October 31

PART III.—Psalms 118:14.

CHRIST has been the song of his people in all generations. Abraham desired to see his day, and by faith he did behold it, and his soul was glad. The ancient prophets delivered many of their predictions in the form of songs, and Jesus was the burden of prophecy, for to him gave all the prophets witness. David, the sweet singer of Israel,

2 K composed a great variety of sacred odes, referring directly to the person, work, and kingdom of Jesus. Angels sung a celestial anthem at his birth, and the church in every age has celebrated her Lord in songs of joy and praise. All the redeemed family in heaven, in concert with the angelic choirs, are constantly crying, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." And the whole redeemed congregation in the heavenly temple shall exalt him in their songs of rapturous exultation, for ever and ever. No song shall survive the conflagration of our world but the song of the Lamb. Let us ascertain whether we feel Jesus to be melodious to our souls or not. Is he the subject of our admiration and praise? Do we delight in the music of his name, and in the wonder of his love? Is he the subject of our morning and evening praise? How vain and trifling will all other songs appear to the spiritually minded christian. Let carnal men sing worldly songs, seeing they are strangers to better and nobler themes; but our songs shall all have respect to him who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and who hath made us kings and priests unto God and the Lamb for ever.

Our Jesus shall be still our theme

While in this world we stay;

We'll sing our Jesu's lovely name,

When all things else decay.

When we appear in yonder cloud,

With all his favour'd throng,

Then we will sing more sweet, more loud,

And Christ shall be our song."