XXV grace of God is free, through Jesus Christ, and unconditional. If we could comply with any terms that should entitle us to it, it would be unnecessary. vation is spoken of, and does not mean the state in which we are living, but appears, at the first glance, to mark out the money and the price we are to pay for the milk and the wine, it will often be found spoken of with such previous qualifications, and subject to such a tacit and conventional understanding, as saves the writer from the error, to which it leaves the reader exposed. Had our salvation been placed within our own hearts and minds, instead of being, as it is, without us, and beyond our own reach, the gift of God; had the means of our salvation originated with ourselves, and been dependent upon our own exertions in the first instance, instead of being derived through Him Who was lifted up on the cross to save sinners-then indeed our strength would have been our weakness; but now, we know that, when we are weak, then are we strong. Where the condition of sal d xxvi The It must in conclusion be stated, that our prayers should bear continual testimony that our only reliance is upon Jesus Christ. words we utter, or the aspirations after true holiness, which we cannot so definitely embody, may yet take effect upon our own hearts, and often draw down a blessing. Our reason, the wisdom of our flesh, is indeed corrupt, until we receive a better Spirit; and we shall receive it if we ask aright. Solomon has cautioned us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and to lean not unto our own understanding. On any point the principles of the Bible will give our determination its fullest and only sanction. We must be cautious that we do not reply against God, and that we do not stand in a wrong spirit upon His high hill, and pass judgment upon His works. As the Bridegroom may come at any hour, we must be cautious to have oil provided for our lamps. Each man should be prepared beforehand for the particular situation in life he may expect to fill, with such a ready knowledge of the lessons of his Lord, xxvii that he may apply them at once to the business in hand. The Bible is a manual for our daily service in life. Each day, each hour we must use diligently the fitting means of grace; or we cannot expect to receive that grace. The promise is, not to work in our stead, but, to work in us, and work with us, during our earthly trials and discipline: and faithful is He who gives us that promise. When He may see us "faint, yet pursuing," He will supply us that food, in the strength of which we shall be enabled to accomplish our pilgrimage. As we journey towards our heavenly Canaan, it will be a present help in all danger and strength, under all fear and darkness, that we shall not get the land in possession by our own sword, neither shall our own arm save us, but Thy right hand and Thine outstretched arm, and the light of Thy countenance, O Lord God Almighty. Friday, Dec. 28, 1828. PIOUS COUNTRY PARISHIONER. Edit. 1824. p. 189. To be read before Morning Prayer. THE Lord hath brought us safe to the beginning of this day, let us therefore give Him thanks for this and for all His mercies. Let us pray that we may live in the fear of God, and continue in love and charity with our neighbours, that the Lord may bless our honest endeavours, and make us content with what His providence shall order for us. And that we may continue His faithful servants unto our lives' end. For all which blessings let us devoutly pray. To be read before Evening Prayer. BY the favour of God, we are come to the evening of this day, and we are so much nearer to our latter end. Let us seriously consider this, and pray God to fit us for the hour of death. Let us with penitent hearts beseech Him to pardon our sins; and to deliver us from the evils which we have justly deserved. Let us resolve to amend where we have done amiss, and pray God that His grace may ever be with us. And that we may be safe under His protection Who alone can defend us from all dangers, as well ghostly as bodily; for all which blessings let us devoutly pray. |