January 23

Philippians 1.—12. I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel:

13. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14. And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15. Some, indeed, preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. 16. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds; 17. But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18. What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20. According to my earnest expectation, and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.

21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22. But, if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor; yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24. Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25. And, having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26. That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28. And in nothing terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30. Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

The hand that wrote these words of faith and hope was chained to a Roman soldier; the eye that looked forward to the ineffable glory of being with Christ was shut in by the walls of a dungeon. But no chain could bind the spirit that here pours itself forth with such magnanimity of love, such triumph of devotion; which makes bonds witnesses for Christ, and the violence of adversaries a token that God's deliverance is at hand. No dungeon could darken, no threats of execution could intimidate, the spirit which knew that to die would be gain.

But while taith thus triumphed over death, and love longed

to depart and be with Christ, the apostle, in his Master's spirit of sacrifice, was willing to postpone his own glory to the good of the Church, and to preach Christ through pains and sufferings and patience, if thereby he might insipirit others to the like joy of faith. Compare this magnanimity, this courage, this patience, this unrepining, unselfish devotion, of Paul, in his narrow cell, with the sullenness, the pervishness, the misanthropy of Napoleon in a captivity solaced by so many comforts, and one cannot hesitate upon which head to place the crown of true greatness and of final victory.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 30, 104.

O God, who hast spared our lives, and brought us to the beginning of another day! we lift up our hearts to thee. We thank thee for rest during the past night; for life preserved, and strength renewed; and for the many tokens of thy loving-kindness which surround us.

And now, O Lord! prepare us for the duties and trials which this day may bring. Whatever we have to do, may we do it willingly and heartily, as unto thee, and not as unto men. Whatever may be our besetting sins, grant that we may know them, and watch and fight against them. Give us grace to take up, each one of us, our peculiar cross, whatever it may be; to exercise constant self-denial; and in all things to follow our Master, so that each of us may say, "For me to live is Christ." Make us more like him in lowliness and meekness; tender-hearted, forgiving one another; ready to

bear each other's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Let not the world with its cares and vanities fill our hearts, and so make us forget the worth of our souls, the love of our Saviour, and the nearness of eternity. Whilst we are busy in the world, may our hearts rise above it!

Lord, watch over us, and all who are dear to us, this day. Defend our souls from the assaults of the Wicked One, and preserve our bodies in health and safety. May all thy wise and merciful inspirations bind us to thee, and fit us better for thy service! May we walk in the light of thy countenance, and know the happiness of those who have the Lord for their God! Finally, prepare us to depart and be with Christ. Hear us, heavenly Father, and when thou hearest forgive, for the sake of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.