November 28

from the words which follow: "When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." So confesses the Church: All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way; though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death." And says David, "For I am become like a bottle in the smoke, yet do I not forget thy statutes." And it is well when in our sufferings we can approve ourselves unto God. You are not, says Peter, to suffer as evil-doers, but as Christians; and therefore he adds, "Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator." Jacob had this satisfaction when he was returning from Padan-aram, and had to meet his infuriated brother: he could therefore plead, "O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee." Thy word has brought me into this strait; and therefore I have a gracious right to rely upon thy care for safety and deliverance. It was otherwise with Elijah when he fled from the face of Jezebel, and concealed himself in the cave at Horeb: and therefore says God, "What dost thou here, Elijah?" He was unable to frame an answer that did not reflect upon his own fear and distrust; and had not God dealt with him better than he deserved, he would have found that the turning away of the simple slays them.

But whatever be our state and circumstances, let us seek the testimony that we please God, and labour that whether present or absent we may be accepted of him. What can sustain and animate like this? "Let them curse, but bless thou."

NOVEMBER 28.—"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."—Ephesians 1:3.

THERE is a correspondence observable between God and his people; or, so to speak, a spiritual flux and reflux from God to them, and from them to God. He chooses them, and they choose him. He sanctifies them, and they sanctify him. He glorifies them, and they glorify him.

Thus, in the words before us, we have grace for grace, and blessing for blessing. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." All our happiness and duty are found in this circulation. If God does not bless us we are miserable; if we do not bless God we are criminal.

Yet there is a great difference between these benedictions. His blessing us precedes our blessing him, and we love him because he first loved us. His blessing us is a real communication; and the Apostle characterizes the benefits which it bestows four ways: by their quality; by their plenitude; by their residence; and by their relation—He blesses us with "spiritual" blessings; with "all"

spiritual blessings; with all spiritual blessings "in heavenly places;" with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places "in Christ." But our blessing of God can add nothing to his perfection. Our goodness extendeth not to him. He is exalted above all blessing and praise. Yet we can praise him declaratively; and he that offereth praise glorifieth him.

The soul of this is gratitude. Gratitude has been defined as a disposition to return a favour received. Towards man it may be thus expressed; it may be thus fully expressed; yea, more than an equivalency or compensation for a benefit has been often made: but in this manner it can never be expressed towards God. His goodness is infinite; and therefore our gratitude is to appear not in discharging our obligations, but in feeling them, and in a concern to make suitable returns while adequate ones are out of our power. Thus David asks, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?" And thus we bless him, not only verbally, but practically, and show forth his praise, as it is beautifully expressed, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to his service, and by walking before him in holiness and righteousness all our days.

Who does this? Who is not condemned by this subject? Instead of blessing God we are senseless or silent. Instead of abundantly uttering the memory of his great goodness, we are murmurers and complainers. Suffer the clamour of a few trials to drown the voice of a thousand mercies—Yet Paul had suffered the loss of all things, and was even a prisoner when he used this glowing language: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

We are backward to all religious exercises, but even selfishness may make us attentive to other duties. Compelled by our necessities, we pray; we call upon our Benefactor in the day of trouble; but when we have gained our purpose, we soon forget his works, and the wonders which he has shown us. Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Even Hezekiah rendered not according to the benefit done him, for his heart was lifted up. Who can reflect upon this, and not exclaim, "O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

Let me then lay down three rules, by observing which we shall experience and express more of this blessed and blessing temper of mind.

First. Labour to ascertain your own interest in Divine things. Seek the full assurance of hope unto the end. O! when I can view the blessings revealed in the Gospel as my portion, when "I can read my title clear to mansions in the skies," when I can draw near to God as my exceeding joy, then all the powers of gratitude are touched; then all its springs are opened; then by the mercies of God I present my body as a living sacrifice; then I say, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.

Secondly. Often and carefully consider your mercies. Nothing can affect us but as it is in our thoughts. Therefore forget not all his benefits. Make them pass and repass in your reviews. Dwell upon