t LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. $ |liap. <£% ;,(-; # opgriglil _ i UNITED STATES OF AMERICA e ■ ■ I H -tj*^ ■*',■"' - * I r **■' •■ I I *■ -i ffl ■ i4*-» ' J THE gonng Christian's Manual of Devotion. BY EEV. E. GBEENWALD, D.D., PASTOR OP THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OP THE HOLY TRINITY, LANCASTER, PA. PHILADELPHIA: ^ THE LUTHERAN BOOK STORE. 1873. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, By E. GREENWALD, D.D., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. The Library of Congress W&SHIfiKHHMt SHERMAN & CO., PRINTERS, PHILADELPHIA. PRESENTATION. «%.... WITH FERVENT PRAYERS THAT THE DAILY USE OF THIS mml MAY, BY THE BLESSING OF OUR DEAR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AID IN THE CULTIVATION OF SOUND PRACTICAL PIETY. Si rom PKEFACE. During his long ministry, the author has constantly felt the want of a little Manual of Devotion to put into the hands of his catechu- mens at the time of their confirmation, and of his young members when bidding them farewell, on the occasion of their removal to another place. The same want has been felt and expressed by other pastors. Many inquiries, too, have been made at the Lutheran Book Store, for such a Manual, by persons who desired to put it into the hands of a young friend who was going away from home. What is needed seems to be a little book with a large variety of subjects of devotion, containing a passage of Scripture, a brief medi- tation upon the leading thought, and a short (5) b PREFACE. collect or prayer, for daily use before leaving the chamber in the morning, and before retiring in the evening. The author herewith presents this small vol- ume, with the hope that it will meet this want, and with the prayer that its use by the young persons for whom it is intended, may be accom- panied with the blessing of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. E.G. Lancaster, Pa., March 31, 1873. SUBJECTS. 1. Luther's Morning Prayer. 2. Morning. 3. Morning. 4. Morning. 5. Morning. 6. Morning. 7. Daily Devotion. 8. Walking with God. 9. The Fear of the Lord. 10. God sees Me. 11. Steadfastness in the Faith. 12. Knowledge of the Truth. 13. Strong Believing. 14. Perseverance in Grace. 15. Fidelity. 16. Keligious Declension. 17. Growth in Grace. 18. Love for the Church. 19. Attending Church. 20. Church of my Parents. 21. Neglect of the Church. (7) 8 SUBJECTS. 22. Private Devotion. 23. Personal Piety. 24. Keeping the Heart. 25. Temptation. 26. Kesisting EviL 27. Watching. 28. Dangerous Places. 29. Evil Company. 30. Business. 31. Industry. 32. Honesty. 33. Contracting Debts. 34. Extravagance. 35. Covetousness. 36. Doing Good. 37. Humility. 38. Peace. 39. Quarrelsomeness. 40. Purity. 41. Levity. 42. Cheerfulness. 43. Amusements. 44. Gambling. 45. Drunkenness. 46. Example for Others. 47. My Faults. 48. Home. 49. Parents. 50. Visiting the Sick. 51. Bearing the Cross. SUBJECTS. 9 52. The Lord's Supper. 53. Fitness for the Communion. 54. The Lowest Eoom. 55. Confession of Sins. 56. Self-examination. 57. In Kemembrance. 58. The Preparation. 59. Frequent Communing. 60. After having Communed. 61. Love for Jesus. 62. Spirit of Christ. 63. Faith in Christ. 64. Trust in God. 65. Glorying in the Cross. 66. Not Ashamed of the Gospel. 67. Holiness. 68. Pressing Forward. 69. Paying my Vows. 70. Time. 71. Nearness to Death. 72. Warnings. 73. Future Life. 74. The Resurrection. 75. The Judgment. 76. The Blessedness of the Dead. 77. Evening. 78. Evening. 79. Evening. 80. Evening. 81. Evening. 10 SUBJECTS. 82. Evening. 83. Evening. 84. Luther's Evening Prayer. 85. Evening Sentence. 86. Prayer for Peace. 87. Intercession for the Dying. I.— LUTHER'S MORNING PRAYER. When you rise in the morning, say : In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then say : I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; Born of the Virgin Mary ; Suffered under Pontius Pilate ; Was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended into hell ; The third day He rose again from the dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost ; The Holy Chris- tian Church ; The communion of saints ; The for- giveness of sins ; The resurrection of the body ; And the life everlasting. Amen. (11) 12 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S Then say : Our Father who art in heaven ; Hallowed be Thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven ; Give us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from evil ; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Then say this: Jkager. I give thanks unto Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou hast protected me through the night from all danger and harm ; and I beseech Thee to preserve and keep me this day also, from all sin and evil ; that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds, I may serve and please Thee. Into Thy hands I com- mend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 13 II.— MOKNING, I laid me down and slept ; I awaked, for the Lord sustained me.— Psaxm 3 : 5. itteiritation. I put myself into God's hand, when I laid down, and I felt secure. I am as safe under His care in the night as in the day. I slept in peace. l$o evil befell me. I awoke refreshed from my slumbers. I am alive now through my heavenly Father's gracious protection. |Jrager. O God, whose ever wakeful eye sees, and watches over Thy children by night and by day, I thank Thee that I was permitted to lie down and sleep in peace and quietness, and to rise again strengthened and refreshed in the morning ; and I pray Thee, grant me the same care and protec- tion during this day, that my body and soul, and all that I am and have, may be safe in Thy hands, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 14 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S III.— MOKNING. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. — Psalm 5 : 3. Mebitation. God claims my first thoughts as I awake in the morning. Neither my business, nor my pleas- ures, shall rob Him of them. I would give to God my last evening thoughts ere I go to sleep, and I would devote to Him my first morning meditations as I awake to consciousness again. I am not my own, but the Lord's. O God, whose mercies are renewed unto us, as each morning renews the light, accept my sincere .thanks, I pray Thee, for this return of a new morning, and grant me grace, that, with the coming of a new day, I may be enabled to enter upon a new and holy life, to the glory of Thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 15 IV.— MOKNING. But unto thee have I cried, O Lord, and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. — Psalm 88 : 13. ittetttatiou. Wearisome nights are sometimes appointed to the children of men. Sleep flies from the eye- lids. The pillow is wetted with tears. The night is long, and the morning seems slow in coming. The body turns from side to side, and finds no rest. In pain we laid down, and we re- tain the pain when we rise up. But in darkness and in light, in joy and in sorrow, we are in God's gracious keeping. O God, who dost send sickness, and grant health, I pray Thee give me a patient heart to bear whatever crosses Thou dost see fit to lay upon me ; help me to find the healing balm which Thy grace pours into the wounds of the sorrow- ing breast ; sanctify to me all the pains I feel, and all the groans I utter, so that the distresses of this mortal life may serve to fit me for the glories of my immortal state, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 16 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S V.— MOKNING. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning ; for in thee do I trust ; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk ; for I lift up my soul unto thee.— Psalm 143 : 8. fflcbitation. With each day I begin a new life. I know not in the morning what is before me during the day. But I do know that temptation and danger are ever in my pathway. I need God's almighty arm to hold me up, and His heavenly wisdom to direct me aright. He has led me hitherto, and He will still continue to lead me. I will daily invoke His guidance and grace. $raner* O Thou who dost give wisdom to those who lack, grant me grace always to know and discern the right way, so that I may walk safely amid the perils of this mortal life, be preserved from falling away from Thy holy faith and worship, and be kept from wandering in the way of error and sin, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 17 VI.— MOKNING. QLtjct. And he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, even a morning without a cloud ; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by the clear shining after rain. — 2 Sam. 23 : 4. itlcMtatiou. How joyful and glad may the heart be, as in health, and with a good conscience, we spring from our couch to greet the morning sun at its rising ! God's gracious hand is in the bright light of the day, in the gentle breezes that fan our cheeks, and in the beautiful fields and flowers that invite us to go forth to our business or our pleasures among them. Let my soul, like the brightness of the morning, be joyful in the Lord. pager- O good and gracious heavenly Father, who makest the outgoings of the morning and even- ing to rejoice, I thank Thee for the light and comfort of this new morning, and for the spirit of real happiness which its coming has awakened in my heart, and I pray Thee preserve within my soul continually, the light of Thy counte- nance, so that I may always serve Thee with joy and gladness, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 2 18 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S VII.— DAILY DEVOTION. QLcjct. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice. —Psalm 55 : 17. iHeiritatiou. As my body needs daily supplies of food to nourish, and keep it in healthy activity, so my soul also needs to have its strength renewed by the constant help which G-od's grace affords. He has kindly, and in great abundance; provided for both these needs. I may, with childlike con- fidence, open to Him both my heart and my mouth, and He will fill them. JJraner. O God, who art constantly with me, and who dost daily beset my path, grant me grace that I may be enabled at all times, to maintain a tender sense of Thy gracious presence with me, and ever have most precious communion and fellow- ship with Thy Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 19 VIII.— WALKING WITH GOD. And Enoch walked with God, and he was not ; for God took him.— Gen. 5 : 24. fflzbilaiion. A devout Christian's whole life is a walk with God. The grace of God animates him. The faith of Christ sustains him. The Word of God guides him. The spirit of Jesus is in him. The presence of the Holy Ghost cheers him. God is with him. The two walk together because they are agreed. He makes progress in the way of holiness. And his walk of faith on the earth, will terminate in the eternal presence and glory of the Lord in heaven. God, too, will take him. Ipraner. O Thou, who art the way, the truth, and the life, grant me grace that I may ever walk in the true and living way, with Thee, from whom all wisdom, and strength, and comfort do come, so that, being Thy faithful follower, and glorifying Thee on the earth, I may finally inherit ever- lasting joy and felicity in heaven, through Thee, who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, one God, livest forever and ever. Amen. 20 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S IX.— THE FEAR OF THE LORD. But be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.— Proy. 23 : 17. fttetotaticm. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- dom, and the maturity of wisdom is still the fear of the Lord. A true Christian seeks to preserve his mind and heart, at all times, in the love and fear of God. He strives to be in the fear of the Lord always. He begins, and lives, and ends, each day with God. And as is one day, so he desires all his days to be. O God of all grace, grant me the constant aid of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may always have Thy fear before my eyes, and be enabled to cher- ish the true feeling of devotion in my heart, that so my soul may be ever kept in readiness to serve Thee in this life, or to glorify Thee in the life to come, as Thou mayst choose my place for me, through Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 21 X.— GOD SEES ME. And she called the name of the Lord, that spake unto her, Thou God seest me : for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me ?— Gen. 16 : 13. iHebitatiou. The all-seeing eye of God is on us wherever we are, in public and private, at home and abroad. He sees us in the light and in the dark- ness, for the day and the night are alike to Him. It is well for the Christian to bear in mind, wherever he goes, and in all places where he stays, that the eye of God is upon him to dis- cern his inmost heart, and to notice all the secret acts of his life. Its restraining influence upon his thoughts and feelings, his words and deeds, will be greatly useful to him. JJratjer. O Thou all-seeing God, who triest my reins, and discernest the secret intents of my soul, grant me Thy grace, that I may ever bear in mind that Thine eye is upon me, and that Thou knowest me altogether ; and may the thoughts that I think be pure, and all the secret things that I do be right, in Thy sight, who wilt bring every hidden thing into judgment, by Him, whom Thou hast appointed judge of the living and the dead, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 22 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XI.— STEADFASTNESS IN THE FAITH. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. — 2 Tim. 1 : 13. Jttetotaiiou. True doctrines are essential to true Chris- tianity. Sound principles are necessary to cor- rect practice. All Christians must be sound in the faith. A sad wreck is the man who has made shipwreck of the faith. We dare not re- nounce the true faith. We must cherish it well and hold it fast. Our salvation depends upon its being steadfastly held. JJrager. O Lord God of truth, who hast revealed to man the true and saving Gospel of Thy Son, I pray Thee, grant me grace to hold the faith, and a good conscience ; and by the same grace, defend me from the assaults of error, and of philosophy, falsely so-called, so that being ever steadfast in the pure doctrines which I have been taught, I may be safely kept amid all the trials of this life, and in death, have a good hope of everlasting salvation with Thee, who livest forever and ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 23 XII.— KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. — John 8 : 32. iftcMtation. Christians must grow in knowledge, as well as in grace. They are directed to add to faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. We should seek to be intelligent Christians. God has put into our hands the means of improvement in scriptural knowledge, and it is our duty faithfully to make use of them. We must have a reason for our hope, and be able to render a reason. flrager. O God, who art the fountain of all wisdom and knowledge, vouchsafe to enkindle, and pre- serve brightly within my heart, the light of the true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy Word, that thereby I may savingly know Thee, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent, and have a good understanding of the right way in which Thou wilt be acceptably worshipped, and that leads to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 24 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XIII.— STKONG BELIEVING. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.— 1 Cor. 15:58. ffltbitation. A true Christian is one who stands fast. He is not blown about by every wind of doctrine. He is not easily shaken from his steadfastness. The doctrines of Christianity are fully believed, and are strongly held by him. As a man of strong- faith, he does not renounce his Christian princi- ples. He is a firm and positive believer. Stand fast in the Lord. Let no man take thy crown. O Lord, who knowest the weakness of my faith, and the strong temptations that beset me, I pra} r Thee grant me Thy grace, that my faith may become strong, and I may grow in steadfast adherence to Thy truth, so that I may not be shaken in my trust, nor on any account decline from the hearty belief of the doctrines of Thy word, but remain Thy faithful follower to the end, and reap the full rewards of faith in the glo- ries of Thy everlasting kingdom. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 25 XIV.— PERSEVERANCE IN GRACE. He that endureth to the end shall be saved. — Matthew 10 : 22. iHeiritation. He that has begun a good work in us will per- form it to the end. To His grace we are indebted for the beginning, and to the same grace we will owe the completion of our sanctification. "We need His help every hour, to keep us safe. With- out it we will perish. Let us lean on the Divine arm. Let us be strong in His strength. Never let go the hand that alone can hold us up. Prancr. O God of all grace and mercy, who art the author of the life of grace within me, I thank Thee, that, in my regeneration, Thou didst im- part Thy divine life to my soul, and I pray Thee, grant me the constant aid of Thy Holy Spirit, that that which thou hast begun, may also be finished, to the praise of the glory of Thy grace, in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 26 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XV.— FIDELITY. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.— Rev. 2 : 10 fttebitaiion. The service of God begun, requires to be faith- fully continued. It is not sufficient that we make a good beginning ; we must also make a good ending. Many begin well, but they end badly. They run well for a while, but they soon suffer themselves to be hindered. We must keep our holy engagements. We have vowed, and we must faithfully perform our vows. We have set our faces toward heaven, let us never turn back. JjJrcmer. O God, from whom cometh all spiritual grace, grant me the continual help of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may never become unfaithful to my solemn vows, or return again to the ways of sin which I have forsaken, but that I may always walk in the way of Thy commandments, and persevere in all holy fidelity to the end, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 27 XVI.— RELIGIOUS DECLENSION. Qbft. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. — Matt. 24 : 12. ItlcMtatiDU. The flame of devotion should ever burn brightly in the Christian's breast. The Lord whom he loves, deserves to be loved with the whole heart. He loved us with an everlasting love. Let His wonderful love for us not only kindle, but keep brightly glowing in our hearts, the most fervent love for Him. It is sad that any soul that once loved Him, should cease to love Him. Let me always love Him, who loved me even unto death. fjrcrger. O Lord, who hast, by the Holy Ghost given unto me, shed abroad Thy love in my heart, grant me grace, that I may never cease to love Him who first loved me, and out of great love for me, suffered the shameful death of the cross, to redeem me, but may Thy heavenly love ever dwell in my soul, and become continually greater and stronger, until I shall perfectly love Thee, with the holy angels, in the kingdom of heaven, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. 28 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XVII.— GROWTH IN GRACE. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.— 2 Peter, 3:18. iileMtation. Conversion is not a change completed, but a change begun. Its completion includes the whole work of sanctification. Regeneration places the Christian in the situation of a babe in Christ. That babe must grow to manhood. It is capable of growth. The beginnings of grace are small and feeble, but they must not remain so. Per- sonal religion is a constant growth. The Chris- tian will advance in faith and piety. Christian character will mature as life progresses. Fitness for heaven is gradually acquired as the hour of death approaches. Jpragcr. O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the author and the finisher of my faith, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that Thy work of grace begun in my soul, may be, by the same grace, continued so that my faith may be strengthened, my hopes may be confirmed, my love may be increased, and my Christian character may be matured, and that, growing in all holy conformity to Thy will, I may be finally prepared for Thy heavenly" king- dom, through Thee, who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, art one God, forever and ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 29 XVIII.— LOVE FOR THE CHURCH. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts. My soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the courts of the Lord ; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.— Psalm 84 : 1, 2. ffltbitation. The Church is dear to all truly Christian hearts. It is the house of God, and the gate of heaven. Jesus loved it, and gave Himself for it. All who are Christ's love it, because they love Him whose Church it is. In it we were brought to the knowledge of the way of salvation ; into it, as into Christ's body, we were incorporated by holy baptism ; at its holy communion, we have been fed and nourished with Christ's own body and blood, and through the Church on earth, we hope to enter the church in heaven. With true and hearty affection, therefore, do Christians love the Church. Prager. O Jesus Christ, the adorable Head of Thy Church and Shepherd of Thy sheep, I pray Thee, awaken and preserve in my breast, a fer- vent love to Thee, and to Thy Church, so that the ways of Zion, being ever dear to my soul, I may take pleasure in her courts, delight to wor- ship at her altar, and reap the rich blessings of her sacred means of grace, and through them be made meet for the eternal inheritance and bliss of the Church triumphant in heaven, to the praise of Thy glorious grace. Amen. 30 THE YOUNG CHRISTIANAS XIX.— ATTENDING CHUKCH. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord : Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. — Psalm 122 : 1, 2. itteiritation- The Christian does not willingly absent him- self from the public worship of God in His house. The services of the Church are very attractive to his heart. No light excuse will keep him away. He welcomes the dawning of the Lord's Day with sincere gladness. The church-going bell invites him to worship God in His holy sanc- tuary, and he mingles joyfully with the Christian congregation in the exercises of prayer and praise, and in the hearing of God's Word. Ipraner. O God, who hast graciously revealed Thy holy will to man, and dost invite us to worship Thee in Thy sacred courts, grant me grace, I pray Thee, always to love the ways of Zion ; to feel a fervent longing for the services of Thy house, and to derive great edification and comfort for my soul, from my attendance upon Thy blessed means of grace, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 31 XX.— CHURCH OF MY PARENTS. QLcxL My father's God, and I will exalt thee. — Ex- odus 15 : 2. Jitefcitation. My father and mother were pious members of the Church, I went with them to the house of the Lord. They early impressed upon my mind the duty of going to church. They set me the example, for they themselves did what they taught me to do. I will honor their memory by faithfully following the example of church love which they set me. Like them, I will be regu- larly found in my place in the sanctuary. O Lord God of my fathers, who didst, out of great love to my soul, bestow upon me parents of godly mind, grant me grajce, I beseech Thee, always to cherish the good examples of my pious forefathers, and to imitate their faith and habits of devotion, and like them to love and enjoy the holy ordinances of Thy house, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 32 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXI.— NEGLECT OF THE CHURCH. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves to- gether, as the manner of some is. — Heb. 10 : 25. ittebitcuiou. It is sad to note the number of persons who habitually absent themselves from the churches. Many persons do not go to church at all, and others attend very irregularly. The churches ought to be thronged at every service. They would be always filled, if all persons felt as they should about the duty of church-going. I will not imitate their irreligious example, but be reg- ularly found in my seat in the house of God. JJrager. O my dear Lord and Saviour, I thank Thee that Thou didst, by Thy grace, awaken in my heart a warm love for Thy Church, and dost by the same grace, enable me to experience great delight in the worship of Thy house, and I pray Thee, preserve in me a devout mind, and hearty reverence for Thy courts, so that, with all Thy true worshippers, I may habitually partake of Thy sacred ordinances, to the praise of Thy grace, and to the honor of Thy holy name. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 33 XXII.— PRIVATE DEVOTION. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret ; and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. —Matt. 6 : 6. iftetotatiott. The true Christian relishes private prayer. He loves to be alone with God. He delights in the devotional exercises of the closet. He shuts out the world, and enjoys intimate communion with his heavenly Father. He finds great pleas- ure and profit in private confession of sins, and supplication for God's grace and blessing. De- clensions from God beorin in the disrelish of secret devotion. Let the closet ever be, for my heart, a cherished place O God, my heavenly Father, who knowest the secret motions of my heart, and hearest the prayers which I offer to Thee in the stillness of my own chamber. I pray Thee, enkindle in me daily, the spirit of prayer and supplication, that I may take great delight in communion with Thee, and find much peace and joy in the tokens of Thy love which Thou dost vouchsafe to me at the throne of Thy heavenly grace, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 34 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXIII.— PERSONAL PIETY. Search me, O God, and know my heart ; try me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.— Psalm 139 : 23, 24. Meditation. All young Christians must be diligent in culti- vating sound personal piety. Christianity has its forms and external worship, but the end of all that is outward, is to duly promote and foster that which is inward, of grace and holiness. Forms are to be the visible manifestation of the invisible substance. The name must truly repre- sent the thing. Faith must produce good works. Theory must always lead to practice. The char- acter and life must truly exhibit the fruits of faith. In the soul must grace have its seat. |3rcmer. O Thou God of grace and mercy, who answer- est the longings of every contrite soul, I pray Thee, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that He may abide within my heart, subdue all the motions of my sinful nature, and strengthen all holy pur- poses, good desires, and devout affections within me, so that I may become more and more con- formed in heart and life to Thy divine will, be daily more likeminded with Christ, and be ready, when Thou callest me, for the holiness and bliss of Thy everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 35 XXIV.— KEEPING THE HEART. Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.— Proverbs 4 : 23. JfUtotatiott. The heart governs the life. The life is what the heart makes it. If the heart is right, the life will be right. If the heart is corrupt, the life will he evil. Man is governed by motives. The character of the action is largely consti- tuted by the motive that leads to it. Watch well the heart. See that its motives are pure. Cherish no impure thought or purpose there. O Thou who art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity, grant me a pure heart and a right spirit, so that no sinful thing may dwell within me, nor any wickedness be found in my life, but that, having Thy grace abiding in my heart, and Thy fear being ever before my eyes, I may be preserved from all sin, and be enabled always to do those things which are well pleasing in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 36 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXV.— TEMPTATION. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed.— James 1 : 13, 14. JUebitatiou. Temptation is within us, and all around us. Temptation is in our hearts and homes, and as soon as we step out of our door, we find ourselves in the presence of incitements to evil. The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, and, in our own hearts, he finds material which he can influence to evil purposes. u Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation. " We are weaker than we seem. We daily need Divine help to enable us to stand upright. JJrager. O Lord Jesus Christ, who knowest the frailty of our nature, and the danger to which we are continually exposed from the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, I pray Thee, grant me Thy grace, that I may be able to resist, in Thy strength, the temptations that beset my pathway, so that I may remain faithful in all holy feeling and doing, to the honor of Thy name. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 37 XXVI.— KESISTING EVIL. Eesist the devil, and he will flee from you. — James 4 : 7. Jttebitation. Temptation cannot hurt us if we do not yield to it. The best of persons have been sorely tempted. Even Jesus ' l suffered being tempted. ' ' But He overcame the tempter. In His strength, all His faithful followers will also overcome temp- tation. They must lift up a standard against the evil one. When incited to sin, they must not yield to sin. The crime lies not in being tempted, but in yielding to temptation. O Lord Jesus Christ, who was tempted in the days of Thy flesh, yet without sin, grant me grace to strengthen me against all the assaults of the enemy of my soul, so that although temp- tations to sin may assail me, I may be assisted effectually to resist them all, and hold fast my Christian integrity to the end, through Thee, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost ; one God, livest and reignest forever. Amen. 38 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXVII.— WATCHING. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temp- tation ; the spirit, indeed, is willing, but the flesh is weak.— Matt. 26 : 41. Jlletotatiou. The dangers in the way of the Christian are sometimes concealed from his view. He is most in peril when he least suspects it. The snare is artfully hidden, so as to entrap him. He cannot safely be off his guard for a single hour. He is in constant peril. His safety depends on his vigilance. "What I say unto you, I say unto all, watch." Jprager O God, who hast promised that if any man lack wisdom, he shall ask of Thee, and Thou wilt give liberally, I pray Thee, grant me knowl- edge and discretion, so that I may discern what- ever dangers may be before me, and be enabled to choose the right way of escape from all temp- tation, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 39 XXVIII.— DANGEROUS PLACES. 8Cejrt, Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. — Prov. 4 : 14, 15. IHeMtation. Some persons deliberately put themselves in the way of temptation. Instead of resisting the tempter, they tempt the tempter to tempt them. There are certain places where we are sure to be tempted, and where the surroundings are such that we are most easily swept before the tide of sin. It is the part of sound discretion to avoid such places. We can surround ourselves with hallowing influences in places where temptation will not so strongly assail us. Avoid the pitfalls of sin, and put not thyself on the steep descents where the unwary will sink swiftly to ruin. O Lord God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that with- out Thy help, we cannot stand upright, I pray Thee, grant me Thy gracious guidance, that when wicked men have laid in my way a snare for my soul, I may have wisdom to escape ; and choosing the path of Thy precepts, I may walk safely and pass without hurt, through all the perils of this mortal life, to Thy everlasting joy and felicity, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 40 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXIX.— EVIL COMPANY. to. A companion of fools shall be destroyed. — Prov. 13 : 20. Mebiiation. Young people desire companionship. We are made for society. When our associations are pure, they become the source of high enjoyment, as well as the means of Christian improvement. But evil company has led thousands of the young and promising to ruin A bad young man has corrupted the principles of many who have been thrown into his society, but who had not force of character enough to resist the evil influence which he exerted. Beware of the seductions of evil company. " If sinners entice thee, consent thou not." JJragcr. O God, my heavenly Father, who hast loved me, and brought me hitherto by a way which I knew not, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that by His gracious leading, I may ever walk before Thee, and in the way of good men, to keep the paths of the righteous, that being a companion of all them that fear Thee, no evil companion- ships may be suffered to harm my soul, but being kept from all evil, I may securely reach the man- sions of the just in heaven, through Jesus Christ. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 41 XXX.— BUSINESS. ' (fcejrt. Be not slothful in business ; fervent in spirit. — Komans 12 : 11. Meditation. A business man may prosecute his business diligently, and yet be a devout Christian. Busi- ness is not necessarily hostile to fervency of spirit. Of course, the business which we follow must be lawful, useful, and consistent with Christian faith and life. No true Christian will engage in any other. He will always pursue such a business only as that God's blessing can be invoked upon it. He conducts his business in the spirit of prayer. He does not permit it to wean his heart from his devotions. He does not so love the world, as to lose his love for Christ. O God, who art holy in all Thy ways, who re- quirest us to be holy as Thou art holy, and who wilt bring every work of man into judgment, grant me grace, that I may so follow my just and lawful worldly calling, that I may bring no sin upon my conscience, nor put an occasion of stum- bling in the way of my fellow-men, but that, being diligent in my business, I may at the same time keep my heart in the love and fear of Thee, and so pass through things temporal, that I finally lose not things eternal, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 42 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXXI.— INDUSTRY. Rett. But rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. — Eph. 4 : 28. Jttebiiation. Industry is honorable. The apostle command- ed it, and Jesus set the example of it. All per- sons ought to be usefully employed. Man's head and heart and hands are usually active, if not in that which is good, then in that which is evil. Indolence has no sanction either from God or good men. All nature is active. " God worketh hitherto." Idleness leads to sin. "Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do." Be well employed. u What thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might. ' ' Be not a cumberer of the ground. Do something. Do it well. JjJrager. O Jesus Christ, who didst come into the world, to work the works of Thy Father, grant me grace, that, like Thee, I may be diligent in work- ing that which is good, actively perform the la- bors of a useful life, pursue with patient industry, my calling in the world, that thereby I may have food to eat, and raiment to put on, be able to suc- cor, with my lawful earnings, the poor and needy around me, and aid in the extension of Thy cause and kingdom on the earth, to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 43 XXXII.— HONESTY. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. — Kom. 12 : 17. ittebitatiou. A Christian is a man of strict integrity. He is an honest man. He acquires property neither by theft, nor fraud, but honestly. His fingers are not stained by illgotten gains. He is not willing to take or hold a penny that does not honestly belong to him. He does not take a bribe, nor sell his soul for money. He will have nothing to do with any transactions of doubtful integrity. He w T ill plant no sting in his con- science, nor fasten any blot upon his character. He lives and dies an honest man. JJrcrosr. O God, w T ho knowest the deceitfulness and cor- ruption of the human heart, grant me grace, that I may harbor no dishonest purpose in my soul, nor by any word or deed, swerve from the strictest integrity, but being pure in heart, and upright in all my transactions with men, I may gain pos- session of whatever portion of worldly goods Thou mayst bestow upon me, with a conscience void of offence before God, and before men, to the honor and glory of Thy name, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 44 XXXIII.— CONTRACTING DEBTS. Owe no man anything. — Rom. 13 : 8. invitation. A young Christian should carefully avoid the habit of contracting debts. Debts are often troublesome, and give occasion to sin. It is bet- ter to practice the most rigid economy and self- denial than to indulge in luxuries by going in debt for them. It is dishonorable to display rich clothing, and fine ornaments, that are not paid for. Adopt the maxim, if possible, to pay as you go. Contract no debts. If you have not the money in hand, wait, if possible, until you get it, before buying. Be afraid of going in debt. JJrager. O God, grant me grace, that I may always be of plain and humble mind, be content with such things as I have, indulge no pride, or vain desires, and crave rather the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, than to shine before men in extrava- gant bodily adorning, or to practice any habits of expensive personal indulgence, by which my soul might be entangled in the snares of the devil, and my example cause injury to the souls of others, and bring reproach upon Thy holy name, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 45 XXXIV.— EXTRAVAGANCE. And there wasted his substance with riotous living. —Luke 15 : 13. Mcbitation. We are accountable to God for the right use of property. It is lent to us by the divine Owner of all property, to be employed for the true ends for which He has bestowed it. These are the glory of God, and the true happiness of ourselves and others. Jesus directed that the fragments of food should be gathered up, so that nothing would be lost. It is sinful to waste. We dare not be extravagant. We have no right to spend with reckless prodigality, that which is really not ours, but God's. $rager* O God, from whose kind and liberal hand I have received all that I possess of earthly good, grant me grace that I may, as a true husband- man, duly value the goods which Thou hast in- trusted to me, use them with prudent care so that they may not be squandered nor wasted, and devoutly acknowledging Thy right to them all, I may employ them according to Thy will, for the promotion of Thy glory, the true comfort of my own condition, and the relief of the suffer- ing, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 46 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXXV.— COVETOUSNESS. %&. Thou shalt not covet.— Exodus 20 : 17. JHeiritation. Covetousness is idolatry. A covetous man is an idolater. It is a sinful disposition. It wor- ships not God. but gold. It destroys all tender- ness of heart. It sears the conscience. It leads to injustice. It closes up the soul against sym- pathy for the suffering. It is cruel. It grinds the face of the poor widow and orphan. The public and private mischiefs that flow from it are dreadful. Praner. O God, who hast in Thy providence, placed me in possession of some of the things of this life, grant me grace so to use them that they may not wean my heart from Thee, nor lead me to prize the creature more than the Creator, and thereby to fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in perdition, but that I may employ, as a faithful steward, the things of this life, that after death I may be received into the everlasting hab- itations of heaven, through Jesus Christ. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 47 XXXVI.— DOING GOOD. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially to them who are of the house- hold of faith.— Gal atians 6 : 10. invitation. Jesus went about doing good. His example is the Christian's standard of duty. He must pattern after Christ. Wherever He went, He found ills to be cured, and He cured them. He was the friend of the poor. He pitied the dis- tressed. He had a warm heart and a liberal hand. He could not look coldly on a poor suf- ferer that begged for his help. He turned no sick or destitute pleader unblest away. Like Him, all true Christians love to do good in the world. They delight to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and relieve the suffering. To do good is a luxury. JJrager. O Jesus Christ, who didst in the days of Thy sojourn among men, go about doing good, and didst graciously relieve all manner of distress, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that I, too, may have a tender, feeling heart, that pities the sorrowing, and that takes delight in relieving the woes that others suffer, and aided and encouraged by Thy holy example, may I, by word and deed, and the employment of a due share of the earthly goods which I have received from Thee, be enabled to do good to the bodies and the souls of men, to the honor and glory of Thy name. Amen. 48 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXXVII.— HUMILITY. Be clothed with humility : for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. — 1 Peter 5:5. JtUMtatiott. The promises of the Gospel are to the humble. Christ's first beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount, promises the kingdom of heaven, to a the poor inspirit." The humble publican was ac- cepted, with the promise, "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." It had long before been said, u Before honoris humility." Jesus "humbled Himself," and he directed all to learn of Him, for He was " meek and lowly of heart." The whole spirit of the Gospel abases human pride. It first puts man in the dust, in order to raise him to heaven. O Lord Jesus Christ, who wast meek and lowly of heart, and didst willingly take the low- est place, that we, by Thy suffering and death, might be raised to the highest, grant me grace, that the sinful pride of my heart may be cruci- fied, and my spirit, after Thy own divine mind, may be rendered humble and self-abased, and that, putting myself, in lowliness of soul, at the foot of Thy cross, I may", through Thy great and wonderful humiliation, attain the joys of Thy everlasting kingdom, to the honor of Thy name. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 49 XXXVIII.— PEACE. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. — Bomans 12 : 18. fiXchitation. " Peace on earth," was proclaimed at the birth of Jesus. The grace of God subdues the angry passions in the human heart, and awakens there the feeling of love and good will. Charity is not easily provoked. Christ's spirit blesses those that curse it. It indulges no malice, ill-will, or hatred. It strives for peace. It gives no real occasion for strife. It pours oil on the angry waves. It gives the soft answer that turneth away wrath. O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Prince of peace, and author of all concord, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that the body of sinful passions in my nature, being destroyed, and the new man, that, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness, arising and living within me, in its stead, I may always follow after the things that make for peace, harbor no ill-will in my heart, and be able to pass my days in peace and quietness, to Thy honor and glory. Amen. 4 50 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XXXIX.— QUARRELSOMENESS. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil-speaking, be pnt away from you, with all malice ; and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. — Ephe- sians 4 : 31, 32. ittebiiation. A man of strong passions, unsubdued by grace, is a pitiable object. He is the cause of constant unhappiness to himself, and of anno}~- ance and misery to others. He is the pest of the community where he dwells, and a blast upon the comfort of his fellow-men. Let all heated feeling be checked in the beginning. Set a guard at the door of thy lips, so that no angry words shall be permitted to drop out of them. Engage in no passionate altercation, in public or private, with any one. Be the master of thy own temper, however severely thou mayst be provoked to anger. JJraner. O Grod, my heavenly Father, who knowest how strongly the angry passions rule in the de- praved hearts of men, and how hardly they are subdued, even in the breasts of Thy children, grant me grace, that I may bear provocation, and forgive any that may have a quarrel against me ; even as Christ forgave me, so also may I, that I may be at peace with the world, with my own heart, and with Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 51 XL.— PURITY. Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they shall see God.— Matt. 5 : 8. iflebitatiott. True Christianity governs the heart. It is it- self pure, and it makes pure. It tolerates no un- clean thought. It is opposed to all impure works of the flesh. Impurity of life springs from an impure heart. Keep thyself pure. Flee all youth- ful lusts. God sees thee. JJrager. O God of holiness and purity, in whose sight the heavens are not clean, grant me Thy grace, that no unholy thought, or impure desire may dwell in my breast, but that, by Thy continual indwelling, I may crucify the flesh with its affec- tions and lusts, and mortifying, through the Spirit, the deeds of the body, I may live in Thy kingdom of grace on earth, and finally obtain the kingdom of glory in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 52 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XLL— LEVITY. QLc%t Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jest- ing, which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks. — Eph. 5 : 4. Habitation. Cheerfulness of spirit is not hostile to true piety. A Christian may serve God with a cheerful heart. But giddiness and levity are different from Chris- tian cheerfulness. A light-minded person is a vain and foolish person. He neither commends religion, nor wins the respect of worthy people. Have steadiness of character. Be a cheerful Christian, but do not expose thyself to the im- putation of being a fool. Jprager. O G-od, who art clothed with awful majesty, and at whose presence angels veil their faces, grant me grace, that I may always be mindful of Thy presence with me, and my duty to Thee, so that no irreverent feeling may be permitted to arise in my breast, and no sinful levity, or other unbecoming behavior may be suffered to bring reproach upon Thy name, or become a snare to my soul, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 53 XLIL— CHEERFULNESS. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance ; but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. — Proy. 15:13. ifleMtaticm. Be joyful in the Lord. Of all men, the Chris- tian should be the happiest man. He has every- thing to make him happy. His relation to God and Christ, to angels and men, to this world and the next, is such as fills his soul with continual gladness. He may have occasions for sorrow, but his consolations are greater and more numer- ous than his griefs ; and the grace of God changes even his sorrows into joys. He may always have a cheerful heart. $raaer. O God, I thank Thee for the blessed comforts of Thy grace, and I pray Thee, abide in my heart always with Thy Holy Spirit, that no despair, or despondency, or any other gloomy fruits of un- belief may have place within me, but that my soul may ever be joyful in Thee, taste the rich consolations which Thou dost impart to all who are in trouble, and in the end be admitted to the enjoyment of those pleasures forevermore laid up for me at Thy right hand, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 54 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XLIIL— AMUSEMENTS. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. — Luke 8:14. ilUbitation. Whilst the young Christian may safely partici- pate in such amusements as are really innocent and pure, yet he should be well aware, that, even innocent pleasures, pursued immoderately, be- come dangerous ; and that it is often difficult for the mind to distinguish between those that are innocent, and others that are not so. It is easy too to glide from those that are safe, into others that are unsafe. Watch thy heart. Let not fascinating pleasures deceive thee. Let not the frivolities of earth cause devotion to pall upon thy taste. Let not earth wean thee from God, and cause thee to lose heaven. IJrcmer. O God, who knowest the weakness of my nature, and how much Satan hath in me, I pray Thee, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that He may lead me safely amid the perils of this mortal life, that the pleasures of sense may not wean my heart from the holy joy of communion with Thee, nor tempt me into the ways of sin and ungodliness, but that, pursuing with diligence the serious business which Thou hast set me to do, I may attain, at last, the bliss of heaven, through Jesus Christ. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 55 XLIV.— GAMBLING. QLc%L And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. — Mark 15 : 24. Ittebiiation. The Koman soldiers gambled under the cross of the dying Saviour. The gamester becomes hardened in wickedness, and is soon lost to all sense of religion, morals, decency, and shame. Thousand s are ruined thereby every year. Games of chance are sinful. The desire to get money or property without rendering an equivalent, is a dishonest desire. Gambling is fraud. Let no temptation lead thee to take part in a game of chance for money. It is even a dangerous amuse- ment. Other recreations are equally as enjoyable, and much safer. Hate the sin, and tremble at the fate, of a gambler. ^rager. O God, who art holy in all Thy works, and righteous in all Thy ways, grant me grace, that I may cherish in my heart no unjust or covetous desire for the property of my neighbor, nor by any doubtful or unrighteous act, to gain possession of it, but that avoiding all temptation to sin, and waiting continually on Thee, Thou wilt preserve me in integrity and uprightness to the end, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 56 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XLV.— DRUNKENNESS. Wo unto them that rise up early in the morn- ing, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them. — Isaiah 5 : 11. fflebitalion. The drunkard shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven. A drunkard is not a Christian. He that cannot govern himself, but lets his appetite govern him, is a slave. It is a shameful sin. A sot is an odious character. Abhor it, and turn from it with loathing. Be sober. Never put into your mouth that which will steal away your brains. Be temperate in all things. pager. O G-od, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that no sen- sual appetites, or desires of the flesh, may have the rule over me, but that, being filled with the Spirit, I may never be drunk with wine, nor by any fleshly indulgence grieve Thy grace, debase my own soul, and bring reproach upon Thy name, but that, trusting in the grace of Grod that bringeth salvation, and denying all ungodliness and world- ly lusts, I may live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, and in the end ob- tain the blessed hope of everlasting life, at the glorious appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 57 XLVL— EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. — Matt. 5 : 16. Jtteiritation. Men are largely creatures of imitation. They do as others do. A good example saves many. A bad example leads large numbers to ruin. It is my duty to set a good example to all around me. I dare say and do nothing that others may not safely follow. I am responsible for the effects of my example. Let my example always be good. $rager- O Lord Jesus Christ, who wast holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners, and hast left us an example that we should follow Thy steps, grant me grace, that I. may walk even as Thou didst walk, and so live in the view of men, that they, walking with me, after the same ex- ample of faith and obedience, may walk safely, and not be hindered, but helped unto the king- dom of heaven, to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen. 58 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XL VII.— MY FAULTS. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. — Heb. 12 : 1. Meditation. No one is perfect. To err is human. Our best services are imperfect. We all have faults. There are besetting sins that cling to every one. But we must not be satisfied with them. We must guard against them. They should lead to godly sorrow for them. By the grace of God we can overcome them. Let my faults be few. Let those few become still fewer. Prcmer. O Lord Jesus Christ, who alone art holy, and infinite in perfection, I pray Thee, grant me Thy grace, that my corrupt nature may be purified, and no evil be suffered to dwell with me, and that by the constant indwelling of Thy spirit, my besetting sins may be subdued, and the num- ber and greatness of my faults may be lessened, so that, growing up in all things in Thee, who art the head of the body, I may at last be made meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light, through Thee, who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, lives t one God, for- ever and ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 59 XL VIII.— HOME. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. — 3 John 4. ittebiiaticm. Home is a sweet word. " The dearest spot on earth to me is home, sweet home." Blessed are they that have happy homes. Blessed are they that make home happy. Home can be made very unhappy. Sin and contentions will make any home unhappy. Piety and love make happy homes. Let all do their part to make the home happy. O God, my heavenly Father, who hast in great love to my soul, bestowed upon me the comforts of a Christian home, accept my sincere thanks, I pray Thee, for this Thy great mercy, and grant me grace, that by faith and obedience to Thee, and by pious duty and sincere affection toward those who are with me in our dear family home, I may be enabled to render due service to Thee, and to those who, by tender ties, are united to me, and be a helper of our mutual joys, in all the relations of love which we bear to each other, to the glory of Thy great name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 60 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S XLIX.— PAKENTS. Children, obey your parents in the Lord : for this is right. Honor thy father and mother ; which is the first commandment with promise ; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayst live long on the earth. — Eph. 6 : 1-3. Jttebitaiion. God has constituted the relation of parents and children, and has enjoined duties upon both. We owe love and obedience to our parents. We should cherish affectionately their memory. We can never requite their care. They are our nearest and best friends. No one has toiled for us like our father ; no one has loved us as our mother. We should wantonly inflict no pang upon their hearts. Let us be the comfort of their lives. Let us be the solace of their declining years. Let us be their stay in old age. O God, who hast given me parents, and en- joined upon me the duty I owe to them, grant me grace, that I may ever be to them an affectionate and dutiful child, and as in duty bound, out of the love and fear of Thee, may honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them; thus rendering filial piety to them, and duly reverencing Thee, my heavenly Father, may it be well with me, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thine only Son, our Lord. Amen. MANUAL OP DEVOTION. 61 L.— VISITING THE SICK. I was sick, and ye visited me.— Matt. 25 : 36. ittebitation. Suffering exists everywhere in the world. Many an unhappy invalid is here compelled to say, "I am sick." We owe duties to the sick. We may not, like Jesus, be able to heal their sicknesses, but we can sympathize and watch with them. We can nurse and provide for them. And we may learn lessons for ourselves from them. Let us always have a feeling heart, and a kind word, and be ready to do a friendly act for the sick and suffering. O God, who dost look with compassion upon the miseries of men, grant me, I pray Thee, a heart that feels for the woes of others, and a will to give aid and comfort to such as are in any wise afflicted, so that, by Thy blessing and grace, their heavy burdens may be made lighter, and the bit- terness of their sorrow may be removed, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 62 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LI.— BEARING THE CROSS. QLtXt. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. — Matt. 16 : 24. itleMtation- Christ bore the cross. All Christians are cross- bearers. Crosses come in various forms. His hand lays them upon us. They may seem heavy, but they are not too heavy. With the cross, He gives strength to bear it. Cross-bearing is sancti- fied. By the cross we reach the erown. No cross, no crown. O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst die the shameful death of the cross, that we might have eternal life, I pray Thee, grant me grace, to deny myself, take up the cross daily, and follow Thee, that in Thy strength I may endure trials, and suffer whatever afflictions may be laid upon me for Thy sake, and at the same time, trusting alone in the redemption for sin made by the shedding of Thy blood on the cross, I may be saved at the last, through Thee, who with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, forever and ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 63 LIL— THE LOKD'S SUPPER. %t*\. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you : this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, say- ing," This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.— Luke 22 : 19, 20. JtletotcUion. The chief sacrament of the Christian Church is the Lord's Supper. It embodies in itself the chief blessings of the Gospel. It gives us Christ. It presents Christ as the sacrifice for our sins. It offers remission of sins by the shedding of Christ's blood. It admits to a heavenly place in Christ Jesus. It feeds us with Christ's body and blood. At the Lord's Table we are nearer heaven than anywhere else on this side of it. ftrannr. O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast instituted this holy sacrament for the edification of Thy Church, and dost permit me to partake of it, grant me Thy grace, that I may always have a right knowl- edge of its holy nature, as the sacrament of Thy body and blood, feel due reverence on account of what thou dost give me therein, and at all times approach it with true faith, and humble penitence, to the comfort of my soul, and to the glory of Thy name. Amen. 64 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LIIL— FITNESS FOR THE COMMUNION. I will go in the strength of the Lord God : I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.— Psalm 71 : 16. ilTeMtation. The question of fitness for the communion will necessarily come up in every earnest Christian's mind. " Wherewith shall I come before the Lord?" We are not worthy. We deserve no place there. Our unworthiness might well keep us away. But our acceptance does not depend on our worth. We come in the strength of the Lord God. We make mention of His righteousness only. His righteousness is our wedding garment. We put it on by faith. Let us then heartily be- lieve. Look away from thyself, and look only to Jesus. We only are worthy in Him. JJrager. O Lord Jesus Christ, who dost invite me to Thy holy communion, and yet knowest the frailty of my nature, and the unworthiness of my best estate, I pray Thee, grant me Thy strength, and clothe me in Thy righteousness, that I may come, not trusting in any worthiness of my own, but leaning on Thy arm, and arrayed in the robes of Thy perfect righteousness, to the glory of Thy grace. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 65 LIV.— THE LOWEST KOOM. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room. — Luke 14 : 10. ittebitation. The humblest guest is the worthiest. He that humbly takes the lowest room is fittest for the highest. He that humbles himself shall be ex- alted. Being unworthy in our own eyes, we are worthy in the eyes of our Lord. The un worthiest is thus the worthiest. Let me then come humble. I am nothing:. Christ is all to me. O Lord, who art high above all heavens, yet deignest to regard the humble soul that places itself in the dust, have mercy upon me, O Lord, pity my unworthiness to appear before Thee, wash me from my sins in Thy blood, and grant me, out of Thy great grace, a hired servant's place at Thy holy table, for Thy mercy's sake. Amen. 5 66 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LV.— CONFESSION OF SINS. ®e*L If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1 : 9. JHebitation* Preparation for the Lord's Supper, requires confession of sins. We are sinners. The most watchful Christian has sins to confess. We have sinned since we last communed . God will absolve us. There is forgiveness with him. In His word of absolution we may confide. Jesus has power on earth to forgive sin. He gives me the Holy Communion as a pledge of it. He says to my humble, believing heart, in it, u Thy sins are forgiven thee ; go and sin no more." |)raner. O Grod, I come with humble penitence before Thee, and with sincere sorrow, confess to Thee my manifold sins and shortcomings, and I pray Thee, have mercy upon me, a miserable sinner, hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities, so that, being freely forgiven and absolved of all my offences, I may come to Thy Holy Table, and receive this blessed token of Thy grace and mercy, in Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 67 LVL— SELF-EXAMINATION. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. — 1 Cor. 11 : 28. fflcbitation. Self-examination is directly commanded in order to communion. It is always useful, but is especially necessary before communing. It will enable us to discover our sins, and confess them. It will reveal to ourselves our own great need, and induce a hunger and thirst after righteous- ness. Let me examine myself faithfully. I would conceal nothing from myself. I would not be self-deceived. In order to forsake my sins, I must know them. If I would make progress in the divine life, I must know what remains to be im- proved. G-od help me. O Lord Jesus Christ, I would not touch Thy Holy Sacrament with polluted hands, nor partake thereof with unclean lips; I pray Thee, therefore, cleanse my heart from all sin, and help me, by earnest self-examination to truly know myself, so that coming to Thy holy table, I may feel my great need of Thy grace ; and, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, I may be filled with the fulness of Thy blessing, which Thou dost give to all humble souls who in faith and true devo- tion, receive it, to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen. 68 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LVIL— IN REMEMBRANCE. QLcjct. This do in remembrance of me. — 1 Cor. 11 : 24. iltebitatiau. The Lord's Supper is a blessed remembrancer. In it we "show the Lord's death till He come." It is a standing memorial in the church, of the love and death of Jesus. It is a solemn reminder. It brings us very near to Calvary. Let our hearts be suitably affected by the tender scenes which it brings to mind. O Lord Jesus Christ, who knowest how prone my sad heart is to forget Thee, I thank Thee for this Holy Sacrament by which Thou dost bring to remembrance what things Thou hast suffered and done in order to redeem me from sin and death, and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I may so do this in remembrance of Thee, that not only now, but also at all other times, I may have Thee before me, increase in love and devotion to Thee, and finally, attain to Thy glorious presence in Thy everlasting kingdom, through Thee, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest one God, forever and ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 69 LVIIL— THE PREPARATION. Purge out, therefore, the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us : Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness ; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. — 1 Con. 5 : 7, 8. Mtbitalion. The holy nature of the Sacrament renders special preparation for it, always necessary. Sin must be purged out. Malice and wickedness must not be allowed a place. We must come with a sincere mind. We must have the true doctrine, and be true in all our words and ways. Cast out all leaven from thy heart, and be, by grace, a new man. O Lord God, who hast ordained this Holy Sac- rament for the use of Thy children whilst yet in the imperfect condition of this mortal life, grant me grace, that I may take with me to this holy communion, no unbelief, hypocrisy, malice, wick- edness, or any other great and shameful sins, but that I may be a partaker of Thy divine nature, have Thy life living in me, and, being in such blessed union with Thee, as a member of Thy body, Thy flesh, and Thy bones, I may have most precious sacramental communion with Thee in Thy church here below, and be admitted to eternal fellowship with Thee, in Thy everlasting kingdom of glory, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 70 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LIX.— FREQUENT COMMUNING. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.— 1 Cor. 11 : 26. illeiritation. Whilst Baptism is to be received but once, the Lord's Supper must be partaken of often. It is, therefore, frequently administered during the year. It should be received, by all the members of a congregation, at every communion. No member should stay back. Do not let a single communion season pass without partaking. Be regular in your approaches. Your soul needs the spiritual benefit of every communion. JJraner. O Lord, who hast required that Thy disciples should often eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, grant me grace, that I may never lose my hunger and thirst for the divine nourishment which Thou dost thereby impart to my soul, but that I may find ever increasing comfort in this blessed sacrament, and therefore never remain away from any communion, but regularly ap- proach with my fellow-members, to my own soul's spiritual profiting, and to the honor of Thy holy name, who hast loved me, and given Thyself for me, Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 71 LX.— AFTER HAVING COMMUNED. QLtjcL And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. — Acts 4 : 13. JttcMtation. I have been with Jesus at His holy table. I have been His guest at this feast of love. I have been fed and feasted by the Lord. It was good for me to be there. It was a solemn and tender scene. The atmosphere that surrounds the Lord's table is heavenly. I have breathed it to- day. I would cany with me into every-day life some of its sanctifying and comforting influences. I would always feel as near my Lord, as I felt there. May my communion to-day aid me in beins; a better Christian. fJrager. O Lord, who didst graciously allow me to be Thy guest, at Thy own holy supper, to-day, I thank Thee for this great favor, bestowed upon me Thine unworthy servant, and I pray Thee, ever- more abide with me, and strengthen me with strength in my soul, that my faith may not fail, nor my love wax cold, but that I may remain Thy faithful disciple to the end, when Thou wilt call me from the communion at Thy table in Thy church on earth, to Thy eternal communion and fellowship in Thy kingdom of glory, through Thee, Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. 72 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXL— LOVE FOR JESUS. We love him, because he first loved us. — 1 John 4 : 19. JitebitiUiott- Jesus loved us, and gave Himself for us. His love for us awakens our love for Him. We have great reason to love Him. If we love Him not, we are none of His. Hard must be the heart that does not love Him. " Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Yea, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee." Can we answer our Lord's question as Peter an- swered it ? |)raner. O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast loved me, so as to die for me, in order to redeem and save me, I pray Thee, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that Thy great love to me, may draw my heart to Thee, in everduring love, and that, although I have sad cause to lament that I love Thee so little, whilst Thou hast loved me so much, I may not lose my love to Thee, but love Thee more and more, until I shall perfectly love Thee, with all Thy saints in Thy everlasting kingdom. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 73 LXIL— SPIRIT OF CHRIST. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.— Phil. 2:5. Mzbitalion. Jesus is the Christian's model. The spirit of Christ is intended to be the spirit of all Chris- tians. He lives in them. He is the spiritual life of their souls. His life is their life. They are likeminded with him. Between their spirit and His, there is a constantly growing resem- blance. They are becoming more like Him. JJrager. O Lord Jesus Christ, who wast without sin, neither was guile in Thy mouth, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that my mind may be renewed after Thy own holy and perfect image, that I may be likeminded with Thee, and having Thy divine life within me, I may not wilfully commit sin, nor indulge evil passions in my heart, but, by Thy constant indwelling, may crucify more and more, the flesh with its affections and lusts, and become, finally, fitted for the holiness and bliss of Thy everlasting kingdom of glory, through Thee, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen. 74 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXIIL— FAITH IN CHRIST. And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. — Acts 16 : 31. iflebiiation. We are justified by faith. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but accord- ing to His mercy, hath He saved us. We are sinners saved by grace. We hope for salvation by the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Our trembling hopes cling to Jesus. Our safest place is at the foot of Christ's cross. Grace puts us there, and keeps us there. Prcmer. O Lord Jesus Christ, who out of wonderful love for my soul, didst bear my sins in Thy own body on the cross, grant me grace, that I may trust alone in Thy atoning sacrifice, for the for- giveness of my sins, and eternal life, and, looking by faith to Thee, as Thou didst die, the just for the unjust, I may have peace in my heart, and the hope of everlasting joy and felicity in heaven, through Thee, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 75 LXIV.— TRUST IN GOD. Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. — Psalm 37 : 3. Habitation- God is our heavenly Father. Christians are His children. He will provide. We may trust in Him. He has never forsaken them that trusted in Him. The present and the future, we may confide in His hands. All our interests for time and eternity are secure with Him. Let us walk through life, confiding with childlike simplicity in our heavenly Father's care. O God our heavenly Father, who dost con- tinually care for those that trust in Thee, grant me grace, that no doubts or fears may be per- mitted to disturb my soul's peace, but that, heartily believing the promises of Thy word, and putting myself under Thy fatherly care, I may have full confidence and hope amid all the trials and disappointments of life, and pass safely through this mortal state to Thy glorious presence in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 76 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXV.— GLORYING IN THE CROSS. But God 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. 6 : 14 ittebitatiott. The cross was u to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness. " The offence of the cross has not yet ceased. Men still hate the cross. It is too humbling for the sinful pride of the human heart. Men would climb up to heaven some other way. Let me ever glory in the cross. It is my only hope. "To Thy cross I cling." It bears me safely up. May I never be ashamed of it. $)raner. O Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified by human hands, but didst bear the sins of the world in Thy body on the tree, I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I may not, in the foolish pride of my heart, be offended because of the shameful manner of the death by which Thou didst suffer in my stead, but, looking up, by faith, to Thy cross, and to Thee, the Lamb of God who tookest away my sins, by becoming a sin-offering for me, may I have peace with God, and the remission of all my sins, through Thee, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 77 LXVL— NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every- one that believeth. — Rom. 1 : 16. ifleMtaticm. The Gospel is the glory of the world. By it alone is salvation for men. Its doctrines are the only religious truth on the earth. It is light in a dark place. By it mankind are brought to the only true knowledge of God and themselves. It reveals the only way by which we can be saved. It enlightens, and sanctifies, and elevates, and saves men. It alone gives peace, and the remis- sion of sins. It alone brings life and immortality to light. Let me cherish it well. Jprager. O God, who, out of Thy great love for the world, hast made known the Gospel of Thy Son, as the way of salvation for men, I thank Thee for this unspeakable gift, and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I may never, in the pride and folly of my heart, cast behind me this treasure of wis- dom, and knowledge, and salvation, but esteem- ing beyond all price, this Thy heavenly gift, I may glory in the Gospel, hold fast its faith, cherish its hope, and love its ways, so that, being my guide even unto death, it may safely bring my soul to Thy eternal rest, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 78 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXVIL— HOLINESS. But as he that hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation ; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. — 1 Peter 1 : 15, 16. JHebiiatiou. The Gospel not only provides for the forgive- ness of our sins, but also for the sanctification of our nature. The faith that lays hold on Christ's righteousness for our justification, is also the root and spring of all holy desires and pure affections within us. Grace changes the heart. It renews the old, fallen nature. The same grace that justifies, also sanctifies. The blood that atones and pardons, also cleanses us from all sin. It changes our state, and it also changes our hearts. ' It makes us holy, as well as happy. |3raner. O God, who alone art holy, grant me grace, that my depraved nature, with which I was born into the world, may be renewed, that Thy Holy Spirit, having begun a good work in me, may carry it on until it is completed in the entire sanctification of my body, soul, and spirit, and that thereby I may be holy as Thou art holy, and become fitted to abide in Thy sacred presence in Thy kingdom of holiness and purity forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 79 LXVHL— PRESSING FORWARD. Brethren, I count not myself to have appre- hended ; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.— Phil. 3 : 13, 14. inebriation. Practical Christian life is progressive. Re- generation begins, sanctification continues, the work in the soul. We are first babes in Christ, before we become men or women in the Lord. The path of the just is as the sun, that shineth more and more into the perfect day. Like the plant, first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear, so with grace. We can and must grow. We can and must become better. Every day's living, must witness a day's improve- ment. We must, like Paul, press toward the mark. |)raner. O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast by Thy Holy Spirit, awakened my heart to the knowledge and duty of a Christian life, grant me grace, that I may never draw back, nor return to the ways of sin again, but that, having entered upon the way of Thy commandments, I may ever press for- ward in all holy living and earnest pious duty, so that I may in the end, be made fully meet for the glory and the bliss of Thy everlasting kingdom, through Thee, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 80 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXIX.— PAYING MY VOWS. They shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and per- form it.— Isaiah 19 : 21. Jttetotaiiou. A vow is a solemn promise made unto God, of love and obedience to Him. It is covenanting with God. In it we promise to believe in Christ, to renounce sin, to lead a godly life, and to be a faithful Christian until death/ We made this promise in our Baptism, at our Confirmation, and when receiving the Holy Communion. Holy vows are upon us. We have made very solemn piomises. We have made them before God and man. Heaven and earth were witnesses to them. We must perform our vows. We dare not break them. We made them in God's strength, and in His strength we will fulfil them. O God, who heardest the solemn profession of my faith, and the vows of pious duty which I made before Thee, I pray Thee, grant me Thy grace, that I may not break my holy covenant, nor refuse to pay my vows, but that, obtaining wisdom and strength from Thee, I may faithfully perform the vow and covenant which I made at Thy holy altar, so that being Thine in the bonds of an everlasting covenant, and in the holy fellow- ship of Thy church, I may never fail from Thy hand, but inherit the blessings of eternal life and salvation which Thou hast promised to me in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 81 LXX.— TIME. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Psalm 90 : 12. iHebitation. Our time is rapidly passing away. The space from the cradle to the grave is but a short step. Every day we live subtracts one from the whole number of our days. c ' Every pulse-beating leaves but the number less." Every step in life, is a step in the direction of the graveyard. We live but once. Our moments passed, cannot be re- called. If we have spent them ill, we cannot bring them back so as to live them over again. Live well while you live. Make the most of each passing hour. " A moment we may wish when worlds want wealth to buy." $rager. O God, who art the author of time, and the Lord of all being, I thank Thee that Thou hast created me, and endowed me with a living soul, and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I may not misimprove any of the precious hours of my life, but, duly estimating the value of time, may I employ all my years to the glory of Thy holy name, who hast lent them to me, and to this end, may I have the true faith of Thy word, worship Thee with true Christian devotion, serve Thee faithfully all the days of my life, and at last de- part from this world in peace, and enter into Thy everlasting rest, through Jesus Christ my Lord . Amen. 6 82 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXL— NEARNESS TO DEATH. My life draweth nigh unto the grave. — Psalm 88:3. SXlebitation. Life is suspended by a brittle thread. We know not what a day may bring forth. Each day may be the last. The eternal world may, at any moment, burst upon our vision. The world is full of graves — the graves of the young, as of the old. The grace of God alone can make happy death-beds. If I should soon be called to die, am I ready ? JJrager. O G-od, who art the Lord of the living and the dead, and from whom nothing is hid, grant me grace, that I may not be overtaken unawares by death, but that, having my loins girt about, and my lamp burning, I may be ready when Thou shalt call me to Thy eternal kingdom of glory, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 83 LXXIL— WAKNINGS. tte*t. Thus saith the Lord, Set thy house in order : for thou shalt die, and not live. — Isaiah 38 : 1. iHebitatiott. We have all suitable directions as to prepara- tion for death. A life of Christian faith and duty- is the best and only preparation. He that would die the death of the righteous, must live his life. He that would reach a happy end, must pursue the way that leads to it. We have plain direc- tions. We also have sufficient warning. Let us not fail to heed them. $raner. O God, who hast given me line on line and precept on precept, I pray Thee grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that I may not misunderstand the warnings Thou dost give me, nor disregard Thy solemn calls, but laying them well to heart, I may be led to true repentance for sin, and faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, so that, at Thy sum- mons, I may be ready to pass through death, to the mansions of everlasting life and glory, through my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 84 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXIIL— FUTURE LIFE. QicjcL Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. — 1 Thess. 5 : 10. iHetotation. In Christ we have eternal life. He reveals the true nature of both life and death. In dying He destroyed death. He has taken from it its terrors. In Christ, the Christian lives and dies. Christ ■is his life. He is with his Lord living, and he is with Him dying. Death is the voice that Jesus sends to call him to His arms. Because Christ lives, he will live also. He has no fear of death. Death is not his enemy but his friend. |3rager. O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the way, the truth, and the life, and who hast overcome death, and destroyed the power of the grave, I thank Thee that, by Thy death and resurrection, Thou hast taken away death's sting, and wrested from the grave its victory, and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I may have Thy life in me, so that the life I now live in the flesh, I may live by the faith of Thee, and in the end, when Thou, who art our life, shalt appear, I also may appear with Thee in glory, through Thee, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest one God forever and ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 85 LXXIV.— THE RESURRECTION. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life ; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. — John 11 : 25, 26. Jttetotatiou. There is a life beyond the grave. The dead shall live. Death is not annihilation. Christ died and rose again, and with Him, all that sleep in Him shall also rise. They live in Christ, they die in Christ, and they will rise in Christ. As Christ, who is their life, will not die, so they, in Him, will live forever. Whoso eateth Christ's flesh and drinketh His blood, hath eternal life, and He will raise him up at the last day. Because Christ lives in them, they will live in Him for- ever. Prefer. O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the resurrection and the life, I thank Thee for Thy glorious resur- rection from the dead, and that by dying and rising again, Thou hast assured me of my own resurrection from the grave, and I pray Thee grant me Thy grace, that my life may be hid with Thee in God, so that although I die, I yet shall live, and at Thy coming, this mortal shall put on immortality, and be raised in Thy likeness, and after Thy own glorious body, and with Thee live and reign forever and ever. Amen. 86 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXV.— THE JUDGMENT. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. — 2 Cor. 5 : 10. Meditation. We are hastening to the judgment. We must answer for the deeds done in the body. For all the secret sins of earth, must men be judged. For every idle word must they give account. God will bring thee into judgment. Have the judge thy Saviour. Be sober and watch unto prayer. Abide in Christ, that when He shall appear, thou mayst have confidence, and not be ashamed at His coming. $raner. O Lord Jesus Christ, who wilt judge the world with righteousness, and the people with Thy truth, in that great day, grant me grace, that I may stand before Thee, not in my own righteous- ness, which is as filthy rags, but clothed in Thy perfect righteousness, who as our surety didst fulfil all righteousness for us who believe in Thee, so that, being in Thee, there will be no condemna- tion, but justification and salvation from wrath, through the redemption there is in Thee, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 87 LXXVL— THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE DEAD. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them.— Bev. 14 : 13. fUeMtation. The dead who die in the Lord are blessed. They are with the Lord. Absent from the body, and present with the Lord, which is far better. They lived in the Lord, they died in the Lord, and therefore they are blessed. They have en- tered into rest. God has wiped away all tears from their eyes. May I too live in the Lord, die in the Lord, and be blessed with the Lord in His kingdom of glory. $)rager. O God, who hast, according to Thy abundant mercy, begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us, I pray Thee, grant me grace, that that good work which Thou hast begun in me may be per- formed until the day of Jesus Christ, so that when Thou dost call Thy elect from the earth, Thou wilt admit me, with all Thy saints into the everlasting joy and felicity which Thou hast pre- pared for us, in Thy kingdom of glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 88 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXVIL— EVENING. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day ; the night cometh, when no man can work. — John 9 : 4. Jttcbiiation. Another day is ended. Time flies. How short my time is! This day was soon passed. The evening is now here. So rapidly does one day succeed another. Soon all will be gone. Then cometh the night. The day is for work. We sleep in the night. My life is my day. It is a short day. The night of the grave will soon in- close me. What am I doing ? Plow have I lived this day ? What have I done for the glory of G-od ? How am I spending the whole of my life ? How will I review it from my dying bed ? O God, who hast graciously granted me another day of human life, I thank Thee for Thy good- ness, and I pray Thee, grant me grace, that I may be duly reminded at the close of this day, of the shortness of my life, and the duty of great- diligence in the work which Thou hast given me to do, so that, being active in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, I may attain the end of my high calling, being made fruitful in every good work to do Thy will, working in me, by Thy grace, that which is well pleasing in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 89 LXXVIIL— EVENING. Sept. Behold I am vile ; what shall I answer thee ? I will lay my hand upon my mouth. — Job 40 : 4. illebitation. The review of past life is useful. We should review each day at its close. It is well c ' to talk with our past hours and ask them what report they bore to heaven, and how they might have borne more welcome news." It is sad when the review of the whole of life is attended with bitter regrets. It is then too late to remedy our mistakes. But the review of to-day may enable us to act more wisely to-morrow. Let me lament to-day's errors and shortcomings, sincerely confess my sins, and enter to-morrow upon a new and better way of thinking and living. Prager. O my Grod, who knowest my foolishness, and my sins are not hid from Thee, I am ashamed, and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God, for my iniquities are increased over my head, and I have sinned, and have done wickedly, but with hearty sorrow and repentance I confess my sins unto Thee, and implore Thy mercy, begging Thee not to remember my sins against me, but graciously grant me forgiveness of all my trans- gressions, so that I may close the day at peace with Thee, whom I have offended, for the sake alone of Thy great mercy and grace in Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 90 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXIX.— EVENING. Sfft. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as in- cense ; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. — Psalm 141 : 2. ittebitatiott. It is fitting that the day should be closed with prayer. We have much to pray for at the end of each day. We have sins to confess, mercies to acknowledge, and thanks to render. We began the day with God, walked with God during the day, and we will now close it with God. We offered our morning, and we will now offer our evening, sacrifice. A day thus begun, and lived, and ended, should be a specimen of all our days begun, and lived, and ended. JJrager- O God, who nearest my prayer in the morning, and in the evening wilt not despise my request, I thank Thee for the manifold blessings which I received from Thy hand during the past day, whilst I have been unworthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant, and I pray Thee, graciously continue unto me Thy favor, and with- hold not from me the light of Thy countenance, even though I am not worthy of them, and in particular, grant me an evening blessing as I now appear before Thee, not for the sake of any worthiness in me, but for the sake alone of the merit and grace of my dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 91 LXXX.— EVENING. ttftt. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us ; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. — Luke 24 : 29. JfleMtcttiou. The Christian has Jesus with him, by day and by night, at home and abroad. u My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." He walks with us and we with Him. He is at our side, and in our hearts. He talks with us, and we with Him. He accompanies us all the day, and He abides with us at night. We wel- come His company, and we rejoice in His abiding. Let us always cultivate a nearness to the Saviour. Let us gladly receive Him into our hearts, and into our homes. Blessed are the hearts and the homes where He abides. O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst enter into the houses of the poor, and didst bless all who dwelt in them, I pray Thee, graciously abide with me, in my heart, and in my home, shed abroad here Thy love and favor, so that peace and joy may always remain with me, and I. walking in holy fellowship, and devout communion with Thee all the days of my life, may, in the end, rest in peace with Thee, in the home of the blessed in heaven, through Thee, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. 92 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXXL— EVENING. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark ; but it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day nor night ; but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. — Zech. 14 : 6, 7. Jttebitation. Grace gives to the weary day-toiler, a peaceful evening. It is then lighter than at any time during the day. The day was stormy, but be- fore night the clouds passed away, the storm ceased, the sun shone out larger at its setting than at midday, and the heavens were lighted up with the golden tints of departing day. At evening it was light. The Christian dies in the Lord, and peacefully passes to His rest. The battle of life is done, the struggle with sorrow is over, and after life's fitful fever he sleeps well. JjJrajjer. O God, I thank Thee for my creation, preserva- tion, and all the blessings of this life, and I pray Thee, grant me Thy grace, that through the re- demption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, and the means of grace which He hath ordained, I may have peace with Thee, and the forgiveness of all my sins, and being guided by Thy counsel, all my ways may be ordered according to Thy will, so that whilst I live I may live unto the Lord, and when I die I may die unto the Lord, and that whether living or dying I may be the Lord's, now and forever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 93 LXXXIL— EVENING. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep ; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. —Psalm 4:8. fficbitation. The day is ended. The work of the day is done. The silent shades of the night are around me, and I will he down to rest. God's care was over me during the day, and He will keep me from the perils of the night. I will put myself into His hands. I am at peace with God and man. I will therefore sleep in quietness. I know not what a night may bring forth. The sleep of my bed may be changed to the sleep of death. But for life or for death, I trust myself wholly in His hands. I am safe with Him, living or dying. All is well. Prober. O God, who makest the outgoings of the morn- ing and evening to rejoice, I thank Thee for the preservation of my life during this day, and I pray Thee, grant me Thy gracious protection during the night, that I may sleep in peace and quietness, and that no disturbance may come nigh my dwelling, but that refreshed and strength- ened by the slumbers of the night, I may rise in the morning and enter upon the new duties of the new day in the name of my dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 94 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXXIIL— EVENING. Stand in awe, and sin not ; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. — Psalm 4:4. Jfletoiation. God is with me. He is present in the night, as in the day. The day and the night are alike to Him. I will think of God. I fear Him. How awful God is ! I love the Lord. He is my Father. God help me to be pure in Thy sight. Let Jesus' blood cleanse me from all sin. How have I lived this day ? How have I passed my whole life up to this night ? Have I peace with God ? Am I ready for my final account ? Lord have mercy upon me. Christ have mercy upon me. Lord have mercy upon me. JJraner. O God, I pray Thee, search me, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting, wash me thoroughly from all my sins by the blood which was shed for me on the cross, and let Thy Holy Spirit abide with me, that the peace of God may dwell in my soul and all my fears may be stilled, and by His gra- cious help, whether in joy or in sorrow, whether by life or by death, Christ may be magnified in my body, and I may be saved, at the last day, for His sake, who lay down in the grave, and rose again for me, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 95 LXXXIV— LUTHER'S EVENING PRAYER. In the eveni?ig, when preparing to lie down, say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then say : ®l)e QTreefc. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; Born of the Virgin Mary ; Suffered under Pontius Pilate ; Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell ; The third day He rose again from the dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. . I believe in the Holy Ghost ; The Holy Chris- tian Church ; The communion of saints ; The for- giveness of sins ; The resurrection of the body ; And the life everlasting. Amen. 96 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S Then say : Our Father who art in heaven ; Hallowed be Thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done on -earth, as it is in heaven ; Give us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our tres- passes as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not into temptation ; But de- liver us from evil ; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Then say this : |Dragn% I give thanks unto Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Thy dear Son, that Thou hast this day so graciously protected me, and I beseech Thee to forgive me all my sins, and the wrong which I have done, and by Thy great mercy defend me from all the perils and dangers of this night. Into Thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 97 LXXXV.— EVENING SENTENCE. O Lord, abide with us, For it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with tjs, And with Thy church universal. Abide with us, In the evening of the day, In the evening of life, In the evening of the world. Abide with us, With Thy grace and mercy, With Thy word and sacraments, With Thy comfort and blessing. Abide with us at the coming Of the night of anguish and trouble, Of the night of doubt and temptation, Of the night of the agony of death. Abide with us, and with all that believe in Thee, In life and in death, In time and in eternity, In earth and in heaven. Amen. 98 THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S LXXXVL— PRAYER FOR PEACE. O Lord ! may " Peace be to this house," Peace be with me and mine, Peace be with all in this parish, Peace be with our whole country, Peace be with the church and all believers, Peace be with all sick and dying persons, Peace be with all who mourn and are in trouble, Peace be with all who suffer persecution, Peace be with all who are in war and conflict, Peace be with us all, now, henceforth, and for- ever. Amen. MANUAL OF DEVOTION. 99 LXXXVII .— INTERCESSION FOR THE DYING. O Lord, defend this Thy servant "d From the anguish of remorse, From despair of Thy mercy, From anxious thoughts about earthly affairs, From the pain of separation, From unbelief and doubt, From the fear of death and judgment, From the power of Satan. O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst Thyself taste the bitter agony of death, grant Thy grace to this Thy dying servant, that he may have peace in the hour of death, and after death, obtain ever- lasting salvation, because Thou hast redeemed him, by the shedding of Thy blood on the cross. Amen. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Nov. 2005 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724)779-2111