August 29

knew that God's word is not bound by the rules of human criticism; and that metaphors should not be carried too far. It is wise to know when to drop them. The assurance addresses itself to a common feeling in our nature—It is hope of success that induces men to labour. Who, if he knew it, would exert himself in vain? To a Jew such an address would be peculiarly suited; as on his obedience, prosperity was invariably to attend. With regard to the Christian, the promise cannot be taken without some distinction. In his temporal enterprizes he is not authorised to look for his success in all he does. His plans and wishes may often fail; but welfare requires this; and all things work together for good to them that love God: while success is sure to attend him in his spiritual affairs. There he cannot labour in vain. He prays, and he shall prosper in it; "for he that seeketh findeth." He fights, and he shall prosper in it; for "his enemies shall be found liars unto him, and he shall tread upon their high places." He sows, and he shall prosper; for "they that sow in tears shall reap in joy"—AND WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER.

AUGUST 29.—"For thou hast a little strength."—Revelation 3:8.

THIS is the language of Christ to the Church of Philadelphia. It is obviously spoken in a way of commendation and encouragement. Though they were distinguished by no great attainments, there was something in them really good and spiritual; and therefore he would not deprive them of the privileges they enjoyed, but would even enlarge them: "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it—for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and not denied my name." It is thus he comes down like rain on the mown grass. It is thus he verifies the prediction, "a bruised reed shall be not break, and smoking flax shall be not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory."

It would be an abuse of this passage were we, in consequence of it, to become remiss in duty, and, as the Scripture says, "to settle upon our lees." It shows a low aim, and is even an unfavourable proof of a man's sincerity, when he only seeks to be satisfied of the existence of his religion and of his eternal safety. We ought to be anxious, not only to have life, but to have it more abundantly. We should be concerned for the honour of God, and our usefulness to men. By the weakness of our grace we lose much in a way of evidence and comfort. We are commanded to "grow in grace;" and are assured that God "giveth more grace." Indeed the principle naturally urges the progress, and they who have tasted that the Lord is gracious will desire the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby.

But the declaration does afford "strong consolation." And such consolation the Apostle tells us is necessary, not only to them that are fleeing, but "to them that have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before them." It is no easy thing when persons are pressed down by a sense of their vileness and imperfections to keep them from fearing that they have no part nor lot in the matter, and that their hearts are not right in the sight of God. They are prone

to judge of the truth of their grace by the degree of it; and lose the comfort derivable from what they have, in thinking of what they have not. Comparing themselves with saints of great eminence, and dwindling into nothing before them, they forget that in the household of faith there are various ages and statures; and that those who are not "fullgrown men" may be "little children." The fold of the heavenly Shepherd contains not only sheep but lambs, and he gathers the lambs with his arm, and carries them in his bosom.

The weakness of our grace should therefore humble us, but not drive us to despair; and while we lament that we have not more, we should be thankful that we have any. Though the mixture is lamentable, the Lord will not reject the ore for the dross adhering to it; and will in due time separate the one from the other. As soon as it is sown we say, This is a field of wheat. The blade is not the full corn in the ear, but it will become so—"Four months and then cometh harvest." If it be but the dawn with us at present, the dawn, though less than the day, is better than the night, and proves that the sun is rising, and at hand; and what shall stop his course, or turn him aside? And "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

What a lovely Being have we before us! He is fairer than the children of men! Let us give him all the confidence of our hearts. Let us admire, and praise, and recommend him.

And let us be concerned to imitate him. Hence it is said, "Be ye followers of God as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also loved us." Is he forgiving, and meek, and condescending, and tender, and compassionate? As the professors of his Name let the same mind also be in us: and let us remember, that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. If we resemble him we shall not despise the day of small things. In our social state as a church we shall not exact perfection, and if we have not all the satisfaction we could desire, we shall lean to the side of candour, and receive one another as Christ receives us. If we are strong we shall bear the infirmities of the weak, and not please ourselves. We shall give up things in which we could conscientiously indulge ourselves, lest we offend the consciences of our weaker brethren. We shall not press young beginners with high and difficult doctrines, but patiently wait till experience prepares for the admission of them. He taught his disciples as they were able to bear it. Milk is for babes: who could think of giving them not only strong meat, but the bones of controversy, which, if they happen to have a little flesh upon them, or marrow in them, are beyond their use. If a brother also be overtaken in a fault, let us restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves, lest we also be tempted, and thinking of him who took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. Let us always have a word in season for the weary. Let us comfort the feebleminded. Let us make straight paths for our feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Blessed Jesus! Beholding as in a glass thy glory, may we be changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.