January 18

Third Week in Advent.—Wednesday

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1.

God's priests speak to you, as they are bound, of the necessity of making your peace with God; if you cannot get this peace without it, they offer you absolution upon a true confession, with real repentance and living faith. The pardon they give is ratified in heaven; in fact they have only given the message, it is Christ the great Absolver Who has forgiven you. They come to you in this way, which is God's way, trying no exciting plans by which they may work you up to a belief that you have assurance in consequence of your feelings; they trust not to man's feelings, but to Christ's ordinance, especially while preparing you to receive your Lord's Body and Blood, so anxious they are that you should have on "the wedding garment," lest you should not discern that Body, lest you should be guilty of that Blood, and insult the Bread which they break and the Cup of blessing which they bless. They tell you that you may "open your griefs," that is, make your confessions, and so receive "the benefit of absolution." They compel you not to do this, there can be no compulsory confession till the Day of Judgment; then the secrets of all hearts will be disclosed, when the Judge shall be set and the books opened. May we have so judged ourselves now, that we be not judged of the Lord then.

Let us cast the way on high,

For His coming;

Cleanse the heart, and make it meet

For His heaven-descended Feet.

Jesu, strength, and solace nigh,

And salvation!

Without Thee, like withering grass

Man doth into nothing pass.