May 9

Philippians ii. — 1. If there be, therefore, any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:

6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God;

7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8. And, being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name;

10. That, at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven; and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11. And that every tongue should confess that

Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Revelation v. — 9. And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation;

10. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth.

11. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

12. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

13. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.

14. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

The gospel requires of us no virtue or grace which Christ has not exhibited in that nature which he took upon him in common with our own; but the most amazing example of humility and of self-sacrifice for the good of others was given when he was made in the likeness of men. The full force of this example is brought out by a slight change in the reading of the sixth verse, according to the best scholars. The apostle here uses a bold figure, from the robber who is intent upon seizing and holding the prey or booty that he covets. Now, Christ was already in possession of the highest riches and glory, "being in the form of God," yet, when he looked upon the possibility of saving men, he did not cling to and covet to retain the dignity and blessedness that were then his own; he did not deem his equality with God a possession to

be held fast against the call to save a dying world. He did not insist upon retaining his glory, but freely emptied himself of the honors and joys of his divine majesty, and took upon him the form of a servant; and, having descended to this low condition, he accepted the further humiliation of death under the most painful and disgraceful form. He who was without sin submitted to death, which is the perpetual stigma of sin upon our humanity, and to death upon the cross between malefactors; and all this through the love he had for us sinners. How should this love inspire our hearts to confess and glorify the name of Christ! and how should this sacrifice incite us to renounce ourselves, that we may carry salvation to others!

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 8, 99, 157.

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose providence both the day and night are governed, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, as thou hast this day preserved us by thy goodness, so still this night to shelter us beneath the shadow of thy wings, that the powers of darkness may not hurt us; that we may be preserved from all adversities which may happen to the holy, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh! we humbly beseech thee to accept our intercessions in behalf of all men. We pray for thy universal Church, that it may be guided by thy Holy Spirit in the way of truth and peace; and that thy people everywhere may shine like lights in the world,

and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

We commend, O Lord! to thy fatherly goodness, our relations, friends, and neighbors, and all who desire or ought to be especially remembered in our prayers. Succor the poor and needy; bind up the broken-hearted; have mercy on the sick and dying; and help us by thy grace to prepare ourselves daily for the hour of death. Look down, O Lord! we beseech thee, on this dwelling, and drive far from it all manner of evil. Let thy holy presence dwell within us to preserve us in peace, and let thy blessing be upon us forever, through Christ our Lord. The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with us this night and evermore. Amen.