June 25

and keeps us under our discouragements, from giving up so poor and defective a course of duty and devotion.

The other is acceptance. We are come unto God by him; and by him we are to offer up all our spiritual sacrifices. If we are accepted, it must be in the Beloved, not only as to our persons, but services. A Christian feels this. His imperfections are his afflictions; and he is conscious of so many deficiencies that he would have no delight or confidence in drawing near to God without this hope. If when he examines himself, and the sins of his holy things appear, he feels relief, it is by looking unto Jesus. But when he views the infinite value of his sacrifice, the perfection of his obedience, the prevalency of his intercession and advocacy; he has humble boldness and access with confidence, by the faith of him. And even originally he could not have been so endeared to God as he now is—thus coming in his name—sprinkled with his blood—and making mention of his righteousness only.

What a difference is there between the language of the Scripture concerning Christ, and the sentiments entertained of him by some who yet consider themselves to be Christians! They refer to him so rarely and so slenderly, that their hearers may almost be considered “as without Christ.” But the Scripture tells us that “we are complete in him”—That he “is all, and in all”—That “whatsoever we do, in word or deed, we are to do all in THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.”

JUNE 25.—“There am I in the midst of them.”—Matthew 18:20.

A LARGE portion of the Scripture is promissory; and the promises it contains are exceeding great and precious. Some of these, as we should naturally expect, are designed and adapted to excite and encourage us in the exercises of divine worship. Accordingly the Lord said of old, “In all places where I record my name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.” And if such was his language to Jewish worshippers, what says he to Christian assemblies? “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, THERE AM I IN THE MIDST OF THEM.” This cannot be understood of his corporeal presence; for as to this, he said, “I am no more in the world,” and no more will he be in the world as to his bodily presence, “till he shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” It is also to be distinguished from his essential presence; for by this he is every where, and fills heaven and earth. Whenever his presence is spoken of in a way of promise, it intends not the perfection of his nature, but a privilege. Thus though he is not far from any one of us, yet it is said “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” It is of such a peculiar and gracious presence he here speaks.

And thus he is with all his people. He is with them in their own persons; with them in the closet; with them in the family—But “the Lord loveth the gates of Zion better than all the dwellings of Jacob”—

“His mercy visits every house, That pay their night and morning vows; But makes a more delightful stay, Where churches meet to praise and pray”