Page images
PDF
EPUB
[ocr errors]

NOVEMBER 29.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." -Ps. xxxiv. 1–3.

66 Just as there is meanness in constant murmuring, so there is a gracefulness and majesty in habitual gratitude; and it is "pleasant." It is not the full purse, or the easy calling, but the full heart, the praising disposition, which makes the blessed life; and of all personal gifts, that man has got the best, who has received the quick-discerning eye, the promptly-joyful soul, the ever-praising spirit.

Mount of Olives.

NOVEMBER 30,

"Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise

cast out."--St. John, vi. 37.

Just as I am-without one plea,

Save that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee-

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spotO Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am-though toss'd about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
With fears within, and wars without-
O Lamb of God, I come!

[blocks in formation]

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,

Because Thy promise I believe—

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am―Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,—

O Lamb of God, I come!

DECEMBER 1.

"He shall give His angels charge concerning thee."-St. Matt. iv. 6.

Not only are blessed spirits around us, and joined with us in the service of our God, but, farther still, they have a special interest in us,—they watch over us, and aid us. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to them that shall be heirs of salvation?" The limits, and the secrets of their aid, we know not,-farther than that it is only such as can be rendered us by other finite beings external to ourselves, and touches not the sole prerogative of the Almighty Spirit. They may shield us from the malice of the unseen powers of darkness; their strong arm may force back upon himself the blows which are aimed at us by the enemy; they may bear to us messages of good; they may gently draw us out of paths which would lead to evil; they may succour us in danger and extremity. All of this we know they have done before now, at God's command, for those who trusted in Him; and such are still their ministries of love. They who behold always the face of our Father which is in heaven, watch, our Lord has told us, over Christian children; and the penitence of the returning wanderer wakes up their golden harps to loftier melody.

BISHOP WILBERFORCE.

[ocr errors]

DECEMBER 2.

'Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.”—Phil. i. 27.

Discourse ensues, not trivial, yet not dull,
Nor such as with a frown forbids the play
Of fancy, or proscribes the sound of mirth.
Nor do ye madly,—like an impious world,
Who deem religion frenzy, and the God
Who made them, an intruder on their joys,—
Start at His blessed name, or deem His praise
A jarring note,-themes of a loftier tone
Exciting oft your gratitude and love.

DECEMBER 3.

"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."-1 John, v. 4.

The doctrine of the cross is the sun in the system of truth. It is seen by its own light, and throws light upon every other subject. This will soften hearts that will stand out against threatenings; this opens a door of hope to the vilest-to despairing sinners. The strictness of the law must be preached to show sinners their danger; but the Gospel (free

salvation through Christ) is the only remedy; and suggests those motives which are alone able to break off the sinner from the love of his sins, and to enable him to overcome the world.

NEWTON.

66

DECEMBER 4.

For with Thee is the fountain of life.”—

Ps. xxxvi. 9.

Beneath Moriah's rocky side,
A gentle fountain springs;
Silent and soft its waters glide,
Like the peace the Spirit brings.

The thirsty Arab stoops to drink
Of the cool and quiet wave;
And the thirsty spirit stops to think
Of Him who came to save.

Siloam is the fountain's name;
It means: "One sent from God;"
And thus the holy Saviour's fame
Is gently spread abroad.

O grant that I, like this sweet well,
May Jesus' image bear,

And spend my life,-my all, to tell
How full His mercies are.

« PreviousContinue »