Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear. until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai Joshua viii. 26. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John iii. 8.

A WILLING subjection to any one sin is not con

sistent with the grace of God and true saving faith. (Romans vi. 14.) For, though wicked inhabitants will abide in the heart, and sometimes prevail over a believer, they must not reign there, but should be vigorously resisted; since we may be utterly ruined by willing subjection to a single sin. Though thou art actually converted, and hast gained the dominion over thy sins, yet thou must not draw back thy hand, and lay the spear and sword of the Spirit aside. There is no truce in this war, nor any rest found but in fighting: for, if thou dost not vanquish thine enemies, they will vanquish thee. Therefore the Christian soldier's watch-word is, Fight on, looking to Jesus. Satan left Christ only for a time; much more will he renew his assaults upon us again and again; nay, if a man is not watchful, but presumptuous, "he takes to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself." But, if the conflict last long with thee, remember, that it is also the case with others; fight on, therefore, and faint not; at last the victory will be the more sweet and glorious. Only, above all things, take the shield of faith; for faith, by which we are in covenant with Christ, alone triumphs. Faith honours Christ by pleading with him, and Christ honours faith by giving to it.

Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price.

Isaiah

lv. 1. Come, for all things are now ready. Luke xiv. 17. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.

John vi. 37.

WOULD the heart of a tender parent permit him

to reject the application of a child imploring that relief which he must have or die? No more will God turn a deaf ear to the cry of a trembling sinner. Let us, therefore, press through a thousand discouragements, and venture, just as we are, to make known unto him our requests. "Him that cometh," he has said, "I will in no wise cast out." He is pleased with our solicitude and importunity; and, ere long, will send an answer of peace. A feeling of joy is not needful to bring us to Christ, but a feeling of our wants. Jesus always says, COME." Whatever may be your wants, whatever your miseries, or whatever your sins, Jesus says, "Come unto me." He has what you want. He has all you want. He has the heart also to give it you, and to give it freely. Not only so, but he really wishes you to have what you need. He considers himself to be glorified by giving, and that you glorify him by receiving. Will you not glorify Jesus by looking into yourself to see what you need, and then going to him to be supplied? All things are ready, Jesus is willing and waiting, arise and go to him, for he is calling you. Ask and receive, that your joy may be full.

Come, happy souls, approach your God
With new melodious songs,

Come, tender to Almighty grace

The tribute of your tongues.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom. xii. 21. Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 1 Peter iii. 13.

HE life of a Christian is a warfare; and the con

THE

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flict between sin and holiness, and between sorrow and comfort, is often very violent. Sin, Satan, self, and the world, are his daily enemies. He is also exposed to poverty, affliction, reproaches, and perse cution. O my Saviour, help me to overcome every evil in the strength of thy grace; give me a heart to do good to all who may seek to hurt me. " Who," my Christian associates, is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" Not the Father-for he loves you. Not Jesus he died for you. Not the Spirit-his work is to comfort you. Not good men they love those that follow that which is good. Not wicked men, nor devils-for, though enemies, they are confined, and cannot stir one step beyond what your God and Saviour permits them. When you meet with a trial, look not to men, but to Jesus. Pray for patience to bear it, and look up for a blessing upon it. Then all things shall work together for good. (Rom. viii. 28.) Let every temptation make you more careful, and put you on closer watching against the enemy. Cleave to Jesus by faith and prayer, like a child to its parent, when it sees an enemy coming towards it. Behold him, flee to him, rest upon him, and then you will rejoice in him. My soul, I charge thee to flee to Christ from all danger, and for every needed blessing.

Prayer shall be made for him continually, and daily shall he be praised. Psalm lxxii. 15.

0

WHAT a condescending King we have, who may always be approached! You say, O that my coldness and indifference would permit me to do it! But are you not sensible of your wants and miseries? Is not this backwardness of which you complain, misery enough? Therefore you ought always to pray, and to pray most when you feel yourselves sinking into a worldly and torpid frame. Arise, therefore, and pray; the good Spirit of God will assist you in it. Encouraged by the promise of a prayer-hearing God, and the special assistance of the Holy Spirit in this work, we must, even in the greatest conflicts, not omit to resist the temptations of the devil. Though we have sinned, we must not refrain from prayer; for what can we do better? What can we do besides? If we stop till we make ourselves worthy, we shall never approach God. Lord, grant me more of the spirit of prayer, and let it never be extinguished in my heart; but may it become as natural to pray, as to breathe. May I pray without ceasing, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting.

Arise, my soul, my joyful powers,
And triumph in thy God;
Awake, my voice, and loud proclaim
His glorious grace abroad.

Arise, my soul, from deep distress,
And banish every fear;

God calls thee to his throne of grace,
To spread thy sorrows there.

L

What doest thou here, Elijah. 1 Kings xix. 13. ET this question be supposed as addressed to us : "What doest thou here," in this world, into which thou art sent? Art thou working "the work of him” that sent thee, or standing all the day idle? How dost thou acquit thyself in the duties of thy particular calling? Art thou upright, conscientious, and useful therein? Art thou in the post assigned thee, truly called and properly qualified for it? Or hast thou thrust thyself into it, without warrant or invitation, and therefore hast no cause to expect success? What doest thou here, in this retirement? Is the world shut out of thy thoughts, and are the visits of the blessed Spirit invited? What doest thou here, if it be not thy wish and endeavour to have communion with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ? What doest thou here, if thou art not at peace with God? If thou desirest peace and safety, plead the blood of Jesus, flee to the city of refuge, before the avenger of blood overtake thee, and thou perish. "Remember Lot's wife," and look not behind thee, lest thou become a monument of wrath. What doest thou here in times of trial? Art thou flying from the danger, or boldly facing it in the name and strength of the Lord? Art thou ashamed of the cross, or dost thou willingly take it upon thee! Art thou for pitching thy tent here, satisfied with thy present portion? or art thou looking to a better country, to a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God?" O to say honestly and heartily, "I am here, Lord, to glorify thee!"