January 29

any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. If we love him, we shall not, we cannot abuse this encouragement: but let it give us boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Let us unite hope with humility; and rejoicing in Christ Jesus, with having no confidence in the flesh. And when we think of passing through the valley of the shadow of death, to enter the immediate presence of the Eternal, let us say, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of his righteousness only."

JANUARY 29.—"He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."—Psalms 105:14, 15.

He did this to the patriarchs. He did it when they were but few in number, yea very few, and strangers in the land: and when they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people: and so seemed to invite hostility and injury from the powerful and unprincipled. He did it sometimes in dreams and visions, and sometimes in words and deeds: as we see in the rebuke of Pharaoh with regard to Abraham when in Egypt; and of Abimelech with regard to Isaac in Gerar. Also when by the destruction of the Shechemites Jacob's sons had rendered him odious to all the surrounding clans: yet, when he journeyed, "the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after them." "He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."

Here we see that God's servants are dearer to him than kings. The world knoweth them not. They are often poor and afflicted. And therefore those who judge after outward appearance make little account of them. "The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter?" Yet of such the world is not worthy. In their state and character they are more excellent than their neighbours, wherever they may be placed, or however they may be endowed. To them the Lord looks; in them he takes pleasure. "Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life."

We learn also that his servants are never without a divine Guardian. When first they flee to him for refuge, he encourages them as David did Abimelech escaped from the fury of Saul: "Abide thou with me; fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard." They may sometimes lose dependances; they may feel helpless and friendless; they may be hated and opposed: but there is no enchantment against Jacob; no weapon that is formed against them shall prosper. Are they travellers? The Lord is their keeper, the Lord is their shade upon their right hand. He shall preserve them from all evil. Are they useful? They are immortal till their work is done. Have they reached the days of privation, and infirmity, and depression?