January 16

with thy likeness." He was also a good man, and had enjoyed much of God. But this, instead of contenting him, makes him long for more; and therefore he says, "to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary." We cannot pursue an unknown good, and we shall not pursue an unvalued one. But the knowledge of divine things, which results from the teaching of the Spirit, is always influential in the affections: experience gives a relish which can never be forgotten; enjoyment increases bungering and thirsting after righteousness. When we have tasted the first-fruits, nothing will satisfy us but the whole vintage. When we have sipped of the streams, we must drink at the fountain-head. God, therefore, God in Christ, God in covenant, the God of all grace, is the object of the believer's attraction and pursuit simply and supremely; and though heaven and earth are very comprehensive, and contain a thousand endearments, he can say, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee; and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee." "It is good for me to draw near to God."

But the soul's following, and following hard after God—what means this? Surely it intends much more than a languid, inert inclination; or "the desire of the slothful which killeth him, because his hands refuse to labour." It evinces an intenseness of concern that quickens and rouses the man into life and earnestness—that draws his very "soul" along with it—that reconciles him to every needful exertion and sacrifice, however trying—and urges him to persevere, whatever difficulties or discouragements he meets with in his course. And sometimes the distance is long—and the progress up hill—and the road rough—and the weather unfriendly—and enemies would thrust us back—and sometimes we lose sight of Him, and ask those we meet, "Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?"—And when we spy him again, he seems to advance as we advance—and when we gain upon him and get nearer, he seems to look back and frown, and almost tells us to retire. The exercises and feelings of Christians in the divine life, will enable them to explain these allusions. Who among them all has not, like the Jews, been sometimes "discouraged because of the way?" Who has not resembled Barak's adherents, "Faint, yet pursuing?" Who has not frequently said, "My soul followeth hard after Thee?"

And who among them all has not had reason also to say,—"Thy right hand upholdeth me?" For if God is before his people in one respect, he is with them in another: while He tries them by apparent neglect, he secretly sustains them; while he seems to forsake them, he really supports them, and renders their strength equal to their day. His right hand means the influence of his gracious power, employed to preserve and animate them to go forward in their arduous course, cleaving to the Lord with purpose of heart, according to the promise, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Thus his right hand upholds them three ways. First—as to sin; lest they should fall by it. Secondly—as to suffering; lest they should sink under it. Thirdly—as to duty; lest they should decline from it.

Thus the believer's experience is now a kind of dawn, neither day

nor night—a mixed estate of pains and pleasures, fears and hopes, struggles and triumphs. He resembles the bush burning with fire, but not consumed; or the ship suffering from the winds and waves, but not sinking. He may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; cast down, but not destroyed: and in his lowest circumstances he can chide and encourage himself in the Lord his God—"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance."

JANUARY 17.—"And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation."—Genesis 7:1.

We have here a striking representation of the character of Noah's piety. It was distinguished by singularity and sincerity. If considered in reference to his fellow creatures, it was singular; if in reference to the Supreme Being, it was sincere—"Righteous," says God, "in this generation:" and "righteous," says God, "before me in this generation."

"Righteous," says God, "in this generation"—a generation universally depraved: "for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." Noah therefore had none to accompany him, none to countenance him; but all opposed him. Never was there before, and never has there been since, one so singular in his religion as he—for he not only differed from his neighbours, but from all his nation; and not only from all his nation, but from all the earth. Here was the danger, and here was the triumph of his piety. The force of opinion and example, when on the side of the multitude, is inexpressible. When a man is alone, conscience and reason will sometimes speak; and he will form many a good purpose, especially when trouble lays hold of him, or he is laid on a bed of sickness. But when he goes forth again, and again enters the crowd, he becomes another man. His resolutions fail him; his impressions wear off; the course of this world lays hold of him, and the stream carries him down. Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Herod, when he saw that it pleased the Jews, proceeded to take Peter also. Many of the Pharisees believed in Jesus, but feared to confess him lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. And who has not been influenced by the smiles or frowns of his fellow-creatures to act against his judgment and convictions? Who has not been holden back from the performance of many things, which he knew to be duties, by the inquiry, What will my friends think of me? what will the world say of me?

It would be well for us, seriously to reflect in private; to search the Scriptures without prejudice or partiality; to lay down certain rules of conduct, and go forth in the strength of the Most High, and follow them wherever they lead us, through evil report, or good report, saying,

Careless, myself a dying man, Of dying men's esteem; Happy, O God, if Thou approve, Though all beside condemn."