October 18

PART II.—L·m. iii. 24.

As Jesus is a portion just suited to the soul's necessities, and desires, so he is also an all-sufficient portion; all the world without him cannot make us happy, but though we may have all the world against us, if we possess him we may be happy and rejoice. If we possess him we cannot fail to have all that is really best to enjoy, for if Christ is ours, then all things are ours; for if God spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him, freely give us all things; If the Lord is our portion, then we may be said to inherit all things. Jesus is also a constant portion. Earthly portions are always uncertain, exposed to a thousand contingencies, they are never absolutely secure. Many have been nursed in affluence, and educated for elevated stations in life, who have been called to spend their days in poverty and distress. How often have the fairest prospects been blighted, and the highest hopes succeeded by disappointment and sorrow. Mutability is inscribed upon all beneath the sun. The fashion of this world passeth away: riches are emphatically identified with uncertainty, but the portion of the soul abideth for ever. Other portions at best can only meet our temporal wants; but this satisfies the soul, the nobler, the immortal part of man. As this portion is all-sufficient, and abiding, so it is also an eternal portion. God is the strength of our hearts and "our portion for ever." Death levels all human and earthly distinctions. There is no difference between the rich and the poor, in that common house appointed for all living; men may idolize their wealth as they may, but they must leave it all behind: it has no currency in that world into which they are hastening. How different is the portion of the believer: he only possesses his portion in part now, death gives him its glorious completion. He has only the earnest now, then he will have the whole undivided inheritance, and have it for ever and ever: — For it is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away. Christ is his salvation now, and he will be his exceeding great and eternal reward.