September 1

We would see Jesus.—John 12:21.

Is this the sincere and earnest desire of my heart, to have clear views of the character of Christ, and constant communion of soul with him? Do I look for him in his word, in his ordinances, in his providence, and in the influences of his Holy Spirit? Do I long for a closer union of heart and life with him? Is he the chief among ten thousand, and the one altogether lovely to me? Do I long and pray for entire conformity to him?

Christ Jesus is all that we need; and he has all that we want. We should look to him; long for him; live upon him; walk with him; work for him; aim in everything to glorify him. Have what we may, without him we are poor; but with him we are rich, though all else be taken away.

We have a race to run, a prize to win, and a mark to reach; and to be successful, we must look away from everything else, and fix our eyes on Jesus. Looking to him we cannot fail; for in him we have courage, and strength, and sympathy, and an example, and all the help that we need. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of the faith.—J. SMITH.

Only Jesus would I see; Only like him would I be; Only for him would I live, Only to him would I give All I am, and all I have; All to him who died to save!