February 6

And how far does this sense of the Christian's weakness extend? He feels that he is unable to do what he ought. His work is laid down in the Scripture. It requires him to run the race that is set before him; to fight the good fight of faith; and to perform a thousand duties with regard to God, his neighbour, and himself—the view of which forces him to exclaim, "Who is sufficient for these things?" He feels that he is unable to do what he would. To will is present, but how to perform that which is good, he finds not. He would gladly flee, but the wires of his cage tell him that he is a prisoner. He attempts to sing, but his voice is untuned; and his harp is hung on the willows, and sometimes too high for him to reach. He feels that he is unable to do what he has done. His former experience humbles him. "O that it was with me as in months past!" I fear I shall never pray again as I have prayed. Never trust in the promise as I have trusted. Never kneel before the cross again as I once did, and said—

"Here it is I find my heaven, Whole upon the Lamb I gaze."

He feels that he is unable to do the least duty. He always thought himself inadequate, were he called to die at the stake, or to offer up an Isaac: but he is beyond this now. He now feels that he cannot order his speech properly in company; nor endure, with Christian temper, the trifling vexations of the hour—yea, that without Christ he "can do nothing." He feels unable to preserve himself from the greatest sins. He once thought that he was in no danger from these; and supposed that reputation, and common prudence, would secure him from such miscarriages. But he now prays with David, not only, cleanse thou me from secret faults, but keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins.

And what is there to meet all this weakness? When he examines, he finds that nothing is sufficient. He cannot depend on the grace he has received—He can no more live without fresh supplies of the Spirit, than he can see with the light, and respire with the air, of yesterday. He cannot depend upon his present frames. These may be lively and delightful; but they are of the nature of cordials, not food—he cannot live by them. He knows too how variable they are; and how often rapture has ended in gloom. He cannot depend upon his resolutions and vows. He has seen their vanity in binding his depraved heart. Though they seemed invincible, they have yielded in the hour of temptation: and before the assaults of the enemy, they have been no more than a hedge of cobwebs, or a wall of vapour. He cannot depend upon means and ordinances. He values these, and will be found in the use of them; they are his privilege as well as duty. But unless the Lord give the increase, Paul plants and Apollos waters in vain. We are to wait only upon God. His influences and communications can alone relieve and elevate, refresh and strengthen the soul. This seems a discouraging state of mind to be in—but what follows?

FEBRUARY 6.—"When I am weak, THEN AM I STRONG."—2 Corinthians 12:10.

THE consciousness of our spiritual weakness becomes the accession of strength three ways.

First, as it inspires us with diffidence and caution. It will keep us from venturing into the company of the infidel and the wicked, lest we learn of their ways, and get a snare to our souls. It will restrain us from scenes and places of dissipation where there is so much temptation, and we feel we have so little power of resistance. He who knows how much tinder he has about him will not invite sparks. The humble will always be self-diffident. He will not vainly think that he can withstand where others are overcome. Therefore he will not make haste to be rich, lest he should not be innocent, but fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. He will perfectly tremble at the thought of the love of money, since God tells him it is the root of all evil. He will not exercise himself in great matters, or in things too high for him; he finds himself unequal to the difficulties and dangers of superior offices and employments. If God calls him into an arduous and perilous situation, the call insures his safety and assistance; but presumption has nothing to plead. He will therefore look for his commission; and follow God, instead of going before him. The Jews would go up the hill—but the ark remained behind. What was the consequence? The enemy easily discomfited them, and chased them like bees. The self-sufficient are never safe, because no one can warn them of danger without giving offence: but the man who knows himself, and is not high minded, welcomes admonition and even reproof; and says, Faithful are the wounds of a friend.

Secondly, as it makes us more prayerful. When a man, concerned for his safety and welfare, finds that he cannot rely upon himself, he will naturally look after another to rely upon. So did Jehoshaphat in the pressure of his straits: "We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." And thus, when the weak sees an adversary approaching, he will not go forth to meet him alone; but hasten and call upon the Captain of his salvation to come to his succour: and thus he succeeds. What is prayer but an application to the strong for strength? And as in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength, but we cannot hope for its aids without asking and seeking; it follows, that nothing can strengthen us like prayer. It is availing ourselves of Omnipotence. It is our being strong in the Lord and the power of his might. The babe cannot support himself: yet he is not abandoned. Provision is made for him in another: and what his little hands cannot accomplish for him, his cries and tears can effect. The mother hears him, and flies to relieve and indulge. She, even she, may indeed forget; or prove unkind or unable: but the God of all grace never said to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me, in vain. Therefore,

Thirdly, as it encourages and animates the soul by bringing us under the certainty of divine promise. There is something very winning and endearing in confidence. Who could take away the life of a bird that fled to his bosom from the pounce of the hawk? or who could take advantage of having him in his hand to deprive the little trembler even of his liberty? Nothing is ever lost by trusting in the ingenuous and noble minded: they always feel a responsibility to repay the confidence reposed in them. What then may