November 2

One is your Master, even Christ.—Mat. xxviii.—8.

PRIDE is a leading feature of the human heart, and it is one of the last things to be removed, even by the grace of God. Among the apostles of Jesus there was an evident desire for the ascendancy, and pre-eminence. Je us therefore urged humility upon them, as indispensable to the possession of his kingdom; and forbade every thing which would imply lordship over one another. Hence he said One is your master, and all ye are brethren. Christ is the master of the conscience: others may teach us advise us, but the conscience is solely his. His truth must direct it: His grace hallow it: His authority be invariably binding upon it. If he does not condemn our conscience, then we may be perfectly indifferent to the censures of all beside. He is master of our conduct. We are to live by the rule he appoints, to obey his commands, keep his ordinances, and walk in his statutes to do them. In every thing we must labour to know his will, that we may cheerfully fulfil it. As our master, he will call us to an account at the last day. Yes, at the end of this dispensation, he will reckon with all his servants, and publicly before an assembled world for all that they have done and suffered for his sake. As master, he will recompense his servants: He will not be unmindful of our work of faith, and labour of love: he will not forget the least service performed for one of his people. A cup of water given to any one bearing the name of a disciple, shall not lose its reward. He will say to each of his faithful servants, "Well done, enter ye into the joy of your lord". Then shall they receive from his blessed hands, the crown of glory, that fadeth not away.

" O That each from his Lord

May receive the glad word,

Well, and faithfully done—

Enter into my joy, and sit down on my Throne."