unto you not in word only, but in 
 power. It has an internal voice : it speaks glad tidings, good news 
 of life and salvation to the very soul : it is the word of power to 
 quicken dead souls to life : it is a revelation to the heait of pardon 
 and peace by Jesus. Thus it brings tlie cleai'cst evidence, the fullest 
 assurance along with it, tliat it is God's word of life and salvation. 
 The Holy Ghost bears witness to it, in power and demonstration. 
 Blessed souls ! who are divinely assured of the truths of gospcl- 
 gruce and love by Jesus ; who embrace tlie gospel as their only hope, 
 and flee and cleave to Jesus as their only refuge. But more blessed, 
 yea most happy those believing souls who are upon the delectable 
 mountains, and enjoy much assurance of their q\w\ personal interest 
 in Jesus, and eternal life through him ; and by the Holy Ghost are 
 enabled to say, ' I know that Jesus loved me and died for me.' O, 
 this privilege is most highly to be prized. It is worth pressing after. 
 
 This only can deliver the soul from all doubts and fears, inflame it 
 with the most ardent love, inspire it with the most holy boldness, in- 
 fluence it to the most cheerful obedience, resign it to afilictive allot- 
 ments, wing it with holy longings after Jesus and eternal glory ; and 
 make it joyfidly triumphant over the grim tyrant deatli ; with 
 "■ Thanks be to God, who giveth me the \ ictory through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. xv. 57. 
 
 My Saviour Goil, ray sov'rcigii Piiuce, His word is truth, his pow'r is great, 
 
 Uriijns fur above the skies : From hence my comforts spring : 
 
 But liriiigs his graces down to sense, Assuitmcc by the Holy Ghost 
 
 A'liJ .'iclps my fail!j lu rise, A heav*n ou earfh doth bring. M. 
 
60 FEBRUARY 16. 
 
 The word was made flesh and dwelt amon^ us (and we 
 beheld his f^lory, the glory as the only begotten of the 
 Father J full of grace and truth. — John i. 14. 
 
 Whkn the Lord gave Lumech a son, he culled his ne.nie Noah, 
 which signifies repose or consolation ; and he said, " Tnis same shall 
 comfort us concerning the work and toil of our hands, because of 
 the ground which the Loi-d hath cursed," Gen. v. 29. Noah was 
 an cniin cnt type of Jesus. Every sinner, who is poor, and made low 
 (as Lamcch signifies) has infinite reason so to conclude of Jesus, the 
 Son of Cod. *' This same shall comfort us, though the work and toil 
 of hands have been evil? and we are cursed for sin. 
 
 To be poor and made low in self, and to be struck with the display 
 of the glory of the Lord Jesus, is the work of the Spirit, by tlic 
 word of truth, and is peculiar to believers in all ages. " Abraham 
 rejoiced to see Christ's day of incarnation ; he saw it and was glad." 
 An4all the children of Abraham's fidth now, as well as the apostles, 
 see the glory of Jesus by the same Spirit, whose office is to glorify 
 Christ. To know Jesus as man, the anionted Saviour, brings life 
 and peace to our hearts. To see his glory as God-man, fills our 
 souls with the triumphs of salvation. Thus we are satiffitd with 
 him as our Lord and our God. We look to no other God, but the 
 God in our flesh, who dwelt among us. He is full of grace and 
 truth to us. All wrath and terror ceaseth agidnst us. " For God 
 was in Christ reconciling the world, not imputing sin." So God 
 hath drawn nigh to us, so he hath embraced and loved us, so by faith 
 w^e draw nigh to, embrace and love him. 
 
 Wiien Jesus is embraced in the arms of faith, the enraptured 
 heart cries out, with Simeon, " Mine eyes have soen tiiy salvation." 
 « We rnn with patience the heavenly race, look.i.g to Jesus." With 
 this view, we mediti.te on our hastci ing dissolution wath composure ; 
 expect the sure messen^ror with p;acc- ; look forward to approaching 
 judgment v/ith joy, being assured of the joyful si;.;ht of tne glorified 
 man, Jesus, the judge, who shall tlien appear as the great God and 
 our Saviour ; " whom, having not seen in the flesh, we love ; iu 
 whom, though avc now see him not, yet bcjieviivg, we rejoice with 
 joy unspeakable and full of glory," 1 Fet. i. 8. » For yet a little 
 while and he shall ccTiainly come to be glorified hi his saints, and t« 
 bc^idinircd in all them that believe in that day," 2 Thess. i. 10. 
 
 \iul did iijy <;od iu Iiririi;i;i fli sh Tlic fail!! oClliis attrncls my soul, 
 
 AiiO Llood appear hciow ? ' To Cliiisi in union sweet ; 
 
 \yw lie liclieia nst'iill of triilli; Moi-o oftliy fnliuss, I,oi-d, bestow, 
 
 TJ.ul giacf from Mnu liii-lit fiow .' " In ilice I a)u complete. 
 
FEBRUARY 17. 61 
 
 That in me ye might have peace, in the -world ye shall 
 have tribulation : But be of good cheer ^ I have over- 
 come the world — John xvi. 2t3. 
 
 Such is Christ's leg^icy to all his brethren : peace in him ; trib- 
 ulation in the world. Every disciple sliall receive these bequests. 
 The foi-mer, a triune God of truth and faitlifulness is engaged by 
 promise and oath to give. The latter, from the combined triiiity, 
 the world, flesh, and the devil, every follower ot Jesus will be sure 
 to receive. But, alas ! how apt are we, when in the mount of peace 
 with Jesus, to cry < Tribulation shall no more affect me !' On the 
 other hand, when in the dreary valley of tribulation, then we are 
 ready to conclude, ' O there is no end to my troubles ; I shall see 
 peace no more.' This was the case with David. One while we find 
 him triumphing : " In my prosperity I said I shall never be moved," 
 Psalm XXX. 6. At another, mournfully complaining, " Thou 
 hidest thy face, and I am troubled." 
 
 Too, too apt are we to judge of God's love to us by his providen- 
 ces, instead of his promises. Tribulation in tl\c world is as necessary 
 for the soul as peace in Jesus ; or our loving Saviour would not have 
 appointed it for us. One is not incompatible with, nor destructive of 
 the other. Nay, is it not oft the case with thee, O christian, as of 
 old, that " as sufferings abound, consolation abounds also ?" 2 Cor. 
 i. 5. Hast thou access by faith into tlie same grace with the church 
 of old ? dost thou with them " rejoice in hope of the glory oi God r" 
 learn the same note which they sung : " We glory in tribulation.'* 
 Why ? Because they knew tliat " all things work together for good." 
 Therefore they found by experience these soul-revivuig effects : 
 " knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, 
 and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, because the 
 love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given 
 unto us," Rom. v. 2 — 5. 
 
 Thus as Christ is ours, all things are ours. Tribulation and 
 distress in the world are ours, as well as hope, patience, peace, love, 
 and joy in Jesus. Sweet is it to observe how our dear Saviour words 
 his legacy : it is like a cross richly ornamented with jewels of infinite 
 value. Tribulation in the world stands encompassed with peace in 
 the front, good cheer and victory in the rear. " Who is he that 
 overcometh the world, but he that believetli that Jesus is the Son of 
 God ?" 1 John v. 5. 
 
 Hath my dear Lord this world o'ercorae, Faith in my Lord doth share the spoils, 
 III wliich I've trials great ? Aiul bring nie iieacc of mind : 
 
 Be of good cheer then, O my soul, Wliat tlio' the world doth smile or frown, 
 
 Thy vict'ry is complete. In Christ 1 vict'ry find . M 
 
 Vol. I. H 
 
02 FEBRUARY 18. 
 
 Henceforth know we no man after the flesh ; yea, though 
 we have known Christ after the fesh ; yet henceforth 
 know xve him no more. — 2 Cor, v. 16. 
 
 How eminent docs the grace of God shine in the conduct of 
 Levi! when the glory of Jehovah was at stake, when his honor was 
 ro be vindicated against those who had sinned witli an high hand, 
 " He said unto ids fatlier and mother, I have not seen him ;" — tliat 
 IS, no one that mine eye sliall pity, nor mine hand spare, who has 
 transgressed in this matter. " Neitlier did he acknowledge his 
 brethren, nor know his own children," Deut. xxxiii. 9. The Lord 
 our God is a jealous God. It behoves his children to be valiant for 
 the truth as it is m Jesus. It is our duty to face all opposition 
 against it ; to stand in defence of it from every quarter, and to know 
 no man after the flesh, so as to give up the truth for fear of him. 
 This is our highest honor ; and this is highly acceptable in the sight 
 of our God, ♦< Those who honor me I will honor," saith the Lord, 
 But "knowing men after the flesh," proves a snare to the soul. 
 Many have suffered loss hereby While they have conferred with 
 flesh and blood, listened to the wisdom of carnal men, and consulted 
 the judgment of the v/isc of diis world, how have their minds been 
 dra\vn from the simplicity that is in Christ 1 The wisdom of this 
 world is foolishness with God. The righteousness of the flesh is 
 abomination in his sight. The spirit of inspiration hath taught us 
 tiiis profitable lesson, to glory ONLY in Christ as our wisdom and 
 righteousness. This sweet mystery of faith makes us dead to the 
 life of the flesh, the lust of the flesh, and the glory of tlie flesh ; yea, 
 gives us the victory over the flesh. So we live in a spiritual kingdom, 
 glory in Jesus as a spiritual Saviour, are delighted with spiritual 
 con^panions, and are m. de conifortable by spiritual gifts and graces. 
 While a Pharisee, Paul gloried in carnal privileges and the attain 
 nients of the flesh ; but, " behold he prayeth," saith the Holy Ghost . 
 Blessed pa-oof of a new-born soul, when it soars to Jesus, and is dis- 
 satisfied with all the objects of nature, time, and sense, and inces- 
 santly cries, " I count all things but loss ^ind dung for the excellency 
 of liie knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have sufl'ered 
 the loss of all things, uud do count them but dung that I may wii> 
 Christ," Phil. iii. 3. 
 
 V 
 
 To Iviiou- my Loitl in mortal flesh, "Willi spiritual views my soul delight, 
 
 I3olli tv'ry comfortbriii!; : Of Jesii's lovely face, 
 
 A r r E a the flesh to know tlic Lord heav'iily Dove ; so make me run 
 
 IsmutcacaraaltUiiig;. 'With joy my hcav'nJy race. M 
 
FEBRUARY 19. 63 
 
 He that achiowledgeth the Son, hath the Father also.-^ 
 1 John ii. 23. 
 
 If so, we cannot pay too much homage, nor ascribe too much 
 glory to Jesus, as some object. Did Jesus receive from God the 
 Father, honor and glory by his voice from the excellent glory, 
 " This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased ?" 2 Pet. 
 i. 17. Is it the Father's will that all men should honor the Son, 
 even as they honor the Father ?" " He that honoreth not the Son, 
 honoreth not the Father that sent him,'' John v. 23. May we not 
 then boldly say with Paul, on another occasion, " As the tinith ol 
 C-hrist is in me, no man shall stop me in this glorying" in Jesus, as 
 my Lord, my God. Yea, we will acknowledge him in his lowest 
 form and meanest appearance ; as the babe wrapped in swadling 
 clothes, lying in a manger : a destitute, outcast infant; obscure and 
 mean in his birth and parentage ; working at a common, ordinary 
 employ ; without form and comeliness ; despised and rejected of 
 men ; a man of sorrows txnd acquiunted with griefs ; mocked, derided, 
 laughed to scorn ; crowned with thorns in derision ; condemned and 
 crucified as an accursed wretch, unworthy to live in heaven or on 
 earth ; adjudged fit only to die, in company with thieves iuid high- 
 waymen, on a gibbet. Wholly to trust in this Man, this God-Man, 
 Jesus of Nazareth, the root and oflfspring of David, this is » the 
 FAITH of God's elect." This the acknowledgment of the truth 
 which is after godliness. This is the only " hope of eternal life, 
 which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began," 
 Tit. i. 2. This is a "repentance to the acknowledging of the 
 truth," 2 Tim. ii. 25. Thus are simple, believing hearts "com- 
 forted, being knit together in love, unto all riches of the full assu- 
 rance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of 
 God, and of the Father, and of Christ ; in whom are hid all the 
 treasures of wisdom and knowledge," Col. ii. 2, 3. 
 
 In this rich mine of truth and consolation we are daily to dig for 
 all wisdom, hohness, and happiness. In this acknowledgment of 
 the Son in his humble state, thus saving us, we have the Father's 
 rich love, and precious promises, and the holy Spirit's power, in- 
 fluence, and witness. "Ever giving thanks to the l-ather, who 
 hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in 
 light," Col. i. 12. 
 
 When I behold the Fatliei's love Then sense submits to faith divine, 
 
 Slune in llie person of Jiis Son, \VhicIi lonis it over cnrnul views : 
 
 .'lis Spirit brings my soul to own My soul gels settled in its liopc ; 
 
 Vfy (io'I, th' eternal thi'cc in one. This tnUh I sing, and sweetly muse >I. 
 
64 FEBRUARY 20. 
 
 That T may win Christ — Phil. iii. 8. 
 
 No sooner had good king Hczeki^ih established Hts throne 
 in righttousness, restored rclis^ion in liis kingdom^ sei his whole 
 heart to sei ve the Lord, «nd his God prospered him, but an invad- 
 ing Sennacherib enters his territories, and encamps against his 
 fenced cities, 2 Chron. xxxii 1. Scripture and experience daily 
 pr'ach to God's children, " this is not your rest :" You are in a 
 militant state. Though Jesus hath taken possession of the soul, 
 and cast out the strong man armed, think not of foldiiig your arms, 
 and s:iying, I shall see war no more ; for your adversaiy has many 
 after-gcimrs to play. He will not only encamp against your fenced 
 cities, and attack your out-works, but will also attempt your very 
 heart and mind. Beware of such suggestions as these, they are the 
 whispers of a destroying foe ; *' Come, you are now an excellent 
 christian ; you have a tongue to speak for Jesus, you don't live and 
 act as the rest of the careless, sinful world, you have made great 
 advances in holiness, now you have somewhat to glory in yourself 
 before God. " Jesus, Master, save us in this hour of Satan's attack ! 
 Wlien in such a storm, better to cast overboard all the heavy lading 
 of self-confidence to right the ship. « A haughty spirit goeth before 
 a fall," Prov. xvi. 18. 
 
 Let us ever remember, Jesus is all our gain and all our glory. 
 We are still poor sinners. By renouncing all, and cleaving to him, 
 we enjoy all in him. No fruits produced, no comforts experienced, 
 but by abiding in him. What i possess Jesus, -and yet want to 
 WIN him r Yes. () there is much more knowledge of, peace from, 
 love to, joy in, and conformity to Jesus, to be gained and experien- 
 ced, than any of us have yet found! Jesus-enamoured hearts, like 
 avaricious gamesters, never, never thii.k th. y have enough of Jesus 
 in time, till they have gained the full enjoyment of his matchless 
 chinns in glory. They renounce all for his sake. Wherefore ? 
 on terms and conditions to barter for iU) interest in Christ ? No ; 
 griicious, loving hearts detest such base undervaluing Uioughts of 
 their infinitely precious Saviour. Shall the dross and dung ''of our 
 doings and performances be put in competition « ith his most glori- 
 ous excellency, who is our prize, our portion, our treasure ? «' Whom 
 have I in heaven but thee, oi- what is there on earth I desire in com- 
 parison of thee ?" will ever be the language of faith. 
 
 V 
 
 My nod, my lif., n,y love. Then '.s rothinjr here dcsenes my joys 
 
 T pr\:inot liveif tho' 
 
 ^" ♦'"•'■ ' "" ; Th.-re-s iiothins I'ko my tiod. 
 
 i-cmovr, Thr smilii.gs of thy face, 
 
 I'orthoM ar all in all. H.^^v .-.mi.ible thev arc ! 
 
 A\ I. .t rmptv f hinps arc- all the .skies, 'Tis h.-.iv'„ to rest in thy emhr,pe, 
 
 A ,.d tlus mfcnor clo«l ? And no where else but there. 
 
FEBRUARY 21. 65 
 
 Strive to enter in at the strait gate ; for many, I say unto 
 you, shall seek to enter in, but shall not be able. — Luke 
 xiii. 21.' 
 
 Thou fccblc-mindcd disciple, weak in faith, thy Jesus speaks 
 not thus to discourage thee from seeking salvation by him only ; 
 for he also says, " Every one that seeketh findeth." But rather he 
 hereby animates and encourages thy soul in striving against every 
 enemy tliat opposeth thy entering his kingdom by the strait gate, 
 even by his one atonement, and one righteousness only. He designs 
 also to shew that men mny not ox\\y seek , but s^r??;*?, yea, strive 
 as in an agony " to enter in, but shall not be able." Why ? Because 
 th 'v expoct to enter the kingdom by some other gate than Jesus. 
 But, Says the apostle, " No man is crowned, except he strives 
 lawfully." Earnestness, zeal, activity, avail nothing, while Jesus 
 is not the o?ily object : his blood, the only plea for pardon ; his 
 righteousness, the only hope for acceptance. But this, in the eyes 
 of self-righteous professors, makes the gate appear too strait indeed. 
 Hence they seek to enter, by ways more pleashig to their pride, 
 and more agreeable to the corrupt lusts of their naturc. So that 
 striving is not so much opposed to seeking, as the strait-gate Jesus 
 is to every other method of salvation of man's devising. There is 
 an awful denunciation against such, Isa. xlv. 9 : " Woe be to him 
 that striveth with his Maker." Shall potsherds of the earth dare 
 contend against the sovereignty of God's wisdom, power, and grace i' 
 Here is the strife of the Pharisee. And in opposition to the sloth and 
 licentiousness of the Antinomian, says our Lord to all his disciples, 
 ' Strive — strive, by my power which strengthens you, against every 
 enemy that opposeth your entering my kinigdom, by 7ne.' 
 
 As surely as there is a devil in hell, tliere will be false teachers 
 on earth. So long as thou continuest in the body, thou wilt have 
 corrupt lusts, carnal reason, the workings of pride, unbelief, and 
 self-righteousness. Now all these unite to oppose thy faith, and 
 contend against thy hope ; but thy master, who calleth thee to arms, 
 bids th( e " be of good courage, and strive for the mastery." In his 
 strength thou art sure to conquer and win the prize. " Press for- 
 ward, striving against sin," Heb. xii. 4 — '< striving for the faith of 
 the gospel," Phil. i. 27 — stiving fervently in prayer," Col. iv.- 12, 
 — " striving according to his workings, who workeih mightily in his 
 people," Chap. i. 29. 
 
 Give lights O Lord, to see the gate, Turn off my eyes from other hopes, 
 
 And strength to strive to enter in Tl»at would beguile my soul : 
 
 By THEE who art the truth, the way, O fix and keep my w.and'ring heart, 
 
 From Satan's power, the world, and sip. To thee entire and whole. M. 
 
66 FEBRUARY 22. 
 
 Whif art thou cast doum. O my soul? and xvhy art thou 
 disquieted xv'ith'm me? Hope thou in God. for I shall yet 
 praise him, "who is the health of my countenance^ and my 
 Gof/.— Psalm xlii. 11. 
 
 We are not to expect the sunshine of joy all the way through- 
 this vale of tears. Comfortiible frames and joyful feelings, though 
 sweet and delightful, are not always so profitable to the soul. Were 
 we always on the mountof joy, alas, we should forget we are strangers 
 and pilgrims on the earth ; but should be for building tabernacles of 
 rest in a polluted place ; and cry out with the highly-favored disci- 
 ples, " It is good for us to be here ; but they knew not what they 
 said." Luke ix. 33. It is the glory of a christian to live by faith 
 on Jesus ; to judge of his Saviour's love from the word of truth, 
 move than by sense and feeling : yea under dejection and disquiet of 
 soul, than to hope and trust in God, to check and rebuke one's self 
 for doubts and diffidence ; this is truly the exercise of faith. Faith 
 supports the soul, and lifts it above the determinations of carnal 
 reason and the suggestions of sense. The believer is to abide steadily 
 by the word of truth, though in heaviness for a season ; being per- 
 f uaded that shortly he shall rejoice in and praise God, even for this 
 r^loomy dispensation ; concluding from the word of God's grace and 
 faithfulness, " Jehovah Jesus is the health of my countenance, and 
 my God." This is the very joy of faith. Such the sweet experience 
 of David. Mark the frequent declarations to this purpose in the 42d 
 and 43d Psalms. The Holy Ghost hath recorded these for our in- 
 struction. 
 
 Disciple, it is well for thee to learn wisdom hereby. Thy frame 
 raay vary ; the foundation of God's love standeth sure ; his promises 
 cannot fail ; the word of truth, yea the oath of Jehovah, are engaged 
 for the salvation of all who " have fled to Jesus for refuge." Vhou 
 mayest meet with maiiy things, from within and Avithout, to cast down 
 thy soul, to distress and disquiet thee ; but thou art called to look to 
 Jesus, not to stagger at the promises through unbelief; but, like the 
 father of the fiiithful, « against hope to believe in hope ;" not to con- 
 sider thine own corrupt nature, its lustings to evils, its enmity to 
 gi-ace, so as to give up thy hope. There is ever cause of humility, 
 but no reason for casting away thy confidence in Jesus in and under 
 thy worst frames. Though tliou sir^keth to hell, in the view of thy 
 deserts, yet through the righteousness of Jesus, life and salvation are 
 procured for the hell-deserving. Encourage thy soul to hope in him 
 so Shalt thou praise and glorify him. " I ^ijl bless the Lord at all 
 tinxc,, his praise shall continually Lc in my mouili " Why so ? 
 " Because my soul ,shall make her boast iii the Lord,"' Psalm xxxiv." 
 
FJ:BRUARY 23. 67 
 
 fye know that when he shall appear, we shall he like him ; 
 for we shall see him as he is. — 1 John iii. 2. 
 
 Why should the Lord, wI\o giveth us all things richly to cnjoy> 
 lay an embargo on our f\illy gratifying ourselves in the use of them ? 
 Why are we called to daily mortification and self-denial, as to sensual 
 objects ? Verily, it is all in love to our souls, that Jesus and spiritual 
 objects might be more enjoyed ; for experience proves the life of 
 sense to be opposite to the life of faith. The more pleasure, comfort, 
 and happiness we enjoy in the things of this life, this tends to make 
 us love the world, and loath to leave it ! and so our aflections to Jesus 
 cool, our desires after his appearing abate in their fervor, and we 
 loose our longings after the unclouded sight of him iii glory. So St. 
 Paul reproves christians of old : " Are ye not carnal, and walk as 
 men? 1 Cor. iii. 3. How justly applicable is this interrogation to 
 lis also ! Reflect on this soul-reviving truth. Yet a little while and 
 Jesus shall appear. So sure as he was once upon earth in our nature, 
 he will appear again in the same human body, exalted tmd glorified. 
 And can we know and believe this as an undoubted truth, live upon 
 it in expectation, without finding a deadness to this present world, 
 and all its enjoyments ? Here Aye feel sin in our flesh, pains iii our 
 bodies, afllictions our companions, wanderings and deadness in 
 duties, trials and temptations of various sorts ; and innumerable 
 evils of every kind doth this short life abound with : but at the ap- 
 pearing of Jesus all will be at an end ; for we shall be like him : our 
 shall be perfectly conformed to his image. In soul and body we 
 vile bodies shall be fiishioned like to his glorious body. Our souls 
 shall eternally enjoy him. And are we the subjects of such a hope ? 
 Let us live like ourselves ; as memberj of Jesus our head. Let us 
 ever be pressing after him, living upon his fulness, and longing for 
 his appearing. Most blessed sight ! most desirable fruition ! we 
 shall see our Jesus as he is. Once the despised Nazarine— once the 
 devoted victim to curse and wrath ; but now the Lord of life and 
 glory, bestowing immortality and eternal life upon his dearly-pur- 
 chased, blood-bought members. O, were our hearts more witii 
 Christ on the cross, and more with him on his throne by faith, how 
 would sin be subdued, the world overcome, Satan conquered, and our 
 happy hearts triumphing in love 1 for " we are more than conquer- 
 ors over all, through Jesus that hath loved us." 
 
 O the delights, the lieavcnly joys ! But when our eyes l)ehoId liis face, 
 Tlie glories of the place, Our lirarls sh;ill love him more. 
 
 "Where Jesus sheds the briglitest beams And wliile our faith enjoys this sight. 
 Of his o'erfloM ing gr.ice ! We long to leave our clay ; 
 
 This is the Marv, th* exacted Mon, And wish thy fiery chariots, Lord, 
 \^"hon-l wc, unseen, adore : To fetch our souls awsy. 
 
68 JANUARY 24. 
 
 Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart. -^ 
 2 Chron. xxxii 2(5. 
 Outward, gross, abominable sins, self-righteous Prarisees cry 
 out against, iuid profess to humble themselves for; but to mourn over, 
 and be humbled for heart sins, spiritual pride, b.c. is pecuiii.1 to gra- 
 cious souls only. We read of two things in the word, the most oppo- 
 site to each other : Hear and udorc ! the high and lofty one, thut in- 
 habiteth eternity, " humbleth himsclt" to visit man, Psalm cxiii. 6. 
 Heur, and be astonished ! " Man opposeth and exalteth himself against 
 God," 2 Thess. ii. 4. '^ Pride proceeds out oi the heart," saith 
 Jesus. Mark vii. 21. '1 his makes us murmur ag^dnst the God of 
 providence, fretful under his dispensations, forgetful of his bent fits, 
 and unthc.nkfulfor his mercies. Pride opposeth the sovereign God 
 of grace, and would snatch the crown of glory from the everlasting 
 God of love, and place it upon the head of that guilty creature of a 
 day, man. Pride swells the haughty mind with indignation against 
 the truths of Jehovah. That salvation is wholly by grace, free favor, 
 unmerited love, unconditional election of God the Father by Jesus 
 Christ, is contrary to the proud vain thoughts of man ; therefore man 
 is against this. For this leaves him aothing whereoito glory in him- 
 self that he hath done, or can do, to fulfil terms and conditions, to 
 gain an interest in salvation, or procure a title to glory. 
 
 Here God alone is glorified — Christ exalted — grace reigns — and 
 truth established; while the poor sinner's moutli is stoppea, his honor 
 laid in the dust, and in self-abasement he humbles iiimself for the 
 pride of his heart. So grace triun.phs over all the ruin of the fall. 
 Thus it affects sinners when it reacheth the heart. All boastuig is 
 excluded. " O righteous Father ! thy will be done," in sovereign 
 grace and electing love. Thou hast a right to do what thou wilt with 
 thine own. Grace, favor, mercy, faith, repentance, hope, peace, love, 
 holiness, heaven, all is thy free gift by Jesus. None hath any claim 
 on thee ; guilt hath forfeited all. But to the wretciied and helpless 
 thou hast made thyself a debtor by free promise and sovereign procla- 
 mation in Christ Jesus. Do I see tins ? Is my heart soft and yielding 
 to submit to salvation by grace only ? Wherclorc is this to me, while 
 others are blinded to the truth, and their hearts hardened against it ? 
 The work is thine ; all the glory is due to thee alone ; for '' even so, 
 righteous Father, it seemed g-ood in thy sight." 
 
 Su&li are the sentiments of gracious, humble souls ; to such he 
 " giveih more grace." " For God rcsisteth the proud, (who oppose 
 the Father's electinglovo, and the righteousness of his Son) but giveth 
 grace to the humble," (whose hope isliot in himself, but in the Lord 
 his God). " Humble yourselves, thereforfe, under the mighty- hand 
 ©f God, that he niav exalt vou in due time," 1 Pet. v^ 5. 
 
FEBRUARY 25. 69 
 
 David said moreover. The Lord that delivered me out of 
 the paw of the Hon and out of the paw of the bear, he 
 wUl deliver me out of the hand of this Fhdistine. — 
 1 Sam. xvii. 37. 
 
 Faith, by ancient writers, has been stilcd < the queen of (graces.' 
 As such she displays her dignity, by disdaining to consult any power 
 below the Kinsj; of saints. Wlien she calls in reason and reflection 
 upon past experiences, it is to give all the glory to her sovereign 
 Lord. Thus David makes cor.fession of faitli in his king. Wliut 
 was the gigantic size, the formidable t'.ppearance, and the haughty 
 thi-ealenings of his Philistine antagonist ? To the eye of his faith, all 
 were mean and contemptible ; for he saw him that was invisible ; he 
 fixed his confidence on the invisible power of the Omnipotent. He 
 considered not himself; " he was stror,g in the Lord, and in the power 
 of his might ;" he had sweet experience of the truth of his Lord ; 
 « To him that believcth, all things are possible," Mark ix. 23. ,He 
 had seen the power of the Lord in delivering him from the fierceness 
 of a lion, and from the strength of a bear ; and therefore says, not 
 with a perhaps or a paradventure, but absolutely in full confidence of 
 fa'th, " The Lord hath delivered, and he will deliver." And the 
 h's'ory fully assures us, « according to his faith, so it was." 
 
 N(iw " whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for 
 our learning," Rem, xv. 4. Here is a lesson of instruction, from 
 which disciples of Jesus may learn the doctrine of self-despair. 
 Thine enemies are fierce as lions, strong as bears, potent and formi- 
 dable as Goliath of Gath. To know thou hast neither might nor 
 strength, and to despair of victory from thyself, is thy wisdom. This 
 humbling lesson proud nature is averse tg ; but it is profiti.blc to the 
 spirit. By faith we glovy in the Lord, and him only. Can I look 
 back to past experience of his grace and power ? Can I call to mind, 
 that in such danger the Lord appeared as my deliverer ? At such a 
 time I sweetly experienced the Lord's power, and triumphed over 
 mine enemies ? therefore I will trust m the Lord, and not be afraid. 
 Past experiences encourage future hopes. A tried friend is a sure 
 friend. To forget past mercies is ungrateful. To bury our Saviour's 
 former dealings \\\\.\\ our souls in oblivion, is dishonorable to him ; 
 not to consider Jesus as the only hope, and live upon him day by. day 
 in the exercise of faith, is to live below our privilege. Never arraign 
 his love, because he sufiers thine enemies to put on a dreadful form, 
 and attack thee with violence. This is to draw thy fidlh into exer- 
 cise, that thy soul may have larger experience of his love and deliv- 
 erance. Thus saith the Lord, (most comfortable words !) Be not 
 afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great mul'.itvule ; for the battle, 
 is not yours, but God's," a Chron. xx. 15. 
 
 Vol.. I. I 
 
70 FEBRUARY 26. 
 
 Behold I come OS a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth^ 
 andkeepctli his garments, lest he -walk naked, and they 
 see his shame. — Rev. xvi. 15. 
 
 Vain confidence begets spiritual sloth. Licentious principles 
 liardcn the heart in sin, deafen the ear to the calls of grace, and 
 cause the tongue to pronounce evangelical excitements to love and 
 obedience, Legal. But the faith of Jesus enlivens to duty, and in- 
 '^pires the soul with godly jealousy and holy watchfulness. So the 
 iuembers of Jesus are blessed ; blessed in him with all spiritual bles- 
 sings ; and they enjoy a sweet sense of blessedness in obeying him. 
 " Behold I come," saitli Jesus the head.. In tlie faitli of this, enable 
 nie. Lord, to watch ahvay, stiith every living member. Wc kiiOW 
 but in part ; there are infinitely greater blessings to be found in Jtsus, 
 more of his knowledge, his love, his peace, of his image, greater 
 conformity to, and likeness of him. For this we arc called to watch, 
 ;tnd wait, and pray continually, lest we lose the garments of truth, 
 the clothing of humility, the adorning of the gospel, and sorrow 
 overtake us, and shame cover us. So also to watch against the aes- 
 perutc wickedness of our nature, the devices of Satan, and the de- 
 ceils of an ensnaring world. None fully know the diu:igers to which 
 they are exposed, and how dreadfully they may be suffered to fall. 
 !Most true, Jesus both can and will keep all his members, by nis pow- 
 er through faith unto salvation. But it is as true, thou wiit huve sad 
 evidence of thy interest in him, while his word is not thy rule of 
 conduct. Watch, saith he. 
 
 Comfort and peace of soul are enjoyed in the way of circumspec- 
 ' lion and watchfulness, while with care and diligence we study to ap- 
 prove ourselves as God's children, « by a holy walk and godly conver- 
 sation." Awful iiistajices are frequent and visible, of many souls 
 " who did run well for a season;" but Satan hath hindered. They \\\x\c 
 forsaken tl:e precious truths of Jesus, the world has enslaved them, 
 i.iid their conversation-garments are defiled with gross and abomina- 
 ble sins. Their minds appear destitute of faith, love, and holiness, 
 and their shame is seen manifest. A s.tate, how deplorable! how 
 much to be dreaded ! all from neglecting to watch. Serious thoughts 
 arc terrifying, self-examination they fly froiu, the view of death fills 
 ;l.cm with horror, an -appearing, forsaken Jesus they dread, iiut he 
 >villcomc; every eye must see him ; though as a thief, suddenly; 
 yet to his fuitliful ones not dreadfully, to rob and destroy them ; but 
 to gather them together, tl'.at they may be ever with him. And now, 
 " little children, abide in him ; that when Jte shall appear, we may 
 Jiave confidence, and not be a^h;;mfd Ik Tore liim at his coming,'' 
 i John ii. 2S. 
 
FEBRUARY 27. 71 
 
 For this thing 1 besought the Lord thrice , that it might 
 depart from me. — 2 Cor. xii. S. 
 
 Our Saviour represents God's own elect as crying d?y and night 
 to him, Luke xviii. 7. ' Sore temptations, soul-burdens, satan's 
 buffetings, are peculiarly felt Ijy thcni. Their crying under them 
 is a proof of spiritual life ; their crying to the Lord only, is. an evi- 
 dence of the faith of God's elect ; their intreuties to be delivered 
 from them shew the sanctified, holy disposition of their souls. Thus 
 tlie Lord draws out into exercise the graces of his children. His 
 eyes are ever upon them, his ears open to their prayers, and his 
 almighty power and grace sufiicient to deliver them. But " he that 
 believeth, must not miike haste." We must tarry the Lord's leis- 
 ure, and be strong in hope. His time is best. It is God's will wc 
 should tell him of our trials and temptations. After we have done 
 this, " we have need of patience ;" v,c must wait for the fulfilment of 
 his promise. This is our duty. 
 
 Paul prayed again and again, still the buiTclings were continued ; 
 his mind was uneasy, his soul distressed, the enemy trluniphhig, the 
 Lord makhig as though he heard not. Prayer and patience must 
 go hand in hand. INIurmuringsarC the offspring of unbelief. Fret- 
 fulness ariseth from pride. To lie humble at the feet of Jesus is our 
 wisdom. Indulge no hard thoughts of the Saviour's will to make 
 thee holy, or power to make thee happy, thovigh sin and satan, like 
 \uiwclcome visitors, daily intrude — appear in various shapes at- 
 tack from different quarters, and seem in some sort to gain upon 
 thee in thought, w^ord, or action. When inwardly discomposed by 
 unholy tempers, and outwardly harrasscd by various temptations, 
 poor souls are ready to think tlie war will t-nd in their destruction ; 
 that Jesus will never give complete victory. But most assuredly 
 he will. In due time we shall reap, if we faint not. Let it suffice, 
 " My grace is sufficient for thee," saith the triumphant head in 
 glory, to each of his militant members on earth. Importunate pray- 
 ing, humble waiting, confident believing, comfortable hoping, are the 
 very life and essence of a christian. And let his besetting tempta- 
 tions or conflicting trials be what they may, it is his blessed privi- 
 lege to write with the pen of faith, " What shall separate from the 
 love of Christ ? Nay, in all these things wc are more than conquer- 
 ors through him that loved us," Rom. viii. 35, 37. 
 
 Let me but hear my Saviour s.ay. When I am we.ik, then am I stron", 
 
 Strentfth shall be equal to thy day ; Christ is my stren-lh and Christ my sfin<' 
 
 Then I rejoice in deep distress, " Sufficient is my grace," he saith : " 
 
 Leaning on all-sufficient grace. This is enoush for pravL-r and r:uili. M 
 
j2 FEBRUARY 28. 
 
 Jesus said tmfo him Verily I say unto thee. To-day thou 
 shalt bexvLth me in Paradise. — Luke xxiii. 43. 
 
 Unbflief, how great is its power ! how strong its influence i 
 it would forever blind the eyes, and harden the heart ugninst Jesua 
 and his grace ; but " he shull divide the spoil with the strong." 
 1 he prr.phet's prediction is here cleurly fulfilled ; the sovereignty 
 of grac. is fully disjUycd. Our Lord's own doctrine is truly verified 
 in these two thieves : " One shdl be taken, the Oiher left," Matt. 
 xxiv. 40. Pride is the companion of unbelief. This ket ps men in 
 obstinacy ; they will not see ; they ^^ill not bow to God's sovereignty. 
 But this is a comfortable truth to self-abased souls : God's power is 
 their hope. But doth our Lord bring sinners to glory without ioitb, 
 ripentance, and holiness ? Doth he leave his people in their sins and 
 rebellions ? No, blessed be his name ! Jesus is exalted to be a Prince 
 and a Saviour : he gives repentance and rennssion ot sins. " So 
 he saves his people from their sins." So he makes them happy in 
 his love by the secret power of the Spirit's inward operatior.s. Who 
 made these tw(.. companions in sin, these blasphemers of Jesus to dif- 
 fer ? Grace, sovereign, distinguishing, almighty grace, did this 
 wonderful work ; " and it is marvellous in our eyes." How rapid 
 its power ! how swift its race ! in one momenta railer against Jesus 
 is changed to a believer in him; a proud rebel to an humble suppliant; 
 a self-justifying sinner to a Christ-exalting saint ; in a moment con- 
 verted, pardoned, sanctified, and nude meet for, glory — to-day hell- 
 deserving, to-day in Paradise. Thus this thief believed with his 
 heart unto righteousness, and made confession with his mouth unto 
 salvation. 
 
 What hath grace done ? what is it not able to effect ? Sweetest 
 encouragement to the vilest of sinners, to look lo Jesus-; strongest 
 assurance for the weakest believers to abide in Itim. " Lord Jesus, 
 remember me," proceeds from grace ,in the heart of his members — 
 " thou shiilt be with me in paradise," is the gracious answer from 
 thctonguc of the head. It was the grace of our Lord Jesus that 
 saved this ihief, this highwayman, and transkited him fiom a gallows 
 on earth to a crown in- glory. The most amiable character, the most 
 upright person hath nothing else to look to, to hope for, or trust in, 
 but the cross of Christ alone for salvation. This is all our glorying. 
 By the death of Jesus we live. The same Spirit that enables the 
 Boiil to believe on .Tcsus, conforms it to Jesus in likeness and love, 
 and sajiclifies it through the faith of Jesu<v,and makes it "meet for 
 Ihe heavenly inheritance with the shunts in' glnry," Col. I. 12. 
 
, MARCH 1. 7S 
 
 That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast 
 given him — John xvii. 2, 
 
 Deism, or a rejection of God's revealed truth, is natural to us 
 all. Hence some have. Said. ♦ The rcligioii oi nuLure is the religion 
 of Satan ;' for it affects n spirit of pnde and iudcpcndence of God, 
 and rebellion against his will. Wliy does a Deist reject the \v\.y of 
 salvation by Jesus ; Truly, because it is contrary to lus ua ural 
 notions : he cannot reconcile it to tlie uitriuutes ana perfections of 
 Deity. Upon the very same lootiiig niauy professors abhor, with, 
 the utmost indignation, the scripture-doctrnies ol Goa's everlasting 
 love, unconditional election of sinners, and tnc Hnai perseverance 
 of his saints to eternal Ufe, by Jesus. Now, both Deists i^id Pnari- 
 sees proceed upon the Sume principles ; camui reason, pride, and 
 self-righteousness, reign in their hearts, anu binid tlieir eyes. 
 
 But it is the believer's mercy to see the truth : his humility to 
 submit to it ; and his duty to contend for it ui love. Thus our elaer 
 brother Jesus ever acted, imd thus he prays iii subn>ibsioii to the 
 will of his Father, and our Father. Thout^h he iiuu power over all 
 flesh, yet only to those " the many, whom tlie Father had given 
 him, was he to give eternal life." They were given to him as his 
 charge, to redeem, sanctify, and save : tliey were given to him as the 
 veward of all his toils and sufferings : they are the precious jewels 
 which compose his mediatorial crown : not one of tliem can be lost. 
 This is hnpossible. Hence he glories of them, " Behold, I, and the 
 children whom the Lord hath given me," Isa. viii. 18. Hence tliey 
 are distinguished by special grace ; they possess the gift of precious 
 faith, « called the faith of God's elect," Tit. i. 1 — it being peculiar 
 to them only. By tliis they enjoy the eense of the Fatlier's electing 
 love, the knowledge of the Son's redemption, and the comforting 
 witness of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 One of the most excellent of all human composii ions ; full of trutli 
 and sweetness, and well worthy the constant study of every christian, 
 is the irth Article of the church of England — 'Predestination to 
 life is the everlasting purpose of God, wnercby (before the foundations 
 of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel, 
 secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath 
 chosen in Christ, out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to 
 everlasting salvation, as vessels made to horior : wherefore they 
 which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called accortl- 
 ing to God's pui-pose, by his Spirit working in due season. '1 hey, 
 through grace, obey the calling ; they be justified ireely ; made sons 
 of God by adoption ; made like the image of Jesus Christ, they walk 
 religiously m good works, and at length, by God's mercy they at- 
 tain everlasting felicity.' " Hold fast the form of sound words," 
 3 Tim. i. 1 3. 
 
74 MARCH 2. 
 
 Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should 
 do unto you, do ye even so to them; for this is the laiv 
 and the prophets. — Matt. vii. 12. 
 It is an observation of the Heathens, that ' if virtue was to ap- 
 pear in liuman form, men would be enamoured with her beauty.* 
 But, alas ! this has been proved to be an idle speculation. For that 
 glorious man Jesus, in whom every virtue centered, who was adorn- 
 ed with every grace ; who went about doing good, and lived as ne- 
 ver man did, yet " he was despised and rejected of man." Blindness 
 of mind is a first-born sin. To see form and comeliness in Jesus, is 
 peculiar to enlightened souls. To hear, love, and obey the holy pre- 
 cepts Christ taught, ariseth from a renewed heart. Morality and 
 good works are at the tongue's end of every maja. The most im- 
 moral and proHigate are ever ready to applaud, to boast of, and to 
 trust in, even what ihcy naver practise. It is a certain truth, they 
 boast most of their works who have the smallest share of them. 
 
 It is the christian's mercy that he is not only delivered from such 
 awful delusion ; but what Jesus taught outwardly, in word, is wrote 
 inwardly in his heart by the power of the Spirit. Therefore obedi- 
 ence is delightful from inv/ard principles. Though he is not called to 
 merit the love of God by his moral obedience, yet love is the sweet, 
 constraining principle to moral observances. " Love is the fulfilling 
 of the whole law." As " whatever is not of faith is sin," so whatever 
 prosecds not from love, is conlravy to holiness. An immoral chris- 
 tian is as inconsistent a character as a chaste harlot, liey.thens might 
 talk of the golden rule ; the law may command it ; the prophets may 
 instruct in the nature of it ; natural men may pretend to admire it; 
 I)ut heavenly instructed believing souls only, arc enabled to love it in 
 the spirit of tlieir minds, and to obey it in their life and practice; 
 
 Verily, disciple, tliough Jesus gave no laws, by the fulfilling of 
 which thou shouldst obtain a title to eternal life ; yet he, who fulfill- 
 ed all righteousness for thy salvation, calls thee to love and obey his 
 precepts. The moral precepts of Jesus arc as much enjoined by him 
 as when he says «' Come unto me all that arc, heavy laden, and I will 
 refresh you." In obeying this we find comfort to our soul. In ob- 
 serving the golden rule of morality, wc bear a noble testimony to ihc 
 honor of Jesus, to the glory of God, and to the good of our fellow- 
 rreat^i-es. It behoves us to beware lest Jesus '' is wounded in the 
 liouse of his friends," and tJie way of truth be evil spoken of, by a con- 
 trary conduct ; for, saith Jesus, " Yc are my friends, if ye do whaO 
 soever I command vou," John xv. 14. 
 
. MARCH 3. 75 
 
 Let us iJierefore come bodily to the throne- of gracey that 
 we may obtain inercy, and Jind grace to help in every 
 time oJ^jieed.-^Htb. iv. 16. 
 
 Very few, comparatively, of the subjects of an earthly moiiarcli 
 sre pennitted free access to majesty. This is too high an honor to 
 be made common. Kings' courts are for the r.oble and eniinenL 
 The poor and destitute, the miserable and distressed have no admis- 
 sion there ; but, ye poor, distressed subjects of Jesus, the Kuisj of 
 kin^s, it is not thus with you. Your King, though ever on a throne, 
 wliere majesty and glory shine with the brightest lustre, yet grace, 
 rn'crcy, and kindness aVe frfcly dispensed to needy souls. Hither 
 you are invited to come ; yea, more, to come bodily. Why ? Be- 
 cause you are " rich, and increased in goods, arid have need of noth- 
 ing ?" Nay, but because your King knows you are " poor and mis- 
 erable, blind and naked creatures in yourselves" day after day. 
 Nothing to present to your King to procure his favor — nothing to 
 bring, which deserves his acceptance of you. But he loves your per- 
 sons, and has riches for your poverty, eye-salve for your blindnessi 
 a gaiTiient for your nakedness, a robe for your nigs, and mercy for 
 your misery ; yea, a heaven of gmce for your hell of deserts. 
 
 Your Mediator with his blood, your High Priest with his much in- 
 cense, always intercedes. There can be no period of your life but 
 what is a time of need. Who has obtained all the mercy ? Who hats 
 found all the grace which can be dispensed from this throne ? Thou 
 ait still a sinner, and wantcst mercy and grace ; thou hast still need 
 of both ; and as thou findest thy want of mercy, thy need of grace, 
 hither thou mayest always repair with boldness ; here thou rnayest 
 ever expect a rich supply^; for God th(? Father, is the fountain of 
 grace and mercy ; Jesus thy Saviour, is the treasurer ; " All fulness 
 of grace dwells in him ;" the Spirit, the comforter, is the dispense-/ 
 of mercy and grace. Why then, O soul, that backwardness, that 
 shyness, which too, too often hangs upon thee ^ Vv iiat privilege s«» 
 -great ? what encouragement so strong '. 
 
 "Come with boldness," yet consistent with awe and reverence. 
 Boldness of faith is grounded on something without a man, on nothing 
 in him ; not on the fervent heart of love, the blccdinf; heart of repen- 
 tance, the active life of obedience, the suffering mind cf patience ; 
 but faith fixes on Josus, and the believer comes v, ilh ah empty heaft 
 ai;'l hand to be filltil with the free gifts of grace. lie may come with 
 boldness of speech to Jesus us his friend and brother, freciv to pour 
 l\is complaints into his loving heart, and to tell him of all Ins sorrow. 
 Sweetest encouragement from the friend of sinners I " Come unto 
 me all ye that labour and arc heavy laden," (v.\o^\ t]c?5cd premise 1- 
 - .iiid I will give vou rest," Mutt.'x'i. ? • 
 
76 MARCH 4. 
 
 Unto you who believe, he is precious. — I Pet. ii. 7- 
 
 We are loved with firecious love ; redeemed by firecious blood; 
 comforted by firecious promises ; justified hy precious faith : yea, 
 righicousness, holiness, heaven, we huve all by union with d. precious 
 .fesus. Surely tlien, " to them that believe he is precious." 
 
 Say, ye sons and daughters of poverty and affliction, is not this a 
 lime when IViends grow cool and desert you ? But in such a season* 
 did you find one friend who visited you in your distress — was ever 
 sayint? kind things to you — ever doing all possible good for you — 
 Avhen iu prison he sought you out, and set you at liberty — when sick 
 he was your physician and healed you — when naked he clothed you — 
 wlien in abject poverty he made you rich — thus was always pleased 
 Avhcn he could make you easy and happy — say, is not this a friend of 
 fen thousand ? a friend who stickcth closer tlian a brother ? Is not 
 '>uch a one precious indeed ? 
 
 All this, and itTiiiitcly more than all this, hath Jesus done for a poor 
 wretched race of sinners. 1 herefore he is indeed to tliem, a precious 
 « Friend, who loveth at all times : the precious brother, who is born 
 for adversity," Prov. xvii. 17. " Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, 
 to-day and forever." Precious in what he hath done yesterday — 
 shed his blood for the guilty — wrought out a righteousness to clothe 
 the naked soul. To-d..y he is pleading our cause before the throne, 
 where "he ever lives to save to the uttermost ail them that come un- 
 to God by him," lleb. vii. 25. He is making love-visits, sending kind 
 tokens, refreshh^.g manifestations of his favor, causing poor hearts 
 to rejoice in him, filling them with peace and comfort through him. 
 O he is inestimably precious in what he is doing, and in what he will 
 do ; for Jesus will never leave one of liis members till hejias brought 
 them all safe through a wicked woi Id, given them the victory over sin, 
 satan, and death, laid lodged Uieir precious souls in the amis of his 
 embraces ; " for where I am, there shall all my servants be," saitli 
 our loving .Saviour. (J who can say how infinitely precious Jesus is 
 to tire saints above 1 This. we must die to know. Though " now wc 
 know but in part, and speak but in part ;" yet wliat we do see and 
 know by faith, \ve can say, " he is precious indeed." 
 
 However distres?5ing our circumstances to sense and feeling, yet 
 Lis eye sceth us, his heart of love is towards us, he is Immanuel, God 
 wiHn us. Ave wc sick of sin ? he is our physician. Is sin our burden ? 
 he is our mighty deliverer. Doth the law accuse and condemn us ? he 
 is the Lord our ri^hteous7iess. Do lust and corruption rebel against 
 us? he isour sanctificatjon. Do the world, sin, and r,atan threaten 
 f)ur destruction ? he is Jcsufy our Saviour, our salvation; euro/.' 
 and in ally Col. iii. 11. 
 
, MARCH 5. 77 
 
 ^Ao hath saved us, and called us with a holy ealling,'^ 
 2 Tim. i. 9. 
 
 Such as our natural notions of sin and danger arc, sufh is our 
 judgment of salvation and deliverance. In our nuturul state we see 
 only the fruits of sin in outwurd actions ? but consider not the cor- 
 rupt, cursed root from whence they spring. Hence poor souls thh.k 
 it no great and difficult matter to be saved : especiiJly if they have 
 some specious shew of the external adornings of sobrieiy, morality, 
 and religion. Happy sovds, who have escaped this diuigerous rock of 
 pride and self-deceit ! for when the scales of ignorance iall from the 
 eyes, and the veil of unbelief is taken off the heart; when the true 
 light shineth in the mind, and the purity and spirituality of God's 
 holy law is made manifest in tlie conscience, then the sinner sees his 
 state truly desperate. Sin appears exceeding sinful; justly deserved 
 hell and wrath are most dreadful ; and most deplorable of all, he finds 
 he must utterly sink into despair, and perish, for any thing he is able 
 to do to save his soul. " God be merciful to me a sinner 1" is the cry 
 of his heart, " In that day shall the deaf hear the vords of the book ; 
 and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity," saith the Lord, 
 Isa. xxix. 18. The book of God's- eternal counsel shall be disclosed j 
 his purpose and decree of salvation shall be made known by his re- 
 vealed truth to the heart; the joyful sound of salvation by Jesus shall 
 be heard in the soul, and the poor sinner shall see Christ's finished 
 work as his only hope. Love presided in the counsel. Grace shall 
 reign to salvation. The gospel trumpet sounds reconciliation to un- 
 godly sinners, salvation for lost souls. Their good works produced it 
 not ; their sins, however numerous iuid great, shall not deprive them 
 of it. We arc first saved, then called to kitow it, and glorify God for it. 
 
 When called with an effectual calling to Jesus, by the \\ovd and 
 power of the spirit, we possess and enjoy hope in God, and comfort 
 from him. Effects prove their cause. A bold, confident assurajice 
 ' that I am elected, I know my sins are pardoned,' is not of the essence 
 of gospel fuith, or that applies the comforts of gospel salvation to the 
 sou! ; but election to salvation is made manifest by '•' a holy calling." 
 Paul did not only confidently assert he was an apostle ; but, says hej 
 " truly the signs of-an apostle were wrought among you," 2 Cor. xii. 
 12. And verily, disciple, if thou art saved in purpose and decree 
 from etei-nity, redeemed by Jesus in time*^ cfTcctual vocation is the 
 consequence ; whereby thou art called to the knowledge of a holy 
 Saviour by a holy faith ; art a partaker of a holy nature, and wilt 
 " shew thy failh by thy works." Inward purity of heart and outward 
 holiness of life will ever be the study and joy of thy soul. " Without 
 holiness, no man shall see the Lord," Heb. xii. 14. 
 
 Vol, T. K 
 
78 MARCH 6. 
 
 Striving against sin. — Heb. xii. 4. 
 
 ' What poor, low, legal work is tliis ?' say some, < We arc hap- 
 py in Christ without such a strife.'—' We are perfect, fully bora 
 agiiin, perlectly suuctifitd and freed from all sin ; tlierefore our strife 
 is at c.n end,' say others. Alas ! poor, honest, upright christiiUi, thou 
 art ever in danger ; on the right hand, of licentiousness ; on the left 
 hand, of pride and delusion, and also from a deceitful heart within. 
 Wliat with tlie white devil of pride, and the black devil of lust, thou 
 art ever li.ble to be seduced from the truth. What a mercy to have 
 a true touciistone to ti y men and doctrines by ! The experience of 
 christians of old, as recorded by the Spirit of truth, affords us quite 
 difl'i rent sentiments of the u.fluence of gospel-gr^ice. 
 
 T;ie regenerate soul being restored to the life arjd love of God by 
 the faith of Jesus, ever, while it is in.prisotied in the body, is sur- 
 rounded, within and without, with foes of every kind. These, like 
 mig-hty combatants, strive and fight against its i-est, holiness and 
 comfort. Here the christian, under the influence of tlie Spirit, can- 
 not, will not dare be passive to suffer sin, in its tyrannizing nature, to 
 lord it over him : l)Ut he will be active : fighting, strivuig, wrestling 
 ag.iinst his bosom inmate, his worst foe. in-dwellhig sin. It reflects 
 a dishonor upon the author and the grat e of taith, to suppose that ife 
 leaves the soul in an idle kind of waiting, or melancholy sitting still ; 
 ortljdt it can be satisfied with carral gratifications, and sensual de- 
 lights of a perishing world. No: being alive to God, possessing^ 
 the faith of Jesus, we shall strive for the mastery, and be temperate 
 in all things. Our very sighs and groans, sensible weariness and 
 heaviness, evidence our conflicts and struggles ; our cry to Jesus foi- 
 st' etigth proves our wisdom, and forebodes our victory ; our patient 
 enduring, submissive waiting, steady persevering, and constant 
 striving, till deliverance, perfect deliverance is granted, shew that 
 " wc have the mind of Christ" — the life of Christ — the Spirit of 
 Christ ; tliat we are the beloved bretlu-en of Christ, and tliat soon 
 ■\vc shall be for ever with Christ. 
 
 Now the Lord's promise is, '' I will drive out your foes by little 
 and little." In a very, very short time, (O chrisiiiui, lift up thy head 
 with joy, thy redemption drawelh nigh) the joyful sound of perfect 
 victory shall be proclaimed, " ai.d the enemies you this day see, feel, 
 an(l.groan under, strive and fight agahist, you shall see them n» 
 more for ever." 
 
 Lord, \ CKtccm tliyjiidfjments right, In vain v^bosst perfection here. 
 Aim! nil tliy statutes just : -Wliile sin defiles our tVanic ; 
 
 Thcnt-c I in.-niitiiin :\ constant light And sinks onr virtues down so far, 
 Willi cv'ry ttalt'ring lust. They scarce deserve the name. 
 
MARCH 7. 79 
 
 My voice shah thou hear in the juorn'mpr, Q T.ord ; in *he 
 morning will I direct nuj prayer unto thee anC iniU look 
 up. — Psalm V. 3 
 
 In the Lord we all Jive, move, and have our beinij;; ; therefore 
 it is the indispensable duly of ail men to culi upon tif n.me ot il.e 
 Lord in pruyer. But what is a duty from n^tuie vi,d rtuscn, ii es- 
 teemed a rich privilege, an inestiuicbie blessii;g» by the ciViidrfi, ut' 
 grace. The pouiing-out of the Spirit of gr.xe ui.a siippiic i".«i . is 
 one of those spiritual blessings whertwiih they aic bjesscu li. Li.ist 
 Jesus. In the exercise of this, saints in ullages have exptrici cvd 
 sweet fellowship and connBtniion with God, and huve been uiduij^^d 
 with many mercies which they sought ioi lioni him. '' Ai;cl ti is is 
 the confidence that we have hi Jesus, that if we ask any thing ,c- 
 cording to his will, he heareth us," I John v. 14. 
 
 This duty seems to be the first employ of David's heart. He Ijc- 
 j^an the day in prayer : as soon as his eyes were favoied wiiti the 
 morning light, he directed them to look up unto th<' Lord : .i'u-r las 
 tongue had been locked up in silent sleep, the first soma of his voice 
 breaks forth in address to his God. Why is this holy nivai s pi c ice 
 recorded ? Doubtless it was written for our instruction; to rend,,ii us 
 tiiat it is sweet to begin the day with God. Bettei to go ti om a 
 tlirone of grace into tlie business of life, than after worldly conceii.s 
 have intruded on our minds. Wisest to seek and seive our best 
 friend first. But is not this an affecting tiutli r Though a tl^ont of 
 2jrace is ever accessible ; though believers are always acct pu.bie 
 tlicreto in Christ; tliough we have the greatest encouragen erts to 
 draw nigh to God ; though we have so many strong con updoiis, 
 powerful lusts, and sinful passions, ever, ready to break out, yet that 
 we should be so often beset with backwardness to prayer ! May we 
 not justly charge many of the slips and miscarriages, suis and tail- 
 ings, the breakings forth of our unholy tempers, to the neglect of 
 this duty ? How carefully oughtest thou, O soul, to begin the di.y 
 with seeking the power of the Spirit to enable thee to mortify ti.y 
 sins, and to live unto God. Thou compiJnest of deadness and bar- 
 renness of soul ; who can enliven and make thee fruitful but the dt ar 
 Lord whom thou xieglectest to cry unto ? If thine outward wdk is a 
 reproach unto thee, if the peace of thy mind is frequently rutlled and 
 disturbed through want of peace and power from Jesus, doth not thy 
 rloset testify against thee, as too much neglected ? Muy not this ac- 
 cusation be justly charged upon us ? " Ye have not, because ye ask 
 not," James iv. 2. But our beloved invites ; his command is for 
 •ur blessing. » Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full,'" 
 John xvi. 2'1.' 
 
80 MARCH 8. 
 
 But ye have not so learned Christ ; if so be that ye have 
 heard him. and have been taught by him^ as the truth 
 is in Jesus — Eph. iv. 20, 21. 
 
 Jesus, the great prophet of his church, speaks to the hearts of 
 his members. This is his superior excellence to all other pi ophets, 
 for they can only speak to the ear. To attend a preached gospel is 
 our constant duty. But all our profit and happniess arise iron) hear- 
 ing the Saviour's voice to our souis. Under the outward ministryj 
 inwardly to listen to the teachings of his Lord, should be every chris- 
 tian's concern ! Many cry, O what an excellent preacher I what a 
 charming sermon ? But why ? Didst thou hear Jesus spetik I did he 
 teach ? hast thou heard somewhat from him ? Thou knowest, disci- 
 ple, though a Paul plants, though an Apollos waters, yet it is the 
 Saviour's presence and power that gives the increase of iaith, love, 
 peace, and joy — It is. 
 
 So the Saviour is pleased to teach ; so disciples love to learn. 
 Then is it well with the soul ; for it refuseth to act and walk after 
 the course of this present evil world ; for he says, the Saviour hath 
 taught me better. Why does he take pains to teach me the love of 
 his cross ? Why hath he instructed me in the truths of his salvation ? 
 Why hath he made known to my poor heart the unsearchable riches 
 of his grace, redemption of his blood, forgiveness of sins, acceptance 
 with God, and peace and love from him ? And do I possess " a good 
 hope through grace," that as verily as I have learned Christ, heard 
 him, been t.uglu by him, and know the truth as in him, I shall soon 
 be with him, Aficr all this, can I walk in the vanity of my mind ? 
 can 1 turn aside from the free-grace truths of the gospel, to have my 
 teeth set on edge with the sour grapes of corrupt human systems ? 
 Or canst thou ever think, disciple, that the liberty of the Spirit tends 
 to licentiousness of the flesh, or that grace makes sin less hateful ; or 
 tliat a holy walk, and obedient life, doth not flow from the doctrines 
 and teachings of our Suviour ? Surely, thou must know, that as the 
 work of Jesus' life and death was to justify sinners, so tlie teaching 
 of his Spirit is to sanctify them. And verily if this is done inwardly 
 on thy soul, it will be evidenced outwordly on thy life, in separating 
 thyself as a holy vessel, meet for the master's use, from all sensuality 
 and uncleanness ; in "-putting off t!ie old man with his deeds," and in 
 sci-vi;^g our God and Saviour "in newness of the Spirit, and not in the 
 oldncss of the letter," Rom. yii. e. 
 
 Order my footstep* by tliv ivonl, A holy fellov/sUip with thee, 
 
 An.l make my l.eai-t sine re ; Uy Lord, mr.v 1 enjoy : 
 
 Lef sm have no dominion, ^.ord, Th.is I may ever learn to be 
 
 U'lt keep my consc ie c ^lea,-. J),.aa to all ciufui jov. ~ M' 
 
MARCH 9. 81 
 
 T^herefore the redeemed of the Lord shatl return and come 
 with singing to Zion, and everlasting jojj shall be upon 
 their head ; they shall obtain gladness and joy^ and 
 sorrow and mourning shall jiee away. — Isa. ii. 11. 
 
 « A GOOD word makcth the hcait glad," Prov. xii. 25. This 
 is true of the good word of gospcl-gruce. Unscriptural notions of 
 conditional grace and salvatiou deject the spirit ot sensible sinners. 
 God's free-grace dtclarutions and absolute promises revive the hearts 
 of contrite ones. Man's its, suppositions, and par^uventures, tend 
 to counteract God's shulh and w?7/.v, his gracious purposes and lov- 
 ing determinations. Where the word of a king is, there is power : 
 '* And who may say unto him, what dost thou f " Eccles. viii- 4. In 
 the word of Jehovali there is almighty power ; " He doth according 
 to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the 
 earth ; none c£in stay his hand, or say unto him, What dost thou ?" 
 Dan iv. 35. 
 
 God's I vcill and you shall, arc the slay, the strength, the food 
 of faith. It is the joy of believing hearts to set their seal to God's 
 free promises, and say, Amen, so be it. The arm of the Lord, the 
 strength of Jehovah, which hath dtone wonders of old, is not shorten- 
 ed that it cannot save ; that is our mercy. It is, it ever will be 
 stretched forth in power ; that is our comfort. Every redeemed 
 soul " shall return to mount Sion, to the general cssembiy of tlic 
 church of the ^rst-born, which are enrolled in heaven ; ta;d to God, 
 the Judge of all ; and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and 
 to the blood of sprinkling," Heb. xii. 23. 
 
 All the objects of the Father's love are the subjects of the Son's 
 redemption, and shall be partakers ot thd Spirit's power and conso- 
 lation In returning to Jesus they shall find rest, and peace, and 
 joy. By the sprinkling of his blood, sorrow and mourning flee away 
 from their consciences. Then how sweetly, how joyfully do we sing 
 the song of Moses ? Exod. xv. 1 — " The Lord is my strength and 
 my song : he is become — what ? even my salvation,^' 8cc. How 
 comfortably do our souls join tiie triumphant song of the victorious 
 Lam'), Rev. i. 5. — " Unto him -.lat loved us, and washed us froni 
 our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priest unto 
 God, and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 
 Amen." What strong consolation ! what full assurance is proclaim- 
 ed from the mouth of the Lord ! Every sentence contains a shall ; 
 not it may be, b»it it shall be. Sinners feel the power of grnce, which 
 melts hearts of stone into flesh ; saints feel the comfort of love, which 
 turns mournful penitents into joyful souls. " All things are ot God, 
 who lulh reconciled us to himself bvJcsUb Christ," 2 Cor. v. 18. 
 
82 MARCH 10. 
 
 Folhxv peace with oil men. and holinpss. -without which no 
 man shall sec the Lord.— tlcb. xii. 11. 
 
 " He that bilievcth shull be saved." This is the immutable 
 decree of the God of truth. As no man shall see the Lord without 
 h'line-s, so no man can be holy without fijlh in Jesus. But this is 
 llie peculiar blessedness of eveiy believer, he is holy, he is " sanc- 
 tified i}y faith which is in Christ Jesus," Acts. xxvi. 18. All such 
 are " called to be saints," 1 Cor. i. 2 — called to holiness of life and 
 conversation. There are no holy unbelievers, nor unholy believers. 
 Gospel-exhortations are suited to the spiritual state of regenerate 
 souls. They are subjects of the Prince of peace ; arc at peace with 
 God through our Lord Jesus Christ. As agreeable to their charac- 
 ter, to the will of God, and to the peace of their own minds, they are 
 ever to sluly and endeavor to follow peace with all men, consistent 
 with faith and a good conscience. So of holiness : being holy mem- 
 bers of the holy Jesus, beloved children of a holy God, subjects of 
 a holy Spirit, called by a holy gospel, partakers of a holy Lath, heirs 
 of a holy kingdom ; therefore all the way of their journey thither tliey 
 are to follow holiness. Partaking of the root ol holiness, by union 
 with Jesus, ali the fi uits of holiness spring. Christ is the way where- 
 jn we are to walk : conformity to his image is the delight of new-born 
 souls ; but we are subjects of a nature which is averse to tliis. Still 
 we know that holiness and hcippincss are ever inseparable. Holiness 
 is our vocation, our business, and is ever to be our constiu^t aim ; 
 though not to rccommcr.d us to God to procure his favor, or as a 
 condition of our acceptance in his sight, but that we may glorify him 
 "who hath made us accepted in the beloved." 
 
 Saints arc not to indulge themselves on the bed of sloth, dream 
 of heaven, big with hopes of a fool's paradise, and vainly wish to cast 
 themselves out of Delilah's K.p of worldly pleasures and sinful grati- 
 fications, into Abraham's bosom of heavenly joys : but we are stu- 
 d'.ousiy to avoid every thing which is contrary to the nature of true 
 holiness, and ever to be diligent in the use of such meiuis, which, 
 tlirough the power of the Holy Spirit, may increase our love of holi- 
 ness, and cau.sc us to abound in the practice of it. Ti'ue, we have 
 iiii>umerable enemi es from within and without to oppose our progrciis 
 in h .liness. So much the more need of diligence and activity. 
 \V^ know that the delicious fruits of happiness grow only in the 
 paths of h Uiiicss ; and the Lord's strength which is for us, is greater 
 than all that is against us Ever remember a throne of grace is 
 always open to us, and we are exhorted to draw nigh to God with 
 boldness. Grtal and gracious promises are given us. All arc to 
 enrou! age us " to sevvr God wiiiiout fear in holiness and righteous- 
 Luke i. 74., 75. 
 
MARCH 11. 83 
 
 If ye keep my commandments^ ye shall abide in my love : 
 even as I have kept my Father's commandments and 
 abide in his love — John xv. 10. 
 
 Do any reproach us* concerning our hope of eternal life, that 
 we do not expect it by free grace and promise only, but clogged with 
 terms and conditions which we must fulfil ? Do they suy we are 
 only dreaming legalists, under the legal yoke, and not Christ's IVee- 
 men ? We answer — We not only tulk of, but we enjoy Christ ; we 
 do not merely prute about faith, but we partuke of its power ; not 
 only hear of love described, but we feel its irifluence ; liot barely look 
 for salvation from sin, but we enjoy it by the faith of. Jesus naio ; 
 and we know that we shall partake of salvation with eternal gloiy. 
 For he who never spoke one word in vain, hath pronounced of all his 
 members, « As the t ather hatli loved me, so have I loved you. 
 Continue ye in my love." And the loving heart of Jesus is so set 
 upon our being always happy, that he directs us how to act, sO as 
 constantly to abide in the sweet sense of his love ; that so we may en- 
 joy still greater measures of it in our hearts. If ye keep my com- 
 mandments, so shall it be with you. 
 
 Jesus ever abode in his Father's love : this he manifested by do- 
 ing the Father's will, and keeping his commandments. In his work 
 of obedience he received this testimony from the Father, « This is 
 my well-beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." So Aljniham 
 had this blessed witness borae him by the Lord. " Now I know thou 
 fearest God." And also a repetition of the grand promise given him 
 upon the obedience of his faith. Gen. xxii. 15, 18. 
 
 So also shall disciples find the testimony of the comforting Spirit^ 
 in the way of keeping the commaiidmentS' of Jesus. Though not for, 
 yet "in keeping thy commandments there is great reward," Psalm 
 xix. 1 1. I'his David well knew by happy experience. So saints do 
 experience. 
 
 Faith and love are the commandments of Jesus. To believe in, 
 rely upon, confide and trust in the Lord Jesus from hour to hour, 
 this is to honor him. To love God and one another as his children, 
 is the true badge of the disciples of the loving Saviour ; this is to 
 obey him. The nrore loving faith, and faithful love to Jesus abide in 
 our hearts, so much the more will peace, consolation, and joy be 
 increased in our souls. 
 
 Do any deem this legality ? May the God of grace fill our hearts 
 with such legality day by day ! so shall we be truly evangelized. 
 " As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in 
 him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as yc have 
 been taught, aliounding therein with thanksgiving;," Col. ii. 6, 7. 
 
84 MARCH 12. 
 
 The King's daughter is all glorious within; her clothifig is 
 of wrought gold. — Pbaim xlv. 13, 
 
 Thus Jehovah, tlie sovereign Lord of all, who " calleth things 
 that be not, as though they were," speuketh by his Spirit ot his 
 church. By the pen of the royal prophet, the Lord describes the 
 beauty zind glory of all his members. They are viewed by God the 
 Fatlier, from all eternity, in Christ Jesus the heavenly briciegioom. 
 They arc beloved and chosen in him — " saved in the Lord Jesus with 
 an everlasting salvation," Isa. xlv. 17. They i,.re made aii giori- 
 ous within ; without, they are most richly clothed. 
 
 What the church is viewed from eternity, that each member is 
 destined to, and shall be made in time. For the establishing and com- 
 fort of our faith and hope, which is in God, here is a sweet, a near 
 and dear relation spoken of, and which ever subsists : the church is 
 the King of glory's daughters, " the Lamb's wife," Rev. xxi. 9— 
 according to the immutable law of love, which, like the laws of the 
 Medes and Persians, changeth not. Therefore she shall possess 
 and enjoy her portion and dowry, which is designed for her. Though 
 in herself she is black and deformed, yet is the most gloriously array- 
 ed with the perfect comeliness which Jesus puts upon her, Ezek. 
 xvi. 14. But she knows not of, nor glories in tliis outward clothing, ♦ 'I 
 till she is all glorious within. When the blessed Spirit hath quick- ' 
 encd, enlightened, and possessed the soul, of the rich graces of faith 
 and love, then in a holy triumph of heavenly joy ^nd ecstacy she cries 
 •ut, " I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my «oul shall be joyful in 
 my God ; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he 
 hath covered vie with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom 
 decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adoraeth himself 
 with her jewels," Sec. Isa. Ixi. 10. 
 
 Thus the righteousness, the perfect righteousness of Jesus is our j 
 clothing ; like gold for its value imd purity ; like wrought gold, being "I 
 the %voik of the life of Jesus, to an exact conformity of the perfect 
 law. - Our inward glory lies in the graces pf the Holy Spirit, in the 
 hidden man of the heart. By tlie former, we have a title to glory; by 
 the latter, we have evidence of interest in, and mcetness lor tiie 
 kingdom. Thus faith's views are struck from the impression of the 
 royal signet of God's word. Woe to licentious lounges, who whould 
 dcjxive the church of her Inivnrd glory and holiness. Woe to those 
 sacrilegious hands of Pharisees, who would strip the church of her 
 glorious robe of imputed righteousness. " For, saith the Lord, I 
 will be inuo licr a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in 
 the midst of her. He that toucheth you touchelh the apple of his 
 eve," Zei'h. ii. 5, 8, ' ~ 
 
MARCH 13. 85 
 
 jigain he I'umteth a certain ddij, saying. To-day, if ye will 
 hear his voice. — Hcb. iv. 7. 
 
 No marvel, that union'j; other devices of siitiin to distress dinners, 
 and cause them to despair of Ciod's mercies in Cmist Jesus, he urt;es 
 tliis ulso ' Your dciy of grace is p^st, the time ol your visitation is 
 ended.' Heixe many poor souls havt been diove lo their wits cud. 
 And have r,ot some preachers been so too, who huve increased such 
 persons' feurs by speaking in a most unscripturai manner on this 
 point ? But such arc the effects of human systems, and tiee-wiil no- 
 tions, with their offers of Christ, their plotters ot grace. 1 heard 
 one declare, < This is the 1; stoifer ; if it is not now uccepied, eternal 
 da:Tination will be the inevitable consequence.' Does tiius preaching- 
 hell and damnation make converts to Jesus ? From such harsh, un- 
 warrantable declarations, tliese unscripLural conclusions have been 
 drawn by sensible sinners, < that they have withstood the oilers of 
 mercy, and their day of grace is for ever ended ; and th-.t there is no 
 place for repentance, though they seek it carefully with tears.' 
 
 Most injurious thoughts of a God of love ! most d shouorable 
 thoughts of precious Jesus 1 Never was any sensible sinner half so 
 willingto be Saved from wrath as Jpsus was to suffer wrath forshiners. 
 Never was any weary, heavy-laden sinner, half so willing to come to 
 Jesus as he is to receive him. « The Lord is long-suffering, not will- 
 ing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,'* 
 2 Pet. iii. 9. Therefore he hath limited a certdn di.y ; the day of 
 gospel-light and salvation ; the day of glad tidings to poor sinners. 
 In the day of his power, his people are made willing to trust to 
 Jesus* blood and righteousness; to come to his feet, claim him as 
 their king, and submit to his laws and government. His voice of 
 grace is first heard in his word : when tliat is believed in the heart, 
 his voice of love is heard in tlie soul. While the gospel is proclaim- 
 ed, God's arms and heart are opened to sinners; the chi^fest and 
 vilest sinners out of hell. His word assures, " the elect have obtain- 
 ed, and the rest were blinded," Rom. xi. 7. — But who blinds them ? 
 Not the God of love. No ; " the God of this world blinds the eyes of 
 those that believe not," 2 Cor. iv. 4.— -.Who hardens tliem ? Not a 
 God of grace ; "but they are hardened tluough the deceiiiulness of 
 sin." O 1 if any sinner's heart is soft and yielding to Jesus' love^id 
 salvation, " this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes,'* 
 How long hath he waited to be gracious to thee ! Remember thy past 
 conduct with shame ; think on thy present state with gratitude ; look 
 forward witli hope ; hear his voice with joy ; come to him with bold- 
 ness ; « v/iJk worthy of the vocation wherewith thou art Ciiiled," Eph. 
 iv. I. 
 
 Vol. I. h 
 
S6 MARCH 14. 
 
 And 710W, Lord, i^'hat ivait I for ? My hope is in thee.-^ 
 Psaiin xxxix. 7. 
 
 What a blessing is inward composure of mind ! How delightful 
 un exercise is waiting upon ll)e Lord I What a profitable privilege is 
 prayer ! How happy the soul whose hope is in God 1 '1 hese are all 
 the sweet attendants upon, and promoted by the grace of faith m 
 Christ Jesus. \A'hiIe that grows strong in the soul, we are more 
 lively aud comfortable. Hence the disciple's petition, "Lord, in- 
 crease our f;uth," is daily needful. Then it is well with tiie soul when 
 it is enabled to make this solemn appeal to its Saviour, ' Thou, Lord, 
 knowest what I long for, what I wait ibr^ even the spiritual blessings 
 '■•f thy kingdom, to be more mwardly transformed into tliine image, 
 lobe more perfectly obedient to thy will, and to obtain a more com- 
 plete victory over my worst foes, sin, sataii, and the world.' 
 
 Verily tlie heavenly-instructed soul knows, that all this is of God 
 hy Jesus Christ; and that the contrary to all this is from the lusts that 
 dwell in liim, and the evils that surround him ; therefore God tjone 
 is his hope. His hope is not in his graces, his feelings, his irtanes 
 his comforts, but in the God of all grace — not in the streams, but 
 in the fountain — not in what he has received, but in the infinite ful- 
 ness which is treasured up in Jesus for the needy. Hope of salva- 
 vation in Jesus is our helmet. Faith guards the heart; hope forti- 
 fies the head ; hence the christian lifts up his head in the day of battle 
 and in the hour of temptation. His head being armed, he dreacis not 
 divine wrath, satan's terrors, nor the law's threateinngs. 
 
 Thou man of God, consult not thy carnal reason; consider not 
 thy body, which is dead, because oi sin ; but know that tht Spu it 
 is life, because of righteousness. Though the law is weak through 
 The flesh, yet grace reigns; and through gospel-grace thou hast 
 great and precious promises to encourage thee to hope confidently ; 
 and the omnipotent power of the Spirit to work in thee, to make 
 thee go on cheerfully, vhile Jesus is tlie stay of thine heart to up- 
 hold and strengthen thee. Fear not ; only believe ; greiiter is Jesus 
 than all thine enemies. "Stronger is h? who is for us, than all that 
 are against us." Verily thou shaltnot be' disv^ppointcd of thy hope, 
 i^.c( ing it is in the Lord. Where Jesus is the object of faith, and the 
 anchor of h«/pe is oast within tlie vail, that soul shall safely and com- 
 fortably wcatjicr out every storm, and shall assuredly obtain the ha- 
 \ >^ii of etcriKil rest. By faith we possess the promises ; hope expects 
 the perfect fulfilment of tliem ; in waiting we renew our strength. 
 
 .\Jy iiiii.luijx flesh htkddy'd -vvitd |;iIl1, \Vaiton tlicl.dfl, je trembling saints. 
 
 Nad tiftt Piv soul Le'.icvM And kcfi> \ our courage up ; 
 
 To «ec lliv fv.nif j)i-ovi.lfc iK.l!ef : He'll raise your si.iilt « lien it faints, 
 
 .Vor vMio I'.-. Ii!-i;.-.if.. , .(v't}. Ar.d far exceed your hope. 
 
.MARCH 15. 87 
 
 Neither pray I for the .^e alone, but for them also that shall 
 believe in me through their xvorii — John xvi. 20. 
 
 What a rich fund of comfort is' here for every believer in the 
 Lamb ! his loving; heart was not contracted, nor his eyes of com- 
 passion confined to tlic little flock now with him ; but he looked for- 
 ward in love, his bowels of lender mercy yearned over, and his inno- 
 cent tongue pleads in behalf of all the tender lambs of his flock, 
 througii all succeeding ages, in every period of time. Yea, ere tliey 
 had a being in the world, or faith in their hearts, they had an interest 
 in Jesus' prayers, for they were given to him by the Father. Me- 
 thhiks one hears some poor doubting member of Jesus, saying, * Ah, 
 if I was but sure my worthless name was written m the Lamb's book 
 of life ; if I could but know his heart of love was towards poor sinful 
 vie ; that I was included in the happy catalogue of those Jesus pray- 
 ed for, O how happy, how joyful should I be I' Here thy Lord has 
 answered thy request. Read it for the joy of thy heart, and for the 
 establishing thy soul in fidth and love. Hast thou heard the apos- 
 tolic trutli, salvation Inj Jcsun Chrint ? Is it glad tidings to thy 
 heart ? Dost thou believe in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour of the 
 lost and guilty, as the only hope, for thy otherwise hopeless soul ? If 
 so, verily thou hast as much reason to conclude Jesus prayed for thee, 
 as though thy name was wrote at lull lengtii in this very petition. 
 Jesus prays for " all Mho shall believe in him tlirough the apostle's 
 word." 
 
 The whole of salvation is sure to all believers, even the weakest 
 of all, from the covenant, from Jesus, from the Spirit, and from the 
 oath md promises of God. Though there is a sea of corruption 
 and sin in thy nature; a world of temp;^tion around thee ; legions of 
 devils in battle-array against thy i>oor soul ; yet as tliou hast the faith 
 of God's elect in thine heart, be it ei'er so weak, thou art possessed 
 of a precious jewel, which is the inestimable gift of God's holy Spirit. 
 And verily, as sure as Jesus prayed this prayer unto his Father on 
 earth, thou, even thou, wast in his all-seeing eye ; hadst a phcc in 
 his loving heart, and hast an interest in his finished salvation : there- 
 fore be assured tliou shalt most ccrUiinly be brought -to giory, to as- 
 cribe salvation tQ Go<l and the Lamb, through the happy, happy ages 
 of a never-ending eternity. For so is the righteous ciiuilenge of oui- 
 Saviour, « Father I w///tliat they also whom thou hast given me, be 
 with me where I am, that they may beholdmy giory," ver. 24. 
 
 He lives '.' he lives ! and sits above. Faith has .an overcoming pow'r, 
 
 Tor ever interceding there ; It triumphs in a (lying hour ; 
 
 Who shall flivide iis from Christ's love, Christ is our life, onr joy, our liope, 
 
 Or what shall tempt us to despair ? Nor can we sink with such a prop. 
 
88 MARCH 16. 
 
 / will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from -whence cometh my 
 help — Piulm cxxi. I. 
 
 The niosl coniforUr.g subject to a spiritual mind, the most de- 
 lightful object to u spiiiiUcii eye, is '^ God in Chnst, rtcoiiciied to 
 us, not imputing trespasses unto us." Tiie liilis atibrd us a pleas- 
 ing idea of Jc-sus. As they are elevated p^^rts ot he Same eai'ih with 
 the lowest v.ilky, so Ji-^sus ' w^s found iu the fushion us u man, look 
 on him tlic suine n;;iurc, and w; s in ail tilings iike unto his bieiliien, 
 sin only excepted." Wherefore " God hutli lugniy exaiiea nim, and 
 given him a name above every name," Phil. ii. y, even the prcciuus 
 name Jt^un^ the Suviour We can never uweh loo mucii upon the 
 human from and humbie appi;arance of Jesus, while we entertain the 
 most exalted ide.iS of his eternal power and Godhead. " He bore 
 our shis, and Ci.n led our sorrows ; ah our htip is laid upon liini ; all 
 our hope is ii! him ; and our htip cometii tiomhim. Antl tor the 
 encouragement of faith, his worci assures ut. oi his iove lowarUs sin- 
 ners, and his power to heip them. 
 
 Soldiers ol Christ, what is your chief business on earth but to glo- 
 rify God ? What your daily work, but "to hght the good hgnt of 
 faith, and to lay hold on eternal life ?" Tins is our caiiing ; tlie 
 light of another day is vouchs.itd us. But whither can we turn our 
 eyes, but encrnics surround us on every bide i Yea, from within as 
 well as from without. And cMi we experience saleiy, or waik in 
 comfort, but while our eyes are up to Jesus ? He is entered into 
 heaven "to appear in the presence of God for us," Heb. ix. 24. 
 He says to us, " Look unto ;wf, and be ye savtu," Isa. xlv. 22. 
 
 The sight of sin that dweileth in us causeth dejection; looking tp 
 our own righteousness and fancied excellence, begets pride and \An 
 confidence; tlic power and subtilty of that malicious spirit, "the 
 prince of the power of the air," is enough to make one tremble. 
 This present evil world, with its honors, profits and pleasures, is ex- 
 actly suited to our carnal nature. Wiio can wiihstaiid its smiles, re- 
 nounce its carnal children, and be^r their reproaches I Who is proof 
 against these potent adversaries? Verily, with all knowietige received, 
 all inherent grace, all past experience, we shallnot be able to stand 
 if we are not continually lifting up our eyes " lookuig to Jesus ;" he 
 only is our present help. We are kept by his mighty power to sal- 
 vatioQ^; but let us remember it is through Christ's exalting y«u>i, 
 1 Pet. i. 5. 
 
 To lie.iv'n I lift my wniting e\ es ; Dear Saviour, let me find thy help. 
 
 There all my hopes ai«; laifl ; On tlicc my hope I pl.iee. 
 
 The LoiyI that hnih the curtli aiiU bkic?. So shall [ fjj;ht the f.-lit of faith, 
 
 Ii my pcrjictuHl aid And run wiUi joy jiiy raee. Jtf. 
 
MARCH 17. 89 
 
 Let your speech he always with grace, seasoned xvith salt, 
 that ye may know how ye oui^lit to answer ev^jry m.n, 
 — Coi. iv. 6. 
 
 " There shall not iin hoof he left behind," said meek Moses to 
 the stubborn monarch. All that beioiigLd lo God's clmdrca must 
 go with them for his service, bo me whole lUcdi ; soul with ml its 
 faculties, body with all its members, Jesus ciuuiis lor i»is giory and 
 service. Tlie tongue, tiiough but a luue member i words, tnough 
 but as wind ; speech, though but as souhO ; yet the iiume, the work, 
 the love, the glory of Jesus are hereby gie^iuy udvaucea in the world. 
 As'salt not only preserves from putrcii^ctiun, but Svasons llesh with 
 :in agreeable flavor and relish, so cioih grace in the iieartthe speech. 
 To a heart warm with the love of Jesus, and aiive to his gloiy, 
 why is the vidn conversation of Cunial company so disagreeuUie ? 
 1 ruly the christiim is out of his element. He tears getUiig Harm. 
 An embargo is laid on his tongue, L is his glory to shun rather 
 than seek such company. If tlirough conaectioas m iifc he cannot 
 totally refrahi from such company, it is his wisdom to restrain his 
 speech: " To keep his mouth with a bridle while the wicked is beiorc 
 him, than he sin not with his tongue." Bui always to season his 
 speech, by the grace of Jesus, to the glory of his name. 
 
 But wdien saints meet, what should be the end of their conversation 
 but Jesus ? The free favor of God in him to poor sinners: the glorious 
 doctrines of grace in Christ : tlieir perfect consistency and blessed 
 tendency : the comfortable work of grace from Jesus upon our own 
 souls ; how began, carried on, and how it is with us now : these 
 should ever be our delightful subjects. But this by no means to 
 catch applause, as though we were not iif ourselves poor sinners, 
 hanging upon, and hoping in Jesus from day to day. The precious 
 promises of grace in Christ Je&us, how immulable and establishing I 
 The salvation of grace by Jesus, how unconditional and absolutely 
 certain to every believer ! Conversing on such subjects, how savoury 
 and relishing ! Speech thus seasoned, how becoming and profitable 
 to gracious hearts ! When it is not so, it is a sad sign thai the soul 
 is like salt that has lost its savour, and calls for great searchings of 
 heart. " For every one shall be salted with fire, and every saciifice 
 sail be salted with salt," Mark ix. 49. 
 
 Tlien while I am a pil,^rim here. Lord, warm my lieart, unloose mj toiigwc, 
 
 Wli«t should my tongue employ To tell tliy woii'l'rous fame. 
 
 Biit God's free grace and Christ's rich No subject is so sw cet to mc 
 
 love, As thou, my loving Lamh. M . 
 Poor sixiacr*' cUief«st joy. 
 
gQ MARCH 18. 
 
 This is the name xvhereunth she shall be called, The Lord 
 
 cur righteousness. — Jcr. xxxiu. .16. 
 Before days began or years were numbered, in the book of 
 God's election were all the members of Jesus written, '' which in 
 continuance were fashioned when as yet there was none of them," 
 Psalm cxxxix. 16. God's electing love would have remcOiiea an 
 eternal secret to us had not the Spirit of truth made it known. But 
 as it is revealed in the world, it is an object of our taitli ; and it ever 
 will be Uie subject of glorying and triumph to those who possess the 
 foith of God's elect ; for faith is a blessed evidence, that '' God haUi 
 chosen them in Christ before the foundation oi the world," Eph. i. 4. 
 Was the man Jesus, God the Father's " elect, in wnom ms soul 
 dellghteth?" Isa. xlii. 1. So are all his members; loved with the 
 same love as the head. God gave not the Spirit by measure unto 
 Jesus, the glorified head of the church ; but every member receives 
 the Spirit through Jesus, "according to the measure ot the gilt of 
 Christ," Eph. iv. 7. ^ 
 
 Unspeakably glorious, distinguishing grace 1 This is the rcjoicu- 
 of simple-hearted, believing souls: they are beloved and chosen by 
 God the Father, and partake of the same Spirit with Jesus: yea, 
 and are also called by the same nsme with Jesus. Is Christ called 
 « T/,c Lord our righteousness .?" Jer. xxiii. 6. So the church, the 
 Lamb's wife, being married in faith and love, she is called by the 
 verv same name with her Lord and husband. The Lord our righccous- 
 ness. But some render the words, ' He that shall cull her, to be a 
 peculiar people to himself, is the Lord our riglueousness.' Then 
 he clothes them with the glorious robe of his own righteousness. 
 Then his name is called upon them, for they are one with Jesus. 
 
 Angels wonder, saints aibuire. O ye rightcnis, how astonishing 
 is th.is! Ye, who by nature are children of wrath ! ye, who by practice 
 have been rebels and transgressors from the womb ! yet exaltea by 
 Jesus to. such an high aiKV glorious state. Amazing love ! ye can 
 never, never enough dwell upon the Father's love, the Son's grace, 
 and the Spirit's vocation. Glorious days of gospel light and love ! 
 Wiiilc others ai-e left wretched in nature's pride, free-will boast, and 
 self-riH.tcous glorving, ve not only may, but s/iall be saved by free- 
 grace truth— ve sfmll dwell safely ; for God your Father's jusdcc 
 ts satisfied, his law is fulli'lled, your enemies are all conquered, God 
 is at peace with you : What then can harm you ? for " as the moun- 
 tains arc round about Jc-rusalem, .so Jehovah is round about his peo- 
 ple, from hcnccfortli even for ever," Ps;dm crriv. 2. 
 
MARCH 19. 91 
 
 Look to yourselves, that we lose 7Wt those t/ilngs xve have 
 ■wrought, but that we receive a full reward. — 2 John v. 8. 
 
 The salvalion "of God's people is certain, by his imnni table 
 love. Their safety depends on his almighty power ; their confidence 
 and glorying is in the finished work of Jesus ; and tlieir comforts are 
 enjoyed from tlie Spirit's testimony of the Saviour to their hearts ; 
 as having loved, redeemed, and saved tliem as lost, guilty, and per- 
 ishing sinners. The clearer views we have of this truth, so much 
 tlie more do we cleave to Jesus. As our faith increases our comforts 
 ar<; strengthened ; and this is tlic evidence of a gracious heart ; the 
 comforts of love ever excite .to care and circumspection in life and 
 practice. A glimpse of Jesus begets longing after more' comfortable 
 enjoyment of him : so also a holy jealousy of soul, lest what is gain- 
 ed should be lost in sense and enjoyment. While surrounded by 
 false teachers, exposed to unscriptural doctrines, beset by a subtle 
 adversary, and so nearly allied to corrupt lusts and carnal reasonings, 
 we are ever in danger of losing sight of free-grace truths, gospel- 
 love, and the finished salvation of Jesus, so as to be moved away 
 from the hope of the gospel, and to mal;e shipwreck of faith and a 
 good conscience. Gospel trutlis and gospel grace give spring to 
 action, life to obedience, are the sources of encouragement to perse- 
 vere in the path of truth ar«d holiness. Wluit thanks are due to the 
 loving Spirit for this wholesome advice ! How much concerned 
 should we be daily to improve it ! Look to yourselves, see your 
 danger, your vileness, your weakness ; look up to Jesus for safety 
 and strength. Blessed be the God we serve, he is not unrighteous 
 to forget our works of faith, patience of hope, and labour of love- 
 We enjoy his reward in our work, though not for our work. No : 
 let Jesus have all that glory. Slill the more work, the more suffer- 
 ings for his siikc, so much the more reward ; of just debt to him, 
 of rigliteous grace to us. O how apt are we to pine and grieve at the 
 loss of a Uttle shining dust ! O should not the loss of light, liberty, 
 love, peace and joy in Jesus, infinitely more aiTect us 1 
 
 Would we avoid sorrov.ful complaints of loss ? Are we solicitous 
 to rejoice in present gain, and in hope of a future full reward t 
 " Therefore, my brethren, be stcdfast, unmoveabJe, always abound- 
 ing in the work of'thc Lord ; forasmuch as ye knoAv your hJjour is 
 not in vain m the Loid," 1 Cor. xv. 58. 
 
 Soni»9 of immoi-tal praise belong To fear tl»y pow "r, to tnist liiy grace. 
 
 To my almighty Cod ; Is our tr^ iiie'-t skill ; 
 
 He lias my hoai-t and h« mr tongwe, AjuI he's the » istst of our race 
 
 To spread Va nniQ- alroaJ. Thbt best obejs thy v,\\\. 
 
92 MARCH 26. 
 
 Thr/ words were found, and I did eat them; andthyword 
 ivas unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart ; for I 
 am called by thy name^ Lord God of hosts.'-^l^r, 
 XV. 16. 
 
 That is a sweet petition in the service of the church of England; 
 < Grant, O Lord, that we may not only hear, read, mai'k, and learn, 
 but inwardly digest the holy scriptures.' As soon as the Lord hath 
 fulfilkd this prayer upon any poor sinner, then Jt sus is the hope of 
 his soul ; he esteems the scriptures as liis daily food, the doctrines 
 of grace are the joy and rejoicing of his heart ; and he will love and 
 attend such prophets of the Lord, who have also " found God's words 
 and have eat them." 
 
 Glory to our loving shepherd, he finds his sheep scattered and 
 starving upon the barren mountains, he leads them to green pastures 
 of gospel-grace and love : there they feed and lie down beside the 
 still waters of peace and salvation. And this heightens every com- 
 fort, and improves every joy, even an inward testimony : " I am. 
 called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts." How happy, when 
 minister or disciple is able, in simplicity and godly shicerity to make 
 this appeal, " Ihou hast culled me." '1 hou, Jcliovah, who rudest 
 over the armies of angels and arch-angcls, and all the heavenly host, 
 thou hast condescended to make known thy name, thy grace, thy 
 salvation to me, even wretched me. I hear thy voice, I know thy 
 voice ; I feel desires after thee ; my heart thinks of thee with plea- 
 sure and delight; I find an hungering and thirsting within mc., 
 which nothing but thy blessed self can satisfy ; I emi grieved when I 
 offend thee ; only hi>ppy when thy love and presence are enjoyed, 
 and am concerned that I enjoy them no more. This is heaven below. 
 Feeding upon the word of truth increases desires after Jesus, the 
 object of faith. So also the sovil becomes dead to the life of sense, 
 the intrusions of sin, the allurements of the world, and tlie baits of 
 satan. Happy those in whom the word of Christ dwells richly in all 
 wisdom. H>.ppy those in whom Christ dwells in their hearts by 
 faith. O soul, hast thou an appetite to eat thy Bible, to feed upon it, 
 to digest it ? Is it " health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones ?" 
 O then thou art blessed with the most exquisitely delicate taste. A 
 poor sailor was lately cast away, l6st his all, was almost naked. The 
 finit half crown he got he enquired where to make a purchase— of 
 what think you ? O what was dearest to his heart — a Bible. Blessed 
 evidence of a christian. 
 
 Thp volntneofthy Fa Tier's gi-ace may th} counsels, mighty God, 
 
 Doifi all m- tjricfs aasuaRe, ]SFy l-o\iiig feet command ! , 
 
 rioi-e I behold my Saviour's face Nor 1 forsake llie happy road. 
 
 AliaostincvVy page. That loads to tliv ridit hand- 
 
MARCH 21. 93 
 
 Te are Christ^s, and Christ is God's. — 1 Cor. iii. 23. 
 
 St. Paul ransacks heaven and eavtli, time and eternity, to make 
 up the christian's rich catalogue of mercies. But, as though the 
 utmost stretch of thought, of men or angels, might omit some part 
 of the believer's treasure; and lest any thing should be found wanting 
 for support and comfort to any needy soul, he twice repeats '' yJll 
 thi7igs are yours." Believer, wouldst thou know thy title ? VVouldst 
 thou enc[uire, Whence is it the Lord should consign such iniiumera- 
 ble blessings, such infinitely rich mercies to us I Whereas one thing 
 we know, we feci daily we arc sinners to tliis very hour. And will 
 noT this prevent the right to possession, and the freedom of enjoy- 
 ment ? No : justice and wisdom conspire to take away this and every 
 objection. The medium of commtuiication is such, that neither rea- 
 son, laAv, nor equity can gc.insay. 
 
 Dwell on this point ; look up to the Spirit of truth, to establish 
 faith, strengthen hope, increase love, and promote joy. " Ye are 
 Christ's," by spetial gift; his dear purchase, and his precious reward. 
 We have all in him by rich love, peculiar grace, free gift, and pre- 
 cious promises. Precious faith is tlie blessed evidence of interest 
 and propriety in this blessed inventory. But how came faith ? From 
 hearing the word of God. From whom came the word ? By the 
 Spirit of truth, who also gives faith. Why is the Spirit given ? Be- 
 cause Jesus is glorified. Wherefore came Jesus to seek and save 
 the lost ? The Father loved us, and gave his Son for us. Wl;y did 
 the Father love us ? It was " the good pleasure of his will, according 
 to which he chose us, in Christ Jesus, before the foundation of the 
 world : predestinated us to the adoption of children, and blessed us 
 with all spiritual blessings in him," Eph..i. 3, 4, 5, Hence, U be- 
 liever, how clear thy title ! how certaii» thy possession ! 
 
 " Christ is God's," God's beloved Son ; so art thou in him. Christ 
 is God's gift for thee, God's gift to thee, and thou to him. Thou 
 enjoyest all in him, and receivest all from him. Canst thou ever want 
 food for faith, a source of love, a fountain of holiness, or a spring of 
 consolation ? What have we done, or what could we do to get an 
 interest in Christ, or procure a right to such heavenly treasures ? 
 Verily we have done enough to forfeit, but nothing to deserve them. 
 Know this and be humbled ; consider this and l)e joyful in love : " All 
 things are of God, who halh reconciled us to himself by Jesu-s 
 Christ," 2 Cor. v. 18. 
 
 I cbiim my title in my Head, How blessed is my present state ? 
 
 Faith is my evidence. Immensely rich am I : 
 
 All things are mine, for I am Christ's, Christ is my life-— death is my gain ! 
 
 Howe'er oppos'd'by seitse. I soon shall reign oc high. Mi 
 
 Vol.. I. M 
 
94 MARCH 22. 
 
 77?^ Maker is thi?te husband. — Isa. liv. 5. 
 
 .LL p.i.a-iiagcs uic, or ouglit to be, founded in mutual love be-* 
 tn'cen tb.e contracting parties. This is the chief ingredient to i:ro- 
 ducc happiness in the conjugal state. Where that is wanting, truo 
 covnlort is not enjoyed. When a person oi noble birth and great for- 
 tuiif marries a wonicm poor in circumstances, and involved in debt, 
 wc justly conclude he chose her out of pure love and affection to 
 her person : and surely such an one is under the most endearing ob- 
 ligations to love and chastity. She can never call to mind hei for- 
 mer indigent state and her present affluent circumstances, but it must 
 tend to infltime her with the most ardent affection to her husband. 
 
 This is somewhat the case between Christ and his church. Pure 
 love in the heart of the heavenly bridegroom caused him to betroth 
 his church unto himself, in loving kindness. Though she was in the 
 most abject state and despicable condition, yet he secretly loved her 
 person from eternity, and openly espoused every member in time of 
 conversion, one by one. So saith St. Paul, " I have espoused you to 
 one husband, Christ," 2 Cor. xi. 2. 
 
 Canst thou, O believer, call to mind thy natural state of poverty 
 and distress; over head and ears in debt ; writs issued from the law, 
 which justice might have executed : liable every moment to be cast 
 into prison, where thou must have lain everlastingly with nothing 
 but rags, filthy rags, to hide thy shame and cover thy nakedness ? 
 Canst thou think of this without humility ? Anc| dost thou now see 
 the kindness iaid love of thine husband ? Has he paid all thy debts, 
 cancelled every bond, put in a plea against every accusation, and 
 perfectly fulfilled the hoi y law, and satisfied divine justice ? Art thou 
 "blessed with all spiritual blessings" in thine husband — enriched 
 with heavenly treasures ? Hath he " clothed thee with the garments 
 of salvation," and adonied thee with " tlie robe of his righteousness ?" 
 and doth God thy Father si.y of thee, "Thou art all fair, my love ; I 
 sec no spot in thee ?" Cant. iv. 7. 
 
 (3 what purity of affection 1 what ardency of love ! what chastity 
 of behaviour is due to such a lover, to such ai> husband ! Christ took 
 thee at first "for better, for worse ;" his love to thee is ever the 
 same, affectionate and constant : full of complacency and delight : 
 sympathizing with thy troubles; ever nourishing and cherishing thee 
 hc^e. Shortly the I.ani'o will in the most open and public miuiner ap- 
 pear as the biidcgroom of his church, and celebrate the marriage in 
 a blissful eternity. O then it shall be said, " Let us be glad and re- 
 joice, and give honoi- to him, for the m: rriage of the Lamb is come 
 und his wife hath made herself ready," Rev. xix. 7. 
 
MARCH 23. 95 
 
 Jesus said. One thing is needful —Luke x. 42. 
 
 Thk disposition and currit.tre of the sisters, Mcirthu and Muiy, 
 much resemble the different desires and actings of the flesli u.icl spuit, 
 of which every christian is composed The flesh, like MunJ..., is 
 careful and troubled about many tliinjjs: it is ever restless ui.d uric«sy; 
 always in want ; seldom satisfied ; never tiuly h;;ppy. But ilie spirit 
 hath chose that good part, that one thing needful : it is truly wise in 
 its choice, qmte satisfied in its object,and truly happy m its enioyii;unt. 
 Thus it is while the christian is under the prevailing hiflu.nce of 
 this one thPng needful. One thing, the enjoyment of God, was our 
 fir^t parent's paradise. A thirst after, and eiijoymeni of two things 
 (the knowledge of evil as well as good) caused all theii- yoe, and 
 made them miserable : and it is tlie knowledge of the formeV which 
 keeps all their posterity under the sad circumstances they arc fallen 
 into, till they are brought to know the one thing needfui. Whit is 
 this but the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ ? This was the great 
 apostie's continual prayer, ^' That I may know him." 1 his was what 
 Mary was happy in the enjoyment of, and what our Lord himself 
 commends her for, and calls that good part, wliich shall never be 
 taken away. 
 
 This one thing comprehends all wisdom, holiness, and happiness. 
 To know Jesus, is to believe in him. To believe on him, is co love 
 him ; and to love him, is to keep his commandments. In every sta- 
 tion, in all seasons, and under eveiy circumstance, this one thii.g, 
 tliis knowledge of Jesus, is ever needful, ever seasonable. Doth the 
 christian enjoy health ? This knowledge joins to heaiili of body, peace 
 and joy of soul. Is he in sickness ? To know Jesus is the ricliest 
 cordial, the most reviving draught to his soul. Is he tenipted ? 
 What consolation is it to know Jesus was in all things tenipted, tiiat 
 he mighty succour the tempted ? Doth sin distress ? Doth ihe law 
 condemn ? O, the soul who knows Jesus, can boldly challenge, 
 '< Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect ?" He can 
 confidently declare, " there is no condemnation to them." Does 
 death, the king of terrors, affright him \ By the knowledge of Jesus 
 he is disarmed of his strength and sting ; which is the -law ojid sin. 
 So that, O soul, thou mayest take up this triuniphant chailvnge 
 against the last enemy, " O death, where is thy sting ? O i^rave, 
 where is thy victory r" I have all things, and abound in this one 
 ihing : I have Christ my Saviour found. 
 
 On earth wc want the si«;ht And when we taslc thy love. 
 Of our Redeemei-'s face. Our joys divincl; grow 
 
 Yet, Loi-d, our inmost thoughts deligUt Uiisixakublc, liketliosc abovCj 
 To dwell upon thy grace. Aud heai'n begius below 
 
96 MARCH 24. 
 
 Md Moses said unto the people. Fear not; for God is 
 
 come to prove you, and that his fear may he before your 
 
 faces, that ye sin not. — Exod. xx. 20. 
 
 Pride and self-confidence are deeply rooted in the human heart. 
 False hopes are built on self-righteous pleas. By these the heart is 
 blinded to the exceeding sinfulness of sin ; hardened against the fear 
 and dread of the Lord ; and such live in rebellion against the truth 
 as in Jesus. Like Paul, we are all naturally alive without the law ; 
 and, with the Israelites of old, arc ready to say, " All that the Lord 
 Jiath spoken we will do," Exod, xix. 8. Alas ! poor souls utter 
 such words of ignorance and pride, when, like the disciples on the 
 mount, « they know not what they say." But whom the Lord loves, 
 he proves. The Lord is a jealous God ; he will suffer no flesh to 
 glory in his presence ; nor shall his dear children live without his 
 fear, and a holy hatred of pride and sin ; therefore tliey must go out 
 of their tents of vain confidence. 
 
 When the I^ord discovers himself in glory and majesty, as a holy, 
 sin-avenging God ; when the law, in its holy, just, and righteous 
 demands is revealed in the conscience, it makes the stoutest heart to 
 tremble : it fills the guilty, self-accused sinricr with fear and horror, 
 and then " sin revives, and he dies" — dies to all his former false 
 hopes. Yea, and he would, if left to his own dreadful apprehensions, 
 fly from God, and sink into black despair, and die without iiope. But 
 the dear Mediator is ever near, and prevents this : he speaks in love, 
 "Fear not." This dispensation is not to <lcstroy your soul, but to 
 kill your vain hopes — to prove and to try you — to shew you what is 
 in you : that you may be dead to the law, be alive to God by a better 
 hope, through the faith of nie your Jesus. So fear the Lord with a 
 loving fear, as to die to sin. Thunders of wrath, terrible peals of 
 curses arc sometimes necessary to be heard -in the conscience; they 
 fulfil God's will. The bleak north wind of the law kills the vermin 
 of nature ; while the warm, comforting south wind of the gospel 
 cherishes and enlivens the seeds of grace. 
 
 Thus the Spiiit humbles proud hearts, revives contrite spirits, en- 
 dears Christj who hath endured the curse's we have deserved, and 
 embitters sin to believing, penitent souls. " Lo, all these things 
 workcth God oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the 
 pit, to be enlightened A\illi tlie light of the living," Job xxxiii. 29, 30.. 
 
 The law discovers giiiU and sin, jNfy soul, no more attempt todr.i* 
 
 A nd shews how vile our hearts have been : 'i hy life and comfort from the law ; 
 
 Only the (gospel can express I'ly lo the hope the gospel gives ; 
 
 Porgiviiig love, and cjiansing ^rnrr-. The man that trirslte fl^c pi-OMa^sp UvM'- 
 
MARCH 25. 97 
 
 Knowing, thatshortly I must put ojf this 7ny tabernacle, even 
 as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed rue. — 2 Pet. i. 14. 
 
 Nothing but the life of Jesus, manifest in our flesh, can recon- 
 «ile us to death. This, and this only, delivers from the fears of 
 death, disarms it of its sting, and iortities the mind with the 
 kiiowledge of complete victory over the king of terrors, " through 
 him who hath loved us." Consltuit converse with Jesus makes death 
 familiar. So we learn to die daily ; so the spiritual, inuiiortal life 
 of the soul triumphs over tlie sensual, mortal iife of the body. The 
 happy spirit, in some highly-favored seasons, is so lar from fearing 
 und trembling at the body's dissolution, that it rejoices, and even 
 longs to beset at liberty from its imprisoned state ; it pants with 
 desires after its beloved, and says, "Come, Lord Jesiis, come 
 quickly :" It wants 
 
 To clap its glad wings and tow'r away. 
 And mingle with eternal day. 
 
 How sweet to live in such a friuue 1 how desirable ! how daily and 
 earnestly to be sought for ! That when ti\e frail body is attacked 
 with any sickness, the soul may ask, with great serenity, in the 
 words of John Baptist to Jesus, " Art thou he r" Is this disorder to 
 put the finishing stroke to all my trials and griefs ? " or must I look 
 for another ?" When a little child of mine saw a beggar ragged and 
 deformed,' it ran into my arms, and cried, ' O papa, save me from 
 that frightful man !' O, thought I, that in the views of death, may 
 I ever thus, with boldness and familiarity, run to the arms of Uiy 
 heavenly Father, 
 
 All men know they must die. They confess this. But the tl<oughts 
 of it are irksome. Believers in Jesus only, have a peculiar knowledge 
 of death, so as to dwell on the thought, that it will come shortly, 
 with satisfaction, hope, and comfort. Jesus hath shcAved them this. 
 From him " the righteous hath hope in his death," Prov. xiv. 32. 
 
 Is it in vain then, the Saviour saith, " Forsake all, take up tliy 
 cross, follow me?" No: it verily is for the profit and the peace of tiic 
 soul. For the more steadfastly we are attached to, and eagerly pursue 
 the things of this life, so much the more we are loth to die. ^Ve 
 fcar the approach, and tremble at the very apprehension of the 
 unwelcome messenger. All this is, because the objects of time and 
 sense cloud our minds, and darken our views of the victorious Jesus, 
 his perfect work and finished salvation for us. Only while Jesus is 
 embraced in the amis of faith, tlie soul can say, vvith Simeon, -'Lord, 
 now Icttestthou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, 
 for mine eyes have seen thy solvation," Luke ii, 29, 30. 
 
 Will death this Imdy soon destroy \ Then shall I live a joyful lifV, 
 
 O yes ! I wait the coming hour : Fiom sin and sonow ever free. 
 
 ^yiiat then ? my Lord will r.aise it up may I !or)g the hapjiy hour, 
 
 Againj by liis ahuighty pow'r. For ever wiih my Lord to be ! M 
 
98 MARCH 26. 
 
 T/iat rf'pentance and remission of sins should be preached 
 in his name among all nations, — Luke xxv. 47. 
 
 This is God's method of saving sinners by Jesus Christ. Those 
 who know the preciousness of Christ, have a regard to the glory of 
 God, and love for immortal souls, make this the rule of their pifcach- 
 ing ; for this doctrine, where it is known and experiencca in the 
 heart, makes a true christian. Evangelical repentance flowb irom 
 a seeing eye, a hearing ear, and an understanding heart ; cuid is an 
 evidence tmd effect of gospel-faith. To see the evil nature and dread- 
 ful c fleets of sin, its punishment in tlie sufferings of Jesus, to hear 
 the curses and condemnation of the law against sinners, its dreadful 
 thunders and menaces in the conscience ; to understand in the heart 
 that nothing but the blood of Jesus could atone for the guilty, none 
 but he could fulfil the perfect demands of a holy law for the unright- 
 eous ; this humbles the soul, cuts off false hopes, lays it low m self- 
 abasement before Jehovah, causes it to cry out, " 1 am the man, the 
 sinner I, who am cursed by law, exposed to wrath, and deserve hell. 
 I mourn without hope in myself; I hear of Jesus, the Saviour of 
 sinners ; I turn to him for hope and salvation. Sin has destroyed me. 
 Jesus save, or I perish." 
 
 This repentance Jesus is exalted to give. This makes a proud 
 sinner humble. Remission of sins makes a poor sinner a happy 
 saint. Hath Christ obtained remission of sins by his blood" ? hath he 
 commanded this should be preached in his name ? is he exalted to 
 give it ? hath he brought the poor sinner, by his Spirit, to his feet 
 to sue for it ? and will he refuse to make the soul happy in the sense 
 of it ? Never, never, let such a thought be indulged by any poor 
 sensible sinner. We read no such hard lines in his word. We find 
 no such dejecting views from his life and death. The doctrme he 
 prescribed is a lively transcript of all that was. in his loving heart. 
 
 Be assured, O soul, there shall be a performance of all things that 
 are promised of the Lord, to him that believeth. The same Jesus 
 who gives the soul the humbling view of itself, and by repentance, to 
 turn to him, will give it the rejoicing knowledge of himself, by the 
 remission of sins, through faith in his blobd. Repeutiuice and re- 
 mission of sins arc joined together in preaching : tliey can never be 
 separated in the hc;U-t. So sure as repenttmce is given to any soul 
 by the Spirit of Jesus, that soul is forgiven, through the blood of 
 Jesu'S, by God the Father. 
 
 Blest is the man to whom the Lord With deep rciieiilancc w ell agree : 
 
 Iiu|«ites not his iMii|niLie.s ; And Join to prove his faith sincere. 
 
 He [.leads no merit of reward. 
 And not on works, hut grace relics. 
 
 ^'ronj K'lllohis heart and life are fre(d ; While a hright cviilcnce of grace 
 
 His humble joy, his holy fcnr, Tliro' his whole life appears aud sliia^S ! 
 
 How glorious is that righteousness 
 That liides and cancels all our sin* ! 
 
MARCH 27. 99 
 
 Whereupon, king Agrippa, I xvas not disobedient unto 
 the heavenly vision. — Acts xxvi. 19. 
 
 One is sometimes called to bear testimony before unbelievers 
 of the hope that is in one<. It is difficult to speak of the manifestation 
 of Christ to the heart, so that the Saviour alone may i)e exalted and 
 glorified. Somewhat of self naturally creeps into the relation. , It 
 is very pleasing to nature, to be esteemed as one highly favoured, 
 and to have made great atlahiments in Christianity. O tliat single 
 letter, with great sound, I ! But it was farthest from the heart of 
 Paul, that eminent champion for free-grace salvation, to give the 
 least encouragement from his conversion to any fellow-sinner to talk 
 of obedience to God's call, or faithfulness to his grace, as conditions 
 of salvation. The soul of that man of God would be fii-od with a 
 holy zeal for his master's glory, was he now on earth, to hear his 
 language abused, imd his meaning perverted, by the pride of men. 
 Men of self-righteous principles oppose the truths of the gospel ; 
 deny God's unconditional election, unmerited love, the finished 
 salvation of Jesus, and its being sure to ail his seed, through the 
 sovereign application of the Lord the Spirit. To what end ? Truly 
 to make way for their unscriptural notions of terms and conditions 
 of salvation. They dare proudly and arrogantly teach, that obedience 
 to Jesus is the condition of salvation. Will they not also say, that 
 when Jesus called, " Lazarus come forth," his rising up was a con- 
 dition of his being restored to life ? How hard for pride to forsake 
 the human heart ! 
 
 Paul was favoured with an extraordinary vision from the Lord 
 Jesus from heaven, to call him to be his faithful servant. Obedient 
 hearts arc caused by effectual calls. But after Paul had laboured 
 more abundantly than all the rest of the apostles, what was his 
 glorying ? « Yet not I, but the grace of God, striving (says he) 
 according — to what ? my power ? my ability ? No — to his working, 
 which worketh in me mightily," Col. i. 29. O here is a blessed 
 pattern, a profitable lesson of humility set before us ! Hath Jesus 
 appeared to us in the vision of faith by the word of truth ? Halh he 
 effectually called us to believe in his name, and to rejoice in his sal- 
 vation ? What shall we say, but fall upon the bended knees of our 
 hearts, and in warmest gratitude of soul, adore grace, rich, free, 
 sovereign, distinguishing grace ! Have we been, and do we still con- 
 tinue obedient to the heavenly vision ? What then ? shall we sacri- 
 fice to our own net, and burn incense to our own drag, an.d say, 
 Because of my obedience, my faithfulness ? God forbid 1 for this is 
 only grace upon grace. If we have obtiiined grace to be faithful, the 
 comfort is ours ; but all the glory is due to the giver. " Lord, thou 
 wilt ordain peace for us." Why ? "for thou ha?t wroun;ht all our 
 works inns," Isa. K^cvi. 12. 
 
100 MARCH 28. 
 
 llien shall we know, if %ve follow on to know the Lord: 
 hs gomg forth is prepared as the morm?ig; and he shall 
 come unto iis as the rain ; as the latter and former rain 
 unto the earth. — Hosea vi. 3. 
 
 Hearts of disciples enjoy sweet fellowship in the truth. Hence 
 they mutually help aiid encourage each oiher's taiih. The Saviour 
 loves to have it so. He blesses them, and manifests himself to 
 tliem in this way. So it was with the disciples after his crucifixion 
 and death. They resorted together, and communed with each other ; 
 and Jesus, though unknown to them at first, joined company with 
 them, expounded the scriptures to thorn, opened their understarid- 
 ings ; and they said one to another, '' Did not our hearts burn within 
 us as he talked with us by the way ?" Sec. Luke xxvi. 32. 
 
 So the true disciples of the Old Testament church exhort one 
 another in faith. " We shall know, we shall follow on to kriow the 
 Lord." So the words may be rendered. Those who know a little 
 of Jesus' love, and are but just brought acquainted witli his free- 
 grace and salvation, shall hold on their way. Knowledge, light, 
 peace, and love shall increase to their souls, through that Spirit by 
 whom they arc regenerated and born again. Though at first they 
 are but " babes in Christ, yet, through the milk of the word, they 
 shall grow and increase, with the increase of God.'' The going- 
 forth of the love of Jesus towards us, is as the morning. At the 
 dawn of day, light is scarce discernible : it sccn[is opposed by sur- 
 rounding darkness, yet it gradually increases till the sun gahis its 
 meridian. So " the path of the just shincth more and more unto the 
 perfect day." 
 
 The sun never forsakes the earth, tliough at seasons its light and 
 heat seem withdrawn in comfort and enjoyment. Thus it is with 
 tlie sun of righteousness ; he shall also " come unto us as the rain," 
 to rcfesh, enliven, and make our souls, fruitful in knowledge, peace, 
 love, and holiness ; yea, as " the latter and former rain." In the 
 land "of Israel, they had usually two rains in a year, one just after the 
 seed was sown, the other when the corn was: almost ripe, and the 
 liarvcst just at hand. Sometimes, just after the seed of eternal life 
 is sown in the heaits of young converts (O what joyful, refreshing- 
 seasons of love and joy arc they favoured with !) their " hearts arc 
 fiUdd with laughter, and Ihcir tongues with joy." Others experience 
 the most plentiful showers of heart-reviving love, just as the sickle- 
 is to cut them down, that they may be gathered in to the heavenly 
 garner. Our heavenly husl)andmaivkuows best what seasons to give, , 
 whether the storm of adliction, the rain of prosperity, or the sunshine 
 of joy. ^ This is our merry. « Jesus is a God of judgment j blesseel 
 arc all ihcy that wail for him," Isa. xxk. 18. 
 
MARCH 29. 101 
 
 The sacrifices of God are a frrof-en spirit: a broken and a 
 contrite heart, OGod, thou wilt fiot despise — l^bulm li 17. 
 
 It is the wisdom and joy of disciples to sec somewhat of Jesus 
 in every pa;;e of the lively oracles. Then the word is seurched with 
 pleasure, studied with deiii^^ht, and is n»ude exceeding profitable to 
 the soul. To this end the sins and buckslidings, the humiiiulions 
 and repentings, the joys and experiences of saints of old are recorded. 
 We see their deserts to be the lowest hell: but grace reigns. 
 Though sin abounded in thenn, yet grace super-abounded over them. 
 But all is through Jesus ; no mercy for sinful man, but through that- 
 dear man and blessed Mediator. 
 
 So he glorifies his name, so he makes known his power to be 
 « the same yesterday, to day, and for ever," in saving his people 
 from their sins. Though sin may blind the eyes to his love, and 
 harden the heart against his fear, and the spirit become stout and 
 rebellious for a season, yet see his amazing love ; behold the effects 
 of his almighty grace : a cruel, murdering, adulterous, yet beloved 
 David shall be arraigned, plead guilty, sue for mercy, and hope for 
 pardon. But did a broken spirit and a contrite heart entitle him to 
 this ? Did he plead his present ^^iefs and humiliations to atone for 
 his past transgressions ? No, alas, if he had no other hope than this, 
 horror and black despair would have been the portion of his back- 
 sliding soul. God will not, doth not, cannot bestow pardon of sin, 
 till he makes the soul sensible of, and sorry for sin. Nor will he 
 ever despise, abhor, or reject broken-hearted, contrite souls. For 
 his Spirit effects this in them. Though no plea can be founded for 
 this, yet the soul is sweetly encouraged hereby to hope ; because 
 here is an evidence tliat the Lord hatli not given up such to a repro- 
 bate mind ; still he works in them ; they feel the effects. A sense 
 of guilt is dreadful to be bonie, distressing to feel ; therefore such 
 cry for deliverance ; " Restore unto me the joys of thy salvation." 
 
 Our loving Lord breaks the heart for sin, though sin cannot break 
 the covenant of his love ; therefore sin shall not reign unto death. 
 
 soul, art thou mourning for thy sins ? Remember /ihn on whom 
 the iniquity of us all was laid. Look to him " who bore our sins in 
 his own body on the tree ; by whose stripes we are healed." A con- 
 trite spirit flies from the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season : 
 it cannot rest till former joys are restored ; it is also solicitous aboiii 
 his future walk, lest he fall again ; therefore cries, " Uphold me 
 with thy free spirit," ver. 12. 
 
 1 cannot live without thy light, O may thy love inspire mv toiigiie ; 
 Cast out and banish'd from thy sight : Salvatidn shall be all my song : 
 Thine holy joys, my God, restore. And all my powers sliall join to bless 
 And guard me that I f^U i^ more. Tlie Lord, mv strppgth and rishteotisnes*. 
 
 Vol. I. N 
 
102 MARCH 30. 
 
 Arf ye not carnal, and walk as men? — 1 Cor. iii. 3, 
 
 'fjiK pliic.sc carnal saints^ the self-righteous look on as a very 
 <p; .< biious tcim, us though contradictory to the character of a real 
 th.'.uun. JBut such persons differ in judgment from an inspired 
 a >^stle. Pi.ul calls these Corinthian converts, " babes in Christ ;" 
 w'ulc he s.,iys to them, " Ye are yet camal," Yea, he appeals to 
 their judgments: "Arc ye not so?" Doth not your walk, your 
 words, youi- strife, your views, give sad evidence of the truth of 
 this my L-ssertion ? do you not act and behave too much like men who 
 are strangers to Jesus, and the life and power of vital godliness \ But 
 believers are a compound of flesh and spirit. The new-created 
 soul dwells in a sinful body, tmd is opposed by a carnal nature. 
 There may be true grace within, though much carnality appears 
 without. Weak faith in Jesus may be opposed with strong corrup- 
 tions and unbelief — a little ti'ue knowledge of Jesus in the hearty 
 yet beset with great ignorance and weakness of judgment — the 
 dawning of true hope in Jesus, but interposed with clouds of darkness 
 — tlie stirrings of real love to Jesus, but resisted by the love ot the 
 world, and the objects of sense — real esteem for a preached gospel, 
 and yet carnal contc ntions, and debates, may arise about ministers 
 and things of no real profit to the soul. This is true. Yet such weak- 
 lings in the faith, such babes in Christ, are as safe, because beloved 
 by the same F.-.thcr, redeenjed by the same precious biood of Jesus, 
 and renewed by the power of the same Spirit, as young men and 
 fathers in Christ ; but indeed they are not so happy ; they do not 
 glorify God so much ; they do not bring forth so much fruit to God, 
 nor so greatly adorn the gospel of Jesus as those who are strong in 
 the grace which is in Christ Jesus, and more established in the fidth, 
 and love of him. 
 
 But let not such discourage their hearts, nor entertain hai'd 
 thoughts of our loving master Jesus, as though he expected to 
 reap where he has not sown. Let them not burden their weak 
 minds with things that are too strong, nor exercise their tender 
 hearts with matters that are too high ; but let them simply consider 
 Jesus ; look to the Lamb of God, confess their weakness at his feet, 
 praying to him for strength, studying his word for knowledge ; and, 
 " as new-born babes; desire the sincere milk of the word, that they 
 mi^y grow thereby." " For those that be plantec{ in the house of the 
 Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God," Psalm xcii. IS. 
 " Fear thou not, for I am with theq ; be not dismayed, for I am thy 
 God ; I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will up- 
 hold thee wilh the right hand of my righteousness," Isa. xli. 10. 
 
MARCH 31. i03 
 
 The wicked is driven away in his xvickedness.: hut ther'>;^li- 
 teous hath hope in his death. — Piov. .siv. 3^. 
 
 ' O, IT is most comfortable, in a dying hour, to look buck upori 
 a wcll-speut life,' suy many. It is most con.loiu.bit lo '• icit^ti li>e 
 things that are behind, and to look forward, ai:tJ prt bs toUctrc.s the 
 murk for the prize of our high-calliiig of God in C'liriai Jtsus*/' t>Jih 
 the christian. Fhil, lii. 14. What a delightful pi uspect, it. a tK'ug 
 hour, to view a reconciled God, a glorititcl Jcbus, aj.d i.kir.gdci' pie- 
 pared for us from the foundation of the worid ! but if w< hi:ve i.ot 
 experienced a life of faith on Jesus, and by the grace of God hv.iX our 
 conversation in tlie world, a life of self-iighteousii^ss wiii only ucget 
 vain confidence, and delude the soul with f.ilse hopes, wliich will end 
 in awful disiippointment at death. But who are the wicketir' Verily 
 all who reject the faith of the Son of God, itfusc to subuiit to his 
 righteousness, hope in themselves, and trust to what they can do lo 
 make themselves righteous, and to make their peace with Ciod. 
 This is the very essence of wickedness. All such are destitute of 
 righteousness: their eyes arc blinded by sin: their hearts are hardened 
 against the truth. Living tmd dying so, they shall be driven awi.y 
 from the comforts of the righteous in the awful hour of death ; in the 
 tremendous day of judgment, they shall be driven away fioni the 
 presence of Jesus, with " Go, ye cursed." 
 
 Who are the righteous ? Even all who receive the gilt of new 
 covenant love, the gift of righteousness, which " come th upon isil 
 the children of faitli by one, Jesus Christ," Rom. v. 17. 'liie 
 righteous man is of divine extraction ; born ag.iin from above, he 
 hath the mind of Christ, he loveth righteousness and hateth ini^iuity. 
 The righteous hath hope in a God of justice, hope in a Godof truth, 
 liope in a God of faithfulness, because his hope staiidcth in God'c 
 own covenant grace and love, which maketh sinners righteous in 
 Jesus. This hope shall never forsake the rigiiteous : it animates him 
 in life to love and obedience ; it comforts him in death against fears of 
 wrath and terrors of hell ; it inspires him with joyial assuiiuice of a 
 crown of lighteousncssin life and immortality, according to the free- 
 grace, precious promises of God, through the righteousness of Jcsus. 
 
 Well might that eminently faithful minister of Jesus, tl.e late Kcv. 
 Mr. Htirvey, so sweetly fall asleep, with this hope in his heart, while 
 his lips were warbling his dying song, ' Precious salvation ! precious 
 salvation ! — O precious grace ! precious promises ! precious failh^ 
 precious hope I All flowing to poor sinners, through the perlect 
 righteousness and precious blood of the infinitely and etermdly pre- 
 cious Jesus.' Well might St. Paul sum up all our blessedness in that 
 apostohc benediction, which includes all our hopes ; " The grace of 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of 
 the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen," S) Cor, xiii. ! 4. 
 
104 APRIL 1. 
 
 The 671(1 of all things is at hand • be ye therefore sober ^ 
 and watch unto prayer. — 1 Pet. iv. 7. 
 The word of grace aiid truth, like a judicious physician for the 
 body, prescribes diflcrcr.t recipes for the soul. Sometimes the bitter 
 draught of affliction ; at others the strengthening, conitorting balsam 
 of faith, with the restorative mixture of love; but at all times a 
 necessary regimen, whereby to rule and govern our lives, so that 
 our souls may prosper and be in good health. 
 
 To use means in Lith is our bounden duty : to neglect them is a 
 contempt of the wise prescriber ; whereby we sufi'er loss and receive 
 hurt to our souls. As faitli binds the soul to Jesus in the sweet 
 bands of love, so it produces a conformity to him in heart ana lite. 
 As the Spirit enriches the soul with precious graces, so they are 
 accompanied with his transforming iutluejice. He ever directs to 
 the word he has inspired, that we may be taught to avoid those 
 things contrary thereto ; and also to practice those duties, wiiich 
 have a native tendency to strengthen the soul in persevering in, 
 holiness and truth. 
 
 An intemperate thirst after, and inordinate indulging ourselves in 
 the enjoyment of any of the good creatures of this life, sacliy indis- 
 pose the mind to spiritual concerns. This is contrary to the 'liie of 
 faith ; interrupts sweet communion with the Father oi spirits, deadens 
 the heart to holy fellowship with Jesus, and opposeth the comlorting 
 consolations of the blessed Spirit. Hence tlie soul finds great lan- 
 guors, deadness, and formality, in its addresses at the tnrone ot grace. 
 Thy soul and mine is therefore called upon to consider, time, how 
 short ! eternity, how near 1 The judge is at the door. AH things 
 are on the pouit of dissolution. 1 am expecting the messenger to 
 call me hence. 
 
 Since continuance here is so uncertain, all worldly enjOyments so 
 precarious, and all certainly perish with the" using, what ten.perance, 
 what sobriety of conduct becomes one ? And this is certain, Jesus, 
 witli his much incense, is ever before the throne. It is a mercy- 
 seat^ sprinkled with his precious blood. From hence all grace is 
 bestowed ; all power given. «.) may we be concerned to watch con- 
 tinually against the motions of the enemy, the stirruigs of pride and 
 lust ! watching in prayer for the power ol the Spirit ; watching atcer 
 prayer for iin answer of peace. And when, disciple, is the time that 
 thf^ exercise may be omitted ? Verily, not till laith is lost in sight, 
 hope is turned hito enjoyment, and prayer is lost in praise. O wnut 
 a precious word is this from our Jesus : " Whatsoever ye shall ask 
 in my name, that will I do," John xiv. iS. 
 AihI shall I then nei^Icct to pray, Foibul it, Lord ! thy Spirit send, 
 
 W hen Jesus thiifi declares ? To fjiiickeii cv'i-y thoui^ht ; 
 
 Despise lus word, refuse liis aid, To soar al)ove ihist rifling «orl<l, 
 
 Aliiislst ten thousand snai-cs * Till I to Uice ara brought. M; 
 
APRIL 2. 105 
 
 He restoreth my soul : he leadetli me in the paths of righ- 
 teousness, for his name s sake. — Pb.uin x.\iii. 3. 
 
 WJTtf gratitude and joy, every believer litis daily cause to ad- 
 dress his soul in the words spoken to Naomi at the birth ot Obed, 
 " Blessed be the Lord, ;vho hatli not left thee this day without a knis- 
 man or redeemer, whose name is fiuBous in Israel, who shall be uuto 
 thee a restorer of thy life," Ruth iv/ 14, 15. To the glory ot Jesus 
 be it ever remembered, that life once received from him can never be 
 lost. The soul once quickened from a deaih in trespasses and sins, 
 dicth no more ; death hath no more dominion over it; for it is deliver- 
 ed from tlie cause of death, sin. Partaking of tne life of grace from 
 Jesus, sin has no more dominion over it to kill and destroy it. 
 
 But though the soul enjoys life in Jesus, yet sin is noixlead. It 
 dwelleth in us ; it worketh in the members, and opposeih the life, 
 peace and comfort of the new-born soul. Is tliere a day passeth but v/e 
 find that the old man is still alive ? Yea, at times tiic soul is so press- 
 ed above measure, that it almost despairs of iife. It seems to ^eusc 
 and experience, as tliough the sentence of death was executed. O now 
 then doth Jesus again revive and restore it I Sui often brings death 
 upon the comforts of the soul, though it cannot touch its iife ; tliat 
 is secure in the life-giving head; "It is hid with Christ in God," 
 Col. iii. 3. Believers can never sin themselves beyond the extent 
 of Christ's love, nor the reach of his power to restore them. Tlie 
 precious blood of Jesus is all-sufficient to purge away ail sin from 
 the conscience — yea, sins of the deepest die. See then the exceed- 
 ing sinfulness of sin in the most exceedhig precious fountain that is 
 opened for its cleansing. See the love and ,gare of the foitlitUi shep- 
 herd in restoring his wandering sheep. But know, O soul, when- 
 ever thou dost deviate from the path oP Jesus, or oacksiidc into sin, 
 thou turnest thy back upon thy best friend, thy kindest Lord ; thou 
 joinest thyself to his implacable foes. True, so uachur.gcabie is the 
 love of Jesus he will restore tlie souls of his members ; but love mil-. 
 glcs bitter potions to do this ; and the most bitter of all is, thou sin- 
 nest against the richest grace and most precious love that ever w.'S 
 known : love^ that has followed, and will follow tliee ill thy di.ys ; 
 love, that will heal thy backslidings, and restore thy soul ; love., that 
 will lead thee in the paths of righteousness to salvatxn ai;(l glory. 
 When thou remembcrest this tliou wilt bfe ashamed and conu?ui.dcd 
 for all that thou hast done, and love him who doth all for Li^ la-juc's 
 sake freely. 
 
 Lord, my restorer and my guide. Then v ill T pniise, at thy dear feet, 
 How apt am I to stray ! Thy tender caie and love, 
 
 keep me near tin blessed side. Which hrou-lit lue tl;ro' this desert 1 iinl, 
 T^atil the perfect day. To rcalias of bliss above. >f • 
 
106 APRIL 3. 
 
 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers offiesh and 
 blond 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 — Heb. ii. 14. 
 
 Wb read of one who was so affected with the glory of the sun, 
 that he thought he v/as born only to behold it. Witli what propriety 
 may a christian judge of himself, that he is born again to behold the 
 glory, and delight himself in daily conterriphitiug Jesus the sun of 
 righteousness 1 Lord, thou shalt never stoop to that mean office of 
 " wasiiing my feet," said honest-hearted Peter. But what was that 
 stoop of abasement, when Jesus was in fi.esh, compared to his taking 
 flesh upon him ? Be astonished, O heavens 1 rejoice, O childien of 
 faith ! admire, adore, what you never can fully compreneiiti : tlie 
 Lord of life and glory in your nature, clothed with llcsh and blood : 
 a man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs. See Jesus, consider 
 Jesus. O dwell in contemplation on the humility of our God Jesus, 
 till it warms the heart with love. Say, which is greatest, his love, or 
 his humility ! 
 
 He took part with " the children." Such was Jacob's delight in 
 Benjamin, that "his life was bound up in the lad's life," Gen. xliv, 
 50. The soul of Jonathan was so knit to David, that "he loved him 
 as his own soul," 1 Sam. xviii. 1. Verily our life is bound up ^n the 
 life of Jesus. Truly he hath lov( d us better than life. He took our 
 part agauKst our invincible foes, sin, sutan, and death. He hath con- 
 quered all — for whom ? " the children ;" by nature cliildrcn of wrath, 
 by practice rebels against God ; yet, amazing gi'ace I the objects of 
 Ihe Father's love. Hence given to Jesus to redeem and save. They 
 had an interest in Jesus' love ere they had a being in the flesh. 
 Therefore he prays for them as their Mediator ; he owns them by 
 that special mark which the Holy Ghost puts upon each of them in 
 tlic day of his power, faith. " 1 pray for them also which shall be- 
 lieve on me," John xvii. 20 
 
 We may joyfully triumph, "If Jesus be for us, who shall be 
 against us ?" " The Lord taketh my part, therefore I shall see my 
 desire upon them that hate me," Psalm cxviii. 7. Lvery believer 
 JTiay be sure of victory. Faith in Jesus overcomes the world, dis- 
 arms death oi its sting, which is sin ; enfeebles the strengtli of sJrn 
 which is the law. By the btood of the Lamb, satan is overcome. 
 Tims we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 
 Christ gained the crnnucst in our nature, over satan and death, by 
 faking aw;iy that which gives power to both, over his children, niru 
 This he effected by iiis own death : fOr he that died once for sin, ever 
 lives to save. " 'ihanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, 
 through eur Lord Jesus Christ," 1 Cor. xv. 57. 
 
, APRIL 4. 107 
 
 In a little wrath 1 hid myself from thee for a moment, but 
 -with everlasting; kindness will 1 have mercy on thee^ 
 saith the Lord thy Redeemer — Isa. liv, 8. 
 Love is ever open and communicative : it conceals nothing fiora 
 the object beloved, which may profit or comfort tlie mind. " Shall I 
 hide from Abraham thut thing which I do ?" saith the God of love, 
 concerning his friend, Gen. xviii. 1 7. Of those that follow the Lamb 
 he saith, " Ye are my friends." Servants are not made acquainted 
 with their masters' secrets, but friends are. Therefore saith Jesus, 
 the great interpreter of covenant love, " All tilings that I have heard 
 of my Father, F have made knowi unto you," Jolin xv. 15. Chil- 
 dren shall not be chastised, but they shall be told of the Father's 
 kindness and mercy in it. Love is ever in his heart, though wrath 
 may appear in his conduct. 
 
 The joy of creation is revived by the bright shining of tlie sun. 
 When that is withdrawn, clouds, mists, and darkness gather, So 
 when the sun of righteousness hides himscll from the soul, it seems 
 a dark season of wrath. The mists of corruption arise ; the thick 
 fog of unbelief spreads itself; the gloom of dejection hangs heavy on 
 the piind ; and the prince of darkness is very busy at such a season : 
 like Job's friends, he is a physician of no value, but a miserable com- 
 forter to the soul. Now all sense, nature, and feeling, write bitter 
 things against the poor sinner. The Father chastises, the Saviour 
 hides himself, the law accuses, conscience condemns, sin terrifies, 
 satan threatens, but — Father, thy mercy never dies Thy love chan- 
 ges not. Therefore faith endures and turns to the law of love. 
 What saith that? "In a little wrath I h^d myself." Little in compari- 
 son oi' thy deserts, O soul ! — little compared with the greatness of 
 the love of thy God. Faith listens to the testimony of Jesus, The 
 Lord thy Redeemer speaks : ' My deserting thee is of the shortest 
 duration ; a moment ; the twinkling of an eye : as no space of time 
 compared to eternity. Then love vents itself and declares, " With 
 everlasting kindness T will have merey on thee." 
 
 The word of the Lord shall stand. His covenant is sure ; his love 
 unchangeable ; his promises inmiu table : hence the soul is excited to 
 confidence, to assurance, full assurance ; yea the fullest assurance of 
 a God of truth, though all present appearances seem against it. .Then 
 hope dawns in the soul, and love to Jesus is quickened. Holy shame 
 and godly sorrow, for past follies, fill the heart, while the comforter 
 inwardly testifies of Jesus. His love, how infinite! his salvation, 
 how perfect ! his person, how precious ! his promises, how reviving! 
 his presence, how joyful ! and every thing which interrupts it, how 
 exceeding hateful and abominal)le! For such is Jesus' love; "Weep- 
 ing may endure for anight (of desertion), but joy cometh in the 
 morning (of his returning presence},'' Psalm xxx. 5. 
 
108 APRIL 5. 
 
 yind the acknowledging of the truth, which is ajter godli- 
 ness ; accordin(r to the faith of God s elect. -Tit. i. I. 
 
 St. Paul, though an eminently distinguished apostle ot Jesus, 
 }'et, in regard to the salvution of his own soul, his extraordinary gifts 
 procured it not ; nor could his former hatred and persecution ot Jesus 
 and his members frustrate the electing love of God, or obstruct the 
 sovereign operations of the Holy Spirit. But being chosen of God 
 in ^hrist Jesus, his heart must partake of the precious faith of God's 
 elect. Love, almighty, wonderful love, seized him ; Jesus challeng- 
 ed him as one of liis redeemed souls ; stopped him in his mad ca- 
 reer ; touched his heart, and brought him trembUng and astonished 
 to his feet : and the power of faith in his heai't was manifested by the 
 obedient cry of his lips, " Lord, M'hat wilt tliou have me to do ?" 
 Acts. ix. 6. 
 
 Thus election is a doctrine according to godliness. Faith m the 
 heart is an evidence of interest in God's electing love. It is a special 
 gift of grace, and is connected with salvation, Eph. ii. 8. Faith 
 proves itself to be a genuine grace of the Holy Spirit, for it submits 
 to and trusts in Jesus' righteousness for justification ; his blood for 
 pardon ; his all-prevailing merits and intercession for life. Thus 
 faith glorifies Jesus as priest, to atone ; honors Jesus as king, t© 
 laile and govern ; and yields obedience to him as a prophet, to in- 
 struct in the truths of godliness. So the believing soul is stript of 
 every self-righteous plea ; brought as an hunible, self-condemned 
 sinner to the feet of Jesus ; and glories in him as his only hope for 
 life and whole salvation. If there is no election of sinners by God 
 the Father, there is no true faith ; for saving faith is peculiar to 
 God's elect only. Do any object, ' I do not believe the doctrine of 
 election ?' We only say, we cannot help you, we pity you, you do 
 not understand your bible, you do not yet " acknowledge the truth 
 which is after godliness." The faith of God's elect springs from 
 God's electing love ; has Jesus for its author and finisher, his life 
 and death for its object, the truths of God's word for its warnmt, 
 God's promise in Christ Jesus its support, love and holiness its evi- 
 dence, sure and certidn salvation is its end. Well may this be call- 
 ed precious faith indeed. 
 
 Whereas mere Iiuman faith, as it arises only from the power of 
 the^reature, it centers only in nature and self, talks high of terms and 
 eonditions, boasts much of human abilities, opposes free-grace, ex- 
 alts the sinner, debases Jesus, denies the in>put:.tion of his righ- 
 teousness, and renders salvation not only precarious and uncertain, 
 bu*^ utterly impossible. O soul, study this truth daily ! it tends to 
 humility and rejoicing. " By grace are ye saved, through faith ; and 
 that notof yourpclvos : it is the gift of God," Eph. ii. 8. 
 
*^ ' APRIL G. 109 
 
 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells 
 of salvation. — Isa. xii. 3. 
 
 Why, therefore ? What had the church done to procure such 
 an insstiniuble promise ?' O the joyful day of her public espousal to 
 Jesus is come. That daij., that blessed day of power, when the 
 loring- bride claims her beloved bridegroom, Jesus, Therefore she 
 sings this joyful song, " Behold God is my salvation ; 1 will trust 
 and not be afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song ; 
 he also is become my salvation." The claims of the faith of poor 
 sinners are well pleasing in the sight of God ; they honor his word, 
 glorify him, and cause joy in heaven among the angels ; while the 
 humble claimants obtain the consolation and joy thereof. ■" 'Ihcm 
 that honor me I will honor, saith the I.oid," '^ therefore with joy 
 ■shall they draw," &c. 
 
 This was not to be a transient fit of comfort, but an incxhavistiblc 
 fountain of joy. Believers are to come daily and draw water with 
 joy out of the wells of salvation. Jehovah, the Fatlicr, is " the 
 fountain of living w^aters," Jer. ii. 13. Salvation talies its first 
 spring from his everlasting love, is secured by his unalterable cove- 
 nant and unchangeable promises.' The Spirit and his grace are called 
 "a well of water, springing up to everlasting life," John iv. 14. 
 He shews poor sinners their want of Jesus this living water, its 
 freeness and sweetness; supplies them with the bucket of faith to 
 draw with joy, and drink with pleasure. This well of salvation by 
 Jesus was opened in paradise : its streams have run through every 
 successive age of the church. Pcttriarchs, prophets, apostles, be- 
 lievers in all ages have had their hearts made glad, and tlieir souls 
 joyful thereby. * 
 
 The everlasting love of the Father, the rich grace of the Son, the 
 exuberant joy of the Holy Ghost, compose these wells of salvation. 
 Yet it is but one fountain of grace, flowing from the unity of the 
 divine essence, and is communicated to us out of the fulness of the 
 man Jesus : hence we are invited by Jesus, " O friends, O beloved, 
 drink ! yea drink abundantly," Cant. v. 1 . This fountain is ever 
 free, full, and inexhaustible. Why, O why then are we not always 
 joyfvd ? Why do we ever complain for want oi con)fort ? This well is 
 ever open, this fountain ever near. Why do we so much neglect', so 
 often forsake this fountain of living watei's ? Where "is your faith ? 
 Why is thai precious grace given us, but for use and exercise ? So 
 shall we the more glorify the God of all consolation, be refreshed in 
 our spirits, and made fruitful in our lives ; and our thirst allayed 
 after the perisliing comforts of time and sense. For saith Jesus, 
 «< Whosoever drinkcth of the water that I shall give him, shall neve^^ 
 thirsc," John iv. 1 4. 
 
 Vol.. I. O 
 
110 APRIL 7. 
 
 Even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be 
 justified by the faith of ChnU — Gai. ii. 16. 
 
 "We therefore doniiike this definition of a christian, that he is 
 not one who is without sin, but one to wliom God iniputeth not liis 
 sin through faith in Christ. Here we must be nothing at all, but 
 ©nly receive the treasure, which is Christ, and apprehend him in our 
 hearts by f;uth, though we feel ourselves to be never so full of sin. 
 Thus God will glorify his Son, and be glorified in us through him." 
 Thus spCaketh Luther. Having the same spirit of faith, we thus 
 speak, make the same confession, rejoice in the same hope, are jus- 
 tified by the same Jesus, comforted by the same truth, sanctified by 
 the same Spirit, are heirs of the same promises, and entitled to the 
 same kingdom. And ever remember, all is of free grace. 
 
 Here the most dignified apostle, as well as the most obscure sinner 
 are upon a level. There is no difference. Both have the same evils 
 Co be delivered from, the same object to be saved by, both believe 
 in one Jesus to the same blessed end, to enjoy peace and pardon 
 from God the Father. In the knowledge of this consists all our 
 comfort ; and for this, as poor needy sinners, we are constantly to 
 cleave to Jesus from hour to hour. Have we believed many years 
 since, that we might be justified ? True, once justified, and ever so ;. 
 never after condemned, as viewed in Jesvis in the sight of God. " For 
 Avho shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect ? It is God that 
 justifieth, who is he that condemneth ?" Rom. viii. 33, 34. But how 
 is it now in our. consciences ? Faith is a rooted grace ; it cannot be 
 lost. Love is its inseparable companion ; sweet peace its blessed 
 fruit. But " Do ye now believe r" said Jesus. Flave you the love of 
 God noiv in you ? Doth the sense of peace with God, through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, now abide in the heart ? If not, uitcrvening clouds 
 from the world, sin, satan, or the law, intercept the light of God's 
 countenance, and the sunshine of his-love. What then ? must we 
 live and die without hope ? No : blessed be God, he rests in his love; 
 it is ever the same. Jesus ever lives and prays : gospel-grace is 
 still proclaimed to the wi-etched. Come, as at the beginning, to 
 Jesus, owning sin, grieving for folly, and believe in him that v\ c 
 may be justified in our consciences, and have a fresh sense of pardon 
 and peace. " They that know thy name will put their trust in thee ; 
 fo^thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee," Psalm ix. 10. 
 
 Gf)n(l rifUKon lor my laith I liavo. The faith of Christ does justify 
 
 Di-nwn from the law oriovc: 'i'lic ways of tioil to man : 
 
 Ms Fatlier pave liis Son to save, "Ami *^u^\ in Chiist does justify 
 
 This gift dotli failh approro. All wlio (hi'; truth can scan. Jf • 
 
APRIL 8. Ill 
 
 Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in him, and hf: 
 shall bring it to pass. — Psulm xxxvii. 5. 
 
 We are" too apt to forget where we arc, whut we are culled tOj 
 and whither we are going. When we take a survey of the present 
 state of men and thuigs ', judge according to appearances in nature 
 and sense, and see one event happen alike to all, we are ready to ask. 
 What advantage then hath the christian ? or what profit is there to 
 new-born, believing souls ? Much every way. For unto them, chiefly, 
 are connnitlcd the lively oracles of God. The bible is an epistle of 
 love. The tender aflections of our loving Father, die living and 
 dying compassions of our eider brotlier Jesus, breathe iai every page. 
 Here we see the various conflicts and trials our former brethren in 
 the flesh were exercised with ; how they were suppoi'ted untler, and 
 carried through all, safe to glory ; and this, by the very same grace 
 and power which is still our happy portion. They being dead, yet 
 speak to us ; to animate and encourage our heai'ts to be strong in the 
 Lord, and in the power of his might. We see in them the ine:<:pli- 
 cable mysteries of providence unveiled, how out of die wciduiess of 
 nature they were made strong in grace. 
 
 It is the glory and excellency of believers to take their views, and. 
 form their judgment from GodV truths ; to oppose nature, sense, 
 and feeling ; to stand still and wait to see the salvation of Goa ; to 
 omit no appointed means, but to be diligent in the ways ol God's 
 institutions ; quietly and patiently submitting every issue to his 
 wisdom and goodness. This is the obedience of faith, and is attended 
 with the patience of hope, and the issue is always determined in love ; 
 it is impossible it should be otherwise, for it is the immutable decree 
 of heaven : " all things work together for good to them who love God, 
 to them who arc the called according to his purpose," Rom. viii. 28- 
 
 Commitdng our way to God unburdens the mind ; trusting our 
 all to him, makes the heart quite easy ; relying on him, to bring our 
 cor.ccrns to pass, mc^kes the spirit joyful. But when carnal reason 
 is suffered to make its report, then with Jacob we cry, '• All these 
 things are against us." Hence fainting and drooping come from fear, 
 fear from doubting, doubdng from unbelief, and unbelief cliiefly 
 prevails through ignorance and inattention to God's word of grace, 
 his covenant lov(3, precious promises, and solemn outh in Christ 
 Jesus. Ever needful is this prayer of faith, '» Lord, increase' our 
 faith," Luke xvii. 5. 
 
 How easj' I live, Fm safe like a bird, 
 
 How joyfiil I sing, Soar'd liiRh on the wing - 
 
 Wlieii I to niY Lord Sly Lord brings to pass 
 
 My waysdo.commit AH things he sets l^t^ 
 
112 APRIL 9. 
 
 7^hou standest by faith. Be not Mgh-mwdedj but fear, — 
 Rom. xi. 20. 
 
 So wc are called upon by the spirit of prophesy, " Behold, (c^ivc 
 the most earnest attention, let this truth sink deep in your heurts) 
 his soul whieh is lifted up is not upright in him," Habak. ii. 4. 
 Standing by faith, and living by faith, are ever opposed to pride, 
 vain confidence, and an high conceit of our own attainments. True 
 faith in Jesus sinks the soul in humility, works by real love to God, 
 is accompanied with a child-like fear of offendhig him, and excites 
 to a godly jealousy over our own souls, lest we full — fall into sin, 
 fall away from the hope of the gospel, fall from the precious privileges 
 of Jesus, and the comforting sense of his love. Without this, what 
 is profession, but an empty name, talking ever so highly, but a sound 
 of words, pretension to the greatest things, but a vuin shadow, w hile 
 the substance is not enjoyed I 
 
 It is the glorying of believers in Jesus that they are " delivered 
 out of the hands of their enemies, tliat tliey might serve God in 
 holiness and righteousness all the days of their life," Luke i. 74, 
 75, and it is added, " without fear." But are we to cast off all 
 kind of fear of God ? No verily : no more than faith in him, love to 
 him, and hope of enjoying him. One would dread such a state most 
 of all, the Lord himself being judge. "Know therefore, and see 
 that it is an evil and bitter thing, that thou hast forsaken the Lord 
 thy God, and that my ftur is not in thee, saith the Lord God of 
 Hosts," Jer.ii. 19. 
 
 Glory to Jesus, by his grace the baiids of legal bondage are broken 
 asunder, the cords of slavish fear, of wrath aiid hell, we cast from 
 us : yet faith and fear go hand in hand. And this is the blessedness 
 of everlasting love and new covenant grace, " I, saith Jehovah, will 
 put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. So 
 shall they fear me for ever for their good," Jcr. xxxii. 40. This 
 is the precious fear the apostle exhorts, to, which is ever to be clur- 
 ished in the heart, and attended to in one's daily walk. A fear of 
 departing from the Lord Jesus tends to keep the soul riose to him. 
 Fear of offending causes watchfulness. Hope in a sin-pardoning Go<l 
 produceth fear ; a sense of ptirdon increaseth il. « There is foigive- 
 ness with thee; that thou maycst be feared," Psalm cxxx. 4. «' Happy 
 is the man that fc are th aiv/ay : but he that hardencih his heart shall 
 fallSnto misclvief," Prov. xxviii. 14, 
 
 Forbid it. Lord, that I forjjct. If I yitlidr.nw my triisi IVom thcc, 
 Aly standing is l)y iaith , } soon high-minded grow ! 
 
 This ever humbles at t}iy feet, .T*»rgct thy fear, grow \)roud in eelf, 
 WkW phnh'd with what thf)ii ?,Ailh Soppovo f nn<^biiis;kn«>v, ^ JM* 
 
APRIL 10. 113 
 
 Remember the word unto thy servant^ upon xvhich thou 
 hast caused me to hope. — Psalm cxix. 49. 
 
 It is^not natural to us to hope in God's word. Tliis the power 
 of God causes us to do. Where tiiere is true knowledge of Jesus, 
 the essential word. tHerc will be a real esteem, for the scriptures, 
 the written word of Jehovah. The Spirit that dwelt ui Jesus dictated 
 the truth concerning him ; and the same Spirit testifies of Jesus in 
 the hearts of his children. By the word we are favored with clear 
 ideas, just conceptions, and encouraging- views of the truths of grace 
 and salvation : hence we have the firmest foundation, the strongest 
 .confidence, and fullest assurance to build our faith and hope upon: 
 hence also we are emboldened to draw nigh to a throne of grace, to 
 plead our case, present our distress, and claim, with hUnible bold- 
 ness, a supply of all our need. 
 
 When there is a death upon all comfortable sense and joyful feel- 
 ings, when all things around us wear a gloomy aspect, when consci- 
 ence within writers bitter things against us, the law works wrath, and 
 its terrors make us afraid, and an insulting foe, to heighten distress 
 and increase our sorrows, stands over us, with " there, there, so 
 would I have it," in such a season, O it is life from the dead to re- 
 member the infinitely transcendent love, victorious toils, triumphant 
 conquests of Jesus over all things for us ! How joyiul to read that all 
 the promises center in him, and that they are infallibly sure and 
 certain to all the seed — yeu and Amen, to the glory of God the Fa- 
 ther ! How establishing to hear such gracious words from the mouth 
 of Jehovah, "I, even I am he that blotteth out thy trans£2:ressions for 
 mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins I" Isa. xliii. 25. How 
 powerfully alluring, how sweetly attracting to the aflcctions when 
 love calls, " Put me in remembrance ;" plead with me ; thou shalt 
 not call in vain ; I will hear ; I will answer thee ! Thus love, thus 
 grace descends to the heart ; thus it speaks by the word : hence de- 
 sires are kindled in the soul, blown into a flame, and ascend in fer- 
 vent, earnest prayer, and pleading to a faithful, promise-fulfillino' 
 God. Surely we can never enough prize God's Avord, never sufii- 
 ciently adore the Holy Spirit for the knowledge of Jesus by the word : 
 and if the word of the Lord is our hope, we have eternal truth, ever- 
 leasting love, infinite power, and unchiuigeablc faithfulness enga<>ed 
 for us. " Every word of God is pure : he is a shield uato theiu tliat 
 put their trust in him," Prov. xxx. 5. 
 
 While others bor.st of nature's fr.unes, Remember, Lord, thy vord of "racff. 
 
 And ecs»acios oljoy, 0!i v, hicii my soul doih tnist : 
 
 M:i> T still hope in Goil's tr)-M uord. Fulfil tliy promise freely made, 
 
 And thence my comforts dr:r,v. I pl<;«d it— thouavt ja;.{. M. 
 
114 APRIL 11. 
 
 Jesus said unto them^ take heed what ye hear — Mark 
 iv. 2 k 
 
 Iv is our iuispcakal)lc mercy, it calls for our daily tribute of praise, 
 and daily study to improve it, that a free use of the lively oriAcles of 
 truth is permitted us; others are denied their rich privilege. Happy 
 those to whom the word of God is the rule of their faith, a light to 
 direct their paths, and a standard whereby they try and prove the 
 doctrines tlicy hear, whether they are of God or man. The ivhole 
 truth.) as it is in Jesus, is precious to every believer. " Faith comes 
 by hearing the word of God." As the ear is the inlet to the soul, we 
 should ever take heed what kind of doctrines we hear. It was through 
 the ear sati.n gained access to the heart of Eve, and beguiled her. 
 Paul alludes to this, 2 Cor. xi. 3, " I fear, lest by any means, as the 
 serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should 
 be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." What is this 
 simplicity ? Even this plain simple truth, that salvation is wholly and 
 solely hy Jesus Christ, according to the everlasting purpose and love 
 of God the Father, revetded in the word of truth, and applied to the 
 sToul by the Holy Spirit. Lost and perishing sinnCrs are the happy 
 subjects of it. They have no hand in procuring or making it eheciu- 
 al ; but they arc wholly saved by election of grace through faith. 
 Wh -tever doctrines are contrary to either of these points, oppose re- 
 vealed truths, are subversive of the plan of salvation, tend to rob 
 God of the glory of his grace, and his dcrir children of their comfort 
 ai.d joy of faith. 
 
 Therefore, discipjes of the L'omb, take heed ; beware of what you 
 h^'ar. These doctrines arc not merely spfcislative, or nor.-esseniial, 
 but are the important, fundamental, essential truths of the gospel. To 
 oppose the doctrine of election is to deny the first cause of salvation, 
 the everlasting love of God the Father ; it is togainsay the prophets, 
 apostles, and even our Lord himself, Avho spake most clearly and 
 plainly of it. It is to set one's self against the testimony of the Spirit 
 of truth. This ariseth from human pride, whic^i ever imagines it can 
 do something to procure God'slove. So of the itnputed ri;^;hteou5ness 
 of Christ, the saints perseverance in faith end holiness: if these scrip- 
 ture-trut!is ave maligned and opposed, it is from the supposed self- 
 hufficiency and self-righteousness of the creature, ui order to establish 
 its own righteousness and faithfulness ; hence salvation becomes prc- 
 rariou^, justification impossible. This striken at the root of true holi- 
 ness, and tends both to presimiption and licentiousness; for whatever 
 truths are revealed in the w oid by the Spirit of wisdom and truth (and 
 nil thcsv^ are as thougli wrote with a sun-beam) it is that they should 
 be tlie f I'd of our faith, the matter of our study, the cause of hun'ili- 
 ty, till. coifKlcnco of h(.>pr, the rejoicing of love, and excitements to , 
 0^joliness; 'approving yourselves, by the Mord of truth," 2 Cor. vi. 7- 
 
• APRIL 12. 115 
 
 And Jos/iiia said unto Achan, My son^ give, I pray thee^ 
 glory to the Lord God of Israel^ and make confession 
 unto him. — John vii. 19. 
 The Lord our God is a jealous God ; jealous of his own glory 
 and his people's good. Sin is contrary to both. God so loves "his 
 'people, that he will not sufier sin to rtign in them. Wilful, allowed, 
 sin, however secret, he will chastise for, and bring the soul to confess 
 and repent of. Though sin shall not bring any one of God's dear 
 children to hell, yet it may bring a hell into the conscience for a sea- 
 son. Sin may break the peace of mind, though iiciainot break the 
 covenant of peace. 
 
 Wilful transgression causes the Lord toLide his face or frown upon 
 his dear children. This weakens their hands, dejects their hearts, 
 and the enemy gets power against them. Ihis was the case with 
 Achan ; therefore the accursed thing must be found out, confessed, 
 and put away. Methinks Achan's case should remind the believer 
 of his carniU sinful nature. It is from hence springs all his troubles. 
 Indulging its sinful motion brings grief to the soul ; encouraging an 
 opinion of its goodness and righteousness, is dissembling with God : 
 it is hiding somewhat in the "»earlh in the midst of the tent," which 
 is admirable to him, and robs him of his glory. The flesh, with 
 its lusts and corruptions, though we may think of them as Achan did 
 of the Babylonish garment, that they are goodly, yet they are accurs- 
 ed iiy the law of (iod. Therefore we are, through the Spirit, " to 
 crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts." Like the wedge of 
 gold, and the shekels of silver, all must be given up ; we must re- 
 tain none of its riches and treasures. How ofter h^is our flesh made 
 our hands hang down, our knees faint*, and our hearts troubled I 
 
 O christian ! thou son of the Most High, give glory to the Lord 
 God of Israel ; hide nothing in thy earth, in thy vile miture from thy 
 Lord and Saviour ; make confession unto Jesus of all thiit is in thee, 
 vile and abominable, wretched and hell-deserving as thou art by na- 
 ture. Give Jesus all the glory of redemption, justification and sal- 
 vation. Expect no good from tlie flesh, in the pleasures and enjoy- 
 ment sense ; seek it all in Jesus, and from his Spirit. As Achan 
 trubled Israel, he must therefore perish in the valley of Achor So, 
 christian, the flesh that troubles thy spirit is shortly to fall and die 
 under the sentence for sin. But, suith the Lord, <' I will give the 
 valley of Arlior (trouble) for a door of hopf," Ilosca ii. 15. 
 ♦< Though the body shall be sown in dishonor ; yet it shall he raised ia 
 glory." For, sa'ith Jesus, " I am the resurrection and the life. He 
 who livcili and beliveth in me, shall never die," John xi. 25, 2fl. 
 
116 APRIL 13. 
 
 Therefore xve ought to give the more earnest heed to the 
 things which we have heard, lest at any time we should 
 let them slip. — Hcb. ii. 1. 
 
 The body receives little nourishment, if its food hastily pass 
 through it. To health and strength proper digestion is necessary. 
 Divine truths, carnaly heard and soon forgot, do not conitort, nor 
 strengthen the soul. When the babe Jesus way lying in the manger, 
 and the shepherds fiad told the glorious thmgs they had seen and 
 heard concerning him, many wo7zf/crr(f. But it was tlie happiness 
 of the virgin mother, '<■ she kept all these things, and pondered them 
 in her heart," Luke ii. 19. We can never be comfortable in Jesusj 
 but while the truths concerning him dwell in our minds. 
 
 Many com.plain of bad memories. They can retain but little of 
 the doctrines of grace. True, Jesus saves none for the sake of a 
 strong memory ; neither will his loving heart cast off any because of 
 a weak one. Yet it is our daily interest to take the wholesome advice 
 which the Spirit of wisdom dictates. His word is our direction ; hi.s 
 gracious cautions are necessary to prevent evils. What h e teacheth 
 is profitalile to the soul's health. It behoves us to give the most ear- 
 nest deed to the truths of Jesus. They demand all our attention. 
 Pondering them in our minds, dwelling on them in our hearts con- 
 tinually, tend (through gi'ace) to keep us watchful against what 
 would rob us of their comfort, and to strengthen our memories, to 
 vetain the sweet sense of them — Hence a ho,lyfear> will be excited, 
 lest at any time we should let them slip, or run out of our minds, 
 as water does through a leaky vessel ; and so we lose th e savour of 
 them from our hearts. 
 
 Sudden flashes of comfort, hasty transports of joy, are dubious as 
 to their cause. It is by the word of truth we ^re to try them ; and 
 it is by that we shall be able to stand. The gospel of grace insircs 
 with courage. Through the knowledge of Jesus we arc to conquer. 
 That Spirit, -which excites to diligence and care, will establish in 
 the truth. Studious souls, in the school of Jesus, make the most 
 established and lively disciples. The opposition of enemies to the 
 truths of electing love, Jesus' righteousness, the final salvation of 
 his ridecmcd cV.ildren^ Sec. shall due us no harm. This shall be 
 over-ruled by grace to the rooting and establishing the faith of God's 
 children. The oak is rooted stronger, by the blast that shakes it.. 
 TJic more wc see of the evil of sin, the pride and unbelief of our cor' 
 vupt natures, and the subtle advices of satan, so much the more dear 
 and precious shall wc esteem the dostrines of free-grace, and the 
 liiiishcd salvation of Jesus. And we shall piove ourselves hi§ true 
 disciples, y If wc hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the - 
 hope firm unto the end," I Kb. iii. 6. 
 
, APRIL 14. 117 
 
 He ^ave them their request^ but sent leanness into their 
 soul — Psalm cvi. 15. 
 
 Whev the sunshine of worldly ease, and a grculcr portion of 
 the o^ood things of this life than he was wont to enjoy, fell to the lot 
 of that champion of Jesus of blessed memory, Luther ; it excited a 
 holy fear and jealousy in his heart, which made him cry out, ' Lord, 
 I will not be put oft' with these things.' However pleasant and agree- 
 able worldly prosperity may be to tlic flesh, yet indulging and pam- 
 pering the body begets and feeds many disorders and humors which 
 are destructive to the health of the soul. The body witiiout exercise 
 naturally looses its strength imd vigor. Afflictions are the exercise 
 of the soul ; though they be dreaded because grievous to the flesh, 
 yet are they profitable to the spirit ; or else not one of God's dear 
 children should know what a single trouble is : for they are all tlie 
 allotments of covenant love. In our prayers we often imitate James 
 and John, " we know not what we ask." We ask amiss, and yet are 
 ready to complain that the Lord doth not answer us according to our 
 desire ; though the very tiling we asked would have proved as a 
 serpent, to bite and destroy us. 
 
 O what patience doth our G(jd and Father exercise towards the 
 froward dispositions of his dear, but untoward children ! It would be 
 bad for the best of us, if we were our own carvers. Let Peter have 
 his request, and Jesus shall not die ; then Peter and every soul of 
 man must have perished. It is our mercy that the Lord sometimes 
 answers prayers with denials ; he most blesses us by not granting 
 our petitions. Saints long and pray to be entirely delivered from the 
 body of sin ; but though the Lord doth not take it away, yet he give© 
 what is better, grace to subdue our corryptions ; and withal subdues 
 pride, and keeps the sou! dependent upon himself, which is best of 
 all. Thy will, thy glory should ever set bounds to our petitions. 
 The health and prosperity of the immortal soul, is infinitely to be 
 pi'cferrcd to the enjoyment and happiness of the perishing body. 
 Gay clothing, with empty pockets, and a lean, starving body, is a 
 distressed condition ; but how much more deplorable ! how awfully 
 to be dreaded, the state of many professors ! They have got what 
 they eagerly sought, and earnestly requested ; the riches, honors, and 
 pleasures of this world ; but alas ! their precious souls are in a lean, 
 starving, fanishing condition. Can the comforts aad joys of a peri§ht 
 ing world compensate the want of a sense of God's love, the reviving 
 gr.-cc; of our Lord Jesus, and the comforting fellowship of the Holy 
 G host ? We should be ever concerned, in all our petitions, to make 
 the enjovmcnt of God the chief, the ultimate end, "Hearken dili- 
 gently unto nve, eai. that which is good./^ and let your soul delight 
 itseir^i fntness," Isa. It. 2. 
 
 Vol. L P 
 
118 APRIL 15. 
 
 Then opened lie their luukrstanding, that they might under- 
 sfaiid the scriptures- — Luke xxiv. 45. 
 
 Though Jesus had captivated the hearts, and drawn the affections 
 of his disciples to hiiiiscll", before his sufferings and death, yet they 
 had very little knonkdge in the mysteries of his kingdom, and of the 
 mystery of iniquity which worked in them i they weie but -wcuk in 
 the understandhig of the holy scriptures ; hence arose their diflicience 
 and suspicions concerning iiim. He left them scattered through ftar 
 and unbelief, and he finds them full of unreasonable doubts and 
 troubles : for this he reproves them, " O fools, and slow of heart to 
 believe ail that the prophets have spoken." But amidst all their 
 weakness and ignorance there was a sweet and secret coiifidence in 
 their hearts. Jesus had apprehended them as piisoners of love, tind 
 they were kept by an invisible power, that thty n ight ippitl.uiii that 
 for which also they were apprehended of Christ. Though he nicde 
 the hearts of two of his disciples ''burn withhi them," yet there was 
 more warmth than light ; a transient heat ol i.fftctior.s, but nx)t a 
 settled understanding and judgment in the script uies. Thus it is 
 tvilh many of the lambs of the flock now. '1 lit y have been taught 
 to call ''Jesus Lord by the Holy Gliost." 1 hey teel souic flashes 
 of comfort, but they are oftener exercised with doubts and tears, 
 jealousies and surmises ; but as the Siiviour hath loved them, and 
 called tliem to himself, he will establish their hearts in the Icith. lie 
 not only warms the affections, but opens the understanding. Mai.y 
 mistake here ; not the fire of our passions is to govern us, but our 
 clear understanding of the scriptures. By tlitm our hearts is strength- 
 ened, our judgment established, our love increased, our hearts com- 
 forted, our holiness promoted. Thus Jesus hoi;ored the sciipiuits 
 of truth : so he gave his Erst resurrection-biesshig to his weak, but 
 funcere disciples. 
 
 " Jesus died for our sins, and rose again according to the scrip- 
 tures," 1 Cor. XV. 3, 4. His whole work on earth was to fulfil the 
 scripitnes. So he honored them : and herein he has left disciples 
 an example. Prize the word of trutli, study it constantly, pray over 
 it daily. By the word of truth the Spirit teachcth knowledge. The 
 scriptures are the sword of the Spirit: Satan will fly before them, 
 because they testify of Jesus., Hci e. O soul, is an evidence of a true 
 d;sc>tjle. Jesus hath opened his understanding to understand the 
 scriptuvea:^Ii..th the Lord thus blessed thee ? Then thou seest Jesus 
 to bs the sum and substance of the scriptures, therefore thou wilt 
 esteem them as thy con'panion, thy^,guide, and thy familiar friend. 
 " For whatsioover things were written aforetin^c, w ere written for our 
 learnin^j that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures^ 
 might have hope," Rum. 7;y. 4 
 
APRIL 16. 119 
 
 But grow in grace, and in the knoivledge of our Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ : to him be glonj Loth now 
 and for >^ ever. . Amen. — -2 Pet. iii. 18. 
 
 Christian, know ihy clanger. Thou art ever liable to be led 
 away by the error of the wicked one, to decline tVoni the truths iuid 
 to full away from thy stcdfustness in the faith of Jesus, bxhorta- 
 tions Wdrn of this ; they tend to quicken stronger exercises of faith 
 and love, as a remedy against this; yea, through the iiiflutnccs of the 
 Spirit they cause new-born souls to grow and increase with the in- 
 crease of Gocl> just as reviving showers of rain and Warm influences 
 of the sun, cause the fruits of the earth to grow. It behoves every 
 follower of the Lamb to consider this ; to wrestle v.ith the God of all 
 grace, lest he grow faint in his mind, his hands hang down, and his 
 knees beco nr: feeble ; but that he " grow strong in the grace which 
 is in Christ Jesus." Behold the inseparable connection between gri.ce 
 and Jesus, knowledge and growth. No growth in grace but by the 
 knowledge of Jesus. Tue more thou grov.'est up in thy head^ Christ, 
 the more tiiou wilt grow out of hope in thyself, cut of conceit with 
 thyself, out of the reach of the self-righteously wicked. 
 
 To know and experience the grace of God in Christ, is ttie special 
 mercy of poor sinners. To grow in the tuith of free-grace truJia^, 
 and ill the knowledge of the love of Jesus, is our richest consolation, 
 our highest joy. Hast thou experienced a little of this special grace ? 
 H.ist thou tasted th it the Lord is gracious ? In this consists thy pre- 
 sent blessedness, peace, and joy. But, alas ! what is thy knowledge 
 and experience, but like ii drop of water to the vast ocean. Art tliou 
 hungering after more grace, thirsting lifter greater knov/ledge of 
 J-jsus ? Verily, thou shalt be filled — ^-^ filled with all the fulness of 
 G )d." It is the nature of grace, the property of the knowledge of 
 Jesus, to create an insatiable thirst in the soul after deeper experi- 
 ences of it : hence means of grace will be diligently used, the scrip- 
 tures, which testify of Jesus, constanrly searched, the gospel of gr.icc 
 highly prized, the sincere mnk of the word desired, and the inlluencei^ 
 of the SpiriC implored. Way all this ? Th.vt the soul may grow in 
 the faith and love of Jesus ; that the bud of grace may blossom and 
 bear ripe fruit to the glory of God. The smallest knowledge oi" 
 Jesus shall be increased till the believing b.ibc in Christ comes "in 
 the unity of the faith, and in the knowledge of the Son of God, tothe 
 measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," until faith is turned 
 into sight, hope swallowed up in fruition, and the love 6f an unseen 
 Jesus on earth shall rip^n unto the fullest enjoymeiit of him iu 
 heaven ; and all this to the glory of God the Father, who li.n h 'i l)u^d^ 
 us accepted in liis beloved Son," Eph. i. G 
 
120 APRIL 17. 
 
 Ye we?'e as sheep going astray, hut are now returned unt9 
 the shepherd and bishop of your souls. — -^ Feter. ii. 25. 
 
 ScuipruRE allusions coiuiimally remind us, '' that salvation is 
 not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God who 
 sheweth mercy : therefore, not unto us, not to our free will, but to 
 thy free grace, O Lord, be all tlie glory. Like that poor siily creat- 
 ure, a sheep we naturally stray into all kind of danger, but are unapt 
 to return of ourselves. We never should unless the shepherd sought 
 us. <' We have turned every one to his own Wc-.y," have lost our- 
 selves in the wilderness of sin, are wounded by the wolf of prey, 
 blinded by pride, self-will, and self-righteousness. We delight in 
 our distance from the good shcphercd. We please ourselves in feed- 
 ing on carnal lusts and sensual vanities, while our poor souls are in a 
 starving, perishing condition. Unparalleled love 1 the sheep's wounds 
 are healed by the shepherd's stripes ; pardon is obtained by the 
 bishop's sufferings and death. All this is proclaimed by the shep- 
 herd's voice. But, " O 1 what fools ! how slow of heart to believe 
 this !" This keeps many poor sheep from returning to Jesus ; and 
 those that have heard his voice, and are returned to him, do not 
 keep so close to him as is their interest and happiness. The loving 
 shepherd complains of this, Jer. ii. 31, " Have 1 been a barren wilder- 
 ness unto you, O yc sheep of my pasture ?" No, truly : our souls 
 can never be healthy and thriving but while our shepherd is in view, 
 and we are feeding in the green pastures ofjus love by the still waters 
 of his salvation. 
 
 It behoves Christ's sheep to consider daily how dear they are to 
 liim ; what sweet relation he stands in to them ; what love and care 
 he has for them ; that so Jesus may be more endeared to them, and 
 his pastoral instructions, cautions, and directions, may influence their 
 walk and conversation ; for the adversary is ever working upon our 
 treacherous nature to make us conceive of Jesus otherwise than a 
 faithful shepherd and loving overseer, that so, as terrified sheep, we 
 may fly from him, and cease to love and follow him. Yea, to this 
 end the father of lies thus preaches : ' Though you are returned to 
 your shepherd, yet after all he may cease to care for you, and let 
 you perish.' This is the doctrine of devils, let who will preach it ; 
 for it gives the lie to Jesus, the truth., who says, " I give urito them 
 ctcrntil life ; they shall ?2r7jrr '//!?««//, neither shall any pluck them 
 out »)f my hands," John x. 28. "We are not ignorant of satan's de- 
 vices." 2 Cor. ii. 1 1 — Nor " of the cunning crafiiness of tliose who 
 lie in wait to deceive," Eph. iv. 1 4. 
 The Lord my bliei)her<l Is, Ii" ^^'cr T iro .astray, 
 
 Isliall be well supplv'd ; J le dotii rny soul reclaim, 
 
 Siiicc be ia mine, and 1 am bis, And sjiiidcs me in his own right way 
 
 What can I want beside ? . For his most holy name 
 
APRIL 18. 121 
 
 God u faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship 
 of his Son Jesus Christ. — I Cor. i. 9. 
 
 While we entcrtiiin a notion of a God oiu of Christ, it uffords 
 no comfort to the mind to hear of God's faithluiness. Nay, if we 
 •were not blind to our stjte, as sinntrs, the tliouyht would fill us 
 with dread and horror. I'or how awful, how terrifying is tliis decla- 
 ration from a faiihful God ; " I will by no niCiais clear the guilty," 
 Exod. xxxiv 7. But '* we know that tlic Lord our God, he is God, 
 the fiiithful God, who keepeth covenant uiid mercy with them that 
 love him and keep iiis comnic.ndments, to a thous^Jid generations," 
 D ut. vii. 9. O this is the life of poor sinners' souis 1 this is the 
 joy of their hearts ! For whenever one reads of the covenant, it re- 
 minds of Jesus the surety, the mediator, of God in Christ,- the God 
 of lov<\ our reconciled God and F.ithcr. We have r.o immediate ac- 
 cess to the F. ther but by his Son Jesus Christ. When called into 
 fellowship, intercourse, f unili.vrity, and sweet cor.verse with Jesus 
 by faith, then we have free access to the F^aher's throne of grace', and 
 his heart of love. We glory in his great aiid precious proniiscs, and 
 triumph in his declarations of faithfulness and truth. 
 
 The faithfulness of God is the foundation of all present grace ; the 
 security of future glory. Many weak disciples are peipiexed with 
 dark and disturbing thoughts in this matter. Their he^^rts arc not 
 carried up to rest in the love of the Father, where all is serene und 
 quiet ; but they rest belew, in the regions of doubts and fears, storms 
 and clouds. Their souls may be exercised, and often distressed ; 
 but they are safe, because called to the knowledge of LJth in ana fel- 
 lowship with their elder brother, Jesus. Ti.is is by the love of the 
 Father through the power of the Spirit. Ai.d God is faidiful to iiis 
 covenant, to his Son, to his people, to his own word to them, and 
 his work in them. " For whom he calls, them he gloiiiies.'' Faith-\ 
 ful to support them under all present dejections of mind and sinking 
 of spirits : faithful to preserve them in all times of danger, and to 
 give them living comforts in a dying hour. 
 
 Now, O believer, thou art calied to honor the fditlifulness of thy 
 God, by trusting in his word of truth ; glorying in his promises of 
 grace at all times. Yea, at thy worst of times and frames, even 
 when sense, reason, feelings, and appearances are all against tlieo, 
 then the Lord is for thee. " The Lord is faithful, who t/uill st'dbiish 
 you, and keep you from all c vil," 2 Thcss. iii 3. Faithful '" to 
 confirm you unto the end, th.it you may be blameless in the day of 
 the Lord Jesus," 1 Cor. i. 8. 
 
 Our Gfvl, how firm liis promise stands. Then why my soul these sr«d coiQpl:i!nU, 
 
 Ev'n when he'hidcs his face ? Sii>cf TIk ist anr! m p sro one ? 
 
 His (rist's in nnr Hi.dccraer's hands, Th . ' ^oi! is fiiithfu! to his saiiits, 
 
 His slory and his grace. la fuithful to his Son. 1^1. 
 
122 APRIL 19. 
 
 TFhat shall wc say then .^ shall rue continue in sin, that 
 grace 7nay abound ? — Rom. vi. 1. 
 
 Believer in Jesus, what are thy thoughts ? Avhut the answer 
 ©r thine heart this day, in regard to thy walk and coiiduct in life, 
 from the important doctrines of grace ? Canst thou say, the everlast- 
 ing love of God the Father, reigning through the righteousness of 
 Jesus unto eternal life, manifested in the gospel, and applied by the 
 Holy Spirit through faith, have the least tendency to give reins to 
 thy lust, to open a door of licentiousness, and to encourage thee to 
 continue in sin ? Doth the belief of the guilt of sin, being atoned by 
 the precious blood of Jesus, influence tliee to the love of sin ? Doth 
 the knoAvledge of Christ's righteousness imputed unto justificatioii of 
 life, tend to make thee delight in unrighteousness and unholiness of 
 life ? By no means : God foi bid ! to bring such an heinous charge 
 against divine truths ; O v.hat daring impiety 1 what horrid blasphe- 
 my ! Beware of such a thought ; indulge it not one moment ; it 
 conies from the adversary of all truth ; it impeaches the wisdom and 
 holiness of the Spirit of truth ; for he reveals these soul-saving, 
 Christ-glorifying, God-honoring truths ; and by his gracious gift of 
 faith, sinners receive and embrace them. But to what end I Hereby 
 they see the display of justice; mercy triumphing in righteousness ; 
 their sculs established in a sense of peace and pardon, and most 
 powcj-fuily influenced to the love of personal holiness and obedience. 
 Sooner ascribe midnight darkness and water's frost to the source of 
 light and heat of the sun, than once imagine the grace of God leuds 
 to sin. or the cihoundings of grace to continuance in sin. No ; this is 
 throutrh the nboundings of lust. — '' When Inst hath conceived, it 
 brings forth sin," James i. 15. But grace conceived in the heartj 
 brings forth holiness. 
 
 « Do we then make void the law throxigh iiiith ? God forbid : Yea, 
 we establish the law," Rom. iii.- 5 1 . How ? as a covenant of works 
 to us ?- No ; that it was our dear suvet'y. '^ Christ is the end (the 
 fulfi!li-r) of the law for righteousness to every one that belicveih," 
 Rom. X. 4. We establish the law, as a rule of duty to ns ; though 
 not to obtain life,- but according to which v/e oiight to walk. So we 
 follow our Lord, and arc -conformed to him. O may the cheering; 
 li::>ht of truth be ever accoiripanicd with the warm influences of the 
 3 un^f righteousness upon the heart ! " By the n-v.'i r mT TJod v.c have 
 had our conversation in the v.orki," 2 Cor. I. 
 
 " Tlicn slinll v.-e best protlsim nlirnail 1 cantiot Iqvc and Uve in An, 
 
 '* The honoriof onr S.vionr n»ii], Tltough sin in me doth slill abide : 
 
 *• When Ilia salvation rei[;ns tvithin, Thongli ,fcin's alive, I'm tlc-id Ut sip, 
 
 " And grace siibduea the power ol'sin." My Sannwi- Vcol^^ from lust and pride. .M. 
 
' APRIL 2Q. i2S 
 
 God hath chosen us in Christy before the foundation of tlie 
 
 W07/£/.-;;-Eph. i. 4. 
 
 So the aposlles wrote and picachecl, to comfort and establish 
 their brethren in the faith of Christ, in the love of f jod, and in the 
 sanctification of the Spirit unto all true holiness. The election of 
 sinners, by God the Father in Christ Jesus, from all eternity, is the 
 foundation from which all faith and hope spruig. If this ti utli is re- 
 jected, the atonement of Jesus is made precarious, the work of the 
 Spirit uncertain, salvation doubtful, faith void, the piomise of none 
 effect, and the hope of eternal life is made to depend on the will and 
 power of weak aiid vile sinners, instead of the gri;cc and truth of God. 
 But in every age, men of corrupt mhids, debtiiute of the tiutli, have 
 opposed God's sovereign grace, everlasting love, and eteniai purpo- 
 ses. God hath suffered it, " that those who are approved might, be 
 made manifest," 1 Cor. xi. 19. Humble, self-emptied sinners, who 
 art- poor in spirit, and lowly in their own eyes, pl<Jnly discern that 
 systems of human pride, schemes of self-confidence, are set up to 
 establish vain hopes and self-righteous pleas, in opposition to the 
 truths of God : « If it were possible to deceive the very elect of God,'* 
 Matt. xxiv. 24. But his love towards his children is too great to 
 suffer it. And they do well to take heed to the true light of electing 
 grace and love ; which shines with such glory in the person of Jesus, 
 to the comfort of their souls, through the fLiith of him. 
 
 " Beware of men ; call 'no man Rabbi,'' saith our divine teacher. 
 Yet saith Paul to his son Timothy, " The things which thou hast 
 heard of me, the same commit thou to faithful men ; who shall be 
 able to teach others also," 2 Tim. ii. 2. So a standing ministry bath 
 been esttiblished, whom God hath sent forth in every age boldly to 
 preach the God-glorifying, sovd-humbliiig, faith-establishing, sin- 
 subduing truths of the gospel. Human compositions, agreeable to 
 God's truth, are precious ; as they are made establishing to the faitli- 
 ful. Thanks to God for those sweet and comfortable words of the 
 17th article of the established church. Our pious rcfonners say, 
 ' The godly consideration of predestination, and our election in Christ, 
 is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, 
 and such as feel in themselves the working of the 'Spirit of Christ, 
 mortifying the works of the flesh and their earthly ir.crohcrs,' and 
 drawing up their minds to high and heavenly things. It doth greatly 
 esiablish and confirm their faith of eternU salvation, to be enjoyed 
 through Christ. It doth fervently kindle their love towards God.* 
 Here are blessed scriptural marks of a true christian : if thou findcst 
 them in thine own heart, give God the gloiy of electing love, and 
 ^' hold f.ist this form ofsoujnd -.Tords in faith and lore," S Tim. i. 15, 
 
124 APRIL 21. 
 
 If any man sin, ive have an advocate with the Father, 
 Jesus Christ the righteous — iJoha ii. 1. 
 
 In the ghiss of God's holy and righteous hiw we see what an 
 unholy and unrighteous thing sin is ; it is hateful in the eyes of a 
 pure God ; it hath separated between God and the sinner, and tends 
 to his eternal destruction. The gospel in no wise renders sin less 
 odious to God, less heinous in his sight ; fur from it. Yea, ruther 
 it paints sin in the blackest colours, and shews its deepest malignancy, 
 by the gracious method of its atonement. View the holy Lamb suf- 
 fering for sin on the cross ; see the streaming blood, and hear the 
 direful agonies of the Son of God on account of sin ; and say, O be- 
 liever, is sin a little matter, a trifling thing ? Learn daily sin's evil 
 by its remedy — sin's poison by its antidote — the hell it deserved by 
 the person who redeems. And ever, U my soul, hold fast this as a 
 sacred truth, though God loves thy person in Christ Jesus, yet he 
 hates thy sins, though reconciled to thy soul through the Son of his 
 love, yet he never can be reconciled to sin, though at peace Avith thee 
 through the blood of the cross, yet ever at enmity against thy sins. 
 Hence the beloved disciple declares, " These things write I unto 
 you, little children, that ye sin not." Beware of sin as the worst 
 evil ; watch against sin as a deadly foe ; strive against it, oppose, 
 resist it in the power of the Spirit, as your worst enemy : as most 
 hateful and displeasing to your best friend. 
 
 But if any man sin, (for none are perfectly free from sin in their 
 nature, nor wholly exempt from it in their pi-actice), what then ? 
 .must we lie down and despair ? No : " We have an advocate with 
 the Father :" Jesus Christ pleads the cause of sinners, though he is 
 not an advocate for sin ; for he is the righteous. Therefore he doth 
 not deny the charge that we are sinners, guilty in ourselves ; he 
 extenuates none of our sins, but owns every accusation brought in- 
 to court agiiinst us by a perfect law and strict justice ; with every 
 aggravating circumstance which can be urged. Against all that law 
 and justice can charge upon us, he pleads his own undertaking, his 
 work, his life and death, his blood and righteousness. His people 
 have sinned ; his blood hath atoned. They have contracted guilt ; he 
 hatli suffered the punishment. They have deserved the curse of the 
 law ; he has borne it for them. They have deserved hell ; he has 
 •pcRcd the kingdom of heaven. They are unrighteous in themselves j 
 Jesus hath fulfilled the law for them, and clothed them with his per- 
 fect righteousness. Therefore he pleads tliut sin may not be imputed 
 to them ; but that pardon of sin and peace of conscience may be be- 
 stowed upon them by the word and Spirit ; and that they may be 
 sanctified in him, and glorified with him. Thus suith our dear Lord 
 to us, "'I will not leave you comfortless," John xiv. 18, 
 
• APRIL 22. 123 
 
 The soul of the sh^^ard dcsiretK and hath nothing: but 
 the soul of the diligent shall be made fat — Piov. xiii. 4. 
 
 I X the busy scenes of life, in the awful moments of death, the 
 formal professor, as wdl as the profligate and profane, will desire 
 to escape misery and woe, and enjoy heaven and hc.ppiucss. But 
 alas ! how vain and fruitless are such desires I If these muy be 
 called good desires, ' the way to hell is paved with them,* saith an 
 ancient father of the church. But in this, the wisdom of the chil- 
 'Iren of God is manifested. They arc diligent in the use of such 
 ^^ ns, which, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, will be crowned 
 with a- ,^gggjj g^j^ -Yhcy cannot rest in desiring, but in possessing; 
 not in wishi.^^ ^^^ enjoying. They find and feel their souls want 
 continual suppiiw, ^f f^od from Jesus, support from his promises, 
 nourishment from hi=, w^rd und ordinances, and life from his Spirit. 
 And as their desires ave quicK*;iicd, their diligence is drawn out after 
 these things. 
 
 Truth and wisdom declarp, they shall not barely be kept from 
 starving, just preserved alive, like Phai-aoh's lean kine ; but shall 
 be fed and nourished. Yea, like h«;ilthy sheep in rich pastures, 
 they shall grow fat, "The soul of the diligent shall bd" made fat," 
 Prov. xiii. 4. Here is encouragement foi thy diiigence, here is 
 a spur to thy activity, O disciple. Here is the promise of thy 
 Lord. Where is thy faith ? Dost thou perceive thy soul decline, 
 instead of growing fat ? Do lusts and corruptions gain ground ? 
 Doth the love of the world get the ascendency of the love of the 
 Father in thy heart ? Is the edge of thy spiritual appetite palled ? 
 and canst thou not feed nor feast on the rich repast of Jesus' re- 
 deeming love as heretofore ? Wherefere is this ? Hast thou not 
 reason to charge thyself with sloth and indolence ? Hast thou not 
 been sleeping on thy bed of ease, instead of seeking the food of thy 
 soul ? Indulging thy peribhing body, when thou mightest have 
 used means for feasting thy immortal spirit ? If so, the word of 
 grace, and the testimony of thy conscience, convict thee ; this is 
 not right ; thou oughtest to take shame to thyself; it is thy duty 
 to humble tl\yself, and to call upon the Spirit to quicken thee. 
 Though saved in the Lord Jesus with an everlasting salvation, yet 
 thou art called "to give all diligence to make thy calling and -elec- 
 tion sure." In this way the Lord will nourish souls in love, and 
 make them fat in the consolations of his grace. Consider, all are 
 busy and active around thee— satan to tempt, the world to ensnare, 
 and thy corruptions within to bctmy the. Remember the eyes of 
 thy dear Lord are ever upon thee to see how thou aetcst thy part. 
 Yea, more, "'according to his riches in glory, to strengthen thee with 
 might by his Spirit in the innev man," Eph. iii. 16. 
 
 \oh. I. Q 
 
l^o APRIL 23. 
 
 IFltJiout controversy, great is the mijstery of godliness r 
 God was manifest in the jlesh, ^c. — i Tim. iii. i6. 
 
 The truths of the gospel arc undoubtedly great mysteries to 
 «. aural reason. Wc have naturally no ideas of their existence ; but 
 henig plainly revealed by the Spirit of truth, they cease to be hid 
 irom our knowledge. They are no longer secret mysteries, as to 
 their matter, but plain and open truths to faith. True, the vmnnev 
 of their existence is incomprehensible to reason. So they will ever 
 ren.ain mysteries to us. Therefore the sons of natural pride an'' 
 human ignorance reject and disbelieve them : but the childre- °^ 
 M'isdom and humility esteem the whole mystery of gcdline^^" ^'^^^X 
 bible-truth, as precious objects of their faith. Blessed ^*^ ^^^^' ^^"^ 
 comfort and salvation consists in believing, not in -^pli^i'^Hg- The 
 fhristian, like the prophet, being born of tJie Spirit, is a « man of 
 strife and contention with tlie whole ca)-''f>/' J'^'"- ^^'- ^^' ^"^^^ "^ "^- 
 ture and carnal reason are in arn\s agtiinst the truths he believes. 
 Because he earnestly contends for them, Jie will ever find controversy 
 ?.nd perverse disputings from men of corrupt minds, destitute of the 
 truth. His zeal here is alv/ays commendable, only let it be in love. 
 
 What the Lord huth taught in his word, we receive as the food of 
 our souls. ThJa is our simple answer to the God of this world, and 
 to the wise <Iisputtr of this age. Wc cannot comin-ehend how God 
 dwelt in flesh, but we are fully assured he did. We have the fullest 
 proof of it in his word ; and his word is truth. And it is the very 
 life of our souls, and the joy of our hearts, to believe our God. Whij 
 God dwelt in flesh, and the glorious ends he hath accomplished here- 
 by, we know. Of this also, we are perfectly asbured ; we believe it 
 from the same infallible testimony. To the faith of this, we have tlic 
 inward witness of the Spirit also. God, known in the flesh, beheld 
 in human form, viev.-ed in our nature, is the very essence of our 
 faith ; we now partake its blessings and experience its comforts. 
 Hence springs the assured pardon of all our sins, the acceptance of 
 our persons, the sanctification of our souls, and sure and certain 
 hope of eternal life and glory. All this is l:>y free promise, according 
 10 the purpose and decree of the everlasting covenant of grace, to 
 the glory of the ever-blessed Trinity, and to the comfort and salvation 
 of lost sinners. Thus saints arc called into "one body, by one Spi- 
 rit ; iiavc one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one atone- 
 ment, one righteousness, one God and Father of all, who is above 
 j!!, and through all, and in them all," Ephes. iv. 4, 5, 6. 
 
 "^ r, N- E ;; feels I am a S'.niici- here : V,s 1" A I r n I vk-w i. o v i.'s m ystny, 
 
 /?EAS0N tlsis truth could ne'er explore ; fJoD liv'd and tly'd in liuraan flesh, 
 
 That (;of' in flesh should cleanse my soul IVTy hope, my heaven, my joy is this ; 
 
 3y i^hi.-»ldii)alt)8»vvBpiu-pIc j;«:'e. 3>o stronger proofs of love-I wish. M. 
 
. APRIL 24. 127 
 
 /■ keep under my lodij ; and bring it into subjection. — 
 1 Cor. ix. 27. 
 
 The neglect of this brings on leanness of soul. li'this enemy 
 gains ground, it is alarming ; if he prcvidls, it causes mourning •, 
 but when he is kept low, and supplies arc cut off, his power is 
 -weakened, and victory over him is easily gained. Such arc the 
 sensitive powers, carnal affections, and sinful inclinations v/hich com- 
 pose part of our present frame, the body ; a body of sin and deatli. 
 To gratify and fulfil them is very pleasing and delightful to nature 
 and sense. But how awfully subversive of the comforts of faith, the 
 peace of the mind, and the joy of the soul, thy own Sud expericr.cc, 
 O disciple, hath proved. Nor can it be otherwise ; let lis not deceive 
 ourselves ; we cannot indulge and pamper the life of the flesh but to 
 the hurt and injury of the life of the soul. There is an irreconcitubk 
 enmity between Uie flesh and the spirit, the old man and the ncv,'. 
 The variance and strife Avill ever subsist while v/c arc in the bod\-. 
 It is the Lord's sovereign will to leave the Canaanites still in the land, 
 and to drive them out by little and little. I or '< behold a King shal! 
 reivn in righteousness,'^ Isa. xxxii. I. This is our beloved Jesus 
 Here is the exercise of faith in liim, the touch-stone of our love, and 
 the proof of our allegiance to him, in striving daily for the mastery, 
 to conflict with and fight against every inordinate affection aiid 
 corrupt lust of our fallen, sinful nature, and to keep them under, and 
 brhig them into subjection to him. It is hard woik to fight with au 
 enemy that is part of one's self; but Jesus' banner hath this motto, 
 " Deny thyself, take up thy cross dcdly, and follow me." Though 
 the work is ours, yet thine, O Jesus, is the povvcr. 
 
 Faith in Jesus not only accepts hij imputed righteoasness for 
 justification, Init has also a liveJy dependence on Christ for every 
 supply of the Spirit for further sanctification. It leaves not the soul 
 in a lazy languid state, but causes it to aspire after greater deliglit 
 in and conformity to God; it eyes God as its centre ; enjoyment of 
 him as its happiness, and full conibrmity to him as its perfc<",tion. 
 To indulge, pamper, and gratify the flesh, is contJ'ary hereto ; 
 therefore mortification and self-denial, ami subjecting the flesh to 
 the spirit, will be the exercise of living, believing, loving souls- 
 But why all this ? not from legal principles: not fiom slavish fear 
 of hell and damnation ; not through dread of being reprobated aud 
 cast away for ever ; No : Paul had not so learned, nor did Christ 
 leach so. Believers act from love to Jesus, bdng assured of perfect 
 ..ulvation by him. " Eternal life is the gift of God," liom. vi. 23. 
 
 Wfiat (lifPicnt Row'rs of grace and sin Thus wiil the flcsli .iiid spirit strive, 
 Attend this mortal state ! And vex and hrcjik my (jcacci 
 
 S hate tlie tlioughts that work Mithin, I loii^c to live a plorioiis life, 
 And Uo tlie works Itate, Whca «iii shall cvi-j- cuate. 
 
128 APRIL 25. 
 
 The Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he for- 
 sake his inheritance. — Psalm xciv. 14. 
 
 Theuf.fore, drooping soul, cast not off thy confidence in him. 
 A meteor will expire when the earthly matter is spent that main- 
 tained the blaze for a time. Profession may carry to an high eleva- 
 tion. Persons may appear as fixed stars in the church of Christ, 
 but time may discover them to be no other than shining meteors, or 
 shooting and falling stars. Yea, angels kept not their first estate . 
 But the Lord's chosen people is his portion. The gates of hell shall 
 not prevail against the church of Christ. " All those that be planted 
 in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God," 
 Psalm xcii. 13. Here is the consolation ol Christ, the comfort of 
 love, the fellowship of the Spirit, « He that believeth in Jesus shall 
 be saved ;" not for days, months, years, but saved with an ever- 
 lasting salvation. For all such are the objects of the everlasting 
 love of an unchangeable God. He never casts off nor forsakes them. 
 Even when in the furnace of trials and i.filictions, hearthe declarations 
 of love concerning them :' " They shall call on my name, and I will 
 hear them. I will say, it is my people." Hear the claim of faith : 
 « Then shall tliey say, The Lord is my God," Zech. xiii. 9. 
 
 David knew that friends had cast him off : yea, father and mother 
 might forsake him ; his frames and feelings had forsaken him, his 
 joys had v.ithcred, and his comforts seemed all blasted in an hour. 
 But, says he, age and observation have fully confirmed me in this 
 truth, « I never saw the righteous forsaken of his "God :" " Though 
 he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down," Why so ? Truly, saith 
 he, " The Lord upholdcth him with his hand," Psalm xxxvii. 24. 
 Falls may wound t!ie soul, bruise the spirit, cauac sinkings of heart, 
 and dejections of mind. Satan may sadly daub and bespatter tlie 
 poor child of God, and endeavour to persuade him that he is in such 
 a filthy condition, that his Father doth not know him, will not own 
 him. The Lord help us to fear such a state, and to watch and pray 
 that we may stand ! Yet the Lord will not cast away his people whom 
 he did foreknow, nor forsake his chosen inheritaace. There is balm 
 in Gilead. Jesus is the skilful physician ; lie will heal and restore 
 his beloved members ; he knows them, he loves them, they arc his 
 property. O how should this endear Jesus to o\ir souls 1 cause us 
 to cleave unto him with full purpose of heart ; embitter sin, and cause 
 us to cry continually, " Hold up my goings in thy paths, tliat my' 
 footsteps slip not," Psalm xvii. o. 
 
 ([arise ? 
 Pi-aise fo the goodness of tlip Lord, Wln^nce tlien should doubts and fears 
 
 Who rules his people by his word, AVhy tricklinp; sorrows drowu our eyes ? 
 
 And.f hero, as strong as his decrees. Slowly, alas, our mind receives 
 
 He sets hit tiudest i)romise3. The comforts that our Saviour gives. 
 
APRIL 26. 129 
 
 Rejoicing in hope ; patient in tru,i^ifiQn ; continuing in- 
 stant in prat/er — ilnn. xii. 1-2. 
 
 The gospel brings us from a hftpelcss in^.^ l^optfvil slate ; but 
 not into an independent one. We are never to xptct ireedom iVom 
 trials and tribulutions in tliis vale of tears ; they iij-ii^ our way to Uie 
 end of our hope, tiie enjoyment of (lod in glory, --auh tukes hold 
 of something that is material, and makeih the soul trimiph in hope. 
 Hope makes the soul joyful, and excites to patience. Tribulations 
 cause a throne of grace to be prized, a covenani God in «:iaist to be 
 sought unto and delighted in. In the rough w.ves of difluuities, ill 
 4:he storm of affliction, in the boisterous sea ot tcmptcUion, h^pe is an 
 anchor to the soul ; when that is cusi within the veil the vessel shall 
 safely ride out every storm ; though tossed, it shall not-be wiven 
 from its moorings ; it keeps the soul Safe and steady. 
 
 The grace of patience is ranged between the joy of hope and the 
 constant exercise of prayer, as though it couia not exist without 
 either, but is supported and strengthened by both. Jonali sleeps 
 sound in the ship, but prays hard in the whale's belly. Distress and 
 hope raise an importunate cry. A hopeful soul will be much in pray- 
 er ; and the more in converse and communion with God, the soul 
 will more tlirive in every grace of the Spirit. " Ask, and ye shall re- 
 ceive," is the grand charter of heaven. Yea more, lest children 
 grow remiss, be sparing in their addresses, and content themselves 
 with any portion, when the exuberance is necessary, saith our muni- 
 ficent Lord, « Ask and receive, that your joy may be full," John xv. 
 1 1 . Sip not at the streams ; but drink large draughts at the fountain- 
 head. 
 
 Ever remember, christian ; the life of sense is contrary to tl^e life 
 of iliith. Walking after the flesh, gratifying its lusts, cor.foinung 
 to a sinful world, deadens the life of the soul, indisposes it to prayer, 
 makes hope decline, impatience prcviiil, and all the graces wither. 
 And canst thou delight to live at a distance from thy Saviour? What 1 
 without a sense of his peace and love ? Wouldst thou not fear to die in 
 such a frame ? "Keep yourselves in the love of God," is an cvangeh- 
 cal exhortation, Jude, vcr. 21 ; looking unto Jesus under every cir- 
 cumstance—avoid every thing contraiy to love— etudy to be dihgent 
 in those means which tend to excite and strengthen the liveliness of 
 faith, the comforts of love, the joy of hope, and the p.-.tience of the 
 soul. " If ye do these things, ye shall never fall," 2 Pet. i. 10.; 
 
 Saints, at vour Father's heav'iilv ^vord, .I"st In the h?t •-••strefsi"!^ liour, 
 
 Give up vour comforts to the Lord ; Tl-.c Lord .iisilnys deliv'ring pow'r ; 
 
 He shall restore what you resign, The mouth of trials is the i.'rre 
 
 Or grant yott blessings more cU>iiie. Where we shall see suririsir.g grr,oe. 
 
150 AP^'^ ^'^• 
 
 Then had the churches ""^^ ^"^ ^^^'*^ edified, and walking 
 in the fear of the L^^^ and in the comfort of the Holy 
 Ghost, were iniL^P^^^^^' — x\cts ix. 31. 
 The form of e"^'"^^^^ without the power, is sufficient to make 
 men saints, goocl''^"'''^'^'"^'^"' honest souls in the eyes of the carnal 
 ^ orld. I3ut\v)'^"5 t»y ^^^^ power of the Spirit our hearts possess the 
 faith of Jesus, it eannot be hid, but the life of Jesus also will be man- 
 ifested in oi»" ^V'llk and conversation. Then persecution awaits us, 
 the world li^tes us, their foiTner esteem for and good opinion of us, is 
 changed iito hatred and opposition. The word of the Lord must be 
 ftillillcd, " All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer perse- 
 cution," 2 Tim. iii. 12. This is the lot of every disciple, it is a 
 toucli-stone of faith ; but this is over-ruled by our master's wisdom, 
 for his glory and our spiritual advantage. These have proved the 
 most thriving seasons to the church of God, most prosperous to the 
 souls of disciples ; then the love of this world has been most purged 
 from the heart, and the closest fellowship with Jesus enjoyed : with- 
 out adversity our graces v.ither. 
 
 But is the rage and fury of opposers abated r Have we a little more 
 rest and quiet from those, who, at our first conversion to Jesus, vexed 
 and oppressed us ? Here a godly jealousy is needful, close examina- 
 tion necessary. Is Jesus still dear to us ? Do v.e keep close to him 
 tis the beloved of our souls ? Are the promises of God still precious? 
 and do we stand steady against the smiles of the world, pi cferrine 
 Jesus to all ? See, mark the blessed connection between edification of 
 the truth, walking in the fear cf the Lord, and enjoying the comforts 
 of the Holy Ghost. So the cluirch of old prospered when rest was 
 given them. These tilings are inseparable. True saving knowledge 
 ofJcKUsin the heart, ever discovers itself by a holy, loving, filial 
 fcar of the Lord in the life. The more we are edified in the iVdth, this 
 fear incrcaseth : faith and fear are foimdcd in love, and wiji be ac- 
 companied with the con>ibrt of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 But though the churches had rest from persecution, still the mem- 
 bers we re in die b'dy ; satanAvas. active ; jUlictions and temptations 
 ceased not. In this;, nor tliey nor we sluill ever be exempt in this vale 
 cf tears : to endure them, we are taught, is part of our blessedness, 
 James i. 12. By them jve learn many useful lessons of faiih, pa, 
 tience, humility, and resignation -to. the will of God, and are made the 
 more t^partake of his holiness ; so tlie Holy Ghost sanctifies them 
 to our profit, and cuitbies us to glorify the Lord our God, being 
 cheerful and cor.fident in Jesus' promise : " Recausc thou hr^st kept 
 the word of my patience, I «1 30 will kctp thee from the hour of tcam)-^ 
 lation," Rev. iii. To. 
 
, APRIL 28. 131 
 
 n ,r)ii hast not called upon me, Jacob :■ hut thou haat 
 oeen weary of me, Israel. — Isa. xiiii. 22. 
 
 " God hath not cast away his people which lie foreknew," Rom- 
 xi. 2. Zealous professors may become shameful apostates. God's 
 own children may awfully backslide from him, and sadly decline in 
 their love to him and service of him. Such a conduct is most base to 
 the best of bcintjs, most ungrateful to the most loving Lord and Sav- 
 iour, n\ost wounding to sensible, gracious hearts : but such wander- 
 ing sheep shall hear the faithful shepherd's voice, and shall return 
 with weeping and supplications. Slighted mercies, forfeited privi- 
 leges, neglecting means of grace, indifl'erence to the cause of Jesus, 
 and growing weary of the Saviour's Avays and service, bear sad wit- 
 ness against the soul. 
 
 A little self-examination will discover tliat such an one hath found 
 other lovers ; with them he is delighted, and after tiiem he hath gone. 
 If the life of sense prevails against the life of faith, the lusts of the 
 flesh are preferred to spiritual delights ; carnal, worldly company is 
 more relished than the communion of the saints ; fellowship with the 
 unfruitful works of darkness is more attented to, than fellowship 
 with Jesus : if the private duties of the closet, the public ordinances 
 of God's house are forsaken : if to all this there is an indifi'erence and 
 unconceiMi of soul, can the solemn charge of our Lord be heard, 
 'f Thou hast been weary of me," without pleading guilty ? Be aston- 
 ished, O heavens, at this ! Weary in serving the Lord may be the 
 christian's experience through infirmity ; but to be v/eary of the Lord 
 himself, the Lord of every perfection, the God of all mercies, the 
 Father of all consolation, the only Saviour of our souls, our only hope 
 in time, our all in eternity ; to be weary, of, to grow shy to such a 
 being, O what shall one say ! truly, love is patient and prayer 
 powerful ; but for the love of the Tather, and the intercession of 
 Jesus, suchasoul might, ere this, have reaped hisdesert^ in torments, 
 and been weary of his punishment in hell. But O, after such base 
 conduct, hear the declarations of /ofe— ." I, even I am he thatbletteih 
 out thy transgressions, for mine own sake, and will not remember 
 thy sins," verse 25. Therefore there is hope, grace reigns, grace 
 abounds, mercy is free, proclamation is made. " Return, (such a 
 temper must be changed, or death cannot be hopeful, nor. eteriiity 
 desirable), return to the Lord thu Gnd, foi- ll-.ou I.ast fallen by thine 
 iniquity," llosca xiv, 1. 
 
 \Anicrc !;!ioulil my foolish p.ission3 rove ■ Let inc be tastcneil to fliy cross, 
 Where can sinh swcctiitss be Ratlicr lliaii lose th) sight. 
 
 As I liave tasted in thy love, M:ikr. h:(sto my days to ivacJi tlic gojjl 
 As I have found in thee ! And bring my henrl to rest 
 
 Wretch that I am, to wander tljiis On the dear centre of ray soul, , 
 111 thace of false delights '. My Goil, my SaTiotU''? breast. 
 
132 APRIL 29. 
 
 Then I miv and considered it well : / looked upon-^ 7 
 received instruction. — Prov. xxiv, 32. 
 
 Obsehvation- is the life of understanding. Experience is the 
 joy of faith. Learning- good from others' harms is true wisdom. 
 Can we look around us among the circle of our professing acquaint- 
 ance, and not see the awful effects of slothfulness in the ways of 
 God ? What supine indolence to the cause of Jesus, and careless 
 indifference as to the health and prosperity of the soul, do we behold ! 
 A very affecting description of this the Spirit of wisdom here presents' 
 to our view : " I went by the field of the slothful, (the once seeming- 
 ly growing and shining professor) and lo, it was all grown over with 
 thorns, (the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, has 
 choked the word. Matt. xiii. 22), and nettles has covered the face 
 thereof;'' (the rank weeds of corrupt lusts, sensual gratifications, 
 carnal pleasures and delights overspread the life and conduct) ; " the 
 btone wall of the vineyard is broken down;" (the soul lying open and 
 unfenced against the incursion of the beasts of prey, satan, the men 
 of this world, carnal company ; senseless of its danger, and slothful 
 to all means of deliverance, the poor soul composes itself with) "yet 
 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little foldhig of the hands to sleep." 
 Is not this a striking, though awiul likeness? Do we not almost daily 
 behold its original ? How melancholy the siglit ! how alarming the 
 conduct I how dreadful the sentence ! " So shall thy poverty come 
 as one that travelleth (with speed) ; and thy wr.nt as an anned man," 
 (being without power thou canst not withstand it). See this, O soul '. 
 . remember thy calling is to diligence. " Consider it well," (what sad 
 effects spiritual sloth produce !) " Look upon it, (as a frame and 
 temper of soul to be constantly dreaded, and earnestly prayed against); 
 receive instruction :" " For whatsoever things were written afore- 
 time, were written for our learning." To wTiat end ? To shew what 
 has hapi>cncd to others, " are ensamples to us, and for our admoni- 
 tion ; upon, whom thaends of the world are come. Wherefore, let 
 him that ttinkethhe standeth, take heed lest he fall," 1 Cor. x. 1!, 
 1 2. T])e apostle speaks of " things that accompany salvation," Heb. 
 vi. 9. Diligence in the ways of God is one of these things ; without 
 liiis we cannot enjoy the full assurance of hoiie, that we are <' follow- 
 ers of them v.'ho, through faith and patience, do now inJicrit the 
 pro«u!;cs." 
 
 [eyes. 
 
 I love the volumes of thy word ; Thy threat nings v»ake \\\y slumb'ring 
 
 "W'liat light and joy these leaves-afford And warn me where my danger lies : 
 
 To souls benighted and disti-est ! "Rut 'tis thy blessed gospel, Lord, 
 
 Thy precepts guide my doubtful way, That makes my guilty conscience clean. 
 
 Tliy fear forbids iny feet to stray. Converts my soul, subdues my sin, 
 
 'iliy promise leads my heart to rest. ^ A ud gives a freo but large reward. 
 
APRIL 30. 133 
 
 Behold, Isee the heavens opened and the Son of man stand' 
 ing 071 the right hand of God. — Acts vii. 56. 
 
 ' Sufficient to iho day is the evil thereof.' As the triul and 
 exercise of our day is, so,shall our strength be. Suiiiti. shall have 
 suffering grace for suffering times. Hours of great outward cahoiiitics 
 often prove seasons of the greatest abounduigs ol inward consolation. 
 It is said , « Stephen fell asleep." What ! fall asleep under a shower 
 of stones ? Yes : the sweetest sleep he ever experienced. It was 
 preceded by a supernatural sight of glory ; he awoke in the full 
 enjoyment of glory ; he suffered first for Jesus, he is the first who is 
 favored with a view of the glorirfied Jesus in his kingdom. How faith- 
 ful is the Lord we serve ! how great are his compassions ! how re- 
 viving to the soul is the spiritual sight of him 1 Whether patri;;rchs, 
 prophets, apostles, martyrs, and confessors, as believers in all ages, 
 the same Lord vas the object of their faith ; they were comforted by 
 the same Spirit, whose blessed office is to glorify Jesus in tlie views 
 of believing souls. True, »' no man shall see me and live, saith the 
 Lord," Exod. xxxiii. 20. Even high favored Stephen saw not the 
 essential glory of Jehovah but through the medium of the man Jesus- 
 Whether with his bodily sight, or. in the full visions of faith and the 
 Holy Ghost, he saw the glo^y of God in the person of the glorified, 
 exalted Son of man, Jesus, this discovery fired his soul with heavenly 
 joy, and inflamed his heart with holy transport. 
 
 Faith's views of Jesus have a transforming influence upon the soul. 
 Wliile he is beheld, love is comnmnicated. Ascending hearts to Jesus 
 are favoured with descending love from Jesus. Love, received in the 
 heart, cheerfully diffuseth its sweet savour around us; it enlarges the 
 bowels of compassion, and openi fne mouth in prayer even for its 
 worst enemies. Thus Stephen prays for his very murderers. When 
 for himself he stands ; when for them he kneeled down, as though 
 more importunate for them than for himself. Wliat hath Jesus done 
 for sinners ! \Vhat doth he in them! How precious is he to those who 
 believe I Kow should our hearts long for clearer views of him by the 
 Spirit 1 As in his love, so in his person he is wonderful ; he is ever 
 the same, a Jnan ; he appears in his human form beiore the throne, 
 interceding for sinners. The same suffering, crucified man, who 
 loved our persons and bore our sins, still lives and pleads our cause 
 as our triumphant conqueror in our nature over all our enemies. 
 Thus daily conceive of, look to, and embrace in the arms of faith, thy 
 Lord and thy God, O soul, as man and mediator, as having once 
 atoned and is now interceding for thee ; so mayest thou ever com- 
 fortably say, " Into thine hand I conmiit my spirit ; thou hast re» 
 deemed me, OLord God of truth," Psalm xxxi. 5. 
 
 Vol. I. R 
 
134 MAY 1. 
 
 Doth the ploughman plow all day to sow 7 doth he open^ 
 and break the clods of his ground? — l^a, xxviii. 24. 
 
 " The Lord of hosts hath decreed to stain the pride of all glory, 
 and to biing into contempt all the honorable of the earth," Isa, 
 xxiii. 9. Therefore his word sends us to the con men transactions in 
 life, that ue may gather instruction in humility, and be taught to bow 
 to his sovereignty. Every dispute against the latter is a strong evi- 
 dence of the want of the former. When the mouth is not stopped, but 
 daringly opened agtdnst sovereign purposes and eternal decrees, it is 
 an . wful sign that the plough of God's law hath not cut deep into 
 surh sinners' hearts: for, instead of pleading guilty and being speech- 
 less, the pride of nature urges vain pleas against free -grace truth, 
 everlasting love, the finished salvation of Jesus, and the certtdn 
 glory of all his chosen members. 
 
 But verily, as the ploughman plows at a proper season, and sows his 
 seed at the appointed time, and as harvest shall not fidl, so the church 
 of Christ is " God's husbandry," 1 Cor. iii. 9. By the ministry of 
 the word the Lord plows up the uncultivated ground of unfruitful 
 hearts, he opens and breaks the clods of pride and lust, he casts in the 
 seed of eternal life in the knowledge of Jesus, then the graces of faith, 
 hope, love, and holiness, take root downward and spring forth upward. 
 But alas I the seed is exposed to many dangers ; weeds may grow 
 up and choke it ; if refreshing showers, the warm sun, or the purify- 
 ing air is withheld, it will rot, find bring forth no fruit imto perfection. 
 The poor heart is not without its fears, yea is at its wit's end at times, 
 lest so it should he. And what can he do ? He cannot command the 
 clouds, call forth the sun, or cause the wind to blow. Boasting in 
 self is at an end ; trusting to inherent grace is cut oil"; hence the soul 
 is led in humility to see that all things are of God ; that if ever he 
 reaps the harvest of eternal life, it is wholly and solely owing to 
 God's free gift by Jesus; that all present fruitfulness is by the Spirit's 
 energy and influence, in consequence of the Father's love and taith- 
 lulncss, and the Son's perfect work and salvation ; therefore look 
 not so much within, nor around thee, as, above to Jesus. Doubt- 
 ing disciple, from this inexhaustible fountcdn hope and encourage- 
 ment flov/. Though all within looks gloomy and distressing, all 
 without opposing and discouraging, yet our God is over all and 
 abQvc ail. Ever remember there is as great a necessity for the 
 heart to be deeply rooted in humility downwards, as for the pleasing 
 fruits of peace and joy to spring upward. Our heavenly husband 
 knows which is best for us. As the ploughman minds his work, and 
 does his duty ; so do thou. Bt; diHgent in thy work ; be humble ii 
 Uiy heart, knowing^*' Godgiveth the increase," 1 Cor. iii. 7/ 
 
MAY 2. 135 
 
 That every mouth may he stopped, and all the world may 
 become guilty before God. — Rom. iii. 19. 
 
 In our Natural state we are ever most backward to take guilt to 
 ©ursclves, most skilful at self-excuses, most averse to stlf-exuiiiina- 
 tion, because we dread sclf-condemuation ; hence we are ever prone 
 to pass judgment at the bar of pride and carnal reason upon the 
 truths of God, because we think they are against us. O what is 
 there in such stout-hearted rebels, who are far fiom rightecusiitss, 
 to invite down the blessed Spirit to enlighten our minds ! It is by his 
 special mercy we see the spirituality and extent of God's holy law ; 
 though in it we see nothing but justice with a drawn sword, and 
 mercy with a veiled face, yet it cuts off all glorying in the flesh, 
 stops the mouth of pride and arrogiaice, and leaves the poor sinner 
 under a sense of , guilt, and subjects him to the judgment of God. 
 To such, the sound of mercy how welcome ! the proclamation of 
 grace how joyful ! the name of Jesus how precious ! the way of sal- 
 vation by him how acceptable ! How willingly do such desire tobe 
 eternally indebted to free grace ! How dead do such become to former 
 legal hopes ! Expectation from tlieir fulfilling terms and conditions 
 is cut off; grace freely given, mercy richly bestowed through Jesus, 
 becomes the subject of all their Itope, the matter of all their glory- 
 ing. Now it is not, What have I done ? How have I behaved I but, 
 What hath Jesus done? What a glorious salvation hath he wrought! 
 < I am a poor sinner, stript of all, now bow to the sovereignty of God, 
 adore his electing love, admire God's salvation, sit humbly at the feet 
 of Jesus, dwell on the wonders of his love and sufferings on Calvary's 
 mount, thankfully receive the testimony of Jesus from the Spirit, 
 and give the ever-gracious three all the glory of what I am hi time, 
 and of what I hope to be in eternity. 'When the soul is become 
 guilty in its own sight, the mouth is thus stopped : every self-right- 
 eous plea is silenced. When the sinner thus sees himself, he is 
 quite out of conceit with himself. 
 
 Thus the law is good if a man use it lawfully ; but if the Lamb's 
 wife seek to the law, as a woman to her husband, to get comfort from 
 it, and life by obedience to it, vet"ily this is not continuing a chaste 
 virgin to Jesus. We shall then cease to Ijring forth fruit unto God ; 
 but we shall be, as God complains of Israel of old, " an empty vine, 
 who bringeth forth fruit unto himself," Hosea x. 1. We shall 
 grow delighted with ourselves, and imagine we have that within us 
 to talk of and glory in, instead of the work of Jesus, for us. But 
 thus saith the Lord, " Thou shalt remember and be confounded, and 
 never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I am 
 pacified towards thee, for all that thou hast done," Ezik. xvi. 6.1. 
 
136 MAY 3. 
 
 Jesus said. This sickness is ?2ot unto death, but for the 
 glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified 
 thereby — John xi. 4. 
 
 tx frequently happens, that intervening occurrences seem to 
 contradict the truths of God. Therefore if wc judge from sight and 
 appearance, we shall be often deceived. God's word alone is the 
 rule of faith ; what he has declared shall certainly come to pass, 
 however repugnant it may seem to carnal reason. Thus our Saviour 
 declares of Lazarus, " This sickness is not unto death :'' yet he 
 afterwards told his disciples plainly, " Lazarus is dead :" and Jesus 
 found him in the grave, where he had lain four days. But Jesus, 
 wiio had power over death and the grave, knew his own intention of 
 raising him, both for the glory of the Father, as well as glorifying 
 himself. This was the great end of his coming into the world ; 
 therefore in the life, and by the deatli of Jesus, glory redounds " to 
 God in the highest, peace on earth, and good-will to men.'' 
 
 Did Jesus love Lazarus ? Did his compassionate eye drop a tear 
 of affection over his friend's grave ? O what an innumerable company 
 of poor sinners did his loving eyes behold, who, like Lazarus, were 
 not only to all appearances past hope, but actually " dead in tres- 
 passes and sins 1 but he says of them also, " This sickness is not unto 
 death." Eternal death shall not have the dominion over them ; but 
 he would get glory to God, and glorify himself in quickening and 
 raising all God's chosen ones, all his dearly beloved members. 
 
 On the death of Lazarus " Jtisus wept: he groaned within himself;" 
 and he cried to his Father. How must the heart of Lazarus be inflam- 
 ed with love to his dear Lord for giving him a second life 1 O believer! 
 the raising thy soul from a death of sin to a life of righteousness, cost 
 thy Saviour not only a sigh, a tear, a groan, a piayer ; but agonies, 
 sweats of blood, tortures beyond thought, sufferings beyond expres- 
 sion. His immaculate heart's blood he freely poured forth for our 
 sins, to procure tlie life, and to obtain the salvation of our souls. Canst 
 thou think of this love without reflecting on thy misery ? O hard 
 heart! O cruel unbelief: How little affected with such love as none but 
 God could show ! Is this thy pain and sickness? Come, then, that the 
 Son of God may be yet more glorified in thee, bring thy hard heart to 
 the feet of Jesus, and confess thy unbelief to him with this humble 
 cry, " Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief," Mark ix. 24. 
 
 Come, happy souls, approru-.h 30ur Coil So stranKo, so boiimlloss was the love 
 
 Witli new melodious soii_!^s ; That pityM <lyiiij^ men. 
 
 Come, tcniltM- to alini<;hU Si'-icfi Tlie Father sent his equal Son 
 
 The tribute of your tongues. ~ To give them life Hgain 
 
MAY 4. 137 
 
 Seekest thou great things for thyself? .Seek them not. — 
 Jer. xlv. 5. 
 
 The glorious company of the apostles, the goodly fellowship of 
 the prophets, the noble army of martyrs, every member of the church 
 of Christ in every age, were called to deny and morlify self In this 
 there is no difference : all are equally clothed with the sume corrupt 
 nature, are men of like passions, uiid i.re therefore in danger of self- 
 seeking, and of having their i;ffections attracted from Jesus, to the 
 alluring objects of this present evil world. The scripture hus re- 
 corded a very short chupter of the piophit Buiuch's conduct. On 
 reading this we may truly look within, aiound us, and then look up 
 and cry, " Lord, what is man ?" and with astonishment may udd, 
 « that thou art mindful of him." 
 
 Yea, what is every Bai uch (i. e. blessed man) who bends the knee 
 to Jesus, and is renewed in the spirit of his mind ? Aks 1 he is still of 
 the earth, earthly, prone to cleave to the dust, »eady to seek great 
 tilings for himself, from the objects of time and sense. One would 
 have thought, just at a time when tlie prophet had been reading the 
 dreadful roll, full of mourning, lamentation arid woe. which were 
 shortly to come upon the kingdom, this would have entirtiy tubed 
 every carnal desire after selfish views and earthly glory. But \\o; the 
 lusts of the flesh can only be mortified by the powtr of the Spirit. 
 Jeremiah is sent with a loving warning and tender piohibitiori to 
 Baruch : ' Is this a time for self-seeking, instead of thy master's 
 glory ? What ! aspire after worldly honor and dignity in a time of 
 tlireatened ruin ; be wise ; know thy station ; act in character.' 
 
 Here, O Christian, see the picture of thy own corrupt nature. 
 Know thyself; consider, thou also art in the body : remember, " in 
 tliy flesh dwclleth no good thing." Though under threatciicd ruin 
 and destruction, yet it will lust after such things which are agreeable 
 to its carnal state. Never say with Huzael, " Am I a dog that I 
 should act thus and tlius ?" Beware of the deceitful reasoriings of the 
 flesh. It has ever plausible pleas to urge for its gratifications. Self- 
 seeking is one of the lusts of the flesh. All views that arise from 
 self, centre in self, and tend to please self, are contrary to fellowship 
 in Jesus. If self is indulged, it will piove like a pampered steed, to 
 run away with thy spirit from thy beloved. Therefore he asketh, 
 " Seekcst thou great things for thyself?" he forbids ; " Seek them 
 not." What will it profit thee if thou couldst gain the whole world 
 and lose sweet peace with God, comfortable communion v ith Jtsus, 
 and the joyful fellowship of the Holy Ghost ? " Ye cannot serve 
 God and Mammon," Matt. vi. 24. 
 
138 MAY 5. 
 
 JuCt not your hearts he troubled; ye believe in God, believe 
 also 171 me. — John xiv. 1. 
 
 Jesus comforted the heart of a sorrowful widow by restoring her 
 dead son to life again. Could he not also, by the power of his Spirit, 
 consolate the heart of his dear disciples, without preaching outward 
 rules and directions to them? Plainly he will be heard as our prophet. 
 Those disciples only, who obey the word of his doctrine, shall enjoy 
 the consolation of his love. So it seemcth good to our Lord to teach; 
 so it is necessary for us to believe. Troubles are the common lot of 
 God's dearest children ; " Many are the afflictions of the righteous," 
 Psalm xxxiv. 19. They feel and groau under heart troubles, which 
 strangers know not of; inward disquietudes, which carnal men are 
 utterly free from, are oft amazed to hear of; and are ready to hug 
 themselves, and thank God they are not troubled about. 
 
 Ah, this inward insensibility is a bad sign ! But disciples' troubles 
 are Jesus' concerns. He has a remedy against them : he will give 
 comfort under them. Believing in an absolute God will not do ihis. 
 Nay, the glory of his majesty, the greatness of his power, the peiiec- 
 tion of his justice. Sec. appear iu dread array against us. We dare 
 not think of God out of Christ, knowing ourselves to be poor sinners, 
 therefore, says Jesus, " Believe also in me." Believe my humanity : 
 that I became man for your sake, died for your salvation, and am 
 risen again in your nature to pray for you. Remember the covenant 
 that is established between the Father and me on your account. 
 When thoughts arise in your minds, andyour poor hearts are troubled 
 with finding you are still but " unprofitable servants," you see much 
 cause for sorrow, mourn and complain that there are many things 
 amiss in you; that you do not believe so perfectly, love so comfort- 
 alily, obey so cheerfully as you wislv; yet ever remember, I am your 
 INIcdiator before the throne : you stand not in the Father's love for 
 your works' sake ; but the Father is ever well pleased with me. He 
 loves you and is well pleased with you for ,my sake. Do not distress 
 your ixjor hearts Sorrow not as v/ithout hope ; but believe in me and 
 be comforted. You have no sin, but my blood dearly atoned for ; you 
 want no perfection, but what my righteousness ;supplics ; you stand 
 in need of no holiness and conformity to me, but wh.it the blessed 
 Spirit l)estows. Tims believe onmc as your living head, thus daily 
 look on yourselves as my dear .members, thus live, on me and lionor 
 me as" your Lord, and glorify me as your only Saviour. This is to 
 obey Christ's command. Thus is the troubled heart comforted. 
 This is our sweetest privilege. We should be concerned to make 
 th'S our daily emi)1oy on earth. Shortly ull our troubles and sorrows 
 shi'll end, for, " we shall meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we be 
 ever witb the Lord : wherefore comfort one aiiolhcr with these 
 ■\\cvds," 1 Thcss. iv. 17, 18. 
 
MAY 6. 139 
 
 That by fxvo imnmtahle things, in which it was impossible 
 for. iiod to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who 
 have Jled for refuge, to lay hold upon the hope set before 
 us.—B.^h. vi. 1>8. 
 It is the glory of tlic gospel ihut it reveals glad tidings to hope- 
 less, helpless sinners. It finds nothing in us to entitle us to tlic fuvor 
 of God : but it brings all hope and consolation to the soul, founded 
 upon the most absolute promises, and the strongest assurance of an 
 immutable God. As verily as it is impossible for the God of truth to 
 lie or forswear himself, so it is impossible for any of the heirs of pro- 
 mise to perish. Such is the blessed hope before us.. Happy souls, 
 who have fled to Jesus for refuge, and have laid hold of ihis hope ! 
 Henceforward nothing but consolation, strong consolation, arisetli to 
 such poor sinners from the word of truth. This hope can never fail 
 them; whateverwithinor witJiout fluctuates orchangesjthisnever can. 
 
 This hope is ever to be held fast, even though appearances wear 
 a gloomy aspect, sense of comfort declines, feelings of joy seem 
 dead, and all hope from ourselves forsakes us. But, Father, thy 
 meicies never die; thy counsel shall stand; thy oath cannot fail. 
 Hope in these is an anchor to ri»c soul. Whatever storms or tem- 
 pests are without, or when the sweliiug waves of corruption lift up 
 their voice within, yet the God of hope is mightier than all, and the 
 christian hope riseth above all ; therefore is it sure and steady. It 
 is cast out of sight within the veil. By this blessed hope of the gos- 
 pel, poor, sin-condemned, soul-distressed sinners, are kept steady- 
 to .Tesus, and find a comfortuble and secure refuge. And tliat pre- 
 cious Spirit, who shews them their danger, and guides them to safety, 
 causcth the joy of hope to spring up in their souls. I'hey enjoy hope 
 in themselves concerning their own state towards God through oui' 
 Lord Jesus Christ, even a good hope through grace : and they arc 
 made to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost. O this is 
 a comforting, operative grace ! it leads the soul to expect all that 
 G"d has promised, even all the blessings of the everlasting covenant 
 oftrrace, whicli flow to us from the life and death of Jesus ; all are 
 secured by the immutable coiniscl and solemn oath of an unchangea- 
 ble God, both i'or time and eternity. And as a fruit and evidence 
 that it is a holy, godly hope, it influences tlie soul in obedience to all 
 the Lord's commands. *' Every man that has this hope in him, puri- 
 fies himself even as God is pure," 1 John iii. 3. 
 
 Thus Jesus is the only and alone object through v.-hom God re- 
 veals the hnpc of salvation. His work is finished. It is our happi- 
 ness to believe this, and to rejoice in tlie hope it affords us. Christ 
 is therefore tvcr to be looked to, and daily trusted in. Arid the more 
 thou art exercised in this way, so much the more inward hope and 
 joyful consolation will he cxpcricnctd in the soul. " My hope is in 
 ihec," Psalm xxxix. 7. 
 
140 MAY 7. 
 
 And they said one to another. Did not our hearts burn 
 within us, while he talked with us by the way, andwlide 
 he opened to us the scriptures ? — Luke xxiv. 32. 
 
 When the fire of divine love burns in the heart, disciples can- 
 not refrain speaking of it to each other. But how transient are the 
 frames of God's dear children ! Too apt are the strongest believers 
 to live upon sense and feeling, instead of faith and promises. The 
 former may, and often doth fail in enjoyment, but the latter is found- 
 ed upon tlie firm immutable foundation of the God of truth, there- 
 fore is sure and infallible. 
 
 These disciples were just before in dejection and despondency. 
 The time was come for resurrection-comfort, but their Lord not ap- 
 pearing as they expected, they were sad. Jesus was with them, but 
 they knew him not. He upbraids ; « O fools, and slow of heart to 
 believe all the prophets have spoken 1" Then he expounds the 
 scripture concerning himself, l-'resentiythe fire kindles in their hearts. 
 But it seems that it was soon past : yea, gone before they spoke of 
 it. " Did not our hearts burn ?" how sweet was it ! what ravishing- 
 moments were those ! Doubtless tliey could have wished them to have 
 continued always. So they should if the master saw good. If Jesus 
 knew it was best, every disciple should enjoy hearts ever warm, ever 
 glowing with the heavenly flame of divine love. It verily is sweet 
 to sense. Those who have been "bapii zed with the Holy Ghost, 
 and fire" of divine love, will speak of it to the gloj-y of Jesus, and 
 long for more lasting enjoyment of it. This best wine is reserved 
 for the last. Disciple, soon shall thou diink thy fill, without dangei* 
 of being intoxicated. But thou must wait the promise, as these dis- 
 ciples did. Thou must go to the same place where they now are, 
 before thy thii-sty soul is perfectly satisfied. May it be our present 
 conceiTi, that we give Jesus no cause to upbraid us for folly iuid un- 
 belief, in not abiding by the prophets, promises, aiul his testimony ! 
 Wcare to live upon the truth of the word, and not upon fire and 
 feeling Avithin. But yet, disciples should ever be on their guard 
 against such who deny the experienced conrifo.rts and joys of the Holy 
 Ghost. Be not put off with dry notions, which are like the pale 
 light of the waning moon ; but administer not the animatng 
 warmth of the meridian sun. Tor, saith Jesus, " The words that I 
 spcaksinto you, they are spirit iuid they are life," John vi. 63. 
 
 If sweet be our frame, 
 We thank his clear name : 
 
 Or if il remain, 
 Ami we are in pain. 
 
 
 If bitter, we pray. 
 
 And Jesus so loves us, he t.ake3 it awrty 
 
 We cheerfully boar. 
 
 And bless oui- kind Saviour ^ 
 
 [there. 
 .VftO suffers it 
 
MAY 8. 141 
 
 I find then a law, that -when I would do good, evil is pre- 
 sent with me. — Rom. vii. 21. 
 
 The heathens in their sacrifices were wont to cry out, ' Keep 
 at a distance, O ye profiuie :' but they withheld not their oflcringp, 
 lest the unhallowed should be the more polluted, or their sacrifices 
 be defiled by them. For the godly consolation, edification, and estab- 
 lishment of sanctified souls, it seemed meet lor the spirit oi wisdom 
 that the ;.postle Paul should leave his experience in this epistle to 
 the Romans. Here he confesses himself a poor suiner, yet a holy 
 and happy believer in Jesus. Hereby to many precious souls Jesus 
 hath been made more infinitely precious, wliile sin has been viewed 
 as more exceeding sinful, and tlicmselves made to sink -lower in 
 humility at the feet of sovereign grace. Let those who dare advert 
 to this blessed testimony for contrary purposes, remember tlie judge 
 is at the door. Shortly they must account, if they turn the iood of 
 God's word to the poison of their own souls. 
 
 Fools make a mock of sin, while godly souls groan under the bur- 
 den of 'ndwelling corruption. The former's conduct is an awful 
 proof of their state. The sorrows of the latter is a certain evidence 
 of the spiritual life and sanctificittion of their souls, being born again 
 of the Spirit ; to do good is the delight of their hearts. Being living 
 members of Jesus by faith, they love conformity to their head ; being 
 sons of God by adoption, it is their joy to love, obey, and please their 
 heavenly Father in all things. Perfection in holiness they aspire after; 
 entire freedom from sin they comfortably hope for : but the God of 
 truth will not suffer his own elect to be deceived, and to thhik tliem- 
 selvcs what they are not, nor ever will be in tlie flesh, perfectly freed 
 from sin ; for the old man, with his affections and lusts, is ever near, 
 ever present with them. " In their flesli dwells no good thing," nor 
 ever will ; they are not to expect any good from it ; it lusts only to 
 evil continually; their best thoughts are often iPiterrupted and divert- 
 ed, their most holy desires arc often damped and discouraged, their 
 best actions are seldom, if ever, free from the bold intrusion of un- 
 welcome guests from the world, flesh, and tlic Devil. ' I would be 
 wholly devoted to the Lord, saith the gracious soul ; all my powers 
 and faculties, time and talents, all that I possess and enjoy, would I 
 wholly (as assisted) freely and willingly dedicate in love to Jes'us.' 
 Scarce the pleasing thought is conceived, but the evil of pride injects. 
 What a rare name will this acquire me ! how shall I be admired, 
 and shine as somebody in the christian world ! O this sinks the 
 christian with shame, and causes him to hide his head with holy 
 blushing. But let not this discourage thee. Paul abated nothing of 
 his zeal for God's glory and doing good, because cf this. Follow his 
 steps. " Trust in the Lord and do good," Psalm x:txvii. 3. 
 Vol. I. S 
 
142 MAY 9. 
 
 TFhile the earth remamcth seed-time and harvest, and 
 cold and heat, and summer and winter^ and day and 
 night shall not cease — Gen. viii. 22. 
 
 " Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the 
 life that now is, and of that which is to come," 1 Tim. iv. 8. By- 
 faith we view the declarations of Jehovah as the blessings of a father's 
 love. The returning seasons, the revolving periods of time declare the 
 glory of our heaverily Father; while the christian meditates upon c.nd 
 gratitude inspires his heart for the innumerable blessings of time, yet 
 far nobler subjects demand the contemplation of his soul. Hc.ppy for 
 us, wlien temporal blessings are enjoyed as covcmmt mercies, and arc 
 sanctified to us in Christ Jesus. We see and adore the sovereignty 
 of God in appointing times and seasons. The immutability oi his 
 will is the law by which they are governed. When the fixed period 
 shall come, all nature shall be reduced to its primitive nothing. Time 
 shall be swallowed up in a never-ending eternity. Happy soul, who 
 art taught the displays of grace from the images of nature, who bows 
 to the sovereignty of love, rejoices in the covenant of grace, ancl 
 rests upon the immutability of God's purposes and promises in Christ 
 Jesus to poor sinners ! Such are assured that as in nature, so in the 
 kingdom of grace, seed-time and harvest shall not fail to God's cliurch 
 and people, because of " his everlasting covenant which is ordered 
 in all things, and sure." 
 
 There is atinic for the immortal seed of tlie word to be sown in 
 every elect soul. . 'I'his is experienced by the seed striking root in 
 conviction of sin ; by its springing up in faith, desire, and love to Jesus. 
 And because the sun of righteousness ever lives and shines upon his 
 members, they shall most assuredly reap an harvest of eternal glory. 
 Chilling cold and winter's blasts may succeed the summer of love and 
 Warmth of affection. Nights of darkness, from desertion, temptation, 
 and yfHiclion, may follow days of peace, joy, and corisolation. These 
 various seasons and changes will pass upon and be experienced by 
 believing souls " while the earth remaineth ;" that is, so long as our 
 earthly, sensual nature continues ; but it is sentenced to dissolution. 
 We must leave it on this side Jordan, then we shall see it no more 
 as in enemy for ever.- But in the presence of Jesus the soul shall 
 have fulness of joy, and the body shall be r;used a glorious body, to 
 enjoy the pleasures which are cit his right hand for ever more. There 
 shall be no night of darkness, no chill of affection, no winter of 
 distress. At present this is our sweet consolation ; of every one of 
 his beloved members Christ saith,-" Because I live, ye shall live 
 also," John xiv. I'J. In the experience- of faith we know ''Christ 
 is our life ; with joy^we declare, " when he shidl appear, then shall 
 wc also appear with him in glory,"Col. iii. 4. 
 
MAY 10. 143 
 
 Holding faith and a good conscience ; which some having 
 put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck — 
 1 Tinr i. 19, 
 
 «' He that shall endure to the eml, the same shall be saved," 
 MuFk xiii. 13 S') the master taught ; so disciples' believe. By pci se- 
 verance in faith, tlie crown shall be enjoyed. So glory peilects 
 what grace begins. God's power is faith's confidence; (iod's tiuih is 
 faith's assurance ; f.dth's author and faith's finisher isJesus. '1 here- 
 fore, " the righteous shall hold on his way, and he that huth clean 
 hands shall be stronger and stronger," si.ith the son of faith and 
 patience, Job xvii. 9. " The top-stone (of finished salvation) sliall 
 be brought forth with shoutings, crying grace, grace 1" Zecn. iv. 7. 
 Such are the immutable truths of the covenant of grace, the gospel 
 of grace, and the God of grace. Whatever legal spirits do, gracious 
 souls will ever draw gracious influences from the safety and security 
 of grace. " Let him who thinketh he standcth, take heed le^t he 
 fall," 1 Cor. X. 12. Take heed that he be not high-minded, and 
 trust in uncertain riches tliat he fancies he hath obtained by l)is own 
 faithfulness, creature-ability? and natural free-will, and so be led 
 away from trusting in the living God, who giveth all things. Many- 
 such sclf-sanctified saints have, and do daiiy fall away, and have nuide 
 tcrtible shipwrecli of their fancied faith, imaginary good conscience, 
 self-applauding inherent righteousness, and have perished in tiiegulph 
 of vain glory and presumption. Therefore see to it, disciple, that 
 you hold fast, and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to 
 God's saints : such as the doctrines of eternal election to salvation, 
 according to the everlasting covenant love of the ever glorious trinity, 
 a finished salvation by the atonement, f^ill justification by the pc rfect 
 righteousness of Jesus, and final perseverance in holiness by the 
 Spirit of truth. Hold them fast, not in word only, but in power, as 
 the essential truths of Jehovah, as the very life and joy of thy soul. 
 So shalt thou have and keep a good conscience, sprinkled from guilt 
 by the blood of Jesus ; and a good testimony of it by the Spirit of 
 grace, through faith. Ever remember, " the answer of a good con- 
 science toward God is by the resurrection pf Jesus Christ," 
 I Pet. iii. 21. Thou couldst obtain it no other way. Thou canst 
 only enjoy it by the faith of this. Beware of putting this away. , Hold 
 it fast. Be "confident of this very thing, that he who hath began a 
 good work (of faith and love in thee) will perform it unto the day of 
 Christ," Phil. i. 6. 
 
 Amidst a thousand snares I stand, Grace will coriijUete what gi-ace begins, 
 
 ITplielil niul guarded by tliy hand. To save from sorrows oi- from sins : 
 
 Tliy words my 'fainting soul revive, Tic work that wisdom undertakes, 
 
 And kt cp my dying faiUi alire, Et';rnal mercy ne'er forsakes. 
 
144 MAY U. 
 
 And for their sakes T sanctify myself that they also might 
 be sanctified through the truth. — Joliii xvn. 1 9. 
 
 Belikvers have the strongest assurance of attaining the highest 
 degree of holiness their souls are capable of enjoying, from a recon- 
 ciled God, from an interceding Mediator, and from the influences of 
 the Holy Spirit How precious is every work of Jesus J Hath he 
 shed his blood to pi-ocure our pardon ? Hath he wrought out a righ- 
 teousness to justify us ? What tl^en ? Doth he commit a stock of 
 inherent grace to us, to improve and be faithful to, in order to 
 sanctify and consecrate ourselves to God ? O no I ever be aware of 
 this notion : it leads to pride, nourishes a spirit of independence on 
 our head, makes faith void, vacates the office of the Spirit, and is 
 therefore to be rejected as a dangerous heresy. 
 
 But, saith Jesus, " for the sakes of all my dear members, I 
 sanctify myself." Not to the office of priest. This was by the call 
 of the Father, Heb. v. 4, 5, not to make holy his human nature. 
 He was sanctified by the Spirit, liUke i. 35. But our Lord here 
 speaks of his willingly becoming the lavib for a sacrifice, to take 
 away the sin of the world. O, to this he most cheerfully set himself 
 apart, consecrated himself to God for the sake of all his beloved 
 members, according to the covenant of truth, tlie law of truth, and 
 the grace of truth : and to this blessed end, " that they also may be 
 sanctified through the truth." 
 
 Through this same truth, all the members of Jesus, being yet 
 unborn, and having neither done good or evil, we're to be sanctified, 
 set ap-u't, or consecrated unto God. Thus " Jesus suffered without 
 the gate, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood," 
 Heb. xiii. 12. "God chose tlicm from the beginning, through the 
 panctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth," 2 Thess. ii. 13. 
 Through belief of what truth doth the Spirit sanctify ? Through the 
 faith of Jesus, who is the tru/hf they arc sanctified to God, Acts 
 xxvi. 13, are made vessels for his use and to his glory. Poor 
 drooping believer, thou fcelest tliy sins and corruptions, thou 
 groanest under a body of sin and death, imd therefore sayest, 'I am 
 not sanctified, I haye no part nor lot in this matter.' What I believe 
 the truth ; believe in Jesus, and yet destitute of the sanctification of 
 the Spirit ? Impossible. As verily as Jesus hath conseciated tliee 
 to G^d by his blood, his spirit hath sanctified thee through faith. 
 « Abide in me," saith the Lamb ; so wilt tliou enjoy move fellow- 
 ship with him, and be more conformed to his image. 
 
 Did Jesns sanctify himself AW re sinclificd thi-onp,h tho truth : 
 
 Ueranso his memhei'S were unclc-an ! From Iience no lie did cvfii- spring : 
 
 Then al'i who now believe in him. But :ill w ill sure he liare found 
 
 Are freed t'l-am all the ovusg of stn^ 'NVJ'io d:ii c Uisay, we' have no iin- J^^ 
 
MAY 12. 145 
 
 But to do good and to communicate forget not ; for with 
 mch sacrifices God is wtdl pleased- Heb. xm. i6. 
 
 Through tfie artliil wiles oi Satan, the corrupt reasonings of 
 deceitful nature, and the doctrines oi false teachers, disciples arc in 
 danger of errors on the right hand and on the left. Because good 
 works do not merit God's favor, and entitle us to his accepiance, 
 therefore, say some, ' We cannot do any thing that is gooti and 
 wcll-plcasing in the sight of God.' So if satan cannot blind us by 
 false hopes and legal confidences, he strives to poison our minds 
 with detestable, licentious notions, dist.onorabic to Jesus, contrary 
 to faith, subversive of love, and destruciivc ot the hoiuitss and peace 
 of the gospel. But it cannot be so wlicn Jesus is behtiu and re- 
 joiced hi as our s.xrifice arid atonement lor bin, as our Lciovtd, in 
 whom our persons are accepted. '' By him we are niaae priests 
 unto God.'' He is our altar, en which our sacrifices arc oftercd, 
 and which consecrates our gifts. Arc we exhorted to do goou and 
 to please our gracious God and loving t'atlier ? Faith exciies most 
 powerfully ; love binds with strongest cords ; avid hope animates 
 with the most prevailing pleas to this. " Christ our pcksover is 
 sacrificed for us." Such was his love. In gratitude lor such love, 
 to sacrifice our all to him is ever our bounden duty. 
 
 Shame to us that we should be prone to forget this. Exhorta- 
 tions remind us that wc are apt to this ; and ol what our Loid ex- 
 pects from us. God hath not forgotten to be gracious to us. K -. us 
 never intermits in his suit for us. Shall we lorgei our duly, and 
 neglect at my time to do good on earth \ Not siuuy daily to picase 
 him who is our portion, our all in time and eterniiy i Doth the glori- 
 ous Jehovah condescend to assure us, ,1 am well pleased wiui your 
 beneficence, your communicative goodness to my crtaiurts, and jour 
 brethren for my sake ? and shall we ever be unmindlui of, and indif- 
 ferent about this matter ? Forbid it, Lord ! animate us with n)ore of 
 the fire of love ! To live without prayer and praise, argues insensi- 
 bility and ingratitude ; not to study to glorify God in our actions, 
 shews the want of love; and where the spirit olpiayer, praise, love 
 and obedience is wanting, where, alas, is our evidence that we are 
 the children of. the gracious God, members of a compassionate 
 Saviour, and influenced by the Spirit of love ? 
 
 ThronM on a cloud ourjiul^e sliall come, By the Rcdeempr's sacrifice, 
 
 Rriprht flames prepare liis way, Wlio scal'd it witli his blood. 
 
 Thunder and darkness, fire and storm, 
 
 Lead on the dread ul day. '^'"■''* *'"'^'' ""'^ ''"'"'*" ^'"""Al't '""'•t^ *• 
 
 Shall make the world confess, [lights 
 
 Now srritlier all my saints (he cries) My sentence of reward is riRht, . 
 
 Tbat are at peace with God, And heav'n adores my grace. 
 
146 MAY 13. 
 
 JMy soul cleaveth unto the dust : quicken thou me according 
 to thy coord — Psaim cxix. 2j. 
 
 Oke would dread that state iirVost of all others, wuich St. Paid 
 describes, "being past feeling," Ephes. 4. 19, True, there is 
 this alleviation, such arc insensible of their deplorable condition. 
 Bat if tne great trumpet of the gospel awakes not the soul in this iife 
 to spiritual sense tr.ul feeling, verily the loud archckugel's trumpet 
 will awaken it to hear its awful sentence and feel its dreadful doom 
 in the last day. O what a miracle of grace to be quickened, to know 
 one*s misery, to feel one's wants, to believe the remedy, and cry for 
 relief! This blessed work is not of the will of the flesh. No man 
 can quicken hisown soul ; it is the sovereign word of almighty power; 
 it is equally ascribed to the loving Father, the redeeming Sou, and 
 the sanctifying Spirit, John v. 21, and vi. 63 — therefore gracious 
 souls give all the glory to the ever-blessed trinity. Free-will is the 
 child of pride, it dwells in the heads of almost chribVans, and is only 
 boasted of by the enemies of truth. 
 
 " I am come, that my children might have life," suiih Jesus. 
 He quickencth the dead in trespasses and sin ; and then they cry 
 to him to have life more abundantly. Flere is the wisdom of hea- 
 ven-born souls ; they deny themselves of the vain pleasures, carnal 
 delights, and sensual gratifications of this world. They know these 
 things oppose the life, interrupt- the peace, and damp the joy of 
 tiieir souls. Their only happiness centers in Jesus — in iife and love 
 communicated from him; therefore they study to avoid such things 
 as arc contraiy to his mind and will : and as they too often find a 
 cleaving to dust, to the sensible, etathiy, vtJn enjoyments of this 
 world, this alarms them — it is a burden and grief to them : they 
 pour out their compUJnts to their beloved Jesus, with, ' Master, let 
 it not be thus ; quicken my drooping spirit,- enliven my declining 
 heart, cheer my languishing soul, according to the word of thy grace, 
 the trutli of thy promises.' Here is the "blessed coi:fidcnce of faith. 
 His word is our plea ; by that we have assurance of being heard and 
 answered. The precepts of his word teach us his will ; and we can- 
 not feel a want but God's word promises to supply ; therefore that 
 is the warrant of faith, a light to direct our feet ; and so also it is 
 cur best directory for prayer. So Christ prays for all his, " Sanctify 
 them through thy tinith ; thy word is truth," John xvii. 17. 
 
 ' Mv soTiI at times cleaves (o the dust ; O koci> (lictn ever fi.vM on ilice, 
 ' Loit?, pjivo me, life tiivine ; IVty lionl, »«y lifi-, my love : 
 
 « From vain <Iesires and every lust Low vjiniliesniay I (k-8]nijc, 
 * Tui-n oft* these eyes of miuc' A^id sock those tliiiu's ahovi?. '>!. 
 
' MAY 14. 147 
 
 Wherefore Jesus also, that lie might sanctify the peopleroith 
 his oivtj blood, suffered without the gate — Hcb. xiii. i2. 
 
 Sin viewed in the gluss of God's holy law, fills the soul with 
 terror, works wruth in' the conscience, and leaves the sinner under 
 tlie curse without hope: but while the infinitely precious sacrifice of 
 Jesus is beheld, sin appears exceeding siniul ; the sinner is truly 
 humbled, sin is loathed, Christ is cleaved to, i.nd hope sprhigs up 
 in the sin-distrcsscd conscience. 
 
 In the tabernacle of old, as tlierc were no windows in it, a lamp 
 was to burn always, that the house of Ciod might not at any time be 
 in darkness : this the Lord ordained unto the chUdren of Israe , 
 Kxod. xxvii. 21. As the darkness is past, and the true iii^ht novr 
 shineth, we see Jesus, Who is the altar, the sacrifice, and the priest, 
 by and through whom we -are sanctified. This truth is to be kept 
 daily burning: brig;ht in the lamp of faith, in the teniple of the hearL 
 The man Jesus, upon whom all the sins of the elect were laid^ was 
 made a curse for them; he cheerfully devoted himself, his holy body, 
 his precious blood, his innocent soul, as a sin oficriiig for them ia 
 the great day of atonement. " By his own oifermg he hath for ever 
 perfected all them that are sanctified ;" that is, separated by the 
 choice of the I-'alher as the objects of his love. Tiiey are all conse- 
 crated to God by the blood of Jesus. 
 
 As the bodies of the beasts, under the law, were burnt without the 
 camp, and their blood brought into the holy of holies, aiid sprinkled 
 on the mercy-seat, so our dear aiid ever precious Jesus suftered dl 
 the inexpressible agonies of soul and body, from the fire of God's 
 wrath, due to our sin ; bore all the scandal, curse, and reproach of 
 it. *' without the gate of tl\e city," as an alien and outcast of the 
 people. His own most precious blood having once purged, expiated, 
 and taken aw?y the guilt of sin, and made peifccL reconciliation for 
 his people, it ever speaks in their behalf, and plcc.ds their cause 
 before the throne ; averts all wrath from them, ar.d obtains all 
 blessing for them : thus we are purged from the g\iilt of sin ; thus 
 we are consecvated unto God. In the faith of this, ". we have bold- 
 ness to enter into the holiest, even by the blood of Jesus." Thus 
 purged, thus consecrated, every belie ver is a piiest unto God ; he 
 is encouraged to draw nigh to God with confidence of access'; txnd 
 it is his high and peculiar honor " to clTer spiiitual s.c: ificcs attcp- 
 table to God by Jesus Christ," I Pet. ii. 3. 
 
 • \Vc see the blood of Jesus shed, Ry this we're suiictifieil to God, 
 
 * Milt I ce all our coiufoils rise ; S. people for lils (u-.-iise : [wonl, 
 
 * The sinner \icws th' atonement jn:«lr, Fiiilli t:.kcs the l)l«'ssing from Christ's 
 
 ' And loves the sRcrificc' Am? glories in his grace. M. 
 
148 MAY 15. 
 
 The liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things he 
 shall stand for be established J — Isa. xxxii. 8. 
 
 We all naturally act from selfish principles, and with mercenary 
 views, because we are under the legal covenant, " Do this and live." 
 Hence saith one, ' If doing righteousness and perfornnng good works' 
 will not justify and save me, as good sit still and do nothing, no mat- 
 ter !iow wicked lam.' Saith another, ' To be sure, we are justified 
 by faith only, but then I must fulfil the terms and conditions of the 
 gospel, for my holiness and obedience secures my salvation.' Such 
 poor creatures reason carnally ; their principles are only selfish, their 
 views are mercenary. God is not served at all, but pride and self are 
 at the bottom of all they do ; to estabUsh a righteousness of their 
 own is their chief aim. The glory of God is not sought ; his grace 
 is overlooked ; Jesus is depreciated in his work and office, as though 
 all his toils and sufferings, holy life and bitter death, hud only pro- 
 cured salvation upon a better bargidn and easier terms for us. Such 
 piinciples are servile, base, and dishonorable to a God of grace and 
 love. Vain the talk of such about working for God ; they do no- 
 thing for God, but want to earn something from God for themselves ; 
 take away the idol self from them, and then all working is at end 
 with them. 
 
 But the liberal soul acts from gracious principles, and deviseth 
 liberal things. He sees salvation is all of free grace and free gift by 
 Jesus. He is our all : he hath done all, suffered -all, obeyed in all 
 things, prevails for all things, and makes all efi'ectual to the soul's 
 perfect, complete, and final salvation. ' The Saviour is in mine eye ; 
 he is in mine heart ; he is my Alpha and Omega, my first hope and 
 last stay. IMy views are to his glory. O when I deserved nothing 
 but hell, love, electing, everlasting love looked on me with pity, 
 and was manifested to me through Jesus by the word and Spirit : 
 therefore it is I long, I love, I delight- daly to glorify the ever- 
 gracious and cver-Ioving triune God. I cheerfully devote my all to 
 him who hath done all for me, who hath loved me and given hiniself 
 forme. My life of faith, of hope, of love, of holiness, centers in 
 Jesus, and is frony him. If I have but a cup of cold water to give, I 
 give it in my dear Lord's name, in love and gratitude to him.' Such 
 are the generous sciitiments of- the liberal soul ; and, saith wisdom, 
 " By itbcral things he shall stand." Stand fast in the liberty where- 
 with Clirist has made him free. He shall be established on the firm 
 foundi'tion of eternal truth, against the power and subtlety of satan, 
 and all the human systems and precaricMas schemes of man's devising. 
 *' The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The,Lord 
 knowcth tiiciu that arc his ; and let every one that niimeth the name 
 Oi Christ, depart IVom iniquity," 2 Tim. ii. 19. 
 
MAY 16. 149 
 
 God was in Christ rcconcUing the world . to himself, not 
 imputing their trespasses unto them. — 2 Cor. v. 19. 
 
 The only living and true God. llie great and essentially glorious 
 JcliDVcib, Father, Son, and Spirit is manifested to sinners, as dwelling 
 in the man Christ Jesus. This is the peculiar and precious truth of 
 the gospel. A glorious mystery known only to believing souls. All 
 other pretended knowledge of God ia but vain speculation, and 
 pompous ignorance, which dwell in men of corrupt minds, destitute 
 of thetruth. But the new-born soul draws all his comfort, peace, 
 joy, and holiness from this inexhaustible fountain of truth and con- 
 solation. Fr6m hence ariseth his love to God and delight in him. 
 He beholds God, in Christ, loving and embracing poor sinners of 
 the human race. God is well pleased with them, and delighteth 
 over them to do them good. Thus saith Luther : ' Mark this well 
 in the matter of justification : when any of us shall have to wrestle 
 with the law, sin, death, and all other evils, we must look upon no 
 other God, but only this God incarnate, and clothed with man's 
 nature,' Ephes. ii. 18, Col. i. 15 — 20. 
 
 Thus God and man unite in the one man Christ Jesus ; in this fiuth 
 ©nly is the mind of a christian easy and happy ; for the cause of all 
 distress and sorrow is taken away. Amazing grace ! wonderful love I 
 Canst thou I'ead it ? canst thou believe it witliout transport of joy ? 
 God is perfectly reconciled ; he doth not impute trespasses. Unto 
 whom ? Verily, the world, the elect world of Gentiles as well as 
 Jews ; all sinners of the fallen race whom the Father hath given to 
 his Son Christ Jesus. God is I'econcilcd to them. In faith and love 
 they shall be reconciled to him: to his covenant transactions, elcctine 
 love, justifying grace, scheme of salvation, and hope of ctemal life 
 by Jesus only. As the Father gave their persons, so he imputed 
 tlieir sins to Jesus, he bore them away, God chargeth not trespasses 
 to them, they are free from sin, as viewed by God in Christ. To 
 this truth the Spirit bears witness, tlirough the faiih of Jesus. So, 
 believer, thou art to reckon of thyself Though black as hell, 
 polluted with guilt, defiled with sin, yet in Christ « thou art all fair, 
 without spot;" fully reconciled to God, and standest without tres- 
 passes before him. What a free access hast thou ever open to God! 
 what cause for triumph in him, and love to hhn ! what assured hope 
 ©f etemal enjoyment of him ! O my soul, what reward i,jiall I renrjer 
 to the Lord for all his mercies ! 
 
 Till ( iiicl in l.nm:in Iksli I see, His uame forbids my slavisl. fear, 
 AI J tlioii^lits no comfcirt find : 1 [is grace removes my sins. 
 
 The holy, just, and sacrod Tlicc -vVhile many on their woi'ks rely. 
 Arc terrors to my mind. Ol,,,,,.^ ofwisdom boast, 
 
 But if ImrnHnuel's face appcor, I love th' incarijutc mysfci-y. 
 My hope, hjt joy bc-iHs ; An<l (here I fix m? tru^*. 
 
 V01..T. T ■ ■ 
 
150 MAY 17. 
 
 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west^ and 
 his glory from the rising of the suru, IVhen the enemy 
 shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall 
 lijt up a standard against him (or chace him axvayj. 
 — Isa. lix. 19. 
 
 When- a poor sinner knows what human nature is, and sees his 
 brethren and companions i.fter the flesh, " living without Christ and 
 without God in the world ;'' making a mock at sin, and ridiculing the 
 truths and ways of Jesus j and finds his own heart touched with a 
 holy, loving fear of the Lord, then he is ready to cry out, Whence 
 is this ? He can only say, ' Grace reigneth ; the sun of righteousness 
 hath risen upon me. So Lord, it secmeth good in tliy sight — I have 
 'not deserved t'lis — thou hast spoken in truth, and fulfilled in faith- 
 fulness. So thy word runs, so thy gospel is glorified, free as the 
 sun, powerful as the wind.' Jehovah's shalls are his people's 
 triumphs. Here are two most absolute declarations for faith to fix 
 upon and plead, in any hour of satan's attack. 
 
 For as sure as the fear of the Lord shall be in our hearts, so also 
 shall the enemy oppose us ; for if he dare plead with the Saviour, 
 " Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive be 
 delivered ?" Isa. xlix. 24. Verily he will follow after his once 
 seized prey, and strive to regain his ransomed captive ; yea he will 
 challenge the poor sinner as being his property. One would be 
 ready to ask. Is it not strange that the loving^ alniighty Saviour 
 suffers the enemy, like a surly dog, to snap and snarl at his dear 
 ■ children, and be ready to tear tlieir victuals cut of their hands, and 
 his peace and love out of their hearts ? No : it cannot be otherwise in 
 our present state ; for we are clothed with an earthly, sensual, 
 devilish nature, to which Satan has easy access. 
 
 Humble souls have little reason to complain that they have not 
 knov.n so great a degree of wrath, nor have been terrified with such 
 dreadful apprehensions of hell and damnation as some oUiers. O 
 rather love ar.d praise Jesus, if thy soul is brought to cleave to him 
 in faith, and choose him as thy Saviour and thy all, than wish to 
 have the enemy let loose upon thy soul. Eut if this is the case, he shall 
 not go beyond the length of his chain ; his power is thy Father's per- 
 mission ; he may teriify witli wrath, but it shall issue in love. Yea, 
 though he should, like a powerful deluge, come in and distress with 
 blasphemous injections, horrible tlioughts, perplexing fears, and pro- 
 nounce hell and destruction to be thy doom, even then thou art safe. 
 The Saviour's power is thy shield. ^^< The Spirit of the Lord shall lift 
 up a standard," — The Lamb on the crqss. In the steadLst fi\ith cf 
 tjiis) ".resist the Devil, and he will flee fioan you," Jmnes iv. 7. 
 
, MAY 18. 151 
 
 If thy presence go not w'tth me, cart'!/ us not up hence. — 
 Exod. xxxiii. 15. 
 
 Happy for us if this was om- address lo the Lord under eveiy 
 enterprise ; how many ^distresses and difficulties should we avoid ! 
 how much more peaceful and comfortable should we be in our jour- 
 ney through life ! It is a blessed thing to have an especial eye to 
 God's presence, as well as to his providence. The Lord may pcin\it 
 his children to succeed in their schemes and undertakings in the 
 course of his pitrridence, when he doth not accompiuiy their souls 
 with his favor and presence. Yea, believer, canst thou not see in 
 many of thy ways wherein thou hast been permitted to go, thaf'they 
 have proved the very means of losing the sweet sense of tliy Lord's 
 presence ? Whatever outward profit or pleasure thou hast gained, 
 verily thou must confess to have sustained an inward loss. How 
 doth it behove every disciple of Jesus to '< consider his ways !" It is 
 thy wisdoni daily to reflect, what is the tendency of my present 
 pursuit ? what is my chief aim ? what can I expect from the end of 
 it ? am I going to gratify the flesh hi pleasing diversions and carnal 
 delights ? Stop one njoment. Consider. Canst tliou expect the 
 presence of thy God ? canst thou lift up thy believing heart in prayer 
 to Jesus to accompany thee ? Certuhily if it is not right to ask. nor 
 expect his spiritual presence to go with thy soul, surely there it is 
 unlawful for thee to gc. If thou canst not pray in faith, canst thou 
 go in fidth ? O remember the love of thy Saviour, who died to re- 
 deem thee from this present evil world. Call to mind those joys ard 
 pleasures which are experienced from a sweet sense of his love i'nd 
 presence. Think how cutting to thy heart, hov/ grieving to thy 
 spirit, if under any vain indulgence Jesu^ should put this question. 
 Disciple, lovest thou me more than these vanities ? Better for Peter 
 to have been in his Lord's presence with a cold body, than to haAG 
 been warming himself with the high priest's oflicers and servants ; 
 for there he was blo^\^l down by the breath of a damsel. 
 
 It is related of a christian, of whom satan had taken possession 
 and greatly terrified and distressed her soul, that on his being asked, 
 how he dared to enter into a child of God ? He replied,- ' I found her 
 en my own ground, at the play-house ; therefore I challenge her as 
 my servant.* Whether the story be true or not, the moral is good. 
 Christians have no business on tlic devil's gronr.d. 
 
 Kot cartli, nor all the sky TIioii ait the sea of love 
 
 '■;; r. ore delight afTonl, AVliei-e all my jileasures roll, 
 
 , notadiopof rcaljt-y The circle mIi re my passior.E move, 
 
 •,. lihoutthy presence LorU. Au'J .j-ntae - I'mv miuI. 
 
152 MAY 19. 
 
 Behold, the Lord God will co?ne with a strong hand, and 
 his arm shall rule for him : Behold, his reward is with 
 him. and his work before him, — Isa. >:1. 10. 
 What WdS foretold in prophesy, is fulfilled in the faith and 
 experience of saints. Plere are two notes of attention. " Behold ;" it 
 highly concerns thee. Take special notice. When the Lord God, 
 our Immanuel Jesus, came to his temple, he found the beautiful 
 building in sad disorder ; his spiritual worship iost ; and « his house 
 of prayer turned into a den of thieves. " Behold, with a strong hand 
 and stretchcd-outarm, with no weapon, but an insignificant scourge 
 of small cords, he drove the multitude from the temple. Amazing 
 miracle I The meek Lamb is also " the lion of the tribe of Judah.'' 
 So he came not only with a strong hand, but against the strong, as 
 some render it. So, behold, he comes to take possession of the 
 temple of his people's hearts. This temple he finds in woeful plight. 
 All the powers of earth and hell are engaged against him. " The 
 strong m.an armed keeps possession." But precious, powerful Jesus, 
 casts out satan, enters by his love, and rules by his Spirit, where 
 satan reigned. But he comes not by power only, but by grace also ; 
 behold, he brings his reward with him. The distressed soul h e 
 pardons. He clothes the naked soul with the robe of his righteous- 
 ness — he feeds the hungry soul witli good things — he giveth his 
 flesh to eat, and his blood to drink. Then how do their souls pant 
 after Jesus ! how do tlicy hunger and thirst after righteousness, luid 
 cry, and pray, " Lord, increase our fiiith, that we may eat as thy 
 .friends, and drink larger draughts, as thy beloved, and be more 
 abundantly satisfied v/ith thy love I" 
 
 Thus our Lord Christ rewards his people with the fruits of liis 
 own toils, and the blessings of his own finished work and salvation ; 
 even with righteousness, peace, and joy inthe Holy Ghost. But, 
 
 Jesu, cries the poor sinner, " What a vile, sinful, carnal, earthly- 
 minded wretch am I still by nature I" Fcai' not saith Jesus, thou art 
 called to look unto mc. Behold, " my work is before me." Have 
 
 1 vanquished the powers of death and hell for thee, and can I not con- 
 quer sin in thee, and subdue thy flesh under thee ? Was his blood 
 the price of thy soul, and the atonement of thy sins ? Then must 
 thou wait in faith for' the total destruction of the last enemy sin and 
 dcaih, at his second coming ;' when in the triumph of thy soul tliou 
 shalt proclaim the perfect victory of Jesus, and SLiy, " Worthy is the 
 Lamb that v/as slain," S'-C. Ucy. v. J 2. 
 
 Jesus, my Lord, is coY^ic ; If^w precious is tJiy work ! 
 
 My hoart now !"eels liis pov.'er : IIow glorious thy reward ! 
 
 He rules by liis almighty arm. Faith reaps thy spoils, my coiuju'ring love, 
 
 Bless'd be the joyful houy. And glories in thj' word. M, ' 
 
MAY 20. 15S 
 
 My son, give me thine hi art. — Prov. xxlii. 2G. 
 
 Many are the conipciitoib lor the heart of man. Though our 
 dear Lt: er and bfcst friend, lovuigly calls fur the free-will offering 
 of this precious jewel, yet we are foolislily inclined to give it to our 
 worst enemies. This pleasing world, with all its gay scenes of hap- 
 piness and joy, attracts our affections, enchants our minds, and be- 
 witches our senses ; so that we love it dearly, devote our hearts to it 
 cheerfully, and dread the very tlioughts of leaving it greatly. 
 
 " Thou shalt have no otiier gods but me," saith Jehovah. We 
 own the duty, and decry tlie wickedness of worshipping an idol ; 
 though all the while we are. serving the god of this world: he blinds 
 our eyes, and we see it not. The grace of God, though sovereign hi 
 its operations, yet acts not by force and compulsion as upon mere 
 machines, destroying the will, and dragging men to heaven by the hair 
 of the head, as some in contempt please to assert. No ; the service 
 cf our Lord is perfect freedom. He loves a cheerful giver. Glory tci 
 his grace, ''he opens the eyes of our undersvunding, to knov. what is 
 thchope of his calling, and what are the riches of his glory," Eph. i. 1 3. 
 Then we see Jesus is our portion, and treasure, then we willingly 
 and cheerfully devote our hearts to him. ' Is the miser's gold his 
 god ? does it captivate his heart and affections ? why so ? Because he 
 sees that in it which suits his disposition, and excites his pleasure. 
 So it is of every other idol suited to nature snd sense. « Where the 
 treasure is, tliere will the heart be also." Spiritual affections can 
 only be happy for spiritual objects. The heart can only be h.-.-^^uy 
 \n God, cheeerfully given up to him in faith ai.d love. This is the 
 very essence of vitiil godliness. 
 
 Our Father invites us to spiritual joys. <■ I know, my children, 
 in our present state, clothed with flesh, you have many lovers 
 which -would rival me in your affections, but cheerfully devote vour 
 heart to me. . Let your eyes be upon my ways. Consider my love to 
 you. I gave my beloved son to die for you. My spirit hath called 
 you to enjoy my love. It is my good pleasure to give you a kir.jrdom : 
 therefore, in love my glory, and for your comfort, I demand your 
 heart as a free-will offering.' O where is the faithful, greatfiil soul 
 but in ecstacy of love will cry out. Give, Lord, the power to do what 
 tliou commandest, and conmiund wliat thou will ? 
 
 My heart dost llion deinaii(!, my Lord, When s.itan tempts and .si, s allure :• 
 
 A vi. ling sacrifice to tliec ? From thee, to draw nwav n>\ hturt : 
 
 O 'nkc and keep m ev'ry hour Strfiij: 1; thy ^r.u-c, iniikc nir eiiilitrc. 
 
 From every bold usurper free, \iid never I'l oin \],\ selfdi part. M . 
 
154 MAY 2X. 
 
 But he givcth more grace — James iv. 6. 
 
 It is a sure mark that the true grace of God, by Jesus Christ, 
 is conceived in the heart, when the cry of the soul is for more grace. 
 Thus there is an liarmony between the Father's promises and the 
 children's wants. God givclh more grace : I daily need more, saith 
 the sensible soul. " He that drinketh of the water of life, saith Jesus, 
 shall never thirst again :" he shall never thirst after any otlicr foun- 
 tain ; he shall seek to no other spring but me. There is no grace, 
 favor or good will from God to sinners, but what is by Jesus, through 
 hiizi, in him, and connmunicatcd from him. Here is the believer's 
 mercy ; he has not a stock of grace, stored up in his own heart to 
 live upon, which may be expended, and he is at last lost for want of 
 more. No. But all the kindness and love of God towards him is 
 treasured up in Jesus. Here is the humility of believers ; they 
 come, like Joseph's brethrcjj, to Jesus, who is their elder brother, for 
 every supply ; out of his fulness they receive grace upon grace. Jesus 
 is an exliaustablQ store-house, therefore his members cannot want. 
 God the Father gave them grace at first in Christ Jesus; he called 
 them by his sovereign grace ; lie justified them fully by grace ; 
 Ire saves them daily by grace ; he sanctifies them freely by grace; he 
 comforts them continually by his grace ; and he will glorify them 
 according to the exceeding riches of his grace. Thus all is of grace, 
 freely given to, and richly bestowed upon poor, vile, undeserving 
 sinners. 
 
 I know there arc these reasonings in every humble sinner's heart, 
 ' What suitable returns do I make ? or what reward shall I give unto 
 the Lord for all his blessings of grace ? O what a poor unloving, un- 
 grateful wretch am I I how do I requite the Lord my God !' Such 
 is the genuine languoge of gracious hearts. The abounding of 
 grace make sinners humble, self hateful, and sin abominuiblc : " Not 
 i?.ther as v/ebe slandcrourjjy reported, and as some aflirm that wc 
 say, Let us do evil that good may coine, -whose damnation is just," 
 Horn. iii. 8.' If God givcth "more grace," tlien not one of his 
 children that ever had a single spark of the grace of Jesus, shall 
 ever go to hell for want of grace. It is equally- as impossible, that 
 a gracious soul should fall from God's love and grace, turn hater of 
 him ; and so be a p>-cy -to the devil, as it was for Lazurus to (juit 
 Abr.iham's bosom, for the fliimes of lieil. The holy fire of grace 
 I)eing once kindled in the soul, never goe^ out. The lire of the altar 
 was an emblem of this. It is as true in this respect of gracious 
 souls, as it is of the wicked in another, " thc.ir fire never goes out."' 
 "Why not? because <■' grace reigns through riglitcousuess uiUo eter- 
 nal life," Rom. v. 21. 
 
MAY 22. 155 
 
 Fearfulness and trembling are covie upon me^ and horror 
 hath overwhelmed me. — Poalm Iv. 5. 
 
 Such was th'e mournful complaint of David ; yea of Jesus too, 
 the root and offspring of Duvid. " Lo, all honor of great darkness 
 fell upon Abi-Jiani the Vatfier of tJie faithful," Gen. xv. 12, So the 
 l^rd suffers his dearest children to be distressed ; yet it is their priv- 
 ilege, and iliey are again and aguij> exhorted to " rejoice in tlie Lord 
 alway," Phil. iv. 4. Under such frames, let not disciples entertain 
 hard thoughts of the God of love ; but ever remember they are 
 heightened by our adversary. Least of all should humble followers ' 
 -of tlie Lamb judge tliemselvcs not to be true converts, becatise they 
 have not experienced such dre:.dful icrrors of hell and damnation in 
 their conscience, as some talk cf. . ' 
 
 It is an unscriptural notion ; the woid of God lays down no such 
 rule, that the soul must be uiider suchdetpconviclious of horror,must 
 be as it were shook over tl:e very moutla of hell, as a mark of true con- 
 version to Jesus- Innumerable axe the instances of persons crying 
 out under dreadful terrors of t. rath and damnation, as though hell 
 itself was let loose upon them for a season ; but yet after all, being 
 still unclean and filtliy, " like the dog to his vomit, and the sow to 
 her wallowing in the mire," they have turned back to tlieir old courses. 
 Thanks to the loving Spirit, he dotli convince of sin, not as a tor- 
 mentor, merely to terrify with wrath and heil, but as a comfortery 
 •'J testify of Jesus and salvation. He opens the eyes of our under- 
 standing, to see our lost state and wretched condition, and he gives 
 uo to see " the hope of our calling," &c. Eph. i. 18. " And the fruits 
 of the Spirit are love, peace, joy," &c. Gal. v. 22. He works effec- 
 tually. He teaches us by the law to despi^ir in nature and self, and 
 revives and comforts \\\\\\ hope and assurance of full and perfect sal- 
 vation in Jesus. But while the spirit of truth sovrs the good seed of 
 the kingdom in the heart, satan sows tares to spi ir.g up and choke if. 
 He works upon our unbelief, practises his deviiish art upon our car- 
 nal reason, and suggests, that God is an implacable enemy ; tlie meek 
 Lamb is a devouring lion ; the gospel is a cunningly devised fuble, or 
 requires such hard terms, which Ave can never fulfil > therefore mis- 
 ery, wrath, and hell must be our doom. He is ever an implacable 
 adversar}' to salvation by Jesus, tlirough sovereign love and distin- 
 guishing grfice. Such terrors are to be prayed against r;^ther tlian 
 coveted. David knew whence they came ; says he, " Because of the 
 voice of the enemy and the oppression of tlie wicked one," verse 3. 
 Praised be our dear Lord for that precious promise, « When the en- 
 emy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a 
 /rjidard against hrm," and put him to flight, Isa. Ijx. 1&. 
 
156 MAY 23. 
 
 The Lord God is a sun and shield : the Lord will give 
 m'oce and [(lorij : no good thing will he withhold from 
 them that walk uprightly,— Y*si\\m ixxxiv; 11. 
 
 Vulgar minds hiivc bui very contracted ideas of the magnitude 
 of that glorious luminary, the sun. The most knowing of the children 
 of men, form but very inadequate notions of the nature and properties 
 of that grand source of light and heat. We daily see his power and 
 feel his influence. This he incessantly sheds upon the whole creation 
 freely. How vain and arrogant would he be deemed, who should 
 pretend he could procure the chearing light and comforting warmth 
 of the sun ! Dwells there, in the breast-of man, a thought, that he 
 can procure the light of grace ; or by his doings entitle himself to the 
 comforts of salvation from Jehovah ? Yes : so vain, so arrogant is 
 that vile worm, that weak creature, proud, fallen man. By sin, 
 how stript of all but shame ! by pride, he " opposeth and exalteth 
 himself above all that is called God," 2 Thess. ii. 4. But grace, 
 like the streaming light of the sun, freely and powerfully sheds its 
 benign, humbling, comforting influence upon the ungodly and un- 
 worthy. So the Lord enlightens and renews the soul of man ; makes 
 it fruitful to his glory ; and widi his almighty arm shields and defends 
 the new-born, heavenly replenished soul, from the violent attacks of 
 every foe. Grace as well as glory are God's free gifts. 
 
 Children of God, members of Jesus, how safe ! salvation, how 
 secure ! For it is all of rich grace, free favor, unmerited love, uncon- 
 ditional election ; not earned by any doings of ours, but freely given 
 by promise. Glory, not procured by conditions, but freely bestowed 
 through Jesus. See thy portion, believer — read it with joy — dwell on 
 it with triumph. Here is a redundancy of promises ; what tlie Lord is 
 — .what the Lord vvill give, will give it freely, « without money and 
 without price," all tilings, every thing for his own glory, and his chil- 
 dren's good. liOvc overflows all bounds ; gives the fullest vent to its 
 gracious disposition. No good thing will the Lord withhold. From 
 whom,? See the character of those, upon whom the sun of grace hath 
 shined. Is it thine ? They arc not in angelic purity, or sinless peifec- 
 lion ; but upright,-sinccre in heart with Jesus, chaste virgins? married 
 (o him in faith and love, they see that he is all in all to them " their 
 v/isdom, righteousness', sanctification, and redemption." They choose 
 him ^ their only king to reign in tlicm and rule over them in love ; 
 delight in his work and v/ay, grieve for, strive and pray against all that 
 is contrary to him. Of their sins they are ashamed — in their own 
 >ighteousness tliey have, no confidence. In Jesus their bridegroom 
 they glory. It is truly Said of litem, " The uprigiit love Uice," 
 Cant. i. 4. ~ 
 
MAY 24. 157 
 
 The Father himself loveth you. — John xvi. 27. 
 
 The Jiistory of the life of sorrows, aiul death of shame, curse 
 and agony, which Ji;sus sustained for sinners, was it believed perfectly 
 in the heart, would fdl,the mind with the strongest affection, and 
 inflame the soul with the most fervent love. But alas ! all have 
 . reason to complain for v.ant of greater love to Christ, and stronger 
 faith in him. O unbelief, what an enemy to love I Our love keeps 
 pace witli our faitli. As the one grows stronger, the Other increaseth. 
 But if faith grows weak, love declines. Yet no one poor sinner that 
 believes the record of Jesus' iove taxi salvation, as his only hope and 
 confidence, but love, in some degree, is drawn out to Jc^ius ; for "faith 
 workcth by love." The soul in its first love, and for a season perhaps, 
 sees and knows only the love of Christ, and thinks little about the 
 " love of tlie Father." It may be, he considers, that what the Saviour 
 did and suficred for sinners, was to procure the love of the Father to 
 them, and to appease the fury of his wrath against them. But this is 
 not right. Let no disciple think so. For, saith the Saviour, " The 
 Fatlicr himself loveth you." A'ea he teacheth us the love of the 
 Father, as the only source and spring of his coming in the flesh to 
 save us — for " God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten 
 Son, to the end, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 
 but have everlasting life," John iii. 1 6. 
 
 Hence it is plain, God the Father loves sinners — loves them inex- 
 pressibly — with the greatest affection. For he gave, w}\o ? an angel ? 
 an archangel ? myriads of the heavenly host ? No ? but one infinitely 
 more dear to him, his Son, his only begotten, his dearly beloved Son, 
 who lay in his bosom from all eternity, that wc might " believe oft 
 him, and live in him.'' So, the effect proves the cause. It is plain the 
 love of the Father to his people, is prior to the Son's coming into the. 
 world to save them, or to their belief on Jesus. For, says our Lord, 
 " No man can come unto me, except the Father draw him," John 
 vi. 44. And because the Fathef " hatli loved us with an everlasting 
 love, therefore with loving kindness he drawls to Jesuu." " Behold, 
 (O ye followers of the Lamb) what manner of love the Father hath 
 bestowed upon us," 1 John iii. 1. Trace his love to the fountain- 
 head. The holy- spirit of truth teacheth, that " God the Father of our 
 I^ord Jesus Christ hath chosen us m him before the foundation o,£ 
 the world, and hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ 
 Jesus, and hath predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus 
 Christ to himself." To what end is this ? even " to the praise of the 
 glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in tlic bc= 
 loved," Eph. i. 6, &c. 
 
 X'OL. I. C 
 
158 MAY 25.- 
 
 / knew a man in Christ ahove fourteen years ago^ such an 
 one caught up to the third heaven — i Cor. xii. 2. 
 
 Visions, manifestations, raptures and ecstacies of soul, though 
 even from God himself, (which there is every good reason to suspect, 
 unless they sink the soul in humility, and excite such love to Jesus 
 as is founded in knowledge and productive of obedience), are not to 
 be glorified of. St. Paul says, it is not expedient for me to glory. I 
 know the danger, I fear the evil of it ; from the pride and treachery 
 of my nature. It tends to exalt one above measure ; and to make 
 others tliink more highly of one than they ought to think. Therefore, 
 on these accounts glorying of these things is to be avoided. Indeed 
 the cause of truth may require it, and the glory of God may be pro- 
 moted by it. Though on these accounts it may be expedient to glory; 
 yet it is not expedient fw the christian's own sake to do it. So Paul 
 declared. Yet he did glory ; for necessity compelled him. 
 
 Behold, admire, and imitate the humility of this great apostle, <' I 
 knew a man in Christ," Ecc. When he speaks of himself, it is as a 
 poor sinner, under the most humbling, self-abased views. Then it is 
 / mysc/f- — Rom. vii. But here, lest ostentation should appear, he 
 conceals himself under the character of another man. What a con- 
 trast is here betv. een self-exalting piinciples and the grace of the 
 gospel I How widely diflercnt is this from the notions manyprofessors 
 entertain ! For if they can but give a tolerable account of some 
 vision, revelation or manifestation, which tliey suppose was from 
 God, they conclude they know their sins are forgiven, and all is well. 
 Perhaps this might pass on them fourteen years agO) more or less. 
 But what is their frame and temper now ? what their pursuit and 
 practice? If no evidence of faith, hope, love and obedience, but if 
 while sunk into carnality and the love of the world, yet strong in 
 confidence that their sins are forgiven, and bold in hope of the safety 
 of their state ; surely such are blinded to the hope of the gospel, 
 through the spirit of this world. Satan transforms him, from a 
 minister of darkness, into an angel of light. I.uthcr was wont to 
 caution against the white devil, as well as the black one. St. John's 
 advice is ever needful, " Beloved, believe not every spirit, but tiy 
 the spirits, whether they are of God : becau::c many ftdsc prophets 
 are gone out into the world," 1 John iv. 1. 
 
 t'aitli in heart true comfort brings, Tlicn ■ttlillc by fallli T Jesus knoM-, 
 
 ft makes and keeps it humble loo. And peace and love and joy do spring : 
 
 Christian C7:pcrience ne'er exalts. Of Christ alone. 111 ^lory now, 
 
 Kut {jivcs to Christ his glory dnc. ^'^oti.clf, but. Chribt, I'll speak and sing-. M. 
 
MAY 26. 159 
 
 Me that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my bloody divclleth 
 in me, and 1 in him. — John vi. S^. 
 
 This- is a s^reat mystery, but it is a comforting truth in the 
 experience of Christ's members. Our Saviour saith, " It is my meat 
 to do the will of him tliut sent me." So it is the believer's privilej;e to 
 feed by faith on him that is sent, even the flesh and blood of Jesus : 
 the man « like unto ourselves in all things." But his flesh is pure 
 and holy, his blood immaculate and untainted, without sin :" thcie- 
 fore healthful for tlie soul to feed upon, and to be nourished up to 
 eternal life. For consider, soul, " Christ suffered in the flesh" ^'.1 
 the fiery wrath and dreadful curses of God's pure and holy law, 
 whichjwe deserved, because transp^ressors. Christ, in his flesh, per- 
 fectly fulfilled all the demands of God's righteous law^ and so wrought 
 out a righteousness for us, who have no righteousness of our own. 
 " In the body of his flesh ho hath reconciled us who were aliens and 
 enemies to God ; and in the body of his flesh, through death, he 
 presents us unto God, holy, unblameable, and unreprov<?able' in his 
 sight," Col. i. 21, 22. Surely then the flesh of Jesus "is meat in- 
 deed." The richest repast, the most delicious banquet for poor 
 sinners. 
 
 Christ's ^' blood is drink indeed." Most precious in its nature ; 
 most reviving to the thirsty soul. O believer I the blood of tl^iis God- 
 Man was shed for thy sins ; it hath fully atoned divine justice for 
 them ; and " you, who were sometime afar off", are now mude nigh 
 to God by the blood of Jesus," Eph. ii. 13. " By his blood peace 
 is made with God," Col. i. 20. « And the blood of Jesus Christ 
 deanseth from all sin," 1 John i. 7. Thus is Christ's flesh and 
 blood the life of the soul. Hear the triumphant song of the saints 
 in glory. '' Jesus hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his 
 o^vn blood," Rev. i. 5. Their confession of victory over sat.vii tiie 
 accuser of their souls is " by the blood of the Lamb." What is now 
 their glory and triumph above, was once the food of their souls while 
 poor sinners here below. For in every age, believers did all "eat 
 of the same spiritual meat, and drink of the same spiritual drink, 
 tlic flesh and blood of Christ," 1 Cor. x. 3, 4. 
 
 This food strengthens man's heart. This drink makes him of a 
 '^hecrful count<?nance. " He dwelleth in me," saith Christ, by a 
 secret mystical union. So saith the Psalmist, "Lord, thou hast been 
 our dwelling-place in tdl ages;" "and I in him," by sweet riiarii- 
 fcslation, knowledge and comfort, by fJth. Inestimable blessing ! 
 glorious privilege, thus to receive, thus to feed upon Christ in the 
 heart by faith ! For, saith Christ, " He that eateth me, shall live by 
 me; he hath eternal life." Such are Christ's sweet words and hearty- 
 welcome to his church; cat, O friends! drink, O beloved 1 " Eat tliy 
 feread with joy, and drink thy wine ^vith a jnerry Jieart," Eccl. va. 7. 
 
IGO MAY 27. 
 
 These fhuifrs have I written unto you, that believe on the 
 7iame of the Son oj" God ; that ye may know that ye 
 have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name 
 of the Son of God. — 1 John v. 13. 
 
 Little BeMJiiniin was as dear to his father Jacob as his elder 
 brethren. The child Samuel was as truly a priest to the Lord us old 
 Eli. ■ So the feeblest lamb m. the flock of Jesus, though ever so weak 
 in faith and knowledge, yet is equally dear to the Father as the 
 strongest believer — loved with the same everlasting love — alike 
 interested in the salvation of Jesus— .and as certainly an heir of 
 eternal life. Many weak children are ready ta own this ; but they 
 doubt in their minds, and suspect in their hearts, not happily know- 
 ing, nor being comfortably assured of their own interest in the sal- 
 vation of Jesus. There were such in the apostle's days; therefore the 
 comforter inspires the beloved John to write to them. He condescends 
 to their weakness of knowledge and comfort, because of the small 
 degree of their ftdth ; but yet he speaks with the strongest assurance 
 and the boldest confidence of the truth of salvation by Jesus. That 
 is most certain. Eternal life is by Jesus only ; and is sure to every 
 member of his. Do you believe on the name of the Son of God, as the 
 only Saviour of lost sinners ? This truth lies as the foundation of the 
 hope of the gospel : when this is believed in the heart, that soul has 
 the earnest of eternal life. By continuing to believe, it gains know- 
 ledge and assurance, as the comforts of faith. Vv^'hen the Spirit has 
 bestowed the precious gift of faith, it matters not, as to the safety 
 of the soul, hov/ weak soever it may be in the experience of comfort 
 and joy; nor hovv^ much it may feel the workings of carnal nature, 
 rc.ison, and unbelief against fuith. Its sensible groanhigs and sorrow- 
 ful complaints are evidences of the life of the soul, through the faith 
 of Jesus. But is the poor soul always to abide in tliis weak, low, 
 mourning state ? No ; that cannot be. Jesus will make his members 
 comfortable, as well as safe. The Spirit who begets faith in the heart 
 by the word, .strengthens it also by the san^e truth. Faith conies by 
 hearing the v/ord, and it is also increased thereby. Therefore is Jesus 
 and eternal life revealed. T!ie apostles wrote of this, and ministers 
 preach of this, that weak faith may be strengthened, strong faith 
 increased— that knowledge and assurance maybe comfortably en- 
 joyed — that believers may continue to believe, and persevere in 
 believing on the Son of God ; who is ." the author and finisher of our 
 faith," Heb. :Lii. 3. 
 
 J f^-iii<!, tJiou author of my faitli, TUcrimllife is s;irc to fnhli, 
 
 Tiion aiitliftrofelornallirc, O innv I knoM' 'llssurc to me, 
 
 Assure inc that I rio liclitvc, That I may love thee more mid more, 
 
 fit j.ut an ci>d to doubtliii itrile. A^ Itilst laitli. and hope ^i-ov.- strons in »he'e. 
 
 .. _•_._: . _3kL 
 
' MAY 28. 16X 
 
 In the Lord have I righteousness and strength.-\.s2i.y\\ ,2^, 
 
 To trust in. our own riglitcousncss, and to glory in our own 
 strength, is natural to us all. But when a poor sinner " knows him- 
 self, even as he is known of the Lord," he thinks otherwise. When 
 he becomes a follower of the L..nib. he learns the language of 
 Canaan, and says, " I have no confidence in the flesh. '*^ I subscribe 
 %vith my whole heart to this confession of faith, " In the Lord have 
 I righteousness and strength." That tl;c Lord Jehovah is a God of 
 righteousness, and that he is almighty in strength, who will dare 
 deny ? But by faith we speak the most comfortable knowledge of 
 covenant grace : I, a poor sinner, who am without strength, destitute 
 of righteousness in myself, have both strength and righteousness in 
 Jehovah. What I am, a sinner by nature and practice, that Jesus 
 become by imputation. What Jesus is in his nature, and by his life, 
 perfectly rightpous, that I am in him. In myself I have no might, 
 no strength, but " in the Lord Jesus am I strong, strong in him, 
 luid in the power of his might." 
 
 This is tlie glorious grace, the joyful truth of the everlasting cove- 
 nant. Such honor have all the saints of Jesus: his perfect righteous- 
 ness their cloathivig ; his almighty strength their protection. Who 
 then sliall condemn them ? Whi.t power can prevail against them ? 
 O believer ! rejoice in thy privilege. This is thy triumph against 
 every accusation, " In Jesus I have righteousness." Tiiis is my vic- 
 tory over every enemy, " In Jesus I have strength." Under the 
 
 most discouraging views of my nature, as corrupt and sinful my 
 
 life and practice, as unrighteous — the condemiilngs of the law, 
 tliough just — the accusation of satan, though grievous — yet in my 
 glorious covenant head and reprcseiftative, I am " made the righ- 
 teousness of God ; in the beloved Son of God I am for ever ac- 
 cepted." Under the most dejecting sense of our own weakness, to 
 withstand corruptions, to get the mastery over sinful passions, to 
 prevail against our enemies ; though weak to perfonn any duty, 
 insufiicient to exercise any grace, unable to do the will of God, to 
 walk in his ways, and to please him ; yet ever, under all circum- 
 stances, the Spirit testifies of Jesus, " who is our strength and ligh- 
 teousness." All fulness is in Jesus ; and " out of his luliicss wc 
 receive grace for grace :" Though " without Christ v/c 'can do 
 nidhing ; yet, through Clirist strengthening us, we can cto all 
 things." Here is the mystery of faitli. " Abide in me," saith the 
 L:.mb. 
 
 I'onr helpless vorms in tliec possess I.ct f:iith ami love ahvajs eoir.M.'-.c, 
 
 Grace, wisdom, pow'r, and righteousness; To cause this precious truth tosliine. 
 Thou art our mi-hty all, and we Wc sinucr>po..!-, ai.(! fuUfif i.eid, 
 
 Glpry, O Lord, only in thee. Have .ill tiiing;, iuourg'onoos uiiAD. M. 
 
162 MAY 29. 
 
 By grace ye are saved. — Eph. ii. 5. 
 
 O THOU man of God, "let not this truth forsake thee ; bind it 
 about thy neck, write it upon the table of thine heart ; it shall be health 
 to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones," Prov. iii. 3, 8. In the fuith 
 of this, thou wilt live in love and graitude to God, in cheerful obedi- 
 ence to his sovereign v. ill, and in confident hope and earnest ex- 
 pectation of etenial glory. While thou wilt be daily dying to every 
 carn^ hope and legal confidence, by tlie atonem.ent and righteous- 
 ness of Jesus, his grace will be all thy plea, all thy hope, and ail thy 
 glorying. Hereby thou will be kept humble, and walk safely. That 
 *' the foot of pride prevail not agahist thee," is a happy p<.a't of this 
 glorious salvation, so as to submit to receive it as eniireiy of grace, 
 free favor, unconditional election, unmerited love, " according to the 
 good pleasure of the will of God the Father," Eph. i. 5. It is 
 sovereign grace, therefore sure and saving to all the spiritual seed 
 of Jesus. All in our nature are averse to it. Nothing in us could 
 deserve a right to it, or procure a title in it. It is freely proclaimed 
 to the wretched and hell deserving, who have neither power nor 
 inclination to perform any terms and conditions to obtain an interest 
 in it. But the Lord's hand laid the foundation ; his power will raise 
 the superstructure; « He wiU bring forth the head-stone thereof 
 with shoutings oi grace, grace," Zech. iv. 7. 
 
 Salvation is by cji'itinguishing grace. " One shall be taken 
 wul another left ;" " One of a city and two of a family," Jer. iii. 1 4 — 
 whomsoever the Lord is pleased to separate to himself as vessels of 
 honor. The eficcts of saving grace are distinguishing ; it works 
 cfrcctually in them that believe : " They are called with an holy 
 calling" — possess tlie faith of God's elect — experience repentance 
 to salvation. They diffei" from their former selves in hope and 
 conduct, and are distinguished also from the world, "that lies in 
 Vi'ickedness." Under its sovereign influence such a change was 
 wrought in Piiul, that he, " who persecuted Jesus and his members, 
 preached the fuith he once destroyed," Gal.j. 23. So every subject 
 of grace is changed in judgment and afTcclion. -He no longer thinks 
 grace is to assist him to do somethhig to gain acceptance with God ; 
 but he knov/s " God hath made us excepted in the beloved, to tlic 
 praise of the glory of his grace,". Eph. i. 6. Honce iiis aflottions 
 are pkiCed upon the God of all grace, as his center of all happhicss 
 and source of all felicity. He delights " to run the way of (»od's 
 commandments." It is his joy tliat Jesus flics upon the wings of 
 the wind to his relief. He loves to flj on tlio wings of faith and love 
 to him. He daily prays " to be filled with the fruits of righlco\isnes5, 
 xvhich are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God," i'hihi. 1 1. 
 
' MAY 30. 163 
 
 JVoe is me, my mother, that thou hast Lome /;?<?, a man of 
 strife ^^ and a man of coiitention to the whole earth! I 
 have neither lent on n.sury, nor men have lent to me on 
 usury yet everyone of them doth curse ;«(?.-— Jcr.xv. 10. 
 
 It is sweet consolation to new-born souls to know the state they 
 are come to. Verily, saith Paul, " unto mount Sion, and unto the 
 city of the living Ciod, and unto the heavenly Jerusalem," Heb. 
 xii. 22. Even to all the glorious privileges of Jesus' church and 
 kingdom, of love, gjvxe and peace. The utmost stretch of thought 
 comes infinitely short of our highly favored state. See also the blessed 
 company you are come to, « an innumerable comp^oiy of angels, the 
 general assembly and church of the first-born, whose naaies are writ- 
 ten in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just 
 men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, 
 and to the blood of sprinkling," ver. 23, 24. And hath distmguishing- 
 grace tluis honored us? Shall the church our mother bring us forth? 
 And will not the world take knowledge of us, that we have been with. 
 Jesus ? That cannot be, for then we should be bastards, and not sons. 
 For all are partakers of the world's hatred, as soon as they appear to 
 be the object of God's love, and live as his adopted children, by faith. 
 What a strict harmony is there between tlie prophets and saints of 
 the Old Testament, and the apostles and disciples of Jesus under 
 the New ! What strong confirmation, that both are taught by tho 
 same Spirit ! In this one truth they both perfectly agree, " We are 
 not of the world, therefore the world hateth us," John xv. 19. But> 
 marvel not, saith our loving Jesus, it is not you, butmc they hate. 
 I am the principal object of hatred, «you only for my sake. But 
 poor souls are ready to cry out, " Woe is me." What am I always 
 ?o live thus in strife a'.id contention ? Is not my deportment and car- 
 liage towards the children of this world quiet and inoffensive ? No ;i 
 they will not think so, unless you do as they do, live as they live, 
 follow their vain customs, and partake of their carnal joys. " I have 
 neither borrowed nor lent." Verily, tins plea of excuse is the cause 
 of offence. For this they will curse us as over-righteous, precis* 
 fools. But stoop to borrow their ways, and lend yourself to their 
 customs and practices, cast in your lot with tliem, and all will be 
 well ; peace and friendship will subsist. But no ; we prefer spiritual 
 fellowship with Jesus above all : we dare not forsake him, nor incur 
 our Father's displeasure. We knoAV " the friendship of the world 
 is enmity with God," James iv. 4. 
 
 Hast tliou thy S.'iviour's mark, my soul ? My Jcstis, tcacli me, clay by <lay, 
 llatcd of men for Jes'i's sake ? To glory in thy cross. 
 
 Such honoris thy chi( fisl joy O may I live and inovc this tnitb, 
 Ohu-isl'sglorT, thousiioiildstiic'orfisryAk?, AU ja»» Vutthfc, jslrt«fs. Xf: 
 
164 MAY 51. 
 
 In hope of eternal life, xuhich God that cannot lie, pro- 
 7nised before the world began. — Tit. i. 2. 
 
 Christ's sheep are the trophies of his victory, the triumphs of 
 his cross, and the glory of his crown. Though naturally captives and 
 slaves to the god of tins world, the prince of the power of the air ; 
 yet when rescued by sovereign grace, they hear the shepherd's voice 
 and follow him But at present they are prisoners of hope. The soul 
 is imprisoned and immi^-ed in the noisome wails of the ifesh, exposed 
 to many taunts and jeers of the enemy, and liable to many fresh rallies 
 and onsets from the prince of darkness. Often through their views 
 being darkened, and from opposing lusts of the flesh they fear, iuid 
 are in doubt whether they shall ever arrive at the glorious mmisions 
 of liberty and love. The more they look to and consider themselves, 
 the more discouragements arise. But if eternal truth and almighty 
 power, founded in everlasting, unchangeable love, can secure them 
 and bring them to glory, they are surely safe now— tliey shall be 
 eternally liappy in glory. 
 
 Ilath the God of truth promised eternal life before the world 
 began? who then could this promise be made to? Verily, to no other 
 but Jesus the surety of the everlasting covenant : the head and re- 
 presentative to all his chosen members. O soul, before conversion 
 to Jesus, thou wast a dead sinner without hope. ^Hast thou fdth in 
 Jesus ? then hast thou " the faith of God's elect, and dost acknowledge 
 the truth, which is after godliness." Thou hasl also eternal life : 
 in hope now ; and the possession is as sure to thee, as if thou wast 
 in actual enjoyment of it. The eternal God of truth must become a 
 liar, if thou fail of thy hope. Was eternal life promised upon 
 certain conditions ? Jesus hath performed them all. He became 
 surety to tliis very end. God the Father is perfectly satisfied, and 
 eternally glorified with his work. God the spirit bears witness to it. 
 Hereby hope is established in the heart. O then take heed not to 
 invert the order of the gospel, lest thy nihid be perplexed, hope 
 clouded, and satan gain an advantage. Be thankful for the grace of 
 hope ; but ever glory in the God of hope. ■ Frames and feelings of- 
 ten vary: they may delude and deceive. Gifts may be lost : graces 
 decline. Jesus our Iwfic cannot. " He is the same yesterday, to- 
 day, and forever. Wherefor-c are eternal transactions revealed ? but 
 for God's glory and the confirmation of his people's faith and hope 
 in God, and to excite love in him. Ever remember, by grace ye 
 are saved, " according to the prorojsc of life, which is in Christ 
 •Jesus," 2 Tim. i. 1. 
 
, JUNE 1. 165 
 
 Whosoever helieveth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of 
 God. — 1 John v. 1. 
 
 It is too common for many of God's dear children to perplex 
 and distress their mind^, in seeking after marks and evidences of the 
 new-birth ; while they too often expect to find them outwardly in the 
 flesh, uistead of looking inwardly to the spirit. For the satisfaction 
 and comfort of God's children, the Holy Ghost hath laid down this 
 inward evidence, yrtzV//, as an incontestable mark of a new-bom soul. 
 When Peter made that glorious confession, « Thou art Christ the 
 Son of the livhig God," Jesus replies, " Blessed art thou, Simon ; 
 ilesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but iny I'ather who is 
 in heaven." All the powers and abilities of human nature and reason 
 (so far from teachin-) are at enmity against this soul-saving truth. 
 No man can teach it his brother, so as to cause his heart to receive 
 and believe it. It is a knowledge only revealed by the Spirit ; received 
 and believed by heaven-born souls, that the man Jesus is the, only 
 Saviour — that he is the anointed of God, to the work of salvation of 
 lost sinners. The very devils know and confess this, but witliout 
 any hope of salvation hereby. But when any poor sinner is enabled 
 to believe this in his heart, it is,a blessed evidence of the love of the 
 Fatlxer, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Then "He hath the 
 witness in himself, that he is born of God." He hath the mark and 
 evidence of a child of God within him. As the gift of Jesus is the 
 fruit of God's everlasting love, so faith in Jesus is tlic fruit of his 
 having "died for our sins, and rose again for our justification," 
 ascended to the Father, and sent the Holy Ghost to testify of him' 
 This belief, honors the God of truth : glorifies the God of grace, by 
 receiving the testimony he hath given gf his bclovtd son, Jehus. It 
 is a holy faith ; it dwells in holy hearts, and produceth holy fruits. 
 Happy the heart, that hath received this power and privilege to 
 become a son of God. The love of the holy trinity is upon such a soul. 
 It is his privilege, like the happy eunuch, " to go on his way rejoic- 
 ing." It is his happiness ever to be, " looking unto Jesus the author 
 and finisher of our faith— relying on Jesus who is our righteous- 
 ness, 1 Cor. i. 30 ; trusting in Jesus, who is our hofie^ 1 Tim. i. 1 ; 
 rejoicing in Jesus, who is our fieacc.) Eph. ii, 14 ; glorying in Jesus, 
 who is our atonement, Rom. v. 11; and thus looking for the merry 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life," Jude, verse 21. 
 
 Tlic sov'reiecn will of Co<1 nlons Nev.- models .-xU (Lc carnal mini]. 
 Creates us heirs of v:yACf. ; And forms tlie man afresh. 
 
 Bom in the ima?c of his Son, Our quickene.i souls by failh ai-iee 
 A new peculiar race. p.-om Ae Ions; slcop of death ; 
 
 The Spirit like same hcnv'nly wijid. On hcav'nl\- thinijr. we fix our eyes. 
 Blows on the sonsofiesll, And praise employs •urbr«utb. 
 
 Vei.. I. W 
 
166 JUNE 2. 
 
 Then said his ivife unto him, dost thou still retain thine 
 ijitegrity f Curse God and die. — Job ii. 9. 
 
 In seasons of distress and affliction how must it alleviate the 
 mind, and soothe our sorrows, to have so near and dear a friend as 
 the partner of our lives speak a good word in due season ? but on the 
 contrary, when such an one is used as an instrument, by the adver- 
 sary, it heightens distress, and adds a double weight to the pressure 
 of affiictions. Such was the case of patient Job. Flesh of his flesh, 
 and bone of his bone, taunts at him for his integrity, and urges 
 advice, which was a dagger to his very heart. Verily, believer, 
 thou also art " born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards." Thou 
 hast therefore need of faith and patience as well as Job. These thou 
 also art a partaker of, though not to so eminciit a degree. Thou 
 also hast a peevish, fretful, repining partner for life ; which will ever 
 be urging upon thee reproaches, and giving thee such advice, which 
 is at the peril of thy soul to hearken to. Here is the exercise of thy 
 graces. Be then on thy guard against this dear partner, rather near 
 enemy, even thy carnal sinful nature, the flesh, with its afl"ections 
 and lusts. Know assuredly, when it would reason with thee, it is to 
 beguile thee — when it demands an audience, it is to instil the venom 
 of poison. Its nature is enmity ; its workings rebellion ; its reason- 
 ings treason against thy God. If thou give place to the flesh it will 
 wound thy soul. If thou suffer it to gain ascendency, it will darken 
 thy mind, and bring distress upon thy conscience. " If thou livcst 
 after the flesh thou shalt die." If therefore at any time, through the 
 -pride and perverseness of the flesh, thou art tempted to entertiun hard 
 thoughts of thy God ; to be impatient under his chastisements, and 
 murmur againat his allotments ; to call in question the truths of his 
 word, the stability of his covenant^ the frceness of his promises, and 
 the security of thy soul's salvation through the faith of Jesus ; resist 
 its suggestions in the faith of the word of grace ; turn from its rea- 
 sonings as from a bitter foe ; and silence it with this humble, sub- 
 missive language of faith; « Shall we receive good at the hand of 
 Ciod, and shall we not receive evil ?" Job's >vife was mortal : so is thy 
 flesh. His sorest affiictions were soon at an end. The Lord blessed 
 the latter end of Job more tiian his beginning. Lo, thus shall it be 
 with thee. Here is our joy of faith. Our time is short. Our light 
 afilifeuons are but for a moment : " they work for us a far more 
 exceeding and eternal weight of glory," 2 Cor. iv. 17. 
 
 Tljro' sens ami storms of deq) «,!istress Dear Fatlier, if thy lifted rod 
 
 AVc sail ]j)- faith, and not \.y si^ht ; Resolv'd to scourge us here hcIOM', 
 
 ('hrist guides ns in the wilderness Still we'niuft lean upon oiir God^ 
 
 Tliro' ;dUhe bi-iaiR of the it\g\\t Thine arm shall ben:- w; safely thro'. 
 
JUNE 3. 167 
 
 Jesus said, I thank thee, FatJier, Lord of heaven and 
 
 earth, because thou hast hid these thifigs J'roju the wise 
 
 aJid prudent, ■ and hast revealed them unto babes : Evtn 
 
 so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. — Matt. 
 
 xi. 25, 26. 
 
 The true ministers of Christ arc greatly encouraged m thcit 
 
 labours, knowing they serve that sovereign Lord, who hath declared, 
 
 « jMy word shall not return to me void, but it shidl accomplish that 
 
 which I please : it shall prosper in the thing whcreunto I sent il," 
 
 Isa. Iv. 11. « To some the gospel is a savour of life unto life ; unto 
 
 others of death unto death." To some Jesus is revealed, to others the 
 
 gospel is hid. Ivevertheless, his ministers " are unto God, a sweet 
 
 savour of Christ in tliem that are saved, and in them that perish," 
 
 2 Cor. ii. 15. 
 
 What shall we say to these things ? shall wc dare to cavil against 
 the sovereign dispensations of God, or arraign him at tlie bar of 
 our weak judgment ? shall the pot-sherds of the earth contend with 
 Jehovah, luid say, What dost thou ? Shall the pride of our carnal 
 reason, and the rebellion of our corrupt nature, vent itselt with, ' I 
 will not allow it at all ; I cannot believe it is just and righteous that the 
 Lord should act with sovereignty, give or withhold his special gi-ace 
 as it seemeth good unto him !' St. P uil sharply reproves such daring 
 speeches. " Nay, but O man, who art thou that repliest against 
 Gcd ?" It is plain that such walk not humbly ; they have hct the 
 mind of C'hrist. The Father's will v.'as his joy : Jehovah's purposes 
 his delight : and with sovereign dispensations Jesus most cheerfully 
 acquiesced ; " Even so. Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." 
 Herein he hath left us an example. 'Ij^.is is beyond all other reasons 
 we can assign for God's dealings in grace and providence. Sucii 
 sentiments shew, that we have been taught of God, are little in ouv 
 own eyes, passive as babes in our own judgment, and are submissive 
 children to our Father's will. 
 
 A spiritual revelation of the hope of the gospel* is by the sove- 
 reign grace of the Holy Spirit, " who divideth to every man severall} 
 as he will." It ever begets humility of heart. Why me. Lord I 
 creates amazement of soul. What am I ! ever excites love and gra- 
 titude. Am I called to the faith of Jesus, and the hope of sahuttion, 
 while others, of the wise and prudent of this world, are left in. the 
 darkness, pride and rebellion of their nature ? O what sliull I render 
 unto the Lord ? How fearful to offend, how studious to please, how 
 joyful to glorify the Lord my God ought J to be fiom d.^y to day : 
 " Looking mito Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." 
 ' Thus (loth tli« Lord of heav'n aud e.iilli Bow llieii, in}- Lord, my proud frcc-v ill, 
 
 • His irriat decrees fulfil. To own thy so> 'reign hand ; 
 * And orders all his works of {(race And Iniiri'dy to adore thy \\ ni s 
 
 ♦ By his own sov'rcign v ill.' ■^Vhich I can't uiKlcrnnad. Al . 
 
168 JUNE 4. 
 
 And one told David^ saying, Ahithophel is among the con- 
 spirators with Absalom. And David said, O Lord, I 
 pray thee, turn the counsel of AhithopJiel into foolish- 
 ness. — 2 Sam. XV. 31. 
 
 Clouds gathered very fast and gre^v very black at this time over 
 the head of king David. His own beloved son had drawn the sword 
 of rebellon — his subjects flocked in great numbers ; and to heighten 
 the king's distress, his own counsellor joined the conspiracy. But 
 under all this Da.vid shewed himself to be a man after God's own 
 heart. His soul looks through every discouragement. He knew the 
 thi'one of grace to be ever open and accessible, therefore the very 
 tidings that brought sorrow to his heart, he instantly makes the 
 subject of his prayer. Happy conduct 1 when before carnal reason is 
 suffered to plead, the prayer of faith is presented. Too, too oft do 
 disciples, upon hearing; disagreeable tidings, consult flesh and blood 
 before they apply to their ever-loving and faitliful friend Jehovah. 
 This ought not so to be. According to David's fuith and prayer so 
 the Lord answered him. The counsel which he had reason to dread 
 from Ahithophel, was defeated by the Lord, and turned to his own 
 destruction. Thus " the Lord only is our refuge and strengtii ; a 
 very present help in every time of trouble," Psalm xlvi. 1. 
 
 Knowest thou not, disciple, there is treason and rebellion found 
 with tliee against David's Lord, even Jesus, thy king ? Not greater 
 reason had David to fear, and to, pray against Ahithophel's counsel, 
 than thou hast daily. As his name signifies brother of ruin or folly, 
 it reminds one of the flesh, a brother or partaker of the ruin of sia 
 with the soul ; also that its wisdom is ever with us, is ever coun- 
 selling and conspiring against the peace and sidety, the love and 
 holiness, the joy and happiness of the soul in Clirist Jesus. It not 
 only counsels against, but lusts contrary to the Spirit continually. 
 May this be our daily prayer in the spirit and in faith, " O Lord, turn 
 the counsel jof the flesh into foolishness, confound its pride, destroy 
 its lust, subdue its passions? suffer us not to confer with flesh and 
 blood, let us not sow to the flesh ; but enable us to confer with thcc 
 by f:iith. May our conversation be in heaven ! So strengthen us to put 
 off the old man with his deeds, until Ave put off the body, to be " sovtii 
 in dishonor, and to be raised in glory," 1 Coi". xv. 43. 
 
 v.," 
 Arise my soul, my joyful pow'r:;, Clirist rais'd me from tlie deeps of sin. 
 
 And triumph in my God ; The g.tles of gajjing lieli, 
 
 Aw.ike, my voict*, and loud pi'oclaim And fixt niy. standing more se«nrc 
 
 ]fi", glorious gractf abroad. 'Clian'tvpisfeefo-clfcrt, 
 
JUNE 5. 1G9 
 
 Take heed to yourselves ; if thy brother trespass agahist 
 thee seven times in a day. and seven times in a day turn 
 again €t) thee,- saying. I repent; thou shalt forgive hint, 
 — Luke xvii. 3, 4. 
 
 Mind this loving word. " Do thyself no harm." The Icnst 
 degree of malice, hatred or revenge, is contrary to the genius of the 
 gospel — inconsistent witli the character of u disciple of the lucek and 
 lowly Jesus. But, our master kno\ys wh:^t is in man : that his mem- 
 bers are composed of flesh, as well as spirit ; and therefore ibble to 
 offend, one against ai^other, so as to hurt and injure each other, in 
 fhe peace of their minds, -and fellowship of their spirits. So, also, 
 they cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of, by the adversaries, 
 who are glad at every advantage, to cry out, '^ O thenii are your 
 saints ! see how full of wrath they are ; how they bite and devour each 
 other." Therefore, " take heed to yourselves," suith the head to his 
 members. Watch against this evil. Offences will come. I teach 
 you hovv' to behave. Suppose thy broilier trespass against thee, pity 
 liis weakness : pray for him by name, to thy Father, and his Father. 
 Beware of angry resentment. If he aggravates his offence, by fre- 
 quent repetition, thou shalt in no wise hate thy brother ; but, as oft 
 as he offends, if he as often " turn again to thee, sayii:g, I repent ; 
 thou shalt forgive him." But, are we not to forgive him until, and 
 unless, he do turn and say, I reperit ? In one sense we ought; perhaps, 
 not in another. We must not, at our peril, entertain anger, or let 
 the smi go down on our wrath ; but in our hearts freely and fully for- 
 give an offending brotlier. But, what if he remtuns stubborn, and 
 persists in a spirit of bitterness ? Even then, we are to forgive hini 
 in our hearts, and be desirous of embra^ng him, in love. 
 
 But may v/e not justly suspend declaring our forgiveness to him, 
 until he turn and say, I repent ? Herein have we not God's word, and 
 method, as our exair.ple ? Though God loves his people in Christ, 
 and for his sake pardons their sins ; yet, uritil they actually turn to 
 him, and repent, he doth not manliest his pardon, and love to diem. 
 But let us ever remember, as God's thoughts of love are towards us, 
 before we turn to him ; so our thoughts of love siiould be to our of- 
 fending brethren> ere they turn to us. Doth the Lord Jesus require 
 us to forgive every repeated offence, even until seventy times s^ven, 
 lour hundred and ninety ? surely then, he will magnify liis love, a;id 
 ilisplay his mercy, in pardoning the innumerable offences, of all who 
 turn to him. " Forgiving one another, even as Ciod, for Christ's 
 sake hath forgiven you," Eph. iv. 32. 
 
 ♦ (Jront is flod's.loTe, p.n'\ Jarjjo liis g;-ace. Then !et us to onr bj'cthren shew, 
 
 ♦ 'J'liioiijjii the redemption of li?5 Son: The lovimj siurit wc part;ike, 
 ' ric turns our f jet fro n siiifiil v nys, All their otTonccs to forefrOj 
 
 ♦ And pardoas wliat our hands have done.' And love them freely for Chrlsl's sake.?.! • 
 
170 JUNE 6. 
 
 Andl saidy This is my infirmity — Psalm Ixxvii. 10. 
 
 While in Uie body, we are in such anhnpcifect state, as to be 
 liable to various excrcibes of mind, through in-dwelling corrupuous, 
 and the suggestions of sutan. Saints in all ages have experienced 
 fluctuating frames. Like mai'incrs on a tempestuous sea, at one time, 
 they seem to mount up to heaven, in comfort and joy ; at another, 
 they sink down, in apprehension, to the depths of hell ; then, like 
 persons at their wit's end, they express themselves, in a very unrea- 
 sonable manner. Doubt and uncertainty take place of knowledge and 
 trutli : unbelief seems to prevail against faitli ; and they are ready to 
 call all in question : not only, past sweet experiences of God's love 
 to their souls, but the very existence of God's promises, faitiifulness, 
 and truth. And they write with the pen of inspiration (though not of 
 the Spirit of truth, but of a lying spirit) many false and bitter things 
 against themselves. " Woe is me, I am undone," saith Isaiah. 
 " Woe is me," saith Jeremiah. " Without were fightings, within 
 were fears," say the apostles. " I shall one day perish by the hand 
 of Saul," saith David. And in this psalm, hope seems to be, as it 
 were, giving up the ghost, and \vith languid, faint accents breathes, 
 " Will the Lord cast off" for ever ? will he be favorable no more ? is 
 his mercy clean gone for ever ? doth his promise fail for evermore I 
 hath God forgotten to be gracious ? hath he, in anger, shut up his 
 tender mercies ?" Sn that you see, O tossed, tempted, tried believer, 
 this is the way saiiits in all ages have gone to glory. Thou hast thy 
 lot with them now ; soon thou ako shalt be. where they are. But O 
 what a gloomy pro.spcct, what soul-distressing views, must that poor 
 sinner have, who lives upon his frames, whose hope springs from his 
 own faithfulness, or trusts to the exercise of his own grace, instead 
 of the God of all grace, the blessed Jesus, « wlio is the same yester- 
 day, to-duy, and for ever !" How comforting ! how heart-reviving 
 to know that the Lord, " who sent redcinption unto his people, will 
 ever be mindful of his covenant, which st^ndcih fast for ever," Psalm 
 cxi. 5. Therefore the Holy Spirit stands engaged, in covenant-con- 
 tract, to execute his office, as the comforter. When he is pleased 
 to revive the soul vvith the views of Jesus, 'his- glorious work, and 
 finished salvation, satan skulks away, like andean, abashed liar : the 
 believer returns to his-right mind, takes shame to himself, and says, 
 That I should ever doubt of thy love, call in ([ucslion Lliy truth, and 
 suspect thy faithfulness : O r.r/ God, this is my infu-miiy ! 
 
 Jlcticc from my snul snd thoughts be gone. Till so\:'ri',igi) grace with shiniiij; ra^ 9 
 Atii] leiivc inc tu liiv joys ; UispeU'd my gloomy ftiu-s. 
 
 My tO!i2:iie shall triumph in my (iod ; 
 Christ pleads his i-ightcous cause. '" '""'" - t'^'fptcr frights my soul, 
 
 And breaks n\v peace again ; 
 
 Darkness and douht Jiad veil'd my mind, One glimpse, dear Saviour, of thv T -' ' 
 And drov.u'd my cyts in tears,- ^ Revives mv joys again. 
 
' JUNE 7. 171 
 
 Lord, behold, he whom f/wii lovest is sick -^Johnx'u 3. 
 
 1 o ha.ve Jesus continui;lly live in our thoughts, should be our 
 diiily study. To keep a sweet intercourse open, bctv.'ccn Christ and 
 the boul, should be ouv constant exercise. To be watchful against 
 every bold intruder, tliat would inteirupt our communion with the 
 Saviour, is our greatest wisdom. Thus, through the Spirit's aid, a 
 holy freedom and humble familiarity is maintained with Christ, and 
 oui- hearts. Why should we not be aiming thus to anticipate heaven ? 
 For, Jesus never intermits in his love to us, care over us, and pre- 
 sence with us. Tlirough such a happy conduct, we shall enjoy an 
 abiding sense of this. Then, when sin assults, satan attacks, 
 temptations beset, afllictions surround, sickness overtake^, sorrow 
 bows down, death tht-eatens, or whatever may be our state, how 
 comforting when the twin sisters of fiiith and hope, like the two sisters 
 of Lazarus, carry our case to the master, with « Lord, behold, he 
 whom thou lovest is sick ?" Short, but very expressive. Nc^ like 
 the nobleman's importunate prayer, " Sir, come down, ere my son 
 die ;" but a simple message. They knew the love and power of 
 Jesus. They doubted not his speed. It is enough to lay our case 
 before the Lord. It is best entirely to submit to his will, and patiently 
 wait his time. <' He that believeth shall not make haste," Isa. 
 xxviii. 16. 
 
 Is there a poor sinner on earth, who believes in Jesus, that can 
 doubt of his love ? Hath he not given the strongest assurances of it? 
 Infinitely stronger, than if he had sent an angel, to testify of his love 
 to us. For he came himself; he more than told usliow he loved us; 
 his sorrows, his sufferings, his agonies and death, most loudly pro- 
 claim it ; for our sins he bled, for our eins he sufTcrcd ; yea for that; 
 most base sin, that sin of all sins, the greatest of sins, unbelief. 
 This, even this, Jesus bore himself, in his own body on the tree. 
 Even this he died to atone for, as well as all others. Art thou often 
 sick, and fearcst this master-sin will prove the death of thy soul, as 
 it docs now the life of thy comforts ? Is this the grief of thine heart, 
 and the cause of thy woe ? Jesus is the alone physician, he only can 
 cure it. " For he is not only the author, but finisher of our faith," 
 Ileb. xii 2. TJiough, like the sisters of Lazarus, we cannot plead 
 our strong love to Jesus, yet in the belief of his word, wc may ever 
 plead his strong love to us. " Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is 
 sick." Heal thy servant. " Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief." 
 Ask, is Christ's blessed command. It shall be given, is his precious 
 promise, Luke xi. 9. 
 
 How many arcthy thouf^hts of love ! 'NVhon I'm afflicted, poor and lotl'. 
 
 Thy mcicii's. Lord, how great ! And light and peace depart. 
 
 We have not hours, nor words eoiOUgh, My Jesus sees my heavy woe. 
 
 Their numbers to repeat. And bears jne oo his heart. 
 
172 JUNE 8. 
 
 Blessed is the man ivhom thou choosest, and causest f» 
 approach unto thee, that lie may dwell in thy courts : 
 7Ve shall he satisfied with the goodness of thy housc^ 
 even of thy holy temple Pbiilm ixv. 4. 
 
 Mr. BuNYAK, ill liis Pilgrim's Progress, observes, " Chris- 
 liana's hctirl was so eiiamoured, by the afiecting sight oi" Christ's 
 cross, Ly faith, that she wished all her carnal friends, to partukc, 
 in what she savr, and felt. But she was reminded, that faith's views 
 arc of special grace." They are streams which flow from the river 
 of God's electing love. Every man whom the Lord chooseth, " is 
 blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. " This is evidenced by 
 spiritual Hfe. Seeing all grace, love, and happiness center m Jeho- 
 vah, he delights to draw nigh to him, because confident of access, 
 by a new and living way consecrated . through the flesh of Jesus. 
 Here is no fiei'y law, no flaming sword, to terrify and affright the 
 believer, in his approach to God. But the Lord himself causes him, 
 to approach his presence. Love, not only invites, but sweetly con- 
 strains him to come, as a child to its loving parent. " The Father 
 draws to the Son, and the Son reveals the Father," by the Holy 
 Spirt, as a God of love to poor sinners. Without this no soul can, 
 or will, ever come unto God, John vi. 44. See thy special mercy. 
 Adore that sovci-eign grace, which reign over all thy pride, and 
 stubbornness. And do I thus approach my Lord ? O what infinite 
 treasures of grace arc secured by covenant-love and promise ! Not a 
 sudden fit of pleasure, or transient delight in the ways of God, do 
 such experience ; but they shall " chvell" their residence shall be 
 near the Lord in spirit, and they shall be satisfied from Jesus. All the 
 glory and magnificence of tJic temple was only typical ©f Jesus, who 
 exceeds in gloiy. All the glory and goodness of the Lord is trea- 
 sured up in, and communicated from him, as man and Mediator, to 
 poor sinners. Come then as a needy beggar to receive. 
 
 O the super-aboundii)g goodness of the Lord, to cause poor, head- 
 strong", high-minded rebels to approach him, and be satisfied with 
 him I Most joyful claim of faith, « The Lord :is my portion, saith 
 my soul, therefore will I hope in him," Lam. iii. 24. A glimpse 
 of Christ's glory and. goodness sickens the soul to every other object. 
 A lively faith, engages the affections towards him ; love is very 
 jealou's, and excites watchfulness against what may disturb its hap- 
 piness, or destroy its comfort. "I will sing unto the Lo)d, because 
 he hutli dvvelthountifully wilh mc, Psalm xiii, G. 
 
 Wc thnse Our God and then v/c're blest. But liow fame ^vc tlic Lord to chuse. 
 Ami ill Ills c<"irts \vc dwell : We are fcf s'ni pccurst ? 
 
 Lo. }ici'o M'c fiml perpetual rest, Tlijs my&t'ry we v ill'Soon dwlose, 
 And of his goodness tell. Because, God chose us first. M. 
 
, JUNE 9. 173 
 
 Wherefore . beloved, seeing that ye look for such thbigSy 
 be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, with- 
 out spoty and blameless. — 2 Peter iii. 14. 
 
 It is a most grand- delusion to imagine that the doctrines of 
 grace tend to lull the soul asleep in supine indolence, or slothful 
 stupidity. The believer hath not so learned Chiist. Thoueh he is 
 saved by grace freely, yet he is called to " labour diligently." By faith 
 he looks forward, to the fulfilment of awful predictions and pre- 
 cious promises. Hence we are excited to d;dly diligence, in the 
 performance of duties, the use of means, and the exercise of graces. 
 Do we look for the burning of the earth, the elements, and all sub- 
 lunary things ? do we expect to be inhabitants of new heavens, and 
 a new earth ? do we wait, and sometimes long for the coming of 
 the Lamb, our loving master and precious Saviour ? and shall we 
 indulge carnal case and spiritual sloth ? shall we not fear to be found 
 of Jesus in such a state ? Most true, " Jesus hath made peace for us, 
 by the blood of his cross." But shall we not be diligent, to maintain 
 a lively sense of tliis sweet peace in our hearts ? shall we not labour 
 after purity of heart ? And how is this to be expected, but by stu- 
 diously avoiding those things, which tend to draw the heart, and 
 alienate tlie affections from Jesus ? If we lose sight of the Lamb, we 
 lose the sense of peace. If we look at things which are seen, this 
 begets love to them, and increases anxious solicitude for them. And, 
 alas ! then they only pierce us through with many sorrows. And 
 most of all, -when we are in our right minds, do not our sorrows 
 increase, if wc decrease in spiritual diligence, and grow in worldiy- 
 mindedncss ? 
 
 Christian, though thou knowest it is God that givcth thee power 
 to get wealth, and his providence is engaged to preserve thy body j 
 yet, this doth not cause thee to abate thy diligence in thy A\orklly 
 concerns ; nor doth it make thee careless to preserve thy body from 
 harms and administer to it such things as are for its health. Most 
 happy is it for thee, thus daily to watch over, and care for, the peace 
 and purity of thy soul. Jesus is thy peace : by living on him, peace 
 is enjoyed. He is thy Saviour : by looking to him, thou shalt be 
 kept free from filthy spots. Thus by maintaining fellowship with 
 Christ — walking with Christ — keeping up a free intercourse with 
 Christ; peace of mind, and purity of heart are preserved. In this 
 way, verily, iliou shalt be blameless. And be assured, " the dili- 
 gent soul shall be made fat," Prov. xiii. 4. 
 
 My thoii!^hts surmount tliese lower skie3, There I beliold v itli sweet «lcligUt 
 I look within the vlII ; 'I'he blessed Three in One, 
 
 ■yhere springs of endless piea.swre rise, Ai"! strong; afFections fix my sight 
 The waters ueTy fail. On Cod's Liicaniate Son. 
 
 VoJt. I. X 
 
174 JUNE 10. 
 
 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried 
 ity and went and told Jesus, — Matt. xiv. 12. 
 
 Thus was cxtlngnlshed that burning and shining light, Jolm 
 Baptist. It is very staggering to the eyt of sense, and tlie judgment 
 of carnal reason, that tlie " I^ord, whose eyes are over the righteous," 
 should yet suffer his fathful ministers, and dearest children, to fall 
 a sacrifice to the rage and malice of cruel, and unreasonable men. 
 This puzzled the royal prophet David ; this was an exercise to 
 patient Job ; and it has put disciples to the stand in all ages. Wc 
 are ready to cry out, " Where is the God of Elijah !" When it comes 
 nearer home, and we eurselves are the subjects of insults and inju- 
 ries, from the power and malice of enemies to Jesus and his truths ; 
 this is a trial of faith. If this exercise is continued, if the enemy 
 triumphs, and God our friend appears not, as our deliverer, how 
 does sutan, who has stirred up fightings without, industriously aim 
 to inject fears within ; with, "where is now thy God ?" < Why dost 
 thou vainly imagine thyself a child of God, while thy Father leaves 
 thee to this cruel treatment ? If thou wast in his favor, thou wouldst 
 surely find his protection. The want of his care proves thou hast 
 no part in his love.' 
 
 Now thou art called, O christian, to fight and resist satan stedfastly 
 in the faith. Judge not of thy Father's love by present dispensations. 
 Strengthen thyself in thy God. Consult his word. Wait on him. 
 Take up the deceitful, unclean body of sense, and carnal reason, 
 bury it, and go and tell thy Saviour. He is thy wisdom, thy coun- 
 sellor ; and a perfect match for thy subtlest adversary. It is very 
 "alleviating to a distressed mind, to pour its complaints into the sym- 
 pathizing breast of a faithful fiiend. What is the cause of thy sor- 
 rows, make the subject of thy free converse with tliy Saviour. If 
 thou art smitten on earth, tell him who feels for thee in heaven. 
 Here is thy comfort, he always hears, ever loves, and can instantly 
 deliver. But if he does not ; rest assured, love delays for thy profit. 
 Afllictions are blessings in disguise. We do not, so heartily, think of 
 our home above, while richly furnished with earthly comforts bciow. 
 Our Lord strips us of them, to turn our thoughts homeward. But, 
 we shall surely find, " as tribulation abounds, consolatian shall much 
 more abound." Oui-Loi'd advises, " Call upon me in the day of 
 trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me," Psalm 
 I. 15. Prize it as your gi-catest blessedness, to live near the Lord, 
 and maintain humble converse with hira : pour out your con'plaintSj 
 and shew him your trouble, Psalm cxlii. 2. 
 
 T.ord, wc adore f hy vast dosigns, Wlicn Orou orray'st thine awful fare, 
 
 Th' obncin* a'jyss of proviilenee ! In r.i.t^iT frowns withoi'.t a smile : 
 
 Too deep to sound with moc-tal Uiics, ^Vl , thro' ihy rloiiil?, liolievc thy grace. 
 
 Too dark to view witU feeble scusc. Secure of thj compassioa still. 
 
, JUNE 11. 175 
 
 Then said these men, JFe shall not find any occasion agaijist 
 this Danielf except xve find it against him concerning- 
 the law of his God, — Dmi. vi. 5. 
 Happy Daniel, to have such a testimony of thy conduct from 
 the mouth of thine implacable enemies. These men could alledge 
 liothing against this servant of God, in regard to his outward life and 
 conversation ; for he was a good subject, a quiet neighbour, just and 
 honest in his dealings. Though in an eminent station, yet with 
 what contempt and scorn do they seem to speak of him 1 This Daniel, 
 this over-righteous fellow, who pretends to be more religious than 
 all the rest of his neighbours. As it was m the beginning, so it is 
 now, and ever will be, « He that is born after the flesh, will perse- 
 cute him that is born after the Spirit," Gal. iv. 29. What then ? 
 our enemies no sooner assault us, witli their tongues, but our God 
 takes our part. " If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy 
 are ye. For the Spirit of glory, and of God resteih upon you," 
 1 Pet. iv. 1-1. 
 
 But, let every disciple sec to it, that he suiTcrs as a christian. 
 Tak-e heed, that thy life ard conduct be, as bccometh the gospel. It 
 is a great blessing so to behave^ that carnal men can find no just 
 occasion, against our moral conduct. This they are judges of. 
 Their eyes are upon us. 1 hey watcii over us for evil. This ought 
 to make us very circumspect. Our religion they abhor. For this, 
 every follower of the Liimb is sure to be hated, for his master's sake. 
 " Woe be unto us, when all men speak well of us," saitli our master, 
 Luke vi. 26. They seek enough against us ; as to our faith, hope, 
 and life. And some would as surely cast us into a den of lions, as 
 they did Daniel, were it practic:ible, ^nd pei-mittcd. Yet, they 
 could not deprive him of the love, presence and protection of the Son 
 of God. These make every place a heaven of delight and joy. And 
 when hated of all men for his sake, he pronounces us blessed, bids 
 us rejoice, and hath left us an example, patiently to follow his steps, 
 Christ's dying prayer, for his very murderers, was ; " Father, 
 forgive them ; for they know not what they do." Ignorance of the 
 truth, is the cause of hatred and malice aguiiist his sei^ants. Hast 
 not thou a heart topity, and a tongue to pray for thy enemies ? Here 
 we may indulge sweet revenge. These weapons we may always 
 use. And how knowest thou, but the most furious pcrsecuter, like 
 Paul, may be a chosen vessel, of God the Father, redeemed by the 
 blood of Jesus — and ere to-morrow's sun, the grace of the |Ioly 
 Spirit may make him an humljle penitent ? " who maketh thee to 
 differ from another ? and what hast thou, that thou didst not receive V 
 1 Cor. iv. 7. . 
 
 O liappy so'ils w ho love your God, Go on rcjoicinp ev'n- clay, 
 
 And whom tlic woilU despise. Eternal life's your in-lze. M. 
 
176 JUNE 12. 
 
 For Christ is entered into heaven itself, now to appear in 
 the presence of God for us — Heb. ix. 24. 
 
 How highly was Zacharias honored ! He heard the gospel of 
 salvation from the mouth of an angel ; who Siud, " I am Gabriel, 
 who stand in the presence of God, and am sent unto tliee, to shew 
 thee these ghul tidings." But we see the awful efi'ects of unbelief. 
 Though thus beloved and honored of God, yet he was struck dumb 
 for a season, Luke i. 20. Though God most dearly loves his people 
 in Christ, yet, he sees their sins, and with fatherly affection chastises 
 for them. Do we not see somewhat of our own case here ? For, as 
 faith inspires the heart and tongue with boldness, so unbelief strikes 
 us dumb We cannot speak a word, nor offer a plea for our poor 
 souls, if faith lose sight of Jesus. But he never forgets us. Our 
 souls are never neglected by him. The Lamb is in the midst of the 
 throne /or us. In our nature, in the same human body, which was 
 hanged on the tree, with five pierced wounds in his hands, his feet, 
 and precious side, he eippears in the presence of God. There, like 
 some victorious conqueror, who has gloriously delivered his couiitry, 
 from the cruelty and rage of a merciless enemy, he glories in the 
 scars he received in the field of battle. 
 
 When Jesus wept over dear Lazarus ; see how he loved him, said 
 the Jews. But when poor sinners think of our dear Lord's wouv.ds, 
 crucifixion, agonies^and death, O what infinitely greater reason have 
 we to say, See how he loved us ! see how he still loves us. Not- 
 withstanding all our base, unloving behaviour t6 him, still, O soul- 
 afTecting truth ! still» he appears before God, /or ws ; he presents 
 his once mangled body ; he pleads his once bleeding wounds in our 
 behalf, as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, for our salvation. Thus 
 glorified Jesus, norj appears in the presence of God, for us ; as our 
 dear Mediator, loving Lord, and precious Saviour, our affectionate 
 advocate, and powerful intercessor. But saith the adversary, " This 
 is a cunnhigly devised fable." What profit is this to me ? saith carnal 
 reason, bucked wilh unbelief. But, the Spirit of truth bears witness 
 to this ; first, in type and figure under the law ; and, now in realily 
 and substance in the gospel. To this very end, that at any time, 
 when sin burdens the conscience ; sorrow bows down the heart, 
 Joubts arise in the imnd, and fears oppress the spirit, the poor sinner 
 wiiw, with confidence, thus consider Jesus : look unto him ; and call 
 upon him : and find this to be the food of his faith, and the support 
 €>f his soul : " for if God (Jesus) be for us, uho can be against us : ' 
 Rom. viii. 31. 
 
 Lift np vonr eyes to tli' licaT'nly scsit, Petilinpr, now, and prnise may rijif. 
 Where our Redeemer stays ; \nd saints their off 'ring bring ; 
 
 Kind intercessor, tliere he sits. The priest « ith hiS own sacrifiee 
 And fores, and pleads, and prays. Hrerorft, flrnm to fkp V^'rriy;. 
 
JUNE 13. 177 
 
 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shaltcallhis name 
 JESUS ; for he shall save his people from their sins. 
 — ALttt. i. 21. 
 
 O PRECIOUS birth ! precious son ! precious name ! The Holy 
 Ghost brings consolation to the hearts of poor sinners, from the 
 belief of the manhood of Jesus. To this end the comforter bears so 
 particular testimony by the word of the conception and birth of 
 Christ. This is our happiness ; utall times to consider the Saviour 
 as « Emanuel, God wiih us :" our brother : '• flesh of our flesh and 
 bone of our bone." As Elihu says of himself, " Behold I am, ac- 
 eordinjj to thy wish, in God's stead. Behold, my terror shall not 
 make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee," Job 
 xxxiii. 6, ir. Thus to conceive of Jesus, is a sweet mystery, joy- 
 fully known to believing- hearts. 
 
 The Holy Ghost brings joy to our souls, by the nanie of Jesus. 
 This name is above every name to us : it is " as precious ointmer.t 
 poured forth:" it diff"useth the sweet odour of the Father's everlasting 
 love, issuing in our eternal salvation. In the name of Jesus the 
 whole gospel lies hid. The Spirit also comforts our hearts. By the 
 •work of Christ, he shall save.. Here is not an if, <x perhaps, or per- 
 advcnture ; but a positive declaration, what he absolutely shall do. 
 He shall save sinners : from the curse of the law, by beiug made a 
 curse for them : from the wrath of God due to them, by suftering in 
 their stead : from the punishment their sins deserve, by the atone- 
 ment of his precious blood : from the guilt of sin in their conscience, 
 by the sprinkling of his blood through faith : from tl\c love and power 
 of sin in their hearts ; by the grace of the Spirit, regenerating and 
 renewing them in the spirit of their minds. So that they are as per- 
 fectly saved l?i Jesus from sin, as though they had never fallen into sin. 
 And all this by Jesus : by no strength, power or ability of theirs. 
 
 Who docs Jesus thus save ? " His people :" aU his peop.e, of 
 every kindred, nation, tribe and tongue, even " all that the Father 
 hath given him," John xvii. 9. Wlio are partakers of this precious 
 salvation ? iTv-ery poor sinner who believes in Jesus. It is free for 
 all who come to him. ./ill who do come to him, and trust in him, 
 find he is their. Jesus, their salvation. O believer, here is the nature, 
 the name, the word of thy precious JeSus to look to and live upon 
 ft-om day to day. It is thy mercy that salvation is his work, and he 
 hath finished it. It is thy comfort to believe this daily. It is thy 
 duty to give Jesus all the glory. The moi'c light thou reccivest from 
 the word of Jesus and the Spirit of truth, so much the more wilt thou 
 see of thine own vile sinful nature, and abhor thyself. How long ? 
 even until thou receivest the end of thy faith, the salvation of tLiy- 
 soul. Then wilt thou eternally glory only in th.c infinite peifecticn 
 of the salvation of Jesus. 
 
178 JUNE 14. 
 
 It is God which ivorkethin you both to rvill and to do, of 
 his good pleasure. — Phil. ii. 13. 
 
 It is the peculiar blessing of every new creature in Christ Je sus 
 to be « renewed in knowledge." As tlie soul advances in the divine 
 life, he more clearly understands the heights and depths of the mys- 
 teries of God's grace, by the word of the Spirit of truth : so also he 
 feels more and more of the workings of the mystery of iniquity within 
 him. Therefore, he has done with talking of his own free will, and 
 works of righteousness having any share in obtaining grace. These 
 notions are the weeds of nature. They spring from pride. Pride is 
 interwoven with our very constitution and.bcing. This opposes and 
 rebels against our own mercies, even the free-grace truths of the 
 gospel. But it is the exercise of faith to svibmit to the righteousness 
 of Jesus : to bow to the sovereignty of God's will, and to adore his 
 Spirit who worketh in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure. 
 O disciple of Jesus, how art thou sweetly constrained to own tl:ds from 
 the rich experience of the truth upon thy own soul ! What is the 
 natural bent of thy free will, but to reject Jesus the Lord of life and 
 glory ? Its language is, " I idll not have this man to reign over 
 me." I have other and better lovers, and after them I nvill go. I 
 •will enjoy the pleasures of sin. I w/// love the world : I will take 
 my full swing in the gay delights, and pleasing profits, and glorious 
 honors of it. I wllthe saved in my own way, for my own works : I 
 •will woi be indebted to be saved by grace wholly. Thus the natural 
 frce-^vill of man speaks plain, by its afiectioris and actions, througji 
 the darkness cf the understanding. Thy free will was to destroy thy- 
 self; it was the will of the Lord to save thee in Christ Jesus. 
 Therefore in the day of his power, the Holy Spirit made thee willing 
 to come to Jesus for life and salvation. With free choice, and cheer- 
 ful willingness, thou earnest in fidth, as a perishuig sinner to a pre- 
 cious Saviour. Wilt thou any more ascribe any glory to thy will? 
 wilt thou ever suffer thy power to share in' the trophies of thy Lord ? 
 Nay, shall not free, sovereign, unmerited grace, have all the glory ? 
 Is not this the daily humble prayer of thy soul, "Leave me not, O 
 Lord, to myself; for without thee, O Jcsu, I can do nothing — nothuig 
 but sin against thee, and wound my own soul." If thou truly dc- 
 lightest in tlie law of God after the inv/ard man, it is the delight of 
 thy soi^ « to do those things which are pleasing in his sight." Ever 
 put this soul-lunnbling, grace-exalting question to thy heart, " Who 
 made me to differ ? what have I tliat I have not received ?" I have 
 nothing- in mysclfwhereof to glory. I glory in him, who sailh, "I 
 will work, and who shall let it ?" Isa. xliii. 13. 
 
JUNE 15. 179 
 
 We that are in this tabernacle do groany being burdened, — 
 2 Cor. V. 4. 
 
 It is a sore temptation, that saints of God in all ages have fallen 
 under, that, upon a suj'vey of the outward ease, pleasure, and pros- 
 perity of the ungodly, " they have called the proud happy," Mai. 
 iii. 15 — and under a sense of their inward groanings, burdens and 
 sorro'AS, have been led to think, it is vain to serve God, and call in 
 question his love to them and care for them. Such sentiments as 
 these, at times exercise their minds: ' I called by grace ! Is my soul 
 quickened and made alive to God ? have I fled to Jesus for refuge ? 
 am I a child of God by adoption, through the faith of Jesus ? Surely 
 it cannot be. Was it so, should 1 be thus plagued all the day, and 
 chastened every morning ? should I groan thus under oppression 
 from satan, tribulation from the world ; and be thus burdened with 
 the lusts of the flesh, and the carnal workings of corrupt nature ? 
 Surely if ever I have known any thing of Jesus in spirit and power, it 
 is all come to an end : verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and 
 washed my hands in innocency to no purpose.' Thus doth the subtle 
 serpent artfully steal into the mind, and borrows the tongue of saints. 
 But this is very injurious to the soul, as we see in the experience of 
 the Psalmist, 73d Psalm. And it is highly resented by our loving 
 Lord and Saviour, as very dishonorable to him. See !Mal. iii. 1 3. 
 
 Saints' burdensare creature allotments; believers'groansare Jesus' 
 concerns; children's sorrows reach the Father's heart ; they are the 
 lotof God's people in every age. Prophets, apostles, martyrs, and 
 confessors of Jesus, none exempt while i)-; this tabernacle. Yea, they 
 evidence the life of the soul : aiidalso, under the Spirit's influence, 
 work for the profit of the soul. Herehy it is instructed in self-know- 
 ledge, so as to bow to the sovereignty of God in humility and 
 dtp^ndence on Jesus. Prayer is excited, faith is called into exercise, 
 God's word is searched, premises are prized, exhortations become 
 pleasant, carnal hopes are cut off, worldly joys become irksome, 
 earth is less loved, and a sinful body groaned Uiidcr, makes perfect 
 freedom in glory longed for. O there is a blessed writ of ease and 
 rest, issued out from the court of heaven ! Soonit Avill be served 
 upon us. Then, down tabernacle : up soul to the presence of tliy 
 Lord. Farewel groans. Welcome eternal triumphs. He -is a 
 swret portion of comfort; druik of the brook by the way, iind lift up 
 thy head ; " Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he sliall sustain 
 thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved," Psam Iv. 22. 
 
 Nov.- If t my Loril my Saviour smile, O wliy, my soul, -ftliy tlicse complaints ? 
 
 And sli •«' liis name iijion my heart ; Still v. liilc ho fiowiis hia howc'.s move ; 
 
 I would forgel my pains awhile. Still on his licart I»e bears his saints, 
 
 AU ih die i)lcaiuj-c 1»3C tfie s2n.11 1. Aud feels their soit»ws and Jiis lore. 
 
186 JUNE 16. 
 
 The ornament of a meek andquiet spirit, which is in the 
 sig-ht of God of great price. — I Pet. iii. 4. 
 
 Godly parents are delighted at their very hearts, if they see 
 their dear children partakers of the grace of God. How joyful to 
 iicar those, who are part of one's self, enquire after Jesus and his 
 salvation! Love and duty unite to constrain us to teach our little ones 
 the knowledge of Jesus ; to instruct them in the ways of the Lord. 
 And if the spirit of grace is pleased to crown such endeavours with 
 success, infinitely more precious is the adorning of grace to their 
 immortal souls, than all the gaiety of dress to their perishing bodies. 
 As we to ours, so doth the Lord rejoice overall his dear children 
 in Christ Jesus. He takes pleasure in their dress, which is the robe 
 of his Son's righteousness. Their ornaments, which is the robe 
 of his Spirit, are delighting to his eyes. " He makes them all- 
 glorious within :" he loves his own image, which he hath formed by 
 his Spirit, " in the hidden man of the heart." Both the inward graces 
 iind the outward fruits are an ornament to them ; and are " of great 
 price in the sight of their heavenly Father." By daily fellowship 
 with our God and Saviovir, we get more and more " conformed to his 
 likeness." By close walking, constant communing, free conversing 
 with Jesus, love is maintained in the heart : and a meek and quiet 
 spirit ever accompanies love. Where the former is wanting, the 
 declinings of the latter are evident. As faith works by love, so love 
 shev.'s itself by meekness of spirit and quietness of behaviour. There 
 is a sv/eet harmony in the graces of the Spirit. By faith the soul 
 abides in Jesus, and receivcth out of his fulness. By love the heai't 
 is comfortable. And as Peter and John said to the beggar, " What 
 we have i-eceivcd of the Lord, that we give unto you." So the chris- 
 ti.in dispenses out of his heart, love to his brethren, and is peaceable 
 and quiet to all m.inkind. Love controuls the boisterous passions 
 of nature. Love constrains to meekness of temper and quietness of 
 spirit. We sadly mistake, and are greatly deceived by our corrupt 
 nature,, carnal reason, and the subtilty of satan, when we act with 
 any other spirit, and attempt to find an excuse for it. Nay, but it is 
 unbecoming our character, a disgrace to our profession, a dishonor 
 to our Saviour ; it grieves the Spirit ; is a badge of satan's livery ; a 
 fiuit of the flesh, and is contrary to the Spirit. The wrath of man 
 \vork^th not the righteousness of God, peace of men, nor the com- 
 fort of the soul. '' Put on us the elect of God, meekness," Col. 
 iii. 12, 
 
 P>!cssM are tliemeck, who stand afar Ulcss'd arc tlie men of peaceful litif, 
 
 I'l-om rngi; and piissioii, noise and Mar : AV lio riucucli (lie coids of grpwiug strifr, 
 
 «n(l will H^puvc their happy state. They slial! be call'd the l;oirs nfliliss. 
 
 And plead ttieir cause a^jajubtthe j;rcat. Tke sous of Ciod, Ac God ol'pcaec. 
 
' JUNE 17. 181 
 
 For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great 
 name'* s sake : Because it hath pleased the Lord to iiuike 
 you his people. — i Sam. xii. 22. 
 
 The prophet Samuel, like the upostle Piailj " i^hur.ned not to 
 declare all the counsel of God," Acts xx. 27. They leurcd no licen- 
 tious consequences from pn-iiching the fuith-estt.blishing, soul-com- 
 forting truth of God's unchungeuble love to his people. Yet Suniucl 
 encourages the people to cleuve close unto the Lord, and not tura 
 aside from following him ; assuring diem, if they walked contrary 
 to the Lord, though he would never change in his love, or cast off 
 his people, <• whom he did fore-know," yet he would' change in his 
 conduct and dealings tOAvards tl'.em. " God will surely visit their 
 transgression with a rod, and their iniquity with stripes ; nevertlie- 
 less, his lovhig-kindncss he will rtot utterly take away, nor suffer his 
 faithfulness to fall," Psalm Ixxxix. 52, 33. Like a tender and 
 alTccdonate parent to a disobedient child, his love is ever the same 
 when he con-ects, as when he dandles on the knee. It is of the 
 Lord's good pleasure only, that he chuses and makes a people for 
 his glory. He calls them to himself by sovereign grace. The honor 
 of his name, and the perfection' of his attributes, are engaged for 
 their safety and salvation. 
 
 The faith of a christian, how firm its Coundation ! It builds on the 
 rock of ages, the eternal truth of an unchanging God of love. His 
 " hope is an anchor to the soul, both sure and stedfast, which is 
 eternal within the veil, whither the forerunner for us is entered, 
 even Jesus," Heb. vi. 19, 20. How then should our love be in- 
 flamed, and burn with incessant ardor to our ever-loving Lord and 
 Saviour ? Hath it pleased the Lord to put me among his children ? 
 to make me one of his people ? It was free, unmerited love. Hath 
 the blessed Spirit enriched my heart, with faith in precious Jesus ? 
 hath he in his word, over and over assured us, that " he will never 
 leave nor forsake, but whom he loves he loves to the end ?" Why is 
 all this ? Even because it pleased the Lord : »' so it seemed good m 
 his sight." And have I sinned ? Heart-wounding thought ! sinned 
 against his love ? am I backslidden in affection ? grown cold and in- 
 different to the kindest and best of beings ? Shameful ingratitude ! Is 
 the love of God in Christ Jesus, the source of all present grace, the 
 security of future glory ? Verily it should sink poor sinners to the 
 lowest humility ; affect with the deepest self-abasement and sorrow 
 for sin ; yet excite godly hope and rejoicing in Christ Jesus ; and 
 influence to the most cheerful diligence of serving a God of love, 
 "without fear, in holiness jind righteousness before him, all the 
 days of our life." " This is the love of God, tlmt we keep his com- 
 marsdments," 1 Jojm v. 3. 
 
 Vp&. L Y 
 
182 JUNE 18. 
 
 Because in him there is found some good thing toward 
 the Lord God of Israel^ in the house of Jeroboam,^^ 
 1 Kings xiv. 13. 
 
 Such was the testimony which the Lord gave by his prophet ot 
 young Abijuh, the son of wicked Jeroboam. 1 he father was brand- 
 ed, even to a jjroverb for his abominable wickedness. Behold, the 
 son is recorded by the Lord for his goodness : singled out from the 
 whole house of his father, to be blessed of his God, and to come to 
 his grave in peace. 
 
 Children of grace often spring fiom the loins of ungodly parents. 
 The offspring of godly parents, often appear graceless. Grace is 
 not hereditary. Grace is the sovereign gift oi God. Parents may 
 and ought to give good instructions, but God only makes them, suc- 
 cessful. Some good thing would not have been found in young 
 Abijah, if the Lord had not put it there. It was of the will of the 
 Lord, or because the Lord was his father, as his name Abijali sig- 
 nifies. God's covenant children, though by nature children of 
 wrath, and though in their " flesh dwells no good tiling ;" yet, 
 through the grace of the Holy Spirit, " they are created anew in 
 Christ Jesus, in righteousness and true holiness, unto good works;'* 
 and after the inward mJn, *' they delight in the law of God " Some 
 good thing is found in them, which manifests itself in love, fear and 
 obedience to the Lord their God. The graces of the Holy Spirit 
 in the hearts of belie'veis, and tlie fruits of the Sipirit in tlieir lives, 
 are evidences in time, of God's covenant to them in Christ Jesus 
 before time. God views the work of his new creation in the soul 
 with delight ; pi-onounces it good^ and to his own glory records the 
 graces of his people. What comes from God leads to liim. 
 
 Thus we see " some good thing" found in the heart of Abijali, 
 manilesting itself in the wicked house of Jeroboam, to the glory of 
 Jehovah the God of Israel. O how hic,hly honored are some wh» 
 Jire converted to God's glory and service in the morning of youth I 
 while the sun of righteousness doth not rise upon oUiers, till the 
 sun of nature is near setting. Hath distiiiguishing grace made us t» 
 differ, as well from our former selves, as from others ? It is all from 
 the love of the Father through Jesus Christ, by the power of the 
 Spirit. We have nothing whereof to glory in ourselves, nor over 
 othens ; it is our duty to confess it with our lips, and manifest it iii 
 our lives. May it encourage us daily to Trulk iu fidili and love. 
 <'The just shall live by faith," Heb. x. 38. 
 
JUNE 19. 183 
 
 Let n» man beguile you of your rexvard -^Co\. W. 18. 
 
 Thf.re is a present reward of fjrace eii|«)yc(l in the hearts of 
 the faithful,- which- consists in pardon of sui» peace ot ccnsciu ce, 
 and joy in the Holy Ghost. These are the rewards of Josiis' toils 
 and suff''rinp:s for us Since an artful and subtle stipci.t h. U; ;j. ii.cd 
 access to the human heart, we can never be warned too n.ucli to 
 l)cware of nnen. Satan deceived mcji at the beginning by uk ui.s of 
 parr of himself. He still beguiles men by niuii Though thi. .x\\x r- 
 sary cannot pluck one of Christ's sheep oiit of his h.ijuls, noi rob ilie 
 loving Saviour of one of the precious jewels of his mediatorial crown, 
 atill we are to consider hini as a restless, implac.blc foe, wiio will 
 stl'ive by all means to perplex and distrtss our souls. • Has jc-hovah 
 Jesus appeared to us in the vision of faith ? Hath he sp(>kcii to our 
 trembling hearts in his word and by his Spirit, as he did to the 
 father of the faithful ? " Fear not, I am thy shield, aiid thy exct tciing 
 great reward," Gen xv. 1. Like the oiacies in the Oiyn pic 
 games, we must expect false jvidges, corruptee un.pires, wl.owiil 
 judge against us ; determine the prize conttaiy to our I'.iith aiid i.c pe 
 in free-grace promises and sovereign deterninatioiis. 
 
 They will judge against the ttuth and glory of out- prize, as though 
 we were not complete in Christ' Jesus ; as though wc wtre not wise 
 by his wisdom ; righteous by his righteousness ; holy by his holiiitss; 
 perfectly redeemed from rJl sin, curse and wrath, by iiis couiplete 
 redemption ; but that somewhat is to be found and trusted to in 
 nature and self, to entitle us to God's grace, and secure to us a 
 crown of glory. Blessed admonition! "Let no man begu'le you," 
 judge against you, ye free-born, heaven-born souls, concerning the 
 perfect freeness, and infinite fulness of your prize, your reward, 
 Jesus. For by this they would weaken your faith, disturb your 
 peace, and oppose your comfort. So they would beguile you to run 
 uncertainly ; as tliough your hopes were suspended on your own 
 fLiithfulness to grace, your fulfilling terms and conditions, whereby 
 to secure the prize. Ever reject such selfish, mercenary, base, 
 compounding notions with detestation ; as contrary to covenant love 
 and gospel grace ; dishonoring to our precious Saviour, and grieving 
 to the holy, sovereign Spirit, who bears witness, that "thcieiba 
 remnant according to the election of grace ; that the prize is ad- 
 judged to them "by grace, not of works; otherwise grace is no 
 more grace : but if it be of works, then it is no more of grace ; olner- 
 ^vise work is no more work," Rom. xi. 5, .0. 
 
 1-ii-m .IS ihc earth thy gospel stands, Hk lionoris engag'd to m^e 
 
 My Lord, ray hope, my trust ; 'Wic incHncKt of his slie eji ; 
 
 = r am found iaJe.sus' hands. All that his hcp.v'nly Fjihcr gavf, 
 
 &lj so»l can ne'er Ic lost. His Lands setMitly k« \\. 
 
184 JUNE 20. 
 
 Vtrily thou art a God that hide st thyself^ God of Israel 
 the Saviour. — Isa. xlv. 15. 
 
 Mourning under a sense of sin, and complaining of inbred 
 corruptions, are consistent with faith in Jesus, and rejoicing in his 
 salvation. Sorrowing under the painful sense of an absent God, has 
 been the experience of saints in all ages ; few, if any, have been 
 exempt from it. And this is an evidence that they have felt his com- 
 forting presence, enjoyed the smiles of his love, and rejoiced in the 
 light of his countenance. So the life and love of the soul is mani- 
 fested. A christian is known by his sorrows, as well as joys. He 
 sorrows after a godly sort. 
 
 But why should a God of love hide himself from his dear children? 
 Wo may say, he is a sovereign, luid answer in the words of Eiihu, 
 Job xxxiii. 1 3, " He giveth not account of any of his matters." But 
 it is most sweet to say with David, '' Continually let tlie Lord be 
 magnified, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servants,'' 
 Psalin XXXV. 27. Therefore when God hides himself from the souls 
 of his believing children, it is in love, wisdom, and faithfulness to 
 them ; it is to advance his own glory, and to further tlie prosperity 
 of their souls. But he never leaves himself without a witness in 
 their hearts, for we see the church addresses him though he hideth 
 himself — sweetly applies to him as Jesus the only Saviour., and 
 uttei's her cnmpLdnts before him, " Ihou hidest thyself," and I am 
 troubled. So the withdrawing of the com.forting warmth of the sun, 
 makes vegetable nature droop and languish, and it mourns in silent 
 sadness. But the root is stiil alive, and it will, when the sun returns, 
 bring forth its fruit in due season. Backward springs, often produce 
 the most plentiful harvest. So the Lord teaches his sovereignty, 
 roots the soul in humility, prevents the growth of spiritual pride, 
 reproves a careless walk, chides for worldly-niindcdness, causes 
 great searchings of heart, ernbitters sin, excites to holy mourning, 
 calls forth earnest longings, restless seekings, and fervent prayings. 
 «' Saw ye him whom my soul loveth ?" will be the restless enquiry of 
 a loving, deserted heart. I cannot live without him : his presence is 
 heaven ; his absence is hell. Soul, ever beware: of lending thine ear 
 for a moment to any base suggestion, cor.trary to this sweet clcckra- 
 tion of an imchanging Xiod of truth and love : " In a litte wrath I 
 hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness 
 w'xW ^havc mercy on thcc, sailh the Lord, tiiv Redeemer," Isa. 
 liv. 8. 
 
 ' riov boiindlcw is our FnOier's .uracc, AVIi^it t.lio' I nionru .in liidiiig Coil, 
 
 « In licight and deiitli and longlli : His r;iilliridiich.s I trust, 
 
 « He rnadehissorionr ri;,')ilcoutiicss. His word, lii dove, can never fail; ~ 
 
 » HisSin-f ;.;..ii]- ,t!'aigth.* ThcLordIscrTe--isjust. M. 
 
JUNE 21. 185 
 
 God is no rpftpccter ofperaojis : Put in every iint'ion lie that 
 feareth Godandworkcth rightcousncas, is acctptcdwith 
 him —^.\zis X. 34, oS. 
 
 It is a cocnsnon, artful device of thy adversary to insinuate, 
 " one part of scripture opposes and contradicts another." Hereby he 
 aims to distress the minds, weaken the confidence of disciples, and 
 to render the doctrines of grace of no esteem. Ttic Uiiieanied and 
 unstable in the truths of free grace salvation, " wrest tliis, as they 
 do .ilso other texts of scripture, to their own destruction." It was 
 farthest from St. Peter to make this declaration» to subvert the fun- 
 damental truths of the gospel, c.nd the one only way of saivalion taught 
 by liimself ; namely, by "election, accordmg to the fore-knowiedgc 
 of God the Father, through the sunctifioatioii of the Spirit unto obedi- 
 ence, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Cnrist," 1 Pet. i. 2. 
 
 But he now perceived of a truth that this blessing came equally 
 alike upon Gentiles as well us Jews. " God is no respecter of per- 
 sons." This is a most comfortable truth to the vilest of the human 
 race. There is nothing that claims respect in the person of one mart 
 above another in the sight of God. " All are aiike corrupt and 
 become abominable. There is naturally no fear of God before our 
 eyes. There is none that doth good ; no not one." Theie is no 
 difference, Jew and Gentile, publican and phuiisee, outwardly 
 devout, and openly prophane, are all upon a levci in point of justi- 
 fication before God. Enlightened souls see and own this in deep 
 humility, and self-abasement : while proud pharisecs chalieiige and 
 claim respect from God, because they think their persons and cha- 
 raters are more amiable in his sight than others. 
 
 But saith Moses, « The Lord your God is a mighty and terrible 
 God, whoregardcth not persons, nor take the reward," Deut. x. 17. 
 What reward can poor sinners give to procure God's regard, bribe 
 his justice, or avert his wrath ? Do they naturally lear God and work 
 righteousness in order to this ? Lay thine hand upon thine heart, 
 O soul ; judge as in the sight of God. Say, was this thy natural 
 conduct and patience towards him ? God knoweth, to hate him and 
 work wickedness is the natural state and practice of.theeai.d of all 
 men. But yet he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, be 
 he who or whathe will, is accepted with God. For this is a fail 
 proof of being "accepted in the beloved Jesus." The Lord puts his 
 fear in one's heart according to covenant promise, Jer. xxxii.'40. 
 He renews us in righteousness and true holiness. Hence our practice 
 is agreeable to our state. Prayers and alms come up LvK^re tl.c 
 Loid as a memorial of what he has done on the heart. And " the 
 same Lord over all, is rich in mercy to all that call upon him. 
 Whosoever shall call upon the iii me of the Lord, shall be saved," 
 Rom. X. 12, 13. 
 
186 JUNE 22. 
 
 flinch is not another f gospel J, hut there be some that 
 trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ.-^ 
 Gal. i. 7. 
 
 Trouble us indeed ! it is our wisdom to hear preaching with aa 
 attentive mind, an humble heart, and a godly jealousy over what is 
 spoken. The sweet sound of the gospel is joy to the heart, and as 
 marrow and fatiicss to the soul ; for it proclaims nothing but good 
 news of gl.id tidings. This is its nai^ae : its nuture and properties 
 perfectly agree therewith. Here it is called, Acts xx. 24, The 
 ^osi:fcl of the grace of God ; or good news of his free favor. And 
 Ephes. i. 13, " The gospel of salvation ; or glad tidings of salvation 
 by Christ only." It was the wisdom of Adam to distinguibh aud give 
 a proper name to every creature of God. Every christian should 
 imitate him in knowledge, to distinguish the law from the gospel, and 
 to call each by its proper name. For wiien the law of works and gos- 
 pel of grace are blended together,it puzzles the mind and disturbs the 
 conscience. We may say of the gospel, as Tertullus said of Caesar, 
 " By thee we enjoy great cjuietncss," Acts xxiv. 2. For by it the 
 mind and conscience of the believer is filled with peace and comfort, 
 prom hence springs his love to God, and holy conformity to his will. 
 But preaching terms and conditions to be performed by us, in order 
 to entitle to gospel grace, hath a native tendency to distress the mind, 
 weaken faith, damp love, deject hope, and of conseqixencc make the 
 belicA'er less zealous of good works. Yet, throusi;h blindness and 
 ignorance, so}ne call this gospel ; but Paul denies it : he says, « It 
 is not another," he won't mention gospel. It deserves not the name^ 
 it is a mere system of man's devising. O but if there is great talk 
 «f tlie interest of morality, and a specious pretence to holuiess, this 
 makes a great shew in the flesh, so as to trouble some, and deceive 
 many. But such "prevent the gospel of Christ; the everlasting 
 gospel." For that proclaims eternal election, everlasting love, i\x\ 
 e.stablished cpvcnaut of grace ; brings everlasting consolations to the 
 soul, by an everlasting righteousness through faith : and sure and 
 certain salvation to every believer. 7 hf gon/ie!, like some stately- 
 ship, is richly laden with the most munificent blessings of the patri- 
 mony of our Father ; the last will and testament of our precious 
 Saviour, freely consigned under the testimony of the Sphit, to us 
 poor,^nst, perishing sinners. O heliever I study the immense value 
 and riches of the gospel : be on thy guard, lest any deprive thy mind 
 of its frceness and fuhiess. Gospel-pervcrtcrs are conscicnce-troub- 
 Jcrs. Listen not to their specious guiles, lesr thy mind be perplexed. 
 Glory to our God, here is our mercy; though false teachers shall 
 arise, though they mpy trouble, yet " it is impossible, saith our 
 Bariour, tliat they should deceive the elect of God," ' I\Ii\t.t.x:av.2l, 
 
. JUNE 23. 187 
 
 And the C6unsel of peace shall be between them both,^ 
 
 Zfch. vi. 13. 
 With wlnit n.pturc and ecstacy of soul ihe good old p:uir.uxu 
 Israel hcurd of his son Joseph ? Not only ulive, but also governor ok' 
 the land of Ei;ypt. " It is cnon^-hy" si-id he. As ihough he could 
 enjoy no n^orc. How then ought Uic hearts of poor sinners to be 
 filled with jov, and fired with transport to hear that their incnd an4 
 brother, Jesus, lives for evermore ; that. « the government is upon 
 his shoulders: tlu.t he is their King and Uieir Priest upon his 
 throne: that the counsel of peace is established, fixed md unalterably 
 established, between the Father and him on their account I Surely, 
 if we believe this, as verily as Jacob believed the report concerning 
 his son, we shall also cry out with hun, li ts enough, perfectly suf- 
 ficient. More joyful nows cannot be heard. More coriifortable truth 
 •onnot be believed. Fuller evidence cannot be desired. Stronger 
 proofs cannot be given than is revealed of the covenant-transactions 
 •fthe adorable trinity, in behalf of sinners of mankind. 
 
 Here is the Lord of hosts, and the wan, the blessed man, who 
 is'called the branch. And see we not the third person in the divine 
 •ssence ? For the establishing of faith, be it eyer remembered, 
 tliough the Father and the Son only are often mentioned in scrip- 
 ture , yet the Lord the Spirit in his oflice is evidently to be seen and 
 ©Icarly to be known. For whatever is covenanted tuid agreed between 
 God the Father and Son, is manifested iuid revealed and enjoyed ia 
 the heart by the holy Spirit. We had never heard of this blessed 
 peace, had it not been by the Holy Ghost through the word of truth. 
 Therefore it is « the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is 
 truth," 1 John v. 6. Ever bear this in thy mir^d, disciple. As 
 thou hadst not known sin, but by the law : so thou couldst not have 
 any knowledge of peace and pardon, but by the gospel through the 
 Spirit. He is the revealer, sealer and applier of all grace, peace, 
 love and holiness. " The love of the Father is slied abroad in ouv 
 hearts by the.Holy Ghost given unto us." « He shall testify of nie,'* 
 saith Jesus : all my members shall l)C taught of him : " He shall 
 glorify me," John xvi. 15. Here is a peace established betweeu 
 heaven and earth : between the righteous Lord and sinful man, firm 
 •^s a rock, durable as the ages of eternity. 
 
 God the Father is the author of this peace. Jesus hath obtained 
 this peace by the blood of his cross. Rt-i)el s and traitors against God, 
 arc made the subjects of this peace. The Spirit begets faith in the . 
 heart. He applies the grace of God which passeth all understanding 
 to the soul through the faith of Jesus. And thougii all in, nature, 
 an, satan, and the world are at war with us ; snll this is our glory, 
 '^ Jcsns is •tir pcRct'," Eph. ii. H. 
 
188 JUNE 24; 
 
 In the multitude of my thoughts within me^ thy comforts 
 delight my soul — Psalm xciv. 19. 
 
 Vain thoughts and carnal reasonings, like impertinent visitors, 
 often intrude upon the christian's mind. In this depraved state it 
 cannot be otherwise. Though born again of the Spirit, and our 
 minds renewed by grace ; still our old friends, our present foes, the 
 world, the flesh, and the devil, will furnish us with various exercises 
 from troublesome thoughts. Tl)at they do cause grief, are preyed 
 against, and resisted, is a blessed evidence of a regenerate soul ; 
 which is also fed, delighted, and comforted with the spiritual trviths 
 •f Hod's gracious word. 
 
 Thcr(;, are frequent seasons when God's dear children are exercis- 
 ed with distressing, gloomy thoughts. Afflictions are painful and 
 grievous to the flesh ; then how naturally do these murmuring and 
 repining thoughts arise ? '' Are these the tokens of God's love ? how 
 can I who am thus visited with such sorrow^, pain, and trouble, think 
 the I^ord loves me with the love of a tender father, or that I am his 
 child ?" The sight of our vile polluted nature, corrupt lusts, sinful 
 passions and affections, sink and discourage our spirits. A multi- 
 tude of thoughts arise within ; how can I have faitli in Jesus, love to 
 him, and delight in his ways, while I find so much in me contrary 
 to his will, and \inconformcd to his image ? If the Lord hides away 
 his face, and withdraws the comforting sense of his presence, then 
 these dejecting thoughts beset us : God is acting in wrath against 
 us — liis mercy is clean gone forever. And with the church we are 
 apt to think, "The Lord hath forsaken me : my Lord hath forgotten 
 me," Isa. xlix. I'L 
 
 This is all very natural. Eut what says the voice of grace ? Most 
 cheering, most delighting to the harrassed mind. <' Many arc the 
 troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers out of them all :'* 
 "As many as I love, I rebuke and'cliasten," Rev. iii. I9. " Can 
 a woman forget a sucking child, that she siiouM not have compassion 
 on the srnn of her womi) ? Yea, she may forget ; but I will not forget 
 thee," Isa xlix. 15. "This man (,Tcsus)'receivcth sinners,"Xukc 
 XV. 2. " His blood cleanseth from all sin," 1 John i. 7. 
 
 God's immutable love, unchangeable covenant, eternal trutli, sa- 
 cred word, precious promises, and solemn oalh, all stand cngagcci for 
 the safety and salvation of souls redeemed by Jesus : who saith, *• He 
 that bclieveth on me shall wn^cr perish,", John iii. 15 Shall loiy 
 or all the powers of earth ami hell nvjlce Jesus, the God of truth, a 
 liar ?, The bible is the christ'iim's charter. It 's our wisdom to study 
 that, and to judge of Gotl's love from his w.oj^d aiul pronuses, not by 
 our circun\stanccs. trials, frames and feelings : For. 
 
 T^Muilc'cr thoa founrl'sl lilm .it the best. , Christ rests forever in Jiis lovr, 
 IJc'st at ibc ivorst the same. He neTcr lost Las furne. 
 
JUNE 25. 189 
 
 fVhpn vuf soul fainted wit hm me. I rememhered the Lord ; 
 and Nbij prayer came in unto thee^ into thine holy tem- 
 ple. — Joiuili ii. 7. 
 
 In the prophet' Jonah's conduct we have a true picture of human 
 nature, in its stronj^ opposition to the power and griicc ol' (iod. 
 Thou£>;h Jesus clothes his shunts with ritjhtcousness. and the Spirit 
 sanctifies and renews them in the spirit of their minds ; yet piicle, 
 obstinacy, and self will still dwell in their corrupt, fallen iitiure. 
 The Spirit of trutli and wisdom hath discovered the vile sins ol his 
 eminent prophets and faithful people, as well as their holy graces. 
 Tliis proves as a touch-stone to us, to try M'hether we ha^■e received 
 the true grace of God in our hearts. A regenerate soul will never 
 draw any encouragement to indulge himself in sin laid rebellion 
 against God, because he rcids of David's compliciited sins of murder 
 and adultery ; of Jonah's fleeing from, and provoking behavicfur to 
 God ; or of Peter's sad denial of Jesus with abominable oaths and 
 curses. If scripture truths proves as poison, it is only to reprobate 
 minds. They re ever wholesome food to sanctified hearts. Such 
 behold in the fall of the saints of old, the evils to which themselves 
 are ever liable. If they are kept, they are humble; and give the 
 dear Saviour all the glory. If they are fallen low, they remember 
 the Lord. " I remembered the Lord," says Jonah. Grace creates 
 a good heart-memory', where there is a bad head-memory. The 
 soul can never forget the Lord Christ. It calls to mind the Lord's 
 love, and how he dealt with his people of old. They see his loving 
 kindness, faithfulness and truth, never failed them. 
 
 Hence the Holy Spirit stirs up and encourages poor, broken heart- 
 ed backsliding souls to trust in a God of covenant love. A sense of 
 puin brings the body into a weak, fair, ting state. So a sense of sin, 
 fear of God's wrath, the hidins^s of his face in Christ Jesus, makes 
 the soul faint and languid. But in the lowest ebb ol hope, and under 
 the weakest frames of sc.ul, the sanctified memory, though it bears 
 a faithful record of past sins, yet it is also a precious repository of 
 God's free-grace truths, and most precious promises in Christ Jesus. 
 His human nature is the terrplc, in which God and man meet ; to 
 which sinners look ; and through which grace is bestowed. H<nce 
 the p- ,or soulis excited to mourn under the displeasure of an offended 
 Father ; and yet to cry to him in hope against hope ; to pray to him 
 in faith, though it has not one encouraging symptom in nature and 
 self: but looking for all in Jesus. O most blessed words from ihof 
 Father to humble believing; souls ; " I will remember their suis n» 
 more," Jcr. xxxi. 34. 
 
 Vofc. I. z 
 
190 JUNE 26. 
 
 And rioxv, little children, ahide in him ; that when he shall 
 appear, we may have confidence^ and not be ashamed 
 before him at his coming. — 1 John ii. 28. 
 
 < A BURNT child dreads the fire :' so a soulwho has fallen into 
 any snare of the enemy, when rescued by grace, fears the same evil 
 and wisely cautions his brethren against it. I fell, do you beware. 
 So it wus even with the beloved disciple John. He did not abide by 
 Jesus in the day of trial ; but, with the rest of his disciples, forsook 
 him and fled. But who can tell the soi'row of his heart ? who can 
 paint the distress of his mind aiul the shame of his face, when Jesus 
 appeared to them, and John said, " It is the Lord ?" John xxi. 7. 
 
 And is Jcsiis gone but for a season ? will he assuredly come again 
 and take all his little children home ? and do we expect his appear- 
 ance ? do we helif.ve we shall shortly see him in the glory of his 
 Father and of his holy angels ? What constancy and courage should 
 this inspire us with ! how ought christian soldiers to abide in Jesus 
 the captain of their salvation ; abide in a steady profession of his 
 name ; in a fii-m reliance upon his death and atonement ; in a con- 
 fident hope of being righteous in him; "accepted in him the beloved ;" 
 in an uninterrupted obedience to his will, and an earnest endeavour to 
 follow his example ! and above all, to abide in child-like dependence 
 upon him, loving to be near him, conversing freely with him, pour- 
 ing out our hearts before him, simply telling him of our weakness 
 and dangers, our troubles and sorrows, and praying him to keep us 
 .from falling. This is sweet and pleasant, thus always to abide in 
 the faith of our Lord. The more we thus delight ourselves in the 
 Lord, the more we grow dead to all things beside him. But, soul, 
 be assured that conforming to a vain world, complying with its sinful 
 customs, gratifying the lust of the fle-h, the lust of tlie eye, and 
 the pride of life ; as this is not abiding in the teachings of Jesus, it 
 will weaken thy confidence in him, and bring shame upon thy soul 
 before him. Thou findest it so even now, when thou dost approach 
 unto his throne of grace. How often,- from thy foolish forsaking- 
 thy master and his ways, have thy hands been made to hung down, 
 thy knees feeble, thy heart faint ! O how hvth holy boldness in Jesus 
 forsaken thee, and sliamc and doubts and fears overspread thee ! O 
 thcs if thou hast any regard f(Sr tiie glory of thy Lord, any concent 
 fur thy present peace and joy, study and pray to live and walk so as 
 to enjoy the presence of thy Saviour. 
 
 J cannot bear thy abseiiCR, T.fird ; I"V .-^r no! horn for curtli or sin, 
 
 My I'fe expires ii" tliou depart ; Nor caw T livi- \m t' ings so vile ; 
 
 lie thou^my lioart, ^till near mv Ood, Yet «'ill T stav tny Fiitlicr's time,"" 
 
 Aiid ll-.'ni, my Cic.', be near inv heart. And hope and wait for heav'n aivhil*. 
 
JUNE 27. iS»l 
 
 And shall not God avenge his own elect, ■winch cry day and 
 night to him, though he bear long ivith than '^ — Luke 
 xviiT. 7. 
 This question implies the strongest assertion. Thus our Lord 
 concludes a p.irul)le he had dciivcvL-d to this end, " that men ouv^ht 
 always to pray and not to faint." Our Saviour well kr.ew Ijow ready 
 his disciples' hands arc to hang down and their hearts to g;ro\v languid 
 and faint, so as to be remiss in this duty. Therefore his loving 
 heart would stir up and encourage tlicm to a constant perseverance 
 in prayer ; assuring them that God's ears are ever open to their cry, 
 and his omnipotent arm would most certainly avenge the enemies of 
 his own elect, and surely deliver them from all their troubles. Hath 
 the Lord loved iiis people with an everlasting love I huth he chosen 
 them in Christ Jesus from before the foundation of the world ? hath 
 he given them the precious faith of his own elect, and the cry of his 
 children, Abba, Father ? and shall an unjust judge deliver one whom 
 he cares not for, and the just and holy Lord leave any of his beloved 
 little ones to the power of any adversary ? O, believer, never indulge 
 such an hard thought of thy heavenly Father ! Doth sin make thee 
 cry ? satan cause thee to call! the world excite thee to complain ? 
 Blessed be God for a throne of grace to go to, and an all-powerful 
 King to protect and conquer for us. Duty is thine ; be careful not 
 to neglect it. Deliverance is the Lord's ; be assured in his own time, 
 ■way and manner, thou shalt receive it. Remember, one moment be- 
 fore thy Lord's time would not be thy mercy. 
 
 Thy prayers, however frequent or fervent, do not influence the 
 Lord to elect and chuse thee to salvation. No ; but the cry of a 
 heart believing in Jesus is an evidence of election. Therefore thou 
 art in Christ always acceptable to God ; so are thy prayers through 
 him : " The prayer of the upright is his delight," Prov. xv. 8. 
 Though thy comfort may be often damped through the coldness and 
 deadness of thy prayers ; yet art thou to persevere conscientiously 
 in thy duty. Why ? To profess thy sui)jcction to the Lord : " He is 
 thy Lord, worship thou him," Psalm xlvii. 11. Tiicrefore prefer 
 a cold prayer before none at all. Belter to bring words that v/anta 
 soul, than neglect to bring our bodies which have no souls in them : 
 *' Take with you words," Hos. xiv. 2, and say, if you cannot take 
 the spirit and pray. Th s is the only foundation of hope of being 
 heard, not our frames in duty ; but the prevalcncy of Christ's in- 
 tercession for us before the throne, and the faithful promises of God 
 in him by the word and spirit of truth. *< Continue in prayer," 
 Col. iv. 2. 
 
192 JUNE 2§. 
 
 Strait is the ^afe. andnarrutv is the way which leadeth unto 
 life; and few there be that find it, — iviatt. vii. 14. 
 
 So Jesus taught. But teachers in every age have taught a broad 
 way and wide gate. The greatest purt of protessors have readily re- 
 ceived their doctrine. This is a melancholy truth. Therclore Jesus 
 adds, " Beware of false prophets." It is the sole prerogative of the 
 king of saints to open a gate and make a way to his own kingdom. 
 Glory to our God, who in sovereign grace and everlasting love hath 
 done this. The gospel proclaims, '•'•free welcome : come who nvill : 
 enter freely^ ivithout moiiey and nailhout price. Jesus is the strait 
 gate of God's love, the only gate of righteousness : by him we enter 
 with access to God, stand perfectly justified and graciously accepted 
 before him. Jesus is the narrow way. By the blood of his crosshe hath 
 made peace, atoned for the sins of transgressors by one offermg. 
 Hence called strait and narrow, because the only way to life is by ont 
 man, one righteousness, one atonement. 'I'hus it is a gate of love : 
 a way of grace. Too strait a gate for blind men to see : too narrow 
 a way for proud, natural men to submit to walk in. Hence " few 
 there be that find it." But it is very av/ful to think of, whoever takes 
 any other way or aims to enter by any other gate, goeth in the broad 
 road to everlasting destruction. His boldness and confidence is no 
 proof that he is right ; but a melancholy sign that he is blind and de- 
 ceived. For " the way of a fool is right in his own eyes," Prov. 
 xii. 15. And " there is a way which scemeth right unto a man ; but 
 the end thereof are the ways of death," Prov. xiv. !'2. But whoever 
 enters the kingdom by Jesus, feeds in the pastures of grace, truth 
 and love ; he drinks of the river of consolation, and shall be nourish- 
 ed up to eternal life. Like a person who takes up his residence for 
 life, in a more delightful kingdom than he was born in: so the believer 
 is conformed to the laws, speaks the liuiguage of the New-Jerusalem, 
 and "hates the garments spotted with the flesh." Thus the Holy 
 Spirit leads the blind by the way they knew not, even the right way 
 to peace, love, holiness, happiness, eternal life and salvation. Thus 
 to a " little flock it is the Father's good pleasure to give the king- 
 dom." By his word he directs them : by his Spirit he guides them : 
 by his love he comforts them : by affiictions he profits them : by con- 
 viction of sin he humbles them : by the prospects of hope he animates 
 them. All this is to make them walk steadily in Cliristj who is 
 the nvciy. 
 
 Clirist is tlie sure founrlaJion stone, Clinsen of Cod, 1o sinners <loar. 
 
 Which Cod iti Zinii lays, Ami suiiils ;\cloi-e the name ; 
 
 To hiiild our hiavi'iilv hopes npon, T]i<>y trust thi'ir Avhole salvation here, 
 
 And Ilia eternal praise, ' ^To,.j,Ij;^j^;^pj j^jfpp gli^^^.^.^, 
 
JUNE 29. 193 
 
 The Lord is in his holt/ temple : Let all. the earth keep 
 silence before him — Hab. li. 20. 
 
 What God's people of old were Lvored wiih in type and 
 fs?^urc, we now enjoy in reality and subsuiice. Tne icinple of old 
 wus an eminent type of the body of Jesus. In it Jehovali made his 
 presence known. H< re troubled conscii^nce sought relief. The 
 mercy-seat was set up f'>r poor sumers> to ..ipproacli to. Here Jcho- 
 rah was consulted. Fujul hence he spoke '\\\ ^race iind love to his 
 people, and silenced every p^uilty fear. Thus God was in his holy 
 temple : thus (iod wus in Chi'isi reconciiini:; the world unto himself. 
 Was this ministration g;lonousin the eyes of spiritual worsiuppets ? 
 How doth ours exceed in glory ? Tlie fulness oi tiie i^odhe^.ti dwelt 
 bodily in Jesus. This is the temple in wbitli God delights' to dwell. 
 Hence grace is dispensed, peace coninmnicuud, nicrcj bestowed, 
 life and salvation freely given. 
 
 Here, christian, believe i.nd adore ; behold and wonder ; look and 
 admire ; admire and love I Jesus is tlie Loid tiiy God, woiship thou 
 him — Hear the gracious words that are spoken fiom this living tem- 
 ple. Kerfi silejice^ at the last and most joyiui words Jesus spoke, 
 It isjinished : my Father's work is done, my dear member's salva- 
 tion is completed. Hear this with joy, meditate on it with love, let 
 tlie voice of pride and self-righteousness be exalted no more, hear 
 tlie voice of Jesus only. So shall words of legal terror and wrath be 
 silenced : conscience shall be at peace ! tlie murmuring cry, ai d the 
 lustful desires of the flesh shall cease Thus attend tiic voice of 
 Jesus. Silence every carnal cavil : every lofiy word and proud 
 imagination, which exalt themselves agiiinst him. 
 
 Doth the Lord thus speak in and from his temple to his children ? 
 Yea more, he dwells in them. E.xh sanctified meuiber of Jcsus is 
 also called his holy temple, 1 v.,or. iii. 17. What extiitcd honor 
 are believers called to ! " Your bodies are the temples of the Holy 
 Ghost !" chap. vi. 19. Most powerful motive to hohness ! Be atten- 
 tive to the voice of Josus within. The tcmpje of thy heart is the 
 throne of his residence Here he speaks comfort to the troui;!cd 
 conscience: like as Jesus spoke to the tempestuous sea, '■'• Pvaiey 
 be still." And as he called to his affrighted disciples, " It is L l)e 
 not afraid :" so to the listening soul, who saith, " I will watch to lic^ar 
 wliat he will say"— to every waiting heart at his feci. Jesus will 
 speak silence to the clamors of the law, the commotions of shi,and 
 the accusations of satan. 
 
 Srr.l contforts down from thy riglit hand, And in thy temple let ii8 see 
 Wliilc wu pags thi-o' this barren land. A glimpse ©llove, a glimpse of thee. 
 
194 JUNE 3©. 
 
 He will guide you into all truth. — John xvU 13. 
 
 Our Lord here gives his disciples a farther exhibition of the 
 covenant of grace, and a fuller display of the grace of the covenant. 
 Here is a full proof of the personality of the Holy Spirit, and also of 
 his sovereignty in his operations and influences upon his members. 
 Christ did not tell his apostles, as some ignorantiy talk, " It ye will 
 but be yielding and tractable, and suffer my Spirit to lead you, ye 
 shall enjoy his kind assistance." No : this were to degrade the glory 
 of this divine agent, to exalt the pride of the creature, and render 
 the gracious guidance of the Spirit dependent upon the will of the 
 flesh. As though uistead of being the cause of life, he was to be 
 only a mere auxiliary to aid and assist man's pious motions and good 
 dispositions. Far be such thoughts from our hearts. All glory 
 to this heavenly pai-aclete, " he will work, and who shall let him ?" 
 He will guide into the whole truth of covenant-love and salvation 
 by Jesus Christ. This is the adorable person the Spirit is to testify 
 of, and to glorify in the sight, heart and affections of his people. 
 The apostles themselves were at this time in much ignoi'ancc about, 
 and strong prejudices against many things concerning Jesus. As to 
 the nature of his kingdom, they still dreamed of the grandeur of a 
 temporal one. Their prejudices were great in favor of their own 
 nation, and they thought " God was a respecter of persons :" of 
 Jews above Gentiles ; and were very hardly brought to give up the 
 types and shadows? particularly the sign of the covenant-circumcision, 
 as not fully seeing that Jesus the substance was r'euUy come, who is 
 essentially the truth itself. 
 
 There is no hope for poor guilty sinners but in the truth. For 
 when the Lord declares his name to Moses, this is a part of it, "I will 
 by no mctins clear the guiliij.," Exod. xxxiv. 7. This must be 
 very distressing to sensible sinners. I know one who has found it so. 
 My poor soul has been sadly distressed Avith this text. But the Spirit 
 teaches that the truth of God is inviolably preserved, while the guilty 
 sinner is perfectly saved in the Lord Jesus, with an everlasting salva- 
 tion. Jesus stood as our guilty substitute. The Lord laid all our 
 iniquities upon him. He suffered as our surety all tlie wrath due 
 to our transgressions, " and with his stripes we are healed," Isa. 
 liii. 5. The reputed guilty died. The real guilty become guiltless. 
 <' His blood cleanseth them from all sin," 1 John i. 7. " God is 
 just Vhilc he is the justificr of the ungodly sinner who believes in 
 Jesus," Rom. iii. 26. Glory to the condescending Lord, who leads 
 us out of the destructive paths of natural pride, self-will, and self- 
 rightcouoness, " and gives us rcpenticnce to the acknowledging of the 
 truth," 2 Tim. ii. 25 — " that wc may be sanctified through the 
 truth," J.ehn xvii. 17* . - ' 
 
JULY 1. 195 
 
 Let us hahlfast the prnftssion of our faith without waver - 
 ing :. (for he is faithful that promised J. — Hcb. x. 23. 
 
 Poor christian ! thy profession is envied by the malice of devils ; 
 it is the scorn and ridix;ule of nutual men ; and is contrary to thy 
 Carnal reason. Hence thou hast the combined force of a threefold 
 alliance in arms against thee ; if that by any means they may rob 
 thee of thy hope. Happy christian ! who like thy blessed master, 
 in the face of every adversary, hast "witnessed a good profession," 
 1 Tim. vi. 13. What an animating exhortation backed v/ith a most 
 precious assertion is this ! Thou must expect to be assulted by the 
 rage of devils, treated with sconi and contempt from wicked men ; 
 and often put to a stand by the carnal reasonings of thy flcsji. Here 
 is thy duty : " hold fast" in spite of all opposition : hold fast the 
 truths of God. «' It is written," is sufficient to silence every carnal 
 argument, to support thy soul against every attack from the wisdom 
 of this world. With this weapon thy blessed master put satan to 
 flight. Tims defend thyself with the sword of the Spirit against 
 every foe. Thus encourage thy soul daily to " hold fast its profes- 
 sion." God's revealed truihs are faith's objects, faith's confidence, 
 faith's security ; for God's foundation standcth sure. "He is faith- 
 ful that promised." Why then should thy mind at any time wave 
 agitate, or be tested to and fro ? The foundation of God standcth 
 sure. To confide in the word, promises, and oath of a faithful, 
 covenant-keeping, promise-fulfilling God, is the glory of thy soul 
 and glorifies thy Lord. Is Jesus thy profession ? is all thy hope in 
 him ? all thy expectation from him ? Is he thy all for pardon, for 
 righteousness, for sanctification, for wisdom, and eternal redemp- 
 tion ? dost thou profess him thy alpha'and omega ? Then be careful 
 for nothing but to please him — fear thou nothing but what may 
 offend him. Wliilst thou lookcst to him o;ily, thou wilt be of good 
 courage. Remember thy foes arc his conquered ciicmies. When 
 tiiey oppose, attack, assault, it is to try thy faith, that tisou mayest 
 glorify him tlie more. What hast thou already ? Hast thou not thv 
 Lord's faithful word ; his precious promises ; his solenm oath, all 
 pledged for thy safety and salvation ? Hast thou not found peace of 
 conscience, comfort of heart, joy of soul m Jesus ? Then cleave 
 close to him : hold fast by him. Ever plead (not thy own) but his 
 faithfulness. Attend his sweet call from heaven above to all his 
 counicting menibers below: "That which ye have already, hold 
 fast till I come," Rev. ii. 25. 
 
 The fearful sovil, that tires and Hiints, Lord, let not all my hopes he vain, 
 
 A'kI walks the w.ivs of fiotl no more, Create my liciirt entirely new, 
 
 fs but csteeni'd almost a saint, Which hyiiocritcs could ne'er attain, 
 
 A,nd w>k<:% liis own d'istrjctioa sure. Whicli base apostates never knew. 
 
196 JULY 2. 
 
 A new heart also will I {five you, and a nexv spirit will I 
 put within you : and I wUl take away the stony heart 
 out qfyourjiesh, and I will give you an heart ofjiesh, 
 — Ezck. xxxvi. 26. 
 
 What abr,olul.c declarations are here ! all display the sovereign 
 vill and almiglily fuvor of a covenant God. As God's heiat of iove 
 is towards his people in Christ, so his spirit of power works in them 
 according- to the counsel of his will. Hence they know, love and 
 serve him. By the blood of Jesus their shis are purdoncd and their 
 consciences cleansed from guilt. By the Spirit of Jesus they are in- 
 wardly sanctified from their filthiness and idols : a new heart and % 
 new spirit is put within them ; and they are enabled to walk iu his 
 statutes, and keep his judgments. Thus " all thuigs are of God, who 
 hath reconciled us' unto himself by Jesus Christ," 2 Cor. v. 17,^ 18. 
 " If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are past 
 away ; behold, all things are become new." 
 
 < A christian,' as Luther says, ' is a new creature in a new world.* 
 He has a new heart ; he is under a new government ; serves a ne\T 
 master, obeys new laws, is actui.ted by new tears, infliienced by new 
 love, animated with new delights and new joys. ' Ah,' says a disciple, 
 f this is sweet in theory and true in doctrine ; but in experience I iind 
 and feel to my gricF an old nature of sin und uiibclief ; and groan under 
 a body of death.' This is also very true : yci. it is perfectly consistent 
 with a state of regencrution. Saints of God in alf ages found it so. 
 The Lord in this very text, accounts for it : '' I will take away the 
 stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." 
 Naturally thy heart is hard as a stone. Thou couldat neither feel sin, 
 mourn for sin, nor be humbled under a sense of sin, but through the 
 blood of Jesus applied by the Spirit in believing- the truth ; thou hast 
 a soft, tender, yielding heart, a heart of flesh, susceptible of impres- 
 sions, looking to' Jesus by faith, melted by love, and mourning for sin. 
 Though the king's daughter, the lamb's wiie is all -glorious within, 
 though her clothing is of v/rought gold ; yet she is unhiippily allied 
 to abase, wretched, churlish Nabal. Hence,' though " tliou hast no 
 confidence in the flesh, and in it dwells no good thing ;" yet thou dost 
 delight in the law of God after the inward man; and hast continual 
 cause of rejoicing in Christ Jesus, Phil. iii. 3. 
 
 Oar heart, tluit flinty stiiL])orn thing, And every motion of our souls 
 
 'I'li.il. tcn-ois cannot move, ToBuift obedience draw. 
 
 That tears no thrcat'iiii-prs of God's wrath, x],,,^ ^,:ii j.^. p^.^,,. salvation down. 
 Shall be (Ussolv'd by love. ^uTl wc bhall render praise ; 
 
 'r"!iercsh:dl hi.s Siicred S[)irJt dwell. We fh< dcu'r pco]tle of his love, 
 
 Aiid deep eugrare liis law, And he oar God of grace . 
 
, JULY 3. 179 
 
 My sheep hear my voice; I know the?n^ and they follow 
 me. — John x. 27. 
 
 All our mercies in time and eternity flow from Jesus' knowing 
 us as his sheep. To all, such salvation is certain ; both as to present 
 grace and future glory. As a shepherd knoweth every sheep com- 
 mitted to his care ; so doth our good shepherd. All his shetp were 
 everlastingly beloved of the Father, " chosen in Christ before the 
 foundation of the world," and given to Jesus in the eternal counsel. 
 He became surety for them, he redeemed them to God by his own. 
 blood. Hence he calls them " wy shecfi" mine by gift — ntiine by 
 redemption. Thus he hath a distinct knowledge of them, and 
 special property in them <' For " died Jesus as a fool dieth ?" spilt he 
 his precious blood at uncertainty ? paid he the dreadful debt of law and 
 justice at aperadventure, whether any soul would receive the eternal 
 benefit or not ? Surely no : for his undertaking was in infinite wisdom 
 and counsel, as well as wonderful in grace and love. Jesus well 
 knew the nature-state of his sheep. They were all gone astray and 
 turned every one to his own way. They would all count their shep- 
 herd an enemy and fly from him as a destroyer, if left to themselves. 
 But Jesus saith, I am the good- shepherd. He inclines their ears to 
 hear, and their hearts to believe in him ; to come to him as such ; 
 and to follow him. They have the properties of his own sheep s 
 they give evidence of it. They live upon his word and feed upon his 
 love, O alas ! what deplorable circumstances were we all in when 
 this sweet voice first reached our ears ! when this powerful voice 
 aflected ovu' hearts I It was a sound of glad tidings, love, and salva- 
 tion to lost sheep indeed. It proved effectual to recall our souls from 
 the dangerous and destructive paths in which we had lost ourselves. 
 Truly we also may say of Jesus, " never man spake like this man.'* 
 The power of his voice begets obedience ; and, like the blind man 
 restored to sight, wc follow Jesus as the shepherd and bishop of our 
 souls. We know he hath the words of eternal life. To whom then 
 should we go but to him ? and it is the delight of our souls to see the 
 footsteps of our shepherd, that we may tread therein. Though, O 
 soul, thou canst not see whether thy name is wrote in the Lamb's 
 book of life ; yet in the light of the Spirit thou mayest read thy name 
 in the book of grace, if thou hast heard the voice of Jesus, and art 
 following him. Thou mayest safely conclude, " the Lord is my 
 shepherd, I shall not want," Psalm xxiii. 
 
 The Lord my shepherd is. He leads me to the place 
 
 I shall lie well siipply'd ; "Wliere lieav'nly pasture grows, 
 
 Since he is mine, and I urn lus, Wliere living waters Rcntly pass 
 What can I want beside ? And lull salvation flows. 
 
 Vol.. T. A a 
 
198 JULY 4. 
 
 Jfxve confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive 
 our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.— ^ 
 1 John i. 9. 
 
 DovTBTi.ESS there are many confessions of sin made by the lips 
 ©f men which are vain and fruitless. Yea, a man may be under a 
 sense of leiiul terror and wrath in his conscience ; and, like Judas, 
 in the anguish of his spirit confess that he has sinned, and yet never 
 obtain forj^iveness from God. But every believer in Jesus is made 
 a priest unto God, to offer spiritual sacrifices by Jesus Christ. And 
 as the high-priest under the law laid both his hands upon the scape- 
 goat and made confession of sin, Levit. xvi. 2 1 ; so the christian, 
 every anointed one, lays both his hands of faith and Ijope on Jesus 
 Christ, confessins^ the evil of sin, the desert of sin, the sin of his 
 nature, and the sin of his life, and pleads for forgiveness. The 
 sacrifice of Jesus is the alone object of his faith. And the blood of 
 the Lamb is his only hope for pardon. This will be the daily exer- 
 cise of believing souls ; for wc have daily need both of pardon and 
 cleansing. 
 
 Such souls, thus confessing sin, arc not left in doubtful suspense. 
 Do not argue, God is merciful and perhaps he may forgive sin : but 
 through the perfection of the one atonement of Jesus, by the word 
 of truth they are fully assured, God the Father absolutely will par- 
 don ; not merely as an act of mercy, but because he is faithful and 
 just. Faithful to his own word, his oath, his counsel and his 
 covenant promise. Junt to fulfil the engagements entered into with 
 Jesus, and to bestow what the precious blood of his Son hath pro- 
 cured for poor sinners. The blood of Christ was the stipulated price 
 for all our sins. This, Christ as our surety hath paid to God. To 
 demand payment for that debt of the debtor, which his surety has 
 paid, is not just. But God is just, he doth not this. And thus 
 through the faith of his heart the sinner is brought to make con- 
 fession of sin with his mouth, with godly sorrov/ and holy shame 
 for sin ; and sincere abhorrence and detestation of sin. And lest 
 such a soul should be " swallowed up with overmuch sorrow," God 
 the Spirit is just, he will assuredly " cleanse him from all unrigh- 
 teousness" — sprinkle his heart from a guilty conscience — cleanse his 
 mind from every guilty fear, through the application of the blood of 
 Jesuv So that the soul shall have, '< the oil of joy f-r mourning, 
 and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaAiness," Isa. Ixi. 3. 
 
 An<l now the scrslea linve Icfn mine eye?, When justice seiz'd God's only Son, 
 Now ] be^in to see ; ■'^«»<1 l»'t !''« soul to pain ? 
 
 O the ciir»'fl dceils rny sinn lir.ve done : Forgive rny guilt, O prince of peace. 
 What mii^wl'vous thiiitrs tliev he ! jjf„. \^x me m ound thee more ; 
 
 WliHt, li.'t Cor r-iiT!fSt''»* I hud done, Hcror. fi-om mv heart, ye sins, he gone, 
 Mv dearest Lord was slain, For Jesns \ adore. 
 
JULY 5. 199 
 
 fVlierem ye greatly rejoice, through now for a season (if 
 need he J ye are in heaviness through man fold tenipta- 
 tions.--l Pet. i. 6. 
 Though a christian be not always in a joyful frame, yet liclia<? 
 abundant cause to « rejoice always." Though many things may rob 
 him of his frame, yet nothing can deprive him of the foundation of 
 his comfort. Happy for us, this is permanent and abiding for ever : 
 for it is founded in the love and truth of an unchangeable God. These 
 disciples to whom the apostles wrote, " rejoice greatly." Why ? 
 was it because they were perfectly delivered from a body of sin and 
 death ? that tliey were not like thee and me, O disciple, sinners ? 
 No; but the matter of their joy, the cause of their rejoicing Vfas, 
 their " election accorduig to the foreknowledge of God the Father — 
 sanctification by the Spirit — sprinkling of the blood of Jesus ; being 
 begotten to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus ." and the 
 assurance of being "kept by the power of God through fdth, unto 
 salvation. " Wherein, " in these soul-comforting truths ye gVciLtly 
 rejoice," saith Peter. 
 
 Thus, believer, thou seect die streams that make glad tlx cilizensi 
 of heaven, flow from the ocean of God's everlasting love. Tlie 
 more thou drinkest of this water, it will allay tlie thirst of pride ar.d 
 self-righteousness, and make thy soul glory and rejoice in Chiist 
 Jesus alone. But here is a full conviction, that these joyful souls 
 were imprisoned in a body of siiiful flesh : they had their heavy 
 seasons; were assaulted with manifold temptations; there was a 
 seasons for them, and a need be also. So tliere is now. Wilt thou 
 not be content to go the same path ? canst thou expect freedom from 
 such exercises ? Deceive not thyself. It is all the children's lot; 
 and the Father sees it as needful as our food : yea, he ma^es it 
 profitable also. Whilst thou art in the flesh sin dwelleth in thee, 
 temptation will assault tliee, heaviness and affliction will bow thee 
 down, ^oul-exercises are fiiith's trials. In the issue they are made 
 v/orld-conquering, crcature-huml)ling, Jesus-endearing heavenly- 
 longing blessings. " I am oppressed," said Hczekiah : What then ? 
 doth he sink under it ? No ; it called forth the exercise of his faith. 
 and prayer to the Saviour : " Do thou unrlertake for me." So tlie 
 Psalmist — Ps. cxvi. 3, "I found trouble and sorrow." What ^as 
 the blessing of it ? Self-despair. He saw no help elsewhere : '" Then 
 called I on the name of the Lord." Verily thy faith must be' tried, 
 ihy patience exercised, prayer excited, as well as rejoicing of soul: 
 Tliy Saviour loves to have it so. The government is upon his 
 shoulders. Here is thy mercy, while the wicked, like S.vil, set!j 
 to the sorcery and witchcraft of the world ; Jesus, " the cLcrnal Go<i 
 is our refuge," Deut. xxxiii. 27. 
 
200 JULY 6. 
 
 But 1 say unto you, Love your enemies^ bless themthaf curse 
 you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them 
 that despitefully use youand persecute you. — Matt. v. 44. 
 
 Love is the very badge and characteristic of a disciple of Jesus. 
 Love is of God. All tempers and passions which are contrary to 
 love, " are earthly, sensual, and devilish," Let no disciple say, 
 This is an hard saying, who can obey it ? Nay, but it is the com- 
 mand of thy loving Saviour ; he practised it ; he has left thee an 
 example. To this end art thou born frpm above of the Spirit of love ; 
 and art possessed with « faith, which worketh by love." Therefore 
 though hard and impossible it may seem to carnal reason, and to flesh 
 and blood ; yet we are under the indispensable obligation to follow 
 the steps, and obey the commands of that Jesus, who loved us and 
 died for us, though his enemies. He hath blessed us, and prays 
 for us, and does good unto us, though we have rebellious natures 
 which are at enmity and hatred against him. Never, never till thine 
 enemy's hatred and variance against thee exceed thine to thy Lord, 
 art thou at liberty to dispense with this command. It is for the health 
 and profit of thy soul. In keeping this command of love, verily 
 there is a great reward of inward peace and consolation from the God 
 of love So shalt thou enjoy the witness of his Spirit, of thine 
 adoption. Tell thy Lord of thine enemies and pray for them by 
 name. Behold the blessed effects of love upon the heart of a most 
 bitter and implacable foe, 1 Sam. 24, See how David, the man 
 after the God's own heart acts — how his faith work's by love. When 
 his persecuting foe> Saul, was delivered by his hand, love would 
 not suffer him to do him any hurt. Yea, love smote his heart for 
 only cutting off the skirts of his robe. Hear the pathetic cry of the 
 bloody-minded Suul ; struck with astonishmentj and melted by love, 
 he said, " Is this thy voice, such thy conduct to me, my son David ? 
 and he wept. Thou art more righteous than I ; tliou hast rewarded 
 me good for evil ; the Lord reward thee for it." Admire and imitate. 
 Love is the weapon of thy spiritual warfare ; by it thou art sure to 
 prevail against, and conquer thine enemy Therefore, "if he hunger, 
 feed him ; if he thirst give him drink ; for in so doing, thou shalt 
 heap coals of fire upon his head." So strive to burn up his wrath, 
 and" melt him into affection. But suppose it hath not this effect upon 
 him : it shall turn to the blessing and comfort of thy own soul. Thoij 
 shalt ^joy peace and love which is in Christ Jesus. 
 
 Lord, sliall thv bright example shine The Lord sli.nll on my side engage. 
 
 In viiir, bcfoi-o my eyes ? Ai„I in my Saviour's name 
 
 C.ve me a sonl akin <o thine, J shall dcf.^at their pride and rage. 
 
 To love my enemies. -^Vho slander and condemn. 
 
JULY 7. 201 
 
 Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of en- 
 termg into his rest, any of you should seem to come 
 short of it -^Htb. iv. 1. 
 
 Fear without faith enslavts the soul to wrath and bondage. 
 Faith without fear tends to licentiousness. But a lovintj, filial fear 
 of offendinj^ our dear Fatlier and precious Saviour, ever accompanies 
 the t^race of faith in the heart. Jesus is the rest of his people. This 
 rest is by promise : and therefore it is sure to all his spiritual seed. 
 They now enter into it and enjoy it by fidth. But. from awful instan- 
 ces of others falling iiwuy from the hope of Jesus, the apostles ever 
 exercised a loving fear and a godly jealousy over their dear converts, 
 lest any of them should even seem to come short through unbelief. 
 The Lord only knov/eth who are his elect according to the covenant 
 of grace. This did not lie open to the eyes even of his chosen 
 apostles. It could only be made manifest by their faith and its fruiis. 
 Hence they were continually exhorting disciples to give all diligence 
 to make their calling and election sure. To work out their own sal- 
 vation with fear and trembling. Not with a fear oi suspicion of the 
 love and faithfulness of a covenant God ; but notliing doubting the 
 finished work of Jesus' salvation, or the safety iind security of every 
 believer in him. These are truths of the greatest certainty and are 
 to be held with the strongest confidence. But so to fear, lest their 
 own souls should at any time be so captivated by the devices of satan, 
 so enslaved by the snares of the world, so allured by the lusts of the 
 flesh, and the pleasures of sense, so kept from Jesus by the work- 
 ings of unbelief, that their conduct should give sad evidence of their 
 state. Lest it should seem they sought other lovers but Jesus, other 
 rest but in him, other hope and other* comforts beside those which 
 the gospel affords. 
 
 So the apostcls were excited to a godly fear over their professing 
 brethren. Blessed also art thou, disciple, who thou fearest contm- 
 yally. By this evangelical fear, verily thou shalt be kept from de- 
 parting from thfi Lord. Count not this fear legal, as tliough it 
 tended to bondage. Nay, but it is a fruit of thy Father's love, a 
 grace of the gospel-covenant. It is as essential to the health of thy 
 soul as faith is to thy being a disciple of Jesus. " Be thou in the fear 
 of the Lord all the day long." If at any time this fear is cast off, 
 thou art that moment in danger of falling. But " hi the fear of the 
 Lord is strong confidence : and his children shall have a place of 
 refuge,*' Prov. xiv. 26. 
 
 Praise, everlasting praise bo p.iid Praise to tl>e profMlncss ot't'in T.ni-fl, 
 
 To him that cartli's foundation laid ; Who rules his people hv his ^vord ; 
 
 {'raise to the God whose strong decrees Am' 'here, .'•s strong a? his decrees, 
 
 Sway the creation as he ple.^se. He sets his kindest, promises. 
 
202 JULY 8. 
 
 Here now ye rebels ; must we fetch you water mt of this 
 7'ock ? — Numb. xx. 10. 
 
 It is most probable that this harsh, severe speech of Moses, 
 cut many of God's dear children to" the very heart and struck terror 
 to their souls. Here we see the true nature of the holy law. It 
 demands attention with power and authority, hear. Its voice is of 
 terror; it speaks nothing but wrath to poor sinners' consciences ; it 
 calls them by their proper name, rebels. And what can the poor 
 guilty trembling soul do to oppose its terror and escape the wrath to 
 come? Nothuig. Alas, it " cooncludes him under sin," and leaves 
 him as much without hope of mercy, as" he has of drawing liquid 
 streams from a barren rock. But by the gospel eye of faith we see 
 that spiritual rock, Jesus, whom the law struck, and thirsty souls in 
 all ages drink living water from this rock of their salvation. Jehovah 
 loves his people ; from the affection of his heart (notwitstanding 
 their murmurings) he commands his servant to procure drink for 
 them. But meek Moses reproves the children in wrath and in anger 
 strikes the rock twice. The Lord resents his conduct and expressions 
 towards them. Because the dear Lamb stood up in their behalf, and 
 spoke in effect what Paul wrote to Piiilemon concerning Oncsimus: 
 « What my people owe to law and justice, put that to my account ; 
 I will pay all." Therefore the sword of divine justice " awoke 
 against him ;" he was struck by the severe rod of the law ; and 
 hence cooling streams of mercy, refreshing streams of peace, reviv- 
 ing streams of love, richly gushed out to parched, thirsty, dying 
 souls. Yea, the water of this rock follows believing souls, as it did 
 tlie children of Israel, all the way through the wilderness of this 
 world. They all drink the same spiritual drink at the hands of the 
 Spirit. What consolation to disciples, to consider that our spiritual 
 rock ever stands stedfast and unmoveable ! that ail who arc built upon 
 him are safe and secure from every danger! The storms of tempta- 
 tions, the waves of corruption may dash against them ; but can never 
 prevail; Jesus sustains them; everlasting love secures them; omni- 
 potence surrounds them ; and even justice and truth are engaged in 
 their defence. Yes, poor believing soul, though the law rates thee 
 a rebel, and speaks in wrath against thee as such: though thou 
 dost exceedingly quake and fear ; yet ever remember, precious 
 «' Jesfts hath received gifts for the rebellious." Waters of salvation* 
 flow plenleously from Jesus. It is thy meicy daily to '- drink of this 
 spiritual rock," 1 Cor. x. 4. 
 
 Rcl-cis, we bi-okc o'lr ?»Iutr;r'.s law : Tlir- law pvoc.lriinisr.o tcrroi- now, 
 
 Ilefj-om the fhrc.'it'ninR sets us free. And Sinai's tliiiiider ro^rs no more-: ^ 
 
 Roi'c lliffutfvcnneflnceon his cross. From all liis wounds new blesyings flow. 
 
 And uail'd the cui-ses to the tree. A sea of joy witkoat a shoi'C. 
 
' JULY 9. 203 
 
 But faith -which tuorkcth by love. — Gal. v. G. 
 
 In the religion of Jesus, every hope of salvation is excluded, 
 but what springs from faith. For faith receives every blessing of 
 covenant love of a gracious Lord. The faith of God's elect hath 
 Jesus for its author, his truths for its object, his word for tis warrant, 
 his power for its support, his glory for its aim, and love for its 
 inseparable companion. Thus the faith of the gospel, is ever dis- 
 tinguished from natural notions. But it is natural to us all, to mis- 
 take error for truth, fancy for faith, the heat of animal passions for 
 love. Yea, and also to be very confident herein. But true faith 
 ever worketh by love ; even that "love which rejoicctb '\\\ the truth," 
 1 Cor. xiii. 6. Jesus is essentially the truth. AH the love which 
 God hath to us centers in him, and flows to us through him. Hence 
 '' God hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, 
 that we should be holy, and without blame before God in love : hav- 
 ing predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to 
 himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of 
 the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the be- 
 loved, and blessed us with all spiritual blessings of heavenly tilings 
 in Christ," Eph. i. 3. 6 — '< sAid we are made the righteousness of 
 God in Christ," 2 Cor. v. 21. 
 
 Thus faith hath truth for its foundation, and from the knowledge 
 of tlie truth it worketh by love. Love to the God of truth, and to 
 our brethren, (not as being of this sect or that party, but) " for the 
 truth's sake that dwelleth in them," 2 John, ver. 1, 3. There is no 
 fellowship in love, but what consists in the light of the truth. Thus 
 our Lord and we " have fellowship one with another," 1 John i- 7. 
 Take away any part of God's truth, yau subvert the foundation of 
 faith, and prevent the operations of love. If we reject the truth, 
 that we are elected to salvation in Christ, redeemed by the blood of 
 Christ, sanctified in Christ, righteous by the righteousness of Christ, 
 and Safely kept by the power of God through the faith of Christ to 
 eternal salvation, faith is made void. Then love ceaseth to exist. 
 Truth and love are equally precious. " The belief of the truth," is 
 the precious iove of achriuian. Love, is the blessed fruit of faith. 
 Herein consists thy blessedness, O christian i " What God hatli 
 joined together, let no man put asimder." Therefore we arc ex- 
 horted, " Hold fast the form of sound words, in Jaith and love, 
 wliich is in Christ Jesus," 2 Tim. i. 13. So by *' speaking the 
 truth in love, we grow up irito him in all things, who is the 
 head, even Christ," Eph. iv- 15- 
 
 Hapjiy iJic hcHi'twhere graces ri;i?;n, Tliis is the grace that lives ami sinq;s, 
 
 ■Where lf»vo inspires the breast : Wlicn fait li and hope shall cease ; 
 
 Love is tlio hriijhtest of the train; 'Tis this shall strike our joyful strings 
 
 And sUeiirthene all the vest. In tjie sweet rcaliua of hliss. 
 
20i JULY 10. 
 
 I will not leave you comfortless.'—'iohn xiv. 18. 
 
 We are born into this world crying ; we live in it complaining ; 
 and we go out of it sorrowing, for any comfort it can yield us. When 
 cardinal Woolsey was cast off by his king, he said, ' Had I served 
 my God as faithfully as I have my prince, he would not have treated 
 me thus.' The more we know of this world the more \vc see its 
 folly and vanity. The more we enjoy of its smiles and friendship, so 
 much the more sorrow and reluctance we have in leaving it. But 
 with our heavenly friend it is quite otherwise. "He never leaves 
 nor forsakes : whom he loves, he loves unto the end." Nor will he 
 ever leave his dear disciples in a comfortless state of sorrow and de- 
 jection : like poor orphans, cast upon a wide world ot sorrow and 
 woe, without any kind heart to pity tliem, or kind hand to relieve 
 them : for when all other comforts forsake us, still Jesus abides by 
 us : his Spirit comforts us, by shewing what he is to us ; what he 
 has done, is doing, and will do for us. The apostles had lull expe- 
 rience of t})c promise of their gracious Lord. " He comforteth us 
 in all tribulations," 2 Cor. i. 4. '' In me ye shall have peace." And 
 %vhy doth our Lord also assure us, " In the world ye shall have trib- 
 ulation ?" Joha xvi. 3 J, truly he loves us too well to suffer us to 
 take up our rest in it. If with Paul at Ephesus, " iifter the mcuiner 
 of men we fight with beasts," 1 Cor. xv. 32, all this is suffered to 
 render the v. orld more inhospitable ; to make us loathe swines' food, 
 the husks of this world ; that the .bread of life, the comforts of Jesus, 
 may be more sought after and enjoyed. Why is sin suffered to 
 dwell in us, and to make us groan, and distress us ? I'o make it 
 more hateful to us ; to put us out of conceit of ourselves and our 
 own righteousness; and to endear the atonement and righteousness 
 of Jesus to our souls, that aJl our comfort should spring from him. 
 Why is satan suffered to harass and perplex us ? That as the sheep 
 of Christ's pasture we should keep close to our shepherd; or like 
 frighted children, when surly dogs bark at them, fear keeps them 
 near their f.iiher's protection and within the bounds of his habitation. 
 So we find the comforts of living near our .Saviour. Do we carry 
 about a weak disordered body I Here is our comfort, " We faint 
 not, knowing that the outward man decayeth, yet the inward man is 
 renewed day by day," 2 Cor. .iv. 1 6. Thus, glory to our loving 
 Lorcht <' he comforts us concerning our faith, and causes us to re- 
 joice ill hope of the glory of God ; and to glory in tribulations, 
 knov*'ing that tribulation workcth patience, patience experience, ex- 
 perience hope, and hope maketh notashamed, because the love of 
 God is shed abroad in our heats by the Holy Ghost," Rom. v. 2, 3, 
 4, 5. -> 
 
JULY 11. 20i 
 
 IFe knoxv that all things work together for good to them 
 that love ^ God. to them who are the called according to 
 his purpose — Rom. viii. 28. 
 
 A POOR sensible sinneV would naturally be ready to make one ex- 
 ception here, and say, " How can sin, wliich I know and ft(;l to be 
 the very worst of all evils, work for any good ?'* But the Holy Ghost 
 hath not excepted even this. Will any one say, Then let us do evil 
 that good may come ? St. Paul makes a terrible application to such, 
 " Whose damnation is just," Rom. iii. 8. Therefore such cannot 
 be the language of a believer's heart, for his salvation is sure, <' he 
 that believes shall be saved." Such, and only such, most assuredly 
 know that all things work together for good. They love God, and 
 this love inspires them witli hatred to sin. But yet they are sinners, 
 both by original sin and actual transgression ; nevertheless, through 
 the all-wise over-ruling power of a gracious coveiiant God, even the 
 worst of evils, sin, shall work for his glory and their good. Is the 
 art of a chemist able to extract the most salutary medicine from 
 noxious and poisonous ingredients ? and camiot the infinitely wise 
 Jehovah, who at the beginning spoke chaos and confusion into beauty, 
 and order and darkness into light, make evil to work for good ? He 
 hath done it. He will do it. Canst thou think of that world of sia 
 and evil which was produced by the fall of man i Dost thou not 
 know the still greater good which it has been made to work for maa 
 by Jesus Christ? If man had not sinned the glorious attributes of 
 Jehovah had not been so eminently displayed. As this is true of a 
 world of sin in general, so also of every sin in particular. Sin is 
 natural to man. To make it work for good, is the supernatural power 
 of God. Sin should never have entered into the world, nor should 
 it continue in God's people, was it not to magnify his grace and ad- 
 vance the glory of his name. Judas delivers Christ to death for gain: 
 the Jews for envy : Pilate for fear. The devil provokes each through 
 enmity. God makes all work for the spiritual good and eternal sal- 
 vation of his people. Peter's fall shall be made to work for his humi- 
 lity and self-diffidcnce and to strengthen his brethren. 
 
 < Sin, saith St. Austin, first wrought sorrow, and now godly sor- 
 row works repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of, to the 
 death of sin ; so the daughter destroys the mother.* " O the depth 
 of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God? how un- 
 searchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out," 
 Rom. xi. 33. 
 
 Sin for my good does work and vln ; For all my sins my heart is sad. 
 
 Yet 'tis not good fou me to sin. ' Since God's dislionor'd ; yet I'm glad, 
 My pleasure issues from my pain ; Tlio' once 1 was a slave to sin. 
 
 My losses still increase my gain> Since God doth thereby glory win. 
 
 Vol. I. ' Bb 
 
206 JULY 12. 
 
 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our injirmities. — Rom. 
 Aiii. 26. 
 
 How revivinj^ to the soul ! how encouraging to the mind of a 
 disciple, is it to hear the experience of liis brethren and compKinions 
 in the faith of Jesus ! To this end the blessed Spirit hath caused the 
 saints of old to leave on record his dealings of love with their souls. 
 Thus is the word of God most valuable for our instruction, edifica- 
 tion, and comfort. Let no poor follower of the Lamb think he is 
 sinp-u!ar in feeling an insupportable pressure of infirmities. No ; the 
 children of G d in all ages knew and felt the same. Whether pro* 
 phets or apostles, none were perfectly free from inward distresses, 
 temptations, 'ears, dejections, &c. All which arise from our still 
 possessing a fallen nature which subjects us to these sensations and 
 feelings. They are our burdens. We cannot but feel them and 
 groan under them. O sad and dreadful fall, which has so terribly 
 maimed and bruised the royal offspring of God ! Though we are 
 kings' sons, yet like Mephibosheth we are lame in our hands and 
 feet. Our infiimities are the effects of ouryjz//. Shortly we shall 
 be perfectly freed from them. This is our glorious hope. 
 
 But alas ! how oft doth present distress deject our hopes ; infirmi- 
 ties bow down the soul ; faith grows languid ; love declines ; hope 
 seems at the last gasp, just as if giving up the ghost. And indeed 
 all would end in gloomy dejection and melancholy despair, if the 
 Lord was entirely to forsake his new creation., But that never can 
 be while the Father loves, the Lamb pleads, and the Spirit hath 
 power to help. Therefore when the Spirit sees tlie souls of his 
 charge pressed above measure in themselves, and ready to sink 
 under their burdens, he reaches forth a tender hand of assistance ; 
 helps against infimities, by enabling the soul to look to the adorable 
 Jesus, to an everlasting covenant, to precious promises, to a recon- 
 ciled God ; and puts this sweet cry in the heart, Abba, Father. 
 Then coivfidence revves ; hope springs afresh ; love is excited ; the 
 power of prayer breaks forth in the hearty and ascends in sweet fervor 
 from the soul. Whatever flesh and blood may alledge to the con- 
 trary, infirmities are made profitable to the soul : or St. Paul would 
 never have declared, " most gladly therefore will I glory in my in- 
 firmities." Why ? is there any good in them for which they should 
 b^esired ? No ; but " that the power of Christ may rest upon us," 
 2 Cor. xii. 9. 
 
 Etcrn.iT Spiri) ! m'c confess Thine imvard tcaclangs make us know 
 
 Anil sinij the wonders of thy pfracc ^ Our tlangef and our refuge too. 
 
 Thv power convcvs our hlessintfs down The trouhlcd conscience knows thy voicCj 
 
 Fiom Qod t)ie Father and the Son. Thy charming views awake our joys ; __ 
 
 Eullpjhtcn'd hy thy heav'nly rsy, , Thy words allay the stormy wind, 
 
 Our shades and darkness turn to day : And calm the surges of the mind. 
 
JULY 13. 207 
 
 The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the heart 
 of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine 
 hearty arid with all thy soul, that thou may est live. — 
 Dcut. XXX. 6. 
 
 Even Moses, who delivered the fiery law of wrath and tcvror, 
 preaches like a Barnabas, a son of consolation. In this chapter we 
 have a precious enumeration of new-covenant blessings and evai;i';e- 
 lical promises, tdl settled in the eternal counsels between Jehovah, 
 Father, Son and Spirit; all founded in infinite wisdom, everlastinf^Iovc, 
 and immutable faithfulness ; therefore sure to all the seed " who are 
 chosen in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world " Such is 
 the solid found.ition of gospel faith and hope. The happy heirs of it 
 the Lord God sets a special mark upon. Hereby he owns them as 
 his peculiar ones. This is also an evidence to them of their special 
 relation to him. As tlie Father loved his people before time, and 
 gave them to Jesus, to be redeemed in the fulness of time ; -so 
 also, at the appointed time, the Lord the Spirit performs his office 
 upon them — he circumcises their hearts. This power bclongeth to 
 God only. This St. Paul calls " the circumcision made without 
 hands," Col. ii. 11. Outward cii^cumcision was a painful operation 
 to the flesh. By it was signified the cutting off all carnal hope and 
 legal confidence in the flesh ; and was a sign and seal of new-covenant 
 blessings by Jesus. The circumcision of the heart brings the expe- 
 rience and enjoyment of hope in Jesus, peace and joy in Jesus, and 
 a longing expectation of the full enjoyment of Jesus in gloiy to the 
 soul. 
 
 When the callousness and hardness of thp heart is cut off", then it 
 gladly hears and receives the love of God»its crucified Saviour. This 
 love, known and believed, begets love to God in a circumcised heart. 
 And though there is all comfort in love, yet there is a painful sensa- 
 tion attends loving souls. This is the fruit and evidence of love. 
 They mourn and grieve at feeling the sins and corruptions of their 
 natures : they are pained at the sight of them — groan under a sti;se 
 of tliem — are filled with shanae for them, and detestation aga'nst 
 them. O how do they strive against them and cry to Jesus for vir- 
 tory over them ! To <' love the Lord with all their heart and with 
 all their soul," this is their one desire on earth ; that they may be in 
 love, wholly devoted to him who bought them with his blood. Uf 
 all such souls the Spirit of inspiration declares, "Happy art thovi, O 
 Israel ! who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the Lord !" D> ut. 
 xxxiii. 29. " We are the circumcision who worship God in the 
 Spirit, rejoice in Christ JesHs, and have no confidence in the flesh,' 
 Phil. iii. 3. 
 
208 JULY 14. 
 
 But this 7na?i, after he had offered one sacrifice for sitty 
 for ever sat down on the right hand of Ood.—Htb, 
 X. (2 
 
 The cross of Christ is the christian's glory. Yet the small 
 share that Jesus h. th in the christian's affections is his shame. 
 Riitilly disciples of Jesus do not love their Saviour as they ought. 
 "Why, becausf; they are slow of heart to believe his love to ihcm and 
 his sufferings for them. How little are our hearts in meditations upon 
 the labors of love, toils of sorrows, and agonies of soul, which 
 Jesus in our nature sustained on our account. If a friendly arm is 
 re;ichcd forth and snatches a poor mortal from the jaws of approach- 
 ing death, how does it call forth love to his kind deliverer ! wlien 
 he reflects on his danger, how does it excite his gratitude 1 he can- 
 not think of his -preserver but he remembers his mercy. But where 
 is our warm affection, our fervent love to that precious ?nan, whose 
 heart was a flame of love to vis, and who willingly offered himself 
 as a sacrifice for o\ir sins ? how was he straitened till this baptism 
 was accomplished I how did his soul long till it was finished ! But 
 alas ! we think too little of our danger. We are too prone to look 
 Upon sin as a matter of small moment ; because the sacrifice of Jesus 
 is not so constantly upon our hearts. Disciple, dost thou not see 
 cause of mourning for this ? hast thou not cause to p'ruy daily for 
 more heart-affecting views of Jesus by the Spirit ? O the infihitc 
 value of this one sacrifice ! Sin, how malignant its nature ! how 
 deep its stain ! nothing but blood divine could atone for it. How 
 prevalent this one sacrifice ! it hath for ever put away all our sins. 
 Behold the man ! gaze, wonder, adore, and love ; Jesus on the 
 cross, fully atoning for sin. This work being for ever done ; behold 
 this 7nan for ever sat down on the right hand of God. There lie 
 pleads the sinner's cause and presents the "perfection of his sacrifice. 
 What singular consolation is this ! A sense of sin is distressing to 
 the converted soul. But O, when the one sacrifice by this 07ie 
 man is beheld by the eye of faith, how does it revive the drooping 
 heart, give peace to the troubled conscience, and excite joy in the 
 sorrowful mind ! Poor sinners have nothing else to look to for liope. 
 Pardon and peace can be had from no other object but the blood of 
 Jesus. Of this we can never glory too much. Nor can our con- 
 fidence be too strong, our expectations too great, our triumphs ia 
 Je?;us over sin, satan, the law and death, be at any time unseason- 
 able. These precious truths are our never-failing springs of consola- 
 tion. " The blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin. If we sin, v,e 
 have an advocate with the Father," 1 John ii. 1. 
 
 Our fiyt.h adores thy bleedinpf love, We Lope for licavcnly crowns above 
 
 And trusts for life in one that dy'd ; - Fi om a Redeemer crucify'd. 
 
JULY 15. 20G 
 
 And fn, an horror f^f great darkness fell on him. — Gen. 
 XV. 12. 
 
 There is somewhat very gloomy and awful in what is called < a 
 total eclipse of the sun* When the earth is darkened, creation puts 
 on a melancholy aspect and seems to mourn in silent sadness. But 
 the surprise and astonishment which naturally affects ub on these 
 accounts arc £!:rcatly abated, as these are not uncommon appearances 
 in nature ; and as they arc foretold and accounted for. As in the na- 
 tural, so it is in the spiritual world. The children of God in all ages 
 have experienced darkness of soul : therefore none should think this 
 peculiar when they are exercised thus, " as though some strange 
 thino- had happened to them," 1 Pet. iv. 12. We see Abraham, 
 the friend of God, and father of the faithful, under an eclipse of the 
 bri'vht shining of the sun of righteousness. The consequence of this 
 darkness was an liorror, vca an horror of great darkness fell on hirii. 
 And this too, after an extraordinary appearance of the Lord himself 
 to him, who called him by name, bid him fear not — assures him, 
 1 am tfiii nhield and thy exceeding great reward : then gives him the 
 comfortable promise of the seed that should spring from him. 
 Upon which, Abraham " be.lieved in the Lord, and he counted it to 
 him fnr ricrhteousness ;" and he offers a sacrifice as the Lord com- 
 manded. But, alas, how soon did his bright sun of comfort disap- 
 pear ! How soon did darkness and horror fall upon him ! How 
 changeable are our frames ! Extraordinary manifestations of comfort 
 and joy are often succeeded by darkness of soul and trials of faith. 
 Sn it was with our dear Saviour after the Father's declaration, 
 « This is my beloved Son :" after the visible descent of the Holy 
 Ghost upon him, he was led into. the wilderness, to undergo the 
 most sharp and trying temptations. Thus again St. Paul, after he 
 liad been caught up to tlic third heavens, a messenger of satan was 
 sent to buffet him. 
 
 Hence, O believer, under spiritual darkness and distress cf soul 
 write not bitter things against tliysclf. Thhik not God ceaseth to 
 love thee and visits in wrath. No : God ever rests in love ; he 
 changeth not ; his love is ever the same. Thou -art cquidly as safe " 
 in his hands .in the dark, though not so comfortable as in the light. 
 Nay, love itself enquires after souls in such a state and gives precious 
 advice to them. See and study Isaiah 1. 10. Now the Lord teaches 
 his sovereignty ; instructs in humility : excites patience ; shews thee 
 thy nothingness; cuts off all glorying in thyself; strengthens thy 
 trust in him ; draws out thy hope from thyself to him ; and shews 
 thee that all the promises center in Jesus, and shall be [uljilicd in 
 God's own way and manner. Saith Jesus, " He who foiicwcth me, 
 shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life," John 
 viii, 12. 
 
210 JULY 16. 
 
 JVo man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy 
 Ghost. — 1 Cor. xii. 3. 
 ^' As the heavens declare the glory of the Lord, and the firma- 
 ment shcweth his handy-work :" so every page of his sacred word 
 proclaims his grace to his people, reminds them of the insufficiency 
 of their natural power and free-wiil to any saving purposes. FormiU 
 professors say, that Jesus is the Lord. The confession is easy. It 
 is common to the openly profane, and the most decent Pharisee ; 
 but is no more profitable to salvation than the true declaration from 
 satan, «' Thou art tlie Holy One of God,'' Mark i. 24. But saving 
 confession of Jesus with the lips proccecds from inward believing on 
 Jesus with the heart ; and this from spiritual discoveries to the mind 
 by the Holy Ghost. O believe)-, know thy distmguishing blessing ! 
 Esteem not this a common privilege, but special grace, that thou 
 canst see, canst own, canst come to, trust in, and call the despised 
 INazarene, the once sin-bearing, sin-atoning, curse-sustaining Jesus, 
 thy Lord and thy God ; in whom is all thy liope, and from -whom 
 is all thy salvation. This is truly the fuith of God's elect. 
 
 Hear what thy master proclaims of such a confession ; " Blessed 
 art thou; for fie sh and blood hatli not revealed this unto thee, but 
 my Father which is in heaven," Matt. xvl. 17. This is the mys- 
 tery of the Father's kingdom : this is given only to his children to 
 know. Therefore the Holy Ghost is sent into their hearts to make 
 it manifest. Most blessed confession ! May it be ever uppermost in 
 our minds, on our lips, and evidehced by our lives', that Jesus is 
 Jrho-jah. That Jesus is the Lord, the Saviour, the man, and 
 Mediator — our atonement on the cross; our righteousness in his life ; 
 our intercessor at the right-hand of glory ; this, this is our plea to 
 all that are against us. We are sure it is a godly, righteous plea, 
 for it is given us by the Holy Ghost in the word of truth. By it the 
 Father* is glorified ; Jesus is honored; drooping, fainting hearts are 
 revived and comforted ; faith is established, hope confirmed, love 
 increased, holiness advanced, satan vanquished, sin subdued, the 
 law answered, the world overcome, death conquered, and we sharers 
 in the triumphs of glory and immortality. 
 
 Christian soul chear up. With this truth in tliine heart : with 
 this confession in thy mouth, go on thy way rejoicing : nor men nor 
 devils can harm thee. Jesus thy Saviour is the Lord almighty to 
 protect, ^ver-loving to save. Only fear to offend against love itself. 
 Never suffer a doubt of Jesus' love in thy mind. Grieve not the Holy 
 vSpirit. Come, a few more days to prove thy allegiance to Jesus thy 
 Lord on earth, and thou shalt reign with him in glory. Ever re- 
 member thy Lord's blessed promise, ^'Whosoever shall confess me 
 before men, -him will I confess also before my Father which is in 
 heaven," Matt. x. 52. 
 
JULY 17. 2U 
 
 Jesus said, will ye also go away? — John vi. 67. 
 
 This, O soul, is the voice of thy beloved. Thy friend put this 
 question to his own disciples. Our captuin keeps no prest men in 
 his service. All his ^subjects enter as volunteers. They are mudu 
 willing to come to him, believe on him and greatly estci;m the day 
 of his power, to follow and cleave to him. Force, restraint, and 
 compulsion act not on their ingenuous minds. But what they find 
 in Jesus now, present peace; what they expect from Jesus hereafter, 
 glory and salvation, endears him to their souls. 
 
 Daily observation furnishes with instances of many who profess to 
 own Christ and to follow him for a season ; but anon, through not 
 understanding his doctrine, not seeing tlieir own misery -and wretch- 
 edness, and not knowing his love, they are offended, forsake Christ, 
 his truths and his ways. They go back again to the v/oild, to the 
 enjoyment of their lusts, and take up with carnal preachers, who 
 cry peace, peace unto them. Thus they make shipwreck of faith 
 and a good conscience, which they professed to have ; and the last 
 end of such is worse than their first. They forsake their own mer- 
 cies, by turning their backs upon precious Jesus ; and are left to 
 perish without hope or remecly. 
 
 But a true disciple, who knows Jesus in spirit and truth, our Sa- 
 viour keeps from such folly. The sight of others falling off and 
 leaving him is made of blessed use to such. It excites humility and 
 gratitude — quickens to holy jealousy and godly watchfulness. Such 
 a tender expostulation put to the soul, " Wilt thou also go away V' 
 O how it kindles a spark of fire, and blows up a flume of love in the 
 poor sinner's heart I As when a tender, indulgent parent says to his 
 dear little child, Wilt thou go away and leave me ? How does it 
 draw forth the love and affection of its heart ! and the little thing, 
 with eager embraces, clings the faster to its parent. O, by this 
 question our dear Saviour has often roused my sluggish heart : and 
 called forth a holy fear ; and excited an earnest cry, " Lord keep me 
 — O never, never let me forsake thee !" 
 
 When the aged Polycarp was joyfully going to seal the truth of 
 his faith with his blood, being threatened by his pro-consul with death 
 in various shapes, answered, ' Why tarriest thou ? Bring forth what 
 tliou wilt : we christians are 'fixed in our minds not to change from 
 good to evil.' Then the pro-consul promised him liberty if he-would 
 reproach Christ. (O, the affecting reply 1 how ingenuous ! how 
 full of love !) ' Eighty and six years (said he) have I served my Lord 
 Christ, and he has never done me the least wrong : how then can I 
 blaspheme my King and my Saviour?' How victorious is faith I how 
 powerful is love ; Lord, increase our faith 1 Jesus inflame our love! 
 '' To whom should we go ? Thou hast the words of eternal life," 
 John vi. 6«. 
 
212 JULY 18. 
 
 All scripture is given hy inspiration of God ; and is prO" 
 Jitahlcfor doctrine^ for reproof for correction for in- 
 struction in righteousness : that the man of God may 
 be perfect, thoroughly furnished tmto all good ivorks.—- 
 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. 
 
 The poor sinner who writes this, being in a dangerous illness, 
 was in a very dark and comfortless frame of mind for two days. 
 The third day, light, peace and joy overspread his soul by these 
 words being brought to his mind : "After two days he will revive 
 us, in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his 
 sight." On this he called for a bible. O how was his inexpressible 
 joy increased when he read these woids in Hosea vi. 2. On being 
 asked, If he had done with the bible ? he answered witli a flood of 
 joyful tears, ' No : never, never shall I have done with that blessed 
 book, till I change time for eternity.' The Spirit of inspiration ever 
 honors his own word of truth. All peace, comfort and joy arc deriv- 
 ed from it through faith. We shall suffer no loss, if we suspend 
 judgments on comforts, till we have tried them by this touchstone of 
 truth. 13e on your guard against the flatteries of false peace and 
 the delusions of unscriptural joys. 
 
 Revealed truths are inspired of God : tliey are the objects of faith . 
 By the knowledge of them the Spirit consolutes the soul, lovingly 
 reproves and corrects what is amiss; profitably instructs in the fun- 
 damental truths of Jesus' righteousness unto justification of life ; and 
 the .believer's obedience unto righteousness. No one doctrine of 
 God's word should be slightly regarded. In this sense, he that re- 
 jects one point of truth is guilty of all. This is to impeach the wis- 
 dom of the Spirit, as though he had made known any one needless and 
 insignificant doctrine. This, instead of being doers of the word, is 
 to judge and condemn the word. Jesus is the sum and substance of 
 the scriptures. . All the promises are in him. All tlie doctrines of 
 grace lead to him and centre in him. These are the furniture of 
 faith while Jesus is the cliief object of the soul. So disciples go on 
 to perfection iji knowledge, love and holiness ; therefore they should 
 prize the scripture as their companion ; cousviit it us their familiar 
 friend*; and pray over it as their constant guide. To tiiese ends they 
 are givcR^of God : when tluis received by us, wc shall also be " edi- 
 fied, and walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the comlort of the 
 Holy Ghost," Actsix. ol. 
 
 Laflen with g;nilt and full of foars. The volume of my Father's grace 
 
 1 lly to tlico, my Lord, Docs ali my grief assuage : 
 
 \r\>] )t II ;<limj1sc; of hope appears. Here I behold my Saviour's fticc 
 
 But ill thy written v/ord. ' Almost i'l ev'ry pa?;e. 
 
- JULY 19. 213 
 
 IVe have not an hi^h priest who cannot be touched with the 
 feeling of our infirmities ; but was in all points tempted 
 like as we are ; yet without sin. — Hcb. iv. 15. 
 
 " Without sin !" t), cries tlie sanctified soul, that this was my 
 happy state. And verily, as sure as the word of God is true, thou 
 shalt enjoy this perfect freedom from thy worst enemy. But tliou 
 must be content to wait God's time, and live in God's way ; that 
 is, by faith upon thy best friend Jesus. Thy present blessedness is 
 t o understand and rejoice in this great mystery, that Christ who 
 knew no sin was made sin for us. Therefore, by faith we glory, 
 knowinp^ that God looketh on us, blesseth us as righteous in Christ, 
 and doth not impute sin unto us. As the head is without sin, so arc 
 all the members, viewed and beloved in the sight of God. And this 
 is the evidence that we are born of the Spirit and have the mind of 
 Cluist, that we hate all sin and long for entire deliverance from it, 
 and aspire after full conformity to the image of God. But this we 
 cannot enjoy in the body. We must first sleep in Jesus ere we 
 awake up after his perfect likeness. 
 
 In the mean time we have a loving, sympathizing high-priest 
 before the throne of God. Thi^s is our comfort. That very human 
 nature in which our sins were expiated on earth, is now crowned 
 with glo'-y in heaven. This is very refreshing. Chiist can as soon 
 forget his own glory as any part of his suffering body. He feels 
 for them. He is touched with the most tender concern and affection 
 towards them. He knows what sore temptations mean, for he hath 
 felt the same. Temptations, even though most violent, cannot 
 harm us ; nay, they do not defile us unless we enter into them. 
 Therefore, they should not deject us. * And need we ever be over- 
 come by them ? Doth not Jesus live ? Have we not free and familiar 
 access to him, as the glorified man and Mediator ? Is not all power 
 in heaven and earth given unto him ? Believcst thou this, O soul ? 
 Think on Calvary's proof of his love. Remember Bethany's proof 
 of his resurrection. Call to mind his tender love to, and affectionate 
 care for his sheep, when Saul was worrying them. O he called, 
 « Why pcrsecutest thou me ?" Thou canst not hurt them, but I feel 
 it. He ever lives at the right-hand of glory to intercede for and save 
 us poor sinners. And let thy distress be what it may, his Ibvfhg 
 advice suits it. " Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver 
 thee, and thou shalt glorify me," Psalm 1. 15. 
 
 With joy we meditate tlie grace . And in his mensiircfcels afrcoh 
 Of our hi;^li priest above ; "\\'li;it ev'ry member bears. 
 
 Hi., lioart is made of tenderness. Then let our humble faiti. address 
 
 His bowels melt with love. His mercy and bis pow'r ; 
 
 He in the days of feeble fl?nh We shall obtain deliv'ring grace 
 
 Po'i'-'d out his cries and tears. In tlie distressing hour. 
 
 ^^L. I. c c 
 
214 JULY 20. 
 
 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.'^^ 
 I Tim. iii. 9. 
 
 From a seeming zeal and regard to the ark of God, when it 
 shook, and as he thought was in danger of falling, Uzzah put forth 
 his hand to save it. It seems a very rational act, but it argued dis- 
 trust of God's power to preserve what was for his glory and honor ; 
 therefore the Lord highly resented it. 
 
 If the displeasure of Jehovah was thus displayed in x'egai-d to the 
 type of the covenant, how jealous is the Lord of hosts of his own 
 gloiy, contained in the truths of the everlasting covenant, laid up in 
 the sacred ark, Jesus, for all his people I If a trembling ark, touched 
 by an officious hand> was death ; one should fear and tremble to 
 attack the revealed truths of God's everlasting love to his people, 
 power to preserve them, and grace to enable them to persevere in 
 the faith unto eternal glory. Human efforts often spring from unbe- 
 lieving hearts. The hand of nature is often stretched forth to assist 
 when it only couateracts divine purposes. Carnal reason ever oppo- 
 seth the mystery of the gospel, but faith is supported by God's 
 truths. The conscience can only be purified by Jesus' blood. 
 This mystery of faith is only known to enlightened minds. To 
 hold by it, and to hold it fast in the conscience, is the life and joy of 
 our souls. So the Holy Spirit maintains vital, living union between 
 Jesus and his members. So love is excited to him. A life of de- 
 pendence maintained on him. , A throne of grace is delightful to 
 such. Sin becomes more and more hateful in their sight, mid the 
 fruits of righteousness are increased to God's gloiy. O, this is an 
 amazing mystery of our faith ! That we, who are guilty sinners in. 
 ourselves, yet are in Christ pure and free from all sin ; unrighteous 
 in ourselves, yet in Jesus clothed with perfect righteousness ; filthy 
 and polluted by nature and practice, but in Jesus, all fair, without 
 spot, beautiful and comely in God's sight. In ourselves, no right to 
 God's love, no title to his inheritance ; but in Jesus our right is clearj 
 our title legal, our enjoyment of it infallibly certain. Hold fast tliis 
 mystery of faith : all thy peace and comfort depend on it. Thus, 
 disciple, fix thy steady eye on Jesus ; daily view the promises in him ; 
 look constantly for the Spirit's power through him. So shalt thou 
 have " the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resur- 
 rection of Jesus," 1 Peter iii. 21. " Hold thou me up, and I shall 
 be safe ; and I will have respect unto thy statutes contmually," Psalm 
 exix. 117. 
 
 ■\\niy (Iocs your face, yc humLle souls, A'Aakc our licarts, adore the grace 
 Those mournful colours wear ? That buries all our faults, 
 
 ^Vhat doubts are these that waste your Ami l«»''<l'n'"S^'oo^'> t*^^* s'**'^^^^"^*'^^ 
 A nd nourish your despair ? [faitli, Our follies and our flioughts. 
 
JULY 21. 215 
 
 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our 
 Father, which hath loved us, and hath iriven us everlast- 
 ing consolation, and good hope through grace^ comfort 
 your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and 
 work, — 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. 
 
 Believers in Jesus know that " tlic remembrance of sin is 
 grievous, and the burden intolerable." A sight and sense oi sin 
 aifects their conscience with sorrow and distress. There is daily 
 need that their poor hearts should be comforted : and also that they 
 should be established in every good word and work. But from v hence 
 ■shall they derive this ? from striving to forget, palititc, or excuse 
 their past sins ? by promising to be more stedfast for the future in 
 the truths of God and obedience to his will ? Alas 1 he who truly 
 knows what a sinful nature is, who is really acquainted with his own 
 weakness and insufficiency to that which is good, and his prwieness 
 to all evil, will not, cannot thus deceive his own soul. But ihe con- 
 verted soul will ingenuously confess his sins to his God mid Saviour, 
 lay them open with their aggravathig circumstances, mourn over 
 them with a godly sorrow, own his just deserts for them ; and in the 
 exercise of faith, look "to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the 
 sin of the world." Here is the everlasting spring of consolation 
 which God hath given us, " the blood of Jesus Christ his Son clean - 
 scth us from all sin." Here is our good hope, through the grace of 
 Jesus we are completely righteous in Christ. We stand perfectly 
 accepted in God's beloved Son. Faith and hope are inseparable. 
 "We believe the truth as in Jesus ; we hope daily for more and more 
 of tlie consolations of it. In this way, disciple of Jesus, thou canst 
 never believe nor hope too much. Na/, is it not thy distress and 
 heaviness that thy faith is weak, thy hope languid, and thy love so 
 cold ? But why is this ? Not for want of a foundation for faith and 
 hope ; for " our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father 
 hath loved us." Who ? only the prophets, apostles, holy men of 
 old, righteous persons ? Nay, but sinners of mankind : such was the 
 character of all those whom the apostle includes in the pronoun vs. 
 And as the consequence of this love " he hath given us cxnr las ting 
 consolation." Not the effect of time ; not subject to mutability ; 
 but solid, perpetual, and eternal. Founded in the everlasting cove- 
 nant, established in everlasting righteousness, issuing- in everlasting 
 salvation, revealed in the everlasting gospel, and applied to the soul 
 by the everlasting Spirit. Consolation and comfort are enjoyed in 
 stability in the good word of God, and in the good works of faith, 
 " to the praise of tlie glory of God's grace," Eph. i. G, 
 
216 JULY 22. 
 
 T'his is the true God and eternal life. Keep yourselves 
 from idols Amen. — I John v. 20, 21. 
 
 It is a common objection with the men of this world against the 
 ministers and members of Jesus : " You can preach iuid talk of no- 
 thing but Jesus." Truly we '* consider him as the end of all our 
 conversation," Heb. xiii. 7, 8. Conscious of what he hatli done/or 
 z^s, what he is ro ws, and what he hath done m ws, verily Jesus is 
 all in all to our souls. We know that the Son of God is come in our 
 flesh. We are sure that by the blood of his cross " he hath made 
 an end of sin, finished transgression, made reconciliation for ini- 
 quity ;" and by his holy life " hath biought in an everlasting righ- 
 teousness," Dan. ix. 24. All this we poor sinners wanted. No- 
 thing- short of this could save us. Yea, eternal life we have in our 
 •wonderful friend, the God-man, Christ Jesus. Blessed be his 
 infinitely precious nam.e I he hath given us an understanding heart 
 to know him. We desire to be eternally indebted to his name, his 
 grace, his love ; for we see our union to him, aiid oneness with 
 him. Marvel not then, tliat we speak so highly of our beloved ; 
 (« for if we should hold our peace, the very stones in the street 
 would cry out against us." Say, ye first-born sons of light ; say, 
 ye children of grace, of whom should we glory, if not of Jesus our 
 true God and eternal life ? We disclaim all otlier gods. " We know 
 and believe that the Father is in him, and he in the Father,'' John 
 X. 38. He teaches us the Father's love in him to us ; and he sends 
 the comforter, which proceedeth from the Father, to shed his love 
 abroad in our hearts. 
 
 But alas I how did we live before we knew Jesus, the only true 
 God I Truly, though we talked of God, though we knew God, wor- 
 shipped and feared him ; yet we were all the while like the rest of 
 the whole world, " lying in wickedness :" fast asleep in the arms of 
 the wicked-one : for we were without Christ, Atheists : " without 
 God in the world ; and consequently had no hope," Eph. ii. 12. How 
 deluded are the wise and learned of this woi Id with iheir notions and 
 worship of an unknown Go.d ! While little children arc truly wise 
 and best learned, who know Jesus as their Lord ajid their God, iind 
 abide in him. The truth of their faith, the uprightness of their 
 hearts, and the sinceiity of their love, are best evidenced by keeping 
 thenjsclves from the ensnaring vanities and bewitching idols of time 
 and sense. " Adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 
 Looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great 
 God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave hinistlf for us, £cc." 
 Tit U, 10, 13, 14. 
 
 JffcUiJ mv God, I know Ms name, Ifgr vj!! \w put ny scyil to shame, 
 
 ij^5 name is all ji^y trust, Kor let my hop. le Ipst- 
 
JULY 23. 217 
 
 O wretchprl man that Tarn ! who shall deliver me from the 
 body of this death? — Rom. vii. ii^- 
 
 Spiritual sense and feeling ire peculiar to regenerate, heaven 
 born souls. While in a carnal state, '• dead in trespasses iuid sujs ;" 
 though the law thunders out its dreadful curses against us, we hear 
 not. Though by nature children of wrath and deserving hell, yet 
 our danger we see not. Though our sins are gone over our heads, 
 and are like a sore burden too heavy for us to bear, yet we feel them 
 not. But when the soul is alive to God, wc groan, being burdened 
 with a body of sin, and pant after deliverance. '1 his was the expe- 
 rience of holy Paul. Such the experience of saints in all ages. But, 
 thanks be to our God, though ever so deeply distressed and greatly 
 depressed with sin, we sorrow not as without hope. We are not 
 ignorant of our deliverer, but know him, even Jesus Christ. None 
 but Jesus is able ; and he hath, he doth, he will deliver. He hath 
 delivered from the curse of sin by his death. He doth deliver the 
 conscience from the guilt and dominion of sin through faith. He 
 will deliver the soul perfectly from the being of sin, when the body 
 of flesh is « sown in dishonor, to be raised in glory." The last enemy, 
 deatli, is not destroyed yet. None are so perfectly exempt from 
 that which brought death into the world, sin. But present deliver- 
 ance thou hast, O believer ! and perfect deliverjince thou canst not 
 but pant after and long for. 
 
 Think not, that feeling a body of sini (which, like thy natural 
 body, consists of many parts and members,) groaning under it, in- 
 wardly breathing out ardent desires for deliverance, inscribing 
 " wretched man" upon thyself, like a criminal who is compelled to 
 carry about a dead, putrified, stinkiug carcase ; think not all this 
 to be inconsistent with a blessed state, and being blessed " with all 
 spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus." No : thou art not singular : it 
 was once the lot of all thy brethren noM' perfect in glory. It is the 
 lot of all thy companions in the faith and patience of Jesus on earth. 
 When Paul, in such spiritual ecstacy and joy, was caught up to the 
 third heavens, he did not know whether he was in the body or hot ; 
 he might then think he was entirely freed from his burden, that he 
 was perfect ; but a little time after, experience convinced him to tlie 
 con'rary ; and we find him "as sorowiul, yet always rcjoicuig," 
 2 Cor vi. 10. Blciiised be our compassionate Saviour, who rciiches 
 out reviving cordials of consolation and refreshment : these cheer our 
 di-oopiiig spirits under our huidcn ; this favor no kind iiund adminis- 
 tered to him, when worn out and sinking under the ponderous load 
 of our sins on the cross. O the joy of faith 1 Sin, though felt, griev- 
 ed for, mourned over; yet " there is no condemnation to them that 
 are in Christ Jesus," Rom. viii. I. 
 
218 JULY 24, 
 
 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, atid he shall sustain thee: 
 he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved, — Psalm 
 Iv. 22. 
 
 The soul, having' lost its innocency by the sin of the first 
 Adam, can never be happy till it knows righteousness is restored to 
 it again by Jesus, the second Adam. Sensible sinners would be 
 truly miserable when they see their nakedness and feel their want 
 of righteousness, was not righteousness revealed as God's unspeak- 
 able gift by Jesus Christ. By him a glorious robe of righteousness 
 is wrought out and imputed to naked and destitute sinners. Grace 
 reigns through his righteousness. All the mercy and fuvor we I'eceive 
 from God is in a way of righteousness. We enjoy the knowledge and 
 comfort that we are righteous before God through fuith. If this 
 point is not clear and settled in the mind, it is because tlie clouds of 
 ignorance and unbelief are not chaced away ; the sun of righteous- 
 ness hath not yet arose upon such hearts ; therefore they are per- 
 plexed and distressed touching the hope of salvation. For this is the 
 essential and leading point in Christianity. We may toil all the days 
 of our life to get righteousness, but we shall go to bed in tlie dark 
 without it, unless we are made righteous in Christ. Infinite are the 
 blessings, most precious the promises which abound in God's word 
 to the righteous. When we read of the righteous in scripture, we 
 are ever to remember Jesus, ami give glory to him who is our righ- 
 teousness by fiiith. 
 
 God "will never sufTerthe righteous to be moved l"rom their hope." 
 There is also a holy boldness and sweet famikuity between a righ- 
 teous Lord and such righteous souls. As he has clothed them with 
 the garments of salvation, they have always a sympathizing friend 
 in their hours of trouble to flee to. This is the hope that supports 
 them ; Jesus will support their weak souls and sustain their heavy 
 burdens ; they cannot sink though they may be often ready to faint. 
 But why is this ? Truly we arc apt to struggle with this difiiculty 
 and toil with the other load upon our poor minds, instead of casting 
 all upon Jesus who careth for us. Sense opposeth faith, hence 
 Jesus is forgotten, and the mind remains troubled. But here is the 
 wisdom and glory of faith; whenever we feci our souls are bowed 
 down on any account, to refer all our griefs and cast or roll all our 
 burdcrja off from our own minds upon Jesus, and simply to cry out 
 with Hezekiah, <' O Lord, I am oppressed ; ur.dcrt.ike for me," 
 Isa. xxxviii. 14. 
 
 But. T ■nith all my cures, Ilis arm shall ■«'i'll sn?.t;iin 
 
 WiM I'-an upon Vrxc Loi\l ; The child i-en of his love : 
 
 I'll cast my luirih-n*: oii liis arm. The grouiul on which their ssifcty stands 
 
 Ami rest u[fon his wovd. No earthly pow'r eiiii move. 
 
' JULY 25. 219 
 
 T press toward the mark ^ for the prize of the high calling 
 ofGodin Christ Jesus. — Phil. iii. 14. 
 
 By clTcctual vocation the soul is called from a death in sin to a 
 life of righteousness. By spiritual illumination the most desirable 
 objects are discerned ; the faith of God's elect manifests itself to be 
 an operative grace in the heart by the conduct of the life. Blessed 
 Paul, though such a zealous champion for sovereign operations and 
 free-grace truths, though so averse to the pride of free-will and the 
 confidence of human righteousness in his writing and preaching, yet 
 his life and exhortations are equally opposite to all licentious practices 
 and unchristian sloth; he had a race to run, a prize to win, the end of 
 his calling to attain. Thus it is with all who are partakers of like 
 precious faith ; folding the hands, sitting down contented, resting 
 in ease and indolence, may suffice when doctrines are only received 
 as notions in the head. Truth maybe assented to in the judgment 
 as dry speculations, so as to engage the tongue, without warlmng 
 and influencing the heart, and producing the fruits of holiness in the 
 life. If sitting still and talking, or walking contrary to the hope of 
 the gospel, be to imitate the apostle's blessed conduct, followers of 
 him abound greatly every where; but the truth received in the love 
 of it excites to activity. 
 
 Says the christian, " I press forward," iike a racer who considers 
 the mark before him, turns his back upon the place he set out from, 
 and is solicitous so to run that he may obtain the prize. Jesus is the 
 christian's mark, he presses towards him, he is solicitous to enjoy 
 much of Christ below, he longs for full enjoyment of him above ; 
 this is our glorious high calling. What can be put in competition 
 with it ? the world, with all its sinful (Customs, vain pleasures, and 
 carnal delights ? No ; we forsake these, and leave them behind us. 
 We fear being entangled with the objects of time and sense, prefer- 
 ing Jesus above all. Earthly things grow more and more mean and 
 contemptible to us. The more we see our all in Jesus, and expect 
 all from him, so much the more wc press towards him. Hence 
 means of grace are prized, ordinances attended to, Christ's word is 
 precious, the prize is glorious. Thou man of God, ever exercise a 
 godly jealousy of being brought into bondage to the world or the 
 flesh. Remember how unloving, how hishonorable thou a'ctest 
 when any object engages thy attention and rivals thy Saviour. <'So 
 run tliat you may obtain." 
 
 Hov vain are .ill things liere helow ! Dear Saviour let tl>y beauties be 
 
 How false and yet how fair ? My soul's L-lcrnal food ; 
 
 Eadi pleasure hatJi its poison too. And 5;racc command my heart away 
 
 And ev'ry sweet a snar*. Tiytn. all created good. 
 
220 JULY 26. 
 
 Jf any man love the -worlds the love of the Father is not 
 in him. — I John ii. 15. 
 
 The voice of carnal reason cries, "Cod hath created passions 
 within us, therefore gratify them." At this bar, inconsistency is 
 pronounced upon scripture ; but the voice of inspiration proclaims, 
 "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and tlie pride of life, are 
 not of the Father ;" therefore teaches, crucify tliem. Let no dis- 
 ciple of Jesus think this a hard saying. Nay, but the soul can find 
 no happiness but in the love of God. If other objects attract our af- 
 fections to seek happiness in them, as they stand in competition with, 
 so they will keep us from the sense of the love of God ; where the 
 treasure is, there will the heart be. When the love of God lives in 
 the heart the love of the world dies. If the love of the world gains 
 the affections the love of the Father subsides. We can no more love 
 two such contrary objects with a supreme love than we can exist in 
 time and eternity, in heaven and on earth at one and the same time ; 
 one will necessarily give place to the other in experience and enjoy- 
 ment. The carnal gratifications of the flesh, vam indulgences of 
 pleasing the eye, with whatever promotes the pride of nature ; the 
 riches, pleasures, honors of this perishing world, are all contrary to 
 the love of God in the heart, which is the essence of all true holiness 
 and real happiness. These things war against the soul, Alas ! a\\fui 
 instances we see of many professors beu)g bewitched and ensnared 
 by the enchanting allurements of the world to forsake Jesus and the 
 hope of the gospel. Melancholy complaint of St. Paul : " Demas 
 hath forsaken me, having loved this present worid," 2 Tim. iv. 10. 
 Saints are delivered from this evil world ; they are redeemed from a 
 vain conversation by Jesus : they are forbid by his Spirit to be con- 
 formed to the world. O, it is a blessed thing to die to the world 
 before we die in it. The men of this world are declared enemies t© 
 God's children ; it is our wisdom ever to be on our guard agidnst 
 them ; though it is our duty to behave with all kindness and courtesy, 
 to do them all the good in our power, yet let us beware that tliey do 
 us no harm. " Can a man take fire in his bosom, and not be burnt ?" 
 Prov vi. 27. Close intimacy with carnal friends expose to danger ; 
 alluring smiles from them often wound deep where open opposition 
 could do no harm. What is all the gain of the world to the huppy 
 scns^of God's love ? He who buys a fine suit of clothes, though ever 
 sb cheap, infected with the plague, hath no great bargain. 
 
 The bi-iRlitest things below the sky Our dearest joys nnd nearest friends. 
 
 Give but a flatt'i-inf li^bt ; The partiiei-s of our Wood, 
 
 We should suspect some danger nigh, How thoy divjrie o<ir « av'iing miwls. 
 
 Where wc possess delight. - Aud leave but half .for God. 
 
' JULY 27. 221 
 
 In the ivaij of thy pidg-mefits, Lord, have we waited 
 for thee : The desire of our soul is to thy 7ia?ne, and to 
 the remembrance of thee — Isa. xxvi. 8. 
 
 Herein appears the wisdom and glory of our Lord. He huth 
 ordained the way wherein his people should walk, as well as the 
 end which they shall surely enjoy, salvation. Thus is it manifest, 
 by perseverance in grace and holiness, that any sinner is effectually 
 called to the knowledge of Jesus iuid salvation by him. 
 
 Thougli in regeneration the carnality and corruption of our nature 
 are not destroyed, yet by the word and Spirit the soul is possessed 
 with a desire after Jesus, and the sweet remembrance of his name 
 is fixed in the heart ; he is all their desire and all their salvation ; 
 tliey know and feel themselves to be poor and lost ; they are humbled 
 in soul ; hope from every object but Christ is cut off. But yet some 
 cannot speak of such manifestations of joy and tokens of comfort 
 which others tell of. Hence they distress and disquiet their minds, 
 are ready to question whether they have any true knowledge of love 
 to, and interest in the Lord. But this is not right ; for it is plain 
 and evident, where there is a desjre of soul to the name of Jesus, 
 and a remembrance in the heart of his salvation, as our only hope, 
 this ariseth from a degree of knowledge and faith ; and love also in 
 proportion is drawn out iifter precious Christ. Such will be found 
 waiting- upon the Lord, for they see his grace. 
 
 There is something in the name of Jesus that is attracting ; that 
 in the nature of his work and salvation which suits their desperate 
 state, and which they love to hear of and wait for. The secret power 
 of the Spirit inclines the heart in the wa^' of God's judgments, m 
 the ordinances of his house, in private duties, secret meditiition and 
 reading. Sec. Yea, though in distress and affliction, still they wait 
 upon, yea wait for the Lord, for more knowledge, stronger faith, 
 greater love. Therefore such who lightly esteem, yea speak con- 
 temptibly of such " good desire," speak unadvisedly with their lips ; 
 they " make sad the heart of the righteous, whom the Lord would 
 not have made sad." Jesus doth not despise " the day of small 
 things," he loves the weakest lamb in his flock, he delights in the 
 smallest work of liis own Spirit, he doth not despise the least desire 
 of the soul towards him, his loving heart will not " break the bruised 
 reed, nor quench the smoking flax, till he send forth judgment unto 
 victory." 
 
 CJod is mine ^ill-sufHcioiit good, 1 1, less tliv grace, lliat t'or my soul 
 
 Mv poKlon and my choice ; Had one desire to tliee. 
 
 In liim my vast desfrcs are fiU'd, No name so sweet Miiereon to hope, 
 
 And all my pnw'rs rejoice. As Jesus is to me. 
 
 Vol. I. D d 
 
222 JULY 28. 
 
 1 am with you, saith the Lord of hosts : According to the 
 word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of 
 Egypt, so my Spirit remaineth among you : Fear ye 
 not, — Hag. ii. 4, 5. 
 
 When the Lord calls his people to great work, or grievous 
 sufferings, he animates them with strong consolations ; for as their 
 day is, their strength shall be. This passage shines bright, as it 
 manifests the most comforting views and clearest discoveries of 
 covenant-grace and love to saints of old, engaged in a very arduous 
 work of Jehovah. " Whatever things were written aforetime, were 
 written for our learning, that we might have hope," Rom. xv. 4. 
 Our hope is established and strengthened through patience and 
 comfort of the scriptures ; and as they encourage our hope, they 
 also foibid our fears ; as if salvation was precarious and uncertain, as 
 though the foundation of hope rested upon conditions we fulfil to 
 secure it. Blessed be God faith hath a surer anchor-hold, even the 
 word, the covenant, the oath of Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit. 
 The knowledge of this, under all the discouraging views of nature 
 and sense, lifts the believer above himself, and makes him triumph 
 in the everlasting, unchangeable love and sovereign grace of the 
 glorious trinity. So children of God in every age feed upon one 
 and the same bread of life, Jesus. He is the Logos, the word) with 
 whom the Father covenanted for sinners. According to this, the love 
 of the Father is towards us even while we are in our natural state, 
 in Egyptian bondage ; yea the love of the Lord of hosts is the cause 
 of our deliverance from it, and conversion to his blessed self; so also 
 his Spirit remaineth with us. By his sweet agency and power our 
 blind eyes are cnUghtened to see the glory and suitableness of Jesus, 
 our deaf ears opened to hear the loving voice of this dear chaiTner, 
 and an understanding heart is given ys to disclaim all other hope, 
 and to know and choose Jesus, believe in and love him as our only 
 precious Saviour. What blessed confidence is this ! We are ex- 
 horted to "hold it fast." " i^fcr xje not^" saith the Lord, «I am 
 ever with you." Fear and distrust are most unreasonable ; pride 
 and self-gloiying most abominable ; sin and disobedience most hate- 
 ful ; love, humility, and gratitude, most powerfully operate upon such 
 hi^^ily favored hearts. Hence faith in a covenant God, and his lov'.ng 
 declarations, ever excite the most generous expressions from the 
 heart. " What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits 
 towards me ! Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes 
 from tears, and my feet from falling. I will \,'alk before the Lord 
 in the land of the living," Psalm cxvi. 8, 9, 12. 
 
JULY 29. 223 
 
 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit , that we 
 are the children of Got/.— Rom. viii. 16. 
 
 These words dropt not from the pen of a suint in a state of sin- 
 less perfection ; nor is this invaluable privilege, this heavenly bles- 
 sing, peculiar to the experience of Paul the apostle, but to Paul, 
 less than « the least of all saints, and chief of all sinners," as he 
 confesseth himself to be. It hath been enjoyed by poor sinners, 
 through faith in Jesus, in all ages ; it is the common privilege of all 
 christians. We may Avell cry out in astonishment with Soloman, 
 " But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth ? Behold 
 heaven, and tlie heaven of heavens cannot contain thee," 2 Chron. 
 vi. IS. Amazing condescension! " Lord what is man, sinful, hell- 
 deserving man, that thou shouldest thus visit him" wkn tliy com- 
 forting presence ! Delightful to think of. There is a sweet reiucion 
 subsists between the high and lofty one and wretched miseruDic 
 sinners. In Jesus they both unite. The fulness of the godiie.id, 
 and the misery and curse of the manhood state of his people 
 meet in him. From the head Jesus, the Spirit proceeds, and like the 
 oil on Aaron's head descends to all the members. To their spirits 
 he bears witness, agreeable to the word of truth, of their covenant- 
 relation as children, adopted sons of God by faith in Jesus Curist. 
 Let no believing soul be distressed or deluded by the deceiving of 
 others, so as to expect a vision, manifestation, or revelation that 
 may be seen, heard, or felt by the outward senses. No ; the Spirit 
 bears witness to our spirits, not to our senses ! even as the law bears 
 witness to the conscience that we are sinners, and works wrath 
 there ; so the blessed Spirit bears an inward witness to the mind, 
 that we are the righteous children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus ; 
 that " he died for our sins and rose again for our justification ; that 
 in him we are chosen, beloved, accepted, justified, pardoned and 
 shall be glorified with him. Thus saith Jesus, " He shall glorify 
 me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you," Joim 
 xvi. 14. 
 
 See, O believer, the riches of covenant-grace ! Admire and adore 
 the wonderful love of the trinity ! Hast thou received the wiuiess of 
 the Spirit of Jesus in the word through faith 1 Happy, highly favored 
 art thou among men. Art thou waiting aild longing for the promise 
 of the Fatlicr ? the joyful testimony and assurance of the Spirit to 
 thy heart that thou art his child ? It is sure ; not because of any good 
 thing naturally found in thee, but because Jesus intercedes before 
 the throne. Therefore thou may est pray in the assurance of faith, 
 Jiaving this promise to all the children of God by faith in Christ 
 Jesus, « Your' heavenly Father will give his Holy Spirit to them thai 
 ask him," Luke xi. 13. 
 
224 JULY 30. 
 
 And yet for all that, when they he in the land of their ene- 
 7?iies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor 
 thefji, to destroy them utterly^ and to break my covenant 
 with them: for I am the Lord their God. — Lev. xxvi.44. 
 
 Can any child of God read his Father's awful threatenings in- 
 this chapter, and think light of sin ? Can he count it a small thing 
 to walk contrary to God's revealed mind and will ? Indeed one would 
 think it impossible ; nor can we hardly believe any one who has 
 known the true grace of God could read this verse and ever dare 
 open his mouth and shoot his arrows of bitter words against the doc- 
 trines of everlasting, electing love, sovereign grace, and the certain 
 salvation of every redeemed soul. But alas ! when the mouth of 
 proud man is not held in by the bridle of humility, what awful, what 
 horrid speeches will he dare to utter, even against the plain and 
 express declarations of Jehovah himself ! The rank weeds of natural 
 notions are offensive to gracious souls. Pride, unbelief, and corrupt 
 reason, mutually strengthen each other in carnal hearts, in enmity 
 and opposition to free-grace truths. But what is a bone of contention 
 to such, is wholesome comfortable food to self-emptied and humble 
 souls, through the faith of Jesus. 
 
 To evf;ry self-abased soul, who has no hope but in the word of the 
 Lord, no confidence but in the covenant-love of Jesus our Mediator, 
 tlie Lord our God speaks thus comfortably ; " Though in tlie land,*' 
 yea as thou often fearest, in the hand and under the power of thine 
 enerny, O hear and rejoice ! thy Lord saith, " I will not cast away, 
 abhor, utterly destroy." Though thou hast broken the covenant, yet 
 God will not. It is firm as the mountains ; unshaken as the rocks. 
 God will visit for sin, chastise for provocations, correct for backslid- 
 ing. All this is covenant-love ; but to cast away his children he will 
 not : to abhor them he cannot ; to destroy aud punish them in hell is 
 contrary to his truth, his justice, his promise, his oath, his covenant, 
 established in love, and ratified by the blood of Jesus, his Son, our 
 Saviour. What tongue saith. Is it so ? Come then, let us sin with 
 an high hand I Poor soul, thy speech bewrayeth thee. The sound 
 iDf grace has only reached thine ear; but where it is known and felt 
 in the heart, it speaks otherwise. God's free, loving, absolute decla- 
 rations attract to love and obedience. The grace of God that brings 
 sah'ktion, teaches to deny all ungodliness, Sec. Tit. ii. 11,12. 
 
 The promise of my Pnther's love To this dear cov'naiit of thy word 
 
 Shall stand for ever good : I set my worthless name ; 
 
 He said, and gave his srrnl to death, J ie.il th' engagement to my Lord, 
 
 And seal'd the grace with blood. And make my humble clai»n, . 
 
JULY 31. 225 
 
 They shall put you out of the syymgogues. — John xvi. 2. 
 
 So it must be in all ages. The scriptures cannot be broken. 
 But what are the crimes of the ministers of Jesus, to deserve such 
 usage ? Is it for a life of intemperance and lewdness, of sin and folly, 
 in frequenting pi ly-houses, card-tables, routs, assemblies, horse- 
 racing ? Sec. No ; friends of the Lamb have done witli all such vaia 
 paltry matter. Their hearts feed upon infinitely higher delights, 
 and their time is too precious to be devoted to sacrifice upon the 
 altars of heathenish viuiities. For these thhigs they might gain no 
 censure, but keep their places in the synagogues, and their characters 
 -in the world as good, honest, orthodox preachers, and stand free from 
 the charge of mopish, dreaming enthusiasts; chief priests themselves 
 being judges. 
 
 But they stand arraigned of crimes of the highest nature, even of 
 inverting the very order of things; "turning the world upside down;*' 
 " preaching one Jesus who was hanged upon a tree,'' Acts x. 39, 
 as the sinner's only hope and salvation. That hence glory is given to 
 God in the highest ; peace on earth, and good-will to men is pro- 
 claimed : — that the whole of salvation is of God's free grace and 
 unmerited love. From this charge faitliful ministers of Christ will 
 not desire to be acquitted. Love to their precious master, to his 
 blessed truth, to his dear people, inspires them with boldness. It is 
 the highest honor, the greatest gloiy Jesus puts upon them, when they 
 are called to suffer for this. «' Yea, saith our Lord, the time cometh 
 that whosoever killeth you, will think he doth God service," Zeal 
 for God is a pretence for persecution. But what is our Lord's rea- 
 son ? " These things will they do unto you, because they have not 
 known the Father nor me.'* But he observed that on hearing these 
 things, sorrow filled his disciples hearts. Spmpathizing Lord ! he 
 instantly gives them a promise — of what? Power to call fire from 
 heaven to destroy their adversaries ? Iso ; quite the reverse ; of a 
 blessed, inward comforter, the dove. He was to teach them to act 
 with meekness, and in patience to posses their souls. See the 
 Spirit's influence in the conduct of Peter and John, and their courage 
 and constancy in the cause of their dear master — Acts iv. Their 
 very enemies, who commanded them not to preach in the name of 
 Jesus, saw their boldness with wonder, and were silenced with their 
 reasoning. Admire and imitate, O ye suffering servants of a once 
 suffering Lord. " How forcible arc right words !" Job vi. 25. 
 How prevailing is a meek spirit ! Peter and John said, " Whether it 
 be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, 
 judge ye !" « And the apostles departed from the council, rejoicing 
 that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name," 
 Acts V. 41. 
 
226 AUGUST 1. 
 
 For what shall it pi'ofit a man, if he shall gain the whole 
 world and lose his own soulf Or what shall a man give 
 in exchange for his ^oz//?— Mark viii. 36, 37. 
 
 Hast thou heard the voice of thy beloved ? art thou a willing 
 disciple of a despised master ? But docs the flesh shrink from, mur- 
 mur and reason against taking up the cross daily, " and suffering the 
 loss of all things ?" Listen, O soul, to the reasonings of ivisdom. 
 Though the followers of the Lamb are counted fools and madmen, yet 
 their dear master here teaches them such reasoning and argument, 
 dra\vn from the nature and fitness of things, as will in a dying hour, 
 and at the judgment-day, silence the tongue of every adversary. 
 Ever use thy master's weapon. Reason daily, O christian, upon 
 thy spiritual gain, by the knowledge of Jesus. Study to look with 
 contempt upon thy trifling worldly loss. What is all the wisdom of 
 this world but folly ? the righteousness of the whole world, but filthy 
 rags? the hopes of a fallen world, but miserable delusion ? the plea- 
 sures of a gay world, but vanity ? the riches of the world, but deceit- 
 fulness ? the honors of the world, but an empty sound ? All these, 
 though possessed and enjoyed, cannot profit the soul. 
 
 Nay, rather like Job's friends, they often only prove miserable 
 comforters, distress the mind, but can never bi'ing comfort to the 
 soul. Though often set by the enemy before our eyes in the most 
 conspicuous view and advantageous light, as satan tempted our Lord ; 
 yetj is there any comparison between an eternal gain and a temporal 
 loss? Vc-rily, one moment's communion with Jesus by faith, infi- 
 nitely transcends a whole life of threescore years and ten, spent in 
 all the glory and happiness this whole world can yield. O, this one 
 word, *' thou fool, this hour thy soul is required of thee," is a death- 
 stroke to all worldly enjoyments. 
 
 What then can be placed in competition with an "exceeding and 
 an eternal weight of glory ?" How great is the worth of the soul ! it 
 is immortal. - How rich the love of God ! it is everlasting. How 
 transcendent the love of Jesus I it passcth knowledge. How amazing 
 the grace of the Holy Ghost 1 it proceeds from.both. It is through 
 his power any poor sinner is able to say, " What thhigs were gain 
 to me, those I count loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless ; and I count 
 all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus 
 my Lbrd ; for whom I have sufi'ered the loss of all things, and count 
 tliem dung, that I may win Christ and be found in him," &c. Phil. 
 iii. 7, 8, 9. 
 
 ■\^^1en T survey tlie wonrrrous cross AVorc tlic ivhulc Kealm of nature mine, 
 
 On which the Prince of arlorv (fj 'd, Tliat were a inxscnt fnr too smalf; 
 
 aiy rithesf -gain Tconnf but loss, l,ove so aniazinir, so divine. 
 
 And |K)ur conlcinpton all beside. Di-niands my soul, my life, my aU. 
 
' AUGUST 2. 227 
 
 Ood forbid that I should glory ^ save in the cross of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto 
 me, and I unto the world — Gal. vi. 14. 
 
 Satan is very busy to hinder the christian's glory in Jesus 
 •nly. As an adversary to the truth, he objects, by the men of the 
 world, and it is frequently suggested to tlie believer's mind, " Jesus 
 is ever uppermost in your heartland tongue ; you ascribe no glory 
 to God the Father, and to the holy Spirit." But this is vain and 
 ignorant ; for in our crucified Jesus we behold the great love of the 
 Father. Our glorying in the cross of Christ alone, is by the grace 
 and teaching of the Holy Spirit, whose office it is to testify of Jesus 
 only, and of salvation by none other ; so saith our Lord, '" He shall 
 glorify me : for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto 
 you," John xvi. 14. 
 
 God forbid that any man upon earth, all the devils in hell, all the 
 lusts in our nature, or unbelief of our hearts, should corrupt our 
 minds from the simplicity of Christ, or prevent our glorying in our 
 ever dear, ever lovely Jesus of Nazareth ; for he hung on the ac- 
 cursed tree, with all our guijt, and sin, and shame in his naked, 
 exposed body. Was he ashamed to own our vile characters, or love 
 our sinful persons ? No : shall we be ashiimed to own and confess 
 his innocent person, his glorious name, his gracious words, his ac- 
 cursed death, his perfect salvation ? Surely then the very stones in the 
 steet would cry out against us. And Jesus says, " whosoever shall 
 be ashanted of me and of my words in tliis adulterous and sinful gene- 
 ration, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh 
 in the glory of his Father with the ho^y angels," IVIark viii. 38. To 
 expect salvation from no other, and all salvation from this man Jcaun, 
 this fellow, this malefactor, as the Jews accounted him, as suffer- 
 ing, dying on the cross, a gibbet, a gallows ; this is tlse very essence 
 of the gospel, the glory of God's grace, the wonder of angels, and 
 the envy of devils ; this is the only hope of a poor humble sinner, 
 and the triumph of faith. 
 
 Who can fully describe the blessedness of Jesus-glorifying souls ! 
 As they find aod feel new life from his cross, they experience a 
 crucifixion and death to all legal hopes and vain confidence, which a 
 self-righteous world glory in. From the cross of Jesus they view 
 the world with all its pomps and pleasures, riches and honors, glory 
 and happiness, as accursed, sentenced and devoted to destruction. 
 Therefore, as crucified persons by the faith of Jesus, we die daily 
 to the world. " Christ is our life," Col. iii. 4. 
 
 Our faitli adores tliy bleeding lovp, Let llie vniii world pronounce it shame. 
 
 And trusts for life in one that dy'd ; And fling their scandals on the cause ! 
 
 Wc hope for heavenly crowns above, We come to boast our Saviour's name, 
 
 From a Redeemer crucified. And make our triumphs lo his cress. 
 
228 AUGUST 3. 
 
 And I will bring the third part through the fire ^ and -will 
 refine them as silver is refined^ and xvill try them as 
 gold is tried : they shall call on my nafne, and /will hear 
 them ; I will say it is my people ; and they shall say^ 
 the Lord is my God. — Zech. xiii. 9. 
 
 O, GIVE me comforts or I die, saith the soul ! for surely was I 
 a child of God, I should not be thus tried, afflicted, and distressed. 
 Nay, saith the Saviour, " ye know not what ye ask." Dost thou 
 forget the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children ? 
 ^^ My son despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when 
 thou art rebuked of him," Heb. xii. 5. Did I bid thee believe on 
 me ? Believe also nsy words : " it is through much tribulation thou 
 must enter my kingdom," Acts xiv. 22. This profitable lesson, 
 though grievous to the flesh, must be learned. Like Peter, we pray 
 to be excused being washed by our Lord. But we consider not his 
 love, nor our own advantage. " If I wash thee not, thou hast no 
 part with me," saith Jesus. " If ye are without chastisement, then 
 are ye bastards and not sons." " I will bring thee through the fire ; 
 I will refine thee ; I will try thee." Why ? Because thou art n ot 
 reprobate silver, nor counterfeit metal ; therefore I will take pains 
 with thee. " I will purge away thy dross and thy sin, and purify 
 thee in the furnace." Verily, thy graces shall shine brighter, tliy 
 faith grow stronger, thy love burn more fervent, and thy obedience be 
 more cheerful. Therefore " I chasten whom I' love," saith tlie 
 Lord. 
 
 ■ Nothing can reconcile souls to aflSiictive allotments, but looking 
 on them as covenant-dispensations. The loving Father's promise is 
 the beloved children's portion. " I will never turn away from them 
 to do them good,'' Jcr. xxxii. 40. Such is the covenant-love of our 
 «:ovenant God. Here faith fixes its hold, and waits the promised bles- 
 sing. Though saints desire to be passive, yet they cannot be silent ; 
 '• for they shall call on rhy name," even the name above all other 
 names, Jesus the precious Saviour. Saith the Lord, " I will not only 
 hear, but answer." « It is I," sidth Jesus to the terrified disciples, 
 " be not afraid." " It is nay dear people that call," saith the Lord. 
 As the affectionate mother knows the voice of her own dear child, 
 she listens, she runs to its relief. So the Lord speaks with affection 
 and love, '''• my fieojilc." So souls reply in faith, with Thomas, my 
 Lord, my God. C), happy to live, not so jnuch on comforts as on " the- 
 God of ail comfort,'' 2 Cor. i. 3. 
 
 BKst is the man (liy hui-.ds chastise. But God will nc'< r forsake his saintSj 
 
 And to liis duly draw ; TVor liis own piomise break ; 
 
 TJiy scoiirijcs make thy children ■wise, He. pardons his iidieritance 
 
 Wiien they forget thy law. Tor their Kadccmer's sake. 
 
,AUGUST 4. 229 
 
 And Hazael said. But xvhat, is thy servant a dog, tliat he 
 ' should do this great thing? — 2 Kii.gs viii. 13. 
 
 O, THE treachery of the human hfurt ! bolh sciipturu und expe- 
 rience prove this inelaucl.oly truth, thut it is •* ckctiilul above all 
 thiiT^s, imd de;->perately wicked." Who can fatliom the dtptlis of its 
 deceits? who caii uiubrst/nd the misery of iniquity whicii lies con- 
 cealed in the nature of si.'iful man ? Alus I presuiT^ptuous coi.fidcnce 
 that our nature is not so totally corrupt and aboniiin'ble, too. lOo oft 
 deceives and betrays even the children of (iod. This wretch Huzael^ 
 who had premeditated rebellion und nuirder in his hearty yet starts 
 at the prediction of these crimes which as yet had no real existence. 
 Doubtless he thouj^ht Elisha judged very hurd of him ; he could 
 almost stare the prophet out of countenance ; and, as though he 
 charged him with degrading the dignity of his human nature, he 
 demands whether he looked on hin\ no better than an unclean beast, 
 a fierce devouring dog^ that he sriould commit such abomhiuble 
 wickedness ? His very nature even shuddered at the very thoughts. 
 But the history assures us " lust ht,d conceived, and it brought forth 
 sin ;" which ended in the murder of his royal muster ! Huzacl fully- 
 verified all the prophet's prediction. 
 
 Boast not of thyself. O christi.ui ; say not, 1 am a converted man, a 
 believer in Jesus, not an unclean wretch like this Hszael ; therefore 
 I shall not fall into that and the other sin. Be ret high-minded, but 
 fear. Thou standest not by thine own strength, but by faith. This 
 grace ever leads out of self to its object, Christ. Flatter not thyself, 
 that thy corrupt nature i? in any-wise better than another; know there 
 is no difference. Deceive not thyself with conceits of perfection in 
 the flesh, or with the deluded dream, tliat the root of sin is entirely 
 d estroyed in thy nature Ever remember, " that in the flesh dwells 
 no good thing;" that it is and ever will be prone to evil continually. 
 Happy for thee tli;it thou art new-born, new-created in tlie Spirit of 
 thy mind. It is thy privilege to live under the influence of grace and 
 love. But still thy fallen nature is ever the same, the old man is still 
 alive ; there is the tinder of corruption, which may take fire from 
 the devil's sparks of temptation. What thou art least suspecting, 
 yejuwhen thou art most confident of standing, thou mayest be in 
 the greatest dtuiger of failhig. What thou fearest not to- day, to- 
 morrow may overcome thee. Tl.ink not more highly of thyself 
 t han thou oughtest to think. Be sober ; watch unto prayer. " God 
 resistcth the proud, but giveth grace to the huirble," 1 Pet. v. 5. 
 
 Sin liatli a thousand treach'rous arts, She pleads for all the joy she brings. 
 
 To practise on tlie iiind ; [hearts, And t;ives a fai.' iinteiice ; 
 
 With fli'tt'ring looks s!ie tempts our But cluats tiie so;iI of hl•a^'nly tilings, 
 Bi:t leaves a sting beluud. And chains it dowu to seuse. 
 
 Vol. I. E e 
 
230 AUGUST 5. 
 
 Let lis run xvith patience the race set before us. — Heb. 
 
 xii. 1. 
 
 A LIVELY faith bec^ets a cheerful heart. A joyful hope makes a 
 resigned soul. An liumble mind produceth a patient spirit. So we 
 run with pleasure our short race, " looking unto Jesus." But alas I 
 shame to us, there is a sin which easily besets us and which draws a 
 train of burdoiis and distresses along with it. Why are poor dis- 
 ciples' minds harrassed by frequent murmurings and impatience ? 
 Why their tempers soured with evil passions, and they utter hasty, 
 angry, unbecoming speeches? Verily, unbelief is the cause of all 
 this. Their minds are clouded ; they do not see Jesus ; they do not 
 consider Jesus as seeing them; they do not look to Jesus for patience: 
 hence satan gets an advantage over them : pride begets impatience of 
 spirit. Then, with fretful Jonah they cry out, " I do well to be angry." 
 Well, soul, and how do you find your mind after doing thus well ? 
 what is the frame of your soul after thus gratifying the will of the 
 flesh, your proud self-will ! what hast thou gained hereby but dejec- 
 tion of spirit and sorrow of heart ? what hast thou lost ? Even the 
 comforting view of Jesus, and the sweet sense of peace : thus the 
 feet are entangled in a snare ; and, instead of running with patience, 
 we sit down in sorrow. Tossed by stormy winds, in a tempestuous 
 ocean, the poor bark seems driven back many degrees from the 
 haven of rest and peace. So we suffer loss of patience by looking 
 from Jesus to other objects. W^hilc our beloved is viewed, patience 
 possesses the heart, the feet run with delight the way of God's com- 
 mandments, and we look forward with cheerful hope. Patience 
 sweetens afflictions and improves exercises and trials. It keeps the 
 heart from envy, the hand from revenge, the tongue from evil- 
 spenking, and overcomes enemies without weapons ; for it draws all 
 its strength from Christ's love, the sweetness of his presence, and 
 hope of his glory. A martyr tormented by infidels, was asked by- 
 way of reproach, what miracle his Chi-ist had done ? He replied, you 
 now behold one : he enables me to bear your reproaches, and suffer 
 your tortures with patience. I am not moved. - Is not this a miracle 
 worthy your notice ? Whatever befals our souls is the wise allotment 
 of our loving Father! We are exhorted to "run with patience," 
 that we may not lie down in sorrow. The sun of consolation shall 
 shiri's'^ bright on our souls, while " we press forward towards the 
 mark* for the prize of the high calling of God m Christ Jesus," 
 Phil. iii. 14. 
 
 O let loy llioughts be Immble still, The patient soul, tlielowlj mind 
 And .ill my caiTJiigc milj, Enjoys a sweet reward ; 
 
 Content, my Father, vith thy vill. Let saints in sorrow ,be resign'd, 
 
 AndqiuetasaduW. - And trust a faitliful Loi-d. 
 
, AUGUST 6. 231 
 
 Me that helieveth on the Son of God, hath the witness in 
 himself. — 1 John v. 10. 
 
 Many of the weak lambs of Jesus, are sadly perplexed in llicir 
 ininds about tlie nature of faith. Imoui the corruption of their hearts, 
 the workings of the enemy, unscriptural notions they have been 
 taught, and opposings of unbelief to the weakness of their faith, 
 tliey are often ready to question, nay, sometimes to conclude they 
 have not the « faith of God's elect." Here is a certain rule to deter- 
 mine by : this, if clearly understood in the light of the Spirit, will 
 satisfy and comfort weak hearts. Mind, the apostle doth not say, 
 lie that bclieveth hath no sin, no doubts ; knows his sins are for- 
 given, and hath full assurance of his own salvation. No : " but he 
 hath the witness in himself." What is this but an inward testimony 
 of what is outwardly i-evealed in the word ? As the Spirit bears wit- 
 ness in the word to Jesus the incarnate Son of God, the only true 
 Jind all-sufficient Saviour of guilty, perishing sinners, so he,, who 
 thus believeth on the Son of God, hath this divine, satisfying, ex- 
 perimental testimony brought into his mind and conscience by the 
 Holy Ghost. He hath an evidence in himself which neither men r.or 
 devils can destroy. Though be finds and fetls himself a lost crea- 
 ture, a helpless sinner ; so weak that he can do nothing to save him- 
 self; so vile that his nature is at enmity against Jesus and his Sc^va- 
 tion ; yet he believes the Son of God came to seek and to save such — 
 that there is all salvation in him and in no other such. Thus believ- 
 ing, he hath the witness or testimony of the love of the ever blessed 
 trinity in the salvation of sinners in his heart. The love of the Fa- 
 ther in the gift of his Son ; the love of Jesus in coming to save, and 
 the love of the Spirit in testifying to this in the word, and by the faith 
 of it in his heart. 
 
 Happy would it be for poor sinners, if instead of poring over them- 
 selves, they looked more steadily to the work of Jesus ; considered 
 more constantly the fulness of his redemption, the freentss of his 
 salvation, and regarded the outward witness to the truth in the word. 
 Faith in this would bring comfort to the heart ; so would their donbts 
 and fears vanish ; the fruits of fuith more evidently appear ; and their 
 minds, in Cod's- own time, would be fully satisfied about their own 
 interest in Jesus, and the knowledge of forgiveness of their s'ms by 
 the witness of the Holy Spirit through faith : for faith in the Son of 
 God, above all other things hath the pre-eminence. If the soul is 
 filled with peace and joy, it is in believing ; if with assurance of par- 
 don of sins, it is through faith in Jesus ; if scaled with the Spirit, it 
 is in believing. « And this is the victory that ovcrcomcth the world, 
 even our fuilh," 1 John v. 4. 
 
232 AUGUST 7. 
 
 / fear lest by any mcans^ as the serpent begiiUcd Eve 
 through his su'jtilfy, so your jnincls should be corrupted 
 from the simplicity that is in Christ. — A Cor. xi. 3. 
 
 Ey -x {^odly fear in tlie heart, the Lord keeps his people from 
 tola] y de^.irtiiig from him.. But there is ever danger from satan, 
 from me , yea and from bretliren too. of our minds being corrupted 
 and btguilfd, so as to suffer the Joss of that singleness of eye and 
 simplicity of heart towards our dear Saviour, by which the soul is 
 only kept happy. If the Lord's pri^phet had been more jealous over 
 himself, and more simple to his master's voice, the fair speech of 
 his brcther had not i)etrayed him to disobedience and death, by the 
 mouiii of the lion — See i Kings xiii. 24. 
 
 Couk! satan so bo.guile Evp a« to nrake her an instrument of deatli 
 to herself, to the dear partner of her life, and to all their posterity ? 
 O disciples, " take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye 
 not in any brother, for every brother will utterly supplant, and every 
 neighbour will walk with slanders," Jer. ix. 4. But how comes all 
 this ? Alas ! becaur.e " they are not valiant for the truth upon the 
 earth," verse 3. Satan's subtilty hath robbed them of Christ's sim- 
 plicity. Tite abiding, comforting presence, the sweet fellowship of 
 Jesus are obscured to their mind. Jesus is not simply and con- 
 stantly lived upon. The living actings of faith, the constant outgo- 
 ings of the soul, the continual lookhig to, and daily hanging upon 
 Jesus for salvation from liour to hour, is not enjoyed in the heart. 
 Corrupted m.u.ds . grow clouded. Hence they lose sight of our 
 beloved friend ; sweet simplicity departs, and other objects too oft 
 become the subjects of converse and meditation. This is an infec- 
 tious disorder; it rages among the chikh-en of God; it is easily 
 catcherj ; simple faith in Jesus is bewildered by perplexing notions ; 
 love to Jesus grows cold by keep-ng at a distance from him ; and 
 once himible, simple hearts get into doubting-castle. Satan cries, 
 ''There, there, so woukl I have it." Though Jesus will never 
 forsake them, yet he suffers their own folly to correct them. By 
 their stnarting he teaches them to be wi^er. ■ Chaste virgins are 
 jealous over their eyes, thejr tongues, and hearts lest they give 
 encouragement to unhiwful love. Wc are equally to be on our guard 
 against the corrupt principles of proud self-righteous Pharisees, as 
 against the licentious principles of Anlinomians. Both draw from 
 the simplicity that is in Christ. The light of the body is the eye ; 
 « if tlicrcforc thine eye be. single, thy whole body shall be full of 
 light," Matt. vi. 22. 
 
 S.itnn appears almost flivlne, Fly from tVi'- false docclver's tongaie, 
 
 Like innocence and love ; Ye sons of A(lam, fly ; 
 
 B'^« tl;c old serpcnf lurks witliin, Oni- parents Cmiiul tlie snare too strong, 
 
 Whc^ he assumes tlie dqve. Kqr should the claldren try. 
 
.AUGUST 8. 233 
 
 Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts : Be ready always 
 to (five an ansxver to every man that askethyou a reason 
 of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. — 
 1 Pet. iii. 15. , 
 When the Lord Jesus is the glory of the soul, it is the soul's 
 glory to s.inctify him, and him only. How joyful to huve one's 
 heart detached from every other object and hope, and its whole 
 delicrlu to glorify our Saviour 1 How ravishing to dwell on the won- 
 ders of his love, the riches of his grace, the gveatness of his suffer- 
 ings, the fulness of his redemption, the perfection of his righteous- 
 ness, the prevalency of his intercession, and all issuing in the eternal 
 life of such vile sintul wretches as we are ! Verily, under such views, 
 most cheerfully does the believer sanctify the Lord Immanuel in his 
 heart. Hence, how powerful is his soul animated witli holy bold- 
 ness against the fear of man ! Yea, hiflamed with love to the truth, 
 how ready to give a reason of his hope 1 Perhaps, through the 
 warmlh of his zeal, and the heat of his affections, he docs not always 
 act wisely herein ; but does what he is fordid by his Lord, " casts his 
 pearls before swine." Hence he finds, as they were ignorant of the 
 worth of his jewels, they turn 'upon him with wrath. The apostle 
 seems to guard against this. 
 
 Christian, thou art to be always ready to answer, and to give a 
 reason of thy hope. But to whom ? Every man that asks with meek- 
 ness and fear : meek to receive instruction ; fear of error ; and desires 
 to know the truth as it is in Jesus. As the christian has freely 
 received, so it is his delight freely to give to others. He hopes the 
 Lord may make him the happy instrument of conviction, conversion, 
 and edification to other souls. Far is it from the nature of a chris- 
 tian <' to eat his morsel alone." He is to imitate the meekness of 
 the Iamb in his temper. The boldness of the lion is to accompany 
 his concern for God's glory and the cause of his truth. Meek in 
 speech, but not with timid fear to answer. When God's truth is 
 the subject, the strongest confidence and the greatest courage arr 
 our glory. What is thy hope, O christian ? Is it any other than 
 »' God^s mystery, Christ in you, the hope of glory ?" Col. i. 27. 
 Dost thou see such infinite charms, such inestimable glory in that 
 despised Jesus, who was hanged upon a tree as an accursed malefac- 
 tor ? that he is the onhj hope of thy soul ? the only glory of thy 
 heart? O, blessed, higldy favored art thou 1 Is it not thy joy to say, 
 « Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he 
 hath done for my soul ?" Psalm Ixvi. 16. 
 
 Let the vain world pronounce its sli.-jmc. With joy Tve tell the scofTi.nR ape, 
 
 Aiid flinR their sc.qntlals on Oiir cause ; He that « ns dead has kit tl;c toinii ;■ 
 
 We Rlory in our S.iviour's n.ime, Pic lives ah jvc IheW- utmost vm^k, 
 
 ' And m.ike our triumphs in his cross. And we ai-e waiUi.g lili i»o come. 
 
234 AUGUST 9. 
 
 Great peace have they which love thy law : and nothing 
 shall offend them. — Psalm cxix. 165. 
 
 All inward peace and tranquility of mind are from the know- 
 ledge and love of iha law of the Lord. But hath not the apostle told 
 us, "the law worketh wrath?" Rom. iv. 15. Have not believers 
 experienced a sense of wrath in the conscience, through " the know- 
 ledge of sin by the law ?" Yes, verily. But this law, the moral law, 
 is subservient to the everlasting law of love, the eternal covenant of 
 grace and peace ; therefore in time " it was added because of trans- 
 gressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made ;" 
 even Jesus, the seed of the woman, in whom the law of peace and 
 salvation centered ; of whom the ceremonial law was a shadow; and 
 by whose holy life, the moral law received perfect obedience to all 
 its demands, and a full satisfoction for all its curses and penalties by 
 his sin-atoning sacrifice. 
 
 This eternal law, or purpose of God, was manifested by promise 
 from Jehovah himself ^to the sin-convicted pair immediately after 
 their fall ; and confirmed again both by promise and oath to Abraham 
 and his seed, which is Christ. " This law or covenant that was 
 confirmed before of God in Christ, the law which was four hundred 
 and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the 
 promise of none effect," Gal. iii. 17. No; this law of life, by 
 promise, is " sure to all the seed." It is immutable, it is unchange- 
 able, therefore not one of them can perish. Hence this law of sal- 
 vation is the delight of believers. They have great peace from it. 
 For with Paul, they know "the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath 
 made us free from the law of sin and death," Rom, viii. 2. Hence 
 with David they say, " O how love I thy law ! it is my meditation 
 all the day." Though many things from within and without grieve 
 and offend them, yet nothing from the law of g-race and truth Avhich 
 came by Jesus Christ shall. Christ is not "a stone of stmnbling, 
 and a rock of offence to them ; they stumble not at the word of his 
 grace.'-' They are not offended because it tcacheth that salvation is 
 •all of grace, according to election, through the blood and righteous- 
 ness of Christ ; applied to their souls in faith by the Holy Spirit. 
 No; all this is their consolation and joy. The commands of Jesus do 
 not ofTend them, they are all in love : " His commandments are not 
 grievi^us," 1 John v. 3. Thus, all their joy and rejoicing is in 
 Christ Jesus only, while they confidently and comfortably hope for 
 eternal life, by God's purpose and grace, according to the everlasting; 
 law of love, and his free gift by Jesus Christ', Rom. vi. 22. 
 
AUGUST 10. 235 
 
 The wisdom that is from above^ is first pure ^ then peace- 
 able^ &:c. — James iii. 17. 
 
 True knowledge centers in this one point, namely, that Jesus 
 is our wisdom ; even as the sun is the only source of all light. From 
 hence light is communicutcd to the earth freely. As thut halh no 
 power to influence the sun to uhed forth its comforting beams of light, 
 so neither are we able or willing, while in a state of sin and folly, to 
 exert any power to procure wisdom. But unasked, unsought, un- 
 merited ; Jesus, who is emphatically stilcd tviadom^ come down 
 from above, that wisdom might once more be found in our nature. 
 In him most conspicuously shone forth every perfection of purity, 
 peace, gentleness, See. 
 
 This is our gospel to believe, that thus Jesus hath " abounded 
 towards us in all wisdom," Eph. i. 8. So also it is the rich expe- 
 rience of his members, that " out of his fulness we all receive." 
 Hence we are made wise xmto salvation, for we know, love,, and 
 approve of Jesus, as "made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sancti- 
 fication, and redemption." This is our cliief glory, to glory in /i/;n, 
 v;ho is our greatest glory : this our highest wisdom, to glory in him 
 who is our wisdom. 
 
 Nature witli all its powers is averse to this ; but wisdom seeks and 
 apprehends us ; causeth us to hear her voice, to be in love with her 
 beauty ; or we should never have had so much as one desire after her. 
 They cry after wisdom, is wisdom in the heart.. A desire after Jesus, 
 is from Jesus being known to the soul. Thus Christ prevents us : 
 he first Cometh from above to us, then.we soar from beneath towards 
 him. 
 
 This is the purity of true wisdom :, it hath no mixture with anv 
 thing from beneath. All the human systems and carnal schemes 
 which the <' wise of this world" cidl religion, as well as the impurty 
 of the flesh, it turns from. It brings purity of aflcction to Jesus only, 
 like a chaste virgin who lias but 'one object of love : it brings peace 
 to the soul through the same object. Thus where Christ dwelleth 
 in the heart by faith, that soul dwells in wisdom, and is united to 
 purity and peace, &c. When the soul hath but once lasted this wis- 
 dom that cometh.from above, there is an insatiable thirst after more; 
 that so from this uncorrupted fountain the pleasing streams of parity, 
 peace, gentleness, mercy, and good fruits, may incessantly flow. 
 " Thus wisdom is justified of all her children," Matt. xi. 19. 
 
 Nature w itli open volume stands Here, on the cross 'tis fairest drnwii 
 
 To sprc.'id lier Maker's praise abroad : In precious blood and crimson lines. 
 
 And ev'ry lal.fwr of his liands O, the sweet wonders of that cress. 
 
 Shews sonuthing wo.lhy of a God. -where Cod the Saviour lov'd and dy'd ! 
 
 But in the grace tliat rescu'd man Her noblest lite my Si)irit draws 
 
 His brightest form of gloiy shines ; Prom bis dear wouadwii bleeding side. 
 
236 AUGUST 11. 
 
 Now I know thou fear est God, seeing thou hast not with' 
 held thy son, thine only son from me. — Gen. xxii. 12. 
 
 So spake Jesus to his friends of old. What ! did not God know 
 that Abraham feared him before this ? Doubtless he did. Butnov/ 
 in the exercise of faith and love he approved himself to God. He 
 gave full evidence that God's commandments are not grievous : that 
 it was his joy and delight to obey his God. Lord, give what thou 
 commandest, and command what thou wilt, is the bieathuig of faith 
 and love ! Thus was the faith of Abraham justified by its fruits. 
 Scest thou how his faith wrought by his works ? And by works he 
 gave full proof that he possest the faith of God's elect. Thus he 
 obtained this glorious testimony to his own soul fiom the mouth of 
 the Lord : " Now I know that thou fearest God with a loving, filial 
 fear. Thy faith worketh by love ; it has influenced thy heart to this 
 eminent act of cheerful, unreserved obedience to nie." His faith 
 consulted not flesh and blood ; it surmounted carnal reason. The 
 command of the Lord was the only rule of his conduct. He both 
 sacrificed and enjoyed his Isaac. Thus saith Jesus to every believer, 
 " Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you," John xv. 
 14, The Spirit of God, by St. James, stiles him a " vain man," who 
 thinks he may have faith destitute of works, James ii. 20. 
 
 It is the wisdom of a christian to know that his justification in the 
 sight of Godv through the blood and righteousness of Jesus, is "per- 
 fect and entire, lacking nothing.'' This is received by faith only. 
 But this belief cannot exist without its object, Jesus ; therefore it 
 cannot be alone in the heart without love. Faith works by love, and 
 love lives by faith. This inward principle manifests itself by obedi- 
 ence, as an outward evidence, 'I'hus the believer's works are mani- 
 fest that they are wrought in God, and that the soul walks in the light 
 of God's truth and love. But alas ! it is an awful case amongst pro- 
 fessors, as Paul said on another occasion, " Many are sick and weak 
 among you, and many are fallen asleep,'' through the intoxicating 
 draughts of the love of this world, and living after the flesh. Such 
 have no inward testimony that they please God. They possess not 
 joy and peace in believing. They give no outward evidence that they 
 are married to vhe Lamb, and live by faith on him. " Examine thy- 
 self, O christian, whether thou art in the faith ; prove thy own 
 self. ^.Knowcst thou not thine own self, how that Jesus Christ is in 
 thee, except thou be a reprobate," 2 Cor, xiii. 5. 
 
 Grace, like an uneorrnpfed seed. Not by the terrors of a slave. 
 Abides and rdgns within ; Do they pcifoi m his will ; 
 
 Immortal principles foi!)id But willi the noblest pow'rs they have, 
 The sons of God to sin. His sweet commands fulfil. 
 
AUGUST 12. 237 
 
 Whom he justified, them he also glorified. — Rom. viii. 30. 
 
 WH\T"poor scanty thoughts do we too oficn entertain of the 
 love and beneficence of our coveiuvnt God ! At best our conceptions 
 are too contracted : we xire straitened in our own bowels, \\hile wc 
 have no cause to be straitened in the super-abounding grace of our 
 Lord : we have little reason to borrow contracted tlvoughts of God's 
 love from Egyptian task-masters. Our own corrupt n;.ture too, too 
 often fui-nishes with carnal pleas and unbelieving suggestions, which 
 weaken our faith, cool our love, damp our zeal, deject our spirits, 
 and grieve our hearts. Simple hearts sh.ould have nothing to do bllt 
 with tlie plain simple truths of God. Hath the Lord said it ? He will 
 also do it. Faith defies satan's power, and smiles at human con- 
 tradictions. Though humbled souls lie low in self-abasement, yet 
 their views are exalted to the highest confidence, by God's purposes, 
 declarations, and promises in Christ Jesus. So they arc established 
 in the truth. 
 
 All the blessings of grace and glory are sure to every believer ; 
 for all such are in Jesus beloved justified and saved in the sight of 
 God. So also in themselves, they are discharged from guilt, ab- 
 solved from punishment, acquitted from the curse of the law. When 
 the comforter bririgs tlie sweet knowledge of this to the conscience, 
 then how do they triumph in Jesus 1 Satan cannot see this without 
 envy. Then lie stirs up all the powers of nature and corrupt reason 
 to stop their glorying. Some miserable teachers are not aware 
 whom they serve, when they talk of Jesiis' righteous, justified mem- 
 bers l)cing consigned over to eternal damnation. Jusiificalion by 
 faith is a fruit of electing love. All such as are chosen to salvation, 
 they can never perish. Says St. Austlif, "If any of the elect perish, 
 God is deceived ; but God is not deceived, therefore none of the 
 elect can perish ; for the Lord knoweth who are his." In Jesus tliey 
 have a sure right and title to glory. And the Lord the Spirit glorifies 
 every justified soul. The church, the King's daughter, he makes 
 all-glorious within now. So each member hath a meetness for glory 
 above. The glory of God lies near the hearts of sanctified souls. 
 The way of truth and the paths of holiness are their delight. Sanc- 
 tification of the Spirit in inseparable from belief of the truth. Both 
 spring from tlie ejecting love of God the Father, and shall 'most 
 assuredly issue in certain salvation of every happy stil-ject. This is 
 the challenge oi' Jesus : " Father I luill that those whom thou hast 
 given me, be with me whore I am," John xvii. 24. 
 
 To Go ) f'le only v iso, Soon all the chosen seed 
 
 Oar Sr.io'u- ancf our Kin!», .SlciU meet around ilie throne. 
 
 Let all th'; saints bilow llie skies Slmll liless the comluct of his grace. 
 
 Their ' -..nble prais;->s bring. And make his ■woiidcrs known. 
 
 V^L. I. Ff 
 
238 AUGUST 13. 
 
 Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart ; and ye 
 shall find rest to your souls. — Matt. xi. 29. 
 
 Thus, with tender affection, speaks Jesus our prophet to the 
 kmbs of his flock. He well knows we stiuid in need of daily instruc- 
 tion from him : he teaches us in the truth as we are able to bear it ; 
 he knows the weakness of our understandings ; he is " touched with 
 a feeling of our infirmities." Therefore, lest our poor hearts should 
 at any time conceive thoughts of him contrary to his nature and 
 office, he says, " I am meek and lowly of heart." You find that 
 you are poor sinners ; ignorant of many truths ; exercised with many 
 conflicts, trials and temptations : do not think of me only as the high 
 and lofty one who inhabiteth eternity, but as dwelling also with hum- 
 ble hearts. Look not on me as an austere master, a terrible lawgiver, 
 a severe judge, who watches over you for evil, and is ever ready to 
 take all advantages against you. No : I am your condesccndingj 
 meek and lowly Saviour ; your loving friend and kind instructor ; 
 therefore come and listen to my words : " Leani of me." 
 
 What sweet encouragement is this ! Art thou, O soul, tossed 
 with temptations ? Harrassed with corruptions ? Beset with sinful 
 passions ? Do these bring disquiet upon tby mind, distress to thy 
 conscience, and are a wearisome burden to thy spirits, so that thou 
 dost not enjoy settled ease and composed rest ? Remember thy 
 Saviour's lowly character and kind advice. He hath an ear for thy 
 complaints, a heart of love to pity thee, a powerful arm to relieve 
 thee. With sweet familiarity pour out thy heart to him : as a bosom- 
 friend tell him of thy sorrows, thy complaints, and fears. Always 
 bear in mind his kind invitation ; the loving meekness and lowliness 
 of his heart, and the blessedness of his promise. He hath spoken it, 
 and will he not bring it to pass ? He lia%h sidd it, and will he not fulfil 
 it ? " Ye shall find rest to your souls :" sweet tranquility and inward 
 composure as can be found in no object besides Jesus. Could the 
 children of this world persuade us there is no evil in their vain diver- 
 sions and carnal delights, still we know we cannot expect our Lord's 
 presence, nor shall we find rest to our s6ul& from the bewitching 
 scenes of the play-house, &.c. No ; but the more rest we find to our 
 souls in Jesus, the more we are delighted with him, and beccnie dead 
 to all things that are contrary to spiritual ])care and joy from him. 
 *' We who have believed, do enter into rest," Heb. iv. 3. 
 
 l.it me bill Jiear my Saviour say, I gioi\v in infu'Jnity, 
 
 Strcnfjtti shall be equal to thy day'. That f 'lirisf s own power may rest on me , 
 
 Then I it joire in dci'p flistrcss, "When I mn \\ oak, then T am strong, 
 
 Leaiiii^ ou alKsufiicifcnt grace. Grace is <y.\ fahitUi and Christ my iong. 
 
AUGUST U. 239 
 
 / will bring the blind by a luay that they know Jiot ; I will 
 
 lead them in paths that they have not known; I will 
 
 make darkness light before them, and crooked things 
 
 straight : These things will J do unto them, and not 
 
 forsake them. — Isa. xlii. 16. 
 
 Here is a full proof of the personality of the divine Spirit, the 
 third glorious person in the adorable trinity ; and also the nature of 
 his office in the oeconomy of the covenant of grace for the salvation 
 of the elect. He ivill lead them into all the paths of truth. Truth 
 is of the very essence and perfection of Jehovah. The Father 
 *■' hath chosen us from tlie beginning to salvation, thi'ough sanctifi- 
 cation of the Spirit, and beUef of the truth," 2 Thess. ii. 'I3. Jesus 
 is essentially « the way, the trufh, and the life," John xiv. 6 — by 
 whom we are saved ; and the Holy Spirit performs his ofTice as our 
 guide to hwi. 
 
 We poor sinners " are all gone out of the way :" we are blind 
 and see not the way, ignorant and know not the way, proud and 
 have « turned every one to his own way ;" and if left to ourselves, 
 through the darkness that is in us, should seek death and destruc- 
 tion in the error of our lives. But, adorable grace ! the Spirit of 
 love prevents this. He will guide to Jesus, the way, and into " all 
 the truth, as it is in him." So we enjoy life from him : a life of love 
 iind holiness now, and eternal life and glory hereafter. O the iovh.g 
 condescension of this heavenly guide I yet it is natural for us to resist 
 the Holy Ghost, to grieve the loving Spirit, and quench his blessed 
 motions. This is our chiefest grief. Yet such is his amazirig love, 
 such his sovereign power, that, like, a most affectionate friend, a 
 benign comforter, he takes us by the hand, yea takes our I.earts into 
 his hand, and w/// guide, counsel, and direct us. This he doth out- 
 wardly by his word, and inwardly by his secret but powerful mfluences. 
 In tke light of his word of truth, we see how sinful, miserable, and 
 wretched we are m ourselves. But why doth he teach us this ? Be- 
 cause we should not trust in ourselves that we are righteous, and 
 deceive our souls into perdition. By the word of his grace, he 
 teaches us the {knowledge of Jesus. In him he shews us the love of 
 the Father, the supcr-aboundings of grace over the aboundings of sin. 
 He turns us from the crooked paths of pride, sclf-wiil, and self- 
 righteousness, into the straight paths of grace, truth, and holiness. 
 Here, O believer, is thy mercy. " He ivill work and none shall let 
 it." O, this is the crowning mercy of all, " I will not forsake them." 
 Here are four absolute declarations, I will. Bow proud free-will tc 
 thy Lord's -wills. He will certainly guide thy soul through all th< 
 mazes of a sinful world to eternal giory. " As many as are led hi 
 the Spirit of God, they arc the sons of God," Rom. viii. 14. 
 
240 AUGUST 15. 
 
 Consider him that endured such contradiction of sintiers 
 against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your 
 minds. — Heb. xii. 3. 
 
 Come, fclikfetian, loo); up, look forward, and be of good courage. 
 Though thy exercises are many, and tliy conflicts great, though 
 weary m, yet grow not weary o/, the ways of the Lord. Verily, in 
 due time we shall reap an harvest of eternal felicity, after all our 
 present toil and labor. JFaint not ; continue to the end ; persevere 
 in the work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope. The battle 
 is the Lord's ; thy foes are all conquered ; victory is obtained ; the 
 crown is held forth by thy conquering Lord. Press on. But alas ! 
 thou findest contradiction and opposition from every quarter, from 
 within and from without: numerous are thy foes which rise up against 
 thee ; thy strength is small ; thy power weak : most true ; but know 
 thy calling ; study thy privilege ; behold thy comforter hoids forth 
 a reviving cordial tlus day to thy drooping spirits : " lest thou be 
 weary and faint in thy mind,'' consider Jesus. Plere is faith's mystery, 
 the christian's triumph : hence derive fresh life and vigor to thy 
 fainting mind. Consider Jesus : in his divine nature, thy covenant 
 God : in his human nature, thy redeeming brother : as God and man 
 in one Christ Jesus, thy salvation ; thy Almighty Saviour. Con- 
 sider Jesus in his innocent life, enduring contradiction of sinners 
 against himself on thy account ; fulfilling all righteousness for thee ; 
 that thou art perfectly righteous before God in him. Consider Jesus, 
 t on the cross bearing thy sins ; amidst taunts and jeers, while making 
 atonement for thy transgressions. Consider Jesus entered into 
 heaven, and appearing in the presence of God /or us. Consider Jesus 
 infinite in wisdom to know thy wants ; nifinite in love to sympathize 
 with thee in all thy sorrow : infinite in power to support aiid strength- 
 en thee under them: consider what infinite riches of grace he has 
 in glory to supply all thy need. O, consider the fulness of grace that 
 dwells in him for needy sinners ; live upon his fulness day by day, so 
 as to receive out of his fulness grace for grace. It is said " the blood 
 of martyrs was the seed of the church ? Confident we are, the life and 
 death, the blood and righteousness of Jesus are the life of our graces, 
 the spring of our comforts, the support of our weary minds, and the 
 only reviving cordials for our. fainting spirits. Are we panting sin- 
 ners Jtthis footstool ? Considering Jesus makes us joyful before his 
 throne now, soon we shall stand eternally happy in his presence. 
 Imitate the Father of the faithful ; be not weak in faith ; consider 
 not thy own body, which is' « dead because of sin. Know the Spirit 
 is life, because of the righteousness of Jesus," Rom. viii. 10. - 
 
AUGUST 16. 241 
 
 And they laughed him to scorn — Matt. ix. 24. 
 
 WonOkkfui: iinlci'd is our m.i.sier in p.ai( net-, mtckness, love, 
 and goodness, ujicier such iiibult and scorn '• When fitrod saw 
 Jesus ne was exceedin^'glad : he desired to see hinx of a lonj^ scasoDj 
 for he hoped lo see some miracle done by him." Muscles may 
 satisfy the curiosity ; tiiey do not of thtmseives convert the heart to 
 the truth. This is plain. Hciod saw in Jesus a most astoriishing 
 miracle. Behold innocence itstlf arraigned and accused— tleuih iii 
 its most cursed and isj;nominious from threaiened. Amazing to con- 
 sider ! Jesus stood mute j his tongue locked up in silence. His 
 miglity arm, wliich could iiave dealt destruction at a blow, he suf- 
 fered to be bound ; himself set at naughts mocked, and iii derision 
 arrayed in a robe of mock royalty — white, suith Jieza. So Herod, 
 though undesigned, gives him a token of his innocence ; as Pilate, 
 contrary to his judgment and intention, gives him a title, '' This is 
 the King of the Jews." Though requested to alter the words, he 
 was constrained to be inflexible ; replies, " What 1 have written, I 
 will not revoke." 
 
 See your calling, brethren : it is to confess and follow a once 
 laughed at, scorned, ridiculed 'Jesus : never once dream of being 
 excused pledging our Lord in the same cup. So sure as thou dost 
 " witness a good piufession" of faith in Jesus and conformity to him, 
 thou also shalt not escape laughter and scorn from the carnal world, 
 nor of being arrayed by them in the contemptible garb of a fool's cap 
 and a madman's coat. Time was when we acted as they do. Think 
 of this, and be humble. Give him the gloVy who taught us better. 
 But what harm can this do us 1 Harm ? it is our greatest glory on 
 earth. " Such honor have all his saints." An honor angels share 
 not in. Sinners only are called thus to glorify liieir master. True, 
 it is galling to theflesli ; but " they that are Christ's liavc crucified 
 the flesh with its affections and lusts." By the world's scorn, pride 
 is mortified, while the soul is joyful ; and the Spirit of Chirst and 
 glory rests upon us. The world laughs us to scorn ; Jesus smiles 
 and approves. Shall we be uneasy and grieve at it ? N-o ; our master 
 bids us rejoice, and be exceeding glad. Thus, follow Christ ana fear 
 not men. 
 
 In former times it was a proverbial expression, to shew the im- 
 possibility of a thing, " You niity as soon turn a christian fro-.n Chi 1st 
 as do it." Stedfastness here is our glory. In the things of God, 
 said Luther, I assume this title cedo nuUi, " I yield to none." 
 As God's election is irrevocable, so let our coi.fchsion of Christ be ; 
 striving to imitate him in love and patience. " i-'uLon (as the elect 
 of God, holy and beloved) humbleness of mind, meekness, long- 
 sufi'enng," Col. iii. 12. 
 
242 AUGUST 17. 
 
 Thou hast received gifts for men. — Psalm Ixviii. 18. 
 
 The dedication of tliis Psalm, according to Bcza, is to him tiiat 
 excelleth, even Jesus, the excellent oiie. It contains a glorious dis- 
 play of the Redeemer's kingdom. The royal prophet was highly fa- 
 vored with clear and comfortable views of the ample provision which 
 is made for poor rebellious sinners in the settlements of the everlast- 
 ing covenants of grace and love. Jesus is the rich treasury ; all 
 grace is laid up in him. So it pleased the Father, so it rejoiced the 
 heart of all his members, like Joseph's brethren, to receive all gifts 
 from his hands, Jesus is the unspeakable gift of God the Father to 
 us, John iv. 10. All his members were given to him: in him Je- 
 hovah loves us, delights in us, and rejoices over us to do us good. 
 Alas ! too, too often we are apt to think vainly, and talk arrogantly ; 
 to ascribe what we are, and what we hope for, to something in us, or 
 done by us. So we lose sight of our own poverty, forget our kind 
 benefactor, and presently this fever of pride is succeeded by an ague 
 of heartless dejection : our hands hang down and our knees grow 
 feeble. For ever blessed be God, salvation from first to last is all of 
 free gift by free grace, secured by free promises in Christ. So it is 
 effectual to the hearts of sinners ; so believers ascribe all the glory 
 to the ever-blessed trinity by Jesus. Are mine eyes opened to see 
 the exceeding sinfulness of sin ? Am I sensible of my deserts, my 
 ruined, helpless state as a sinner ? Do I see the purity and spirituali- 
 ty of God's righteous law ? Do I despair of all hope and help in my- 
 self? Is Jesus my refuge ? Do I see the glory of his righteousness, 
 and perfection of his atonement Is the triumph of his cross, the 
 victory of his death, the foundation of my faith, the support of my 
 hope from day to day ? These are love-tokens from Jesus. He sheds 
 them on us as the free gifts of the Holy Spii-it. So our heails are 
 enamoured with him, and knit to him in love. And, for our farther 
 consolation and joy, he still lives to bestow innumerably more and 
 infinitely greater gifts than what we have yet received ; for if we 
 have received the first fruits of the Spirit the harvest is sure : every 
 enemy shall be conquered, every lust subdued. Nothing less than 
 perfect holiness and perfect happiness await us. Is sin atoned for 
 by the blood of Jesus ; and shall his members live without a sense of 
 pardon ? No : " Ask," says our munificent benefactor, '' and receive, 
 that your joy may be full," John xvi. 24. Jesus is glorified ; the 
 Spirit is given to bear witness of loye and salvation to us, to comfort 
 and sanctify us. This is the joyful reasoning of faith. " If God be 
 for us, who can be against us ? Hc^ that spared not his own Son, but 
 delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely 
 give us' all things ?" Rom. viii. 31, 32, 
 
AUGUST 18. 243 
 
 Then said I, JFoeis me ! fur lam undone: because I am 
 a man gf unclean lips : — -fo?' mine cijcs have seen the 
 King^ the Lord of Hosts. — Isa. vi. 5. 
 
 When the calory of Jesus is manifested to the soul in the light 
 of the Spirit, how doth it stain the pride of all human glory ! The 
 prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of Jesus under the 
 New, were m.cn of like passions, sinners like unto ourselves : by na- 
 ture there is no difference : they wei-e all saved by the same precious 
 Saviour of sinners : a sight of themselves in the light of truth hum- 
 bled them to the dust. " O wretched mun tliat I um !" cries Paul 
 the apostle. " Woe is mc ; I am unclean, I am undone !" cries 
 Isaiah the evangelical prophet. '- God will suffer no flesh to glory in 
 his presence." Jesus the Saviour alone shall be exalted ; man, the 
 sinner, though the subject of grace and salvation, shall be laid low ; 
 every hope in himself cut off; the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and 
 his deserts as a sinner confessed. Such are the saving effects of 
 Jesu's love ; such the humbling views of his Spirit. But it is very 
 natural for the sensible sinner to write bitter things against himself; 
 to pronounce a woe upon himself, ar.d to cry out of his own undone 
 state, and unclean, polluted condition : as when the sun shines wc 
 see innumerable motes and atoms which were invisible before. But do 
 we think this strange, after a soul has been favoured with a spiritual 
 sight of Jesus, faith in him, and hope from him, to be sensible of, and 
 cry out of our undone state ? We should not thiiA it striinge. We 
 shall carry this view of ourselves with us all our journey through, 
 even till we come to the banks of Jordan's streams. 
 
 Tlie most exalted saint, while in the body, is in himself, according 
 to the flesh, carnal, sold under sin ; burdened with a body of sin and 
 death. B\it though, as thus considered in himself, he is in a woeful, 
 undone state, yet being in Christ Jesus, a member of him, a believer 
 on him, a new creature in him, there is no woe, no wrath, no condem- 
 nation ; but peace, pardon, love, and stJvation from God the Father 
 to him. This is manifested to our souls by the ministry of the word 
 of grace ; the Spirit of truth, like the seraphim, by the-prophet, takes 
 a live coal from ofl' the altar, the sacrifice of Christ, and suith, '< Lo I 
 this hath touchecf thy lips, thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is 
 purged. •' Let this comfortable truth ever dwell in thy heart, make 
 confession with thy mouth unto salvation; the blocdy sacrifice of 
 Jesus hath purged thy sins. " Bo not faithless, but bi.Ucving," 
 Julm XX. 27. 
 
244 AUGUST 19. 
 
 A bruised reed shall he not breaks and smoking flax shall 
 he not quench^ till he send forth judgment unto victory, 
 — Matt. xii. 20. 
 
 Through a sight of their sinful state, a sense of strong corrup- 
 tions, weakness of faith, and small degree of the knowledge of Jesus, 
 young converts, like David just come to the throne, are apt to say, 
 " I am this day weak, though anointed king ;" and to fear with him, 
 " the sons of Zcruiah be too hard forme," 2 Sam. iii. 39. The ac- 
 cuser of the brethren is ever an adversary to Jesus and the truth ; he 
 is always busy with souls, to stamp upon their minds the blackest 
 impressions. He paints the Saviour, not as loving, gentle, and mer- 
 ciful to relieve distressed and comfort wounded, afflicted conscien- 
 ces ; but as a rigid, austere^ and cruel exactor. When carnal rea- 
 son joins in with false accusations, it is sore distress and conflict to 
 the mind. But to the law and to the testimony. How readest thou, 
 O soul ? " It is right thou shouldest bear the indignation of the 
 Lord, because thou hast sinned against him," Micah vii. 9. The Sa- 
 viour sees it fit. By this he teaches the exceeding sinfulness of sin, 
 that thou shouldest abhor it, be humbled for it. Yea also, as the 
 greatest blessing above all, that thou shouldest look to him, believe on 
 him, and love him. But this thou never wilt do, while thou dost not 
 consider him as a precious Saviour for the lost and guilty. True, in 
 tliyself thou art like a bruised reed, shaken with the wind of tempta- 
 tion ; oppressed with sin and distress ; weak and 'helpless, ready to 
 fall into despair, and perish without hope. As smoking flax, tliou 
 seemest to smoke, but not burn ; rather offensive to thyself, because 
 of the vapours of corruption : these blind thine eyes, and are a stench in 
 thy nostrils : and so poor sensible souls are apt to think themselves to 
 be to jesus. But saw he any amiable dispositions in the sinner's char- 
 acter to invite him from heaven to earth ? Being come to seek and to 
 save the lost, and to be the physician of sin-sick souls, waits he for 
 their health and soundness ere he rcacheth forth his healing hand ? 
 Doth the friend of sinners l^reak in pieces- with a rod of iron the sin- 
 wounded, heavy laden soul ? That be far from" the lovhig heart of 
 Jesus ; far lie that from any poor sinner's heart to conceive. Nay, 
 but lie pleads thy cause, he will execute judgment for all such over 
 ever^adversary. He shall not break, he shall not quench, till judg- 
 ment is denounced and victory proclaimed. Satan's accusations, un- 
 believing suggestions, shall be condemned and ciist out by the word 
 of truth, and the power oi" the Spirit ; and the weakest believer " shall 
 overconie and obtain victory by the blood of the Lamb and the v/ord 
 of the Icstimonv of Jesus." Rev. xii. II. 
 
AUGUST 20. 245 
 
 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peaces long-suffering, 
 gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: 
 against suchtliere is ?io laiu. — Gal. v. 22, 23. 
 This numerous issue is of super-natural generation ; like Isaac, 
 who sprang from the dcud body of Abraliam and barren v omb of 
 Sarah. Though believers love to bring fortii such fruits, delight to 
 see theiin, yet through humility they are backward in speaking of 
 them, and averse to glory in them as productions of their own. 
 Hence when these fruits of the Spirit appear inward or outward, 
 like the bride of the lamb on another occasion, she cries out in 
 lowliness of heart, "Who hath begotten me these ?" Isa. xlix. 21. 
 But is any thing too hard for God ? " He maketh the barren- soul to 
 be a joyful mother of children," Psalm cxiii. 9. To this very end 
 believers are " married co Jesus by {^uth, that they may bring forth 
 fruit unto God," Rom. vii. 4. There is no member of the church 
 of which Jesus is the husband, barren. Some bring forth more fi-uit 
 than others — some more eminent for one kind, and some for another. 
 Every one " according to the measure of the gift of Christ,'* 
 Eph. iv. 7. But it is by the same Spirit that dwclleth in all : each 
 esteem other's fruits better thaii their own. The graces of a true 
 christian shine .brightest in tlie sight of his brethren. With the plea- 
 sant fruits of his Spirit, which his members bear, Jesus our head is 
 delighted and God our Father is glorified. Will not this be the prayer, 
 the daily prayer of every believer? O that I may bring forth more fruit 
 to God I So let thy all-commanding voice pronounce on me, " be fruit- 
 ful and multiply." Thus is " the bride, the Lamb's wife, all-glorious 
 within." But yet, conscious of what she was, of what she still is 
 by opposing nature, which brings forth contrary fruits, she wears a 
 conscious blush, and dares not glory in herself. She knows she is 
 wholly indebted for the root of all grace, Jeiut:, as well as for the 
 fruits of the Spirit, to unmerited grace and sovereign power. Thus 
 holy Paul says, « I am become a fool in glorying," though compel- 
 led to it. That holy, faithful, loving, tender-hearted martyr of 
 Jesus, ever stiled himself « the unbelieving, unloving, hard-hearted 
 Bradford.' Yet, " against such there is no law." The law cannot 
 accuse or condemn those who believe in Jesus ; « for the law of the 
 Spirit of life m Christ Jesus, hath made them free from tlie llw of 
 sin and death," Rotn. viii. 2, Indeed the law may trouble and tcriify 
 the conscience ; but Christ, apprehended by fi.ilh, vanquisheth d\ its 
 terror and threatenings ; « for Christ is the end of the law for light- 
 eousness to every one who believes," Rom, x. 4. They are as right- 
 eous in him, as if they had fulfilled the law themselves. « Ye shall 
 know them by their fruits," Matt. vii. 16. 
 Vol.. I. G g 
 
246 AUGUST 21. 
 
 That no flesh should glory in his presence: lie that glori- 
 eth, let him glory in the Lord.~r-\ Cor. i. 29, 31. 
 
 Humble, self-abased souls, who drink deep into self-knowledge, 
 sensible what human nature is ; whose eye of faith is to the Lord 
 Jesus, and to what he is made of God to them ; are as jealous of 
 the pride of the flesh as they are of its sinfulness. This is a safe 
 state ; such have little reason to murmur because they do not expe- 
 rience high flights and ravishing ecstacies which appear to arise 
 from nature and sense, because they lead to glory in the righteous- 
 ness of the flesh. Flesh is proud and prone to glory, even in the 
 presence of God ; but faith in Jesus cuts off all glorying in the flesh, 
 as viewing all salvation out of ourselves in Jesus. This is the very 
 essence of the faith of God's elect. Yet, wlrile we are in the flesh, 
 we are daily exposed to the workings of pride, which darken the 
 views of Jesus, and tend to self-exaltating and self-glorying. What 
 pains doth the loving Spirit take to humble us ! he testifies of Jesus, 
 only ; he shews us, by line upon line, and precept upon precept, 
 by prophets and apostles, that " in Jesus all his children shall be 
 justified, and shall glory," Isa. xlv. 25. 
 
 Am I made wise unto salvation ? Glory to Jesus, this is from him ; 
 he is my wisdom. Am I righteous in the sight of God ? Glory to 
 Jesus, his life wrought it out ; it is mine : not obtained by my 
 works, but by God's free gift. Jesus is my righteousness. Am I 
 sanctified ? Glory to Jesus ; it is through the faith of him, by the 
 Spirit, that I have any drops from the fountain of Jesu's blood to 
 wash away my guilt, and to cleanse my soul. Have I faith in, and 
 Iwpe of complete redemption from all misery, to all happiness I Glory 
 to Jesus, he is my redemption ; he hath bought me ; he hath con- 
 quered for me. In whom then should I glory but m Jesus alone ? 
 In him all my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption 
 center. " It pleased the Father, that in him all fulness should dwell." 
 It pleases the Spirit to bear witness of, and to glorify Jesus onhj. 
 Shall we glory in the fruits of the Spirit as the foundation of hope, 
 and the cause of our acceptance with God ? That were to_^ deceive 
 ourselves. The Holy Spirit produceth no fruits in us to this end. 
 'I'his is contrary to his office ; inverts the ccconomy of the covenant ; 
 makes faith void ; and turns the eye of the soul from the only object 
 of h^ope and salvation. Jesus, to somewhat within us, instead of Christ 
 crucified for us : but by the Spirit we glory in Christ alone. By 
 faith in precious promises, we pray to be filled with "fruits of 
 righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ." To what end ? Thatwc 
 should glory in these ? Glory in the flesh because of these ? No j but 
 " unto the glory and praise of God," Phil. i. H. 
 
AUGUST 22. 247 
 
 Gideon said. Alas f Lord God: for Ihaveseen an angel 
 of the Lord face to face. The Lord said, Peace be unto 
 thee : fear not ; thou shalt not c?ie.— Judg. vi. 22, 23. 
 u Jesus is the same Lord over all, rich in mercy to all who call 
 upon him," Rom. x. 1 2. There is no diflcrence between Old 1 es - 
 lament saints and New, in regard to the object of salvation ; " Jesus 
 the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." Poor Gideon thought a 
 ,ight of the Lord must surely be present death ; for saith the Lord, 
 u There shall no m.m see me and live," Exod. xxxiu. 20. But the 
 Lord appeared to him, as the angel of the co^^nant, the Mediator the 
 internoser. Not in terrible majesty and fiery wrath to stnke him 
 dead, but as the Saviour, the merciful one. This sight was attended 
 >vith life to his soul and death to his fears. So Gideon iound it, when 
 he heard that evei-dear and most precious word, peace. 1 his is ever 
 the word of the bridegroom to his church. His birth is ushered m 
 ^vith ^^ peace on earth." His dying legacy to his children is fieacc. 
 Noth?ng but love dwells in his heart; nothing but peace is heard horn 
 his lips This was his affectionate salutation to his beloved though 
 dejected disciples, when he first appeared to them .ifter his sufie. a.gs 
 - a.nd death. His tender heart well knew how troubled their poor 
 nvinds were: therefore over and over he repeats, -peace be umo 
 you," John XX. 21. As it was in the beghu.ing, so it is now Je- 
 SU3 silences guilty fears and perplexing doubts in disciples' hearts. 
 Woe is me, saith the poor sinner, I am undone, I am unclean ; mine 
 eyes have seen the Lord of hosts in the purity and spintu.lity of his 
 law, as a just God and a holy ; a consuming fire, and who will by no 
 me ns clear the guilty : I shall die. Fear not, sdth Jesus to every 
 Tuch trembling, repenting, believing l^art ; thou shalt not die but 
 live ; neither shalt thou want my peace. Look unto me and be sav- 
 cd : inwardly listen to my word ; treasure it up in thine heart \V ai 
 in faith for the sweet and still voice of my Spirit : I create the fruit 
 of the lips. " Peace, peace to him that is alar off, and to him that is 
 near, and I will heal them." Such shall not only hear Christ s voice 
 but feel his power. Their fears .\vA\ be taken away, and their sorrow 
 removed. So shall their souls be joyful in him. Thus Jesus is pre- 
 c ous to them. • " He delivers them who through fear of death, were 
 all thdr lifetime subject to bondage," Heb. ii. 1 5. » Having made 
 peace for us through the blood of his cross," Col. i. 20. 
 
 f >f ,T ♦nr.o-iip tlic dory of Christ's name, 
 
 Mygroans.n.Ucars. .nd forms of v«e, ^ ^^ ^ be sU^^^ [!-»>'" 
 
 Areturn'd to joy tuul i,r«.scs now ; ^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^_^^, ^,^^^^,^,^ ^.^^,,^,^ ^^^^ 
 
 I throw my snckloth on the gi-ound, ^J-^^^,,, he^l'd, :uiU sins forRiVu. 
 
 * jul ease and gladness gird me round. Foi sicKncss m .»i «, 
 
248 AUGUST 23. 
 
 Marvel not that I said unto thee. Ye must be horn a^ain 
 — John iii. 7. ^ 
 
 Spiritual doctrines ever appear to the judgment of carnal rea 
 son, fooushness. Marvel not to find the wisdom of natural men ever 
 crying out, " How can these things be >." and explaining away their 
 spiruual meaning by corrupt reasonings. We are not to expect a 
 total freedom from our own carnal objections. The old man is vet 
 ahve ; the kingdom of his residence, the flesh, is at war agabst that 
 kingdom mto which the soul is spiritually bom. Many souls see 
 clearly the nature of the doctrine of a new-birth of the soul, and are 
 convinced of the necessity of it, in order to see the kingdom of God 
 But how are they straitened, pained, and perplexed to know whether 
 it be accomplished in them or not ! And indeed, many have so 
 unscripturally treated of the new-birth, as sadly to puzzle and 
 grievously distress simple hearts. Is it not marvellous to find 
 men gravely telling us how many steps a dead sinner mun take in 
 order to get into this new birth ? The time when, many are uncer- 
 tain of; for the kingdom of God com.eth not with observation The 
 manner how, none can explain ; " for the things of God knoweth no 
 man, but the Spirit of God." But the effects are visible and evident. • 
 As sense and motion are the properties of natural life, so when the 
 soul is born again of the Spirit, there is a sight of Jesus, a hearing of 
 his voice, the affections of the soul go out after him, believing him to 
 be the way, the truth, and the lif?. Hence, St. John lays down this 
 infallible mark, « Whosoever believeth that Jesus is Uie Christ is 
 born of God," I John v. 1. This is a simple, plain truth. Am I 
 born of God ? This must be answered by inquiring, do I believe that 
 Jesus IS the Christ, the anointed Son of God to the office of a Saviour, 
 for lost and perishing sinners ? Does this truth enter huo n)y heart 
 and mmd ? Is it received and believed as a matter which can only and 
 alone bring relief to my guilty con science,, peace to my troubled mind 
 and hope to my dejected spirit ? If so, I do believe in Jesus— he is 
 the object of my faith and the hope of heart. I am born again, born 
 of God, born to see, to enter into, and enjoy the kingdom of God. 
 The evidence of this, the soul, gets more and more strongly and 
 clearly settled in the conscience as faith grows and increases. For its 
 fruits will be manifest and abound in seeing sin's filthiness, feeling its 
 burdci^s, hating and resisting it : striving to maintain a holy fcUow- 
 ship with God the Father, and his Son Jesus, through the Spirit. 
 Who can .lesc-ibe tl.e joys that ri.e The Son with joj looks down and sees 
 
 U.o all the courts of punstUse, The ir.irchase of kis agonies. 
 
 To sec .T prodijral return, ti o • •, . , ,. . 
 
 T^ ' . % , , , I he hpiiit takes delight to view 
 
 1 o see an heir of glory horn ? ti i i ,, ^ . 
 
 -,,.,. , ■' 1 he holy soul he formed anew ; 
 
 ^\ .th joy the Father doth ai>prove The saint, and aTvjjels join to sing 
 
 The fruit of his eternal love ; 
 
 The growing cmiiirc of their King;. 
 
AUGUST 24. 245 
 
 The flesh lusteth against the Spirit — Gal. v. 17. 
 
 Christian experience fully proves this apostolic truth. Hence 
 the children of God ciyinot do the things that they would : nor have 
 we any authority from God's word to conclude this lusting ever ceas- 
 ed in any of Uie saints till they got to glory; none are delivered 
 from It while in the flesh. For, as the renewed soul or spirit loves 
 to enjoy spiritual and heavenly objects, so the flesh, or unrenewed 
 part, lusts after those objects it is naturally conversant with, and from 
 wluch it derives its happiness. Here is thy conflict, O christian 
 Jfence tlie necessity of thy Lord's command, « Watch always." 
 This is the use of the doctrine. 
 
 What woeful effects have fulfilling the lusts or desires of the flesh 
 produced in eminent saints I Thou standest by faith, be not high 
 minded, but fear. The conceptions of lust arc the productions of 
 sm, James i. 15. The commission of sin contracts fresh sense of 
 guilt. This is the malady and sickness of the soul. Hence, the 
 many symptoms attendcnt on guilt, legal fears, terrors of con- 
 science, accusations from the law, triumphs of satan, dejection of 
 soul, distance from God, backwardness to duty, coohiess of aftcction 
 to Jesus, shyness at or neglect of a throne of grace. 
 
 Alas ! poor souls, when they have fallen, and arc sensible of tlie 
 melancholy eff-ects, they feel the hurt they have received. Verily 
 their hearts know the bitterness of it. Awful eff-ects of fresh con- 
 tracted guilt • How much to be deplored ! how carefully to be 
 watched against, and prayed to be kept from • But whilst there is " a 
 fountain opened for sin and uncleanncss," whilst the Mediator's 
 " blood cleanseth from all sin," whilst tlic glad tidings of the gospel 
 proclaim salvation by grace for the chief of sinners, thcre^'is no 
 ground for black despair to any backsliding children, though they 
 have revolted from a God of love. Here is all encouragement— to 
 what ? To love to live at a distance from Jesus, raid lie down and 
 wallow in the mire of sin because grace abounds ? No godly soul can 
 do this ; for « the Spirit also lusteth against the fleshy" the Spirit 
 renews again to repentance. Thus Luther: 'The more godly a man 
 IS, the more doth he feel this battle between the flesh and the Spirit.' 
 Hereof Cometh those lamentable complaints in the Psiilms and other 
 scriptures. It profiteth us very much to see somcthnes the wicked- 
 ness of our nature and corruption of the flesh, that by this means we 
 may be waked and stirred up to call upon Christ. So a christian is 
 made to see Jesus a wonderful Creator, v ho out of heuviaess can 
 make joy; of terror, comfort; of sin, righltousnr.ss ; and of death, 
 life. This is our ground and anchor-hold, that Ciui^i is our « r.-nl^ 
 and perfect rishteousness." 
 
250 AUGUST 25. 
 
 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, JFill ye 
 plead for Baal? Wdlye save /z/m .?— Judg. vi. 31. 
 When the Lord Jesus appears and munifebts himteit to the soul, 
 it is so struck with his glory and grace,that it cries out in holy ecMacy, 
 « What have I to do any more with idols ?" Hos. xiv. 8— and ai^ ..Itar 
 for spiritual worship is presently set up in the heart, andconb- < aed 
 to Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord of peace. In this chapter is a i>weet 
 view of the zeal of Gideon for the true worship of Jehovah. He 
 instantly obeyed the word of Jesus, the angel of the presence, the 
 man, the peace who appeared to him, and at his command he threw 
 doAvn the altar of Baal. He expected opposition from his Fivther's 
 household and from the men of the city, therefore he did it by night. 
 A blessed instance of the obedience of faith joined to sanctihed rea- 
 son. As to the consequence after the work done, he "conferred not 
 with flesh and blood;" he was " in nothing tcrrihcd by his adversa- 
 ries." They demanded his life ; but Joash his father was raised up 
 like the fire of zeal from the Lord to argue witli them. » Will ye, 
 ye men of Israel, ye professed people of Jehovah, will ye plead for 
 Baal ? will ye serve an idol ?" Be zealous, O disciple, for thy Lord ; 
 fear no consequences. The Lord is on thy side, what hast tliou to 
 fear from those who are against thee ? Be not discouraged, though 
 thou dost find great professors; children of the visible church, thy 
 mother ; yea the children of thy Father's grace also jom in pleadmg 
 byword or practice for Baal. This name signifies he that rules or 
 subdues; a master, lord, or husband. This may most justly be 
 applied to sin in general, and every idol lust in particular. So saith 
 Paul, « His servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sm unto 
 death, or obedience unto righteousness," Rom. vi. 16. Thou Irce 
 man, thou heaven born son of the Lord, know thy freedom, study 
 thy liberty. Strive by the Spirit's aid to live up to thy privilege, (m 
 spite of all that professing men or opposing devils plead against it) 
 above the domineering power of lusts, the galling yoke of sin : tliy 
 Saviour has all poTver in heaven and earth 1 Plead with him ; expect 
 power from him; thou canst do all things through Christ strength- 
 ening thee. Faith surmounts every difficulty ; it silences carnal rea- 
 sqiiings and vain pleadings from every quarter. While Jesus is 
 viewed, sin is abhorred and holiness loved, desired, and shall be m- 
 ereased in the soul. 
 
 Thou art my portion, O my Go,l ; N"t all the rkhcs of the caitli 
 
 Make me to knou thy ^vay : Co.ild make me so rcjoice. 
 
 cause my heart t' obey thy vord, Tlie testuTiouies of (hy grace ^ 
 And'that without delay. I set hefore mv eyes \ 
 
 1 chose the path of heav'nly truth, Thence I derive my daily strengith. 
 
 And glory in my choice ; And there my comfort Ues. 
 
' AUGUST 26. 251 
 
 Brethren ije have been called unto liber ty : only use not 
 liberty for an occasion to the Jiesh. — Gul. v. 13. 
 
 Peter was grieved because his Lord asked him the third time, 
 «^ Lovest thou me ?" Sure it ought to be matter of conccru and grief 
 to the loving, generous hearts of disciples, to think they yet need 
 this caution of the Spirit. But, verily we all do. The most sanctified 
 is yet in the flesh ; and tlie flesh with its aircctions and lusts are alive: 
 they are ever lusting and striving against the Spirit. The holy, happy 
 soul, who is set at liberty from sin, satan, and the law, in his con- 
 .science, is hereby liable to be brought again under bondage to the 
 law and thraldom to sin. Know thy danger ; dread thine enemy ; 
 yea, rather fear and love thy best friend Jesus ; cry to him, Loi-d 
 keep me continually. « Thou hast delivered my once captive soul 
 from the power of the enemy : thou hast brought me out of the hor- 
 rible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and 
 esiablished my goings, and put a new song in my mouth of praise to 
 thee my Jesus and my God," Psalm xl. 2, 3. Keep, O keep me 
 from the deceitful workings of carnal reasonings of my corrupt, sin- 
 ful self, the flesh ! What is this liberty we are called into ? Not a 
 perfect freedom from the being of sin, but a perfect deliverai^ce from 
 every curse of the law, from all the wrath of God denounced in the 
 law, from the bondage of being under the law, to do any thing to 
 gain God's love, recommend us to his favor, or entitle us to his 
 kingdom. All this liberty we are called into by the faith of Jesus. 
 He istheend or fulflUer of the law for righteousness to us whobelieve. 
 O, what a glorious liberty we are called to ! Even a freedom from all 
 sin in the conscience ; so to live upon J9SUS, as to consider ourselves 
 in him, as perfectly free from all sin, entirely dead to it, and our 
 conscience so cleansed by his blood, as to be ever easy, serene and 
 comfortable, as though we were innocent and never had sinned. O 
 this is heavenly liberty to new-born souls ! This creates a paradise 
 upon earth. This is daily to be prized and enjoyed through the 
 Spirit. Now, how base and ungrateful ever to use, or rather abuse 
 this liberty as an occasion to the flesh ! But even the Lord's own free- 
 men are in danger of this through the vilcness of their natures, the 
 deceitfulncss of their hearts, and the subtle devices of satan, -else 
 the apostle had not thus addressed the brethren. The doctrines 
 of grace, the love of Jesus, and living on him by faith, lay the flesh 
 under bondage and restraint. We cannot walk in Ihc liberty of the 
 Spirit, and yet fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Wc cannot serve God 
 and Mammon. Thou free-men of the Lord, canst thou barter peace 
 with Jesus for the gratification of thy lusts ! O rather « stand fast 
 in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made thee free," Gal. v. i. 
 
252 AUGUST 27. 
 
 I have seen his xvays, and will heal him : I tvill lead him 
 also^ and restore comforts unto him. — Isa. Ivii. 18. 
 
 What a glorious declaration of free grace is this ! Here is an 
 absolute promise of mercy ,"not excited by the worthiness of the crea- 
 tvu c, but proceeding solely from the loving heart of a covenant God. 
 Well might David say, " In thy word do I trust : I rejoice at thy 
 \vord, as one that findeth groat spoil," Psalm cxix.^ 162. The life of 
 the soul is supported by the word of the Lord. This is the object 
 of faith, the encourrger of hope, and the exciter of love. Jesus is 
 the essential word by whom Jehovah speaks. The scriptures are re- 
 vealed truths by the Spirit of God's purposes, promises, and grace. 
 Behold, be astonished and humbled, O soul, at thy apostacy, back- 
 slidings, and rebellion ! Behold, admire, adore, and love the infinitely 
 gracious procedures of the Father of all mercies. 
 
 Here is the criminal arraigned at the bar; iniquity charged upon 
 him ; God's displeasure at it repeatedly declared ; his chastening 
 hand smote him for it. This reclaims not. The Lord hides his lov- 
 ing face — withdraws the light of his countenance. What is the 
 effect ? A froward behaviour — still walking in his own v/ays, contra- 
 ry to the Lord. Might one not expect the next words should thunder 
 curses and damnation ? Be astonished, O heavens ! What rcadest 
 thouj O man ? Is it I have seen his ways, and will damn him ? Q, no. 
 But, though I hate his ways, yet I love his soul. My super-abound- 
 ing grace shall i-eign and triumph over all the aboundings of sin. I 
 will heal his soul ; I will pardon him. Thou poor doubting soul, with 
 thy legal frames, go and learn what that meaneth, " I will be gracious 
 to whom I will be gracious, and I will shew mercy on whom I will 
 shev/ mercy," Exod. xxxiii. 19. " I will have mercy and not sa- 
 crifice." The blood of my people shall not be sacrificed to my ven- 
 geance, saith the Lord. Here is the glory of grace. This the tri- 
 umph of faith. Mercy proclaimed, shews the munificence of God ; 
 but the dejected heart may still be in suspense. Is it for me ? Yes, 
 if thou believcst on tlie Son of God. As Jesus is thy salvation, his 
 Spirit assvircs thee of thine interest in his love. Where 'the truth 
 is I'eceived by faith, the comfort shall be enjoyed. When God par- 
 dons in his heart, he leads the pardoned sinner to the knowledge and 
 cnjfe^'nicnt of it, and restores lost comforts to the backsliding soul. 
 A sense of pardon is the essence of gospel-grace snd comfort ! the 
 result of Jesus' atonement, the gift of the gracious Spirit, and the 
 privilege of believing souls. It is presumption to expect what God 
 has not promised. It is injurious unbelief not to plead when the 
 Lord bids us « ask and receive," John xvi. 24. 
 
 O may Ihy pard'ning ^r'xta be nigh, Thus shall our better thoughts approve 
 
 Lest we ehould faint, despair snd die ! The methods of thy cbast'ning love. 
 
AUGUST 28. 253 
 
 Blessed is the man w/iose strength is in thee : in ivJiose 
 heart are the ways of tJiem. — Psalm Ixxxiv. 5. 
 
 When hearts are united in love there is a mutual complacency 
 and delight in each other. Presence increaseth pleasure, absence 
 bc_i;ets uneasiness, jealousy of displeasing and fear of oficudin^ mu- 
 tually subsist in each party. In some sense this holds good betvtcn 
 the beloved soul and the loving Lord. All love is from him ; and 
 as rivers from the sea return back to the great ocean, so the love 
 vvliich comes from God naturally flows back in complacency and 
 afilection of soul to liirn. To know God is to love him ; both for 
 what he is in himself, and what he is to us in Christ Jesus. The 
 poor sinner who knows that he is in himself " without strength," re- 
 joiceth at his very soul to know that the omnipotent Jesus is his 
 strength ; that all his might and power to strive against sin, to resist 
 satan, to overcome the world, is from above ; it is treasured up in 
 Jesus, and out of his fulness he is strengthened by die power of the 
 Spirit through faith. 
 
 But is the converted heart a mere vacuum, like an empty vessel ? 
 No, truly ; Jesus dwells there by fiuth. It is a fit habitation for the 
 Spirit, and tlie love of the Father is shed abroad in it. " The ways 
 of them," even Father, Son, and Spirit dwell in the heart. Then 
 the v/ay of everlasting love and eternal election is delighted in ; the 
 way of free grace and complete salvation by Jesus is glorified in ; the 
 way of atonement by his precious blood, the way of justification and 
 clothing of poor sinners by his perfect righteousness are wholly trust- 
 ed to and rejoiced in. The gifts and graces of the Koly Spirit, as 
 flowing from Jesus' finished work, in making the soul inwardly holy, 
 and outwardly obedient to the Lord ; in comforting and rejoicing the 
 heart by the testimony of Jesus, are more and more sought after ; 
 and the hopes and views of glory in this sovereign, free, gracious tvay, 
 are longed for and expected. Blessed, O man, art thou indeed I 
 Blessed of thy God ! Blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ 
 Jesus ! Blessed, not for days, months, and years ; but loved from 
 eternity, and blessed to eternity ! Thy Lord hath blessed thee and he 
 will not reverse it. Real godliness consists not merely in a system 
 of notions in the head, but in the in-dwelling presence of Jcl;ovah in 
 the heart. Is this thy happiness, O sinners ? What love huth the 
 great God to vile man ! He dwelt in flesh for us. He saith also, 
 <• I will dwell in them, and walk in them, 2 Cor. vi. 16. 
 
 How wcl! thy Wcssed truths .-xgrce ! Slioiild all the forms that men devise. 
 
 How wise and holy thy eoinmauds ! Assault nij fuitli with treacU'rous art, 
 
 Thy proini3cs ho. v "firm they be ! I'd cdl thcin vanity and lies, 
 
 How fnm our hoi)e and comfort stands ! And bind tlie gospel to ray he.irt. 
 
 Vol. I. Hh 
 
254 AUGUST 29. 
 
 The Lord is /ni/ shepherd; Ishcdhiot wc;/^-Psalm xxiii. 1. 
 
 All comfort is clerivcd to the soul from the knowledge of what 
 Jehovuh is to us. This we know by the word of truth, and enjoy in 
 the sweet exercise of faith. " I am the good shepherd," suith Jesus 
 • — John X. 11. Thou art 7«z/ shepherd, says the believing soul. Thus, 
 whatever office or character Jesus sustains, it is the glory of fiiith 
 not only to view the Lord as such, but to draw sweet peace and com- 
 fort from it to one's own heart : that thou art ?ne. David knew the 
 duty of a shepherd by experience. How watchful to preserve from 
 danger, and how careful to guide and feed the sheep committed to his 
 trust ! But herein is the peculiar love of the sheplierd of our souls ; 
 he " gave his life for his sheep." And after such love munifcslcd to 
 them, shall tb.ey want either his power to protect, or his grace to 
 iiupply their need ? No ; that is impossible. 
 
 But a sheep is a silly weak creature ; it often bleats aiid makes a 
 noise when it wants nothing ; so do we. Though it knows its shep- 
 herd, and hears his voice, still it is naturally prone to wander from 
 rich and green pastures, to break out of the fold, and, if left to itself, 
 would leap into the very jaws of its enemy : so foolish are v/e also. 
 Hence arises our distress ; for when we look to what we are in our- 
 selves, and lose sight of the love and care of our dear shepherd, we 
 cast our eyes around us, and call in this distressing though tand the 
 other distracting care. Hence we often send forth the bleatings of 
 unbelief, and cry out, " We shall certainly perish for want of supply 
 and a-ssistance." But where is the Lord our shepherd ? Alas ! we 
 forget his dying love, his covenant engagements, his watchful care ; 
 we listen not enough to the sweet voice of our shepherd, but to the 
 enemy, who speaks terror ; and our poor hearts are affrighted and 
 tremble. But in opposition to all that sin> satan, and the law can say 
 or do against us, " The voice of the Lord is a mighty voice : the voice 
 of the Lord hath the pre-eminence." And Jesus our shepherd saith, 
 « I give uiTto my sheep — what ? Grace, upon condition that ihey will 
 continue to be my sheep, hear my voice, and follow me ?" Infinitely 
 more : security stronger than the mountains ; comfort more un- 
 fathomable than the great deep. " I know my sheep ;" my Father 
 gave them unto me :_ I lay down my life for them. Shall the enemy 
 voi) me of one of my purchased ones, or my dear Father of one of the 
 (;bj'^ct3 of his love ? No : they shall never want my Spirit to keep, 
 to quicken, to comfort, and enable them to persevere till they receive 
 the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. " I give unto them 
 tterr.al life ; and they shall ^zfy/r-pcrish, neither shall any pluck 
 tlicm out of my hand," John x. 2S. 
 
AUGUST 30. 255 
 
 Blessed are the poor in spirit ; for theirs is the kingdom 
 of heaven. — Matt. v. 3. 
 
 In the clay of the Spirit's power " the lofty looks of niiin arc, 
 humbled, the haughtiness of man is bowed down, and Uie Lord 
 alone is exalted hi thut day," Isa. ii. 11. Then a man's own right- * 
 eousncss, wherein he trusted, is seen as filthy rags. His strcngtJi 
 he boasted of, is found to be perfect weakness ; his heart, in which 
 he gloried as good, is found to be deceitful and desperately wicked. 
 Then he becomes in his own eyes a poor sinner. He knows his 
 poverty; he feels his wretchedness. Thus, when Jesus alone is 
 exalted in his sight, he becomes little, vile, and mejin in his own 
 eyes ; then he is poor in spirit, a mere beggar^ who must be wholly 
 indebted to free-grace bounty and free-gift mercy. 1 hough he sees 
 his state to be guilty, wretched, and desperate,y et he is blessed: Why 
 so ? Merely because he sees and knows himself to be wretched, poor, 
 miserable, blind, and naked ? Alas ! tiiis knowledge, like Job's 
 friends, would prove but a miserable comforter to his soul. He can 
 no more trust in his known poverty and rags to entitle him to the 
 kingdom, than in his fancied robes and riches. But such are blessed 
 or happy, liecaitse the grace of t4ie kingdom is in their hearts noiv^ 
 " and theirs is the kingdom of heaven in glory." Most joyful con- 
 sideration 1 They are chosen to it by the love of the father ; they are 
 blessed in Christ Jesus with all spiritual blessings; and as an evidence 
 of this, the Holy Spirit bestows on them '< wisdom and revelation in 
 the knowledge of Jesus : he enlightens the eyes of their understand- 
 ing ; then they know what is the hope of their calling, and what is the 
 riches of the glory of his inheritance in. the saints, Eph. i. 17, 18. 
 How unspeakably blessed ! How immensely rich are the poor in 
 spirit ! " Having nothing in themselves, yet possessing all things in 
 Christ Jesus." 
 
 It is usual, in worldly commerce, where a person's credit is not 
 established, to value himself upon the credit of some rich person : 
 so he gains credit and repute. Thus the poor sinner values himself 
 upon the riches of Jesus Christ for all esteem and acceptance in tlie 
 sight of God, and herein we have confidence for all things. V/ho is 
 oiu" wisdom ? Jesus. Who is our righteousness ? Jesus. Who is 
 our sanctification ? Jesus. Who is our redemption ? Jesus. He is 
 our glory, our crown, our hope, and our daily rejoicin;% Here,- O 
 soul, is thy precious inventory ! Read it, and rejoice at thy riches, 
 " All things are yours :" ministers, the world, life, death, things 
 present, things to come, are all yours. Wliy ? because you arc 
 faithful to grace, and have fulfilled terms and conditions to gain' or 
 secure the favor of God ? No : iiifmitely hl;',hcr cause ; *' Ye ar« 
 Christ's, and Christ is God's," I Cor. iii. ?3, 
 
256 AUGUST 51. 
 
 Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin : 
 but alive unto God through Jesus Christ. — Rom. vi. 11. 
 
 There is a death in sin which we are all naturally under. 
 There is a death ybr sin ; this our dear Saviour (we can never think 
 of it too much, nor mention it too often) suffered for on the tree. 
 And there is a death unto sin, which every believing member of Je- 
 sus partakes of, by virtue of union to him. For when Jesus died for 
 sin on the cross, all his members were mystically considered in him 
 and dvmg in him, as their covenant head and representative, unto sin. 
 And, by oeaiimunion with Jesus, the same Spirit which raised up Je- 
 sus the head, dwells in the mortal bodies of his believing members, 
 quickening them to newness of life. From hence the apostle would 
 have such reckon, infer, or conclude themselves " to be indeed dead 
 unto sin." And on the same account, and for the same reason, 
 "alive unto God, through Jesus Christ." 
 
 Now, believer, how dost thou reckon, reason, and conclude of thy 
 spiritual estate ? because thou dost not find all sin dead in thee, but 
 feelest the motions of sin stirring and raging for the mastery over 
 thee, dost thou from hence judge of thy staie, and conclude thou hast 
 not the faith of God's elect I Al^s I this v.'ill distress thy soul, weaken 
 thy conF.dence of faith, adminibtcr life and vigour to thy sins and 
 lusts, and bring death upon thy spiritual life of comfort, love, and 
 holiness. The word of God is the only rule of our-faith ; by that we 
 are to determine of our state. Though sin be alive in thee, yet thou 
 art to reckon thyself dead to that, so as to have nothing to do with it. 
 Though thou groanest under " a body of death," yet thou art to 
 conckide thyself " alive unto God through Jesus Christ." Reckon 
 thyself dead to that sin of sins, unbelief. This is the life of all 
 other sins. Be deaf to its reasonings, dead to its pleas. Both dis- 
 honor thy Lord, and rob thy soul of its comfort. 
 
 Here is the mystery of faith. This is to be held in a pure con- 
 science. There is a freedom from sins'; of access to God with bold- 
 ness. Here is the victory of sa.ints. Here is the triumph of truth 
 against all our enemies, to the death of sin and the life of holiness. 
 Hence, through the Spirit of truth spruigs our daily comfort, con- 
 tinued growth in grace, in the knowledge of Jesus, and in personal 
 holiness of life and conversation. 
 
 Do M-e not know that so'cmn v.ord, So from the gr.ivt^ did Christ arise, 
 
 That, wn are hm vM \i ith the I.orf!, And lives to tiod above the skies. 
 
 Bnptir/d into liis dcnth, .ind then N"o more let sin nnd satan rt-ign 
 
 Tutoff thebody ofoursiu ? Over our mortnlflcsh again : 
 
 Our sotds receive divinor hre.ath, The various lusts we serv'd before, 
 
 Rais'd From corruption, gui't and death ; Shall have don»ltilon now no more 
 
SEPTEMBER 1. 057 
 
 For if when we xvere enemies^ we were reconciled to God 
 by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled^ we 
 shall be saved by his life. — Rom. v. 10. 
 
 Near twenty years ugo, upon hearing a certuin preacher vehe- 
 mently assert, « that souls might be justified by faitli in Jesus, and 
 yet afterwards bum in hell," my soul was brought into great dark- 
 ness, perplexity, and disti'css. Glory to my dear Lord, by this very 
 text he again restored light, peace, and joy to my soul, and clearly 
 taught and comfortably estciblished me in the scriptural doctrine of 
 the certain perseverance of all God's saints to eternfJ glory, I record 
 this to the praise of our dear Lord, and to the comfort of his people. 
 " If when we were enemies :" — to whom ? Our worst foe, satan ? 
 No-: but to our best friend, God : the God of our salvation : to Jesus 
 our God and Saviour : to God the Spirit our sanctifier ; to the gos- 
 pel of his grace, and word of our scdvation. O, what a precious word 
 is this ! " reconciled to God." God in Christ was reconciled to us. 
 O, what love and grace ever dwelt in his hcait to us eiienues, trai- 
 tors, and rebels against him ! this he manifested in reconciling us to 
 himself. IIow ? <■ By the death of his Son." O, my fellow binncrs ! 
 at every step let higher wonder rise in your hearts and mine. The 
 cross of Jesus, what hath it done for us ! Jesus dying on tl-e cross ! 
 O, what hath it effected ix us ! Here we view, believe, and know 
 the love God hath to us. This belief slays the enmity of our rebel- 
 lious hearts; bows our stubborn wills, and attracts our uiienated 
 affections. We throw down our arms, embrace our reconciled God, 
 desire for ever to cease all hostility against him. " Much more being- 
 reconciled" to God's purposes, providence, and grace ; his way of 
 salvation by his Son Jesus, submitting to his righteousness for justi- 
 fication, to his sceptre to be governed, to his Spirit to be led, and to 
 his gospel to be saved and ruled. What then ? Being thus recon- 
 ciled, may we not be cast off at last, imd burn in hell tor ever ? Yes, if 
 Jesus can die, perish, and be annihilated ; but not otherwise. For, 
 " how much more shall we be saved by his life !" By faith we receive 
 the atonement of his death. This is the life of our souls. By his 
 life o intercession for us, we arc as safe and as sui-e of glory, ar, 
 though we were already seated in the hcaveiJy m..nsions : unless 
 Christ shed his blood in vain, God reconciles us to himself in-vain ; 
 our faith is vain ; the work of God's Spirit is in viun ; and all the pro- 
 mises of God are in vain, and of no effect. But all this is utterly 
 impossible. God's purpose according to election shall stand, not of 
 ' urks, but of him who callcth, Rom. ix. 1 1- 
 
258 SEPTEMBER 2. 
 
 He shall glorify me, — John xvi. 14. 
 
 The gospel of Jesus is suited to our intligcrit slate and distress- 
 ed circumstances ; but we are averse to receive the truth in the love 
 of it, because of our loftiness of Spirit and pride of heart. A system 
 that tends to exalt and glorify us in our own eyes and in the sight of 
 others, we are naturally very fond of. This notion sticks close to us, 
 we do not easily part v/ith it. To imagine ourselves possest of some 
 inherent good dispositions and amiable tempers, which put us upon 
 more respectable terms in the sight of God, and gain his favor, this 
 wc arc apt to mistake for the work of the Spirit, upon the heart. 
 But as this notion leads from the faith and hope of the gospel, oppo- 
 seth the glory of Jesus, lays another foundation than that wltfch God 
 hath laid, and tends to plume the creature with pride and viuiity, wc 
 are taught to reject it as a spirit of Antichrist and delusion. This 
 God severely reproves his church of old for : " Thou didst trust in 
 thine own beauty and playedst the harlot, because of thy renown," 
 Ezek. xvi. 15. But the blessed Spirit, who effects the marriage- 
 union between the Lamb and his bride, doth nothing upon the heart 
 that it should trust in, so as to attract the affections from Jesus, or to 
 produce incontinency of behaviour to our rightful Lord. No : " the 
 Spirit shall glorify, not himself as the agent, not yourselves as the 
 subject of his operations, but he shall glorify me," saith Jesus, in 
 your sight, heart, and aficctions. lie shall bear vvitness to my per- 
 son and offices of the rtdation I stand in to you ; that justification is 
 solely by my righteousness, atonement for your sins by my own 
 sacrifice, and pardon of them by my blood : that I am your priest, 
 ever before the throne, representing your persons, and pleading 
 your cause. So shall you find peace in me, live daily upon me, and 
 rejoice only in me. 
 
 Thus by this work of the Spirit, Christ alone is exulted and glori- 
 fied ; our hearts comforted in truth, and sanctified in love, to the 
 honor and service of our heavenly King. Thus, to them that 
 believe, Jesus is precious ; because we see the Father's love centre 
 in him, and diffusing itself through his pierced heart to ours, by the 
 Holy Ghost given to us. Hence we become alive in our spirits and 
 jiffections to God, and dead to self-seeking, self-righteous, self-glo- 
 rying views. Wc die daily to carnal lusts and corrupt affections, 
 whidi we know tend to dishonor our dear Lord, and contrary to his 
 will, degrade our souls, and rob us of sweet, heart-felt communion 
 with him. The more Jesus is thus, glorified, ar.d wc abide in h.im, 
 30 much the i-ftore are wc enabled to bring forth the fruits of tl^c 
 Spirit to the praise and glory of hii^i. " As many as are led by the 
 Spirit of God, thcyui'e the sons of God," Rom. viii. 14. 
 
SEPTEMBER 3. 259 
 
 IFho maketh thee to differ from anotJier *— 1 Cor. iv. 7. 
 
 PEftHAPS few will reply, in the very words of a haiij^hty Anni- 
 nian, « I of myself, made myself to difter ; siuLC I could resist God 
 and divine pre-dctemunution, but have not. Why then may I not 
 g'lory in myself ?" Yet such is the language of all our proud hearts 
 by nature, we are so fond of vain-glory. Awful declaration of our 
 Lord's I " Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an 
 account of in the day of judgment." Who tlicn can be saved? I 
 h umbly conceive these idle words imply proud, self-righteous, self- 
 sufficient words, maliciously spoken in contempt of the sovereign, 
 distinguishing grace of God, free justification by the righteousness 
 of Jesus, and full salvation by his finished work only. - So Mai. 
 iii. 13 — " Your words have been stout against me, sailh the Lord." 
 The Arhole of that in Matt. xii. seems to prove this sense, and the 
 context confirms it — <' By thy words thou shalt be justified." i. e. 
 Ry the confession of thy mouth, arising from the belief of thy heart 
 of salvation by grace, through the Son of God, thou sh.alt be justified, 
 " and by thy words thou shalt be cy.idemned." i. e. Thy words 
 betray the pride and unbelief of thy heart, in not submitting to the 
 sovereignty of God's gr?ce :md free salvation by his beloved Son. 
 For this thou shalt be condemned. By line upon line, and precept 
 upon precept the Holy Ghost testifies of, exalts and glorifies the 
 Lord Jesus, as all our salvation, and bea'.eth down all self-confidence, 
 and all self-glorying. 
 
 Yet we dare not deny what tlie Holy Spirit hath done in our hearts. 
 By this we differ from otliers, and are distinguished froni our former 
 selves, Avhen in our natural state of pride. But this is all of the 
 sovereign grace of God. Hence wc 'are made to dificr as to our 
 ajicech. Wc dare not speak of ourselves but as poor sinners, who 
 never have, nor never could do wiy thing to make ourselves differ 
 in state or in practice. We are made to differ in Jud^mint. We 
 no longer set our dear Saviour at nought, or so lighily esteem the 
 love of God as to think we can gain an inteicst in Jesus, and procure 
 a title to Gotl's favor by our own works. But we firmly believe 
 " God hath made us accepted in the beloved, to the praise of the 
 glory of his grace," Eph. i. 6. Hence our affections are turned 
 to God in Christ by the power of the Spirit ; Jesus is the delight of 
 our souls and the glory of our hearts. He is to us the chicfcst 
 among ten thousand, and altogether lovely- His love, person, 
 offices, and work, so enamour our souls and en(J^ir him to our 
 hearts, that we arc continuallv longing to kiioto him more. Also, 
 o\xr firac tic e,i% hereby influenced to hate and forsake thetrifiiiig 
 conversation, the vain amusements, sinful vanities of a wicked 
 world. " For our fellowship is with the Father and his Son Jesus 
 Chris?" 1 Johu i. 3. 
 
260 SEPTEMBER 4. 
 
 l^'or all the p7-oimses of God in him are yea, and in him 
 Amen, unto the glory of God by us. — 2 Cor. i. 20. 
 
 Through the workings of our carnal frames, it is natural to us 
 all to seek comfort from legal work, instead of gospel promises. 
 Wiien a poor sinner is taught by man to believe, " unless he performs 
 the condition, he cannot receive the blessing of the promise :" from 
 this mistaken notion he labours and toils for a season, but finding 
 himself unable to reduce the dcctrine to practice, he sits down in de- 
 jection, and gives up all hope of mercy in this way. This v/ill al- 
 ways be the case where sincerity is not suffered to give way to self- 
 deceit. But when the sun of righteousness ariseth with glory on 
 the soul, these mists of ignorance flee away. When the free-love of 
 the everlasting covenant is made msnifest to a sinner's heart, by the 
 Spirit, he cries out in wonder and ecstacy, " This is all my salvation 
 and all my desire." When by faith he beholds Jesus the surety of 
 the covenant, sees all the promises of life and salvation certerinhim, 
 Jesus becomes the hope of his soul, and the promise, the joy of his 
 heart. Blessed be God for a precious Christ, precious premises, and 
 precious faith. What could our God do more ? What could he give 
 more to his people than what he hath graciously done for them, and 
 freely given to them ? Disciple, wherefore dost thou dcubt ? Why 
 art thou reading a gloomy lecture over thy fallen state ? W by sitting 
 Vv ith folded hands, and dejected look, because thou feelcst the corrupt 
 workings of thy sinful flesh ? Wh it have thy legal thoughts brought 
 forth but that black monster, unbelief? This dares to gain^jiy the 
 truths of God, deny his promises, set the Saviour at nought, and rob 
 him of his glory, What ! because thou canst not find nor feel any 
 thing in thyself to deserve God's love, or for which he should make 
 one promise of mercy, wilt liiou therefore conclude against the great- 
 ness of his love and freeness of his promises ? Yea, but it is for that 
 very reason, because thou hast nothing in thyself but sin and misery, 
 thy God wJU have all the glo;"y of his own grace in saving thy soul, 
 according to his promise in Christ Jesus. . The Lam.b, who spilt his 
 blood for sin, who hath righteousness for the naked, and a tongue to 
 ])U:ad the cause of the destitute, has all the promises in his hands, to 
 bestow the blessing of tliem on his needy members. Therefore cut 
 of hisjulness we receive, and grace for grace. So the Holy Spirit 
 givetit us to believe and come to the inexhaustible fuhiess of Jesus 
 for our every supply. Here we may fix cur firiih, and in the assu- 
 rance of truth 1;^ confident we shall want nothing. For this very 
 end is connected with our comfort, "the glory of Cod." Therefore 
 every promise of i?race here and glory hereafter are sure : yea and 
 c;nr77, so-be it ; according to God's purpose and, grace in Christ- 
 Jesus, 2 Tim. i. 9. 
 
SEPTEMBER 5. 261 
 
 Fear not^ thou -worm Jacob. — Isa. xli. 14. 
 
 In thclight of truth, and under the teaching of the Spirit, every 
 believer in Jesus loses sight of the oi.cc fancied disnily of his human 
 nature, and sinks in the view of himself to the meane-i reptile. Pro- 
 bably the church, in Isaiuh's days, had been considering her weak, 
 helpless state ; surrounded with trials and difliculties ; exposed con- 
 tinually to the power of enemies on every side ; in great danger of 
 being trodden under feet and crushed to death ; and had been laying 
 her case before the Lord, confessing the words of David, " I am a 
 worm, and no man," Psalm xxii. 9. Well, the Lord condescends 
 to reply to such humble souls in their own language. " Though 
 thou art as mejui in thine own eyes, aijd as despicable in 'the sight 
 of others as a poor, base, insignificant, craAvIing worm of the earth, 
 yet thou art precious in my picrhL Though thou h'ast no power in 
 thyself to resist thine enemies, no strength to support thyself under 
 thine afflictions and distresses, though satan threutens, troubles bow 
 thee down, corruptions rage, and rJl the combined force of earth and 
 hell is enraged against thee, yet/c«j- 7Uit^ thou \uoria, saith the Lord." 
 
 Thou soldier of Jesus, ^^fear not" is the word of command from 
 the captain of thy salvation. Scarce any phrase so frequently occurs 
 in the word of God as this. Consider it as an antidote against all thy 
 despondin^^s, doubtings, and dcjecdons. Thou canst never fall into 
 any exercise, be under any temptation, be visited by any affliction, 
 come into any straits or difficulties, but what the power of God can 
 support thee under, and bring thee safely through. Consult not 
 human probability ; judge not according to appearances ; say not, 
 < Worm as I am, I shall surely be crushed.' Nay, but is any thing 
 too hard for God ? He saith, " I will help thee ;" I will succour ; I 
 will support thee ; I will strengthen thee ; my grace is sufficient for 
 thee. Can a God of truth promise in vain ? Will a God of love ever 
 fail to assist ? Doth not a God of wisdom know when to deliver ? Suf- 
 fice it, wc have his promise. That engages his truth, and that de- 
 mands our faith to honor him. But, " I am with thee," saith the 
 Saviour. He is present; though perhaps thou thinkest otherwise, 
 and feelest not his comfortable presence. Thy most secret sigh, as 
 well as every distfess, lies open to his view. The crafty designs of 
 thy subtle foe, and all his vile stratagems, are without a covering 
 before thy Lord. Terrify and distress thee he may, but prevail over 
 thy soul he shall not ! " For he that keepeth Israel, neither slnmbcr- 
 eth nor sleepeth." He is ever watchful to guard, and powerful to 
 keep : and he hath given us this absolute promise, *' No weapon that 
 is formed against thee shall prosper ; and every tongue that shall lise 
 against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn," Isa. liv. 17. 
 
 Vol. I. I i 
 
262 SEPTEMBER 6. 
 
 If a man think himself to be something tohen he is nothings 
 he deceiveth himself. — Gal. vi. 3. 
 
 T'he leaven of Phariseeism, pride, self-righteousness, and self- 
 sufficiency, is interw'Oven with our very nature. In the beginning 
 that arch-deceiver, satan, poisoned the minds of our first parents 
 with that corrupt doctrine^ <' Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and 
 evil." This infection hath tainted the whole human race : naturally 
 every man deceiveth himself: he thinks himself to be that which in 
 reality he is not. Hence is rooted enmity to the salvation of Jesus 
 and the grace of the gospel : here man is nothing ; here the creature 
 is annihilated. As Paul saith of an "idol, it is nodiing in the 
 world :" so that idol, a man's self, is nothing, knows nothing, can 
 do nothing in tJie great work of salvation. Fallen nature, with all 
 its boasted goodness, affected piety, devout efforts, contributes 
 nothing ; for " all is of grace," rich, free, and sovereign grace. Man, 
 with all his vaunted " knowledge of good and evil ;" his free will to 
 choose the good and refuse the evil, his rectitude to perform his 
 duty and secure his salvation, by fulfilling terms and conditions of 
 the gospel ; all these "are mere non-entities ; lighter than vanity 
 when weighed in the balance of the sanctuary. 
 
 O believer, when thou thinkest thyself nothing, knowest nothing 
 of thyself, then thou thinkest and knov/est right. But when thou 
 art led to think, " now I am something in myself; now I know some- 
 thing by myself; now I can do something of myself, to keep myself 
 in the favor of God, and to be faithful to his grace," verily thou 
 deceivest thyself. This is acting like the church of Galatia under 
 spiritual witchcraft, "beginning in the Spirit, and ending in the flesh." 
 This, in the strict and proper sense, is '■'■ falling from grace" So 
 nature's pride exalts one's self, and censures other christians as car- 
 nal and unfaithful. This pride of the flesh opposeth our growth in 
 grace, and is contrary to the humbling knowledge of Jesus Christ. 
 To know the grace of God in truth, is to own its sovereign operations 
 upon the soul, to be steady as the sun. in its course, uncontrolabie 
 as the wind in its power, unfi'ustrable as the tide in its motion, and 
 as unyielding to the power of nature and the will of man, as the proud 
 waves of the great ocean. To " put on the Lord Jesus," is to " put 
 off the old man with its deceitful lusts," and pride. To " rejoice in 
 Clirist Jesus," is to " have no confidence in the flesh." The Lord 
 will " suffer no flesh to glory in his presence." " Let him that glori- 
 cth, glory in the Lord," 1 Cor. i. 3 1 . Happy for us, with Paul, "most 
 gladly therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power 
 of Christ may rest upon me," 2 Cpr. xii. 9. 
 
SEPTEMBER 7. 263 
 
 Be careful for nothing : but in every thing, by prayer a?id 
 supplication, with thanksgivirig, let your requests be 
 made unto God. — Phil. iv. 6. 
 
 All anxious cares whicli torture and distress the mind arise 
 from unbelief; they arc contrary to our profession, dishono)able to 
 our God, and hurtful to the peace and comfort of our souls. There- 
 fore they are forbid by the gospel of grace, in love to the children 
 of God. But, believer, thou hast not so learned Christ as to pass 
 away a life of careless indolence and tlioughtiess inactivity. No; 
 vigilance, industry, and fervency of spirit, is a suitable frame ever 
 to be found in. Not slothful in business, but fervent in Spirit, serv- 
 ing the Lord. Careful and diligent in die use of all means in thy 
 power, both to procure the subsistence and welfare of thy body, as 
 well as to keep up the liveliness and vigour of thy soul. Careful 
 and diligent, yet without care that hath disquietude and distress. As 
 to the things of tliis life, it is sufficient to answer all thy anxiety, and 
 silence thy every fear and doubt ; your heavenly Father (saith Jesus) 
 knoweth you have need of them." He feeds the birds. Will he 
 suffer his babes to starve ? Thou shalt have all things needful for 
 life and godliness. If such a sinner as I may sp^ak of himself, under 
 worldly losses and disappointments I have thought, " Well, though 
 I have not what I expected, I can very well go to heaven without 
 it." This consideration, thanks to my dear Saviour, hath often 
 brought a heaven of contentment to my soul, in a world of disap- 
 p ointment. 
 
 As to spiritual blessings, « He that spared not his own Son, but 
 freely gave him up a sacrifice for our sins ; how shall he not with 
 him also freely give us all things." The Father that hath " blessed 
 us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus," will hand them out 
 to us by his holy Spirit in number, weight, and measure, just as his 
 wisdom sees best ; audit is our wisdom to be content and thankful. 
 Here is encouragement for faith and prayer. 
 
 And canst thou look within, without, around, above, and see no 
 cause for thanksgiving and praise, O [christian ? Are not what thou 
 hast in hand, and what thou hast in hope, the free-gifts of the grace 
 of thy God ? Call to mind his mercies to excite gratitude ; re licet on 
 his promises to quicken in prayer. Under all thy trials, distresses, 
 sorrows, fears, doubts, and difficulties, here is sweet encouragement 
 for thy soul ; speak tliem out freely : make thy requests familiarly 
 unto God. And what shall be the happy consec|uence ? Hear and re- 
 joice, thou shalt have more " abundantly than cither tliou c;uist think 
 of or ask for," Eph. iii. 20. 
 
 Christ ever lives to intercede Content, my soul, thy cause he'll plead, 
 
 Before his Father's f;ice : Kor doult tliy F»thcr's j^race. 
 
264 SEPTEMBER 8. 
 
 My grace is sufficient for thee : for my strength is made 
 perfect in thy weakness ^ — 2 Cor. xii. 9. 
 
 Spiritual conflicts with the enemy of souls are the lot of all 
 God's children. Holy Paul was under deep and tifiiicting distress of 
 soul. Satan the adversary assaulted him very powerfully. He 
 groaned under it; he frequently besought Jesus that this grierous 
 and painful messenger of satan might be made to depart from him, 
 and that his conflict might be at an end. O, what distressing exer- 
 cises God's children undergo from the enemy ! The hearts of such 
 only know the bitterness thereof. But is the captain of their salva- 
 tion regardless of them ? Is he deaf to their prayers when they call 
 on him ? No : he he ever heai's, he always answers hi love. But did 
 the Lord grant his dear servant's request ? No ; then the design of 
 love would not have been answered. Paul was in danger of being 
 " exalted above measure.'' This was to be prevented. He was " to 
 glory in infirmities." This was to be effected. Satan's design was 
 for his evil. Jesus makes it work for good. But that he might not 
 faint in the combat, this comfortable answer is given, " My grace is 
 sufficient for thee ; for my strength is iTiade perfect in weakness." 
 Let it suffice, my love and favor is ever towards you ; my almighty 
 strength is engaged to preserve you. '1 hough you are weakness it- 
 self to withstand such an enemy, yet my almighty strength shall up- 
 hold you ; in this you shall conquer. 
 
 Here is the strongest assurance for the confidence of faith, and the 
 most solid ground for the rejoicing of hope. The grace and love of 
 Jesus opposed to the malice and hatred of satan ; the strength of Je- 
 hovah triumphing in, and made illustricusly glorious through saints' 
 weakness. O, what an ever-loving, all-sufficient, omnipotent Lord 
 is Jehovah Jesus ! The Lord whom thou scrvest, believer, kr^ov/s 
 tliy every distress and conflict of soul. He will strengthen thee in, 
 support thee under, and bring thee safe through and out of all thy 
 exercises and troubles. Thou shalt lose nothing in the furnace but 
 the dross of nature's pride and corruption, and the vanity of self-glo- 
 rying, self-sufficiency, and self-righteciTsncss. God by his Spirit 
 will teach thee to profit in humility and sclf-difiidence, and to glory 
 in and exalt the Lord Jesus more and more. Sweet and encouraging 
 is that promise to God's church and people in general : strong and 
 comim-ting is God's declaration to Paul, in particular : " Fear not, 
 for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will 
 strengthen thee ; yea I will help thee ; yea I will uphold thee with 
 the right hand of my righteousness," It.a. xli. 10. 
 
 I can <]o all tliinRR, or can Lear Tint if tliC Lord be once withdrawn, 
 
 All anfreriflgs ii' uiy Lord be there : And we atten)j)t the work ;done : 
 
 Sweet pleasures mingle witU the pains, When new temptations spring and i-ise^ 
 
 While lijs leff hj\nd my head sustains. AVe find ho\r great our weakness is. 
 
SEPTEMBER i^. 265 
 
 Judge not according to the appearance^ but judge righteous 
 Judgment. — Jolin vii. 24. 
 
 Bv acting contrary to this advice of our prophet, the children of 
 God oitcn distress their poor hearts. Perhaps in no one instance 
 more than this. " My feet were almost gone, my steps had wr-ll 
 nigh slipt," said the Psalmist. Why ? What was the case ? Alas ! 
 alas I he had been looking at the outwai d appea ranee of the wicked. 
 How happy, gay, and joyful they seemed ? So that corrupt nature 
 and carnal reason had erected a tribunal in opposition to faith and 
 truth. " Verily," says he " I have cleansed my heart in vain," Sec. 
 But he was soon undeceived and brought to " judge righteous 
 judgment." from the records of truth in the sanctuary of his God, 
 Psalm Ixxiii. Professors of old had a severe check (Mai.' iii.) for 
 thus judging. " Your words have been stout against me, saith the 
 Lord ; ye have said it is vain to serve God," £cc. "You call the proud," 
 that is, the self-righteous, but disobedient persons, whom I resist 
 and abhor, " happy." Christian, beware of juclging of men. Be 
 cautious of determining of matters by appearances. They arc very 
 deceitful. Judge of no man's stt te by appearances ; evil actions we 
 may condemn; good actions we should applaud. But to judge and 
 determine the eternal state of any by appearances, we have no 
 authority. It was a judicious speech ol St. Ausdn, " If I see a 
 wirkcd man die, shall I say he is gone to hell ? I dare not. Shall I 
 say he is gone to heaven ? I cannot." 
 
 How awful were tlie falls of David and Peter I To what dreadful 
 lengths of cruel persecutions against Christ, his truth, and members, 
 did Paul run ! Yet how did the rich grace of our God triumph in 
 their repentance and salvation ! Therefore, believer, even as to thine 
 own eternal state, judge not from present sense and appearance, 
 though all things seem against tliee. Oppose not thy frauics and 
 feelings to God's truth, love, grace, promises, and oath in Christ 
 Jesus. And they all point — to whom ? Even to sinners, lost and 
 perishing sinners. Whatever else thou hast lost, a sense of sin is 
 with thee. True, sayest thou, and a dreadful sense it is. I also 
 know the same ; I have a fellowship with thee in t'lc Sume sorrowful 
 truth. But still, « this is a faithful saying, worthy of all acceptation 
 at all times, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."' 
 Is there a doubt in thine heart, a fear in thy mind, a sin upon thy 
 conscience, but he is able to relieve and cleanse thee from ? " Be not 
 faithless, butgKrbelieving," saith thy Lord, John xx. 27. 
 
 Notdiff'rent food or diff'rent dress, AVJien weaker cliristiaiis we despise, 
 
 Compose the kingdom of our Lord ; We do the gospel mighty wrong. 
 
 But peace and joy and righteousness, I''«i" f-od, llio giacio'it- and llie wise, 
 
 Faith and obedience to his word. Receives llic feeble with the sti-cng. 
 
266 SEPTEMBER 10. 
 
 And the children struggled together within her : and she 
 said. If it be so, why am I thus? A?id she went to in- 
 quire of the Lord. — Gen. xxv. 22. 
 
 Very uncommon and extraordinary was the case of Rebekah : 
 inward commotion and strong contention, between the fruit of her 
 body, alarmed her greatly : each threatening death to the other, 
 and herself also. Happy her conduct. In this distress she seeks 
 satisfaction from the Lord. A noble instance of faith and familiarity 
 with the God of Israel. This also was written for our learning: a 
 very just and striking emblem is this of the christian. As A^erily as 
 Jacob and Esau were in the womb of Rebckali, so is the christian 
 the subject of two contending parties, the old and new man, flesh 
 and Spirit. The life of each is opposite to the other; each is striving 
 for the mastery over the other. Here is the daily conflict of dis- 
 ciples, 
 
 To good and evil equal bent ; 
 
 Sinful in nature, yet a saint. 
 
 How does the poor groaning, burdened sinner act ? Like himself, 
 a believer on Jesus. With Rebekah, he goes to his counsellor ^ 
 he enquires of the Lord Jesus. Is he like Paul in conflict of soul 
 crying out, "O wretched man that I am ?" Yea, like Rebekah, is he 
 sometimes weary of his life, because of the daughters of Heth, tlie 
 numerous progeny of corrupt lusts of the flesh ! Here is an evidence 
 of his spiritual life : this is a full proof of the strugglings of a sanc- 
 tified soul. Though the poor heart may cry out, ' I a saint, I a 
 member of the Holy Jesus, I a child of God I O, surely it cannot be. 
 If so, Avhy am I thus ?' Know, O soul, that it pleased the Father 
 that all fulness of grace should dwell in Jesus. He suffered thy fall 
 into this state that he might raise thee by Jesus ; and Jie is pleased 
 to leave thy sinful nature vile and corrupt "as he found it, until it 
 shall be "sown a vile body." Thou art like Rebekah groaning and 
 waiting to be delivered. Suffice it, that thou live by faith in Jesus ; 
 « wai-t in hope for the adoption, namely, the redemption of our body," 
 Rom. viii. 23. Know thou art called in love, daily to "• put off the 
 old man with his deeds — to mortify the flesh with its affections and 
 lusts." But yet always to reckon thyself after Christ, in thy new 
 ^tate, possessed of perfect righteousness and true holiness. Ever 
 accepted in him, God's beloved Son ; thy beloved head, surety, and 
 Saviour: in him ever acceptable to thy God. Thus the Lord thy God 
 ever delights in thee, and rtjoiceth over thee ; sees no spot of t=in, but 
 adorned with perfect beauty. Such are the glorious views of faith, in 
 opposition to all sense and feeling. So, shortly shalt thou be pre- 
 sented to the F.ithcr by Jesus, perfectly holy and without blemish, 
 <« not haVing spot or wrinkle, or any such thing," Eph. v. 26. 
 
SEPTEMBER 11. 267 
 
 We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were 
 dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made 
 tvith hands y eternal in the heavens. — 2 Cor. v. 1. 
 
 It is the grand device of that arch-dcccivcr, satun, to represent 
 the religion of Jesus as tending to melancholy, gloom, and sadness; 
 but daily experience proves the reverse ; for under a sense of a crazy, 
 disordered body, from views of its approaching dissolution, with 
 thoughts of its being shortly committed to the silent grave, who can 
 put on an air of composure, joy, and delight, except the christian ? 
 Who such cause for continual felicity, as he who knows his lease is 
 well nigh expired of his present house, that shortly it is to be pull- 
 ed down ; but yet, through the kindness and love of his 4ieavcnly 
 Father, a free grant of his eternal inheritance is gven him, "of a 
 house not made with hands?" What comfort must it yield to him 
 to k-noiv the nature of the purchase, the certainty of its being obtained, 
 the price fully paid, the deeds signed and sealed, the conveyance 
 legally made, his trust'.'e, Jesus, actually being in possession; yea and 
 " tlic earnest of his inheritance in his heart, by the Holy Ghost given 
 xmto him :" O, the in expressible joy of this knowledge ! All this we 
 assuredly know by fdtli. Come, my brother mortal, is thy house 
 like mine, ruined, crazy, and just ready to fall ? O, let us daily be 
 looking by faith, from Pisgah's top to the promised inheritance. 
 Let us daily consider our approaching dissolution, that our hearts 
 may more and more love and live with our dear Saviour, who has told 
 us, " I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again to receive 
 you to myself: where I am, there shall you be also," John xiv. 2, 3. 
 Vain and trifling is all this perishing world has to offer, compared 
 with the glory which shall shortly be re'vealed in us ; yea, not to be 
 set in competition with the grace that is now upon us. And what 
 can deprive such an heir of his inheritance ? Shall sin ? No ; that is 
 fully atoned by the blood of Jesus. Shall the world ? No ; he hath 
 victory over that, by the fiuth of Jesus. Shall satan ? No; the 
 " God of peace will bruise satan under his feet shortly," Rom. xvi. 
 20. Shall the corruptions of his nature and the workings of unbe- 
 lief ? These may distress and make him groan ; may deject with 
 doubts ; but shall not disinherit. For unbelief also is included in that 
 precious promise, " Sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are 
 under grace," Rom. vi. 14. And all such are " kept by tlic po\ver 
 of God through faith unto salvation." 
 
 Tlierc is a house not made -» itli hands. Shortly tliis prison of my clay 
 
 Eternal, and on high, Must he dissoIvM aii<I fall ; 
 
 And iiere my spirit waiting stands Then, O my soul, « itli joy obcjr 
 
 Till God stall bid il fly. Thy hcav'uly Talher's «*U. 
 
268 SEPTEMBER 12. 
 
 They who feared the Lord, spake often one to another; 
 the Lord hearkened and heard it. — Mai. iii. 16. 
 
 The tongue, though but a little member, yet is capable of being 
 employed to the best services, or to the worst purposes. We are as- 
 sured he is a perfect man who offends not in word. He is a man after 
 God's own hearf Avho prays daily, " Let the words of my mouth, and 
 the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my 
 strength, and my Redeemer," Psalm xix. 14. "Who is a wise 
 man and endued with knowledge amongst you ? let him shew out of a 
 good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom," James iii. 
 1 3. Thus perfection, real godliness, and true wisdom are ascribed to 
 our words and conversation. " By thy words thou shalt be justified, 
 and by thy words thou shalt be condemned," Mutt. xii. 37. Most 
 weighty considerations ! Let us take heed that we offend not with our 
 tongue. But most encouraging assurance, our God hearkens to his 
 dear children when we converse together about his kingdom and glo- 
 ry, and our peace, edification, and holiness. Yea more : O conde- 
 scending love ! " A book of remembrance was written before him of 
 them who feared the Lord, and thought upon his name." Is such kind 
 notice taken of our converse ? Then what cumulation ought to fire us, 
 that our tongues may edify and provoke each other Xp love and good 
 works ! What shame to christians, that they too often meet and talk, 
 and their poor hearts are neither edified, warmed, or comforted ! 
 Why is thi*> ? Truly the end of their conversation, " Jesus the same 
 yesterday, to-day, and for ever," was not considered. He is alwavs 
 most worthy to be uppermost in our hearts and tongues. This, like 
 a live coal from the altar, is the only fire to make cold hearts glow 
 with love, and warm hearts burn with affection. The best news of 
 the day, the fittest subject for conversation, is the rich, free, sove- 
 reign grace of our God, the love of Christ, the glad tidings of the 
 gospel, the joyful news of salvation finished by Jesus. This we are 
 going fully to enjoy. What then should we talk of by the way but 
 this ? O disciple, dost thou fiiid a dull frame and a sad heart? there- 
 fore, saycst, I am unfit to converse of these things ? This is really 
 like staying from the fire, because cold, or abstaining from food, 
 because hungry. Consider the conduct of the disciples. " Jesus 
 drew near to them, and asks, what manner of conjmunications arc 
 theSe that ye have one to another, asye wuik, and arc sad ?" Luke 
 xxiv. 1 7. Though they had lost sight of Jesus, though their hearts 
 were sad about it, yet they refrained not talking and communing 
 about him. And he soon made 4lu-ir hearts burn within them. 
 " Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ-" Phil, 
 i. 27. . 
 
SEPTEMBER 13. 269 
 
 Twill allure her, and briiig her into the rvilderness, and 
 speak comfortably unto her. — Hosca. ii. 14.. 
 
 Carnal ease begets spiritual sloth. Outwivvd prosperity ofica 
 brings leanness of soul.' Worldly joys, vain pleasures, and sensual 
 gratifications, are contrary to the spiritual delights, holy comforts, 
 and godly conversation of the soul. Of this observation we have 
 awful evidence. Woeful experience proves it. It is seldom seen 
 that the church of Christ in general, or individual members thrive 
 and prosper m soul, when all without is easy, prosperous, aiid joyful 
 to the flesh. Like " Jcshui'un, we wax fat and kick, forsake God, 
 and lightly esteem the rock of oui' salvation," Deut. xxxii. 15. 
 
 But the head of his church, ever jealous for his own glory, ever 
 watchful ill love over his own members, will not suffer them to perish 
 with a surfeit from worldly kindness. Tiity shall rather bleed by the 
 loving stroke of his hand, than fall a sacrifice to the world and the 
 flesh. Earthly plants droop and wither by too great heat from the 
 sun : so spiritual plants hang their hei^ds and decline under the warm 
 sunshine of prosperity. " But," saiih the Lord, who delights in the 
 spiritual prosperity of his people, " I will allure them to myself; I 
 will persuade of the evil of fcrrsaking me, tlie fountahi of living 
 waters, and hewing out to tliemselves broken cisterns that will hold 
 no water." The world, with all its gaudy show and glittering vani- 
 ties, I will persuade them from. I will allure to myself the fountain 
 of roal happiness, the source of solid comfort, the centre of all felicity. 
 The Saviour, who was led into the wilder::ess to be tempted for the 
 soul, will lead the soul into the wilaerness to wean it fiom its carnal 
 dclighcs. In a solitary, desolate wilderness, there is nothing grows 
 to please the flesh, but all is irksome* and disagreeable to nature. 
 Here no path to direct from danger and invite to Sciety is found. 
 Here wild beasts of prey roam. Here the welcome footsteps of the 
 traveller cannot be traced. Here nought but dreary dread and con- 
 stant fears haunt the mind. Just so is a wilderness-state of soul ; 
 O, what fears and sorrows pursue it ! How perplexed about the way, 
 from danger to safety ! How gloomy, sad, and dejected is the heart ! 
 O, in such a state how ready th.e soul to hear ! O, how doth God 
 there teach the soul the profitable lesson of consideration ! Former 
 follies are reflected on with shame, past conduct is mourned over, 
 worldly objects rejected with contempt, the soul brought again to 
 thirst after God ; Jesus and salvation becomes its cry again. O, 
 that it were with me as in months past ! This is right. The Saviour 
 loves to hear his members thus bemoaning themselves. Then is 
 their ear open, and their heart atttentive to hib voice ; and he will 
 speak, not what she deserves, wrath ; but comfortably unto her heart; 
 " Fear not, I am thy God, and thy great sah'ation." 
 Vol. I. Kk 
 
270 SEPTEMBER 14. 
 
 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, 
 and every man his brother^ saying, Knoiv the Lord: for 
 they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the 
 
 greatest of them, saith the Lord. — Jcr. xxxi. 34. 
 
 1'he outward teaching of the word is to be prized. Diligent 
 attendance on gospel-preaching is by no means to be neglected. 
 Faithful ministers of Jesus are to be esteemed highly in love for their 
 works' sake. Christian conversation is to be valued : none of these 
 are here spoken against by our Lord. No ; his appointing teachers, 
 the Spirit's owning and blessing the word by them to the instruction 
 and conversion of souls, plainly prove the contrary. But Jesus, the 
 substance, being come, teaching by types and shadows should be no 
 more. Men shall not teach one another by pretended revelations : 
 but the muiistration of the Spirit should take place of the ministration 
 of the letter. Such should be the effusion of the Spirit after the 
 ascension of Jesus ; that he should enlighten with his power and 
 teacli with his energy all the children of God. Lvery believer in 
 Jesus has this unction of the Holy Spirit, which teacheth him all 
 things — I John ii. 20. Hence the babe in Christ, as well as the 
 father, is taught by the same divine Lord to know Jesus as the only 
 and alone Saviour, the virtue of his precious blood, the perfection of 
 his atonement, the glory of his righteousness, and the completeness 
 of his salvation ; taught to believe in his blessed name, and love his 
 adorable person. O believer,, is this absolute^ declaration, " they 
 shall all know me," thy mercy ? Jehovah speaks with the voice of 
 omnipotence. The Lord effects by the power of his sovereignty. 
 They shall all know me : are all men thus taught of God ? Uo all 
 men know the Lord ? We cannot say so- We dare not think so. 
 The contrary is too evident. This teacliing, this knowledge, is not 
 general and universal, but special and peculiar to God's people 07ily. 
 Therefore his grace proved effectual to thy calling, thy teaching. 
 How vain,, how fruitless would all other teachers have proved ! 
 but the work is his, the comfort thine. Ever reflect on the pride of 
 thy nature, the obstinacy of thy will, the blindness of thy understand- 
 ing, the desperate wickedness and unbelief of thy heart, and bow to 
 his sovereignty. Give the Spirit all the glory for what thou know- 
 est of Jesus as thy hope and salvation. Now there is an essential 
 diffelrencc between believing and knowing. All men believe there 
 is a God. But to know God is peculiar to regenerate souls. And 
 this is the comforting criterion, lo know him as our own sin-forgiv- 
 ing God : for he adds, "I will forgive their iniquity ; 1 will remem- 
 ber their sin no more." 
 We bless the proplict of the Lord Hosanna to thy glorious name, 
 
 I'liiit comes witli truth and grace : Who caii'd us b) ihy grace ; 
 
 Jesus, thy ijpu'it and thy word Thy mei-cics lay a sov'rejgii claim 
 
 Doth leacli us iu tliy ways. To our iiuiaortal i)iiuse. 
 
SEPTEMBER 15. 271 
 
 Ab ma7i having" put his hand to the plough, and looking 
 back., i^ jit for the kingdom of God. — Luke. ix. 62. 
 The eye, though a little member, yet pei lu-ps of all otiicis is 
 the greatest inlet to teraptution. The first motion to sin entered by 
 seeing. Eve savo the fruit was good und pleasant to the eye. Look- 
 ing begat longing ; so lust was conceived, and brought ioi ili bin. 
 Sin when it was finished brought forth death upon and ail In r pos- 
 terity. When satan dared to tempt Jesus, he begaii the allLxk by 
 presenting to his view the kingdoms of tlie world and the g,lorics 
 thereof. Seeing this, what reason is there, with Job. to make a cov- 
 enant with our eyes I with David, to pray daily, " Turn away mine 
 eyes from beholding vanity !" No state more awful than Jo set out 
 in the best cf.use, and to turn buck for the worst enemy. The last 
 end of such is most dreadful. Most deplorable indeed, to turn away 
 from following Jesus, and make shipwreck of faith and a good con- 
 science. 
 
 Whether he be minister or disciple who hath put his hand to the 
 gospel-plough, if his eyes are attracted to, and his heart allured after 
 the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, these 
 will render him unfit for the Jiingdom of God. For these are as 
 contrary to the Sjiirit, frame, and genius of Jesus and his kingdom, 
 as heaven is to hell. No man can serve two such opposite masters. 
 If thou hast chosen Jesus for thy portion and thy all, wherefore dost 
 thou look back to the world ? What slight and contempt doth such a 
 conduct pour upon blessed Jesus 1 It is a sad evidence the heart is 
 not whole with him. Such conduct speaks loudly, as though there 
 was somewhat desirable in Christ and his ways ; but not enough to 
 win the heart wholly, engage the affvctions entirely, and fill thfl 
 mind with happiness completely. " If iuiy man draw back, my 
 soul, saith the Lord, shall have no pleasure in him." And verily 
 such a soul can have no pleasure in God. Wliither then will he 
 fly ? to what refuge betake himself in the hour of calamity, and in 
 the day of distress ? Oh ! a forsaken Jesus, a slighted gospel, and 
 neglected salvation, will wound the conscience with the keencs) 
 sting. See to it, O professor ; watch over thy lustful eye. It is cvei 
 looking back to, .and longing after more from this world than thou at 
 present possesseth. O, bev/are of tliy deceitful heart, lest that, turn- 
 eth from Jesus to the world. If so, thy hand will soon let go the 
 gospel-plough : and yet you will find carnal pleas for your conduct. 
 Many poor, dry, barren professors, have ever a reason (such as it is] 
 at their tongues-end for their covetous, worldly-minded spirit : when 
 it is easy to observe, like Lot's wife, they face about to Sodom, and 
 arc become -a standing monument of (iod's displeasure. *' But," 
 saith the apostle, of all the faithful members of Jesus, « beloved, we 
 are persuaded better things of you, and things that accomp;iny salva- 
 tion, though we thus speak," Ileb. vi. 9. 
 
272 SEPTEMBER 16. 
 
 Search the scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal 
 life, and they are they which testify of me. — John v. 39. 
 
 It was an excellent reply of a christian lady to a scoffing infidel, 
 who vented profane banter upon the scriptures, and asked, What 
 proof she could give of the truth of holy writ ? ' Yourself, Sir, 
 said she, 'is one;' for it is written, "There shall come in the last 
 days scoffers, walking after their own lusts," 2 Pet. iii. 3. Even 
 satan, when he tempted our Lord, though he dared to pervert, yet 
 he never once attempted to deny hcly scripture to be the truths of 
 God. Shame to professors who are ignorant of God's word. For 
 Jesus and eternal life are revealed therein. Even devils, who have 
 no hope from the scriptures, seem well versed in them. But may 
 not Jonadab's question to Amnon be put even to some of God's chil- 
 dren, " Why art thou, being a king's son, lean from day to day ?" 
 2 Sum. xiii. 4. I^eanness of soul comes on many through neglecting 
 the nourishing truths of God's word. It is the rich feast of the Fa- 
 ther's love. By it the soul is fed and nourished up to eternal life. 
 Verily, when we lose our appetite for tlie scriptures, and they are not 
 savoury food to us, it is because our souls arc distempered. 
 
 « They testify of me," saith Jesus. Is not that word enough ? 
 What so sweetly, so powerfully enp;aging to the soul, as when some- 
 what of our dear Saviour is to be learned from every page ? The 
 more we are acquainted with his precious person, his amazing love, 
 his wonderful humility, his astcMiisliing suffermgs, his finished work 
 on earth, so much the more will lie be endeared in our hearts. We 
 .shall prize the word that testifies of him, and the Spirit that glorifies 
 him : we shall think of him, love him, live upon him, live to him, 
 long to be with him from day to day. So we shall beguile all our 
 troubles and trials below ; our hearts will be simple and happy ; our 
 conversation and conduct will be more like the meek Lamb of God. 
 Thus shall we grow as Pharaoh's " kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored, 
 while we feed in God's meadow," Gen. xli. 18. If we neglect the 
 scriptures that testify of Jesus, no marvel if we enjoy not the com- 
 fort of the Spirit's witness of Jesus. Says Luther, ' Let tlie Lord 
 take me out of life this hour, or when it pleascth him, I leave this 
 behind me, I will own Jesus Christ for my Lord and my God. This 
 I have not only out of the scriptures, but by manifold experience 
 alsoj'^for the name Jesus hath often helped and comforted me, when 
 no creature could.' " Holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto 
 salvation, through faith, which is in Christ Jesus," 2 Tim. iii. 15. 
 
 Grent Gotl ! mine eyes m illi pTeasure look, Let the false raptures of the mind, 
 On the <lo«r vohime of tliy hook ; Be lost and vanislicd iii the wind : 
 
 There mvlledeemer'sface I see. Here I can fix my hope secure ; 
 
 And read his name wlio d v'd for mc. Tliis is tliy word and must endure. 
 
SEPTEMBER IV. 273 
 
 Ye arc come to Jesus the Mediator of the nexv covenant y 
 and to the blood of sprinkling. — Heb. xii. 24. 
 
 When from zeal and affection for their beloved master, the 
 disciples would have called for fire from heaven, " He rebuked them, 
 saying, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." In young dis- 
 ciples there is often much heat of zeal which is not according to know- 
 ledge ; they know but little what evils they are called from, and what 
 privileges they are come to. It behoves all to be diligent in reading, 
 hearing, and studying, the truths of Jesus. So the Spirit makes 
 wise heads and joyful hearts. To see, taste, and feel somewhat of 
 Jesus from the law, the types and figures, the prophesies, promises, 
 and the gospel, is the chief concern of simple souls ; so their hearts 
 are daily more and more established in faith ; and itiey know iiiore 
 assuredly that they are really come to Jesus. Wiicn we read of 
 Moses sprinkling the people, and ci7ing out, " Behold the blood of 
 the covenant,'' Exod. xxiv. 8 — this co'nfortably reminds us of the 
 pardon of sin by the precious blood of the dear Lamb ; and how 
 the sprinkling of this blood purifies the heart from sin, ui>d uie coii- 
 Sicience from guilt, by faith. 
 
 The acceptable sacrifice of Abel, by which he obtained witness 
 that he was righteous, brings to our minds the most exci llcnt sacri- 
 fice of our dear Saviour. This speaks righteousness, peace, love, 
 and salvation to our souls ; this silences all guilty fears ; this revives 
 and comforts drooping, trembling hearts, knowing that Jesus is our 
 dear and ever-loving Mediator before the throne. This gives bold- 
 ness and confidence of free access to God, cind freedom of heart lo 
 draw nigh to, love him, and rejoice in him. \Vhatcvcr our various 
 cases, frames, and circumstances are, dur only wisdom and comfort 
 lies in simply commi^nding . 11 to Jesus, knowing tliat we are come 
 to him, and live comforUbiy, by daily coming to him. Is sin our 
 sorrow, grief, and burden? Jesus has a plea for it ; he does not 
 extenuate or excuse it. Nor should we ; but confess it with all its 
 aggravations : his blood speaks before the tuvone ; t!;e Spirit bears 
 witness to it. When the voice of sin luid terror is heard in thy con- 
 science, Christ's blood speaks pardon from God, freedom from con- 
 demnation, peace of conscience, joy of heart, and a hope full of 
 immortality. Happy to be come to Jesus, and joyful to believe in 
 him as our Mediator. O, how full of the richest consolaiion is this 
 v.ord ? « If we confess our sins, God is fuiihful ajul just to forgive us 
 our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," 1 John i. P. 
 
 Our Jfsus callM ami bade us come Clirist is o>ir !\f cdiator dear 
 
 To him for ease and rest ; Before tJie Uironc of (jod : 
 
 Our souls obcy'd liis heav'nly voice, Our conscience f.nds sw nt [cacc •* \\\i liim 
 
 And \vc iu him arc blest. Now si)rinklc'l « i'.h his blood. 
 
274 SEPTEMBER 18. 
 
 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again imtil 
 Christ be formed in 7J0U — Gal. iv. 19. 
 
 Many sincere disciples, who are convinced of sin, hope in 
 themselves cut off, and have fled to Jesus for refuge, are often dis- 
 tressed because they have not Ijeen under such dreadful terrors of 
 legal wrath which others talk of, and are mistaken for the pangs and 
 travail of the new birth. But there is no authority from scripture to 
 conclude we must have such great terrors of hell and damnation ere 
 we come to and believe on Christ. Nay, the law may work great 
 wrath in the conscience, and yet the soul never be converted to 
 Jesus and the holiness of the gospel. The Spirit is a sovereign agent. 
 Enlightened, convinced souls are differently wrought on ; some feel 
 more, others less terror; but each see the sinfulness of shi, their lost 
 state by nature, the spirituality of the law <ind the preciousness of 
 Jesus, before they will come to him. On such the dear Saviour 
 "sees the travail of his soul, and is satisfied," Isa. liii. 11. Zion, 
 the church, in her living members, travails in faith and prayer, and 
 by her, as the mother, children are brought forth, Isa. Ixvi. 8. 
 Ministers, in their pjinful Libours and endeavours, travail that souls 
 may be born to Jesus. 
 
 Thus laborious and afTcctionate Paul travailed in birth again for 
 the apostatizing Galatians. He had been in pain for them till they 
 were brought forth at first as a holy seed in their conversion to 
 Jesus; but now his soul v/as pained at their turning back again to 
 the law. Children of God, though little in knowledge, and weak 
 ' in faith, are as dear to Jesus as adult christians : so are they to his 
 faithful ministers. But they are fearful of believing too much in, 
 and trusting too much on, the finished work of Jesus. Their poor 
 Irgal hearts are CA^er, now and then, looking, to the law, and leaning 
 to something of their own ; but the Spirit will not leaA'e such to abide 
 in a feeble, hifinite state. Ministers- labour and travail for their 
 growth in grace, by the knowledge of Jesus : the gracious Spirit, by 
 the word, forms Christ more perfectly in them ; he increases more 
 perfect knowledge of his finished salvation, in the full atonement of 
 his blood, the perfection of his righteousness, and the prcvalency of 
 his intercession for their justification and acceptance with God : and 
 alsojn their sanctification, -he more perfectly forms the image of 
 Christ in them, as to the disposition of their hearts sind conformity 
 of their lives. " We are changed into their image by the Spirit of 
 the Lord," 2 Cor. iii. 18. 
 
 filor)'tofioi1 tlip Sjiirit give, Dcnr L9nl, (lioii Spirit., vitli us stay, 
 From v/l«oscalmiglity pow'r, Anil let ns not Dice grieve ; 
 
 Our souls their licav'nly hirtli derive, O, guide us tliro' nui" desert Nvay, 
 And bless tlie happy hour. And never, never leave. 
 
SEPTExMBER 19. 275 
 
 Jesus said unto him, JF/ierefore didst thou doubt ? — 
 Matt. xiv. 31. 
 
 The best of men are but men at the best. The most eminent 
 saints of God have experienced doubting, fearful fiames, as well as 
 believing, joyful ones. We have many instances of this in the bold 
 and courageous Peter. Now, at the command of his master, we 
 behold him w;ilking safely on the surface of the great deep. Here he 
 honored his master's word, was very safe and comfortable while he 
 believed his power. To see Peter wi.lldng upon the liquid ocean, 
 is not more beyond the power of reason to comprehend and account 
 far, than to see a poor sinner comfortably living and walking by faith 
 on the Son of God, in spite of all the raging waves of unbelief, lust, 
 and corruptions. 
 
 But as it was with Peter, so it is often with the believer. The 
 workings of Peter's naturJ senses, the suggestions of his canial 
 reason, opposed the actings of his faith; he heard the roaring winds, 
 he saw the boisterous waves, he considered the bulk and weight of 
 his body, and then, up reason, down faith. Reason assures him 
 fluid water cannot support him. Hence he doul)ts, he fears, he 
 sinks. So the poor sinner, who hath heard the hiviting voice of 
 Jesus, and obeyed the word of his grace, to believe on him, walks 
 sweetly and comfortably for a season ; but anon, corruptions like the 
 surging billows, lift up their threatening heads ; temptations, like 
 the stormy wind, blow violently upon him ; the thundcrings of a fiery- 
 law are heard; he thinks incensed justice pursues him, and tliat the 
 face of majesty looks stren upon him. Hence he reasons upon 
 what he .is, what he has done, and what he may expect ; and all in 
 nature, sense, and feeling is against hjm. O then, he doubts' in 
 his mind and sinks in his spirit 1 But when he reflects, Jesus is above 
 all, he is mighty to save ; tlien, seeing all hope in him, and none 
 beside him, he cries, " Lord save, or I perish." This is right. 
 Our Saviour loves to hear his poor disciples cry to him. He is near 
 them, and, as Peter was, they are always within the reach of his 
 arm. He loves their persons, approves their crying, but reproves 
 their doubting. Wherefore didst thou doubt? Though thy sins 
 have reached to heaven, yet my blood is before the throne. Who 
 shall lay any thing to thy charge ? It is God that justifleth, who shall 
 condemn thee ? I have died, what shall destroy thee, seeing I iun 
 able to save to the very utteiniost ? — Verily, O Jtsu, to the poor 
 and needy in their distress, thou art a refuge from the storm, Isa. 
 XXV. 4. 
 
 Wlmt flin' the host of dcatli find liell, A friend and li-iJpcr so divine, 
 
 All :ii-njM asjftinst me stood. Docs my wc.nk courage raise ; 
 
 Why siiotdd theii- terrors shake roy soul ? He mnkes tlie glorious vict'iy mine, 
 
 My refujjc is my (iod. And his sliall be the praise. 
 
276 SEPTEMBER 20. 
 
 Jfye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,-— 
 John xiii. 17. 
 
 Jesus is a pvopliCt to teach, a priest to atone, and a king to 
 reign by love in the hearts of all his subjects. So a christian receives 
 the Lord Jesus. Faith in him begets an ear of love to his doctrine, 
 and a heart of obedience to his commands. Let no one call evangel- 
 ical obedience, legal bondage. For every precept that drops from 
 the mouth of Jesus, flows from love to us. When he saith, " Do 
 this ;" it is for thy happiness and good, O soul. " Avoid that ;" love 
 is careful of thee, " Do thyself no harm." This is pleasant to the 
 renevi'ed soul to hear, his happiness to obey. Faith in Jesus makes 
 all things easy. " His commandments are not grievous." To know 
 them is our privilege. To do them is our happiness. 
 
 Say, O christian, is not this thy experience ? Art thou not happy 
 in doing the will of Jesus who died for our sins ? Art thou not de- 
 lighted in obeying Jesus, who hath made peace between God and thy 
 soul ? Art thou not joyful in glorifying thy Father, by bringing forth 
 the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ ? Verily in 
 keeping thy commandments, O Lord, there is gi-eat rewurd of grace ; 
 in peace and happiness of soul now ; and hereafter such shall hear 
 that joyful sentence from our loving Saviour, « Come ye blessed of 
 my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founda- 
 tion of the world," Matt. xxv. 34. Then shall the works of the 
 righteous be owned and proclaimed by the Judge. They are called 
 to inherit the kingdom. Why ? Because blessed of God the Father 
 with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, Hci.ce the kingdom is 
 prepared for them from the foundation of the world. But it consti- 
 tutes no part of the believer's happiness, to do any work whatsoever, 
 whereby to entitle himself to the favor of God ; or to make the work 
 of salvation more effectual than the blood and lighteousness of the 
 Son of God hath. No; this is to be rejected as the vilest slavery, 
 the worst of drudgery; contrary to faith; inconsistent with chris- 
 tian love ; and derogatory to the salvation of Jesus. Luther was 
 wont to say, ' if picking up a straw would saje me, I would not do 
 it ; it would be an act of unbelief of my dear Lore' "si Saivaiion ; but 
 being already saved by Jesus, through his grace, I woula go thj-ough 
 fire and water to obey his comir^'fUtds' Where Jesus is the life of 
 the^soul, this will be manifest, in obedience to his corimands. " Bles- 
 sed is the man who dclighteth gre^Tiy in his coirvmandments," 
 Psalm cxii. 1 . 
 
 I liear thy word wiUi love, For ever anve thy promise, Lord, 
 And I would fain obey : Hore I securely trust. 
 
 Send tiiy good Spirit from above Wliile of Ihy v. orks 1 m.g, ' 
 To guide me lest I stray. -r^y glor}- to I^rocl--^m, 
 
 How perfect is tLy Avord ! Accent (lie praise, my f^^od and Kijigj 
 And all thy judgments just. In my'Rcdecmer's name. 
 
SEPTEMBER 21. 277 
 
 Many there he which say of my soul, There is no help fur 
 him in God. Selah. — Psalm iii. 2. 
 
 Had David's foes said of him, lie deserves no help from God ; 
 he would readily huve owned this as a great truth. As God's chil- 
 dreaare comforted by the truth, so the enemy advances lies to dis- 
 tress them. When he attacks their faith and comfort, he holdly 
 impeaches the love and faithfulness of their God. " No help for me 
 ill God !" O my soul, -wilt thou listen to this suggestion ? Canst 
 thou indulge such a thought one moment ? Art thou beset with dis- 
 tress of soul, and surrounded with troubles and ciiflicullics? Art thou 
 singing a mcluncholy note ? Selah, saith David: pause, consider this ; 
 lift up thy mind to attend ; how dishonorable to thy God, haw de- 
 structive to thy faith, peace, love, and holiness, is this 1 Know the 
 voice of thy enemy. Hear the voice of thy Saviour. His word is 
 adi.pted to thy circumstances, however distressing or desperate. 
 ♦'Thou hast destroyed thyself!'* What is added ? Perish in thine 
 own undoings, take it for thy pains? No : for alniighty love proclaims 
 its own triumph ; " But in me is thuie help," Hos. xiii. 9. 
 
 " Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward." When boiTi 
 again he finds more enemies and troubles than ever : a sinful nature 
 burdens him, carnal lusts perplex him; satan tempts and accuses him, 
 unbelief besets and dejects him ; but, most joyful truth, God is his 
 dear Father, Jesus his precious Saviour, the holy Spirit his loving 
 comforter. Where should the poor sinner look ? To whom should 
 the exercised, aillicted soul go ? Happy for him when with David, 
 he goes with childlike simplicity, and tells his sorrowful complaints 
 to his dear Saviour ; " Lord, how are they increased that trouble 
 me ! Many rise up- against me." They say of my soul, " There is 
 no help for me in God." The Saviour loves to hear his members* 
 complaints ; he delights to redress them. Thus, when driven from 
 all hope and help from within and without, then ihcy honor him iu 
 faith and prayer. As when the little child is affrighted with lying 
 stories, it flies to the arms of its father for safety, tells him of its 
 fears, and thus its little heart gets case ; so Duvid found it ; his ex- 
 perienced heart cries out, " Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me ; my 
 glory, and the lifter-«p of my head. Salvation bclongeth unto the 
 Lord ; thy blessing is upon thy people." Thus, though a mournfol 
 complaint ushers in this Psalm, yet it concludes in the joy and tri-- 
 iimph of faith. " Though wcepii.g may endure for a liight, yet joy 
 Cometh in the morning," Psalm xxx. 5. 
 
 Tho' weepitiR for a night endure, O, listen then unto liis wonl, 
 
 And focn distress my !>ca>t ; In his sw cet luoiuise tnist : 
 
 Yet in the morniiii:; joy is sure : Thy Iocs ;l..ill Act; before thy LorJ, 
 
 Cnr Savioui- takes my part. ^^'ho laithl'ul is uud just. Af. 
 
 Vol. L L 1 
 
278 SEPTEMBER 22. 
 
 / beseech you therefore, brethren^ by the mercies of God, 
 that ye preserit your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, 
 acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service — - 
 Rom. xii. 1. 
 
 Just before omi- dear Saviour left his apostles, he gave them 
 this commission, " Preach the gospel ;" glad tidings of the everlast- 
 ing love and mercy of God, in Christ, to poor sinners. By this truth, 
 through the power of the Spirit, souls are brought to repentance, 
 faith and salvation ; and by the sweet force and constraining influence 
 of the same trvith, believers are to be exhorted, animated, and stirred 
 up to glorify God in their souls and bodies which are his. This was 
 the apostles' practice. With what affection and love do they address 
 the members of Jesus 1 The sound of wrath and terror, the thunder- 
 ines of hell and damnation are not used to soldiers in the camp of 
 Jesus. No ; they are exhorted by love and vicrcy. So we delight 
 to hear : and from these most powerful motives we cheerfully obey. 
 \Vc present our bodies a living sacrifice upon that altar which conse- 
 crates the gift, even Jesus. We are holy in him, acceptable unto 
 God through him. We own it " our reasonaljlc service ;" we are 
 not our own. We acknowledge it our boundcn duty. Christ hath 
 bought us with the price of his own blood. Lord, give power to 
 obey, and command what thou wilt. Consider, O christian, while 
 thy poor soul was dead in trespasses and sins, thy body was a wretch- 
 ed slave to the drudgery of Satan and thy vile lusts. Now a better 
 master demands its service. It is of God's mercies in Christ thy 
 soul is quickened, and by the same mercies thou art required to 
 yield thy body as a living sacrifice. It is now the temple of the Holy 
 Ghost, therefore to be consecrated to holy purposes. 
 
 Was David so struck with the distinguishing favor of being a king, 
 as to dance joyfully before thtt ark ?- 2 Sam. vi. 14. O, consider our 
 eternal mercies in Christ, being kings and priests unto God 1 Medi- 
 tate daily, hourly on this. How should it affect our hearts with love, 
 raise our spirits in triumph, inflame our affections with zeal for God's 
 glory ! Our spiritual mercies arc not connnon to all. Carnal men 
 are ignorant of, und despise them. O study then to approve your- 
 selves as the peculiar, highly distinguished favorites of heaven. As 
 *^ie elect of God, be clothed with humility ; yet, as kings' sons, live 
 upon heavenly food ; and act as those who dare not demean them- 
 selves by a practice below their royal dignity. " He that saith he 
 abideth in Christ, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked," 
 1 John ii. 6. 
 
 The tender mercies of tliy, God Tliy soul and body ofTer up 
 
 D.iily recount, my soul, A ILving sacrifici , 
 
 O live and spread liis praise iiLvoad, Holy to Mod thro' Jesu's love ; 
 
 WJiile love thy poM'rs cojutroul. I.tf nothing less suffice. JI. 
 
SEPTEMBER 23. 27J 
 
 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righte- 
 ousness ; for th(;y shall be filled. — Matt. v. G. 
 
 To thirst after luippincss is natural. To seek it from wronn; ob- 
 jects is natural. To desire to escape a hcU of misery, ijid enjoy a 
 place of happiness, is equally natural. If lliis may be called salvation, 
 all men wish to be saved. The most wicked may wish to " die the dcuth 
 of the righteous, and that their last end may be like his." This evciy 
 man is capable of as a rational, intelligent being. And many are sviiv- 
 ing to make themselves righteous in order to be saved. But to de- 
 sire-salvation in God's way, to hunger and thirst after Christ and his 
 righteousness, is peculiar to the quickened only. The dead hunger 
 not. Spiritual appetites spring from spiritual life. A natural man 
 can as soon seek to fill his belly with the cast wind, or allay his thirst 
 with the sun-beams as do this. 
 
 To know ourselves to be miserable sinners, destitute of righteous- 
 ness, to believe Christ has obtained it for us, and to hunger and thifbt 
 after it, this lies at the foundation of true godliness ; this enters into 
 the very essence of our religion. Such self-emptied, hurigry, and 
 thirsty souls are blessed : for they shall be filled ; filled v.itli uli the 
 blessings of Jesus' everlasting righteousness ; acceptance with God, 
 pardon of sins, and peace from God ; filled with the fruits of right- 
 eousness which are by Jesus Christ ; with all the graces of God's 
 Spirit on earth, and with all the fulness of God in glory. » This is 
 the heritage of my servants, and their righteojisncss is of me" suilli 
 precious Jesus — Isa. liv. 17. " The skies pour down righteousness, 
 tlie faithful open their hearts and receive it," Isa. xlv. 8. O, what 
 delightful fellowship and intercourse subsist between heaven and 
 earth; hungry souls and rigliieous Jesu5 I Says Bishop Hall, 'if 
 Jesus had not said, " Blessed are tliose who hunger," I know not 
 what could keep weak christians from despair. Many times, all I 
 can do is to find and complain I want Jesus ; I wish to enjoy him. 
 Now this is my stay, he in mercy esteems us, not by having, but de- 
 siring also. There never was a soul miscarried with longing afic» 
 grace. O blessed hunger that always ends in full, ess ! I am sorry \ 
 can but hunger, yet would not be full ; for the blessing ispron;ihcc| 
 to the hungry.' As verily as the righteous man, Jesus, wrouglit out 
 righteousness for sinful man, all thirsty souls who come to liim shall 
 be filled with righteousness. For he « fills the hungry with y^A 
 things," while "he sendst he rich (the self-righteous) empty away," 
 Luke i. 53. 
 
 Onr ncn -born souls <lo ever crave Linl, fill our l.nnjiy, diirsfy souls, 
 
 For i-islitpoiisiicss we've lost ; >Vitli sulisf) in.? f.ioi! ; 
 
 That we in Jesus may be IbuiiJ, Blest in tliy mc rits im.y uc b", 
 
 And by liim be in:ule jusl. Ai..l>udoi.'d bv iby blow!. 
 
280 SEPTEMBER 24. 
 
 There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them -which 
 are in Christ Jesus. — Rom. viii. 1. 
 
 Mr. BuRraTT observes, ' this chapter is a summary of evangel- 
 iccil duty, a,.<i a magazine of christian comfort : it begins with no con- 
 demnation to believers, and ends with no separation from the love of 
 God.' It is natural to conceive, if we had never sinned there would 
 be no condemnation against us : but, that now we are sinners, and nat- 
 urally under the condemning sentence of God's holy law ; that yet 
 there is now no condemnation to us ; this our carnal reason cannot 
 conceive, and therefore opposes it. But it is God's truth and the joy 
 of faith. This unfolds the great mystery, that we are one with Christ : 
 viewed, beloved, and chosen in him. This gloriously displays the 
 attributes of Jehovah's justice and holiness ; while a full and ample 
 discharge from all condemnation is obtained from his righteous law, 
 to all Christ's members. Therefore, that blessed name Jesus is 
 above every name to us. In this, and every other matter of salvation, 
 to him every believer's knee will bow, and his heart confess, Christ 
 is all in all. Rich privilege to be in Christ Jesus ! Unspeakable hap- 
 piness to be freed from all condemnation ! Blessed effects of coven- 
 ant-union with Christ ! Joyful experience of the grace of luiih in him ! 
 To have such a knowledge, and pass such a judgment upon thy soul, 
 O christian, is just and right. It is thy duty and privilege at all 
 limes. Practice it. 
 
 As to Jesus, how readest thou ? " The Lord hath laid upon him 
 the iniquity of us all," Jsa. liii. 6. " Christ bore our sins in his own 
 body on the tree," 1 Pet. ii. 21.. " Christ suffered, the just for the 
 unjust," 1 Pet. iii. 18. "We have redemption through his blood, 
 the forgiveness of sins. He was made sin for us, who knew no sin." 
 Can we read all this without singing a triumphant cluJlenge, " Who 
 then shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect ? God that justi- 
 ficth ? No : Who is he that condemneth ? Christ that died, yea, 
 rather that is risen again, wlio is even at the right hand of God, who 
 also maketh intercession for us ?" Rom. viii. 33, 34. Here is the 
 glorious triumph of faith. Thou art " carnal, sold under sin," Rom. 
 vii. U. In tliy flesh dvvelleth no good thing ; though thou hast no 
 reason for confidence In the llesh, yet always abundant cause to rejoice 
 in Christ Jesus : for in him thou art perfectly righteous ; in him for 
 pver freed from all condemnation. () believer, thou art called ever 
 lo rejoice in this liberty, and to evitlcncc it by walking, '' not after the 
 flesh, but after Use Spirit." 
 
 Siran.cc niysffry of wond'ioiis graco ! O, mm \\)o precious faitli of this, '^ 
 
 I'm ruUfjrsiii, jut not coiKleniuM I D.nly enliven all my pow'rs, 
 
 i k( !U)H in .Icsii's rioliteoiisiipss ; To riu, the road to bcav'nly l)liss, 
 
 ty 1u:t) fiom e^'iy sin r .-U-cin'j;' I-, fhrbt rrjoielHg all rr>y hours. 31. 
 
SEPTEMBER 25. 281 
 
 I will put my fmr hi their hearts, that they shall not de- 
 part JYom me. — Jcr. xxxii. 40. 
 
 T WILL and they sh^all. Such is God's gracious way of saving 
 his people: while proud legal hearts and sclf-righteoub spirits, puft 
 up with notio'!> of free-will, are ever contending for tenns and con- 
 ditions to be pci'formcd by dead sinners in order to be saved ; or by 
 creatures insafTicient of themselves to think a good thought, to secure 
 and m..ke effectual salvation to their own souls. But this fear oi (lod 
 is a blessing of the covenant of grace. Naturally ilie fear of God is 
 not in our hearts. It is one black mark of an unrcgenerate person, 
 " he has no fear of God before his eyes." How awful 1 how deplo- 
 rable is this ! Yet, naturally we fear not the power of the Lord, nor 
 dread his wrath : nor are v.e at all sensible of our danger. What 
 wonder of love ! What matter of thankfulness, that the Lord hath 
 put his fear in t!iy heart, O christian I The fear of the Lord is the 
 beginning of wisdom. It is perfectly consistent with the strongest 
 faith, the most inPiamed love, and the highest spiritual joy. Though 
 by faith in Jesus wc are delivered from a servile, slavish fear of God, 
 which fills us with legal terrorsj yet we are possessed of a filial, loving 
 fear towards him, as to a tender and iiffeclionatc father. 
 
 This fear shall dwell in the hearts of saints all their days. This 
 fear keeps souls from sinning against the God of love. The blessed 
 effect of it is, " that they shall never depart from me," saith the 
 Lord. Thy soul, believer, being rooted and grounded in the truth 
 as it is in Jesus, by the holy Spirit, expecting life and salvation, 
 through fiith in him, shall ntver dcf.art from this good old way 
 of the Lord, into bye-paths of hunian errors and destructive Wi.ys of 
 total apostacy and final unbelief. The Lord's fear shall prtstr\c 
 thee in thy Lord's truth. Though thine enemies, tlic \vorld, the 
 flesh, and4.he devil, should surprise thee into sin against thy Lord ; 
 should draw thee from sweet communion with him ; yet shult thou 
 fear to " lie down in thy shame, while confusion covers thee." Thou 
 shalt remember, Jesus ever lives to save to the uttermost all sin- 
 ners who come unto God by him. Thou shalt fear to seek to any 
 other object but him ; so shalt thou return by faith and repentance 
 to him. " Happy is the man that fcarcth always," Prov. xxviii. 14. 
 
 .Salvation is for ever nigh fJlirisl's ligliteonsncSB is Jfonc Seforc", 
 
 Tiift souls that fear and trust the Loi-d ; To give us free access to Gorf : 
 
 Anil grace desceading from on lii;;li, Our wand'nug feet shiH sliTky no mor?, 
 
 Fresh hopes of glory sliull aflbrd. But mark liii strp^ and keep Uic vovl. 
 
282 SEPTEMBER 26. 
 
 For xve which have believed^ do enter into rest. — ^Heb. i v. 3. 
 
 When- Christ is known and believed on in the heart, ease and 
 rest are enjoyed in the conscience. Therefore Jesus is esteemed a 
 precious Saviour. The operations of the Spirit prove that he is the 
 co7vforter, by thus leading us to Christ. Hence faith and experi- 
 ence go hand and hand. There remaineth for the people of God a 
 rest, perfect and uninterrupted in glory. We have the earnest of 
 the inheritiuice of it on earth ; by faith we entei* into it : and while 
 we abide in Jesus we enjoy rest. Who is able to conceive ? Who 
 can describe the tumult of conscience, the distress of soul, under a 
 feeling sense of sin and fear of wrath? None can, but the heart which 
 knows its ovni bitterness. AVho can express the sweet peace, the 
 calm repose of that soul who finds rest in Jesus ? It is a joy which 
 a stranger intermeddles not with. 
 
 It Avas God's command under the law, " When a man hath taken 
 a new wife, he shall not go out to war for one year," Deut. xxiv. 5. 
 This is sometimes the case with the children of faith. When they 
 are first married to the Lamb, and have just entered into his rest, 
 the sound of war is not heard in their camp for a season. Jesus keeps 
 their souls in undisturbed repose : no enemy is suffered to annoy 
 them. The joyful sound of the jubilee-trumpet proclaims in their 
 heart full frecdon\ and sweet liberty from the guilt of sin, the bon- 
 dage of the law, and tlie tyranny of satan. Hence they are apt to 
 conclude their enemies arc all dead, and they, shall see war no more ; 
 but it is not so ; our enemies live and are mighty. Bless Jesus for 
 rest ; fear not thine enemies ; know thou must continue in the 
 militant state wliilst in the flesh ; but here is the mystery of faith, 
 to triumph in the \-ictory of Jesus. Whilst all are in arms against 
 the soul, though troubled, distressed, perplexed, on every side ; 
 fightings without, fears within : although there is no rest from any- 
 other quarter, yet it is the sweet privilege of disciples to rest i:j 
 Jesus. Saitlv Paul to his deer children, "You, who are troubled, 
 rcstv/ith us," 2 Thess. i. 7. Abide in Jesus; rest satisfied: shortly 
 your Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, to destroy all your ene- 
 mies, ar.d to make you forever happy in his rest in glory. Uisciplc, 
 indulge not a murmuring thought against thy sovereign ; expect no 
 rest any where but in him. If the world smiles, it is pleasing to ihc 
 flesh, mit it often proves a snare to the soul ; therefore sailh thy 
 ever-loving Jesus, " In the world you shall have tribulation ;" that 
 is his legacy. Here is thy rich, thy never-Diling portion, " In me 
 you shall have peace," John xvi. 33. 
 
SEPTEMBER 07. 285 
 
 Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I hiy in Zionfor afoim- 
 datimf, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stunc^ a 
 sure foundation: he that believeth shall }itt make haste. 
 — Isa. xxviii. 16. 
 
 A DAY is comint; when every man's work shall be tried. The 
 foundation of the Lord stands sure ; hut every other foundation shall 
 be destroyed. He who is built on Jesus,.tuul derives all h.is hopes of 
 life a!)d salvation from him, is safe in time, and secure to all eternity. 
 Before men begin to build, they draw a plan ; and every wise builder 
 looks carefully to the foundation; for on this depends the safety of the 
 super-structure. 
 
 The plan of salvation was drawn in the eternal council. It is 
 founded in the love of the Father; effected by the obedience and 
 sufferings of the Son, Jesus. Hence what was contrived in infinite 
 wisdom above, is laid as a sure foundation in the church below, by 
 the love and power of the Spirit, the comforter. It is his peculiar 
 office to lay this foundation in Zion, and manifest and make known 
 to the prophets and apostles, teachers and saints, that Jesus is Uie 
 only foundation. As a stone,- for strength ; a tried stone, approved 
 of by the Father, and by his children in all ages, a precious corner- 
 stone : the ornament and beauty, as well as strength and security 
 of the whole church. Precious is Jesus in all his offices to them that 
 believe ; a sure foundation, sure to all the seed ; certain to all the 
 purposes of their salvation. And as the Lord the Spirit lays this 
 foundation in tlie church, in the truth of doctrine, so also in the 
 faith and experience of redeemed souls. 
 
 What the word speaks of Jesus, that wc prove and find him to be. 
 This is our mercy. " He that believeth shall not make haste." 
 Such is the serenity and composure of mind, that he shall not be 
 frightened in times of distress and calamity, to quit his confidence 
 in Jesus — he shall not be ashamed of his hope m the Lord. Being 
 well satisfied that Jesus reigns, that the govermcnt of his church 
 is upon his shoulders, and the residue of the Spirit is v.ith him, he 
 •will patiently wait, and quietly hope for the fulfilment of every 
 promise. Siri and satan shall not overcome tlie believer in life ; in 
 the awful article of death, he shall not be confounded, because his 
 heart standcth fast, believing in the Lord ; luid when Jesus his -fiicnd 
 appears, he shall stand forth with boldness, and shall find ;ui abun- 
 dant entrance into the presence of Ciod and the Lamb, to live, and 
 love, and reign in glory for ever and ever. 
 
 O, for a strong and lasting faith. To luil'.d upon God's only .§on. 
 
 To credit what th' Almighty saitli, And caU lii» ri^jhtcousuess mv o» ■ 
 
284 SEPTEMBER 28. 
 
 But the Comforter who is the Holy Ghost, ivhotn the Fatli- 
 er ivill send in my name ^ he shall teach you all things y 
 and bring all things to your remembrance^ whatsoever I 
 have said unto you. — John xiv. 26. 
 
 Our blessed Lord here gives us the clearest discovery of the 
 ever-glorious three persons, in covenant, for the salvation of lost 
 sinners. In this knowledge lies all our hope : from this belief springs 
 all our comfort. In the love of this, our heaven is begun upon earth ; 
 for the knowledge, belief, and love of this truth in our hearts, we are 
 wholly indebted to the comforter. He teaches all things. Not by 
 any new lights or fresh revelations ; but he graciously instructs our 
 minds and comforts our hearts by the same light of truth and love 
 which beamed foith in the first promise, and which shone brighter 
 and brighter in prophecies, types and shadows of the covenant until 
 the substance, Jesus, was come. Then the canon of revealed truth 
 was completed by the apostles, under the teachin g of the Holy 
 Spirit ; the substance of which is, the things which Jesus sp-ke, did, 
 and suffered on our account, as our substitute, aid for our salvation. 
 It is the peculiar office of the Spirit to glorify Jesus, and to sanc- 
 tify our souls. This he doth by the word ot truth ; teaching our 
 minds the Father's electing love, as centering in Jesus, and directing 
 our eyes to him, as made of God to us, wisdom, righteousness, sanc- 
 tification, and redemption. Let no man deceive us, with expectations 
 of any new revelation from heaven, of new truths to comfort us : but 
 ever hear Paul, " Though we or an angel from heaven, preach any 
 other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accurs- 
 ed," Gal. i. 8. Let us prize and study God's word ; in and by 
 that the Spirit teacheth and comfcrteth our minds ; in everlasting 
 love and the most ancient truth he establisheth us ; we are poor sin- 
 ners from day to day : we feel many things in and around us to de- 
 ject and distress us. When we remember what sin hath done to us 
 brought upon us, and exposeth us to, our hciirts are in fears and 
 doubts what will become of us. O then the comforter brings to our 
 minds and consciences the transccndantly rich love of Jesus ; what he 
 undertook, spoke, and did in life, suffered in death, and still lives to 
 plead in our behalf before the throne. O the heart-felt joy of this ! 
 So he relieves our minds and refreshes our spirits, through the faith 
 of Jesus, in the knowledge of the truth ; so he teaches us self-despair, 
 animates us with courage to go on in the path of holiness, and forti- 
 fies our minds to withstand all that is against us. *' Grieve not the 
 holy Spirit of God, whereby ye arc scaled unto the day of redemp- 
 tion," Ephes. iv. 30. 
 
SEPTEMBER 29. 285 
 
 Therefore^ brethren, we are debtors, not to the fie sh^ to 
 live aftef the fie sh. — Rom. viii. 12. 
 
 Christianity teaches us to owe no mun any thing. He is a 
 prudent mtui who keeps his accounts clear and know s to whom he is 
 indebted; he is.a tjratcful man who acknowledges favors with just 
 sentiments. If tliis is necessary and conmiendable in the (tcunomy 
 of this short life, how much more so in things of a spirilu;.l and 
 eternal nature ! How wise, how just is it to render to all their dues I 
 Tf we arc debtors to the flesh, let us serve that ; but if debtors to the 
 Loi-d, it is then our duty and privilege to serve him. What owest 
 thou, O christian, to the flesh ? Verily, neither suit nor sprvicc : 
 but alas ! tliou hast obeyed its sinful motions, gratified the corrupt 
 luKts thereof, and what hast thou reaped for it but shame rjid soirow? 
 These are the only fruits lliai sin and folly bear. The flesh with its 
 corruptions and lusts is at enmity to thy God, and at war against thy 
 soul. Willin^^ly to give place to such tin enemy to fulfd the lusts and 
 live after the sinful desires of the flesh, will mostfassuredly weaken 
 thy confidence in Jesus and bring death upon tliy peace and comfort ; 
 yea, *' if ye live after the flesh, ye- shall die." The Lord strcngthcu 
 us d lily to deny its demands, and to mortify its lusts ! for we are not 
 debtors to the flesh, but to the Spirit ; debtors, in an immense sum 
 of love and gratitude a time can never discharge it. With inexpres- 
 sible joy and delight we shall ever be payuig, but never discharge 
 this debt through a never-ending eternity. 
 
 The gospel of the grace of God is no licentious doctrine ; it seta 
 at liberty it is true ; but it is from the most galling yoke and most ser- 
 vile drudgery to sin and lusts ; but yet it -binds the soul in the sweet- 
 est bonds of grateful service and loving obedience to Jcsusj Uie best 
 of mast;n'3. What owest thou to the Spirit, O christian ? Writ« 
 upon thy heart, even all my present peace, all my fiuure hopes ; for 
 he it is yrho convinced thee of sin, revealed to thee the love of God in 
 Cl'i.ist, gave thee power to believe on Jesus, grace to repent. He 
 fills thee with joy and peace in believing ; he bears witness with thy 
 spirit, and assures of thine adoption to be a child of God ; and it is 
 through his influence only, thou art able to mortify the deeds of the 
 flesh, to love tliy God and Saviour and live to his glory ; and Ci»nst 
 thou deUberat^ly grieve the Spirit, this blessed hihubitiint, this living 
 comforter, by yielding service to thy inbred enemy ? O, with what 
 fire .;f indii^nation against lust ! with what warmth of aflcction to his 
 God doth Joseph cry out, under the solicitations of a strong tempta- 
 tion, How r.an I do this great wickedness? and what ? — sin against the 
 bcsi of masters ? against my owa soul ? no ; but against my most kind, 
 most lovi-g, and eternal friend, the Lord my God I— Gen. xxxix. 9. 
 
 V OL. I. M m 
 
280 SEPTEMBER 30. 
 
 As sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reigrt 
 through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. — Rom. v. 21. 
 
 Sin, like some mighty conqueror, hath obtained a victory and 
 reigns over the whole human race. All men are naturally under, and 
 well pleased witli its reign and government j but sovoreign, almighty 
 grace dethrones; this usurping monarch in the hearts of the elect ; 
 triumphs over its spoils and conquests, delivers their captive souls 
 from its dominion, and reverscth the sentence of death they were un- 
 der : and all this efiected in a just and righteous way. For though 
 salvation is all of grace to poor sinners, yet eternal life is a just debt 
 due to the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ : he hatli a right 
 to challenge it from the hands of justice ; and he doth so by promise, 
 " Father, I ivill that they whom thou hast given me, be with me 
 where I am," John xvii. 24. 
 
 To think of doing something to procure the favor of God and en- 
 title ourselves to eternal life ; this we are prompted to from the 
 pride of our natures and unbelief of our hearts. But such notions 
 ever oppose the gospel of grace, resist the Spirit of truth, degrade 
 the glory of Jesus, depreciate the perfection of his finished work, 
 and make the God of truth a liar. But thou, O believer, art not sa- 
 ved without a perfect righteousness, in perfect obedience to the law 
 of God; and through faith in Jesus thou hast a just challenge, and 
 humble claim, founded upon his righteousness, to eternal life 1 O the 
 rich triumphs of abounding love ! how glorious is the victory of 
 sovereign grace I Soul, thou must sink into nothing at its discovery, 
 yet rise into a gloi'ious subject, from the knowledge and experience of 
 it. Grace reigns over all the aboundings of sin ; here is our hope, 
 through the righteousness of Christ, over all unrighteousness ; here 
 is our justification in God's sight unto eternal life ; here is our tri- 
 umph over the wages of sin and death. O sinner ! destitute of right- 
 eousness in thyself, ^-j-cce demands the daily study and those of thy 
 heart; grace demands the whole devotion of thy life. Give all the. 
 glory where only it is justly due ; to the Father, for everlasting love ; 
 to the Son for everlasting righteousness ; and to the Spirit, for ever- 
 lasting consolation and good hope through grace. The more thou 
 ar^cnabled to live upon the divine truth and faithfulness of the cove- 
 nant, as revealed in the word, and shining with full lustre in the pcr- 
 .son of Jesus, thou wilt become dead to every hope but him ; out of 
 conceit with all righteousness but his, and thou v,ilt be singing in tri- 
 nn)ph wid) the church, " I will greatly rejoice in the Lord ; my soul 
 shall be joyful in imj God ; for he hath clothed 7ne witli the garments 
 of sah'ation, he hath covered me with the robeof righteousness," 
 Isa. Ixi. 10, 
 
OCTOBER 1. 287 
 
 Casting all your care upun him ; for he caretlifur you. — 
 1 Pet. V. 7. 
 
 We are now called to confess Jesus in a day of mildness ; the 
 fury and rage of persecution is restrained ; bonds and imprisonments 
 do not await us ; yet we must not think to be exempt from lilals and 
 difficulties of various kinds. The adversary is not dead; nature's 
 lusts and corruptions are alive, and daily fight against us. The love 
 of Jesus is ever accompanied witli the world's haired. Disciples of 
 Jesus are not mere stoics ; they feel the exercise of these tilings 
 more or less. Sometimes it may be their lot, like tlie disciples to be 
 in the midst of a sea of troubles : tossed witli the wave of difficulties, 
 the wind of providence seems contrary to them : and to the eye of na- 
 ture and sense, Jesus seems asleep to their sorrows ; as though he 
 intermits in liis kind love to them, and tender care over them. Uere 
 is the trial of faith ; but this grace never consults nature and appear- 
 ances ; it looks through all, to the everlasting love and almighty pow- 
 er of Jesus, knowing he can save from the uttermost depth of distress, 
 to the uttermost height of comfort. 
 
 So triumphs the church under all her tribulations ; " I will look 
 xmto the Lord : I will wait for the God of njy salvation : my God 
 ■will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy : when 1 fall, 
 I shall arise ; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be u light untx) 
 me," Micah vii. 7, 8. Sweet confession of faitli under very dis- 
 couraging views. But while the Lord cares for us, what can harm 
 us ? and while we cast our every care on hiin, we obey his will, hon- 
 or his word, and gather from that heavenly pluit tlic blessed fruit of 
 heart-ease. How composed did the three children oi faiih stand be- 
 fore the wrathful monarch ! How easy their minds under Uie dread- 
 ful threatening of a fiery furaace 1 How calm their reply 1 «^ O king, 
 wc are not careful to answer thee in tliis matter !" the Lord careih 
 for us ; we cast all our care upon hiro. Ever judge of Jesus' care 
 for sinners by his love to them. Ever remember while we were en- 
 emies, his blood atoned for our sins. Can we believe his love to Ub, 
 and doubt of his care for us ? O hoAv unreasonable is.unbeliefl Biii 
 if we had no corruption to conflict with, no troubles to exercise us, 
 no burdens to bow us down, no cares to beset us, no fears to attend 
 us, great part of God's word would be useless. As we are not to 
 expect total freedom from these things, the exhortatioivs of Uie wbrd 
 are suited to our state, and direct to a loving fiiend, whom wc are l« 
 believe and honor by obeying his kind inviialions : under evcrv ^lis» 
 tress Jesus saith, « Come unto me," Mutt. xi. -8. 
 
288 OCTOBER 2. 
 
 ^4t that day ye shall Jcnow that I am ifi my Father, and ye 
 i?t mCy and I in you — John xiv. 20, 
 
 " To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose 
 under the heaven." "God hath made every thing beautiful in hi? 
 time.'' — Eccles. iii. 1, 11. In the beginning of time God created 
 all things by Jesus Christ. In the fulness of time the Son of God 
 v/as made flcsli, dwelt among us for a time, and at the end of it 
 finished salvation for lost sinners. The man Jesus ever lives in 
 glory, and therefore his members must be made spiritually alive 
 upon earth ; to him they must all be gathered. There is a day of 
 grace appointed them : a time, a set tinie to ftivor them — Psalm 
 ex. 3. A day of power, wherein they are made willing to come to 
 Jesus, and choose him for their only Saviour, and trust in him as 
 their only hope and their all. Various are the spiriuial statutes of 
 God's children. Different are their degrees of light, faith, know- 
 ledge, and love. As in the creation of nature, in the first day's work 
 light was produced, perhaps small and glimmering ; but that glorious 
 luminary the sun, was not until the fourth day: so is it in the new 
 creation of souls. Our Lord's first disciples had light enough to see 
 him as the true Messiah, to come to him, and follow him ; yet it is 
 amazing to read how dark and confused their minds were about 
 many things which concerned his person, sufferings, and kingdom •, 
 it is just the same now. Many are his sincere disciples, but are very 
 weak in faith ; know very little of this great mystery, that Christ 
 and his Father are one, that Christ is in the Father, that they are in 
 Christ and that Christ is iii them. Hence they are often sadly per- 
 plexed and harrassed in their minds with doubts and fears. Still they 
 cleave to Jesus ; they love to hear of his precious name and glorious 
 salvation ; their hearts c;in be satisfied with nothing else. Hence it is 
 plain the light hath shined, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon 
 them : but they must follow on to know'thc Lord. There shall be a 
 d\y of Pentecost, a day of meridian light, wherein they shall know 
 even as they are knowii-— assuredly know that there is a mntual 
 in-dwelling of '< Christ in them, and they in Christ, and the Spirit 
 will bear witness to their spirits, that they are the children of God," 
 Rom. viii. 16. Most Bwcetly says Mr. Rutherford, « I am sure my 
 wellJj.eloved is God. And when I say Christ is God, and my Christ 
 is God, 1 Jiavc said all things ; I can say no more. I would I could 
 build as much on this, vnj Chrint in God, as it would bear ; I might 
 ley all the world on it.' — ' I will have nothing to do with ?in absolute 
 God,' says Luther. 
 
OCTOBER S. 289 
 
 And the work ofrighteoumess shall be peace ; and the efftct 
 of righfeousness, quietness y and assurance for ever. — 
 Isa. xxxii. 17. 
 
 The light of this day assures us the sun is risen upon ihc earth. 
 Thiit is not a more evident truth in nature, tiian iliis is in rcasoa; 
 that righteousness, once lost, can never be regained by all that sin- 
 ful mail cin do. Consequently no peace can subsist between a holy, 
 righteous God, and guilty, unrighteous man. " There is no peace, 
 saith rr.y God, to the wicked." But who are the wicked ? Even ail 
 tliose who througli unbelief reject the truth as it is in Jesus. It is 
 the essence of wickedness to oppose a righteous God, to reject the 
 ri;^hteousness of Jesus, and to go about to establish one's own inherent 
 righteousness, so as not to submit to the righteousness ol God Jesu s. 
 Hciicc the conscience is dtfi.cd with guilt, tlie heart impure, and 
 the life is unholy. Yet pride blinds men's eyes, and sx-lt-rightcouS' 
 ness deludes their hearts with a false peace. For as there is but one 
 atonement by which gviilly sinners are pardoned, so tliere is but one 
 righteousness, even the perfect righteoubiiess oi Jesus, by which 
 alone unrighteous sinners are made righteous in the sight of God: 
 he accepts no other ; his law is honored by no other ; the scriptures 
 reveal no other ; faith receives no otlicr ; the Spirit bears witness to 
 no other ; sinners have no other in which they can stand before God, 
 enjoy peace with God. But possessing the righteousness of J;;sus 
 by faith, their minds enjoy a peace which passeth uU understanding. 
 There are many things from a siniul nature, satan, and die hiw, 
 which tend to disquiet their minds daily. But this is the blessed 
 effect of Jesus' righteousness ; it brings quietness to the coiiscience. 
 This comforting thought, I am righteous : my Father hatli put on 
 me the best robe, which Jesus my elder brother wrought out for me. 
 This quiets my mind ; I am easy and satisfied ; I can seek no better 
 righteousness ; I dare trust in no other. And this righteousness 
 is presented with tlie clearest evidence, the strongest confidence, the 
 fullest assurance. The triumphs of Jesus' resurrection proclaim its 
 acceptance with God. The Spirit testifies of it in' the word* an4 
 gives assurance of salvation by it in the heart of the faithful. II' nee 
 the holy boldness and happy rcn-iring of faith befoiea righteous 
 G(jd. David's address to Jesus is "My mouth shall shcwforlh.lliy 
 righteousness, and thy salvation all the day. I will make mention of 
 thy righteousness, even of tliine only," Psalm Ixxi. 15, )6. As 
 there is but one fiiith, so saints in all ages Juud but nut ot^cr 
 to for right jousness, even Jesus, Therefore hoJy Paul nr.' 
 I may be found in him, not having mine own rightccusnco--," i'..i.. 
 iii. 9. 
 
290 OCTOBER 4. 
 
 All things are lawful uivto me, but all things are not expe- 
 dient — 1 Cor. vi. 12. 
 
 The constraints of love and jealousy of fear sweetly unite in the 
 believing heart. Where the faith of Jesus prevails, love constrains. 
 It holds and keeps us in our station and duty, as soldiers are kept 
 together under a baaner or ensign displayed. What cheerfulness 
 and activity of soul do we experience, when we can say with the 
 church hi the Canticles, (ii. 4.) " Jesus' banner over me was love 1" 
 Then how sweetly do we jvidge and determine our conduct by the law 
 of Christ, which is love ! This excites a godly fear lest we should 
 allow ourselves a latitude in things in themselves indifferent, to the 
 wounding and hurt of our souls or our fellow-soldiers. Though all 
 things of an indifferent nature, which are innocent in themselves, 
 are lavv'ful to us : yet the cause and interest of our dear Saviour, and 
 the good and edifying of his beloved members, should be ever near 
 our hearts, and make us consider the expediency of them. 
 
 How narrow is the path of duty ! yet it is pleasant to the faithful 
 soul. For Jesus hath strewed it with the fragrant fruits of peace, 
 love, and comfort. Peace from God, and with our brethren ; love 
 to God and one another. While we walk according to this rule, we 
 bring glory to God who hath called us by Jesus Christ to glory, and 
 will also assuredly glorify us together with himself. What circum- 
 spection becomes disciples in their daily walk, that they give none 
 offence, neither to the Jew nor to the Gentile, nor to tlie church 
 of God I The eyes, not only of God, angels, and devils, are upon 
 us, but the eyes of men also, our brethren, and our opposers. Did 
 the Rechcibites wholy abstain from wine, because Jonadab com- 
 manded "Ye shall drink no wine ;" Did the Lord honor their obedi- 
 ence in this indifferent thing with his approbation ? Jer. xxxv. 
 How much more will Jesus honor his disciples, who, with an eye 
 to his glory,, and his members' good, abstain from things that are 
 not expedient ! Thou free-man of the Lord, with a holy resolution 
 asert the dignity. I will not be brought upder the power of any 
 thing contrary to the love of Jesus. Happy is he who seekcth not to 
 please himself, but to profit others. How then can those answer to 
 tiif. Lord Christ, to their own souls, and to their brethren, who can 
 indulsfC themselves at card tallies, play-houses. See. and say, " These 
 arc indifferent things ; I see no harm in them !" Is this " following 
 after the things which make for peace, and wherewith one may edify 
 another?" Rom. xiv. 10. ' Happy is he that condoiACth not him- 
 fcelf iu tliat thinct wliich he allowcih," ver. %i. 
 
OCTOBER 5. 201 
 
 fJliat dost thou here, Elijah? — I Kings xix. 13. 
 
 The prophets as well as ihc children of ihe Lord, are somctijnes 
 found where tliey ought not to be. Elijah had not taken up his 
 residence in a cave in tlie wilderness. What work could he do for 
 his master here ? What glory could he brhig to his name in a barren 
 mountain ? Here were no lambs of God's flock to be gathered, no 
 sheep of Christ's pasture to be fed, no torn sheep to be healed and 
 nourished by his word and doctrine. It seems as though he thought 
 all his work was at an end, his zeal qiute worn out ; and in a fit of 
 fear, unbelief, and despondency, he retreated from pul)lic opposition 
 to the dreary mansions of a mountainous cave lor rest and quiet. But 
 the Lord followed him, caused him to hear his voice, caHs him to 
 new work, endues him with fresh strength, and animates him with 
 the pleasing assurance that he had seven thousand faithful servants 
 yet in Israel. But poor Elijah thought he was left alone. 
 
 See the effect of judging according to appearances. Carnal reason 
 is a bad judge in spiritual things. The wisdom of the llcsh, ever 
 determines contrary to the wisdom of God. Beware of your frames, 
 O disciples. If on the mount, in the sunshine of comfort, be not 
 vain and confident, with " I sinill never fall." If in the gloomy 
 valley, where light and joy are obscured, be not cast down and dc- 
 jecied. "The Lord reigneth : rejoice in him." Though clouds 
 and darkness are round thy God and Saviour, yet « righteousness 
 and judgment are the habitation of his throne," Psalm xcvii. Aboi-e 
 all, beware of thy conduct. Fly not to places of sinful vanities, and 
 vain gratifications. These can never profit thy soul. Nay, if dark 
 and uncomfortable, what canst thou expect but to be darker and 
 more uncomfortable still ? This is a fl\rther remove from the Sa- 
 viour's love and presence. What canst thou expect, buttliis cutt- 
 ing reproof, this keen interrogation, " thou nr.m of God, what dost 
 thou HERE ?" If Elijah was repiovcd, for in a barren wilderness, 
 how canst thou answer it to God thy loving Saviour, for being 
 found on worse than barren groui\d ; where the alluiing baits of sin; 
 the poisonous weeds of satan grow in abundance, to beguile and des- 
 troy unstable souls. O soul, hear the call of thy beloved Lord I 
 " Depart ye, del^art ye, this is not your rest." Know yoiir glorious 
 privilege. « Ye are tlie temples of the living God. God dwells in 
 you, and walke in you." Listen to liis voice, speaking to your souls, 
 " Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, sailh 
 the Lord, and I will receive you : and I will be a Father unto you, 
 [ye shall enjoy tlie sweet knowledge of it,) and ye shall l)e my sons 
 and daughters, stuth the Lord Almighty," 2 Cor. vi. 17, IS. 
 
292 OCTOBER 6. 
 
 Let us lay aside every weight, and the sifi which doth so 
 easily beset us. — Heb. xii. 1. 
 
 Christian thou art called to run a race : the eyes of innume- 
 aable spectators are upon thee ; the powers of many tucmies are 
 against thee ; but fear not. In the strength of Jesus, through the 
 power of faith, thou shalt obtain the prize : even the salvciuon of thy 
 soul. It is thy wisdom to know thy foes and to guard aguinst them ; 
 to know tiiine own vilcness and weakness, and to look to thy friend 
 for power. Thou hast a heavy burden which hinders thy runiJng 
 with alacrity and delight ; this, in the cxeixise of faith, thou must iuy 
 aside ; therefore « put off the old man with his deeds." This 
 through the Spirit is to be thy daily work. Every sin is a weight s 
 as such is to be laid aside. " The body of shi " is a sore burden, 
 therefore to be put off: but thou hast a besetting sin: tliine own 
 conscience best knows its name and nature : this thou art called to 
 lay aside. In the nature of all men there is one sin, a master sin, 
 the source and spring of every other sin, which even believers are 
 not exempt from ; but it is ready at all times easily to beset them. 
 It is that monster of iniquity, unbelitf. " Faith is the substance of 
 things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen," Hcb. xi. 1. 
 Here we see what glory is given to God, and what wonders were 
 wrought by faith in that chapter. It is the nature of unbelief to deny 
 the substance of what is hoped for, and to oppose the evidence of 
 invisible realities. It tends to niake faint hearts^ weak knees, iind 
 feeble hands : it stops us in our race : it puts us to a stand ; and we 
 should give up all and give overall, unless Jesus prays for us, and 
 •we arc endued with power from on high. But glory to our Jesus he 
 does pray for us, therefore, our faith fails not ; we are strengthened 
 by the Spirit's might in the inner man to hold on. Yet shame on 
 thee, O soul, instead of laying aside this sin, how oUen dost tliou 
 treat it as a bosom friend ! How frequently consult it as a sweet 
 counsellor ! especially when its arguments arc backed by its con- 
 stant companion, carnal reason. But being assured the matter of 
 thy faith is the word of truth, the author and finisher of tiiy faith Je- 
 sus, thou art not called to answer every cavil from carnal reason, nor 
 to silence unbelief by explaining the mysteries of grace and Sidvation j 
 but to lay it aside ; put it off as David did Saul's arniour ; put it 
 away as men do childish things ; cast it out as Abrahajii did tlie bond- 
 woman and her son — and so run the race that is set before thee, 
 every step " looking unto Jesus." 
 
 By gliinin'rirny 1iopc3 aiid s^lcomy fears See tlie kind artgels at tlie gates, , 
 
 We trace the raerctl road ; liivl.nij; >is to come ! 
 
 TKro' dhr.al dctps ind tiang'ious snares "i'iicn- .,' . siis the forerunner waits, 
 
 ■\^'^c luake our way to God. To welcome trav'iers home. 
 
OCTOBER 7. 293 
 
 That I may know him. — Phil. iii. 10. 
 
 "There are three things that are never sati-ficd, yea, fovir— 
 the fire which suith not, it is enough," Prov. xxx. 1 5, 16. So true 
 is this of the fire of love when kindled in believing hcurts. It burns 
 with insatiable desire towards Jesus. Amazing ! Had Paul so long 
 known, loved, and preached a crucified, risen Jesus, and yet now 
 desires to know him ? Yes. Such is the nature of faith, that like 
 riches to a miser, the more they increase, the more the desires of his 
 heart increase after them. His wants are greater than his posses- 
 sions. So the living members of precious Jesus see such inexhaust- 
 il^le treasures in him their living head, and such numerous warjts 
 in themselves, that their hearts are ever crying after, looking to, and 
 longing for more of his presence, blessings and comforts in know- 
 ledge and experience. And, like a chaste virgin espoused to an af- 
 fectionate lover, her desires will never be completely satisfied till shft 
 is brought into the nearest relation and closest embraces, when she 
 takes up her abode, and enjoys the presence of the object of her love. 
 Lovers of Jesus can never be satisfied with any other but him, nor 
 will they be fully satisfied nor pei:fectly happy, till they are for ever 
 present with their ever-loving Lord. 
 
 But the knowledge of him, even now, creates a paradise of peace, 
 a heaven of love and holiness in tlie soul. Hence there is a godly- 
 jealousy in espoused souls, lest other objects should steal upon their 
 affections. If at any time their eyes have been turned from their 
 Lord, there is a holy shame ; they blush at their folly, and cry, O 
 that I may know him who rests for ever alike ia his constant love to 
 nie a poor sinner. In this consists the life and joy of the heart, to 
 know that Jesus hath made peace for us by the blood of his cross ; 
 that he hath wrought out a robe of rlghLeousncss by the obedience of 
 his life to adorn us ; that he ever lives to pray for us. Yea daily, 
 constantly to know him, as dwelling in my heart by faith, ever pre- 
 sent with me to the joy of my mind, and to the peace of my con- 
 science. And truly, beloved, if thou art not thus kept knowing 
 Jesus, looking to Jesus, feeding upon him continually in thy heart by- 
 faith, thou wilt kno^v and feel other things, which will creep in ;uul 
 sadly distress thy mind. The voice of the law w ill be heard in thy 
 conscience, backed by satan's injections, and thou wilt find anguish of 
 spirit and bitterness of soul. But by sweetly abiding in the know- 
 ledge of Jesus, by faith, thou shalt manfully stand thy ground, and 
 courageously conquer and triumph. " So shall grace and peace be 
 multiplied through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, — 
 2 Pet. i. 2. 
 
 Vol. L N n 
 
294 OCTOBER 8. 
 
 Happy is he that cofidemneth not himself in that which he 
 alloweth. — Rom. xiv. 22. 
 
 There are many things of a civil, moral and religious nature, 
 t\'hicli are in themselves indifferent. Yet, as to compliance or non- 
 compliance w^ith them, they are far from being matters of indiffer- 
 ence to the mind of a believer. As he has an inward consciousness 
 of his outward behaviour, so he finds within himself a sentence of 
 condemnation when he acts contrary to the dictates of his own know- 
 ledge and conscience. It may be the disciple of Jesus often finds 
 some tilings of a doubtful nature, wherein he doth not see the word 
 of God to be express and clear in determining. The upright soul, 
 the tender conscience knows not how to act; is afraid of doing wrong: 
 he asks advice of ministers and christian brethren, but they can- 
 not fully satisfy his scruples and set his mind at liberty, how he ought 
 to demean himself. 
 
 Here the apostles give a full and peremptory answer. The heart 
 of every believer is purified from an evil conscience by the blood of 
 Jesus, and instructed in the knowledge of the truth by his word and 
 Spirit. Hence there is an inward perception of what tends to wound 
 and condemn it. Happy art thou, disciple, if thou dost not wilfully 
 allow thyself in any thing for which thy conscience condemns tliee. 
 Never allow thyself in any outward practice, which is attended with 
 inward condemnation. Is it of a trifling and indifferent nature in 
 itself? pretend not to plead for it. Canst thou be content to make 
 thy conscience thine enemy, to incur its censure, and to impair thy 
 peace, for a trife? Whatever thou takest in hand remember the 
 end, and thou shalt not do amiss. This advice is excellent ; it is 
 thy wisdom to follow it ; it is thy privilege to plead for power at a 
 throne of grace. Consider daily thy calling; it is to live in sweet 
 fellowship with Jesus, to enjoy peace in thy conscience, and holiness 
 and happiness in life. Whatever is contrary to this, will make tb.ce 
 unhappy. As a son of the most high God, and a servant of the 
 precious Jesus, thou art called not topjease thy flesh, not to do thy 
 own will, not to gratify thy own lusts, yea not to destroy thy own 
 ,,eacc, but to glorify thy God and Saviour, in doing his will. It is 
 most plain and evident from the apostles' exhortations, tliat if be- 
 irfevcrs' walk and practice are not consistent with the truth they may 
 most certainly deprive themselves of the sweet sense and comfortal)lc 
 enjoyment of the peace and love of God. Consider deeply, weigh 
 attentively the force and meaning of these words, « A-.c/^ yourselves 
 in the love of God," Jude xxi. « Let the peace of God rule in your 
 bcartV' Col. iii. 15. 
 
OCTOBER 9. 295 
 
 God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, 
 
 through^ sanctification of the Spirit^ and heliif of the 
 
 truth. — 2 Thess. ii. 13. 
 Wc live in a day when pride vcigns, the creature is exalted, the 
 Holy Ghost resisted, and truth is trampled under foot. The doc- 
 trine of God's distinguishing grace and electing love in Christ Jesus, 
 is now as it ever was, to men of corrupt minds, destitute <jf the truth, 
 a bone of contention. They have ndling accusations, great swell- 
 ing words to utter against it ; their mouths are not stopped, because 
 they see not themselves guilty before God, Rom. iii. 15- Saitli 
 Paul of such, " They are under a strong delusion, they have plea- 
 sure in unrighteousness." They are left to sport themselves with 
 their own vain proud delusions. Then he adds, " but we are 
 bound to give thanks for God's election of you brethren, beloved of 
 the Lord." True ministers of Jesus join with blessed apostle^, in 
 giving praise to God the Father for his love to poor sinners in Christ 
 Jesus. They know God's love existed before time began. 
 
 The doctrine of election is not a mere speculation, nor can it tend 
 to liccntiovisness ; but it is of the essence of vital godliness, and is 
 attended with the most holy and blessed effects, where received into 
 the heart in the love of it. For the same Lord who purposed to 
 brings many sons to glory, hath also ordained the means, " sancti- 
 fication of the Spirit, and belief of the truth." How could Paul 
 know these professors were beloved and elected? Truly the effects 
 proved the cause. Th(?y saw the fruits of electing love spring forth 
 under the energy of the blessed spirit. They were brought lo be- 
 lieve in, love and cleave to the sanctifyir^; hiiluence it had upon their 
 hearts and lives. 
 
 " Behold mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth," said the Father 
 of all consolations to his church, concenung Jesus, Isa. xlii. I. 
 He is the blessed object in whom we are chosen, who has finished 
 our salvation, and to whom we are to look by faith. Yet, O believer, 
 trace the streams of thy mercy to tlie fountain head; see thy obli- 
 gations equully to the Father's love, the Son's redemption, and the 
 Spirit's operations. Thus all salvation is of God; thou hast noiliing 
 whereof to glory; all cause for deepest humility; the greatest reason 
 for rejoicing day by day. What heights of love art thou called to! 
 What inflamed aff-xtions should possess thy hea<-t I " Only lei thy 
 conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ," Phil. i. 27. 
 
296 OCTOBER 10. 
 
 IVork out your oxvn salvation with fear atid trembling 
 
 Phil. ii. 12. 
 
 The salvation of lost sinnners, from first to last, is all of grace 
 not of works, Rom. xi. 16. It was planned in the covenant of 
 grace ; by the grace of Jesus it i^Jinished. The moment we believe 
 on Jesus, salvation is ours ; it is our own salvation. Mind that. 
 Why are wti called to work it out ? Consider, salvation implies deliv- 
 eraiice from dangers and enemies. Are we not surrounded with 
 these, without as well as within ? The legality of our spirits, the 
 pride of our natures, the lusts of the flesh, the carnal reasonings 
 of our minds, unbelief of the offspring of them, the rebellion of 
 our wills, the self-righteousness of our hearts, the worldly mindedness 
 of our desires, the carnality of our affections, the turbulency of our 
 passions, Sec. say, are not these like a legion of enemies to our sal- 
 vation? Is not satan, our grand adversary, ever working by 
 means of these enemies to bring us into dangers and distress, if by 
 any means he may prevent our peaceably possessing, and eternally 
 enjoying salvation ? 
 
 Judge them, O believer, is not deliverance from danger through 
 tliese enemies needful ? Is there not a necessity for thy working out 
 thy deliverance from their force and fraud? Is there not need for 
 faith to work by love, striving against sin, resisting satan, mortify- 
 ing the flesh, perfecting holiness, fruitful in good works? The com- 
 mands of thy Cod make the work of faith, the labour of love, and 
 the patience of hope necessary. The gospel requires, love con- 
 Stiains to be much in prayer and meditation, searching the scrip, 
 tures, and in all holy ordinances; and to encourage to this, ever 
 remember, it is « God who worketh in us both to will and to do." 
 " Be strong, for I am with you," saith the Lord of hosts. Hag. ii. 4. 
 Does all thy happiness consist in the comlortable enjoyment of the 
 full assurance of this salvation? Then '' work it out with fear and 
 trembling," Fear to think of establisliing thy works and duties as 
 thine own righteousness, or to procure the favor of thy God. Treiw 
 ble to entei-tain any hope of salvation, but by the atoning blood of 
 Jesusj and the perfect righteousness of Jesus; any way of access to 
 God, but through his mediation. Fear and tremble, above all, al"ier 
 thou ^Last done all, to think 1 am fier/ect. Know, thou art still 
 " an unprofitable servant." Tremble to entertain lh« least notion 
 that thy might, thy. power, thy truthfulness, hath wrought.^ny 
 thing as terms and conditions to procure salvation. Fear ever to 
 asciibe any glory to thyself. " Whoso looketh into the pcifcct law 
 of liberty, and continucth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, 
 but a doer of the work, tliis man shall be blessed m his deed," 
 James i. 25. 
 
OCTOBER 11. 297 
 
 Let your li^ht so shine before men, that they may see your 
 good worksy and glorify your Father which is in hea- 
 ven. — Matt. V. 16. 
 
 Cak a lump of ivnimatecl clay, a wonn of llic carih, a creature 
 of a day, glorify the infinitely great luid eternally glorious Jehovah ? 
 Yes : such honor, such exalted honor have all his saints. For his 
 pleasure they were created at first ; for his glory th«y are bom 
 again of his Spirit. Jesus commands his members to it as their 
 duty ; the Spirit enables to it as their greatest privilege. « The 
 Father accepts, and is well pleased wiih, and declaies himself glori- 
 fied by the practice of his children," Psalm 1. 23. Did Samuel 
 consent to Saul's retiucst, " Honor me now, 1 pray thee, beiore the 
 ciders of rny people ;" 1 Sam. xv. 30. And canst ihou, O son of 
 the Most High, ever need a motive, or want an argument to glorify 
 thy Father before men ? It is to be the chief woik ol thy lite. , I« 
 this work, as Moses said to Pharaoh, so thy deliverer saith to thee, 
 «• not an hoof is to be left behind." With ali tliat thou hast and art, 
 thou art to glorify thy Lord. 
 
 Thou hast but one thing only, but what thou hast received from 
 thy Lord ; this is sin : by this thou dishonoiest thy God ; by every 
 thing contrary to this, God is glorified. Happy souls, who study 
 God's word as the rule of their conduct, consider the enjoyment of 
 God in Christ as their greatest felicity, and direct all their views to 
 liis glory. Thus the light of Jesus, when it shines u»to the heart, 
 beams forth its evidence and glory hi the outward life and conversa- 
 tion. When the light of truth is accompanied by the wajmth of love 
 and obedience of faith, men will see th.jt we have been with Jesus ; 
 that we not only have light in our heads, but love and zeal for God's 
 glory in our hearts. The former may acquire honor to ourselves of 
 being good talkeus for God, but the latter only can prove that we 
 are upright walkers, as his obedient children; tliit wc are his 
 " peculiar people, by being zealous of good works." — Tha. we arc 
 really concerned for his glory, that wc have it at heart, that we love, 
 not only m word, but also in deed and in truth. It rs the genuine 
 language of a coavertcd soul, with Paul, " Lord what wouklst thou 
 have me to do ? It is the burden of a faithful, loving heart, that it 
 doth so little for the glory of God, and ever longs to gbriiy him moi-e. 
 While the light of truth is our glory, and the love of truth is our 
 happiness, we shall study to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour 
 in all things," Titus ii. 10. 
 
298 OCTOBER 12. 
 
 Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. — Eph. iv. 30. 
 
 How affeciionate and condescending- is this address of the great 
 God and our Saviour Jesus Christ to his children ! Paul writes to 
 Philemon, « Thoutrli I might be bold to enjoin thee that which is 
 convenient; yet, for love's sake, I rather beseech thee." So with 
 infinitely higher autiiority, the Lord might command with terror, 
 instead of beseech with love. Astonishing expression ! Grieve not 
 the holy Spirit of God. Hast thou? Canst thou, O believer, be 
 guilty in this matter ? II. is easy to conceive that we may grieve our 
 own spirits, and the spirits of good men by our sin and folly : but to 
 think of grieving the Spirit of God, is enough to malce us cry out in 
 amazement, What mystery of love is this ? 
 
 But verily, so dear are God's children to him, that as in love to 
 our souls he took on him our nature, so in condescension to our 
 weak capacities, he borrows language from nature, and assumes to 
 himself passions like unto ourselves : for he was in all things like 
 imto us, but without sin. So it is said, God delights in the pros- 
 perity of his people, he rejoiceth over them to do them good. But 
 when, through their sin and folly, they hurt their own souls, Jesus 
 is touched with a feeling of our infirmities ; liis Spirit is grieved at 
 our conduct. 
 
 Who can tell in how many wcys cliristians do this ? Inwardly by 
 giving way to unbelief; by low unworthy thoughts of Jesus, his 
 blood, righteousness and salvation; his mediation and intercession, 
 cf whom the Spirit is the glorifier; so also by indulging vain, carnal, 
 sinful thoughts ; outwardly, by neglecting the gospel of grace, not 
 walking closely with Jesus by fiuth, not conforming to his will in our 
 lives and conversations : and experience woefully convincelh, that 
 when the holy Spirit is grieved, the poor soul is distressed. We 
 never send the Spirit grieved to heaven, but he leaves our spirits 
 grieved on earth. He is our comforter ; by him believers are scaled 
 unto theday'of i-cdemption. Though we are sealed by him, as the 
 Lord's own possession, yet if he leaves us to ourselves, the view of 
 Jesus is obscured to us, and his comforts are withheld from us. 
 Then natural fears, legal terrors, and desponding doubts seize on 
 us, and evil spirits rcjx>icc over us, with «« there, there, so would we 
 have k." Though he never becomes the Spirit of bondage to us, 
 yet he leaves us to the bondage of our own legal spirits. What 
 reason have we to pray daily, " cleanse thy servant, O Jesus, from 
 his secret faidts ; and let not, O Spirit of grace, presumptuous sins 
 get the dominion over mc," Psalm xi'x. 12, 13. 
 
 The 5i)iiit^ like n peaceful dove, Wliv sliouM wc vex and t-rieve his love. 
 
 Flies Iroia tlic realms ot'noisa aiul 9tri.e, Who leatls our souls to hcav'iily lilc .' 
 
OCTOBER 13. 299 
 
 Casting down imaginations, and evert/ high thing tliat ex- 
 altctli Itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing 
 i?ito captivity every thought to the obedierce of Christ, 
 ~2 Cor. X. 5. ^ 
 It is fit that soldiers of Jesus should have the sentence of death 
 in themselves. They are hereby taught not to trust in themselves. 
 Though armed with the spiritual weapons of their warfare, yet ihey 
 are no farther mighty and- conciucring butas aided by the power of 
 God. Poor souls, by trusting to their graces instead of the Clod of 
 all grace, have been foiled by the enemy, tu^.d have fallen. " I wUl 
 not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword s;:ve me : but, through 
 the Lord, will we push down our enemies," Psal. xliv. 5, 6. This is 
 the language of faith, this the confidence of humble souls : after 
 believers have escaped the corruptions that are in the world through 
 lust, and have been turned from their sinful courses to the Lord 
 Jesus, then danger threatens from another quarter ; self-rightcous- 
 ncss will exalt its baneful head against them. ''Now I am somebody ; 
 I hive received inherent grace and strength, I am justified, my sins 
 are pardoned, and I have got a clean heart." Thus towering imagi- 
 nations swell against God's everlasting love, his election of grace, the 
 imputed righteousness of Jesus, and final perseverance of the saints. 
 When these •evangelical truths are rejected, it argues that pride, 
 self-sufficiency, and self-righteousness prevail. Verily, O soul, 
 " thou trustest in thine own beauty, and piayest the harlot, because 
 of thy renown. Woe, woe, unto thee." This is a severe reproof 
 from the mouth of the Lord, Ezck. xvi. SO. St. Austin is peremp- 
 tory, " that it hath been profitable to ^mc proud spirits to fall into 
 gross ofi-ence ; for they have not lost so much by their fall as they 
 have got by being down.'' It is better to l)c humble under sin, ihiui 
 to be proud of grace. God will suflcr no 0. sh to glory in his pre- 
 sence ; his truths tried at the bar of carnJ reason will be rejected. 
 But as free-grace truths are precious to that Spirit who indited them, 
 so he will bring disciples to submit to them. To reject the doctrines 
 of grace, mider a specious pretence to holuicss, is to blaspheme the 
 Godof wisdom. High thoughtsof ourselves oppose the truths of God; 
 vain imaginations strengthen self-confidence, which is conti-ary to the 
 faith of C'nrist. To see Jesus all in all, and to sec ourselves nothing 
 at all, is to see and know aright, in the light of t. uih, and by the 
 views of the Spirit of truth. There is an inward obedience of the 
 heart, a submission to the righteousness of God, as well as an out- 
 ward obedient walk. There may be much of the pride a,id hohnes5 
 of the Pharisee without, where there is none of the simple- faiUi anJ 
 love of Jesus within. 
 
500 OCTOBER 14. 
 
 I came not to send peace on earth, but a ^lyorc/.-Matt. x. 34. 
 
 Is not our Saviour the prince of peace ? Haih he not made 
 peace between God and man, by the blood of his cross ? Doth he not 
 give peace in the conscience, and establish peace among his people ? 
 Is it not the essence of the gospel to preach peace by Christ ! All 
 this is true. Why then doth my Lord say, "^I came not to send 
 peace, but a sword ?" Conceive not of the meek Lamb as though his 
 soul delighted in war, and that the SAVord of slaughter should be drunk 
 •with human blood. No : he came not to destroy men's lives, but to 
 save them. Therefore this sword is no other than the « sword of 
 the Spirit, the word of God." It is rendered in St. Luke, division. 
 This sword divides and separates a christian from his carnal friends 
 and relations ; yea, divides asvmder flesh and Spirit. Hence open 
 war commences, and hostilities begin ; for there never, never can be 
 any peace, harmony, and agreement, subsisting between carnal and 
 spiritual men, no more than between flesh and Spirit in the christian. 
 These are contrary to, and at continual war with each other. " Wars 
 and fightings come from your lusts." Sin is the cause of all con- 
 tention and division among men : every jchristiaii is a soldier ; the 
 sword of the Spirit, the word of God is one blessed part of his ai'mour. 
 By this he is enabled to resist satan, subdue his lusts, cut down un- 
 belief, and so stand his ground against every enemy from the world, 
 flesh, and devil, which are always in battle array against him. 
 
 Thus the weapons of thy warfare, O soul, are not carnal, but spir- 
 itual and mighty, through God, "to the pulling down die strong 
 holds of satan." Though earth and hell are at war against thee, yet 
 strengthen thyself in thy God, he is on thy side. Fortify thyself by 
 the word of his truth. This, for thy comfort, assures thee, « No 
 weapon that is formed against thee shall pi-ospcr, and every tongue 
 that shall rise against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn," Isa. 
 liv. 17. By "this sword of the Spirit thou shalt prevail : by the 
 blood of the Lamb thou shalt overcome." " Not by might or powe r 
 but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts," Zech. iv. 6. Alas ! the 
 poor sensible soul is ready to say, my strength is small, my arm is 
 weak ; though such a weapon is put into my hand, I have neither skill 
 nor courage to use it ariglit ; sin, satan, and the world will be too 
 stroncj for, and overcome me at last. No : that is impossible. 
 Though weak as infancy, feeble as childhood, this blessed word exact- 
 ly suits our state, and is a cordial to our spirits, " Ye arc of God, 
 little children, and have overcome them." Why so? Because 
 g;reater is he that is in you, than he that is in tliC world," 1 John iv. 4. 
 
OCTOBER 15. 301 
 
 Jesus said unto them^ JFIiy sltep yc? rise and pray ^ lest 
 ye enter into temptation. — Luke xxii. 46. 
 
 The dull, sleepy fr^nies of disciples though nutural lo ihcm, 
 are by no means commendable in tliem, nor are they to find excuses 
 for them as thoue;h this was a sleepy state of tlie churches, and so 
 we were to lie down and take our rest. This is injuiious to the 
 honor of our dear muster, brinies discredit upon his cause and interest, 
 is very uncomfortable, and exposes skcpuig souls to many wid 
 great dangers : tliough love muy excuse it, yet will Jesus sharply 
 reprove for it. Why sleep ye ? wherefore do you indulge yourselves 
 with sloth when you are called to activity ? sleep is unreasonable 
 when danger is near. Ye know, my beloved disciples, your adver- 
 sary satan is ever wakeful, watchful, busy in plotting and seeking 
 to rob you of your shield of faith. Is this a time to be sluggish? to 
 fold your hands and cry, a little more carnal ease and worldly 
 pleasures, a little more spiritual slimiber? Most inexcusable to be 
 taking sleepy opiates of pleasure to indulge the flesh, and intoxicat- 
 ing draughts from the world to drown the Spirit. What meanest 
 thou, O sleeper? " arise and call upon thy God." Say not " I am ia 
 an unsuitable frame, dull, and heavy." Thou readcst of no such 
 reply from these drowsy disciples to their master. Wilt thou stay 
 till thou art rich before thou wilt be industrious? He who calls to 
 duty is both able and willing to give strength in duty, and power to 
 perform it. Take with you words and say, Jesus will give the Spirit 
 to pray. Ever remember, prayers move God, not as ioi orator moves 
 his hearers, but as the cry of a beloved child moves an affectionate 
 father when we are out of the reach of djinger, prayer will be need- 
 less. But when will that be? not in this life; not till every enemy is 
 destroyed; that will not be till death is swallowed up in life. 
 
 Now there is danger from temptation. Temptation cannot hurt us, 
 but entering into the temptation will. Jesus was in all things tempt- 
 ed Uke as we are, yet without sin ; his temptations were all w ilhout 
 him; they could not enter in to defile him; but they may us: 
 when the love of the world enters and prevails, the sense of the love 
 of God is lost: when the lusts of the flesh get power, the consola- 
 tions of the Spirit are not enjoyed; when ease and happiness arc ex- 
 pected from any other object but Jesus, the precious Saviour U 
 slighted and disestcemed : then our views of his love are eclipsed, 
 and our souls miserably darkened. " The end of ;dl things is at hand, 
 be ye tliercfore sober and watch unto praycrj" 1 Pet. iv. 7. 
 
 Mow precious is our Saviour's love ! He liates tlie slotli ve'iesuhject to,. 
 
 How tender \\\» complaint ! But yet lie Igves tUc suint. 
 
 Vol. I. O o 
 
G02 OCTOBER 16. 
 
 / rejoice at thy word^ as one that Jindeth great spoil.-^^ 
 
 Psalm cxix, 162 
 The saints of God.iii uU ages were taught by the same Spirit, 
 looked for the same si.ivut.ion, and were comforted by the same truths 
 found in the word of the Lord; hence the word is so precious to 
 them; it causes rejoicing of soul within tiiem; thus it is of the 
 written word of the Lord which makes known his everlasting, loving 
 designs to sinners of mankind : this also is true of tlie essential, 
 divine, and unci-eated word., the Lord Jesus: he in person manifested 
 God's thoughts of love, as words declare what is in the mind: Jesus 
 lay in the bosom of the Father from eternity; he has revealed the 
 Father's eternal Jove to us! O, he who findeth Jesus will rejoice in- 
 deed. With joy, says Philip, "we have found him of whom Moses 
 in the law, and the prophets did write," John i. 45. Hath a con- 
 queror who hath obtained a complete victory over, and is enriching 
 himself with the spoils of a wealthy enemy, cause of rejoicing? how 
 much more has the christian daily from the word of the Lord. Alas I 
 tlie joy of the one is but momentary and uncertain; what he hatli 
 gained in war to-day, to-morrow he may be deprived of; but joy 
 through the victory of Jesus, and the spoil the christian reaps from 
 the word are durable and eternal: the victory of Jesus is the chris- 
 tian's spoil ; here he beholds sin subdued, death conquered, satan 
 vanquished, hell overcome, and a crown of eternal life and glory 
 fully obtained, absolutely ensured, and which shall most certainly be 
 enjoyed. In the written word of the Spirit are given unto us 
 « exceeding great and precious promises." In the essential word 
 Jesus, " all the promises are in him, yea and amen, to the glory of 
 God." By the former we understand '• what is the hope of our call- 
 ing, and v/hat the riches of the glory of our inheritance in the saints." 
 By the latter, union with Jesus and faith in him, we obtain the happy 
 assurance that all things are ours. •' Whether ministers, the world, 
 life, death, things present, or things to come, all are yours, tmd 
 yc arc Christ's, and Christ is God's," 1 Cor. iii. 22, 23. And " no- 
 thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in 
 Christ Jesus," Rom. viii. 39. 
 
 Blessed be God for the word of his grace, the dMe; blessed be 
 God, for his unspeakable gift, Jesus. Here is thy treasure, O 
 christian; where should thy heart be but in meditation and delight 
 herahi daily? For thou canst get spiritual joy from no object but 
 victorious Jesus, set before thee in the gospel; and the clearer thou 
 seest salvation by him, so will thy faith be stronger u\ him; this 
 creates spiritual rejoicing of soul continually. 
 
 How doth thy word my heart engage! When nature sinksand spirits droop, 
 
 Hov well euii)Ioy my tongue ! " Tliy promises of grace 
 
 And in my tiresome pilgrimage Are pill.irs to support my hope ; 
 
 I'icjds me a lieiv'nly sojig. And tliertt I write thj praise. 
 
OCTOBER 17. 303 
 
 Sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under 
 the law y hilt under grace. — Rom. vi. 14. 
 
 Who arc under the law? All who think tlicy can fulfil it, seek 
 to be made righteous by it, and expect salvation from it ; all such 
 are under the dominion of sin and the curse of the law. Who are 
 under grace ? all who (ly from the luw as a ministration of Condem- 
 nation, embrace the gospel as a ministration of righteousness, and 
 cleave to Jesus and expect righteousness and salvation in him o/j/j/. 
 Over such, sin has no power to destroy ; they arc out of its tenilo- 
 rics, in another kingdom under luiother king: Jesus rules in and over 
 them; and he says of every one of them, sin shall not have domi- 
 nion over you. O, what a heart-reviving promise is this ! how 
 delightful to hear our worst foe, our bitterest enemy shall not lord it 
 over us! Art thou, C) disciple, ready to cry out, Would to Clod sin 
 had no being in me, then I should be completely happy I Remember 
 what thy Saviour said to his mother, " Mine hour is iiul yet come," 
 John ii. 4. It is enough that thou art called to the marriage of the 
 I^atTfb; the bridegroom keeps the best wine lor the last; this is 
 excellent wine on earth, sin shall not have dominion over us; in glory, 
 sin shall have no being in us. 
 
 Be assured, O christian, thine enemies are all conquered, though 
 sense and experience afford thee daily proof they are not all doi.d. 
 Never think of laying down thine arms, folding thine hands, uiid 
 setting up thy rest here; thou art still in the camp; the enemj lies 
 in wait to take all advantage ; but here is thy victory, though sin is 
 an enemy, whose life is commensurate with the life of thy flesh; 
 though so nearly allied to thee that it i? part of thyself ; yet, being 
 one Avith Jesus, thou hast a spiritual and eternal life, and the power 
 of omnipotence is engaged to preserve and keep thee; therefore sin 
 shall not maintain its usurpation, nor hold dominion over thy soul; 
 its empire is dethroned, the kingdom of Jesus is set up in thy heart, 
 Christ dwells there by faith, thy heart is sprinkled from an evil con- 
 science by his blood; he who hath conciuercd for thee will also con- 
 quer in thee. 
 
 Take heed of a,state of independence on him, and vain confidence 
 in thyself; think not the root and being of sin are destroyed,, and 
 thyself in a sinless state; for then thou hast no need of Jesus, f^ilh in 
 him, hope on him, nor prayer to him. O, if satan thus rocks any 
 poor sinner asleep, it is in the cradle of delusion, while he sings a 
 sweet siren's song: be ever active and vigilant to oppose and con- 
 quer thy inbred foe. Daily attend this wholesome advice, «' Let not 
 sin reign in your mortal body, that you sliould obey it in the lusts 
 thereof," ver, 12. 
 
304 OCTOBER 18. 
 
 Wherefore we labour^ that -whether present or absent zve 
 may be accepted of him, — 2 Cor. v. 9. 
 
 " In all labour there is profit," Prov. xiv. 23. The belief of 
 this maketh the heart diligent, lively, aiid active. When Nehemiah 
 was stirred up to build the Wall of Jerusalem amidst the scoffs and 
 opposition of enemies on every side, yet, in prayer, watching, and 
 working he and his brethren wrought with one hand, a guard \\\ the 
 other, and this confidence of faith in their hearts, " Our God shall 
 ght for us," Neh. iv. 20. Thus animated they laboured till the 
 work was finished. 
 
 Thus the beloved brethren of Jesus are called to be " stedfast, 
 immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord;" being con- 
 fident that the Lord fights for them, and " knowing assuredly that 
 their labour is not in vain in the Lord" The labour of love is 
 pleasant, it is profitable to the believing heart ; the work of faith is 
 delightful to the soul while it exercises the patience of hope. Most 
 reviving consideration ! we serve not a hard task-master; we labour 
 not for a rigorous, severe Lord; we obey not from base, mercenary 
 principles. No; every command of Jesus is in love; every work we 
 do in his name is from love to spiritual good as well as to his glory: 
 we have the fullest assurance that we are '' accepted in the beloved." 
 We are not left to doubt of the way of acceptance, nor to do any thing 
 to procure it; the truth, as it is in Jesus, forbids all this; but 
 knowing our persons are accepted in Jesus, this is the most enliven- 
 ing, powerful motive not only to do, but also to abound in those things 
 with which God is well pleased; to study to please God in our walk 
 and way, cheerfully to lay out ourselves in his service, unreservedly 
 to give up ourselves wholly to the Lord; O, this is the sweet exer- 
 cise of faith and love. Shall wc pretend to believe that Jesus is our 
 Saviour and that wc are accepted in him, and yet not labour and strive 
 that our works may please him? Not study and endeavour, as 
 assisted by his Spirit, to avoid those things that are contrary to his 
 nature and commands? Alas 1 this is" hail, master;" only like Judas 
 to give a kiss of hypocrisy, while faith in him and love to him are 
 wanting. 
 
 Thou disciple of Jesus, from that moment thou didst enter into the 
 restvof Jesus by faith, tliou art called to labour, that thy works may 
 please God, and be accepted of him ; and when the heart is whole 
 with its Saviour and simply looking to him, need one forbid such 
 a soul to refrain from the vain pastimes and sinful gratifications of a 
 carnal world ? No ; he saith these things do not please my Lord, 
 they cannot be acceptable to him, they shall not ensnare me, I can- 
 not displease my Saviour. " Wc love him because he first lovecl 
 us," 1 John iv. 19. 
 
OCTOBER 19. 305 
 
 And he said, IxviUmake all my goodyiess pass before thee^ 
 and 1 -will prodaim the name of the Lord btfore tlicc ; 
 and wdl he gracious to whom I -will be gracious, and will 
 shew mercy onwhomlwill shew /«crcy.-Exod.xxxiii. 19. 
 
 Carnal reason, pride, and unbelief, like a threefold coitl, binds 
 the soul under legal bondage ; each of these mutually suu.gthens 
 the other, and all combine to oppose the sovereign goodness and 
 grace of our Lord. Instead of believing in, so as to be comforu il by 
 free-^race declarations from our God, how apt are we to consult flcbh 
 and blood 1 How prone to reject ihem, because we cannot reconcile 
 them to our carnal reason ! here is the grand source of that dan.,iing 
 sin, unbelief. Marvel not, believer, though the pride of thy flesh 
 rises and rebels against distinguishing grace and disci iminatu.g love. 
 This, though sweet to the experience of faith, is bitter to the sto- 
 mach of rebellious nature; but hei-e is thy mercy ; grace, which is 
 sovereign in its nature, is saving in its operations ; all must be re- 
 solved into this humbling acknowledgment, ^' I, a poor smner, who 
 could neither will nor run the way of saivaUon ; tlie Lord wills to 
 shew me his goodness, to procPaim his name, to bestow his grace, 
 and comfort me with his mercy in Christ Jesus, to the salvation of 
 my precious soul. . 
 
 Thus the Lord speaks in love ; let all his children hear in faith, 
 rejoice, and be humbled. Where, O soul, canst thou fix thy foot, 
 but thou standest upon the ground of Iree grace ? HaSt thou faith? 
 It is of grace. Dost tliou find pardon of sin and coi.solaiion of lieart 
 in Christ Jesus? It is of grace. Dost thou Move God? It is because 
 he has first loved thee." Dost tliou hate sin as contrary to God s 
 glory and thy soul's peace ? What astonishing grace is this ! Con - 
 sider it on thy knees ; reflect on it with m. .'ii.gs of soul. AVhy 
 shouldst thou be singled out.by the power of the word, markedly 
 the grace of the Spirit for salvation, when many hundreds pens., 
 everlasting ? Why arc thine eyes opcr.c d amidst a throng of blind 
 sinners? Why art thou watered, like Gideon's fleece, while others 
 are dry ? Was thy nature better, thy desires holier ? What con- 
 tions hadst thou performed to procure this ? Grace has taught thy 
 soul otherwise than so to think ; all must be re.olved into this sou - 
 humbling, God-exalting truth, > I will be gracious to whom I will 
 be gracious." Here is an inexhaustible source of comfort; this a 
 never-failing motive to love and obedience ; thai grace and mercy 
 which God owes to no one sinner on card., he h.s f.ccly given to 
 thee ; it is thy privilege to rejoice in it, thy duty to confess it, and 
 to lie in the dust and be humble. " If l>y gf^cc, .it is no more ok 
 Avorks," Rom. xi. 6. 
 
306 OCTOBER 20. 
 
 This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven^ 
 shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into 
 heaven — Acts. i. 11. 
 
 The parting of dear friends is very grievous and affecting ; but 
 sorrow is alleviated from expectation of meeting again. O the joy 
 of meeting our dear friends in glory, who are gone before ! but 
 what will heighten all, will be sight and enjoyment of our best 
 friend and dearest Saviour. The disciples were looking stedfastly to 
 heaven, after their dear master ascended to glory, when they receiv- 
 ed this assurance : they saw his human form, the same dear man, 
 their beloved companion with whom they had so often eat and drank 
 and taken sweet counsel, and who was lately crucified, deadj and 
 buried ; this very man Jesus they saw ascend : the Son of God came 
 from heaven in Spirit ; he assumed a body of flesh imd blood ; he 
 lived in it on earth ; and having " finished the work his Father gave 
 him to do, he took the same body with him to glory : this same 
 Jesus shall so come again in like manner." Every eye shall see hira 
 in the last day in his human form. 
 
 Thus in all the transactions of Jesus by faith, we " behold the 
 WAN." View him in his birth, an outcast babe in poverty ; in 
 advanced years of life, " a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, 
 despised and rejected of men ;" in death he died as another man ; 
 yea, an accursed death, as a malefactor ; in hi? resurrection and 
 ascension with a human body like our own; such was thy Saviour, 
 believer, a man "like unto thyself in all things, but without sin :" 
 and having perfectly expiated and atoned for all our sins, he is now 
 at the right hand of God, the glorified man, still in human form 
 pleading our cause. " And he is able to save them to the uttermost 
 who come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make inter- 
 cession," Ilcb. vii. 25. God is in Christ; thou canst not come to 
 the Deity but through the humanity of Jesus : mind that. Who can 
 tell the uttermost of Jesus' salvation ? It is unto all manner of per- 
 fection both of soul and body, How sweet and encouraging is this 
 to faith, that our Saviour, our brother, our friend, is in our nature 
 before the throne 1 " He ever lives ; he is able to save." And canst 
 thou ever doubt of his love and willingness ? O, remember Calvary ! 
 thinkyof his agony and blood-shedding there. And canst thou want a 
 proof of his love, poor sinner ? If thou, whilst an enemy, wast re- 
 deemed and reconciled to God by his blood, how much more, being 
 reconciled shalt thou be saved by his life ! It is thy happiness to be 
 ever looking upon and unto Jesus as the ipan and Mediator by whom 
 thou comest to God ; be looking for Inm to see him in his glorified, 
 form. "'He shall come again in like manner," "to be glorified in his 
 saints and to be admired in all them who bclrcve," 2 Thcss. i. 10. 
 
OCTOBER 21. 307 
 
 Dranv nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, — 
 James i^. 8. 
 
 How sweetly is the, children's duty and the fuihcr's promise 
 joined together 1 The latter is a most powerful encouragement to the 
 former; though we were "sometimes afar of, yet being made nigh 
 by the blood of Jesus," we are exhorted to draw nigh to God in 
 prayer, in full assurance of lUith, fimily believing that » faithful is 
 he who hath promised," he will draw nigh to us to bless us. To 
 live near God is our heaven below ; to experience a distance from 
 him is our misery ; we cannot draw nigh to God but in the way he 
 has drawn nigh to us, that is in Christ, in the humanity of Jesus his 
 Son ; in all our approaches to God, consider this, Jcbus is the object 
 of our faith, and God in him ; all other objects drawn nigh to, will 
 leave the soul in a painful sense of distance from the true God and 
 real comfort. Happy, only happy canst thou be, wlule ihou ait 
 daily living in close communion and near fellowship w ith thy God 
 and Saviour. While the terrors of the law drive legal spirits to 
 duty to fulfil terms of peace and conditions of acceptance, evangelical 
 promises ever sweetly constrain.and encourage to every duty those 
 who « are not under the law, but under grace." To live in neglect 
 of our duty and God's ordinances, is devilish Uccntiousncss ; but to 
 be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, is true christian liberty : here 
 is our mercy, we have a sure way of access; by Jesus we draw nigh ; 
 in him God and man meet ; the holy Spirit is our strengUi, " praying 
 in the Holy Ghost." As it is the office of Christ to intercede for 
 vs, so the Holy Ghost intercedes in us ; as an advocate within, he 
 enables us to plead in faith what Jesus is.to us, what he hath done for 
 us ; so we speak with confidence to our dear Father : he helps in 
 prayer, as a nurse helpeth a little child that is unable to go of itself, 
 or as a weak decrepit person is upheld by the arm. 
 
 Here is our encouragement, the word of promise, "God will di*aw 
 nigh to you." This, O soul, is thy happiness below, tliy heaven on 
 earth, to have access to Uie God of mercies, and the Father of all 
 consolations draw nigh to thee; thou sweetly findest it so; not 
 merely to draw nigh to duty, but 'to God m duty ; to find and feel 
 the special presence and blessing of the Lord ; without this, loving 
 hearts cannot be satisfied ; communion and fellowship with Ciod, 
 finding nearness of spirit, delightful intercourse, having to do with 
 God, and receiving inward peace and love from him ; C), this is the 
 glory of the life of faith on Jesus 1 and this draws us away from, and 
 makes us dead to all things beside. When God ;uul Chnst and 
 heaven is within, all without becomes truly mean and despicable m 
 comparison. « It is good for mc," suith Asaph, « to draw near to 
 Cod," Psalm Ixxiii. 23. 
 
308 OCTOBER 22; 
 
 I am crucified -with Christ : nevertheless Hive ; yet not /, 
 but Christ liveth in me : and the life which now 1 live in 
 the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, xvho lov- 
 ed me , and gave himself for me. — Gal. ii. 20. 
 
 - The state o.'^a christian is a seeming paradox. No marvel the 
 things of God are foolishness to natural men, and that we are account- 
 ed fools for Christ by them ; for the truths of God, as well as the 
 life of his children, appear to be absurd to them. But " the life of 
 Jesus is made manifest in our flesh,'' 2 Cor. iv. 1 1. Hence he saith, 
 *' If any man will come after me, let him deny himself," Matt. xvi. 
 24. Deny the /znWf of his own righteousness, the corrupt lusts of 
 his sinful flesh, and own me as his life, and follow me as his Lord in 
 tlie regeneration ; in this crucifixion of nature, tliis death to every 
 hope but Jesus, this lite of faith on him, consists the peace, love, ho- 
 liness, and joy of our souls ; this springs from love, excites to love, 
 and is nourished by love ; so we enjoy heaven below. Thus is 
 heaven above insured to us. 
 
 Blessed life ! happy believer ! to feel Christ living in thee, to live 
 on him by faith. Envy you.; ye sons of folly and vanity ! we do not ; 
 join with you in your carnal delights we cannot ; joys infinitely su- 
 perior are ours ; pity you, indeed we do ; nor with you, ye sons of the 
 bond-woman, can we live on our works and duties, derive life from 
 terms we fulfil, and conditions we perform ; as if for so much work 
 we earn so much wages : our God owes us nothing ; yet he gave 
 his Son freely, " that we might live through him." The beloved 
 Son of God himself is our life, our all ; though wretched, guilty, 
 damnable creatures by nature and practice, yet astonishing grace ! 
 « he loved us, and gave himself for us." Uf this we are bold and 
 confident; this truth bears the divine impress ; the Lord hath con- 
 firmed it with an oath ; here to admit the least doubt is base and un- 
 reasonable : the life of faith springs from truth itself, and is as con- 
 trary to doubting as it is to sensuality ; yet, while in the flesh, it will be 
 opposed by both. But is every believer in Jesus assured with Paul, 
 *' Christ loved 7ne, and gave himself for mc ?" No: though this knowl- 
 edge is essential to the comfort of our souls, yet not to the being of 
 faith in the heart, nor is it the object of faith ; yet itjs the joyful privi- 
 lege^ef every believer, and as such is earnestly to be coveted, and all 
 diligence given to attain it ; we are loved with the same love, saved 
 by the same truth, the same faith given us by the same Spirit which 
 Paul had, and to the same end to make ur. holy and happy ; and the 
 comforter, who testifies of Jesus in the word, will sooner or later also 
 bear witness to the heart, and fill the soul with the fiuits of faith and 
 the joy of assurance ; every faithfuK ;ibiding soul in tlie Lamb shall 
 rejoice to say, " The Spirit itself bearcth witness with my spirit, 
 that I am a cliild of God," Rom. viii 16. 
 
OCTOBER 23. 309 
 
 Then began lie to curse and to swear, saying, I Know not 
 the /7i«/;.--i\latt. xxvi. 7-i. 
 
 Self-uighteous heiu-ts arc ready to think, better to have con- 
 cealed Peter's abominable wicked conduct. No'; the Spirit of 
 wisdom hereby stains the glory of all flesh, and exalts the super- 
 aboundinEj riches of Jesus* grace over tlic aboundings of sin. He 
 shews, ill Peter's denying his loving Saviour, what human nature 
 IS, and what shocking depths of sin a believer may tall into when left 
 to the workings of carnal nature and the buffetings of satan. Dread- 
 ful to think of! Most earnestly to be prayed against ! Yet we see the 
 aficctionatc heart of Jesus is ever towards his wounded, fallen-mem- 
 bers. Love is within, and by a look of love, how suddenly, how ef- 
 fectually did Jesus raise and restore Peter! Three denials of Jesus, 
 each attended with higher aggravations, though deserving only a look 
 of wrath, and a frown into hell; yet were followed with a look from 
 Jesus which brake Peter's heart into affection, and meltec^his very 
 soul into love. Amazing grace ! Astonishing kindness 1 Let no dis- 
 ciple think, I am not in diuigcr of fJling, after the like example of 
 unbelief; for every one is. 
 
 If any poor lamb of Jesus' flock is fallen, and h:is been worried and 
 torn by the wolf, let him not suy that his loving shtphtrd has cast 
 him off forever, and has no more cite for him or love lo him. 
 What! will the true shepherd who ^.we his life for tlie sheep, who 
 bought every one of them with, his own blood, will he sufler the 
 enemy to rob him of his property, and destroy any one of his pur- 
 chased ones? No, verily, this can never be while Jesus is mighty 
 to save. That can never come to pass tiil Jesus ceascih to love, 
 and he can as soon cease to exist; for Jesus is God, and God is 
 love, 1 John iv. 16. O, how oft are our poor souls hurt and 
 wounded! though not in denying Jesus to a fellow-creature with 
 oaths and curses, yet too oft are we ashamed to confess his dear 
 person, his precious cause, his despised cross. Yea, and when we 
 entertain unloving thoughts of our Saviour, from the workuig of 
 unbelief in the heart, this naturally tends to deny Jesus in his office 
 and character; leads. to depreciate and think too meanly of his sal- ■ ^^ 
 vation, his blood, righteousness, intercession, and faithfulness to his 
 people. Hence we encourage guilty fears, our views of his love get . 
 clouded, a sense of it in the heart grows cold, and die influence of 
 it on the life is benumbed. Is not this in effect to say, «' I know not 
 the man ? S^t^i arc the workings of nature and unbelief, O, how- 
 little do we consider what Christ has done, and is doing for us ! 
 We have too mean and contracted views of Jesus at best; and such 
 at times as Ave are ashamed of, when we are enabled clearly to vic^r 
 « Christ in us our hope of glory," Col, i. 'J7. 
 
 Vol. I, P n 
 
310 OCTOBER 24. 
 
 Remember Lofs -wife. — Luke xvii. 32. 
 
 It may do a disciple much good, it can do him no harm, to 
 call to mind the judgments of his God. Hence he may learn from 
 others' harm to be more wise and wary. If he sees professors fall 
 away, it teaches him to take heed; it tends to lay him low in humility 
 at the feet of Jesus, and excites gratitude and love in his heart, and 
 makes him cry out in astonishment, Why am I not fallen ! How am 
 I kept ! " Glory to grace !" It is well, O believer, ever to remember 
 thou standest by faith ; " Be not high minded, but fear.' O, fear to 
 look back with a wishful eye, or a lusting heart, to the sinful vanities 
 of a carnal world. Remember Lot's wife. What of her ? She 
 loitered ; she did not keep up with her husband ; she was behind him. 
 So, soul; if thou dost loiter, and not keep close with Jesus thy 
 husband, thou wilt be in danger. « She looked back from behiiid 
 him." Here was an act of folly, unbelief, and disobedience : folly, 
 in thinking, as she was behhid Lot, he could not see her look back. 
 Uunbelief, in not stedfastly crediting God's word. Disobedience, in 
 looking back to Sodom, contrary to his word, instead of looking for- 
 ward, and up to the Lord. O soul, forget not Jes- ees the looks 
 of thy heart if they are to this perishing world. ic sees the unbe- 
 lief of thy heart, if thou forgetest him, and lookest to any thing but 
 him for happiness. He will punish disobedience to his voice, »' fol- 
 low me." " She became a pillar of salt," Gen. xix. 26. A lasting 
 monument of God's judgment. Though we never see this pillar of 
 salt, yet we may see such every day. How many seem to turn their 
 backs upon the world, and escape to Jesus, but their eyes look again 
 to it. Looking begets longing ; their feet are again entangled in its 
 snares, their hearts bewitched with its smiles, they are huggtd lo 
 death in the world's embraces, and become as a pillar of salt : a monu- 
 ment of God's judgment upon their conduct. It is supposed Lot's 
 wife retained her natural shape in this pillar : so in such professors 
 there is all the appearance of the form of religion kept up ; but ihe 
 heart, the spirit, the life and power of it, arc entirely extinct in their 
 souls. Their very hearts are given up to the world, and are as cold 
 >and as dead to God as Lot's wife, when she became a pillar of salt, 
 was to the things of this life. The eye is a great inlet to temptation. 
 Saints have woefully experienced this 1 David did. He saw; Uicn 
 he longed after enjoyment. O believer, Jesus is thy object. Here 
 looking may beget love and longing, without danger of hurt; yea, 
 with the greatest certainty of good to thy soul. Ever look to Jesus, 
 remember him ; so wilt thou, with Paul, « forget the things that are 
 behind, and press toward the mark of the prize of tliy high calling in 
 him. Thou hast escaped for thy life." It is tlie command of- thy 
 God, in love lo thy soul, « Look not behind thcc." 
 
OCTOBKR 25. 511 
 
 Nbrv can ye believe which receive honor one of another, and 
 seek noVthe honor that comethfroni God onlij? — Joliii 
 V. 44. 
 
 " The fear of man brinc!;clli a snavc," Prov. xxix. ^5. It is a 
 great enemy to the power of faith in the heart. Tlie csictm of inei), 
 to be well spoken of, to have honor and applause from them, arc plcas- 
 iwj; to the flesh, hut hurtful to the Spirit. The wisdom ar.d U ariiin^ 
 of natural men, arc contrary to the simplicity that is in Christ, in- 
 compatible with the cross of Christ, and withstands an open confess- 
 ion of him who is an honor to us; for by the faiih of 4esus we are 
 honored of the Father to be his children, and to enjoy sweet fellow- 
 ship and communion with him iu our spirits. 
 
 Here is the blessedness of the faith of disciples; " It standelh not 
 in the Avisdom of man, but in the power of God," 1 Cor. ii. 5. 
 Hence we arc to " call no man Rabbi, for one is our master, even 
 Jesus." We are to suffer no man to lord it over our faith; not to 
 pin our faith on any man's sleeve ; merely to believe what any man 
 says, be he ever so wise and learned. Some are fond of being at the 
 head of a party ; others love to humour them, arid become tails and 
 tools to them ; and their poor hearts are hereby sadly rent and torn, 
 by disputes and divisions which so much abound. But have we not 
 the plain, simple teachings of our blessed prophet to look to ? O, 
 how often do disciples of Jesus give honor to men, in expecting that 
 teaching and that comfort from t!\em which comcth from God only! 
 Tog oft is it the cry, I will hear what such u one suitli, what tliis and 
 the other teachcth, instead of " I will hear what the Lord God will 
 speak,'' what he hath taught in l:is word. I will abide by tiiat only. 
 This honor comcth from God only, to speak peace by Jesus Clirlst 
 outwardly in his word, and inwardly by his Spirit ; therefore we arc 
 to search the word diligently, wait for the Spirit patiently, treasure 
 up and ponder upon the sayings of Jesus in our hearts ponlinuully. 
 This is to honor him whom the Father honors, to be the propiiet of 
 Jiis church. Believers have an " unction from tlie Holy One that 
 teacheth them all things," I John ii! 20. Surely they ou<lu not to 
 hear those who know not the truth ! " Tliem that honor me, I wij! 
 honor," saith the Lord — 1 Sam. ii. 50. Jehovah command* us, 
 " Hear my beloved Son," Mark ix. 7. In the face of all opposi- 
 tion to believe the word, the promises, and the oath of the Lord 
 concerning full and free salvation by his Son Jesus only, this is ihc 
 honor the Lord requires from his children : and this obedience of 
 faith, God will honor with inward peace, and the witness of his 
 Spirit, with 'a life of love, and the sanctifying rcnewings of the 
 Holy Ghost from day to day. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. 
 " Cease ye from man, whose breath is in bis nostrils," Isa. ii. 'Z'2. 
 
312 OCTOBER 26. 
 
 Knowings that of the Lord ye shall receive the rezvard of 
 the inheritance : for ye serve the Lord Christ. — Col. 
 iii. 24. 
 
 Saving knowledge is accompanied with humility, productive of 
 love to Jesus, and delight in his service. To desire to know more 
 of the truth, in order to gain greater measures of love, and more 
 cheerful conformity to him, this is praise-worthy. " For whoso 
 looketli into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he be- 
 ing not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be 
 blessed in his deed," James i. 25 Christian, thou art not called to 
 dream over dry disquisitions and subtle refmements, merely to fill 
 thy brain with nice speculations ; but to have thy heart warmed with 
 love, thy practice influenced to obedience, as well as thy judgment 
 established in truth. Remeniber thy calling, study thy reward, glory 
 in being a servant of Jesus; his work is pleasant, his service perfect 
 freedom, his wages infinitely great, reward in thy work, rev/;ird for 
 thy work, and an eternal inheritance when thy short day's work is 
 ended; and all of the rich favor and free grace of the Lord Clirist. 
 Shall the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season, the vile 
 drudgery of satan, which is miserable bondage, the alluring smiles 
 of a perishing world; shall these be placed in competition with the 
 
 > service of Jesus? " Knowing that we serve the Lord Christ." O, 
 how does this sweeten duty, and make every path delightful ! Canst 
 thou hesitate one moment, when the question is, choose you this 
 
 . day whom you will serve, Christ or Satan ? No, verily thou canst 
 not, if so be thou hast tasted of the infinitely rich grace of the eter- 
 nally precious Christ. Hath he bought us v/ith his blood? Redeem- 
 ed us to God ? Wrought out a righteousness to clothe and adorn us, 
 and prepared mansions in heaven to receive us ? And shall our con- 
 duct be contrary to our profession ? Our practice not conformable 
 to our judgment? Or our walk inconsistent with our faith? Where 
 then is the proof that we serve the Lord Christ ? What evidence that 
 ue know the Lord is interested in, or may expect the reward of his 
 inheritance ? We may well cry out, Woe to our wretched, sinful 
 nature, which is contrary to Jesus, and is ever opposing his truth, 
 ways, and love ! Shame to us, wc love him no more, nor serve him 
 no fettter ! Blessed be Jesus for the gift of his Spirit. O, that 
 through his sanctifying and sin mortifying operations, we may be in 
 
 love, wholly devoted to his service, who in mercy wholly devoted 
 
 himself for our salvation ! 
 
 How Rf rr^ng thine arm Is, mi?li<y Lord ! He has tlonc more than Moses i\n\. 
 Who would not fear tliy name ! Our Proi>het and our Kiiit; ; 
 
 Jesus how sweet thy Rraces arc ! 'From hoiuls of hell he freed our souls, 
 ■\Ve love and serve the Larnb. Tf«npht its to love and sing. 
 
OCTOBER 27. 313 
 
 The law w.as given by Moses, but grace mid truth came by 
 Jesus C/trist. — John i. 17. 
 
 It is natural to us all to say of the moritl luw, as the kiiip; of 
 Israel s del of that failhlul prophet of the Lord, Micah, " 1 hale liim, 
 for he doth not prophesy i»;ood coiiccniin;^ me, bui evil,'' 1 Kings 
 xxii. 8. Ii is true, that the holy, spiritu.d law of Clod can yield no 
 comfort, hnpo. or peace to any poor sii.r.er of mankind. Yet the 
 believer in Jesus cannot hate the moral law ; it is a transcript of his 
 Father's mijid and will ; it is God's good gift ; it answers very valua- 
 ble ends and put prises to the souls of his children. We know sin by 
 the law, as we know Christ by the gospel : though the law was 
 given by Moses, a meek prophet, yet it is full of fiery wrath, minis- 
 ters condemnation, and denounces curses, yea eternal death and 
 damnation to every transgrt- ssor. Yet why, O soul, shouldst thou 
 hate the law? That is not the cause of all tlicse evils; but thy sins, 
 thy violations of its holy, just, and righleoxis precepts. Here fix thy 
 hatred; here it is just. Btlicver, the law is thy friend; it shews 
 thee-thy duty ; it cuts thee offirom all legal hopes; it razes every false 
 foundation, every expectation from thy own righteousness. The 
 trumpet sounds its alarm louder and louder; the voice of vords is 
 shriller and shriller: and it will ever be terrible in its sound to ihy 
 conscience, except tliou art under tlie grace and trutli which came 
 by Jesus Christ. 
 
 Here, O behold and admire tlie transcendent excellence of Jesus 
 full of grace and truth. Grace, even the free favor of God to sin- 
 ners, came by Jesus Christ. Truth, in every aecon.piishment of 
 the ceremonial, in perfect fulfilment of every righteous demand 
 Avhichthe moral law could exact. Here is thy wisdom, to oppose 
 the life and death of Jesus to eveiy righteous demand, to every 
 terrible threatening, and eveiy dreadful curse of the law. As he is 
 thy husband ; all debts, dues, and demands he for ever satibficd. 
 Jesus came « not to destroy the law, but to fulfil it," Matt. v. 17. 
 Says the immortal Hcrvcy, "Jesus is the auil.or of our faith, ai;d 
 the former of our graces. In his unpolluted life we. see tlic pall:, 
 in his meritorious death the price, and in his triumphant resurrection 
 the proof of bliss and immortaliiy. If we offei d, and fall seven -imcs 
 a day, he is the Lord our peace ; if we are depraved, and our best 
 deeds unworthy, he is the Lord our righttouniuas. If wc are bru- 
 tish in heavenly knowledge, he is the Lord our wisdom, his word 
 dispels the shades, his Spirit scatters the intellectual gloom, his ryo 
 looks our darkness into day. In short we arc nothing, and Christ 
 is ALL. Worse than defective in ourselves, wc arc compkie in 
 HIM. W^c act by slrcngUi, and gW>ry in a righteousness not our 
 own." 
 
314 OCTOBER 28. 
 
 If children^ then heirs, heirs of God, and joint -heirs with 
 Christ. — Rom. viii. 17. 
 
 If a child, from a spirit of untowarilncss, runs into and rolls 
 itself in the dirt, would not that parent be a monster of barbarity 
 •who, instead of cleansing it from its filth, vshoiild dash out its bri.ins? 
 Yet there are those who dare assert such to be the conduct of God 
 towards his cliildren in Christ. For they say, though a man be a 
 child of God, by faith in Christ Jesus, yet he may so fall into sin, 
 that God may consign him eternally to hell for it; but, like Paul, 
 such speak " igviorantly, and hi unbelief." While we wish them to 
 be taught better ; from such miserable teachers, and such false doc- 
 trine, we pray "Good Lord deliver us." Whatl Can any of God's 
 children be in such a filthy, polluted condition, that he has not wisdom 
 enough to know them ? Is there not love and power enougli in his 
 Spirit to lead them to the fountain of Christ's blood, that they may 
 wash and be clean ? Or has not the blood of Jesus virtue enough " to 
 cleanse them from all sin ?" It is plainj such notions come from 
 the father of lies ; for they deny the reign of grace, and flatly con- 
 tradict the glorious truth here asserted. 
 
 First, " If children," how come any sinners, who are by nature 
 children of wrath, to be children of God ? "God predestinated them 
 unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself," Etc. 
 Eph. i. 5. They are begotten and born into this state by the Spirit 
 of adoption, and by faith in Jesus; they enjoy the knowledge and 
 comfort of it. Secondly, '< Then heirs'' to an immortal inheritance 
 of free gift by free grace. Thirdly, " Heirs of God." Marvellous 
 assertion! Legality stand off I Unbelief avaunt 1 O, we never can 
 reach the heig-ht, fiithom the depth, measure the length, comprehend 
 the breadth of our heirship. In one word, we are heirs to all that 
 God is in himself; has engaged himself to do, to make us wise and 
 happy in time and to all eternity. Is God our portion, then take 
 tPiy pen, O Pvery child of God, and thou, my soul, and write all 
 thing's are ours — .1 cannot enlarge ; enumerate them at thy pleasure, 
 dwell oii them with joy that gratitude may fill thy soul, atid excite 
 love and' praise to tliy God. Fourthly, " Joint heirs with Christ." 
 O soul', if thou art one with Christ by faith, thou art one with him 
 psG,(^heirto all that his Father and thy Father has to bestow ; an 
 heir of all things in God, in earth, in heaven. O believer, what 
 blessed reasoning is here 1 What glorious inhci itiiicc art thou born 
 to I Born again to possess by faith now ; hereafter in full sense and 
 fruition in heaven. As well might satan deny the certain persever- 
 ance of the Son of God; as soon plunk one of his glorified members 
 out of glory, as to attempt to deprive ar,y one heir of God of the 
 full enjoyment of his heavenly inheritance, - 
 
OCTOBER 29. 515 
 
 Master, carest thou not that we perish? — Mark iv. 38. 
 
 Saints In all ages have cyperienccd, that their extremity of 
 distress has been God's opportunity to deliver ; so these disciple* 
 found it ; they were in tlic most eminent danger and in the great- 
 est lears and distresses. Their vehement address to Jesus bespeak* , 
 it. " Jesus was asleep." We believe in our Saviour, as a man like 
 unto ourselves : we adore him as the sovereign Lord whose " eyes 
 are over the rigl.tcous, and his ears are ever open to their prayers," 
 1 Pet. iii. 12. Of this we have the clearest evidence, the fullest 
 proof. Jesus a^vakes as a man, and with the power and sovereignty 
 of Jehovah he rebukes the boisterous wind, and si,ys to the raging 
 waves, « Peace, be still ;" and instantly all nature obeys its Creator; 
 all is husbexl into a profound calm. 
 
 While others are pleased with the feats of a Cxsar, or the con- 
 quests of an Alexander, it is our delight to meditate upon the won- 
 derful works of our God-man and blessed Saviour. Transporting to 
 know this awful God is ours, our Jesus, and our friend 1 But art 
 thou not ready, O believer, sometimes to say, '• My Lord hath for- 
 saken, and my God hath forgotten me 1" It seems as Uiough he 
 cares not ; even though I perish. I am in the wide ocean of diffi- 
 culty and distress. Corruptions rage, temptations assault, the fiery 
 darts of the enen^y fly thick around me ; I groan under the sense of 
 a hard heart and an] absent God. Hear the voice of thy Lord, « O 
 thou afflicted, tossed with tempests, and not comforted: for a small 
 moment have I forsaken thee, but witli great mercies will I gather 
 thee," Isa. liv. 7, 11. Judge not of God's love by thy sense and 
 feeling, but by his word and truth, the stability of his promises, and 
 the security of his oath. He may be bdltering down thy bfc of sense 
 to make thee strong in faith, strong in the Lord, and m the power 
 of his might. These disciples, though in a terrible storn,, were 
 safe, because Jesus was in the ship, though asleep ; so is every dis- 
 ciple where Jesus dwells in the heart by iM^. The afiection., of 
 God's love never cease, though storms surround us, and the sense 
 and comfort of love may seem to us as it were asleep ; and as wuh 
 these disciples, so shall it be with thee, C) christian ; thou shalt find 
 thy loving Saviour ever near to hear, and ever almighty to (.clivcr 
 thee; God's moment is thy mercy; in the deeps ol dutress arc 
 God's wonders known. -In the n>oment of the Lord, Jehoyah- 
 jirah (the Lord will provi<le) it shall be seen." U l.at sauh the 
 Lord ? " Call upon me in t«ne of trouble, and I wdl dchver thee. 
 and thou Shalt nlorify me." It is the joy of faith to reply, " 1 hou 
 .hall compass nu- about with songs of dcliveraiKC," IValmxxxn... 
 
316 OCTOBER 30. 
 
 Go, tell his disciples and Peter, that he goeth before you 
 into Galilee : there shall ye see him. — Murk xvi. 7. 
 
 How different is the gospel from the law ; one is the voice of 
 condemnation, terror, and wrath ; the other speaks nothhig but 
 grace, peace, and love. God's children only murmured lor water in 
 the wilderness, and even the meek Moses is in wrath with them, and 
 calls them refit /s. Here, though tlie poor disciples had acted most 
 base and ungrateful to their loving Saviour ; for they added sorrow 
 to his distress, when they all forsook him and fled, and Peter above 
 all the rest ; for as though Jesus was the most abandoned wretch, 
 Peter with oaths and curses denied that he even knew him. What 
 could they expect, but that the first message from their Lord should 
 be full of upbraiding ? Was it, Go tell those apostate rebtlsl^aw 
 risen from the dead, they shall receive their just deserts ; vengeance 
 is mine, I will repay them ? No : be astonished, O heavens ! Hear, 
 wonder, and love, O ye backsliding children : devils are not permit- 
 ted to terrify, but angels commissioned to comfort them. Tell his 
 disciples, amazing! Disciples still! How unworthy of the very 
 name ! Yet more, lest this message should prove a dagger to poor 
 Peter's heart, lest he should write bitter things against himself, "I am 
 no disciple ; though all the rest forsook and fled from Jesus yet not one 
 of them sinned with so high a hand as me. I not only forsook him, fled 
 from him, but denied him, denied him with oaths, cursed and swore 
 most bitterly that I did not know him. Ah ! woe' is me : the Lord* 
 told me satan had desired to have me, so it must be." No, no, 
 Peter, " whom thy Lord loves, he loves to the end ;" he hates put- 
 ting away ; his loving heart cannot bear it. Not all that sin or hell 
 can say can turn his heart, his love away. Peter is included in the 
 commission of comfort, by name. Did Peter sin above the rest ? 
 Yet grace super-abounds ; therefore behold, he is particularized 
 above the rest by name. " He goeth before you to Galilee, there shall 
 ye see him." - O, but for this comfortable message, poor Peter would 
 have dreaded to meet with and see Jesus. O soul, Jesus is gone be- 
 fore to glory, there shalt thou see him. But for the comfortable 
 message our souls have had from him, of his love and salvation, we 
 might dread the sight.of Jesus. But who shall set bounds to the 
 love of Jesus ? W^ill any poor trembling disciple say, the Lord hath 
 forsaI^cn me, my Lord huth forgotten me ? True thou mayest de- 
 serve it ; but thy Lord deals with thee not after that manner ; 
 though thou art u sinner, a backsliding sinner, u hell-deserving sin- 
 ner, the chief of shiners, yet still his name is Jesus the Saviour, his 
 nature is love ; and it is the joy of his heart and the w ork of liis life 
 " to save tlicm to the uttermost that come unto God. by him, seeing - 
 he ever livcth to m:ikc intercession for them," Heb. vii. 25. 
 
OCTOBER 31. 317 
 
 If the Son therefure shall make you free, ye shall be free 
 
 indeed: — John viii. 36. 
 Our most glovious sovereign Lord and Kint;-, Jesus, like some 
 miglity conqueror whose 'sulijccts luive been taken captive liy an 
 enemy, delivers them from their captivity, sets tliem at lihurty irom 
 the dominion and tyranny of their enemies, and restores them to all 
 the rights andpriviiegesof his kingdom and government. Alas! in what 
 a deplorable state doth our great deliverer Had our souls ! taken cap- 
 tive bythcdevilat his pleasure, slaves and vassals to his will and power, 
 under worse than Egyptian bondage, " tied and bound with the chains 
 of our sins," bond-slaves to our corrupt lusts and carnal passions. 
 
 In tliis hopeless, helpless, deplorable state, we all continue -with- 
 out power, yea, without will or desire to be set at liberty. Nay, wc 
 are naturally pleased with the drudgery of sin and satan, in love with 
 GUI' bondage, fancying ourselves at liberty, and enjoying the most 
 perfect freedom; but when our mighty deliverer comes, he makes 
 us free indeed; he bursts our bonds asunder, and casts away the 
 cords wherewith we were bound. Jesus snatches our souls as a prey 
 from the miglity, and the lawful captives arc delivered. He hivests 
 us with the " freedom of citizens of the New Jerusalem," and gives 
 us the privilege of adoption, to be the sons of God through faith in 
 him. Then are we the Lord's free-men; made free from sin, satan, 
 the law, and death. How great is Jesus' power! how lich his 
 love! how free and sovereign his grace! it came unmerited and 
 unsought by us; it is a freedom unbounded in its nature, and the 
 happy subjects of it shall find it so in a blissful eternity. But here, 
 though free, made free indeed in our spirits, yet we shall find by- 
 daily experience enemies and opposers to 'our uninterrupted enjoy- 
 ment of it. Sin, though its guilt is washed away in Christ's blood, 
 and its power destroyed in the soul, will yet rage and war in our 
 members. Satan, though like a strong man armed, is overcome 
 and cast out, will often rally his forces and wage war against u*' 
 As Luther says, ' he who hath Christ for his King and God, let 
 him be assured he hath the devil for his enemy, who will work him 
 much sorrow, and plague him all the days of his life. But let this 
 be our comfort and great glory, that we poor sinners have the Lord 
 oflifeard death and of ^ll creatures, cloathed with our flesh and 
 blood, sitting on the right hand of God, ever living, ever praying 
 for us, who ever defends and protects us.' The law, though its 
 demands arc fulfilled, and its curse is taken away, though there 
 is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus; and death, 
 though disarmed of its strength antl sting through the victory of 
 Jesus, yet the sweet sense and comfortable experience of all this \i 
 enjoyed by us only while we " stiuid fast in the liberty wherewith 
 Christ has made us free, and are not entangled with any yoke t.f 
 bondage," Oi\\. \. I. Vol. L Qq 
 
318 NOVEMBER 1. 
 
 JFe wrestle^ isPc. — Eph. vi. 12. 
 
 It is too common for the children of God, when exei'cised wiili 
 sharp conflicts of soul, to write bitter thmgs against themselves. 
 But we do well always to remember we are travellers through the 
 territories of an implacable and powerful enemy, whose malicious 
 spirit delights in harassing and distressing us in every part, soul and 
 spirit, as well as flesh. That herein we are not alone; it is the com- 
 mon lot of all the children more or less. Take, my brethren, the 
 prophets and apostles as an example herein. We shall find them at 
 times, under severe trials and sore conflicts of spirit. But know, 
 satan our adversary, is a conquered foe; he can go no farther than 
 our own loving Saviour permits him. Our exercises last not one 
 moment longer than our dear Lord sees needful; none of them shall 
 issue in our destruction but in satan's flight, our soul's deliverance, 
 and our God's glory; and, like every thing else that befalls us, " they 
 work together for our good." 
 
 Our enemies are spiritual powers, princes, rulers, who for num- 
 ber may be styled legion. Their nearness to us, and easy access to 
 our spirits, in a way of striving and struggling for the mastery in 
 order to cast us down, is justly styled nvrcstling. Here the comba- 
 tants are closely joined, and grapple with each other. Our greatest 
 danger is from our feet being tript off the ground; whereby we may 
 be maimed and bruised by a fall. Happy for us, we stand by the 
 power of God through faith. We stand upon this sure foundation, 
 " The Lord knoweth them who are his." Jesus knows that his peo- 
 ple will be exposed to onsets of the enemy, but no power, subtilty, or 
 malice shall prevail. Says our dear preserver, " none shall pluck 
 them out of my hands:" I as man and Mediator, hold them by love. 
 " My Father is greater than I; he keeps them by his irresistible and 
 almighty power. Yet, alas 1 it must be owned, that conflicts for the 
 season are grievous. To be attacked by a powerful, invisible foe, 
 whose element where he rules, as well as the time of battle, is always 
 in darkness; therefore most afflicting to .the children of light. One 
 blessed er^d of our trials, is to teach us that we should not trust in 
 ourselves, but cry to the strong for strength. O, what a soul- 
 slrengthening, heart-reviving, and spirit-refreshing voice speaks from 
 h^ven to us I Hear, O soul, it is the voice bf the captain of thy salva- 
 tion. V/ust tl\ou ready to think he had left thee to thy own weak- 
 ness? No: " Fear thou not, for Lam with thee. I will uphold thee 
 with the right hand of my righteou^ess," Isa. xli. 10. 
 
 Jesus the Lord shall guaivl me safe God is my everlasting aid, - 
 Frfjni ev'i V illdcsisii, And litll shiUl rnjje in v.ain ; 
 
 And tohish'av'iily kingdotn take To liim be hijjlicst glory paid 
 Tliisfecblc soul of mine. And eudloss praise, Aint-n. 
 
NOVEMBER 2. 319 
 
 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice. — 
 Phil. iv. 4. 
 
 The wise man sailh, " lie Uiatis of a merry heart luilli a con- 
 tinual feast," Prov. xv. 15. ' Every believer in Jesus hath a continual 
 feast; therefore has always reason to be of u merry hcurt; wlitn he 
 is not, he lives below his privilege, and forg;ets the conmii-ntl of his 
 loving Lord. Though we dally experience enemies to our spiritual 
 joy, yet none can destroy our ground of rejoicing; tliat is fixed as a 
 rock, permanent as tlie mountains, and standeth fast for ever and ever. 
 Paul well knew this by his own experience: " As sorrowful, yet 
 always rejoicing." he describes the christian's motto. Thoujrli with 
 him thou art daily crying out, " O wretched man tliat I am,"- accord- 
 ing to the flesh; yet thou hast the same reason always to thank God 
 and rejoice in Christ Jesus as Paul had: tliough in thyself cause for 
 mourning and humiliation, yet continual matter of joy ai.d rejoicing 
 in the Lord Jesus. 
 
 Plerc is the wisdom of a christian, to understand ariglu, mid to act 
 suitable to his character: " as havhig nothing in nature, yet possess- 
 ing all things by grace." Being united by Jesus, in whom all fulness 
 dwells ; and " blessed with all Spiritual blessings by God tiie Father 
 in him, it is therefore our sweet privilege always to rejoice in Christ 
 Jesus. In experience, we find believing views of Jesus, cause rejoic- 
 ing in him. In the Lord; mind that little word j«. The exercise 
 of thy faith is ever to be on thy Lord. All cause of spiritual joy is 
 in Jesus: our word is believe and be jouful. If we search the 
 scriptures, which testify of Jesus; if we dwell much in meditation 
 on his person, his offices, his blood, l.is lightccusr.ess, his inter- 
 cession, we shall perceive nevcr-failini^ springs of joy. Day by day 
 be looking and praying, O soul, that through the Spirit thou mayst 
 sec and maintain a comfortable knowledge and settled assurance of 
 thy own interest in Jesus, and salvation by him. O, this will cause 
 thee to rejoice indeed, with joy unspeakai)le and full of glory. So 
 that even though the face and appearance of outward things put on a 
 gloomy countenance to nature and sense, yet shall we be like tl;r 
 stedfast prophet: «4 Though the fig-tree shall not blossom, ncillicr 
 shall fruit be in 'the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the 
 fields shall yield no meat; the flocks shall be cut o<T from the fold, 
 and there shall be no herd in the stalls." What then ? Docs he hang 
 down his head like a bulrush ? Does joy of heart forsake him? No, 
 says he, " yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of ;«j 
 salvation," Habak. iii. 17, 18. 
 
 Then let our joys abound, W«'rc m.ircl.inB ihrn' ImmanucPi grou-ul. 
 
 And ev'ry tear be Jrj- ; To faiccr w oiWs nu bii,'li. 
 
320 NOVEMBER 3. 
 
 JVhat doth it profit, though a man say he hath faith, and 
 have not -works? Can faith save him? — James ii. 14. 
 
 Many of God's dear chikh-en are often in doubt and perplexity, 
 lest their faith should not be tlie fidlh of God's elect ; to which salva- 
 tion is sure. This may arise through the weakness of their under- 
 standing in the word of truth; and because, as yet, faith doth not 
 bring forth the fruits of joy and assurance. But sooner or later the 
 Holy Ghost, in believing, will make this matter clear and satisfactory 
 to their hearts. But the soundness and orthodoxy of our faith is 
 least of all suspected by us while in a state of nature ; for we all think, 
 are very confident, have not the least doubt, we all say " we have 
 faith," true faith; but this is a weed which grows wild in nature's 
 field; this is the faith which James here speaks of, which all the 
 world rest in who know not the Son of God. All men have not faith, 
 the faith of God's elect. If we say we have faith, what doth it profit 
 if it brings no glory to God, no good to men; it deceives the soul 
 v/ho has it. " Can faith save him ?" O, what disputes and contentions 
 hath this question raised ! Some have even set St. James at variance 
 against St. Paul, as though the former contended for salvation by 
 works, against the latter. " Can faith save him ?" A question equal 
 to an assertion. It cannot. The supply of one word here puts the 
 matter beyond all dispute. Can such a faith save him ? No ; it is 
 impossible. But dost thou, O christian, think thy faith, though ac- 
 companied with good works, can save thee ? Verily, no more than 
 thy repentance or thy love; these are alike gifts of grace by Jesus 
 Christ ; given not to rival the Saviour in the heart, nor to share with 
 him in the glory of salvation, but to honor him aiid comfort his mem- 
 bers. 'We are not saved /or faith, but through faith ; yet faith is a 
 precious grace of covenant-love ; it endears a precious Saviour to the 
 heart, and " works by love." 
 
 But ever know, faith doth not procure God's love, obtain his favor, 
 make atonement for sins, work out a righteousness to justify, nor 
 merit the power of the Spirit to sanctify ; all this is enjoyed in believ- 
 ing, but not procured by faith. Faith, like the Baptist's voice, cries 
 in the soul, <' Behold the Lamb of God." It claims no shai^e in 
 fulfilling terms of peace, or obeying conditions of salvation. By 
 faith we honor God's word, look to his everlasting love, rely on Jesus, 
 mournl over sin, abhor ourselves, and repent as in dust and ashes. 
 Peace, love, joy, and all inward fruits, as well as outward obedience ; 
 a holy walk, fruitfulness in every good word and work, are produced 
 by the Holy Spirit, from the life and vigour of faith. How doth 
 it concern us daily to pray, " Lord, increase our faith !" J-uke 
 xvii. 5. , . ' 
 
NOVEMBER 4. 321 
 
 For she said xvithin herself. If I may litt touch his gar- 
 menty I^ shall be whole. — Matt. ix. 21. 
 
 The case of this poor woman was quite desperate. Many 
 painful operations she had undergone in hopes of a cure; her money 
 all spent in procuring remedies; her disorder grew worse and worse: 
 all human hope and help failed; grim death seemed to approach her 
 Muth great speed. But, strange thought ! ♦' If 1 may but touch the 
 garment" of that man, surrounded by yonder crowd, I shall certainly 
 be healed. Surprising, to think of a cure from a touch 1 A touch, 
 not of his person, but his garnierit ! How can nature and reason 
 account for this ? Had she consulted flesh and blood, sure she would 
 have concluded, this suggestion is mere fancj', and will end in delu- 
 sion, Had she consulted eminent physicians or learned doctors in the 
 church about her thoughts, doubtless they would have pronounced 
 Jesus a quack, and advised proper remedies to her, as a lunadc. 
 But the holy Spirit had inwardly made known Jesus to her. She saw 
 somewhat of his glory ; her mind was disposed towards him ; she be- 
 lieved in her heart his power to heal her; she speaks wiihin herself 
 her thoughts concerning him ; she came with trembling feet, she 
 touched him with a fearful heart, but she departed with triumph. 
 
 How secret arc the operations of the Spiiit, in working faith in the 
 hearts of sinners 1 " No man can come unto me," saith Jesus, "except 
 the Father draw him," John vi. 44. A sight of Christ is of special 
 grace. The first thought of help and hope in Jesus for sinners, is 
 from the word of truth, and by the power of the Spirit. The soul 
 soon evidences itself to ha\'e "the faith of (Jod's elect ;" for under a 
 sight and sense of its desperate state anc^ ruined condition, it speaks 
 within itself of going to Jesus and him cjily for pardon and salvation. 
 Yet the pL,or heart is often exercised with an if; if I did l)ut believe in 
 him, if I could but touch him, if I did but feel in myself I was healed 
 of my sin and plague, O how I should rejoice 1 Well, thougli tiie soul 
 is opposed by a crowd of difiicultics, yet will it not be satisfied till it 
 breaks through all carnal opposition and finds peace in Jesus ; till it 
 hears the voice of its Ijeloved speakhig pardon and comfort by his 
 word. When, liKc Isaiah, the soul cries, « Woe is me, I am un- 
 done !" it cannot rest, till with him also, alive coal from the altar of 
 Jesus' love is laid upon his mouth, and his language, is changed to 
 ' I am saved by Jesus.' For « lo, this hath touched thy lips, and thy 
 sin is purged," Isa. vi. 7. 
 
 T'ne Lord ! how glorious is Iiis face ! For yon, thr cMUlrcn of my love, 
 How kind his smiles appear ! It was f<jr }(,ii ! ilyM ; 
 
 And oh ! what mcltiiiK words he says Bi-hold my hands, bthold my feet, 
 To cv'jT humble car ! And look uulo my side. 
 
522 NOVEMBER 5. 
 
 As he who hath called you is holij, so be ye holy in all man- 
 ner of conversation. — 1 Pet. i. 15. 
 
 Legal hearts turn evangelical exhortations into legal com- 
 mands. So children of laiih are brought btick again from the land 
 of promise to the house of bondage. Not more absurd to exhort a 
 dead corpse to exert itself to perform actions of life in order to get 
 life, than to suppose a believer destitute of the life of holiness, and 
 excite him to holy actions in order to procure it. Zeal for holiness, 
 without knowledge of the true nature of it, is unscriptural ignorance. 
 Every believer in Jesus is holy. As .being a member of the first 
 Adam, he partakes of the life of sin and the spirit of unholiness; but 
 being vmited to Jesus, Christ is his life. lie partakes of the life of 
 holiness and the spiritof holiness. This is evidenced by the outward 
 holiness of his life. 
 
 Therefore exJiortations to excite such to a holy conA^ersation, are 
 as necessary as they are frequent. Art thou a child of God by faith 
 in Christ Jesus ? What inestimable honor is this ! It should be thy 
 tlaily care and constant concern to walk worthy of this high and 
 honoi-able vocation. It degrades thy birth to stoop to glorify base 
 lusts ; it demeans thy character to take up in the least with the 
 slavery of sin and drudgery of satan. It was good advice a heathen 
 gave a prince, lest he should learn evil from bad company, "Always 
 remember thou art a king's son." So ever remember, O christian, 
 thou art a son of the King of kings. Thy Father is holy ; study to 
 be like him ; aini to resemble him in thy daily walk. This day thou 
 wilt be exposed to the snares of sin and temptations to evil ; they 
 ever beset thee. Remember thy calling, it is to holiness of life ; 
 think of the end of it, happiness in glory. It sounds as harsh in 
 .one's ears to hear of a wicked christian as to hear of a dark sun. 
 But beware of making an idol of thy own holiness. We read of 
 Pygmalion, who had got M image so lively that he took it for a 
 real -person, and fell in love with it. This seems to be the case with 
 some; they are more taken up wilhi talk. more about and seem 
 more in love with an image they have made of their own holiness 
 and perfection, than of the glorious righteousness of Jesus. Yea, 
 they so esteem their own holiness, that they think it is to effect for 
 th«m more than Christ's righteousness hath, even secure and make 
 effectual their own salvation. Thus the imputed righteousness of 
 Christ is cashiered out of their faith and affection, to make way for 
 their pretended holiness'. This is the very essence of a Pharisee. 
 But being made free from sin (the power of pride within, as well 
 as of sin without) ye become servants of God, y^ have your ruvir 
 unto holiness, and the end everlasting life," Rorii. vi. 22. 
 
NOVEMBER 6. S23 
 
 A friend loveth at all times ^ and a brother is born fur ad- 
 versity--Vroy. xvii. 17. 
 
 We have a striking instance of genuine ami uninterrupted 
 friendship, which mutually subsisted between David and JonailiaiJ. 
 IIow affecting is that pathetic, mournful, exclamation of David, 
 M'hen friendbhip's sweet bands were dissolved in deatli I '»l am dis- 
 tressed for thee, my brother Jonathan ; very pleasent hast thou been 
 unto me ; thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of wo- 
 men," 2 Sam. i. 26. Who can read this plaintive note without 
 sympathy ? Wisdom's asscTtion is literally exemplified in thcni. 
 But though their love and friendship never al)atcd in the dark scenci 
 of adversity, but was alike at all times, yet death put a period to its 
 existence. Naturally friendship extends not beyond the confines of 
 the grave. But, O disciple, thou hast a friend who ever lives and 
 ever loves. The most exalted friendship when compared to his, 
 diminishes in glory, as the light of the brightest star disappears whea 
 the dazzling glory of tlie sun shines forth. Is not Jesus " tliis 
 friend who loveth at all times ?" Yea, before time commenced, his 
 love existed towards his chui;ch. Every member was loved by 
 him, and was given to him of the Father. When in lime he saw 
 them polluted in their blood, defded with sin, and loathsome in their 
 persons, yet (O wonderful I) that was the time of love, he passed 
 by, his eye saw, his heart loved, mid his lips said, live. Dost 
 thou, O soul, live I)y faith on the Son of God I This is the effect of 
 love ; this is love known and manifested. But dost thou finddaily that 
 thou art a poor sinner? therefore art thou grieved, and ll.inkest thou 
 shalt weary out the love of thy friend? >Io ; that cannot be, he loveth 
 at all times; "whom he loves, he loves to the end." Jesus is *'thc 
 brother born for adversity," to comfort in and to support under it. 
 Now thou art in an adverse state ; the world, the llesh, and the 
 devil arc all against thee ; but thy friend is above, engaged for thee ; 
 he is stronger than all. Though in dangers oft, always safe. Jesus 
 was born to suffer adversity for his brethren. A fi lend und a brollicr 
 makes one's sorrows and sufferings his own. So ditl Jesus. Our 
 sins were his, ".he bore them in his own body." " He hutli borne 
 our griefs, and carried our sorrows." And hath he loved before 
 time ? Docs he love at all times ? Then what shall separate IVoia 
 the love of Jesus ? Nothing : for « in all things we arc more ilian 
 conquerors, through him who loved us. As the power of Jesus is 
 equal to his love, death, which parts the dearest friends, and dis- 
 solves the sweetest friendship below, shall introduce us to tlie nearest 
 enjoyment of our best friend and dearest brother ul)ove ; for he says, 
 «' Father, I will that they whom thou bust '/w^n me, be with mc 
 wlicre I am," John xvii. ?4. 
 
324 NOVEMBER 7. 
 
 The Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all,--- 
 Isa. liii. 6. 
 
 Here we behold the transaction of the glorious trinity in the 
 covenant of grace. Here is the display of grace in the salvation of. 
 lost sinners. Jehovah, the Father, lays or causes to meet all the< 
 sins of his people upon the surety of the covenant, the Son of his 
 love. Jesus undertakes to bear them. The Holy Ghost publishes 
 this joyful truth to the children of men ; he works faith in their hearts, 
 and bears witness with their spirits of salvation hereby. Thus the 
 three glorious persons in the Godhead agree in one, even in this one 
 truth, salvation by Jesus. Happy is the man who believes it. Faith 
 looks to the purpose of grace, and rests upon the accomplishment of 
 covenant-love. 
 
 When one undertakes to be surety for another, then the debt is 
 reckoned to him, and he accepts it. Thus our dear Saviour, our 
 blessed surety stood up for us, engaged in our behalf. Our debts, 
 all our iniquities were imputed to him, and laid upon him, charged 
 upon his person ; " he bore them in his own body on the tree." Fie 
 Fully satisfied, perfectly atoned divine justice for them. " By the 
 one sacrifice of himself he hath taken them all away, made an end 
 of sin ;'' so that justice itself proclaims its own faithfulness to forgive 
 sm, 1 John i. 9. Grace reigns, mercy triumphs, sinners are par- 
 doned, believers rejoice. O believer, thou art blessed of thy God 
 who is just, therefore doth not, cannot impute sin unto thee. True, 
 thou hast committed sins innumerable ; but it is as true, they were 
 all laid upon Jesus. True, thou dost commit sins, it is equally true 
 Christ hath borne them. Thou wilt commit sins, it is perfectly true 
 thy Saviour hath atoned for them all. Thou hast nothing to plead, 
 but guilty in thyself, but perfectly righteous in Christ. Every charge 
 the enemy brings from the righteous law against thee is just : own 
 It ; but ever plead in thine own conscience and before the throne, 
 Jesus hath satisfied for all ; there is noiv no condemnation to me. 
 O believer, this is a most precious truth of God. Not thy faith, not 
 thy rcpentings, not any thing thou canst do ; but Jehovah laid iniquity 
 upon Christ, this is his sole prerogative. Let devils rage against it, 
 let men oppose it ; yet will this truth be found true in its nature, 
 most htippy in its coiiscqucnces to the children of God. Flencc flow 
 their peace, their holiness, their heaven. Flear their song belov.' : 
 " The love of Christ constraincth us, because we thus judge ; that 
 they which live, should not henceforth live unto tlK'niselvcs,but unto 
 him that died for them and rose again," 2 Cor. v. 14, ]-,. Hear 
 their triumph al)ove : " salvation to our God who siLlelh upan tlie 
 throne, and unto the I/amb, who hiUh washed us from our sins in his ' 
 own blood," Rev. i. 5.. 
 
NOVEMBER 8. 325 
 
 By grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of your- 
 selves: it is the gift of God. — Eph. ii. 8. 
 
 Sleep is the image of death ; every morning we awiike is a kind 
 of new life. In sleep, how insensible of danger 1 how unable to pre- 
 vent it I The Lord's mercies are renewed every morning; his watch- 
 ful providence is our safety. R«.flect, O my soul, upon the unmerit- 
 ed love of thy God 1 Hi'ppy for thee, daily to awivke and arise from 
 thy bed of slumber with the sense of free grace and sovereign love 
 upon thy heart ! Temporal mercies are heightened and improved by 
 a sense of spiritual and eternal blessings. Disciple, thou livest in a 
 space of time in which tliou mayest look back upon eternal love, look 
 forward to eternal glory, and look upon thyself and sec whut wonders 
 grace has done. Thou art this day called to consider how thou art 
 saved. First, in the pui pose of thy God, ere thou hadst a being, 
 everlasting love which gave thee existence, decreed thy salvatiqn. 
 Secondly, in accomplishment, grace provides a lamb for thy ransom ; 
 in the fulness of time a Saviour is bom in human flesh ; he lived 
 for sinners, died for sin, " made an end of sin," made reconcilia- 
 tion for iniquity, brought in an everlasting righteousness ; his ex- 
 piring breath proclaimed, salvation work is finished ; but thy poor 
 soul lay in nature's darkness, in the sleep of death, and would have 
 slept on till the arch-angcl's dreadful sound of the trumpet had 
 wakened tliee to everlasting shame and confusion; but impossible 
 this : being saved in love's decree, being redeemed by blood divine, 
 grace challenged thy soul. Therefore, thirdly, thou art saved in 
 enjoyment " through faith;" called by the word of truth ; quickened 
 by the Spirit of grace ; Jesus's salvatioi) become the desire of thy 
 soul; God gave his Son for thee; the Spirit gave faith to thee : hence 
 Jesus became precious, sin hateful, thyself vile, holiness lovely in 
 thine eyes and to thy heart; thus sinners are saved by grace through 
 faith; they have no hand, no share, no glory at all in this matter: 
 in the believing, abiding views of this grace, this salvation, consist 
 all our peace, love, joy, holiness, heaven. Why then, O belie ver> 
 art thou not perfectly, uninterruptedly happy and holy? Verily, 
 because thou art s.till in the flesh; thy old man is still alive; nature's 
 pride and sinfulness daily resist the glory of grace and the exercise 
 of faith: but in opposition to all, thou art to abide confident in the 
 belief of the truth, daily study the love of thy God and Saviour; this 
 tends to sink thee in humility; daily «onsidcr thy deserts to be hell, 
 and adore the riches of sovereign grace; tliis will, through the bles- 
 sing of the spirit, keep thee from boasting in self, and cause ihcc to 
 glory in the Lwd only. " Salvation is of faith, Uut it m\g\\^ be by 
 grace," Rom. iv. 16. 
 
 Vol.. I. R r 
 
326 NOVEMBER 9. 
 
 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon 
 us, that we should be called the sons ofGod.-l John iii, 1, 
 
 If a poor insolvent debtor, who sees no hope but to end his mise- 
 rable life in a loathsome gaol, yet is unexpectedly called to hear tlic 
 will of a loving friend, whereby an ample provision is bequeathed 
 him, fully to satisfy all his wants, how must this rejoice his heart I 
 How, in the ecstacy of his joyful mind, would lie be ready to call upon 
 everyone around him to behold the delightful testament! This is 
 but a fuint view of the inestimable riches of glory and honor be- 
 queathed to ruined sinners by New-Testament love, ratified and 
 sealed by the blood of Jesus. Upon the view of this, how should we 
 be filled with wonder, fired with ecstacy, and our transported hearts 
 should not keep silence 1 Angels see and admire, saints behold and 
 adore the marvellously great, the inexpressibly glorious, the won- 
 derfully discriminating love of the Father of Jesus I amazing to tell! 
 comforting to believe ! transporting to feel ! Love, the love of God 
 the Father hath made its way to sinful man; his love flows through 
 the heart of a crucified Jesus ; his love hath reached my poor heart. 
 What terms have we fulfilled? What conditions have we performed 
 to procure this invaluable blessing? O, the very question startles the 
 truly gracious soul ! It is a concern to his generous heart to hear 
 such proud, vain notions taught; he rejects the thought with abhor- 
 rence and cries, ' Pride, thou busy foe, begone.' All, all is freely 
 given, richly bestowed. 
 
 And am I, vile and unworthy as I am, thus called, the real son of 
 God, by adoption, through the faith of Jesus? O thou heavenly para- 
 clete, thou divine sanctifier ; influence, daily influence my heart, my 
 tongue, my life, to glorify my Father, my Saviour, my God! Though 
 I have done nothing to procure this inestimable privilege, yet, en- 
 joying this rich grace, love and gratitude demand corresponding 
 fruits, a holy walk, worthy of the vocation wherewith I am called. 
 Hence assuredly will spring another evidence of God's children ; 
 therefore, " the world knoweth us not, because it knew hun not." 
 Though our dear Saviour « went abqut doing good," yet even 
 this could not gain him the approbation and esteem of tlie world. 
 Never let disciples expect to be above their master; the n»ore we 
 foUow Jesus and arc conformed to him as obedient children, stronger 
 evidence shall we have of the world's enmity, and of our Father's 
 love; let us rejoice to follow Jesus, and be glad to imitate him to do 
 good, though we suffer evil. 
 
 Behold wlifit woml'rous grace 'Tis no surprising thing, 
 
 The Father h.nth hestow'd Tliat we should ho unknown ; 
 
 On sinners of a mortal race, The Jewish world knew not their king, 
 
 To call Ihera sons of God ! God's everlasting Sob. 
 
NOVEMBER 10. ^27 
 
 I give unto them eternallife; and they shall never perish^ 
 neither shall any pluck them out of my han(l-]o\m x. 28. 
 
 Thus excellently speuketh the immoit;il Hervcy," What words 
 are these! And did they come from him who hath all ) owt-r in 
 heaven and earth ? And were they spoken to every unlcigncd, though 
 feeble follower of the great shepherd? Then omnipotence itself must 
 be vanquished before they can be destroyed citli«n- by Uic seduction 
 of fraud, or the assault of violence" The followers of thi Limb 
 want no proof of Uie divinity of their Lord and Saviour ; it is plain 
 from the word of truth; they believe it in their hearts. " The gift 
 of God is eternal life," saith Paul, Rom. vi. 23. « I give my 
 sheep eternal life," saith Jesus; therefore Jesus is both L</rd and 
 God. To give temporal life is not in the power of a finite bei:.g ; he 
 who gives eternal life, must be, as our Jesus is, the hifinitc and 
 eternal Jehovali over all, God blessed for evermore. How full of 
 jicracc and glory is this text! What consolation may the childreii of 
 faith draw from it ! Here is their mercy; they are in the hands of their 
 precious Saviour; hence they are safe and secure. ''They shall 
 never perish," saith Jesus, who is the iruih. " None shall 
 pluck them out of my hand,"' saith he who hatli all power in 
 heaven and earth. " I give," saith the Saviour, noiv, at iliis pre- 
 sent—what? Grace into their hands, which, if they improve well, 
 shall entitle them to glory ? Infinitely more ; nothing less than lilc, 
 spiritual life, eternal life, the life of their immortal soul ; this gloi lous 
 gift is enjoyed by faith. " This is life eternal, to know the only true 
 God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent," John xvii. 3. 
 
 Thus is Christ precious, salvation certain, and etern..l life secure 
 to every believing soul; but as to the knowledge and enjoyment of 
 this life, in the experience of saints, they oficn find great abatements 
 of its vigour and comfort. Hence the various frames ihey are ex- 
 ercised with. Spiritual life, in its knowledge, comfort and enjoy- 
 ment, is opposed by a life of sense in the chrisdan, and spiritual 
 opposition from within and without him ; the devil, the world, and 
 the flesh, strive to pluck Christ's sheep out of his hands. Corrupt 
 teachers give the lie to our Saviour, and say such a thing may be : 
 hence the heart' of his sheep are distressed; impossible for any 
 of Christ's sheep to perish; if he doth not give eternal life to Vhcm 
 all, then his truth must fail; the covenant-oath, promises of the 
 God of truth, must all be broken; our faith is void, the gospel is of 
 no effect ; our comfort and joy arise from our being sin.plc «■> heart, 
 firmly relying upon our Saviour's declaration, living upon lus word, 
 looking to him, and expecting without the least doubt, we shall 
 most certainly be " kept by the power of God through failh unto 
 salvation," 1 Pet.i. 5. 
 
328 NOVEMBER 11. 
 
 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt 
 thou have me to do ? — Acts ix. 6. 
 
 Such are the effects when sovereign grace reacheth a sinner's 
 heart. When the light of truth shines in the conscience, it mhkes 
 the stoutest heart to tremble. When Jesus is manifested to the 
 soul, it causes astonishment and creates love. Transient convictions 
 of sin often beget horror of conscience, and they often pass away as 
 the morning cloud and early dew. Such conversions are very com- 
 mon ; slnnerb are frequently turned from one sect and system of 
 opinions to another ; yea, also their lives and practices may be re- 
 formed, and they may seem to be converted ; and often, where is 
 the least cause, there is the greatest confidence ; especially, if such 
 persons are confirmed in their hopes by great pretensions to expe- 
 rience, and can talk much of ecstacies and raptures, visions and reve- 
 lations, which they suppose came from God : while many continue 
 poor, trembling, self-emptied, and low-abased souls, they know 
 and feel nothing but sin and helplessness in themselves ; yet from a 
 discovery of the glory of Jesus and the perfection of his salvation, 
 seek all in him, and expect all from him ; but yet they remain diffi- 
 dent of their state and doubtful of their conversion ; they are exercised 
 with great perplexity of mind at times concerning themselves. In 
 both cases time only manifests the truth of conversion. Effects best 
 prove their cause. 
 
 When Christ is revealed to the heart ; when the soul, by the eye 
 of faith, " sees him who is invisible," it is manifested by holy mourn- 
 ing and godly sorrow for past conduct, humble hope and scripture 
 confidence of salvation : and this excites prayer to Jesus for instruc- 
 tion, « Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" The soul desires to 
 obey his will in truth and love. The habitiial frame of the soul 
 to Christ, his salvation, his truths and commandments, is a stronger 
 evidence of real conversion than all the visions, ecstacies, horror or 
 transports which the passions can yield. So St. Paul's after conduct 
 to Jesus and his cause, fully proved that he had felt the power and 
 tasted the sweetness of a Saviour's love. Though every conversion is 
 not produced in the same extraordinary manner St. Paul's was, yet the 
 soul of every believer is turned to the very same object, Jesus, for 
 whole salvation. Thus « Jesus, the exalted Prince and Saviour, 
 gives repentance and forgiveness of sins. The witness of this 
 is the Holy Ghost, whom God gives to them who obey him,'^ 
 Acts V. 31,32. 
 
 As new-horn babes desire the breast, Not by the terrors of a slave. 
 To feed and grow and thrive ; Our souls obev Christ's ■will ; 
 
 •So saints with joy the gospel taste, But with the noblest pow'i-s we have. 
 And by the gospel live. We love and serve liim still. 
 
NOVEMBER 12. 320 
 
 Go back again : for what have I done to thee P — 1 Kings 
 xix. 20^ 
 
 It seems marvellon? thot the simple act of Elijah casting the 
 skirts of his mantle upon Elijah, should cause him to leave oxen 
 and plouj^h. parents ar.d habitation, to run after a stranger. Doubt- 
 less there is a mystery of the Spirit under the history of the letter ; 
 the outward act of Elijah could not have had this effect, unless the 
 inward power of the strong Lord had accompanied it. So l-'eter 
 might have cast his net and toiled all his days eve he had taken a 
 fish with a piece of money in its mouth, unless the Lord Jesus had 
 effected this by his power. 
 
 Elijah's passing by Elisha and casting his mantle upon him, and 
 the effect that followed, is a striking resemblance of the Lord, strong 
 in power and wonderful in grace, passing by us poor sinners, and 
 casting his mantle of love over us. Call to mind, disciples ; endea- 
 vour daily to remember ibat time of love when thy gracious Saviour 
 passed by, saw thee polluted in thy blood, immersed in busy care, 
 when worldly hopes and carnal delights engrossed thy whole concern ; 
 no eye, no, not thine own, pitied thy precious iinmoru-l soul ; thou 
 neither saw its misery, nor feared thy danger. But, suith thy 
 Saviour, « when I passed by Uiee and looked upon thee, behold, 
 thy time was a time of love," Eztk. xvi. 8. O the mighty charm 
 of divine love 1 How is the heart attracted aiid drawn after Jesus, as 
 Elisha to Elijah. So says the smitten soul to Jesus, "I will follow 
 thee:" and, like him, its affections arc drawn fron. worldly objects, 
 and acts as the woman of Samaria when she found the xMessiali ; she 
 forgot her errand, and left her water-po; behind lier. 
 
 " What manner of man is this," said the disciples of Jesus in 
 astonishment, " that even the winds and the seas obey him ?" Surely 
 we may cry out in admiration with St. Jolm, "What manner of love 
 is this ?" What a mighty God is Jesus, that the power of his love 
 attracts our stubborn hearts, imd causes us to follow him ! What 
 cause ever to admire the power, and adore the fieencss of Jes.ib' 
 love ! It found us ere we sought it. Little did Elishii think, m the 
 hour of his ploughing, of being called to u.e high honor of bting 
 the Lord's prophet. Ah, what was thy employ when Jesus firi.t 
 cast his mantle over thee ? Perhaps, like Paul, sinning with a high 
 hand, employed in the devil's drugery, in open rebellion against a 
 loving Saviour, and yet priding thyself in tlie filthy rags ot thm« 
 own righteousness ; but now this is the joy and rejoicing of faith ; 
 where God casts the mantle of his love, that soul he clothes with 
 the robe of his Son's righteousness. So "grace reigns by Jc»us 
 Christ unto eternal life," Rom. v. 21. 
 
330 NOVEMBER 13. 
 
 While we look not at the thi?igs xvhich are seen, but at the 
 things which are not seen : for the things which are seen, 
 are temporal; but the things which are not seen^ are 
 eternal. — 2 Cor iv. 18. 
 
 The faith of the gospel stamps vanity upon the righteousness, 
 glory and happiness of every object short of Jesus. When the 
 soul beholds the King in his glory, it pours contempt upon all things 
 beside ; i.ll the transient objects of time and sense die in esteem 
 while the crucified Saviour is in view ; this is our greatest gain, our 
 chiefcst glory. Far, infinitely beyond all the reasonings of vain 
 philosophy, is the christian's sight by faith, to reconcile his mind to 
 artlictions, endure with patience under, and give victory over them. 
 Thus Moses "endured, seeing him who is invisible," Heb. xi. 27. 
 Though the eye of nature hatJi not seen, nor the uncircumcised car 
 hath heard, nor can the carnal heart conceive the spiritual things of 
 God's covenant, Jcsus's incarnation, and the Spirit's revelation ; yet 
 the enlightened, heaven-born soul, sees these things in open vision 
 by the eye of faith ; to look at them is his chief delight and joy, to 
 obtain clearer views of them his daily study, to converse and be 
 more familiar with them is his chief happiness, his heaven begun 
 on earth ; a strange mystery to his natural self and to the carnal 
 world, is the believing soul; to love and converse with an unseen 
 Saviour, to look to invisible objects, to derive all happiness from 
 things that are not seen ; no marvel that there should be so great 
 .sight of opposition from fallen nature and carnal reason against such 
 a life. 
 
 Soul, ever remember with humility and thankfulness, our dear 
 Saviour saith, " unto you it is given to know the mystery of the 
 kingdom of God," Mark iv. 11. " These things arc hid from the 
 wise and prudent." O disciple, whilst,thou dost adore the Father's 
 love, dost rejoice in the Son's grace, remember thou art wholly 
 indebted for all this rich discovery to the divine Spiiit ; give him 
 equal glory ; grieve not the Spirit, who isthe; glorificr of Jesus, by 
 turning thine eyes to any other object for righteousness, peace, and 
 happiness. Is Christ thine all ? Are the unseen things of his king- 
 dom thy portion ? Be a chaste virgin to thy Lord. <' "Where thy 
 trea^iire is, there let thy heart be also." ILippy for thcc to fiiul with 
 Paul, « I die daily." I am dying to the world while living in it ; I 
 find and feel many pains and disorders in my fr;iil body as sure fore- 
 bodings of hastening dissolution ; Lknow perfectly that the day of 
 the Lord is coming, that each breath I draw brings nearer tins 
 solemn advent. What then should I look to? Upon what should my 
 alTcctions be placed ? Blessed be God for revealing these eternal 
 things as our portion. «' Be careful for nothing," J^c. Phil, iv 6. 
 
NOVEiMBER 14. 331 
 
 Perfect^ as pertaining to the conscience. — Hcb. ix. 9. 
 
 CoxsciExcE, or an imvard perception of divine truth, is not 
 common to all men ; when bin is churgeil upon it, it perceives its 
 guilt, knows and feels nilscry, and is filled with wrath. This is the 
 peculiar glory and cxcellenty of the gospel, it brings relief to the 
 conscience. We say, my mind to me a kingdom is ; for we feel in 
 our minds the kingdom of Jesus. We enjoy somewhat more in 
 Jesus than outward show and shadow ; even inward, substantial com- 
 forts. What was that lord the belter for the miraculous plcniy in 
 Samaria, when for his unbelief, Elisha told him, "thou shalt sec- 
 it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat of it?" 2 Kings vii. 1. The 
 truths of Jesus do not merely amuse our heads and engage our 
 tongues, but we feed on them in our consciences. Like the patri- 
 archs, Heb. xi — " Wc embrace them" as the very joy of our souls. 
 The blood of Christ, through the eternal Spirit, sprinkles our 
 hearts from an evil or guilty conscience, brings pardon and peace 
 of mind to our troubled conscience, cleansing to our defiled con- 
 science, and « by the resurrection of Jesus, we have tlic answer of 
 a good conscience towards God," 1 Pet. iii. 21. Herein we glory 
 in being perfectionists ; nothing'but this can make us "perfect per- 
 taining to the conscience;" for the law makeih nothing perfect, but 
 the bringing in of a better hope docs ; Jesus is our hope ; by him 
 we draw nigh to God ; in his blood we perceive and know by faith we 
 have a perfect atonement and perfect cleansing from all our sins, 
 perfect deliverance from the condemnation of the law ; in his righte- 
 ousness we are perfectly accepted and justified before God ; this is 
 our wedding garment ; this we have, being married to the Lamb ; 
 we dare not look to any thing else for p'erfection ; if we do, we feci 
 the smart of it ; our conscience is defiled. That we may have and 
 keep a good conscience, purged from dead works to serve the living 
 God, we exercise our minds on Jesus ; so we rejoice in Jesus, and 
 walk with him by faith. Conscience is the best friend or the worst 
 enemy ; a sense of guilt makes it our worst enemy ; Jesus makes it 
 our best friend. To maintain peace and perfection of conscience, 
 observe first, the moment tlic guilt of sin is felt, confess it to Jesus, 
 and pray him to "take it away. Secondly, seek not that from the 
 law of works wliich can only be found in the gospel of grace, perfect 
 salvation. Thirdly, look not for that in yourselves which is only m 
 Jesus, perfect righteousness. Tourthly, expect not that m this 
 world which can only be enjoyed in the next, perfect freedom from 
 all sin. «' Jesus is our rock, his work is perfect," Dcut. xxxii. 4. 
 
532 NOVEMBER 15. 
 
 My God shall supply all your need^ according to his riches 
 in glory, by Christ Jesus — Phil. iv. 19. 
 
 Paul, thout^jh an eminent saint, and a great apostle, was yet a 
 man of like passions, a poor sinner, even as others. Yet, with what 
 amazing boldness and confidence he speaks of what his God shall do ! 
 Though he had never been admitted into tlie secret counsels of the 
 glorious trinity ; yet the holy Spirit had well instructed him, in the 
 covenant transactions of Jehovah. He well knew the nature of the 
 everlasting covenant : that it was " ordered in all things " in infinite 
 wisdom and eternal love : that all the graces and blessings contained 
 in it, are sure to all the heirs of promise. As soon might a God 
 of truth prove false, a God of faithfulness be unjust, as any one of 
 his promises in Jesus to his people fail. 
 
 Such is the security of the covenant ; such the confidence of faith. 
 God the Father is the fountain ; the Son the treasury ; and the Spirit 
 the dispenser of all grace. Believers' needs are God's concerns. 
 They shall have a rich supply for all their wants. The value of 
 their supplies, ai-e enhanced to the highest degree. Not only riches, 
 but riches in glory ; glorious riches. They receive all from glory, 
 and all comes to them through the glorified man Jesus Christ. He 
 is their " Friend who loveth at all times : their brother who was 
 born for adversity." In the hour of our distress and in the time of 
 our need, we too often forget that we have such a God and Saviour 
 to trust in and call upon. Instead of looking to a throne of grace, 
 we pore over our dunsrhill of corruptions ; here we arc sure to find 
 nothing but misery, poverty, and sin. Is there such an inexhaustible 
 fund of riehes in Christ Jesus ? Is it for the poor and needy ? Dis- 
 honorable thought of Jesus, ever to imagine he is an unconcerned 
 spectator of our wants, or that he will withhold when we need. Nay, 
 but he " knows how to have compassion." He is touched with a 
 tender sympatliy, <' a feeling sense of our infirmities," Hcb. iv. 15. 
 " Trust in him at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before 
 him, God is a refuge for us ;" and the Psalmist adds, " Seiuh," Psa. 
 l^tii. 8. Consider this well, spread it before your mujds, just as we 
 put N. B. for Nota Bene ; take special notice of this, it is of tlie 
 greatest importance. " Lord help our unbelief." 
 
 When in the light of faith divine In him my v.ist desires arc fill'd. 
 We look on things helow, And all my pow'rs icjoice. 
 
 Honor, and gold, and sensnal joy In v:un the world accosts my ear. 
 How vain and dani^erous too. And tempts niv heart anew ; 
 
 God is mine all-sufiicicnt aid, I cannot b^iy you'- l)liss so dear. 
 My portion and my choice ; Nor part with Jicav'n for you ' 
 
N6VEMBER 16. 333 
 
 But rather rejoice, because your names ore xvritten in Jiea- 
 ven.—\j\\\iz X. 20. 
 
 It is matter of great joy to faithful minisicrs of the gospel to 
 see the work of their Lord prosper in their hands, salan dethroned, 
 and the kingdonn of Jesus set np in the hearts of poor sinners. 
 Our Lord by no means discourages rejoicing on this account ; but 
 his loving heart would not have it terminate and centre in tliis only ; 
 for their success may abute, a season may come when they niivy lukc 
 up tliis lamentation, '' Lord, who hath believed our report V* we sec 
 no- more tokens of thy victorious grace. Therefore, lest their hands 
 should hang down, and their hearts grow dejected and faint in their 
 labours, he directs them to an inexhaustible fountain of consol;ition 
 and joy : " Your names are written in heaven." Always rejoice in 
 this. Remember you arc always, " unto God a sweet savour of 
 Christ, as well in them that perish as in them that are saved," 
 2 Cor ii. 15. 
 
 This is also a sweet lesson to every christian. It is, douI)tles3, 
 cause of great joy to find and feel the power of sin and satan snb- 
 tlued, corrupt lusts mortified, dii^ordcrly passions restrabied, unruly 
 appetites brought into subjection, and the meekness and power of 
 Christ to have the rule and government in one's heart. For these 
 spiritual blessings we are inexpressibly indebted to the Holy Spirit, 
 through the faith of Jesus. Notwithstanding, « in this rejoice not" 
 (only and chiefly) saith Jesus. He leads us from the streums to the 
 fountain ; from the effects to the cause. «' Raher rejoice because 
 your names are written in heaven." In times of heaviness, through 
 manifold temptations, fi-ames may vary.. In seasons of darkness, 
 feelings and comforts may decline, " nevertheless the found^ttion of 
 God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knowcth them that 
 are his," 2 Tim. ii. 19. But can anyone know that his name is 
 written in the book of life ? Doubtless : else th(^'e is no meaning in 
 our Lord's words. How can one rejoice on this account, if he do 
 not know it ? Though we cannot read the book of life, yet we have 
 the records of truth. These reveal it plainly, and assure us, <' We 
 are the children of God, by faith in Clirist Jesus," Gal. iii. 26. If 
 wc have faith in Jesus, the faith of God's elect, this is an evidence 
 of our adoption, and we may, we ought to rejoice. So Paul, who 
 had the mind of Christ, speaking of some whose names arc written 
 in the book of life, immediately adds, " Rejoice in tiic Lord alway ; 
 and again I say rejoice," Phil. iv. 4. But may not our names be 
 blotted out? No ; that is impossible. Wc are assured, "whatsoever 
 God doetli it sh^ll be forever ; nothing can be put to it or tukcn from 
 it," Eccles. iii. M. 
 
 Vor.. I. S s 
 
334 NOVEMBER 17. 
 
 He is our peace. — Eph. ii. 14. 
 
 When Jehu came to take possession of the crown of Israel, Jeza- 
 bel put this (as she thousi^ht) cutting question, " Had Zimri peace 
 who slew his master?" 2 Kings, ix. 31. As Jehu was called and 
 anointed to be king of Israel, according to the word of the Lord, 
 so is every christian called and anohited by the word and Spirit 
 to the kingdom of Jesus. " He hath made us kings and priests unto 
 God and his Father, to him be glory,'' &c. Rev. i. 6. 
 
 But ere we take possession of our crown of glory, we must expect 
 many severe and aggravating questions from tlie mouth of the 
 adversary on earth. Verily, he hath great reason to urge the most 
 cruel treatment, and to charge upon us the vilest behaviour to 
 our master, Jesus ; that bloody deed of crucifying the Lord of life 
 and glory was caused by our sins. Not a transgression a disciple of 
 Jesus commits, but the precious blood of his master was spilt for. 
 The life of sin, and love of sin, is in our nature ; and the law of 
 sin is in our members, and while we are daily exposed to sin in our 
 practice, satan like a powerful Assyrian army, will invade our land 
 of nature, and attack the peace of our souls. What can we do ? If 
 we deny his charge, and say, " We have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 
 and the truth is not in us." Acknowledge his accusations we must j 
 all in nature, reason, and conscience, unite to witness against us. 
 But shall this destroy the comfort of our minds, the hope of our 
 souls, and the peace of our hearts ? Then how small our knowledge I 
 how feeble our faith ! how weak our hearts in the grace which is m 
 Christ Jesus I All the power of darkness, all the curses of the law, 
 sll the accusations of sin, blessed, for ever blessed be the grace of 
 our God, cannot, shall not overthrow this soul-comforting, Christ- 
 exalting, love-exciting truth ; this man, even Jesus, who was born 
 in Bethlehem, and died at Calvary, " he is our peaces he hath 
 made peace by the blood of his cross," Col. i. 20. The everlast- 
 ing gospel proclaims it ; the eternal law of love confirms it ; by faith 
 we receive the joyful news of it; by the Spirit our souls enjoy the 
 sv/e-et sense of it ; by the word, the blessed Spirit stirs up our pure 
 minds by exhortations and examples to look unto Jesus, look off 
 from every other hope, turn from every other object. His name, 
 his nature, his offices, his work, all speak peace to poor, guilty, 
 self-condemned souls, whose only hope is Jesus. The work of 
 (Jesus') righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect of (his) righ- 
 teousness, quietness and assurance forever, Isa. xxxii. 17. 
 
 O, let our voices never cease It cost him cries and tears , 
 
 To sinp the Saviour's name ; To I)ring us near to God ; 
 
 .Jesus, th' ambassador of peace. Great was our debt, and he appeiii'S 
 
 ffaw cheerfully he came ! To inukc the payment good. 
 
NOVEMBER 18. 335 
 
 J five say we have no sin^ive deceive ourselves and the truth 
 is not in^us. — .1 John i. 8. 
 
 Sincere uprifrht souls before God, U^e sciipiurcs deem //r r- 
 fect. They arc free from hypocrisy and dissimiiluiiou ; ihcy jud)^c 
 and speak of themselves according to triuh ; Christ wlio is essentially 
 the truth, dwellcth in their hearts by faith ; the Spirit leads ihcm 
 into all truth, conccrnin}; themselves and salvation in Christ. Sutuni 
 who abode not in the truth, is ever blinding souls to the tiuth, striv- 
 ing to seduce them from the truth, and to make them not only 
 deceive others, but themselves also. He never baits his hook with 
 a more alluring bait than pride. He aims to maliC us think of our- 
 selves more highly than we ought to think, and to judge of ourselves, 
 and say, " I am not like other men," I have no sin? I am perfect. 
 This is the very essence of Pharisceism. 
 
 That very moment any soul says so, he is under the influence of 
 a lying, deceitful spirit ; " he bridleth not his tongue, he deteivcth 
 his own heart, his religion is vain," James i. 2G. " He flattcrctli 
 himself in his own eyes, till his inicjuity be found hateful,'' Psalm 
 xxxvi. 2. But if we see no sin, if we feel no sm in us, are we not 
 to tell of our happy state ? Is not Jesus glorified hereby who hatli 
 thus perfectly saved us ? Seeing and feeling ! If one in a high 
 fever says, "lam quite well, I feel no disorder," we arc sure he 
 has a deceitful sense, he is not in his right mind. Alas ! our senses 
 are deceitful judges ; they may delude us ; they most certainly do, 
 if they testify contrary to the truth of God's word. Our Saviour is 
 only glorified by the truth. What ! shall we give the lie to the 
 Spirit of truth and the word of truth, under pretence of glorifying 
 Jesus ? Beware, O soul, " satan transforms himself into an angtl of 
 light, and makes thee think and say, thou hast no sin," for another 
 reason than to glorify Christ, even to glorify thyself in tliinc own 
 eyes, and in the sight of others. Hear confident Peter. Little did 
 he think wJiat was in his heart when he said, (perhaps he saw no sin, 
 nor felt no sin at that time) " Though I die with thee, yet will I not 
 deny tliee." Think of his awful full, his horrid oaths, and dreadful 
 imprecations, and be humble. Awful effects are not wanting in our 
 day, of such whom satan has pufied up with this unscripiural noiion 
 of being sinlesa ; but dreadful effects have followed. The higher 
 the elevation, the greater the fall. O soul, ever remember, " thou 
 standcst by faith ; this leads us entirely out of ourselves to ti»e per- 
 icction of Jesus. Be not high-minded, exalted wiUi the notions of a 
 state contrary to God's truth, here styled self-deceit, but fear ;" 
 ever be afraid of setting up thyself in opposition to the positive 
 assertions of the Spirit of truth. He who says he has no sin, com- 
 mits sin in saying so; for he lies, the truth is not in bini,»ljc i» 
 deceived by the father of lies. 
 
336 NOVEiMBER 19. 
 
 This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life : 
 and this life is in his Son : he that hath the Son hath 
 life.-^l John V. 11, 12. 
 
 Sovereign power permits man to fall. Guilt fills the wretched 
 pair with dread, and cuts off all hope in God, all claim upon him. 
 Hence our first parents " fled from the presence of the Lord, and 
 bid themselves." Sovereign love interposed, and the poor, guilty, 
 trembling partners in woe were called before their highly-offended, 
 justly provoked Lord. Was it to behold him clothed with ven- 
 geance ? To hear the sentence of their eternal doom to destruction ? 
 To see hell opened to receive them ? No ; be astonished, O heavens ! 
 Kcjoice ye apostate children of hell-deserving parents 1 They were 
 to hear a record of whit was transacted in the eternal court and 
 counsel of heaven, published on earth. This, instead of wrath, 
 brought mercy ; instead of woe, blessing; instead of eternal death, 
 everlasting life ; instead of a hell of misery, a heaven of happiness 
 to their trembling hearts. 
 
 Fallen man came not to meet God, to sue for pardon, and entreat 
 grace, but fled his presence. But the Lord follows sinful man with 
 love in his heart ; not to propose terms of accommodation or condi- 
 tions of peace, but to proclaim the joyful news of eternal life as the 
 free gift of free favor, unmerited grace, unconditional mercy, in 
 and by the seed of the woman, Jesus Christ. Glorious record of 
 love ! Blessed testimony of life ! Joyful tidings of grace ! Hast thou 
 heard, known, and believed this record ? " Praise the Lord, O my 
 soul, and all that is within me praise his holy name." Behold and 
 admire the wisdom, as well as the love of thy God. In this rejoice 
 always ; be humble continually. Life, eternal life, is given us. 
 This life is in God's beloved Son, therefore can never be lost and 
 forfeited. " Our life is hid with Christ in God." O, if Jesus dwells 
 in our hearts by faith, we have God's beloved Son, we have eternal 
 life. . The report of this is joyful to our cars. The enjoyment of 
 this enters our hearts, creates our present heaven, and fills us with 
 joyful hopes of future glory. We have the strongest confidence, tlie 
 fullest assurance to animate our souls, " Because I live, s;uth the 
 head, ye (my members) shall live also," John xiv. 19. God hath 
 gi-ixc^ us eternal life. He is faithful, he Avill not revoke his own 
 precious free gift. Jesus hath overcome every enemy and opposer 
 that might prevent our enjoyment of etcrnid life. The holy Spirit 
 hath effected such an union to Jesus, as can never be broken. " We 
 are joined unto the Lord, and arc one spirit," l Cor. vi. 1 7. 
 
 LoiSk up, my soul, to )iim, And li^imhly view the living sti-caiis. 
 
 \ri.05e death was thv desert; . Flow i\om hh pierced keart. 
 
NOVEMBER 20. 337 
 
 Hide not thy face from for me; put not thy servant away 
 in anger: thou, hast been my help; leave me not, neither 
 forsake me, God of my falvation.-^i^sulm xxvii. 9. 
 
 " Love never fuileth :" it ever worketh in the heart of disciplcB 
 towards its beloved object. Love cannot bear disi;iiRe or separation 
 from Jesus ; the thought of it is grievous and painful ; the dread of 
 it makes the soul plead, fills the mouth witli arguments, lest the 
 poor heart should lose the sweet sense and comforting savour of the 
 love of God. His presence is its heaven, his absence, is its hell : 
 his smiles create joy, his frowns bring {^loom ai.d sorrow on the 
 mind. When the heart feels a sensible withdrawing of God, and 
 the light of his countenance is hid, it cannot but be restless and un- 
 easy. Real believers experience Christianity to be more than a 
 name — doctrines more than mere speculations to HIl ilie hand and 
 amuse the thoughts — in ordinances, somewhat more is enjoyed {ban 
 a dull round and formal attendance upon them. CliribUanity is a 
 life of love : it consists in knowing and enjoying the (iod of truth, 
 of faithfulness, and of love in his ordinances. 
 
 Therefore a loving soul most of all fears the anger of its lovirg 
 Father ; it dreads to br put aw. y in dtspleasuie. though but lor a 
 moment. To be left to one's self. O, tins calls up one's ciics ar.d 
 tears, and urges one to plead hard with one's de*i iiaviour. " Tiiou 
 hast been iny help." Pas^t experiences of the love unci power ol its 
 Lord are remembered, and urged as a plea for present help and 
 future hope. God's precious promises of faitlilulmss and truin, O 
 they arc beheld as " filly spoken, like apples of gold in piciuits of 
 silver," Prov. xxv. II. Past love car^not be for^otlen ; p.si ner- 
 cies are recalled. What the Lord is still, ui tlie r.ppropri..iions of 
 faith, is pleaded, "Forsake me not." Why so? Bee. .use ''L.t-ti art 
 the God of my salvation." To whom should we go but to ihcc. O 
 Jesus ? Thou hast the words of eternal life Forsake not ihu work 
 of thine own hiuids : the soul for whom thou did:>t toil aijd suflcr, 
 bleed and die. There is salvation in thee, and in no othtr. I 
 have found it so. Arise, O thou sun of rightcousne-ss, sc.ttiT the 
 clouds of darkness, the mists of sin, and fogs of unbciitf; recall 
 my wandering steps; revive my drooping spirit; *' Bring near tl.y 
 salvation in present peace and love." Such will be the cries and 
 pleadings of Jesus-loving hearts. Such arc the genuine octings of 
 that faith which workcth by love. It ever hath a f.'orf hi Chriai for 
 its object, his faithfulness and truth for its support, lis proniisies 
 for its pleas, his glory for its aim. and the comfortable ••* .sc i.r.d 
 eiijoymcnt of his love as its portion and heaven. " Whom ha|^ 1 in 
 heaven but thee ? and there i% none on cut th thai 1 desire Lcsidc* 
 thee," Psalm Ixxiii. 23. '" 
 
535 NOVEMBER 21. 
 
 Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his 
 
 rvays : to give knowledge of salvation unto his people 
 by the remission of their sins- — Luke. i. 76, 77. 
 
 The day of gospel-truth, like the light of the morning, breaks 
 forth gradually upon the benighted soul, and itincreaseth to mid-day 
 brightness and glory. " The path of the justified is like the shhiing 
 light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Thus it 
 is in the experience of enlightened souls. The light of God's word 
 ■manifests the truth as it is in Jesus, gradually ; it discovers con- 
 demnation and guilt by the law, and grace and pardon by the gospel. 
 The baptist dispensation prepares the way in the heart before the 
 soul enjoys the sweet sense of pardon of sins through the faith in 
 Jesus. The law is a voice only of wrath and terror to the soul ; it 
 leaves the poor sinner in the dreadful state it finds him ; it pronoun- 
 ces nothing but curses upon him ; it can shew him no remedy ; it 
 points to no hope ; to work wrath in the conscience and to condemn, 
 is all the broken law can do. 
 
 The voice of the baptist cries to the soul in a wilderness state; but 
 it is rather the hoarse cry of austere severity than the charming, 
 melodious voice of peace and love ; it calls to baptism of repentance, 
 % confession of sins, a change of mind concerning former hopes of 
 salvation, and also a change of life and practice. The poor sinner 
 is hei-eby " warned to flee from the wrath to come" — is pointed to 
 « the lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world." Most 
 souls seem to be brought under this dispensation ; some continue for 
 8 long season in it ; they are in suspensa l^etwcen hope and fear con- 
 cerning their slate. The Spirit of wisdom sees meet it should be so. 
 The name of Jesus is precious to them ; his word is their hope ; 
 his promises the stay of their souls. The kiiigdom of Jesus is at 
 l>and in knowledge and comfort. Salvation by Christ is made 
 known to them : but as yet they do not enjoy the assurance of their 
 interest in, and the knowledge that their sins are forgiven throMgh 
 the blood of Clu-ist. They are the people of Gpd, though they are 
 not fully assured of it, not having'yet received "the baptism of remis- 
 sion of sins" by tlie Spirit of adoption ; but pardon is the certahi 
 privilege of believing souls; it is sure, by the promise of a faithful 
 God K'it is obtained !>y the precious blood of Jesus; it assuredly 
 shall be enjoyed as the gift of the comforting Spirit. "The vision 
 is yet for an appointed lime 5 but at the end it shall speak, and not 
 lie : though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will 
 not tarry. " The just shall live by faith," Ilabbak. ii. 3, 4. As sure 
 as John the baptist has prepared the way in thy heart, " the Loid 
 whom thou seekest shall suddenly come to his temple," Mai. iii. ].' 
 
NOVEMBER 22. 339 
 
 f'F'ait on the Lord : be of good courage, ami he shall 
 strengtheji thine heart : ivait, I sai/, on the Lord. — 
 Psiiim xxvii. 14. 
 
 '' Be of good courage I" Ahib, how ciuj one be so, \Yhcn all 
 sense unci feelinij lend to disheui icn the mind and deject the houl ? 
 Lively frames in duty, sweet enlargements of heart, hcuvenly trans- 
 ports of joy, delightful ecstacies of fiiith, ravislng tastes of love, 
 all, all, like Noah's dove, have taken their flight: and I fear, says 
 the drooping soul, never, never more to return. Truly, like Hezc- 
 ki'ah, " I mourn as a dove, liiinc eyes fail with looking upward, O 
 Lord I am oppressed, undertake forme," Isa. xxxviii. 14,. Still, 
 saith the comforter by his word, " Be of good courage." Remem- 
 ber thy calling : It is to live by fJth, to honor thy Lord, and be 
 obedient to his word. Thou hast the sentence of death in tliyself, 
 that thou shouldst not trust in thyself, lest thine heart depart from 
 thy Lord. Not frames and feelings, bftt God's love and promises in 
 Christ Jesus to sinners, are the foundation of hope. These are 
 abundantly sufficient to inspire the soul v.ilh courage, yea with good 
 courage, to go on in the ways of .the Lord. 
 
 Here is the steadiness of faith ; to cleave to Jesus, to abide by the 
 truth, steadily to persevere in the paths of duty in the course of 
 obedience to him. Shall this ever be suspended because we have 
 not lively frames and joyful feelings ? How would this prove that we 
 •walk by faith, and that our eye is single to Christ's gloiy? Nay, wc 
 shall then serve the Lord only by fits and starts of sense and passion, 
 rather than by the uniform, consistent obedience of faith. The 
 Lord's word is our rule of duty; his promises our support; his grace 
 is sufficient for us ; his strength is made perfect in our weakness. 
 If our hearts are weak, that we cannot run wiih alacrity the way of 
 Clod's commandments as we desire, so much the more reason have 
 we for our souls to wait on the Lord for the times of refreshing from 
 his presence. He will strengthen our hearts, " for he givcth power 
 to the faint, and to them that have no might he iucreaseth strength," 
 Isa. xl. 29. « Wait I say on the Lord." David repeats the injunc- 
 tion, with a holy.fcrvor, both to his own soul and to others. God 
 has promised, expect fulfilment. Here is tfie exercise of faith, 
 trust in the Lord Christ for what wc stand in need of: iicpk, cx- 
 pectijig to receive all from him ; of patience, waiting continually upon 
 liim. Most precious promise ! " They that wait upon the Lord 
 shall renew their strength, they shall mount up \\ilh wings as eagles, 
 they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint," 
 Isa. xl. 31. '"The Lord direct your he.iris into the love of God, 
 and into the patient waiting for Christ," 2 Thcss. iii. 5. 
 
340 NOVEMBER 23. 
 
 Now faith is the substance of things hoped f or ^ the evidence 
 of things not seen. — Ht b. xi. 1. 
 
 Happiness, that inestimable jewel, every man is in search after. 
 But to seek^t from objects vmseen ruc) invisible to our natui"&l senses, 
 is a downright paradox, and will be ever condemned as tlie greatest 
 absurdity in the judgment of dcpiaved sense and carnal reason. In 
 the knowledge, love, ar.d enjoyment of God, true hc.ppiness alone 
 consists, ' The only living and true God hath revealed himself in 
 Christ Jesus. This is the christian's God. He knows no other. 
 It is a blessed truth built upon and supported by the word, oi God. 
 By faith this subsists in his mind, and is clear and evident to his new- 
 born soul. 
 
 From this inward believing, " That God was in Christ, reconciling 
 the world to himsell," O what an extensive prospeci for hope ariseth I 
 God in Christ ; the promises all in Christ ; he that bclieveth is in 
 Christ. Christ dwelleth in his heart by faith : ail the blessings of 
 time ; all the glories of eternity are sure. They are settled by the 
 yea and amen of God, upon such believing sculs. Shall any bold 
 emissary from sat»ui, demand of such a soul, " What right hast thou 
 to the inheritance of this good land ? Abraham's sons have Abra- 
 ham's plea. It is mine by promise ; by faith I sojourn in it, God's 
 promise is faith's claim, What he has spoken is the ground or sub- 
 sistence of hope. But may not other witnesses stai.d up and declare 
 against the christian J Yea, doubtless, many ; froiii the old man, the 
 flesh, satan, and the law. But the first is under sentence of death, 
 his witness is invalid. Satan is a known liar from the beginning, 
 therefore no credit is to be given to him ; the evidence of law is out 
 of date ; it is superceded by the promise ; " for the law, which was 
 four hundred and thirty years after the covenant, which was confimed 
 by God hi Christ, cannot disannul it, that it should niake the pro- 
 mise of none effect," Gal, iii. 17. But blessed be our Lord, though 
 he suffers his children to be attacked by many adversaries, he doth 
 not leave himself without a witness and un evidence in their hearts. 
 Though each one of them cannot say, I know I am a child of God, yet 
 the weakest believer in Jesus hath the evidence of truth; the wit- 
 ness in himself, of tlie reality and certainty of uivisible objects, 
 *' thii;>gs not seen ;" of things past in the eternal covenant of grace 
 and peace ; of things in time, the finished work of Jesus; of things 
 to come, the glories of an eternal world ; and amidst opposition 
 from every quarter, here is the proof of the inward subsistence and 
 evidence of spiritual and invisible objects, in their longing for strong- 
 er faith in them, and clearer knowledge and enjoyment of them. 
 *''l'o eveVy one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance,'* 
 Matt. XXV. 29. - 
 
NOVEMBER 24. 541 
 
 The word of God which cJftTfuulhj v.'orlccth also in you 
 that believe. — 1 Thcss. ii. 13. 
 
 A PRocLAMATiox of i^race from an earthly kii.g lius rctiuccd ihe 
 most despot ate and burdened rebels to ley down il.iir urnis ai.d pro- 
 mise true allcG^ia'ice. But though the word ol God is u procluiiuiiion 
 of free grace, glad tidings of lull pardon; though repute w iiii the 
 most tender expostulations and the most tiideariiig invitaiions, yet 
 so abniiiinable is oui perverseness, so daiing cur obstiiuxy, tLut we 
 should remain deaf to every call, and continue huidcncd in our rebill- 
 ion against the most high God, till wc fall victims to 1 is. justly de- 
 served wrath. For unbelief shuts up every uvei ur of the toul against 
 the light, truth, peace, and love of the word ol tied. Lui. O .iiu z- 
 ing love! lie in the dust, C) my soul ! i.dore the power ol cur all- 
 conquering Saviour ! The gracious Spiiit m.kes giacious w ords 
 effectual. Hence faith esteems eveiy portion of the }.^ospel i.s the 
 food, the life, the joy of the sf)ul. B\ the i.ger.cy ol ilic Spiiii tl.c 
 word becomes powerful to beget faiih, and llicu works eff(.ciu^.ily in 
 believing hearts. 
 
 Those speak unadvisedly who c;ill the word of God a dead letter. 
 Indeed St. Paul saith, " the letter kiileth ;" but this can never prove 
 God's word to be dead. That which is dead itself carpol kill. We 
 should distinguish between the letter of the law that kiileth uU flesh, 
 and the gospel of grace that worketh life ai.d salvation in all who 
 believe. When we read the word of God, wc should never consi- 
 der it distinct fiotn the essential and personal word, Jc&tts. He is 
 emphatically styled the word of God — Rev. xix. 1 3. He who execut- 
 ed all the purposes of the word of truth,, works tflectuully in the 
 hearts of the children of faith. Hence, the once despised and lightly 
 esteemed Nazarene is known, believed in, and loved »s most pie- 
 cious ; "the chicfest among ten thousand, yea as altogether lovely." 
 God's precious promises in Jesus, once wholly uiiregaided, are now 
 sweetly prized : they are beheld as sweetly ranged aid profusely- 
 scattered throueh every page of the lively oracles. '1 he Spirit's loly 
 gifts and sanctifying graces are pleaded as God's blessed charter of 
 free-grace. All hi§ sovereign edicts and absolute dcclaratior.s of 
 grace and salvation, instead of being proudly cavilled agaiirst, ai:e 
 bowed to with humility. In the word of our King there is power. 
 Sin and satan are dethroned in the heart, and Je^us rules and reigns 
 in the soul. Thus the word of Ciod is quick aiid powerful ; thus it 
 works effectually to salvation. 
 
 This is the wor.l of tnuh and love Miiv h-it this Rracc inv sntil renew, 
 
 Sint to tlie liiilioiis 'fi-oni jihove ; Let siniiiTs pi/.e :mil li:itf me UK) ; 
 
 J(}iov,ih in hi.s wonl cloth shew The v oi-«l that saves n.e tines eiiRaje 
 
 Wlin his almighty arm can <1». A sure dcfcuce from uU Uicii- r«g«. 
 
 Vol. I. T t 
 
342 NOVEMBER 25. 
 
 For 7ne to live is Christ, mid to die is gain. — Phil. i. 21. 
 
 O HAPPY, happy soul ! who can thus say with Paul, « in life, 
 in death, Christ is my gain !" Verily, if thou believest on the Son 
 of God, thou niayest. Thou also hast the same right and the same 
 I'eason as he had. Paul was a poor sinner, even as thou art ; but 
 Christ was all his gain : so he is to thee and every one who believes J 
 in him. Come christian, let us, like the wise trader, state our ac- ' 
 counts of loss and gain and see the sum total this day. In self-right- - 
 eousness before God, peace with God, love to God, hope in God, 
 power to please God, enjoyment of God, the life of our souls, yea, 1 
 our souls themselves are all lost. We are all a lump of sin, b«nk- '] 
 rupt sinners, insolvent debtors to law and justice, and are exposed to 
 lie for ever in the prison of hell. Awful loss. 
 
 What is our gain ? Inestimable riches I nothing less than pre- 
 cious Christ, and a precious salvation ! O, is his dear name enrolled 
 in the book of our hearts ? Can we read Jesus there? Then in Christ 
 we have perfect righteousness before God, full acceptance with God, 
 free access to God, love from God, peace with God, hope of enjoy- 
 ing, yea, present fellowship with God ; we are his children in Christ 
 Jesus ; all that he has is ours ; every attribute and perfection of 
 Jehovah are engaged for us ; his Spirit is ours, to make us holy and 
 happy here, and to lead us to eternal felicity hereafter. But, sulth 
 the poor believing sinner, " I am put to a stand in my reckoning ; 
 though Christ is my g^n, yet I have not entirely lost my burden, sin. A 
 Sin is still alive in me." Stop not, O soul, reckon on. Though we ' 
 have sin, feel sin raging and rebelling, what then ? In Christ we have 
 gained a sacrifice for it, and redemption from it. His precious blood 
 hath taken away all the guilt of sin from us, and all the wrath due to 
 lis from the justice of God. So it stands upon record in the court of 
 heaven, and the Holy Ghost is witness of it on earth ; therefore re- 
 cord this in the court of conscience. Faith can shew a discharge from 
 the guilt of sin and the curse of the law, therefore reckon yourselves 
 to be dead indeed unto sin. Dead indeed, how emphatic ! yes, as 
 much dead to sin as a coi pse buried undier ground ; arid as much alive 
 to God in Christ, as though you had never committed one sin, nor 
 have any sin in you. " For, O precious words ! the law of the Spirit 
 of life in Christ Jesus, hath made us free from the law of sin and 
 death," Rom. viii. 2. Thus in Christ we gain a perfect victory over 
 sin and the law. But say, will sin destroy our mortal bcjdies ? let 
 it ; this is all it can do ; it cannot hurt cur immortal souls ; for, 
 thanks be to God, in Chiisi. we have a complete victory over death ; 
 Christ is our gain in death. We shall lose nothing by deiith but sin 
 and s^orrow : wc shall gain — what ? Eternal glory. " We shall be 
 with our Jesus,'* John xvii. 24. 
 
NOVEMBKR 26. 343 
 
 Behold! he cometh xvith clouds ; and every eye shall see 
 him. — Rev. i. 7. 
 
 With what ardor of heart may every believer cry out, blessed 
 be God, every hour brinies nearer the solemn advent, tlic glorious 
 appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus 1 " O christian^ 
 now is our salvation nearer than when wc first believed." Gome, 
 tliou once despised Nazurenc, thou once crucified Saviour : he shall 
 come ; he will come quickly, and be seen in human form. Shi-ll wc 
 not see those wounds and scars in his body, the tokens of liis inesti- 
 mable love to and perfect victory of his cross for us poor suintrs ? 
 How joyful \\\ the exercise of faith, the fervor of love, the expecta- 
 tion of hope, is this contemplation ! This quells the fears of nature, 
 mortifies its lusts, subdues its corruptions. To this end are wt Lorn 
 again of the Spirit, that wc should enjoy the visions of faith, see 
 Jesus, live by faith upon him, have fellowship with him in the suffer- 
 ings of his cross, and long for his appearing in glory. Then shall wc 
 share with him in the glories of his kingdom. " He shall come to 
 be gloried in his saints, and admired in all them that believe. 
 
 Whence then our dejection of mind, our fear of death, our un- 
 willingness « to be absent from the body, that we may be present 
 with the Lord ? Truly, all this ariseth from the mystery of iniquity 
 which worketh in us. But here is our wisdom, to oppose the mys- 
 tery of faith to that. Never venture to think of your own dying, with- 
 out considering the death of Jesus ; look not at your own sins, w ilh- 
 out looking at the blood of Jesus ; think not a moment of his appear- 
 ing as a judge, without remembering him as our precious S..viour ; 
 dwell not on the glory tmd majesty of his etci nal power and Godheud, 
 without reflecting on his humble form, his mar.hood state ; conceive 
 not of him as a king and lawjjiver, without considering him as a priest 
 to atone for our sins, an advocate to pUcul our cause, and our loierun- 
 ner entered into the heavens/or us ; for so shall we d.eily prove, that 
 wc are more than conquerors over every foe that opposcih the holi- 
 ness and comfort of our souls, through Jesus who loved us. " Be- 
 hold, he cometh !" O joyful day ! most desirable sight 1 then our 
 sorrows, our fears shall for ever cease. Then our eyes sh;ill sec our 
 dearest friends ; our foes, that we this day fi.nd and feel, we sh.Jl see 
 no more for ever. " To them that look f<.v him, siiall he appear the 
 second time without sin unto salvaiion." «' O, lift up youi" headi 
 with joy, for your rcelcmption draweih nigh." 
 
 Cl.iist is tlic m.in, th' cxaKcd man, Tliase soft, tl.osc Messed foi-t ofl.ii, 
 
 Whom we unseen adore : That ouci- rmlc iio;i torr, 
 
 But when our cj i-s behold lus face, IUsh on a thro.io o! light the) itand. 
 
 Our hearts shall love bim more. Auil all the iaiuts adore. 
 
344 NOVEMBER 27. 
 
 Thou shah guide me -with thy counsel^ and afterwards re- 
 ceive me to glory. — Pbaini ixxiii. '24<. 
 
 That is a precious caution of our loving Suviour, " Judge not 
 according lo Uie apptarunce," John vii. 24. St. Paul reproves 
 saints, " Do ye look on things alter the outward tippearauce ?" 
 2 Cor. X. 7. Through this conduct, sdnts in all ages have puzzled 
 their minds, distressed their souis, and have been tempted to hard 
 thcMights of their God. They have not '• judged righteous judg- 
 ment," in respect to carnal men and the dispensations ol God's 
 providence to them. So we see Job greatly exercised, (Job xxi. 7.) 
 and Asaph in the above Psalm. But alter the cloud of carnal rea- 
 soning and unbelief passed over their nunds, the sun of glory and 
 truth shone again with splendor upon them ; then faith puts lorih 
 its lively exercises and sweet approbations of God. " O my God 
 and Saviour, I see tly ways to man are just ! Righteous art thou, 
 O Lord, thou art my God, 1 will love thee : Thou shalt guide me 
 by thy counsel," &c. As tJic Lord is often Sidd to make a covenant 
 with liii^ people when it was only renewing his old covenant of grace 
 and love in Christ Jesus, so fai'h frequently makes a fresh choice 
 of, claim to, and glory in the Lord Jesus. " My counsel shall 
 stand, and 1 will do all my pleasure, saith the Lord," Isa. xivi. 10. 
 Amen, saith the believing heart. By thy word ai::d Spirii guide me 
 continually ; I cannot guide myself. Jesus be thou my guide, my 
 companion, and my familiar fiiend. 
 
 Blessed christian J though in Paul's case. Acts xxvii. 20 — « When 
 neither sun nor stars app ared for many days, when no small tem- 
 pest is upon thee, and ail hope of being saved seems taken away,'* 
 yet Jesus is at the helm. Thy vessel shall ride out every storm ; 
 he will guide safe to the haven of glory, and blessedness. Some 
 persons seem so wholly taken up with prying into the secret purposes 
 and inscrutable depths of God's decrees, that they take no heed to 
 their steps, but, like the philosopher who was so intent in observing 
 the starry heavens, that being careless of his walk he fell into a 
 ditch. Not God's secret purposes, but his revealed truths are the 
 objects of our faith : " his word is a light to our feet :" by tliat 
 he counsels and directs us. The gracious Spirit leads and guides 
 hk. children in the piths of peace and holiness. It is true, the path 
 to glory is unpleasing to the flesh, and therefore is ever opposed by 
 it ; but as there is a disposition in regenerate souls to long for glory, 
 so also a love in them, to God's word and the way of holiness. In 
 this the children of God are manifest. All such, God will most 
 certainly receive to glory- " As maiiy as arc led by the Spirit ®f 
 God, they are the sons of God," Rom. viii. 14. , 
 
NOVEMBER 28. 345 
 
 Zealous of good works. — Tit. ii. 14;. 
 
 CaLi. K) mind, disciple of Jesus, how \\\ limcs [last lliou cildst 
 ■walk accordinj; to the couisc of this woiid, fiiliillin<; ilic desires of 
 the flesh and of the mind ; and yet the God of this world so blinded 
 thine eyes, and so deceivcil thine heart (strange infatuation I) that 
 thou didst talk of and trust in even what had no existence, thine 
 own good works. Glory to the rich gr.tce of our Saviour, who 
 delivers us from the natural notions of our corrupt reason, the pride 
 of our free-will, and the vain confidence of our own ri^'hteuusncss ! 
 Now all our glorvinj; is in Jesus ; for though by nature wc are slaves 
 to our lusts, in bondage to iniquity, our minds defiled, our conscien- 
 ces impure, and therefore to every good work reprobalCi yet such 
 was the love of Jesus to us, that '' he gave himself for us," He 
 hath redeemed us from all iniquity ; he hath purifit d us unto himself 
 as a peculiar pf;ople, " zruious of good works" By the knowledge 
 of faith we arc pcrsuuded Jfsus lovos us, deligliis ui us, grants us 
 peculiar familiarity with himself, bestows peculiar blessings on us, 
 and hath made peculiar provisions for us. both in lime ijid eternity. 
 Hence christians are inspired with apfculiai zeul for good v^oIks; a 
 zeal according to godliness. We love our God and only Saviour ; 
 therefore we delight to serve and study to glorify him in our souls ai.d 
 bodies. Our sinful lusts and passions are coutrary to him; therelore, 
 as assisted, we daily strive and pr.y to mortify and suhdue them. 
 To do good to the souls and bodies of all men, especially to tlicm 
 that are of the household of faitln is well pleasing to the Lord ; 
 therefore it is the joy of our hearts to abound in those things. Here 
 true zeal centers, that we do good from a good prit.ciple, love to 
 God ; from a good motive, Jesus hatli. commanded it ; with a good 
 aim, that the glory of his name, the honor and interest of his c^usc 
 may be advanced in the world by us. Such a z -al stabs the pride of 
 self-seeking and vain glorying ; for our best works, our ehufest 
 good, is to glorify our God and Saviour. Godly souls blush there- 
 fore, and arc grieved to the very heart wiien a thought arises of 
 doing any good w«nk to procure the favor ot God or to secure his 
 love to our souls, or to entitle us to his kingdom. This is to glorify 
 ourselves. But we have not so learned Christ as to oppose God's 
 free-grace truths, dishonor a God of love, degrade the glory of our 
 precious Saviour, for we give all the glory to him, as having done 
 all for us. We sec salvation finished by him, and glory secured to 
 us in him; therefore, in love we desire to be wholly devoted to hn«, 
 and to do those things that may glorify him onhj "who hath bought 
 us with his blood," 1 Cor. vi. 2Q. This is truly a zcul according 
 to knowlcdjjc, 
 
346 NOVEMBER 29. 
 
 Giving thanks to the leather, who hath made us meet to he 
 partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. — 
 Col. i. 12. 
 
 Too many of God's clear children seem to abound more in 
 eomplaining of what they find and feel hi themselves than in praising 
 God for what he hath done for and in tliem. Why is this? I'hey do 
 not live enough in their ov/n kingdom ; they do not enough consider 
 their own privileges ; they dwell not enough upon the rich love of 
 God their Father to them ; the free-grace of Jesus their Redeemer 
 FOR them, and the work of the comforter in them. But, what from 
 a sense of their corruptions, the devices of satan, the sight of the 
 spirituality of the law, the legality that is in them, they cannot think 
 themselves made meet for God's kingdom ; therefore they do not 
 praise God for it. S.iy, O ye sons and daughters of the Most 
 High, is this right ? Waat I because you find sin abound in you, 
 will you not give praise that grace doth much more abound tow .ads 
 you and in you also ? Consider, God the Father hath Uiude us 
 "meet. Who ? Us vile sinners. How ? by taking away the being of 
 all sin in us ? No, no more than by taking us out of tiie body. If 
 we never have meetness for glory till all sin is perfectly destroyed in 
 us, we shall never begin the work of praise till we get to glory. But 
 praise is a present v.'ork for what God hath already done in us. 
 First, " God hath delivered us from the powe,r of darkness." 
 The prince of darkness no more blinds our eyes to the evil of sin, 
 tlie curse of the law, the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus, 
 and the preciousness of his salvation. For, secondly, " God hath 
 translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." We are out of 
 the kingdom of nature, sin, pride, and unbelief; we live under the 
 spiritual reign of Jesus. Therefore, thirdly, we possess all the 
 graces of his kingdoin j faith in the kijig of saints, love to the 
 king of saints,- and " love to all the saints ;" to all our fellow-sinners 
 who confess Jesus the Son of God, and salvation by him only. Is 
 sia our burden ? Christ our glory our life of holiness ? Is holiness 
 the desire of our souls ? we have light, life, faith, love, holiness ; 
 then God hath made us meet for the enjoyment of his glory. Nay, 
 Ave do enjoy him now. We have fellowship witli the Father and 
 his SolV'Jesus Christ, therefore, wc are now to give him thanks; wc 
 shall never have any other meetness for heaven on earth, though 
 grcaterdcgreesof the comforts of this may he experienced. O my 
 soul, art thou no longer in the darkncs5 of sin? r.atan's slave ? under 
 the curse of the law ? blinded by pride to the charms of Jesus ? tied 
 and bound^by the chains of unbelief ? an enemy to God's grace, his 
 truth and his people ? " O Lord, thou art my God, I will exalt thee, 
 I will praise thy naiuc, for thou hast done ^^■'ondcrful things," kc. 
 
 Is<V. XXV. I. 
 
NOVEMBER 30. 347 
 
 I had fainted, unless I had believed to sec the goodness of 
 the Lord in tite land of the living. — Psalm xxvii. 13. 
 
 Ix times of sore distress and afiliction, vhclhcr in soul or body, 
 saints are taught many sweet lessons. Chusienings from the Loid 
 are idl in love ; by them our God teaches llie soul to profit. " No 
 chastcnintj for the present is joyous, but grievous. In the daik 
 night of suffering, christians sigh out niar»y a doleful strain. Some- 
 times according to all appearances from nature, sense, feeling, and 
 the judgment of reason, they are re.idy to cry out, ''AH things arc 
 aj^;iiTist me." Hence their counigc sinks> their hopes and their 
 hearts f.iil them, and they arc ready to faint ; but they have un invi- 
 sit)Ie fi'iend always near them ; he supports them l)y his power under 
 all their triuis and conflicts ; supplies with comforting cordials ; re- 
 vives their spirits with the consolations of his word ; and when he 
 brings them out of their troubles, then liow sweetly do they sing of 
 himl how many a joyful psalm! What a rich treasury of experience 
 are we favored with from the pen of David, dipt in the ink of ulHic- 
 lion I How sweetly does he indite to the glory of his God and tlie 
 comfort of his Father's children in after-ages! He believed, tlierc- 
 fore he spake. Unless he had believed, he had fainted. 
 
 F.ith will support when all things else fail. O, what a soul-sup- 
 porting grace is faith ! Why so ? Because it looks to, depends upoji, 
 trusts in an almighty, faithful, covenant-keeping God. Faith con- 
 sults not flesh and blood, but the word of grace and truth. I3y failh 
 wc endure every fight of aflliction, every onset of the enemy, see- 
 ing him who is invisilile. As faith is the support of the soul, so the 
 object offaitli. Jesus; he is both faith's^ author and strength. "Thy 
 faith sliall not fail," saith Jesus to Peter ; ♦'! have prayed for thee." 
 It failed not as an abiding principle in the heart unto salvation, though 
 it did in the confessian of the lips. While tie precious head is pray- 
 ing above, the dear members shall be kept in fiulh below. Though 
 poor souls, through the enemy's power, the corruptions and rebel- 
 lions of the flesh, may speak unadvisedly with their lips as David did, 
 (Psalm cxvi. 10, 1 I .) "I was greatly afflicted, I said in my haste, 
 all men are liar?." But in their right mind they give all glory to 
 God, confess his goodness, and take shame to themselves for such 
 base declarations, and for their own experience give sweet advice 
 to their brethren. I had fainted unless I had believed. Therefore 
 do thou "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall 
 strengtiien thine heart ; wait I say on the Lord." 
 
 Grcntr.oil, thy glories sl.nll emii! jv And v.ilH1ii-t ploriotis Ixinl ilcfcr.ml 
 
 My lioly feflr, my humble joy ; To hu my Fiitlu-r nnrl my frii-ml ? 
 
 My U;)s in sonfjs of honor ln-iiif; Then hit mr «om;;h *i(h an^rN join, 
 
 The tribute to th' ctcrual Kinj. Heav'u is slciit.-, for Cluiil i« minr. 
 
54S DECEMBER 1. 
 
 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth', for thy love 
 is better than wine. — Solomon's Song i. 2. 
 
 Such is the fumiliar, loving language of chaste virgins espoused 
 to Jesus. Love in the heart begets desires after tokens of affection 
 from the object beloved. ''Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?" asks 
 the enquiring heart " If ye have t^>ken uway him," says sorrowful 
 Mary. " Tluit I may know him," says affectionate Paul. '' Let 
 HIM kiss me," s./lth the church; as though all the world knew vv'hom 
 is meant or w'no is their beloved. Evtry heart that is blessed with 
 the discovery of Jesus, will be excited with such desires after him. 
 Here is a very short and abi upt request ; *• Let him kniss me," that 
 will make me quite h^sppy. My heart is sin. pie, I have but one ob- 
 ject in view. O, if J(. sus will but favor me with a love-token all my 
 fears vanish, my scruples are at an end, my doubts are all silenced ; 
 peace, happiness, and joy shall possess my mind. So the love- 
 allured heart reasons and prays. But somcliuies delays excite impa- 
 tience, and promote jealousies, which issue in mourning surmises. 
 " Hope deferred, miikes the heart sick." " I fear Jesus doth not love 
 me, or sure he would bear, and not delay affording me sweet evi- 
 dences and pledges of love." But so Jesus proves the soul's faith 
 and stedfastness to him ; so he draws out its in;portunity after him. 
 "Whom having not seen, we love; and though row we see him 
 not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy un&pca\sable, and lull of 
 glory, 1 Pet. i. 8. 
 
 Such is the language of faith. Where revealed love is received 
 in the heart, sensible tokens will be longed after and sh-.Jl be enjoyed ; 
 nor can the believing heart rest satisfied, nor be trOly h..ppy without 
 them ; its cry is none but Christ, none but Christ 1 What are the 
 smiles of the worlcl if Jesus frowns ? What is life itself without his 
 presence and favor? Ilis presence create^ a p;;radisc; nearness to him 
 is heaven c;v earth ; his cross is pur glory ; his kisses our comiort 
 ♦' For ihy love is better than wine." I have tasted both ; I have felt 
 the sweet effect of each. Experience has taught me, that as wine 
 revives and cheers the heart, so doth love ; I cannot live without lov,e ; 
 1 cannot be happy without a sense of it. I camiot be holy, I caimot 
 Fcrvc cheerfully, or obey perfectly, nor conqvter sin powerfully, but 
 whil&^Iove, thy love, O m.y beloved Jesus, inspires, enlivens, and 
 inllucnces my heavy, sluggish heart. Such senlimenls possess lov- 
 ing, longing souls. (J, this love is' a precious piant ! It spiings 
 not in nature's garden ! its originalj? divine ; it comes from God. 
 « For God is low'' 1 John iv. 8. , Those ^vho have obeyed the Fa- 
 ther's voke, "kiss my Son," Psai^ji ii. 12 — " Know thai the love of 
 Christ passcth knowledge," Eph. 
 
 Jm a. 1 2 — " . 
 iPl'^. 
 
DECEMBER 2. 349 
 
 / have loved thee with an everlasting love : therefore with 
 lovijig kindness have I drawn thee. — Jcr. xxxi. 3. 
 
 Thus tlic Lord speaks to I. is cliurch as lo a coliecRd body; 
 tlicrefore yc members of Jtsus, uhi.t i'oundaiion of coiufort, y,\\jX 
 cause of rejoicing liavc you daily ? Bui what doubts luid scruples do 
 often arise in your poor hearts coucciiiint; Gotl's lovelo you 1 Why 
 is this ? Because we judge of and delcrminc tlic bounds of the lovo 
 of our God, from the sense and feeling uc fuid \u ourbclves, uistcad 
 of abiding by the Lord's own gracious dcclarulioi.s in his word lo us. 
 How absurd would it be for us to judge of the dimensions of that 
 glorious luminary the sun, by the ruilc light jnd heat which we par- 
 take of! Shall we conclude from the severe told we feel in wiiiler's 
 frost ; or, iii the sense of midnight darkness, that light and licat 
 cease to exist in the sun? Alas I we may as well »' measure the 
 waters in the hollow of our hand, mete out iJ)e heaven with our span, 
 weigh the mountains in scales, and the hills in a bal:.nre," as truly ils 
 to estimate and judge of the infinite, boundless love of God to poor 
 sinners in Christ Jesus, from our perception and sense of it. Dost 
 ihou, O soul, experience the dniwlng of thy heart to Jesus for right- 
 eousness, atonement, life, and salvation ? This is not of the will of \ 
 the flesh, but of the power of God, the effects of his loving kindness ; 
 to thee. For, saith Jesus, "no man can come unto mc, except the 
 Father draw him," John vi. 44. As the rays of light lead to the source 
 from whence they flow, so this stream of love, in lime, instructs our 
 souls in the most comfortable truth of God's everlasting love. Think 
 not, because I experience repentance towards God, faiih in our Loid 
 Jesus Christ, am obedient to the gospel of holiness, therefore, fur 
 these graces, now the Lord begins to lovC me. O no I for his love 
 is of an earlier date : this is reversing God's method ; and in times 
 of darkness and desertion, and under sutau's buffetings, when ihcu 
 hast no light to see thy graces, nor feeling sense of comfort in the 
 exercise of them, this method of judging of God's love will be most 
 distressing to thy poor soul. O, nu.y the Spirit of truth l.elp us lo 
 judge of God's love accorduig to his own word of grace. «' I have 
 loved thee with an everlasting love ; and therefore (for this cause) 
 with loving kindness have I drawn thee" from d^trkness to light, fron\ 
 the kingdom of satan into the kingdom of my dear Son ; glory slr.dl 
 crown what grace begun. What motive so powerful, what doctrine 
 so influential to animate and enliven the soul with fervent love aiid 
 cheerful obedience as the daily rtflcciion and constant belitf of tic 
 everlastinjj, unchangeable love of God lo us in Christ Jesus ? " Not 
 any thing siiall be able to separate us from the love Ciod, which is in 
 Christ Jesus our Lord," Rom. viii. C^- 
 Vol. L U u 
 
250 DECEMBER 3» 
 
 ^s nexv-horn hahes desire the sincere milk of the word that 
 ye may grow thereby. — 1 Pet. ii. 2. 
 
 " What I cannot comprehend shall never be the object of mr 
 fait)'.," is the weak kuiguage of a proud sceptic. « Where I cannot 
 compi(;iiPnd, I silently adore ; what I cannot explain, yet I humbly 
 believe, because divine truths bear the impress, " The Lord hath 
 spoKcn," This is the language of an humble, gracious heart. " Mar- 
 v'.'IIgus i.re thy works, O Lord, in wisdom hast thou made them all." 
 Glorious is thy grace in Christ Jesus ; in love hast thou revealed it 
 to the children of men. Here is the wisdom of saints, to Icpa-n from 
 the in);^ges of nature the mysteries of grace. From the book of the 
 foi'nier we are t&ught sweet and precious instructions in the latter. 
 How kindly has the God of nature provided for the infant cry of the 
 new-born b;ibe I It soon discovers its wants ; and though as sensible 
 of the provision it has brought, and its right unto it, it scarce 
 breathes the air, but it hunts for the breast of its parent, and its 
 tender cppetite is drawn out after the milk. No less pleased and 
 delighted is the affectionate mother to administer to its wants and 
 relieve its sorrows, and nourish and strengthen her new-born infant. 
 Dwells-th such love in parents to their offspring ? Infinitely greater 
 is the love of God to his babes in Christ. Dweileth such a disposi- 
 tion in the babe of nature after milk ? So also is this exemplified in 
 every child of grace in his loye to and huntbg after the milk of God's 
 word. Hath the God of nature made such suitable provision for the 
 children of this world ? Glory to his grace, so hath he richly provid- 
 ed spiritual milk for the children of his kingdom. Desire it, saith he, 
 and grow thereby ; feed on it and be strengthened : but the Spirit of 
 wisdom hatli given us a caution to try the milk, to see that it be sin- 
 cere milk ; not any milk, but the pure and unmixed milk of God's 
 word and truth ; Jesus is the very essence and substance of it. If the 
 nourishing doctrines of God's everlasting love and election in Christ, 
 pardon by his blood, clothing by his righte-ousness, and final salvation 
 of all his dear people through him, ar? omitted by ministers, they 
 administer skimmed milk, which has lost its strengthening and nour- 
 ishing qualities : hence, it will not edify and cause the soul to "grow 
 strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus." Wlien from the word 
 of God its rich qualities are extracted, carnal reason is set up, human 
 pride is established, creature righteousness is exalted: hence, instead 
 of" growing up unto Christ in all things," professors grow into self- 
 complacency and vain confidences. O, love the revealed word above 
 human teaching ; prize and attend upon the faithful ministers of 
 Jesus, that thou mayest be "nourished up in the words of faith and 
 of good doctrine," 1 T^im. 4.6. 
 
DECEMBER 4. 351 
 
 fVho delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: 
 in whom vje trust, tliat he will yet d./iver us.-z Cor. i. lO. 
 DiviKE confidence is fouiulcd upon Cifd's revealed truth ; it 
 arises in the heart in projiortion to tlic discoNcry which is nvadc of 
 free-grace promises to sinners in Christ Jtsub. Taih lc«ikb \.\ no- 
 thing in nature, nor in the creature ; it st-.nds not upon any r.uu.an 
 probability or rational possibility ; but, as the queen of gv.cci. laith 
 looks wliolly to the king of glory, consults the word of his viuUi, re- 
 lics on his promises and oa'h, ^nd trusts in the power of an oiumi^o ci>t 
 Lord. Past experience of former deliverances swceUy encouic^^e 
 the soul to trust God for future. So the apoMlcs reasoned upon 
 temporal deliverances from the persecuting powers of earth .aid hell. 
 which wei>e engaged against them. All hope und help from the riv;nt 
 hand atul left *cre cut off. In themselves they hud the sai'.ei oe of 
 deatli. They were like malefactors in their own ^;prehcnsi(-u, uoonv- 
 ed to certain execution. But God hud delivered them in time p..t 1 
 He did deliver them at the present ; hence, their trust was cxciitcl 
 for future deliverance. Just so they taught and glo. leu u. a sai vatiou 
 equally as extensive, through all the periods of time past, present, 
 and to come ; which should certainly issue in evcriasung glory. ^ 
 
 O believer, here is a mode of reasoning for thy soul. Exercise ^^ 
 thy faith on things past, present, and to come. Call to mind liOW 
 God in time past delivered thy soul from thy great death n. tres- 
 passes and sins. In how many dangers has he kept Uiee f 1- rem t.ovr 
 many snai>cs has he delivered thee ? And are thou this present hour 
 a saved sinner, living by faith on the Son of God ? O, see t,iy Lo.d s 
 past mercies! O, consider thy Lord's present blcssin^js i lhu,.ce 
 honor him with the faith of thy heart, the trust of thy soul, tl.a he 
 will yet deliver thee from every enemy. Art thou harassed by tcini.- 
 tations? Remember, "thy Lord knowcth how and when to cULver 
 out of them 1" 2 Peter ii. 9. Art thou groaning under a body ol sm 
 and death ? Crying out, O, wretched that I am I Consider the e^cr- 
 lasting love and almighty power of thy precious deliverer ; cxuit ar.d 
 triumph with, -thanks be to God who giveth the victory tlnough 
 Jesus Christ." Thus daily study, O soul, to live in art habitu.l vuw 
 of thy God and Saviour; pray and wrestle for constant applications 
 of Jesus' grace, daily feelings of his love by the Spirit; so shall e.vcry 
 lustofthy nature be subdued, satan shall fly from Uie res.sl.ngs of 
 faith, victory shall be obtained over the world, holiness will be delight- . 
 fultothy heart, and heaven desirable and longed for by the noul. 
 Ever remember » it is God who workeUi in us to will and tO:ilo of 
 his good pleasure, as the only enlivening confidence to encourage 
 thee to work out thy salvation ^vith fear and trcmbhr^-, I lul. 
 ii. 12, 13. 
 
352 DECEMBER 5. 
 
 Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word is truth. 
 
 John xvii. 17. 
 
 With what confidence and joy are we assured of oui' sanctifi- 
 cation, both from the prayer of Jesus on earth, and his intercession 
 in glory ! Man cannot sanctify himselt, it is the work of the Lord 
 the Spirit ; he effects it by his sovereign power ; earth and hell shall 
 not prevent it. O special mercy ! Not to be left to act with the 
 generality of professors, who, like Pilate, demand " What is truth ?" 
 and then turn away from it as offensive, and hate and oppose it. 
 Yet, if there is but kept up a great cry, and vehement zeal for good 
 works and holiness, it is enough ; no matter what principles they 
 spring from. Nay, under pretence for these, truth is trampled 
 under foot. But not so .Tesus prayed, nor taught ; nor are his mem- 
 bers thus sanctified. Jesus is essentially the truth. We are sanc- 
 tified to God no other way than in him, and by the faith of him. 
 " Wc are chosen from the beginning through sanctification of the 
 Spirit, and belief of the truth." " Ye shall know the truth, and 
 the truth shall make you free," John viii. 32— saith Jesus ; free 
 from the deceitful hopes and vain confidences that are natural to us. 
 Souls sanctified tiirough the truth, are no longer left to deny the 
 foundation truths of God's word ; his sovereign, everlasting, electing 
 love of sinners in Christ Jesus this essential truth, of their sins 
 being atoned by the precious blood, and their persons justified by 
 the perfect righteousness of Jesus imputed to them ; the certain 
 perseverance and sure glorification of evrry bcUeving member of 
 Christ. Thus our judgments are sanctified in truth, in opposition 
 to the false notions of self-righteousness and sinless perfection. 
 These proceed from self-ignorance, blindness to God's law, and 
 leave its professors under a fatal error ; nor' are we left to dream of 
 universal redemption which detracts from the glory of God by 
 ascriliing salvation to free-will ; nor to reject the sovereign agency 
 of tl-ie holy Spirit, which reduces the gospel of grace to a covenant 
 of works. Glory to our Lord, not only are we sanctified as to a 
 right judgment in all things, but our affections are also sanctified to 
 love the truth and cleave to it, seeing all our hopes center in it, and 
 deriving all our coTTiforts from it ; and it is the delight and joy of 
 ou«r souls to live in conformity to the truth. Jesus hath our hearts. 
 Fellowship with him is our heaven upon earth. What is contrary 
 to that is hateful to us. Sin is become the burden, and holiness 
 most pleasant to the sanctified soul- To fancy thyself perfectly 
 freed from all sin, is a mark, not of a soul sanctified through the 
 truth, but deceived by lies: bvU daily to feel a holy striving ag-ainst sin, 
 fervcn{ desires after greater conformity to Jesus, and abiding in the 
 truth of his word, is a full proof " of thc.sanctification of his Spirit 
 nnt.0 obedience," 1 Pet. i. 2. 
 
DECEMBER 6. 5J3 
 
 By the grace of God, I am what I am. — 1 Cor. xv. 10. 
 
 It woutd be one great means of prcvcniiiig conipliiints ;inH 
 murmurings, if cliribliaiis* hearts were more in mtditatioh upon what 
 they once were, still ard, ai\d wh*i they deserve. Such was the 
 conduct of the once Jesus-pcrsecuiing, but aticrwards Jcsus-exalt- 
 ing Paul. The same ^r«ice thai reached iiis heart, lias continued 
 to run through the many revolving periods down to this day, and 
 effects the same blessed work on poor sinners now. Thou therefore, 
 () disciple of Jesus, hast the same cause as Paul had, daily to sing 
 of. rich, free, sovereign, distinguishing grace ; the eternal love, 
 free favor, and unmerited good-will of God to thy soul in Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 Grace shines with resplendent lustre, in the person of Jesus. 
 Grace operates with sovereign, irresistible power, in the hearts of 
 his members. Hence it triumphs over all the resisting powers, 
 rebellious motives, carnal workings, and prcverse obstinacy of prbud 
 nature. Publicans iuid harlots are often raised and bcauuiicd by 
 grace, while self-iighteous Pharisees are left buiicd in the luuis of 
 nature. Hell-deserving soul I What hast thou to boast of ? Wherein 
 canst thou glory ? Art thou converted to Jesus ? Verily ol iliis thou 
 hast greatest cause of glory and triumph. But ever know the cause. 
 Study daily to give all the glory where it is only due, even to the 
 free favor of thy God. Wilt thou ever open the mouth of thy 
 obedience, thy fulfilling terms and conditions, by which thou hast 
 obtained the prize ? Ever know Jesus hatli dune all this. Hence 
 grace freely flowed to thee. In the height of thy rebellion, in the 
 depth of thy destruction, tlie voice of eternal love spoke to thy soul. 
 The power of almighty grace challenged thee, as its blood-liuught 
 purchase ; seized thcc as its lawful captive, and snatched thee as a 
 brand from the fire of destruction. 
 
 O wondrous love ! Should not amazement strike thy heart, and the 
 fire of love and gratitude ever burn in thy soul ? What shall wc say 
 to these things ? Truly grace, that dwelt in the heart of God from 
 eternity, has sovereignly reached thy heart in time. Therefore art 
 thou turned to Jesus by repentajice ; hast remission of sins tJuough 
 faith in his blood. This is given, by the exalted prince of grace 
 and peace, to thine heart. Hast thou a love to holiness, and a 
 hatred to sin ? This is contrary to nature, and is gi\xn through tlic 
 grace of the Spirit. " By the grace of God I am what I urn," is the 
 confession of saints in earth. By the grace of (iod I am where I am, 
 is the triumphant song of saints in heaven. For " w hi re sin abourdcd, 
 grace did much more abound," Roni. v. -0. 
 
 'Tis not by um-ks of iip;litcoiigncs8, 'Tis from mew mnvc) r.f our (....I 
 Wliich our own linnils have «lone : Tli't n" ">"• l'"I»«.» '»K: » : 
 
 But we arc sav'd by sov'ieign grace, 'Tis by lb«' »»(• r and liic bhKxl 
 Abounding tltro' God's Sou. Our souls arc MysliM tio;u »iii. 
 
554 DECEMBER 7. 
 
 Master, we have toiled oil the tiig/it, and have taken no- 
 thing : nevertheless^ at thy word I will let down the net. 
 —Luke. V. 5. 
 
 Whatever one engages in, success gives pleasure, but disap- 
 pointment causes dejection. The passing over of a bluck cloud is 
 often followed by the brighter shining of the sun. Naturalists 
 observe, it is always darkest just before the break of day. So here 
 these poor fishermen had toiled through a tedious night of disap- 
 pointment ; not one fish came to net : yet, at Christ's word they let 
 down the net. Behold the event ! The greatest success they ever 
 met with succeeded their fruitless toil : their nets were too weak to 
 hold the miraculous draught of fishes they had taken. O, how adora- 
 ble is Jesus' power and godhead ! 
 
 The occupation of a fisherman is not unlike that of the christian's 
 Tocation. It is his employ to fish in the wide and deep ocean of 
 God's eternal love and grace revealed in his word of truth. What 
 he taketh here he is to live upon day by day. It is sometimes his 
 lot to toil through a dark night of disappointment, and take nothing 
 which may refresh his spirit and rejoice his soul. Here " patience 
 must have its perfect work." Not one, nor many nights bad suc- 
 cess, makes the fisherman quit his trade and forsake his calling. 
 So the christi:-.n should consider he has need of patience, that after 
 he has done the will of God he might receive the fulfilment of the 
 promises. These are blessed encouragements for him ever to fish 
 in the great and wide sea of God's covenant love and faithfulness. 
 In his word are blessings innumerable. Ever remember, " He that 
 believcth shall not make haste :" that is, be in a hurry and confusion, 
 as one in surprise and fear in time of trouble. Though God's 
 mercies arc not styled swift, yet they are' called " sure mercies," 
 Isa. Iv. 3. Where the grace of faith is in the front, perseverance 
 shall be in the centre, and glory shall be in the rear. The soul 
 tliirsling after comfort, shall in God's time he refreshed with the 
 plentiful showers of heavenly consolation. Some souls have been so 
 filled herewith, even like these disciples' nets that broke with the 
 great draught of fishes, that they have cried out, " Lord, stay 
 thine hand ; my brittle vessel can hold no more. Live upon the 
 wtvM of God's truth, and thou shalt be sure to enjoy the coiuforts 
 of God's faithfulness. Whatever fails, his word is sure ; his pro- 
 mises certain ; his covenant immutable; his oath irreversible. Con- 
 solation, yea « strong consolation from God, awaits every soul who 
 has fled to Jesus for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before him," 
 Hcb. vi. 1 8, 
 
 Oar anchor's cast w it.Kin the veil We walk by falih and live hy liopn ; 
 
 '^Vkere Jesus ever velgns ; Assur'U of eudlcss gains. M. 
 
t,^ DECEMBER 8. 355 
 
 T/wu!r/i he fall he shall not be uttcrhj cast down ; for the 
 Lord upholdcth him xvith his hand. — i*balni xxxvii. 1\. 
 
 The absolute declarations luul promises of scripture ui-c ever to 
 be consicUied as having relation to, and dcpendaiicc upon the cove- 
 nant of t^racc. Hence, wliatcver is asbcrlcd coiiccii-.inij ilic salva- 
 tion of lost sinners, is an exiubition or display of the j,MacL- of Uic 
 covenant by Jesus Christ. When men sec not tlie nature of tl»e 
 covenant, ordered in all things and sure, they make the piomiscs li" 
 the gospel as it were a mere lope of sand. Not seeing salvation, 
 established upon the sure foundation of God's immut;ible love ajKl 
 faithfulness, they make it depend on human wisdom, power, and 
 goodness. Poor comfort for sensible souls. Tiioui^h pride for a 
 lime may keep up the vain hopes of the self-righteous and scif-deliul- 
 cd — How long ? Till they arc tried by fire. 
 
 The just man's standing is of Gods power. His falls are fi om liis 
 own frailty. That he is raised from his falls, is from the sovereign 
 love and covenant faithfulness of his God. But, is not God able lo 
 keep us from falling? Doubtless his power is almiglity. He can take 
 away all sin and corruption out of us : and not suffer tcrnptatioii from 
 satan, the world and the flesh, ever to attack us. Yea, he can in- 
 stantly change us into angelic purity. But this is not his will. The 
 Lord sees it most for his glory that we should be just what wc are — 
 believe his truths — live upon his promises — rely on his power from 
 day to day, or it should be oUierwise. All things are in being for the 
 elect's sake. All things "work together for their good," Rom. 
 viii. 28. Satan may tempt souls as he did Christ, to cast themselves 
 down to prove the power of God. Carnal hearts may say, "let us 
 <lo evil, that good may come." Each shew what spirit they are of. 
 Saints express the inward disposition of their souls liy other language. 
 Gracious works proceed from gracious hearts which arc influenced 
 by divine truth and everlasting love. Saints' falls are suffered, to 
 humble them for sin, wCcin them from their pride, self-righteous- 
 ness, and self-suflTiciency ; to deaden them to the love of the workl, 
 and to endear Jesus more and more to them ; to teach them llic 
 usefulness of ordinances; to exercise their graces; to pxirgc out their 
 dross ; to enable them to succour others with the assurance of com- 
 fort and protection, which they themselves have found from' our 
 Saviour. So he delays the wisdom, power and faithfulness of a 
 covenant-God. Thus he makes souls meet for glory, and causes thcnx 
 to long more for the heavenly inheritance. Saints may fall, and do 
 fall into many things that hurt and bruise them. This is their 
 shame; it causeth sorrow and grief; and excites watrhfulness. 
 But fall into hell they cannot, they shall not, because they arc up- 
 held ijy the arm of omnipotence ; and Jesus dccl^s, " I give uut» 
 them eternal life," John x. 38. 
 
356 DECEMBER 9. 
 
 If he he the king of Israel, let him now come down from 
 thecrosSi and we will drlieve hi?n.^Matt. xxvii. 42. 
 
 Our blessed Lord was not only crucified between two thieves, 
 but was also surrounded on the cross, and mocked and derided by 
 the very worst sort of thieves, the chief priests, scribes, and elders. 
 These professing ministers of Jehovah did their utmost to rob the 
 prince of life and Lord of glory of that honor which is ever due unto 
 him, of being our Saviour ; and, like thieves and robbers, they 
 would enter his kingdom some other way. Verily he is the king of 
 all his spiritual Israel. Every subject of his love will bow to the 
 sovereignty of his grace, kiss the sceptre of his love, glory only ill 
 his despised cross, and rejoice that Jesus rules in and reigns over 
 him. Most true, this way of salvation is contrary to the wisdom of 
 the flesh, the reasonings of corrupt nature, and the pride of boasted 
 free-will. These, by how much the more they are assisted by hu- 
 man learning, are so rnuch the more strengthened and fortified 
 against this self-denying truth, salvation by free -grace, through the 
 cross of a despised Jesus. " This wisdom and their knowledge had 
 perverted tliem," says Isaiah, xlvii. 10, or they would not have said, 
 " Let him now come, and wc will believe." Poor proud creatures ! 
 free-will is ever the same. Where it reigns it always exalts the 
 creature and opposes the sovereignty of God. It prescribes methods 
 of conviction. It i-efuses to submit to those of infinite wisdom. 
 Through a life of thirty years Jesus had afiorded them the fullest 
 conviction of their senses, and they believed not on him ; neither 
 ■would their hearts have been persuaded though he had come down 
 from the cross ; yea, though he actualiy did rise again from the dead, 
 still they resisted the fullest evidence j therefore they reniained in- 
 excusable. 
 
 Outward miracles and wonders may surprize the senses, but can- 
 not work savmg faith in the heart. Pride ever reigns in unregene- 
 rate hearts, and nothing but sovereign grace can subciue it. Even in 
 hell the notion of free-will prevails. " Nay, but" said Dives, «if one 
 went to them from the dead, they will rtpent," Luke xvi. 30. 
 Humble souls are thankful for the gift of precious faith in a precious 
 Christ. They know it is not of themselves that they believe. There- 
 fore they adore and love " the author and finisher of faith," and 
 own it is given of distinguishing love and sovereign grace. Thus all 
 glorying in the flesh is cut ofl". By faith we gloiy in the truth and 
 rejoice in Jesus only. « It is not of him who willcth," Rom. ix. 16. 
 
 Snlnliic the pride of my free ■will, AVliile otiiers tempt, aud ask a sign, 
 
 By tky free grace, my Lord ; In order to believe ; 
 
 Strengtlicu my f:utli, confirm Jny hope, May I rejoice to kubw tliy truth, 
 
 In tliiiic unerring word. Aud on t]»y trulk to lire. M- 
 
DECEMBER 10. 357 
 
 To them that are sanctified by God the Father, and pre- 
 served, in Jesus Christ, and culled: mercy unto you ^ and 
 peace, and love be multiplied — Juck-, vcr. 1, !2. 
 
 One frequently meets with poor trembling bouh, just enlighten* 
 cd by the Spirit to sec their misery, feel tiicir wrcichkchicss as siiiners, 
 r.ncl who flee to Christ for hope ; yet their poor hei^ris arc j^reatly 
 distressed with fcur, lest ihcy should not be sjiiclified, but perish 
 in their sins, and so never obtain tJic ciul oftiicir faith, tl»c salvulicn 
 of their souls. But that is impossible, 'ihcycio not at present see 
 the cijlorious order of the covenant ; nor consider tlie ccrtiiin stcuiily 
 of all who are effectually called by the word and Spirit to ll.e know- 
 ledge of Christ. For this is a consequence of their being; sartclificd, 
 separated or set apart by God the Father, as the objects of his 
 everlasting love. As God loves them as his jewels, he ib cartful to 
 preserve them. He well knew and clccirly foresaw the miserable 
 effects sin would brmj on them, therefore he chose them in Christ 
 Jesus. He committed them into his luuids. They are preserved 
 safe and secure; not from fulling into sii; ; for they arc in themselves 
 sinners ; by nature " chiUlren of wi'ath even as others." And to their 
 after thame and sorrow, many of them run dreadful lengths iji sin 
 before their conversion. Some like Saul, arc mad aguintt Jesus, Uie 
 way of salvation by him, and holiness by his Spirit. But still, as 
 with the people of old, God bears with their manners. The long- 
 suffering of the Lord is their salvutlon. He is not wiiling that any 
 one of them should perish. All of tlicm are called to repentance; and, 
 to know the preciousness of Jesus, in whom they are preserved. 
 
 Disciple of Jesus, canst thou not look back on thy past life, and 
 see thy many, many narrow escapes from death ? How many dan- 
 gers hast thou been delivered from ; yea, when only one hair's 
 breadth seemed between thee and eternity ! O, hadst thou died in thy 
 unregenerate state of sin and unbtiief, howcouldst iliou have escap* 
 cd the damnation of hell ? But impossible this. Tliou wast preserv- 
 ed in Christ Jesus, therefore every snare of deaili has been broken. 
 Thou wast immortal till the Spirit called tliec. Think of this and 
 be humbled. Reflect on the love of thy God ; rejoice, and give iiim 
 all the glory. Tliou hast not only been preserved from death and 
 hell, but art called to life and salvation by Jesus. His life is tl>y 
 righteousness, his blood is thy redemption, his in.ercession thy sal- 
 vation. And what awaits tliee now ? Mercy from God the Father, 
 peace in Christ Jesus, love from the blessed Spirit. Such, such is 
 the hiippy portion of all the called. May this be multiplied moi-e 
 and more upon thee day by dny ! Such is the doctrine, such the 
 prayer of Jude, the servant of Jesus, under the inspiration of the 
 Holy Spirit of truth. « Ask, and ye shall receive, tliat your joy may- 
 be full," Johnxvi. 24, 
 
 Vol. Is Ww 
 
25Q DECEMBER 11. 
 
 J^ear not. little flock ; for it is your Father^ s good pleasure 
 to give you the kingdom. — Luke xii. 62. 
 
 When poor sinners are converted to Jesus, they become little 
 in their own eyes, and they sec but few comparatively who follow 
 the Lamb. Tliere former fiicnds turn their enemies. Their fonner 
 hopes are ctjjt- off. They know their own strength to be perfect 
 weaUiiCss; and they feel the burden of a body of sin and death. 
 Hence their poor hearts are ©ften exercised with anxious cares and 
 distressing fears. Their Saviour knows this ; thereiore he speaks 
 to tlT^n> in love, fsrbids their fears, and administers the most reviving 
 draught of consolation. 
 
 Ye cliildren, consider your dignity as adopted sons of God. Call 
 to mind your honorable state, heirs of a kingdom, heirs of God the 
 King of kings, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ your elder brother. 
 Though at present ye are in a state of exile. The world knows 
 you not. Your kindred after the flesh despise you. Carnal profes- 
 sors revile and persecute you. Satan is enraged to tempt and accuse 
 you. Yea, and your worst foes are most nearly allied to you ; the 
 flesh, with its corruptions and lusts, sin and unbelief. Yet, saith 
 the head, in glory, to his conflicting members on earth, " Fear not." 
 Why ? what consideration can dispel the anxious fears, and alleviate 
 the distressing doubts of drooping disciples ? Verily the good- 
 pleasure of their Father : the eternal purposes of his grace : tho 
 immutable designs of his love. A kingdom is prepared for you. 
 Earth, with all its power : sin, with all its malignity : hell, with all 
 its rage and malice, shall never depiive you of your Father's patri- 
 mony. O disciple ! how does this heighten the mercy and secure 
 the inheritance ? It is a. free gift^ by Jesus Christ. Poor sou!, 
 thou art fearing about thy interest in and title to the kingdom of 
 glory. Verily, thou canst find nothmg in thyself, to give thee a 
 right therr;:;. But thy Siiviour plainly assures thee, it is of "thy 
 Father*s good pleasure." What power can avert that ? Plast thou an 
 heart to seek the kingdom ? Dost thou believe in, and follow the 
 Lamb ? Dost thou see somewhat in Jesus, which attracts thy affec- 
 tions ? Is the desire of thy soul after him, and to the remembicince 
 of his name ? llien hath the glory of the kingdom, by the Spirit, 
 shiced upon thine heart. No marvel sin is thy grief and burden, 
 whi'.e Jesus is the delight and hope of thy soul. May it suffice to 
 quiet and still thy mind, that the Father's gift is sure. And so is 
 the way also ; it is by Jesus. And " through much tribulation thou 
 (and all the heirs) must enter into the kingdom," Acts xiv. 22. 
 
 Ono of thy little flock, my Lord, All! Saviour speak away these fears, 
 
 I'm call'd to ioilow tliee : From my poor donlHiiig breast : 
 
 Bui Fciirs (irevail and say that I, • Assui'e me, 'tis thy Father's will. 
 
 Shall ne'er tliy kingdom sec^ TUat I ia tkee sun blest. ^f- 
 
DECEMBER 12. 359 
 
 tfhy people shall be xuiHingin the day of thy power^ in the 
 beauties of holiness from thewomhofthe viunittii^: lUoii 
 hast the dew of thy youth. — Psuim ex. 3. 
 
 When sorercign grucc rcacheth the heaii, it casts out that 
 son of the bond-vvoniaji, natural free-will. Tliis had long usurped 
 Ihe throne, and subjected tlic poor sinner to nothing bui priuc ojid 
 evil. Yet all the while the sinner vainly boasted of ins li^jcriy ; 
 though he was a servile slave to the worst of drudgery Ficc iiioctd 
 to do evil ; but to do good witliout power. Such is the natural will 
 of evciy sinner, that it is as averse to turn to Je^us as the will of 
 the devil is. But because of the tree-will dfleriijg of Jesus his njcni- 
 bers are made willing, by the Spirit, to come to liim as their oi.ly 
 hope. To him they bring free-will offerings, with holy \vol:^hip. 
 Thus Jehovah the Father speaks to the Son of his love, aiitl t,iveb a 
 glorious display of the effects of everlasting election and covcuvUit 
 love, under the energy of the divine Spirit. See, believer, behold 
 and adore the equtd love of the glorious triniiy. Is tl.y luill towaids 
 Jesus ? is the language of thy heart none but Jesus, all oihcr 5a> lours 
 I dischdm ? Verily, where this luill is given by the Spirit iii a day 
 of power, the affections arc attracted to Jesus in the ucautics oi holi- 
 ness. Dost thou not choose the sceptre of his love \o rule over ilicc 
 •as well as the atonement of his blood to obtain thy pardon ? Tl.isc 
 arc inseparable. Let no soul deceive himself Every beiirvti is 
 washed in the blood of Jesus, and made a priest unto Ciud. As the 
 high-priest under the law •' put on the breasi-pluic of judcmciii; the 
 urim and thumminu" Exod. xxviii. 30, so every anointed one is en- 
 dued with Ut^ht and jierfcction — The ligli; of the knowlLcl^c ©f Jesus, 
 and the perfection of grace which dwells in him, is cornmunicaicd to 
 his members. Hence in the exercise of laiih, their souis obey will- 
 ingly, serve cheerfully, and delight in Jesus continually. Tins is a 
 soul-affecting consideration : all is of grace. Conceived in tlie womb 
 of the morning of eternity, and its rich profusion freely poured lurih 
 in time, like the pearly dew upon the vegetable creation, produces 
 its verdure, refreshment, and fruits. 
 
 So, disciple, all thy mercies come from above. Freely thou hast 
 received an understanding to know, a will to choose, and affections 
 to cleave unto Jesus : " Render therefore unto Cxsar the things that 
 are Ca:sar's." Do thou take all the shame of thy sinful, iVtt-will 
 and nature-state to thyself, and be humbled : " Hut unto VuaX the 
 things that arc God's." By his grace " I am what I am," should ho 
 thy daily confession ; and this the sweet exercise of thy grau ful 
 heart, to glory in the Lord alone, and devote thyself to his service, 
 <■ Ye arc not your own," 1 Cor. vi. 19. 
 
360 DECEMBER 13. 
 
 Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a priee.^^l Cor. 
 vi. 19 20. 
 
 O, HOW dear is every believer to God the Father, to Jesus the 
 Saviour, and to the Spirit the comforter ? Each divine person claims 
 propriety in them. The Father by election : the Son by redemp- 
 tion : the Holy Spirit by inhabitation. How sliould this, O soul, 
 call forth love, excite gratitude, inflame with affection, and quicken 
 thee to glorify thy Lord ! Consider daily, thou art not thine own, 
 but a ransomed captive of Jesus. Reflect on the price Jesus paid for 
 thy redemption. Thou art bouglit with blood : with blood divine ; 
 blood, spilt on the accursed tree, in direful agony and shameful 
 death, was the price of thy purchase. So thy Saviour bought 
 thee, at the hands of justice. He paid the utmost farthing of thy 
 debt to law. He redeemed thee from the power of Saian ; and 
 snatched thee as a brand from the jaws of death and hell. And 
 canst thou ever think thy redeeming Lord will leave the purchase 
 of his blood to be the prey of the devil ? After he hath bought thee 
 at such an inestimabie piice, will he not claim thee as his own, and 
 bring thee safe to glory ? O, beware of indulging unbelief 1 Listen 
 not to the suj^gestions of Satan, nor to the voice of false teachers. 
 Fly every thought which impeaches thy Lord's love, wisdom or 
 power. Consider, thou art thy Lord's freeman. As a chRste virgin 
 thou art espoused to Jesus ; in faith hast plighted thy troth ; hast 
 Voluntarily given thyself, hand and heart, to be thy Lord's. What 
 then is thy duty ? what infinite obligations art thou under to forsake 
 all other lovers, and to cleave to thy Lord alone, with full purpose 
 of heart ! Dost thou believe thy vile body shall shortly be sown in 
 the silent grave ? and that it shall certainly be raised a glorious body- 
 like unto our Saviour's ? How much doth it concern thee to devote 
 that body to his service and glory on, earth, which shall reign with 
 JesAis in heaven ! Is thy body the temple of the Holy Ghost ? Canst 
 thou reflect on its dignity, and debase and pollute it with filthy lusts ? 
 God forbid 1 Doth thy spirit enjoy sweet fellowship with the Father 
 and his Son Jesus ? Doth the Spirit itself bear witness with thy spirit, 
 that thou art a child of God ? Where is thy love to the truth as it is 
 in Jesus ? Where is thy zeal for his cause and hiterest ? Remember 
 whose thou art. Be concerned to live up to thy privilege and dignity. 
 Be earnest in prayer for power to obey the obligations which 
 infinite and eternal love hath laid thee under. " Glorify thy Lord in 
 thy body and in thy spirit which arx; his,'' 
 
 What shall we pay Ih' eternal Son, Our evcilastin'» love is due ~ 
 
 TliMt left the lieav'n of his abode. To him tliat raiisom'd sinners lost, , 
 
 And to this wretched earth came down And liity'd rebels when he knew 
 
 To tiring us wand'rers luck to God ! Tlic vast e.xiicuce his love would cost'. 
 
DECEMBER U. 361 
 
 And that, knowitr^ the time, that noiU it is high time to 
 awake out of s/ee/j : for iiuw is our salvation nearer 
 than when we believed. — Rjin. xui. 11. 
 It is an uffecliug case, but a real truUi, Uiat Avise virybs arc 
 apt to slumber and sleep as well as Uie loolisti. Tiaoujjh U.e prcs- 
 sures of a body oi sin and death, und the opiaies ol worldly ease ai.d 
 self-indulgence, they sometimes fall into udvowsy suic,ioai . s.ccpy 
 frame of soul. Hence, tliey lose Uku- former delight m icii^rious 
 duties and spiritual exercises. Their loye to God .ud their brethren 
 in Christ grows cold; their zeal for the gl^.y oi Jcsu^a^.d las pre- 
 cious truths decline. The enemy ukes g..at advantages aj^aii^st 
 them, and would triumph in their entire .le..ruotion. but that caii 
 never be, for the Lord prevents it. " He that kccp.ih Israel uci her 
 slumbers nor sleeps." Wdl the loving fati.er suffer lu. dear children 
 to sleep in their beds till devoured by raging flames ? It wc being 
 cviUh.ve such love for our chiidiCi., how mhi.iiciy greater u the 
 love of our heavenly Father ? Therefore he aUu.s souls aau awa- 
 kens them to duty and watchfulness. 
 
 Thus Paul, his faithful watchman, lifts up his voice uf warning, 
 cries the hour, and reproves disciples as acting unb. coming. It 
 being both unreasonable and unseasonable lor them w no know the 
 time of day to indulg-e sloth and heaviness. It is higli time to au-ale 
 out of sleep. Come, chrisuan, look around thee, look up. The 
 Saviour reigns. It is broad day. See the sun shunng Nay U is 
 in its meridian. And thou art just got to thy J-^-^y ^ ^";^- ["^^ 
 in sight of thv Father's house. Thy Lord is coming to meet hce 
 What 1 wilt thou sleep on and take thy .rest ? 1 he Spu it .pea.s to 
 thee in this word, » Now is Uiy salvation nearer than when Uiou hrst 
 believed." The Lord is at hand. ^^Let tny n-clcration, in are 
 after the things of this world, be known uuc« all men W hat ar. 
 thou grasping so much of perishing things lor.' I hou con. not 
 Id them ong. Off hands, beloie death m.kes thee c.tut thy hold. 
 ™,k what tl^ou art spiritually born for, called to and an just ^^o- 
 ing to take possession of. Verily, if thy soul ^^^->^ ^^^"^ 
 seest thing as. they really are. Tun.^ with ah its tojs .nd plea- 
 sure^ ho^^hort 1 %:.r..,, with all its rich g^^ 
 ble blessings, how long 1 Jesus, with all his cndc.nng ^^^^ 
 in his adorable person, pixeious offices, ble.scd promi.e. ..d glon^ 
 ousworkand.nisheds.vat.nfortli..as.^^^^^ 
 
 enjoy' d. If U.ou hast lost the sense ol this b, ^"^ ^ ;; ^^ 
 vrith the church, M will giro no sleep to uaue eyes, unul I fmU the 
 Lord," Pstdmcxxxii. 4, 5. 
 
$62 DECEMBER IS. 
 
 Watch ycy stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be 
 strong. — 1 Cor. xvi. 13. 
 
 Believers in the Lord Jesus now partake of an ererlRsting 
 sahation. No enemy can deprive tliem of the full enjoyment of it 
 in glory ; because " they are kept by the mighty power of God." 
 But we are daily to consider, it is " through faith," i Pet. i. 5. 
 Do we believe in the atonement of Jesus' blood ; do we rely on the 
 perfection of his righteousness? Why so ? Because the word of the 
 Lord is the warrant for our faith. Hence, O soul, the exhortations 
 from the same word to duty are equally binding on thy belief and 
 practice. The same Lord who has saved us irom our enemies, calls 
 us to watch against them. Jesus wlio is gone to prepare a place for 
 us in glory, directs us how to demean ourselves in the way to it. 
 Shall the christian soldier neglect the command of the captain of his 
 salvation, when the glory of God and the peace and comfort of his 
 own soul are equally concerned ? Surely not- 
 Through watchfulness many evils are prevented, many blessings 
 enjoyed. When a christian is off his guard, or asleep when he 
 should watch, how is he exposed to the tdtacks and temptations of 
 tlie enemy ! It is for our good that the Lord commands it as our 
 duty. It is through his power that hereby the good soldier of Jesus 
 Christ is enabled to stand fast in the profession, power and comfort 
 qf faith. It was Paul's joy in the views of death, that he had "kept 
 the faith," 2 Tim. iv. 7. Would we enjoy the same comfort r Suive 
 in the strength of the Lord to follow his example. Check the risings 
 of unbelief. Oppose the workings of carnal reason. Resist steJ- 
 fastly in the faith the sulitle devices of satan. This is your duty and 
 wisdom. So shall we quit ourselves like men of valour and courage : 
 like victorious saints of old, « who overcame every enemy through 
 the blood of the Lamb." Droop not, Q believer, thy strength is tlie 
 Lord's omnipotence. Lift up thy head with boldness, thine enemies 
 are vanquished by the conquering Jesus. Be strong. Look off thy- 
 self. Look to the strong for strength. Look unto Jesus continu- 
 ally. Rely only on the power of his might hourly. His arm is not 
 shortened. The reliance of faith engages his power. The cry of 
 faitli obtains victory. There is an open and effectual door by which 
 tho*\i shall enter into glory ; but thou must fight thy way through. 
 Consider daily this is our motto, " More than conquerors through 
 Jesus who hath loved us,'' Rom. viii. 37. 
 
 Dear Lord, my tliankful Iieart receives I am my love's and he is mine, 
 
 Tiic hope thine in\it;ition gives: Onrhearts, our hopes, oui- passions joia ; 
 
 To tlieeliiy joyful lips shall raise Nor let a motion, or a word, 
 
 I'he voice of prayei-, the voice of praise. Nor thought arise to grieve my Lord. 
 
DECEMBER 16. 3G3 
 
 Blessed are the pure hi hearty fur tJietj shall see Cod. — 
 Matt. V. .8. 
 
 Every institution of purification under the law rcfcirtd to 
 Jesus, the purifier of his' people. Okl-Testamcnt >aints rcLcivtd 
 inward purity of heart from the same fountain, Jcbus ; and through 
 the same means, faith in him. Witiiout this inward purity of 
 heart, " without holiness, no man ever did or ever shall see tlie 
 Lord." When Jesus comes to his temple, even tlic hearts of his 
 people, he " sits as a refiner and purifier." Sinners are the objects 
 of his love. Sin is the accursed thing his soul hales. From this he 
 purifies them. In purity and holiness his soul delights : %\iih this 
 lie blesses his disciples. He then pronoxnices them blessed. He 
 tells ihcm wherein their happiness consists: blessed are you, whose 
 hearts are pure : blessed are your eyes, for they shall sec Clod. 
 
 " Who oan bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one" of 
 fallen Adam's race. Job. xiv. 4. Such power belongs to God oifly. 
 Man contributes nothing hereto. 13ut man, every believing, rege- 
 nerate man, is the blessed subject of purity ai^d holiness of heart. 
 He has no hand in purifying his heart. No glory is due to him. 
 But hsiy, blessed effects flow from it, to God his Saviour's glory, to 
 his present felicity, and to his eternal comfort and joy. To thy 
 shame disciple, thou knowest being a child of an apostate, sinful 
 parent, naturally only sin was the delight of thine heart. It is thy 
 present blessedness to be a child of the holy God, a member of the 
 holy Jesus, a subject of the holy Spirit's new creating influence, 
 •and a partaker of holy faith. 
 
 Hence it is natural to thy holy, new-born lie art, to love holiness, 
 as agreeable to the perfections of thy God and Saviour, and as it is 
 suitable to thy present stale of blessedness in Christ Jesus. Whence 
 those sighs and sorrows at finding tlie Canaanitcs still in the land? 
 Whence those groans and prayers because sin dwtlleth in the flesh? 
 Whence those importunate cries and longing rcciuests to Jesus for 
 total victory and perfect freedom from this troublesome inmate ? 
 Whence that holy joy and sweet complacency in Ijringing forth " the 
 fruits of holiness ?" These arc indubitable evidences that thou art 
 united to a holy Jesus, that thy heart is purified by faith, that thou 
 hast a heart cleansed from all sin by Christ's blood. A new hcuri 
 and right Spirit are put within thee. Thou dost sec God iu Chiist 
 NOW as thy covenant-God. Thou hast received covenant blcssingi 
 from him. Rejoice in him. Shortly, thou shall see him and enjoy 
 liim to all eternity in his kingdom and glory. 
 
 Elcss'J arc the liicn of In-okcn heart, TJlos^'J .-irc tl.e i.un:, ^. l.o^o hcirtt art 
 
 A\'ho mouni for siu uitli in#ai-d sin^rt : From ihc tlcfiliug po« 'r» of »in ; [clean, 
 
 'I'hc blood of Cluist divinely now.«, ' \\ itli cnJk-' l'lrn»>'ic tlirj sJi.U vx, 
 
 A licaliic- I'l'lm for all thch- ^^ of r A tio.I flf ip-Utsi pwi'/-. 
 
364 DECEMBER 17. 
 
 Righteousness deliver eth from death. — Prov. xi. 4. 
 
 When a poor sinner is brought to judge of himself according t» 
 the word of truth, then is he truly wise. When he sees the exceed- 
 ing sinfulness of sin, he is humbled before the Lord. When he con- 
 siders " the wages of sin is death," he fears and trembles. But 
 when he is enabled to believe he is righteous in the sight of God, 
 then he is truly happy. His soul rejoiceth, because his eyes have 
 seen the salvation of God ; and he hath found a righteousness that 
 delivers from death. It is never well with the soul, but when in 
 simplicity and godly sincerity, it forms its judgment of sin and righ- 
 teousness from the word of the Lord. For carnal reason and fleshly 
 wisdom pervert and draw it aside from tlie truth as it is in Jesus. 
 Sin is a transp;vession of the laAv, which is holy, just, and good. 
 " Death has passed upon all men." Verily then I am a cursed sin- 
 ner, and have need to cry daily, " God be merciful to me !" Lord, 
 deliver my soul from death ! What is righteousness, but a perfect 
 obedience to the law of God ? I have no lighteousness in myself. 
 I have sinned. A sinner righteous in himself is a contradiction 
 in terms. 
 
 But here is our mercy ; as by man sin entered into the world, and 
 death as the curse of sin : so by man came righteousness ; and as a 
 blessing of it, dcliverraice from death. Where can we turn our eyes? 
 to whom can we look for this righteousness, this blessing, this de- 
 liverance ? To the man, Mediator, surety, and' representative of his 
 people, Jesus, only. He is emphatically styled " the righteous," 
 ] John ii. I . This is the comfortable testimony the Spirit of trutli bears 
 of Jesus, " He was made to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we 
 (who have no righteousness in. ourselves) might be made the righ- 
 teousness of God IN HIM," 1 Cor. V. 21. So the righteous Jehovah, 
 who loveth righteousness, and whose countenance beholds the thing 
 that is just, is well pleased Avith the members of Jesus : for they 
 are clothed with his righteousness. The Lord laid their sins upon 
 Jesus. The Lord imputes the righteousness of Jesus to them 
 without any work of theirs. So he delivers them from deserved 
 death ; so he justifies them in righteousness unto cternallife : every 
 believer is as peifectly righteous in Christ as if he had never 
 siiUfied. Here is thy happiness, O believer ! it is thy joyful privi- 
 lege thus to judjje of thviclf. To live in this view of thyself is 
 agreeable to the truth of God's word : it is witnessed to thy soul 
 by the comforter, through faith. This makes the soul joyful in 
 truth. This animates to all holy obedience in love. This gives 
 confidence in prayer, comfort is life, deliverance from death, and 
 boldne'ss at the awful bar of judf^mcnt. Thus " grace reigns 
 through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord," 
 Rom. V. 21. 
 
DECEMBER 18. 565 
 
 Let the peace of God rule in your licurf.s. to ii'luch ye art: 
 called in one body ; and be ye thankful — Col, iii. 15. 
 
 Every exhorlution in the word of pjtucc implies a coiuraiy I'.is- 
 position in the f.tUen nature of saints. Because ihovi hast turbultncy 
 and disorder in thy flesh, therefore art ihou. believer, culUd upon 
 by the word, to oppose it in the grace of the Spirit. Here is thy 
 dciily exercise. AVe sliall surely meet with many things from uilhiu 
 and without, which are contraiy to the peace of our minds, and llic 
 comfort of our hearts. Thou. O man of God, art to flee these thinj^s; 
 watch at^ainst them ; pray for victory over tlitm. Thou hast llic 
 most powerful excitements hereto. Jesus hath made peacc-by the 
 blood of his cross. Every disciple is called to the knowkd|je unJ 
 enjoyment of it through faith. Called to be of that one body whereof 
 Jesus is the head. Hence the hand-writing of U»e law of accusation 
 is cancelled in the mind ; sin is dethroned in the licart ; the clamours 
 of conscience silenced ; and sweet peace with God inwaixlly felt. 
 Dost thou, soul, possess tliis happy slate ? What tlien sluJl be the 
 umpire ? What the detcrmininsj rule of thy conduct ? Live by the 
 word of truth on the prince of peace ; so shall thy outward actions 
 be pjoveraed right. 
 
 Peace with God is the fruit of everlasting love. Its root was 
 planted in the eternal coimsel ; it blossoms and Ijears fruit in the life 
 and death of Jesus ; and poor sinners reap the sweet, heartfelt hen.sc 
 of it by faith. Nothing can destroy tliis heavenly plant ; but many 
 things may cause it to droop and wither in sense and experience. 
 Z-e? the peace of God rule. Hence it is plain thou art exposed to 
 many things which may prevent its ruliitg ; those are to be guaidcil 
 against. While the peace of God rears its head, and rules in the 
 heart, its natural influence is to follow peace with all men. Yea, the 
 peaceful soul embraces every member of the prince of peace in the 
 open arms of faith and love. And canst thou barter the enjoyment 
 of this rich gem of thy Redeemer's crown, for the grutificaiions of 
 unbridled passion, unchristian resentment, undue revenyje against 
 thy brother ? Hath thy Lord dealt so with thee ? Has this Ik-cm the 
 rule of the meek Lamb's conduct? Thou knowest otherwise. "Dear- 
 ly beloved, avenge not yourselves." Yes : avenge thyself on 'the 
 enemy of thy peace. O disciple, thy pride is the cause of angcf and 
 passion. Here fix all thy indignation. Against this be fired with a 
 holy resentment. A sense of anger will hinder thy prayers. Rtscnl- 
 ment will shut up thy spirit against gratitude and thankfulness lo il.y 
 God. O, offer up this sweet sacrifice continually from tly hca:t. 
 Beware lest the smoke of pride and corruptions clo\id thy mind, and 
 darken thy soul. Be humble. Humility is llu ground of gi-ulilude. 
 «' Remember thy calling, and study to M';Uk worthy of ii," J'phcs. iv. 1 . 
 
 Voh. I. X X 
 
366 DECEMBER 19. 
 
 A}id Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not b^ 
 taken away from her. — Luke x. 42. 
 
 What ihe Lord said of Aaron's rod, is true of the hearts of all 
 his elect : " The man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom," 
 Numb. xvii. 5» To see a dead withered stick, cut oft' ti om the root, 
 bring forth blossoms, is a miracle in nature. So when the soul of 
 a once dead sinner shoots forth the blossoms of affection to, and 
 ciiooses Jesus as its portion and happiness, and brings fortii fruits of 
 holiness ; this is a miracle of grace. 
 
 The love of Jesus to his people was not only conceived in his heart 
 from eternity, but was manifested in his life and death in time. So 
 when our hearts are made accjuamted with the love of Jesus, it can- 
 not be hid. When Jesus is chosen as our treasure, our affections 
 cleave to him, we follow him ; our delight is to hear his voice, to 
 sit at his feet, and attend upon the gracious words which drop from 
 his lips. Blessed be his name, he indulges Ms people now with 
 spiritual, real communion with him ; though we enjoy not his bodily 
 presence. This is our heaven upon earth. But it differs from the 
 heaven of glory in this ; because here are many things that interrupt 
 our constant enjoyment of Jesus — satan envies it — the flesh lusteth 
 against it — the world, with its profits and pleasures, tends to allure 
 OS from it. .And indeed the poor heart is oft times ready to fear it 
 shall lose Jesus' grace and salvation. Though^ like Mary, the soul 
 hath chosen the good part in time, yet it sometimes doubts of the en- 
 joyment of its portion in a blissful eternity. But that is impossible ; 
 because Jesus is God, and it is impossible for God to lie. But had 
 not Martha also a part in this one thing needful ? Doubtless. But 
 still she was ever careful, and too much cumbered about other tilings. 
 This our Lord reproves. The same grace which was effectual ia 
 Mary's heart, influences the heart of every disciple to the same 
 choice ; therefore what Jesus said to her in tlie days of the flesh, is 
 wrote by his Spij-it for our consolation .and establishment in faith and 
 love. Mary displayed the greatness of her soul in being satisfied 
 with no object short of Jesus, and the humility of her heart in sitting 
 at his feet. Poor doubting, fearing believer, thy choice of Jesus is 
 tl^<t effect of God's choosing thee in Jesus ; therefore thy good part, 
 thy. happy choice, shall never be taken from thee; but thou shall 
 soon hear the voice of thy beloved, saying, "Come up hither." 
 <•'■ Where I am there shall my servants be. If any man serve mc, 
 him will my Father honor," John xii. 26. 
 
 Tli'isiJRilh the -wisdom of the Lord, The soul that seeks me shall obtain 
 
 DcHs'd isthoriian ihat licars my vord; TmmniLiil wealtli and licav'nly gain ; 
 
 Ke^jpsil!;ily watch before my };;atcs, ImmortaHife is his reward, 
 
 Ajw'i at my fuet lor mercy waits. In love aud fftvor of lus Lord. 
 
DECEMBER 20. 367 
 
 Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his .^on 
 Jesus Christ. — 1 John i. 3. 
 
 The prophet asks, " cannot two walk toj^cihcr, cxccpi ihcy be 
 agreed ?" Amos iii. 3. No. There can be no swcci conui.Uhioti. no 
 comfortable fellowship between God and man, excc^i ihcy be ufjrted. 
 See then, O soul, this fellowship is enjoyed l)y faith : for by fahh wc 
 are brought into agreement with God. CtjUbider, how the glorious 
 three concur to make our souls ihus hui^py. It pleased CIihI ihc 
 Father, that all fulness should dwell in liib Son. He deleni.i:.vd lo 
 display all his grace and glory in the man Jesus, for ihe sinner's buiva- 
 tion — Hence he saith to us, " This is my beloved Son, lu whom 1 uin 
 well pleased, hear yc him." But we are averse to agree witii (Jr4 
 and to hear Jesus. We had rather have fellowship wuh the unlruii- 
 ful works of darkness, and that the devil should rule over us ; iiicin 
 that Jesus should have the whole gioiy oi saving us by his m..cc. 
 But the dear Spirit loves us with equaliy the sune love as Ujc i-aihtr 
 and the Son doth. He takes tiie scaks of ignorance irom our eyes, 
 and the veil of unbelief from our hearts; then we fall in love with 
 Jesus'' precious person. He convinces us of our sin ano uiiscrj-. Oi 
 then we gladly hear and joyfully ^receive Jesus lo be our S.i\iour. 
 Then we come to the exact point where the Taiher meeis Ub ^nd em- 
 braces us, even in his Son Jesus. He suitli to us, o my blessetl sons 1 
 All I have is yours. We say to him, O our lovnig Faiher ! All we 
 are is thine. And just as children of one family Jiavc sweet com- 
 munion, loving uitercourse, and agreeable fellowship with each other, 
 and with their common parents ; so have we wiUi our heavenly Fa- 
 ther, and our dear brother, Jesus, in our spirits. He speaks tons;- 
 WQ hear and obey. We pray to him ; he hears and answers. ^Vc 
 kave fellowship in the Father's everlasting love ; in the Son's ever- 
 lasting righteousness, atonement, salvation, and intercession, tlirough 
 the Spirit's everlasting consolation. O, what astonishing grace 1 O, 
 what wonder of love is this ! Sinners of a mortal race enjoy close 
 fellowship and intimate communion with tlic higii and lofty one who 
 inhabits eternity. This is our highest felicity below. Here wc 
 admire, adore, and love. Angels behold with wonder and jny our 
 conversion to it. .But this fills with envy and fires with rage, ih«' ' 
 infernal spirits. They hate the truth, and oppose our knowledge 
 and enjoyment of it. Though satan is not ixquuinied with our sneel 
 fellowship, yet he sees we are not delighted to have feJlowship with 
 him in unfruitful works of darkness. Hence he is our adversary. 
 And all the world, who are under his inlluencc, he stirs up withim- 
 placable enmity against us. But what of all this ? Faiih is our vie- 
 toiy. And as' this fellowship is begun in faith ; so the holy Spirit 
 vill maintain it in the soul by faitli below, till wc come to tlic fullest 
 enjoyment of God and .the Lanib above. 
 
368 DECEMBER 21. 
 
 That we might have strong consolation, xvho have Jled for 
 refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before us. — Heb. vi. 18. 
 
 Man is equally fallen from God with the devil. There is only 
 tl^iis difference between them; sovereign grace provides hope for men, 
 and not for devils. Jesus is the only hope for lost sinners. To 
 hira the heirs of promise flee. In him they find a refuge from every 
 danger. Like the man-slayer under the Uiw, who was in danger of 
 death on every side, and no way of safety but in the city of refuge, 
 which God appointed for him. Here his life was safe. The law of 
 God was his protection. No one durst take vengeance on him. 
 Such was God's provision for him. Infinitely superior are the set- 
 tlements of grace. The salvation of the soul, with eternal life and 
 glory ai'e for ever secured to us by God's immutable counsel, his 
 iuvioluble promises — Yea more, God has pledged himself ; he hath 
 confirmed all by his oath. O, the cursed nature of vuibelief ! It 
 makes the God of truth a liar : it would prove the God of faithful- 
 ness perjured. O, the devilish nature of pride ! It would share in the 
 glory of salvation ; it disowns our damned state ; and therefore denies 
 the sovereignty of grace. Pride rises into wrath at distinguishing 
 grace, that God should bestow his favor upon whom he please th, 
 which he owes to no one. For who hath deserved his grace ? Glory 
 to the rich grace of our God, a present refuge, a present hope are 
 freely set before us ; and strong consolation enjoyed by us now. 
 
 Are the eyes of our undel'standing enlightened to see Jesus, the 
 hope of our caUing ? the insufficiency of every other hope ? Have 
 we fled from every refuge of lies to Jesus, and Uiid hold on him by 
 faith as our only hope ? This is by the grace of the holy Spirit. 
 He is our comforter. He administers strong consolation to our souls 
 from Jesus. The "immutability of God's counsel ; and the confir- 
 ination of his oath" centers in Jesus. See thy distinguishu)g grace, 
 O believer, and rejoice. Not only safe, but happy ; not only secure, 
 but joyful. This is grace upon grace. Not only glory in reversion, 
 but grace in possession. You see your calling, brethren ; and the 
 riches of your inheritance with all saiiits. These are your strong 
 holds, ye prisoners of hope. Though imprisoned m a body of sin 
 and death ; exposed to unbelieving doubts and fears ; liable to sore 
 t^riiils and conflicts with your adversary, satan ; yet ever consider this ; 
 nothing but consolation, strong consolation awaits you in Christ 
 Jesus. He is your constant refuge, your only hope : " Abide in 
 lue," saith the Lamb. He would have us be simple of heart , so 
 shall we be joyful in Spirit. Fot' verily, if we look to any other 
 object b\it Jesus, we shall smart for it. We can draw comfort from 
 no other. In Jesus we can triumph with joy ; and challenge yviili 
 confidence " who shall by any thing to the charge of God's elect," 
 Rom. viii. 33. 
 
DECEMBER 22. ^G9 
 
 Then all the disciples forsook him am/JIcd.^yiM. xx^ i. 5G. 
 
 On rcadinpj this, who can rclVain from crying out, '* Lord, what 
 is man !" What dinger um I in ! Lord, keep mc I Whut awful 
 effects have a fit of fcar and a frame of uii'jclitf produced i Ikrc 
 wae the beloved disciple Jo/m, who lay hi tlie Uosyni of Jesus ; the 
 courageous Pefcr, who was to die with him ; the ambitious Janiei 
 who requested to sit at his right hand in his kingdom ; with CVC17 
 one of the other disciples, forsaking lUid Hying from innocence in 
 distress. The shepherd was seized, iind the affrighted she p were 
 instantly scattered. Provoking ingratitude ! Dosi thou thii)l;,0 my 
 soul, thou wouldst have acted one whit better ? Verily, if so thou art 
 vain. Now if Jesus had chosen them, and continued to love ihcm, 
 on condition of their faitliful conduct towards hnn, ihrn single 
 instance was sufficient to turn his love to hatred, his election of ihein 
 into reprobation, and casting them off forever. 
 
 What then becomes of terms and conditions of salvation ? The 
 notion eclipses God's glory ; feeds pride ; shackles the faitii of 'sin- 
 ners. If our dear Saviour was to judge of and dctci'niine the state 
 of his disciples from their outward conduct as wc too, 100 oft do by 
 ourselves, miglit he not reason thus concerning them ? «• What 
 treachery and deceit have I met" with from these wretches I Wlulc 
 in my greatest agonies, they were desliiute of the least sympathizing 
 spirit : they indulged sleep, instead of granting one friendly request, 
 to watch with mc one hour : "though thrice awaked by mc, yet tlicy 
 shewed no regard for mc. At supper they all promised to ro to 
 prison and death with me. Here is one rash fellow halli cut 
 off an ear; and now, upon the very first sight of danger, as though 
 Ihcy had all combined together, they arc o// fled from mc ; uiid 
 soon, the most daring of them all will with horrid oaths and curses 
 deny that he knows mc." Might we not expect to hear our Lord's 
 sentence, " Cut them asunder, and divide them their poriion with 
 hypocrites ?" It must be so, if salvation rested upon terms and con- 
 ditions. But no; grace reigns; not for days aiul years, but to 
 eternal life. Astonisliing as their ingratitude, hi;;hly provokin- ax 
 their conduct was to Jesus, yet more astonishing his love, and l;i;^her 
 his mercy surmounts than all their offences. Hence, uin.-z!; j; to 
 read, tlie very first message Christ sends is fihl of Io\e lind 
 fraught with affection. «* Love covers a multitude of sins." Not one 
 word of upbraiding ; but, " Go and tell my brethren," Stc. Surely, 
 O Jesus, never was love like thine I What I brethren still ? Yes ; th«* 
 bond of union, the dear relation ever subsists; nor iin, nor d<»itJi, 
 nor hell, shall ever destroy it. "But, O christian, under a sci.«- of 
 base ingratitude to, and forsukhig of Ji sus, what wounds sc cicip 
 as love ? What humiliation, what repenting* does lovi kfudit ut Uic 
 heart? "Godly sorrow workcth repentance to biUvation," 'iCo; .vii. l<'. 
 
S76 DECEMBER 23. 
 
 Charity shall cover the multitude of sins > — 1 Pet. iv. 8. 
 
 Many sinners have and do awfully deceive their poor souls by 
 R sad perversion of these words. For they suppose tliat being- chari- 
 table to the poor will cover the multitude of their sins from the sight 
 * of a holy, sin-avenging God. O fatal mistake ! Hence they are 
 encouraged in their sinful practices, from such a viiin, unscriptural 
 notion. It is thy mercy, believer, to be delivered ir«m such delu- 
 sion, by the truth as it is in Jesus. For to atone for sin was his 
 Wessed work. He hath done it efPectviaily by shedding his precious 
 blood. And every believer in Jesus is the only blessed man, whose 
 sins are covered by his all-perfect righteousness. Hei'e is the true 
 source and spring of charity, or rather love, love to God and man. 
 «We love God, because he first loved us," 1 John iv. 19. And 
 through the faith of this vrc obey his commandment, « Love one 
 another." 
 
 Of this charity, or love, the most excellent things are spoken, 
 1 Cor. xiii. It is in the heart of every believer. Love influences to 
 put the best constructions upon the behaviour of others : to hide their 
 faults v/ith a veil of charity ; to cast a mantle of kindness over their 
 failings. Like the painter, who drew the picture of Alexander 
 with his finger on the scar in his face : so love has a kind finger to 
 l\idc the scars and blemishes and to cover the sins of others. Love 
 sees no faults. See it exemplified in that most illustrious exemplar 
 of charity, Jesus, in his deep distressing cgonies aiKl conflicts 
 in the gai'den, when one would have thought his dear disciples could 
 not be so regardless of his sufferings, so deaf to his request, as not 
 to v/atch with him one hour. But, instead of this, they indulged 
 themselves with sleep. Here love covered this fault. " The Spirit 
 is willing." Love speaks what is right. Love finds an excuse for 
 what is wrong, " The flesh is weak." And when the same most 
 blessed pattern of love hung expiruig in the greatest agonies on the 
 cross, yet arnidst all the taunts and jeers of his enemies and mur- 
 tlerers,- love vented itself with his expiring breath, " Father, forgive 
 them ;" adding this is a veil or covering', ',' for tliey know not what 
 they do." Thus hath Jesus left us an example. He hath given us 
 £ new commandment, « Love one another." May the spirit of love 
 Iccep alive this heavenly temper, and blow up every spark into a 
 fcrvejjt flame, that all men may know his disciples by this badge oi 
 charity or love, and be forccil to confess, " Sec how these chri-oliani. 
 love, one another." 
 
 JLnvo suffers long witli patient eye, ISIillice Rnd rage, tliosc fires of hell. 
 
 Nor is provok'd in baste ; She quen'clies v ith ]ier tongue ; ~ 
 
 h\\c lots tlie^prcscnt inj'i'v flie, .Hopes and believes, an<J thii\ks no ill. 
 
 And long forgets the past- Tho' slie endures the wrong. 
 
DECEMBER 24. 371 
 
 Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermosty all who come 
 unto GoUby hiniy seeing he ever liveth tomake interces- 
 sion for them. — Hcb. vii. 25. 
 
 When the strong blasts of temptations blow, the swelling wave* 
 of corruptions lift up their heads : sulan casts his fiery darts : the 
 thunders of Sinai roar: the law threatens wrath and dcslruclioji : 
 carnal reason pleads : unbelief pronounces hopeless despair on tl\cni: 
 happy for believers to take up the language of faith, expressed by 
 the children of God of old, " We arc not careful to answer in tliis 
 matter : our God, wliom wc serve, is able to deliver us ; and he will 
 deliver us," Dun. iii. 16, 17. Admirable failh ajid fortitude ! A 
 shining example of Old-Testament saints, woriliy to be imitated by 
 New-Testament disciples. Such a conduct yields ease to the muid, 
 and peace to tlie conscience ; while it confesses Jesus tlie only Sa- 
 viour, it gives him the glory due to his llame. Ajid, verily, accord- 
 ing to their faith so it was. They were saved to the uttermost. 
 Though cast into the fiery furnace, they had the presence ef Jesus ; 
 and" he delivered them out of it unhurt. 
 
 Who can prescribe bounds t& the salvation of Jesus ? He saves 
 according to his ability. Who can limit that which extends to the 
 uttermost ? Thou comer to God by Jesus, thmk not sin is too strong 
 in thee for Jesus to save thee from. " He is almighty to save to the 
 uttermost." Art thou not v, illing thus to be saved ? Verily faith 
 longs for it, love desires it, hope expects it. Stagger not through 
 unbelief. Our object of faith is a once crucified Jesus, and ever- 
 living, interceding man and Mediator, and who is also the omnipotent 
 God. Is any thing too hard for the Lord ? Why tlien should sin 
 hold thee one moment under its power ? why should it at all distress 
 thy mind ? Nay, it could not, but for thy unbelief. But is not the 
 strength of Jesus the most powerful encouragement for poor sinners 
 to come to God continually ? A throne of grace is ever open. A God 
 of love " seated on it. Jesus ever lives, and always prays. A sal- 
 vation to the uttermost perfection is promised, andthc infinitely 
 powerful Jehovah" able to effect it. Coming to God by Jesus, O 
 this is a sweet mystery for faith to feed upon, to be nourished and 
 strengthened by ! We arc confident of access, perfectly sure of accep- 
 tance by Jesus. We are not left to perhaps or peradventure, because 
 it is not founded upon ourselves, upon what we have done or can do, 
 but upon the eternal life, everlasting love, and unchangeable pric»t- 
 hood of Jesus. 
 
 Clirlst over-i-ules all mortal tilings, Oiir sorrows an.l our tr.-.n wr pour 
 
 Ami manages .nil otir afllurs ; Into tlic l.osomof our C(h1 ; 
 
 On humble souls tbc King of kings lie hears us in the nionrnful huor, 
 
 Bcs».ow3 Us counsels an.l his crl.-s. \m\ hflps OS hear the Iicary loa»f. 
 
372 DECEMBER 25, 
 
 Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son^ and shall 
 call his 7iame Immanuel. — Isa. vii. 14. 
 
 On this prophecy iuaigs the hopes of fallen smners. Had this 
 word failed, we were all damned forever. Horror eternal awaited 
 us. Hell eternal must have been our doom. God must be born a 
 babe in time, or sinful man is forever lost. But, O my fellow sinners, 
 all hall ! I congrutulate you. This day is this scripture fulfilled. 
 This virgin hath conceived. This son, this Imniiuiuel is born, God 
 in our nature : God with us: God for us, we behold in Jesus. He 
 says, " I was set up from everlasting," (as the covenant head of my 
 people) — " My delights were Avith the sons of men," Pi'ov. viii. 23, 
 31. O, he hath shewn how he delighted over us, how he rested for 
 'ever in his love to us. For he came to visit us in our flesh. " Verily 
 he took not on him the nature of angels," but he became a babe in 
 human flesh, a man in stature; born to save, lived to justify, died to 
 redeem— who? fallen angels? No. They are left reserA'^ed in chains 
 of darkness. But unto us sinners against God, us miserable apos- 
 tates from God, in the very same desperate state as devils are : 
 behold " unto us a child is born ; unto us a son is given." That we 
 who are filthy by birth, and polluted by nature, might haA'^e a holy 
 birth, and a sanctified nature in him. " The government is upon 
 his shoulders." He is our King. He reigns over us, for us, and 
 in us. Our souls and all our concerns are, safe in his hands. " His 
 name is wonderful." In his conception, his birth, his person, 
 God and man in one Christ; in his life, his death, his resurrection, 
 ascension, and intercession, AAondcrful. In his love to us, and sal- 
 \-ation of us, Avonderful. " Counsellor." He poAverfulIy pleads our 
 cause above : he sAveetly counsels our hearts .belovv to come to him ; 
 so Ave find blessed rest in him. " The mighty God." No less 
 Gould save us. Jesus is the God of our salvation. " The ever- 
 lasting p-ATHER." He begets us to himself by the Avord of his 
 grace. The most tender parent on earth never loved his children as 
 Jesus loves us. The Prince of Peace," Isa. ix. 6. He is ever 
 at peace Avith us, has made peace for us, bestoAvs his peace on us. 
 
 O, ye sinners of the human race, if as verily as the virgin con- 
 ceived and brought forth this son, your hearts conceive Jesus by 
 faith, this Avill bring forth holy love to Jesus. The birth of Jesus is 
 our delicious Christmas fare. Behold it, says the prophet ; dwell 
 on it in your minds, feed on it in your hearts. To conceive of our 
 Lord becoming a babe, living in flesh for us, dying on the accursed 
 tree to take aAvay our sins and save our souls ; Avhile we count all 
 other hopes vain, O this makes us keep a joylul Christmas all the 
 year round. For this I^rings " glory to God in the hif>hcst, peace on 
 earth, good will towards men," Luke ii. 14. 
 
DECEMBER 26. 373 
 
 fFe are his workmanship, created in Clirist Jesus untoi^ood 
 works, which God hath before orduim d that we should 
 walk in thevu — Eph. ii. 10. 
 
 Upon a survey of the works of creation, the psultnist cries out 
 with admiration, <« O Lord, how manifold arc thy works, in wisdom 
 hast thou made them all !" Is such a display of wisdon* and plory 
 visible in tlie objects of time and sense, which perish in tUi: usinj^, 
 and are destined to destruction ? O, what inliniie riches of wisdom, 
 glory, and love, are manifest in the new creation in Christ Jtsus, 
 which are of a spiritual and eternal nature ! Sucli is the occonomy of 
 the covenant of grace, the glorious three persons in the evcr-adoral)le 
 trinity concur in the salvation of sinners, God the Fattier elects in 
 Christ Jesus to glory, and ordains good works, as the fruits of ever- 
 lasting love, for all the heirs of salvation to walk hi. Jesus, in whom 
 they are, chosen, atones for all the guilt of their sins, and fiecs tiiom 
 from all the condemnation of the law. And Uic divine Spirit creates 
 their souls anew in righteousness, psace, aiid holiness. But why 
 doth lie say, " created in Clnist Jesus ?'' Because we are his mem- 
 bers ; one with him, beloved in him, chostu in him, viewed in him ; 
 loved with the very same love, as Jesus our head is — John xvii. 23. 
 What is v/rought in us by the power of God the Spirit, is not to 
 gloii*\' us in our ov.n eyes, to make us hidf pendent of our head, 
 Jesus ; but to glorify him, and keep us in close union to, and sweet 
 comiTiunion with him ; that so our good works, our fruits of right- 
 eousness which arc by Jesus Christ, may abound to the gloiy of God. 
 How awful is this delusion, under the pretence of exalting Jesus to 
 depreciate the work of his Spirit in us^ How fatal the nui.ti.kc of 
 thinking our good works arc to rcconuuend us to God's favor ? But 
 how does the devil amuse poor dead sinners with notions of good 
 works, and swell them with the pride of their works ! as tJiough 
 they were the price of God's favor, and the purchase of his kingdom. 
 All such works are of the flesh, they flow from pride and unbelief, 
 and are a'curscd. The seventeenth article of our church speaks of 
 " walking rdit^iously in good work-u." As though there are no good 
 works, but what "^ring from the religion of Jesus. Christian, what 
 tliou art called to in life, that thou art created to in thy soul. Those 
 duties exhorted to in the word, thou hast strength to pcrfonn by the 
 Spirit. Therefore, though sinful and lost, in thy first creation, yet 
 thou art saved and righteous by the new creation in Christ Jesus. In 
 him, being one with him, thou mayest say with Paul, " I have A\ 
 thi-igs and abound," Phil. iv. 18. 
 No- t-1 the teiTois nftlie LonJ, Kul up nrc come to Sion's liill, 
 
 T!, t.-mi.csl, fiicrin.lsnK.Vf, The ci(y of otir (;<kI. 
 
 Nof to the ti.ni..(vr of that word "VV litre iiiildor « onUdoclarc his will. 
 
 Which iWA on Sinni spoke. And sj)ic»U hii Iotc abinaj. 
 
 Vot. I. Y V 
 
374 DECEMBER 27. 
 
 The God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet 
 shortly. — Rom. xvi. 20. 
 
 It is very common for the followers of the Lamb to reason, but 
 not right, after this manner : " how can I be a son of the God of 
 peace ? how can I be a subject of the prince of peace, seeing I am 
 daily in war and fi.tjhtings ? If at any time the sweet sound of peace 
 is heard iri my heart, aiid the comforting sense of peace is felt in my 
 conscience, soon some rebel lust, some sinful passion, or some fiery 
 durt of the enemy, makes an attack upon me ; hence war commences 
 and peace is banished." Nay but, soul, Jesus is still thy peace. God 
 is ever at peace with thee. Glory in this always. Know thou art to 
 fight the good fight of failli as a soldier of Jesus. Thy present state 
 exposes thee to enemies. Being born again of the Spirit, thy flesh 
 lusteth agamst thee, and thou feelest it, art groaning under it and 
 striving against it. The strong man, satan, who hei-ctofore kept thee 
 in possession, when thou wast at peace with him, is now cast cut by 
 Jesus ; therefore he besieges and attacks. The v/orld with its vani- 
 ties, its children witli tiieir smiles and frowns, promises and threaten- 
 ings, animated by " the god of this world," are at war with thee ; 
 because thou art not of this world, but of the kingdom of Jesus. 
 
 That this combined power opposes thee, is a scriptural mark that 
 thou art born of God. That tliou art at war with them, is an evidence, 
 a happy evidence of the life of thy soul, and of thy faith and love in 
 Christ Jesus. Rather let this strengthen thy confidence than deject 
 thy mind. Was it any proof that Jesus was not the Son of God, be- 
 cause satan tried to make liim question it, and tempted him to idola- 
 try, covetousness and self-murder ? Did this destroy his hope and 
 peace in his God and Father ? Nor need his temptations interrupt 
 tliinc. Thy God knows thou art conflicting with satan. It is his 
 good pleasure to permit it for a season. Yea; he knows also thou 
 canst not bruise satan, much less overcome him. Natural men urc 
 ready to ask what is tl:is Lruiiing of satan: we see no need of it. 
 No, itib becar.sfc they lie last asleep in his' arms. But those who arc 
 aw^ake, and flee from him, he ever tries to distress. But, U chris- 
 tian, here is tliy comfort, Jesus has bruised the serpent's head, I'hy 
 assurance of victory lies in the almighty power of Jesus, and faithful 
 proltnise of thy Father. Look up with confidence for as sure as satan 's 
 head is bruised, thy God, who is at peace with thcc, is at war with 
 every enemy that is against thee. Fight with courage. He will 
 strengthen thee to stand against, yea more, give thee perfect victory 
 over all the powers of daikness, all the malice of hell. As a vanquish- 
 td foe ihou sbalt tread satan under thy feet shortly. " Say to thejn 
 that are of u fearful heart, L^c strong, feai- not : behold your God will 
 come with vengcanccj (against the enemy) he will come and save 
 YOU," Isa. XXXV. 4. 
 
DECEMBER 28. 375 
 
 rut ye on the LordJesus Christ.-^Rom. xrii. li. 
 
 i\Ian vs an active being. Happiness is liis pursuit. «' ^V!.o will 
 shew mc any good :" is his continual enquiry. But to seek it from 
 wrong objects is his constat practice. Hence naturally we arc ever 
 restless aiul unea.sy. The ncw-bora soul only has found the centre 
 ol!truc felicity, real good, and permanent happiness, in tin- know- 
 ledge ami enjoyment of his Saviour I Here paradise is V(.;^aincd : a 
 heaven of bliss is restored to his soul. It is the peculiar gloiy of 
 the go<-pel, it ever presents a precious object to our mind, even the 
 Lord Jesus, from whom alone we derive peace of conscience, joy of 
 heait, and transport of soul. Is there, believer, a day in tl;e year, 
 an hour in the day, wherein thou wouklsl pray to be excused from 
 putting on the Lord Jesus Christ as the perfection of thy nature, 
 and the adorning of thy soul ? Surely notr As " one made alive from 
 tlie dead," the Holy Ghost, by the word, stirs up tliy " pure mind, 
 by way of remembrance." Thou art not called to dream over dry, 
 heathenish lectures of morality j nor from philosophic rules to ac- 
 quire this and the other habit of virtue; jiciiher art thou left to liccn- 
 tiousr liberty, to make provision for tlie flesh, to fulfil tlie lusts thereof. 
 But it is to be the daily exercise of t!'y believing mind to put on the 
 Lord Jesus Christ as the essence of every virtue; for in this coiisisls 
 all thy present comfort and holiness. And by this thou wilt become 
 dead to all the pleasing, inviting objects that stand so tliick aiound 
 thee to beguile thy mind, and draw thine heart from its best friend. 
 
 The miser calls his gold his own, it is his god. Hence he exer- 
 cises all his affections upon it, and derives all his happiness from it 
 The man of pleasure is in continual search after tlic enjoyment of new 
 delights from the gay surrounding objects of a perishing; world. In- 
 finitely greater blessings are christians called to. O, belicvci', Jesus 
 is thine. In the exercise of thy mind and the affectioni of thy soul ; 
 put on thy Lord continually as tliy righteousness, tliy syength, tliy 
 riches, thy pleasure, thy honor, thy glory, tliy all. Oppose Christ 
 to all the pleasures of the world, to all t!ie delights of sense, and 
 every scene of vanity. Put on Christ in thy conscience ; there plead 
 the atonement of his precious blood agauist tlie guilt of s.in, the per- 
 fection of his righteousness to every demand of the law, the p; ev.ilen- 
 cy of his intercession agiunst all thy fears,.the freeness and fulness 
 of his promisf;s against all thy doubts. Boldly withstand every accu- 
 sation from satan with, " Christ hath died, yea rallicr is risen again ; 
 and ever lives to make intercession for us ;" " Who is he th.a ton- 
 dcmncth r" Rom. viii. 64. 
 
 Strangely, my soul, art tliou arr-iyM I" ■'wcctcn liarniony of pr»i»c 
 B; tlK^ncai sacrcU tLicc ! 1 " -^'-^ '-h' I'owcn agree. 
 
376 DECEMBER 29. 
 
 The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober ^ and 
 "watch unto prayer, — Pet iv. 7. 
 
 Yesterday we were born. To-day we live. To-morrow we 
 die. The sum total of human life is justly calculated by the hoary, 
 hetided patriarch, Jacob, " Few and evil have the days of the years 
 of my life been," Gen. xlvii, 9. A truth this that lies level with 
 the common observation and judgment of all men ; but is admitted 
 into the regenerate heart and conscience only with ihdt importance it 
 demands, so as suitably to affect the mind and influence the con- 
 duct. Hence, the absolute necessity of divine faith ; the continual 
 need of the believing soul exercising his mt:ditations upon the 
 sure and certain approaching dissolution of ail tliu;gs. So he learns 
 to die dviily to the perishing objects of time and sense ; and to live 
 like himself, as an immortal inhabitant of a city that hath founda- 
 tions, whose builder and maker is God. To live and lean upon our 
 beloved Jesus as the stay of one's soul and the strength of one's 
 hope this is true happiness. While all things below perish in ihe 
 using ; invisible realities ripen in prospect, and most powerfully 
 engage our affections ; because they are durable and eternal. Hence, 
 the soul is excited to watchfulness, that he may stand — to prayer, 
 that he may be kept — and to sobriety, that he may persevere. O, 
 believer, thou canst not but count drunkencss <uid whoredom great 
 sins ; but know also, the cares, riches, pleasures, and honors of 
 this world, as really intoxicate' the mind, and cause the heart to be 
 guilty of spiritual adultery against thy loving, lawful bridegroom, 
 Jesus, as outward, gross sins do the body. What need, what daily 
 need hast thou to watch constantly, to be sober continually, and to 
 pray always ? Pride is contrary to sobriety of judgment of thyself. 
 Lust and intemperance are inconsistent with the soundness of thy 
 faith, and stability of thy hope, and the exercise of thy love. These 
 are even at hand to beset thee. Say, therefore, when canst thou 
 dispense with a watchful frame of spii'it ? when intermit in prayer 
 to, and dependence on thy God ? O, thc^wect exercise of watching 
 imto prayer, for divine power : in prayer, for sweet enlargement : 
 after prayer, for a comfoi table answer from our Lord ! Ever may 
 this just reflection bct)n thy mind, when tempted or inclined to cast 
 in thy lot with the carnal, and to indulge thyself in attending the 
 bewitching scenes of sin, folly and \ unity : am I now acting like one 
 who knows the end of all things is at hand ? do I behave as one in 
 his right mind ? am T watching unto prayer ? can I desire, pray for, 
 and expect the sense of Jesus's love and presence to be with me ? 
 Remember thy calling ; it is to love and live upon an unseen Jesus, 
 and to act as ddly expecting to " receive the end of thy laith, tlje 
 salvation of thy soul," 1 Pet. i, 9. 
 
DECEMBER 30. 377 
 
 But thaids he Corl who givcth us the victory throuirh our 
 LordJesus Christ — I Cor. xv. 57. 
 
 Death, thoiip;h conrjiicrcd liy Jesus ; thoi!p;h disai-mcd (>f iis 
 strencjth and stiiifi^ by oni* victorious Lord, so that it caimot destroy, 
 nay, not wound or hurt the soul of any cue of his dear mcmlK-rs ; 
 yet it is still an enemy, a formid-JjIc, disaj:jrecal>lc enemy to nature. 
 When we are le^f to our natural conceptions, death appeals to us mIiIj 
 the ^rim v'safrp of « the kinfj of terrors.'' We cannot ^^el rid of our 
 fears, nor are we able to make him put on a more amiable aspect. 
 Bjit when in the simplicity of little children, we p;o to our heavenly 
 Father, and tell hiin how we are uflfriR-hted and icirificd at the thought 
 and apprmch of that dreadful enemy, he drives away our fears and 
 terrors, and relieves otir minds. Rut how docs our ulVectionatc Fa- 
 ther pfTect this ? by telUnq; us we are perfect and sinless, and there, 
 fore wc have overcome death, we shall npv?r die, we have nothing 
 to fear, death connot hurt us ? No; thouq;h we are sinners in our- 
 selves, and as such must die ; though we arc without strength to 
 grapple with ajid su!)du'^ this powerful enemy, and though our bodies 
 must fall victims to bis stroke, yet. "praise ihi- Lord, O my soul, prai.sc 
 him all his samts." he giveth us the victory ; he puts songs of triumph 
 into our mouths, our hearts ; not for what Wi- have done, hut our 
 Father refers us to the glorious atchievcments of our eldtTbrolIicr, 
 Jesus ; he hath obtained a perfect conquest for all the children of 
 his Father's family; and victory is not only proclaimed but j^'ven. 
 Jesus is the unspeakable gift of the Father's love ; victory over death 
 is given through Jesus ; faith to believe it in the heart, and triun.ph 
 over it in the conscience, is his free gift also. Thus the Spirit testi- 
 fies of, and glorifies Jesus ; thus his members rejoice in tlie truth, 
 and are comforted by the truth. 
 
 Death was brought into the world by the father of lies, he is van- 
 quished and destroyed by Jesus, who is essentially (/le truth. <' The 
 soul that sinneth shall die." Die man, or justice must. The man 
 Jesus, the sinner's surety, fell a sacrifice to this truth ; hcjtcc truth 
 is fulfilled in his death, justice is satisfied, death is disarnud of iti 
 sting, which is sin. Jesus hath " put away sin, by the'sacrifit c oJ him- 
 self," Hcb. ix. 26. "And the strength of sin, which is the law, 
 Jesus hath perfectly fulfilled in his life for us." lie hath fully iiuswer- 
 ed all its demands, and by him all its accusations arc silenced. Pre- 
 cious Christ! Happy believer 1 What harm can the most fierce, poison- 
 ous monster do thee when it hath lost its sling, end is without any 
 strength ? Most precious tniih I " Death is yours," • ^O'"- '"• *^* 
 
 Now to the'God of victory Vlio makes iis coujiuVor* m liilc wc die. 
 
 LniAort^l tUauks be paid } Tint)' Cliri«i our living laud. 
 
578 DECEMBER 31. 
 
 Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come^ 
 ye blessed of my Father^ inherit the kingdom prepared 
 for you, from the foundation of the Tyor/c/.-Miitt.xxv.34. 
 
 This is a joyful word to our hearts now, " Come, let us reeisori 
 together, saith the Lord ; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall 
 be as white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as 
 wool," Isa. i. 18. This is another precious word from Jesus to our 
 souls, " CosiE unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I 
 will give you rest." O, but this last come, from the lips of our 
 KING, will be the most joyful crowning word of all I The best wme is 
 reserved for the last. Every soul who hath tasted of the first on earth, 
 shall assuredly drink his fill at the fountain-head, in a blissful, never- 
 ending eternity of glory. " Ye blessed of my Father ;" beloved 
 from eternity, and blessed to eternity. Chosen in me, blessed iu 
 me with all spiritual blessings, I was given to, I sought you, and 
 gathered you to myself in time ; now come to live and reign with me 
 for ever in my kingdom. O, is not the thoughts of this enough to 
 make one wish to break through the walls of our prison, the hotly I 
 Praise, O soul ! Call together all thy faculties I Rather, O divine 
 Spirit, realize the view, bring near the solemn, joyful day to our 
 minds ! Give us even now to dwell on it with ri;pture oi affections 
 and ardor of love. 
 
 "Inherit the kingdom prepared for yoQ;" not bought by your good 
 works, nor purchased by your well-doings, not obtained by your faith- 
 fulness, but by the free-gift of my Father's love and good pleasure, 
 richly prepared by his free-grace and bounty, purposely reserved for 
 you. Come ye ; all of ye. Not one of my little flock shall be 
 wanting ; there is a mansion for each of you ere you had a being, or 
 time commenced ; the kingdom was estabiisihed, the heirs chosen, 
 places prepared. I visited you on earth, so that you loved me 
 though you saw me not : I invisibly wo-rkcd upon your hearts, and 
 drew them out in love to myself, my cause, and my brethren, so you 
 approved yourselves my disciples by following my example. Come 
 ye, enter, possess, and enjoy what you v\''ere:born for? born again 
 to be meet for. O, mcthinks it strikes one's heart with heavenly 
 joy, to conceive of the loud hosannas and shoutings, (O that we may 
 catch the heavenly flame !) "Salvation to our God, who sitteih upon 
 the tiironc and unto the Lamb, unto him that loved us and washed 
 us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us kings and priests 
 unto God and his Father ; to him be glory and dominion for ever 
 and ever. Amen." Rev. i. 5, 6. 
 
 Kow to the 1.01(1 thrit miikes us know Be luiiDblc lionors paid below. 
 The wonders of his d viug love, And strains of nobler praise above. 
 
FEBRUARY 29. 379 
 
 ADDITIONAL MllDITAriON FOR LEAP-YEAR. 
 
 One born out of due time. — I Cor. xv. 8. 
 
 God's children want no other, tliey caii have np better proof of 
 the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and intci cession of their 
 Jesus than what the scriptures afford : they say with their niastcr, 
 "thy word is truth," John xvii. 17. They wish to have no other 
 ideas of God, of Christ, and of themselves^ than what the scriptui-ci 
 impress on their minds. They are fully satisfied of their hope of 
 salvation by Jesus only. This is the reasoning of their faith : »» if 
 vvc receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater," 
 1 John V. Q. God has borne witness to his Son Jesus in every type, 
 ceremony, and prophesy of the Old-Testament : aiul by such signs, 
 miracles, and even by his voice from heaven in the New, as arc 
 incontcstible. And beside all these, the Spirit of God bears the 
 inward testimony of f.vith, that our Jesus is risen. For we find bur 
 hearts attracted to him, our afTections set on him, and we enjoy 
 sweet fellowship with hhn. This is of distinguishing grace, "One 
 shall be taken and another left." " This is hid from the wise and 
 prudent, and revealed unto babes." What shall we say to this? 
 " Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." Such hum- 
 ble sentiments arc? in all who have the mind of Christ. So Paul, 
 when he saw himself a miracle of grace, accounted himself an 
 abortion in nature ; as mean, as contemptible as a child born by 
 miscarriage, before its due time and proper growth ; " tlie least of 
 all apostles ;" yea, as though he wanted words fully to express the 
 opinion he had of himself, not only a sinner, but the cuiet ok 
 SINNERS. Not only the least, but "me who am less than the 
 least of all saints," Eph. iii. 8. Paul had now done with his no- 
 tions of fulfilling terms and conditions to obtain God's favor, and en- 
 title himself to salvation. O, now Christ was revealed in him ! 
 He saw his glory full of grace and truth. This stained all his former 
 pride, laid his honor in the dust, and stopt his mouth to sclf-righlcous 
 confidence and human glorying. Sli-angc prc-requisites Paul pos- 
 sessed to qtjalify him for the grace of (Jodl Yet no' one sinner by 
 nature can boast' of any better. But the same Lord who wrought 
 eflcctually in Peter, was mighty in Paul, and he also converts every 
 redeemed soul to Jesus. Let us not envy others their lofty lhou];hf> 
 of themselves, nor murmur again?-t our Saviour for keeping us low 
 and hunililc. 
 
 But if Paul had, if all the children of God have such mean con- 
 tcmpiiblc ihoughls of themselves, are soliulc and base in their own 
 eyes, will not satan attack and aim to distress them ? Doubtless he 
 will. For where be caimot delude siiincrs into a nolion tiiai tl.cjr 
 
380 FEBRUARY 29. 
 
 are righteous and perfect in themselves, h(? aims to distress them 
 for want of perfection. In the day of health, in the time of 
 sickness, and perhaps, most powerfully in the hour of death, satan 
 will inject into the mind these fiery darts: "you a child of God, 
 you a member of Jesus, whenever loved God perfectly, served him 
 faithfully, nor obeyed him sincerely ! In all things you have siimed. 
 His law curses you; his justice is incensed against you; his wrath is 
 ready to fall on you. Your faith is fancy ; your hope delusion ; hell will 
 be your portion." O, what can any poor sinner say to all this ? What 
 can he do against all this? Siiy ! Glorify his Lord, by confessing. Lord 
 I am damned, but thou hast died; but for thy salvation, my state is as 
 desperate as devils. What can he do ? Honor his Lord, by obeying 
 his word, "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may stand in this 
 evil day, and above all (or rather upon all other parts of it) take the 
 shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts 
 of the wicked one," Eph. vi. 11, 16. Fiery darts! Yes, being dipt in 
 the wrath and terrors of a broken law, they weund, inflame, and 
 bring the fire of hell into the conscience. Wiiut is this shield of 
 faith ? The belief that Jesus is to us sinners a Saviour ; that his 
 blood has perfectly atoned for our sins ; his righteousness has fully 
 justified our persons ; and tliat thei'e is no condcnrnation to us. 
 Thus shall these fiery darts of satan be quenched, and our con- 
 science healed ; this and nothing but this, can efiVct it. Mind this 
 precious Avord, " ye shall be able." The ability of our faith is no- 
 thing less than the almighty power of Jesus our God. This is en- 
 gaged for us. By this wc shall stand against every assult of satan ; 
 and all shall issue in present peace of conscience, and eternal sal- 
 vation of soul. This is the glory of a christian, to resist satan in 
 the faith of what Jesus is to him and hath done for him. We are 
 sure to overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, but in no other 
 way. " Shortlv, our God of peace shall forever bruise satan under 
 our feet." We "shall return and come to Zion with songs (of free 
 grace) and everlasting joy shall be on our heads, and sorrow and 
 sighing shall flee away," Isa. xxxv. 10. 
 
 Now, christian reader, I commend thee toGcd and to the word 
 of liis grace, wishing thee sweet con>.fort in perusing these Daily 
 Medjjations. If our I.,ord give thee only as much in reading as I 
 have found in writing them, thou wilt have great cause for love 
 and praise. Accept them as the labour of one " who is no prophet, 
 nor the son of a prophet ;" but who can, from his heart, say with 
 Gideon, " my family is poor, arid 1 am tli;^ least in my Father's 
 house," Judges vi. 15. Yet having been taught somewhat of the 
 j'lory of 'Jesus from the w»rd of truth, by the grace of the Spirit', 
 I would rejoice to spread the glory of my Lord's precious name, 
 
FEBRUARY 29. > 381 
 
 and the comforts of liis everlastingly finished salvation, amonj^ my 
 fellow sinners : testifyinp;, that all my hope of etcn.ul life is fixed 
 upon the Son of God, who was crucified on mount Calvary ; there- 
 fore would glory in being a saved sinner by tlie cross of Jesus, and 
 in tUc name of a Calvaryist. 
 
 Glory be to God in the highest. Grace be with ;ill them who love 
 our Loi-d Jesus Christ in sincerity. iVmcn. 
 
 Vol. I. 'J^ /• 
 
AM INDEX 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE TREATED OF. 
 
 Chap. Verse Page C 
 
 :;hap. 
 
 Verse Page jChap. 
 
 Verse 1 
 
 ^age 
 
 Genesis. 
 
 27 
 
 14 
 
 339 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 372 
 
 3 1 29 
 
 SO 
 
 5 
 
 35 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 45 
 
 8 22 143 
 
 37 
 
 5 
 
 111 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 109 
 
 15 12 209 
 
 37 
 
 24 
 
 355 
 
 26 
 
 8 
 
 221 
 
 22 12 236 
 
 38 
 
 4 
 
 28 
 
 28 
 
 16 
 
 283 
 
 25 22 266 
 
 39 
 
 7 
 
 86 
 
 28 
 
 24 
 
 134 
 
 Exodus. 
 
 42 
 
 6 
 
 26 
 
 32 
 
 8 
 
 148 
 
 20 28 96 
 
 42 
 
 11 
 
 66 
 
 32 
 
 17 
 
 289 
 
 33 15 151 
 
 45 
 
 13 
 
 84 
 
 40 
 
 10 
 
 152 
 
 33 19 305 
 
 51 
 
 17 
 
 101 
 
 41 
 
 14 
 
 261 
 
 Leviticus. 
 
 55 
 
 5 
 
 155 
 
 42 
 
 16 
 
 239 
 
 26 44 224 
 
 55 
 
 22 
 
 818 
 
 43 
 
 22 
 
 131 
 
 JVumbers. 
 
 63 
 
 3 
 
 21 
 
 45 
 
 15 
 
 184 
 
 20 10 202 
 
 65 
 
 4 
 
 172 
 
 45 
 
 24 
 
 161 
 
 Deuteronomy. 
 
 68 
 
 18 
 
 £42 
 
 51 
 
 11 
 
 81 
 
 324 
 
 30 6 207 
 
 71 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 
 53 
 
 6 
 
 Joshua. 
 
 73 
 
 24 
 
 344 
 
 54 
 
 5 
 
 94 
 
 7 19 115 
 
 77 
 
 10 
 
 170 
 
 54 
 
 8 
 
 107 
 
 Judges. 
 6^, 22-3 247 
 6 31 250 
 
 84 
 
 84 
 
 5 
 11 
 
 253 
 156 
 
 54 
 57 
 
 10 
 18 
 
 18 
 
 252 
 
 83 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 59 
 
 19 
 
 150 
 
 1 Samuel. 
 
 94 
 
 14 
 
 128 
 
 62 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 12 22 181 
 
 94 
 
 19 
 
 188 
 
 .Teremiah. 
 
 
 17 37 69 
 
 106 
 
 15 
 
 117 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 49 
 
 2 Samuel. 
 
 no 
 
 3 
 
 359 
 
 15 
 
 10 
 
 163 
 
 15 31 168 
 
 119 
 
 25 
 
 146 
 
 15 
 
 16 
 
 92 
 
 1 Kings. 
 
 119 
 
 49 
 
 113 
 
 17 
 
 5 
 
 33 
 
 14 13 182 
 
 119 
 
 162 
 
 ,302 
 
 31 
 
 3 
 
 549 
 
 19 13 291 
 
 119 
 
 165 
 
 234, 
 
 31 
 
 34 
 
 -' ' '"* 
 
 19 20 329 
 
 121 
 
 1 
 
 88 
 
 32 
 
 40 
 
 'v:\ 
 
 2 Kings. 
 
 139 
 
 23-4 
 
 31 
 
 33 
 
 16 
 
 ;■,") 
 
 S 13 329 
 
 Proverb 
 
 ?. 
 
 45 
 
 5 
 
 137 
 
 2 Chronicles. 
 
 4 
 
 18 
 
 54 
 
 
 Ezekiel. 
 
 
 33 16 68 
 
 11 
 
 4 
 
 364 
 
 36 
 
 ■26 
 
 196 
 
 Job. 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 125 
 
 
 Daniel 
 
 
 v^2 9 166 
 
 14 
 
 32 
 
 103 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 175 
 
 Psalms. 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 323 
 
 
 Host' a. 
 
 
 3 2 277 
 
 23 
 
 26 
 
 153 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 100 
 
 S 3 79 
 
 24 
 
 32' 
 
 132 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 269 
 
 H> 12- 13 47 
 
 28 
 
 K 
 
 43 
 
 
 Jonah 
 
 
 ■-.'.Z 1 254 
 
 
 Canticles. 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 189 
 
 23 3 105 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 348 
 
 
 Micah. 
 
 
 27'. 9 337 
 
 
 Isaiah 
 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 26 
 
 27 * 13 347 
 
 6 
 
 '5 
 
 243 
 
 
 
 
INDEX. 
 
 CJiap. 
 
 \'erse 
 
 Page 
 
 Chap. 
 
 N'crsc 
 
 l^a:e 
 
 ClK\p. 
 
 \\:sc 
 
 1'.m:c- 
 
 
 Habakuk. 
 
 
 23 
 
 43 
 
 7 2 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 122 
 
 2 
 
 19 s 
 
 25 
 
 24 
 
 32 
 
 140 
 
 6 
 
 1 I 
 
 25.i 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 193" 
 
 24 
 
 43 
 
 113 
 
 6 
 
 U 
 
 3 ' . j 
 
 
 Haggai, 
 
 
 24 
 
 47 
 
 98 
 
 7 
 
 2 1 
 
 111 
 
 2 
 
 45 
 
 222 
 
 
 JqIiti. 
 
 
 7 
 
 24 
 
 217 
 
 Zechariah 
 
 
 I 
 
 14 
 
 60 
 
 a 
 
 I 
 
 28J 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 187 
 
 1 
 
 17 
 
 313 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 285 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 228 
 
 1 
 
 29 
 
 15 
 
 8 
 
 16 
 
 223 
 
 
 Malachi. 
 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 248 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 3U 
 
 3 
 
 16 
 
 268 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 42 
 
 « 
 
 26 
 
 206 
 
 Mattfiew. 
 
 
 6 
 
 39 
 
 27 2 
 
 8 
 
 28 
 
 205 
 
 . 1 
 
 21 
 
 177 
 
 5 
 
 44 
 
 311 
 
 8 
 
 30 
 
 237 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 253 
 
 6 
 
 56 
 
 159 
 
 11 
 
 20 
 
 112 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 279 
 
 6 
 
 67 
 
 211 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 278 
 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 363 
 
 7 
 
 24 
 
 265 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 - 129 
 
 5 
 
 16 
 
 297 
 
 8 
 
 31 
 
 32 
 
 13 
 
 11 
 
 361 
 
 5 
 
 44 
 
 2C'0 
 
 8 
 
 56 
 
 317 
 
 13 
 
 14 
 
 375 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 74 
 
 10 
 
 27 
 
 197 
 
 14 
 
 22 
 
 294 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 192 
 
 10 
 
 2S 
 
 327 
 
 16 
 
 20 
 
 o74 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 321 
 
 u 
 
 3 
 
 17h 
 
 1 c 
 
 orinthiana. 
 
 9 
 
 24 
 
 24i 
 
 11 
 
 4 
 
 136 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 121 
 
 10 
 
 34 
 
 300 
 
 13 
 
 17 
 
 276 
 
 1 
 
 29-31 
 
 246 
 
 U 
 
 25-26 
 
 167 
 
 14 
 
 1 
 
 138 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 102 
 
 11 
 
 •29 
 
 2. -5 8 
 
 14 
 
 J5 
 
 48 
 
 3 
 
 23 
 
 ' 93 
 
 12 
 
 eo 
 
 244 
 
 14 
 
 18 
 
 204 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 259 
 
 14 
 
 12 
 
 174 
 
 14 
 
 20 
 
 288 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 290 
 
 14 
 
 31 
 
 275 
 
 14 
 
 26 
 
 284 
 
 6 
 
 19-20 
 
 360 
 
 15 
 
 23 
 
 55 
 
 15 
 
 10 
 
 83 
 
 9 
 
 27 
 
 127 
 
 25 
 
 34 
 
 378 
 
 16 
 
 2 
 
 225 
 
 12 
 
 3 
 
 210 
 
 26 
 
 56 
 
 369 
 
 16 
 
 13 
 
 194 
 
 15 
 
 8 (addi- 
 
 26 
 
 74 
 
 309 
 
 16 
 
 14 
 
 258 
 
 lioiialmcdiialio 
 
 0379 
 
 27 
 
 4« 
 
 356 
 
 16 
 
 20 
 
 87 
 
 15 
 
 10 
 
 353 
 
 
 Mark. 
 
 
 16 
 
 27 
 
 157 
 
 15 
 
 57 
 
 377 
 
 4 
 
 24 
 
 J14 
 
 16 
 
 33 
 
 • 61 
 
 16 
 
 13 
 
 362 
 
 4 
 
 38 
 
 i3l5 
 
 17 
 
 2 
 
 73 
 
 2 C 
 
 oiiTif/iiafia. 
 
 8 
 
 36-37 
 
 226 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 352 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 361 
 
 10 
 
 38 
 
 24 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 37 
 
 1 
 
 20 
 
 26(> 
 
 16 
 
 7 
 
 316 
 
 17 
 
 19 
 
 141 
 
 4 
 
 ('. 
 
 51 
 
 I 
 
 Luke. 
 76-77 
 
 338 
 
 1 
 
 .'lit!:. 
 11 
 
 306 
 
 4 
 5 
 
 
 m 
 
 4 
 
 3S 
 
 30 
 
 7 
 
 56 
 
 133 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 179 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 354 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 328 
 
 5 
 
 - •» 
 
 304 
 
 9 
 
 62 
 
 .271 
 
 9 
 
 31 
 
 130 
 
 5 
 
 1 '. 
 
 62 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 333 
 
 10 
 
 34-35 
 
 185 
 
 j 
 
 i'.» 
 
 149 
 
 10 
 
 42 
 
 3G6 
 
 26 
 
 19 
 
 99 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 209 
 
 11 
 
 2 
 
 40 
 
 
 Iio7nc!na. 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 3 
 
 232 
 
 12 
 
 32 
 
 358 
 
 3 
 
 19 
 
 133 
 
 12 
 
 2 
 
 158 
 
 13 
 
 21 
 
 65 
 
 3 
 
 21 
 
 53 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 71 
 
 14 
 
 33 
 
 38 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 50 
 
 12 
 
 9 
 
 264 
 
 17 
 
 4 
 
 169 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 56 
 
 6* 
 
 al(9ian$ 
 
 
 17 
 
 32 
 
 310 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 257 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 186 
 
 18 
 
 7 
 
 19 1 
 
 5 
 
 21 
 
 286 
 
 2 
 
 i: 
 
 
 22 
 
 4(S 
 
 301 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CS4 
 
 
 
 
 INDE^ 
 
 
 
 T 
 
 
 Chap. 
 
 Verse 
 
 Page 
 
 Chap. 
 
 Verse' 
 
 Page 
 
 Chap. 
 
 Velfsc 
 
 Pago 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 308 
 
 1 
 
 19 
 
 143 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 307 
 
 A> 
 
 19 
 
 274 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 39' 
 
 
 1 Peter. 
 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 203 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 214 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 199 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 251 
 
 3 
 
 IG 
 
 126 
 
 1 
 
 15 
 
 322 
 
 5 
 
 17 
 
 249 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 22 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 350 
 
 5 
 
 22-23 
 
 245 
 
 2 
 
 Timothy. 
 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 76 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 262 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 77 
 
 2 
 
 11 
 
 46 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 227 
 
 3 
 
 16-17 
 
 212 
 
 2 
 
 25 
 
 120 
 
 Ejihcsians. 
 
 
 
 Titus. 
 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 180 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 123 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 106 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 27 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 23 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 164 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 233 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 162 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 34j 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 104 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 325 
 
 
 Hebrews. 
 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 376 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 373 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 52 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 370 
 
 • 2 
 
 14 
 
 334 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 116 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 287 
 
 4 
 
 20-21 
 
 80 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 106 
 
 
 Pe^er. 
 
 
 4 
 
 30 
 
 293 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 44 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 97 
 
 5 
 
 15-16 
 
 19 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 2j1 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 173 
 
 G 
 
 12 
 
 318 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 282 
 
 3 
 
 18 
 
 119 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 57 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 85 
 
 
 1 Jo//w. 
 
 
 Philijijiiann 
 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 213 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 367 
 
 1 
 
 21 
 
 342 
 
 4 
 
 16 
 
 75 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 335 
 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 296 
 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 139 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 198 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 178 
 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 368 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 124 
 
 o 
 
 8 
 
 64 
 
 7 
 
 25 
 
 371 
 
 2 
 
 15 
 
 220 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 293 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 331 
 
 2 
 
 23 
 
 63 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 219 
 
 9 
 
 24 
 
 176 
 
 2 
 
 28 
 
 190 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 519 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 208 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 326 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 263 
 
 10 
 
 '23 
 
 195 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 67 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 332 
 
 10 
 
 36 
 
 41 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 165 
 
 Colossians 
 
 
 11 
 
 1 
 
 340 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 231 
 
 i 
 
 12 
 
 346 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 230 
 
 5 
 
 11-12 
 
 336 
 
 2 
 
 18 
 
 183 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 2;-l2 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 160 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 of; 5 
 
 12 
 
 3 
 
 240 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 216 
 
 3 
 
 24 
 
 G12 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 78 
 
 - 5 
 
 21 
 
 16 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 89 
 
 12 
 
 14 
 
 82 
 
 
 2 Jofm. 
 
 
 1 Ths5sc(07.'u:nf:. 
 
 12 
 
 24 
 
 373 
 
 
 8 
 
 91 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 59 
 
 13 
 
 12 
 
 147 
 
 
 Jwr/r. 
 
 
 2 - 
 
 13 
 
 341 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 34 
 
 
 1-2 
 
 357 
 
 ^ Theasaloniaiis. 
 
 13 
 
 16 
 
 145 
 
 
 21 
 
 53 
 
 ■'2 
 
 13 • 
 
 .295 
 
 
 JciDIPS. 
 
 
 /^ 
 
 ciulations. 
 
 '> 
 
 16-17 
 
 215 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 320 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 343 
 
 I 
 
 Tiwotfnj 
 
 
 3 
 
 17 
 
 235 
 
 16 
 
 15 
 
 70 
 
 
 
 r:" ' 
 
 . 4 
 
 6 
 
 154 
 
 
 
 
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