September 28

ber, and his recovery depends upon the removal of it; now what he longs for is not the amputation, but the cure; and no one questions whether he wishes to be well because he shudders at the operation.

Yet, thirdly, since dying is the way, and the only way, to life everlasting, we should endeavour to rise as much as possible above the dread of it. And faith can accomplish what is impossible to flesh and blood. Let us view the subject under all the softenings given it in the Scripture. Let us remember that Jesus has taken away the sting of death, though the stroke remains; and that the stroke itself will not only be harmless, but beneficial, infinitely beneficial—To die is gain. Keep your eye not on what lies immediately before you, but on the glory and blessedness beyond. If the passage be trying, it opens into a wealthy place—and it is short—and safe—and you will not be alone in it. He has said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Therefore thank God, and take courage, and sing—

"While he affords his aid, I cannot yield to fear; Though I should walk through death's dark shade, My Shepherd's with me THERE."

SEPTEMBER 28.—"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious."—1 Peter 11. 4.

Every attentive observer must be led to acknowledge the truth of Isaiah's words concerning the Messiah, "He is despised and rejected of men." When we look around us, we find the multitude rising early, and sitting up late, and eating the bread of sorrow, but not seeking after Jesus. Rejoicing in the work of their own hands, but not glorying in the Lord. This is a fact peculiarly painful to Christians, who, ever since the eyes of their understanding were opened, have been praying, "Let the whole earth be filled with his glory." But let them remember that he is not universally undervalued. There are some who know his name; yea, they have many and distinguished associates in their estimation of him.

They can claim God the judge of all—To him he is precious. "This is my beloved Son," says he, "in whom I am well pleased." "Behold my servant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my soul delighted." Do we need proof of this? "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hands." He forgives us "for Christ's sake;" and assures us that whatsoever we ask "in his name" we shall receive.

They can claim the innumerable company of angels. Though these glorious beings have not been redeemed by him, they know that he is their Maker and Preserver; and they know that he is the Saviour of their younger brethren. He was seen of angels as his attendants and admirers in the days of his flesh. They rejoice, because it is an accession to his subjects, over every sinner that repenteth. The sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow, are the things into which they desire to look. And what is the burden of their songs? "I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders; and the number of