January 9

I Corinthians i.—17. Christ sent me, not to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

18. For the preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, foolishness; but, unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.

19. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21. For, after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24. But unto them which are called, both Jews

Ritualism and Rationalism stood opposed to the gospel in the time of God, but is the do today. The sinners represent the two people of religion, between which the human mind vibrates until it is established upon the central truth of revelation. The Jews made the virtue of religion consist in forms, and therefore they demanded new signs for a new faith. The Greeks worshipped intellect, and would measure every faith by their philosophy. They mocked at the idea of salvation through a despised Jew who had been crucified. Yet, with all their speculation, they had failed to attain to a true knowledge of God; and Rationalism never can meet the first great necessity of the soul, which is redemption; nor effect that transformation unto the higher life, which is regener-

and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29. That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption;

31. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

tion. But, in God's method of recovering our lost race, there is a wisdom that puts to shame the wisdom of this world; and the cross of Christ speaks to the heart with a power which no ritual can gain through the imagination and the senses. Redemption from the curse of sin, sanctification through the spirit of holiness, righteousness through his perfect obedience and his completed sacrifice, and wisdom through his revelation of the Father, — all this is Christ to the humblest believer. The gospel comes to men through their needs; and hence the self-righteous and the proud are more ready to oppose than to receive it. But it holds its way with undulating power through that uplifted cross which shall yet draw all men unto it.

APPROPRIATE HIMNS.]

Prayer.

[Nos. 11, 93, 99.

O Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast graciously opened for us sinners a way by which we may approach thee with acceptance! we thank thee for all thine unnumbered gifts and mercies; but, above all, for thine unspeakable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. O Lord! give us grace to live as thy people; as those who know that they have been redeemed with the precious blood of the Lamb of God; as those who have been quickened from the death of sin, and raised to a life of righteousness. Help us to walk before thee in newness of life, and to seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at thy right hand. Deliver us from over-carefulness about earthly things. Strengthen our confidence in thy providence and thy grace; and dispose us to seek first thy kingdom and righteousness, trusting that all things needful for this life shall be added unto us.

Let thy sabbath be precious to our souls, as the day on which Jesus rose from the dead and led captivity captive. May we ever value its sacred

ordinances, and find them profitable for our refreshment and edification!

We pray thee to grant an especial blessing this day to all thy ministers. Fill their understandings with light and heavenly wisdom. Fill their hearts with zeal and love, and give thy word power and unction from their lips. Remember the Sunday school. O blessed Jesus! feed thy lambs with thine own truth and grace. Visit this house, we beseech thee, with thy salvation. Thankful for the mercies of the week, we commit ourselves, O Lord! and all that concerns us, to thy gracious care. Direct our steps this day, and keep us steadfast in thy faith and fear. Make all the dealings of thy providence to work for our good. If thou shouldst appoint trials and afflictions for us, make us patient and submissive to thy holy will. If we enjoy comfort and prosperity, make us humble and thankful. Lead us safely through this world of sin, and bring us at last to thy heavenly kingdom, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen.