December 27

1 Peter iv. — 1. Forasmuch, then, as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2. That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4. Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you;

5. Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

6. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

7. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8. And, above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.

12. Beloved, think it not strange, concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you;

13. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of; but on your part he is glorified.

15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16. Yet, if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and, if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18. And, if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19. Wherefore 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.

In saying that "he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin," the apostle does not intend that there is a sanctifying merit in penances and mortifications; but, inasmuch as Christ suffered to take away sin, if we would share the benefit of his redemption, we must renounce sin, at whatever cost of pain or sacrifice to the flesh. To cherish sinful desires is to frustrate the grace of Christ. If we are truly the followers of Christ, are joined to him by a living faith,

we shall show this by the earnestness of our endeavors to be freed from sin: so are we made partakers of Christ's sufferings.

While all afflictions, even such as we bring upon ourselves, may contribute to our spiritual purification and advancement, afflictions which we are called to endure for Christ's sake are a testimony of his grace toward us; and, trusting ourselves to our ever faithful Creator, we can summon to our aid in such a conflict the Spirit of glory and of God.

APPROPRIATE HYMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 170, 195, 197.

Our Father in heaven, thou hast kept us in the watches of the night from every trouble, sorrow, and alarm; thou hast given us refreshing sleep. And now we bless thee for the day, for life and health, for food and raiment, for home and friends, for means of education and of enjoyment, for means of occupation and of support, for means of improvement in the knowledge of thyself from thy works and thy Word, and for opportunities of doing good to others. Oh! grant us grace that we may use to thy glory the lives which thou didst give, and which thy mercy doth continually spare.

We acknowledge, O Lord! our unworthiness and our sinfulness, and beseech thee to pardon our transgressions and heal our infirmities. Help us this day to live aright. In the business of life

may we be diligent, faithful, true! In our intercourse with others, may we manifest the gentleness, the sincerity, the charity, of the gospel of Christ! May we be patient under trials, meek under injuries, firm against temptation, bold for the truth, zealous for thy cause! May we be kind to the poor, helpful to the suffering, gentle toward all men! [Give unto these children, O Lord! grace to serve thee in the morning of life, and in their thoughts and words, their studies and their play, always to please their Father in heaven.] Remember with thy mercy all our friends. Build up, O Lord! thy Church; prosper thy kingdom in our land, and throughout the world. Ever guide, keep, and bless us. Bring us to the close of the day in peace, and to the close of life in a hope full of immortality, for Christ's sake. Amen.