January 1

"Now they began on the first day of the first month to saucify."—2 Chronicles 29:17.

THIS chapter presents us with an historical account of many pleasing circumstances in the commencement of Hezekiah's reign. It was a time of reformation and sanctifying in the house of the Lord. We have here a great work, and the period of its performance. God is to be sanctified by us, in our thoughts, affections, plans, and purposes, and in all our ways. We are to sanctify his name, his day, his house, and ordinances. There is something peculiarly interesting in the beginning of a new year. Let us contemplate the manner in which it becomes us to enter upon it.

WITH UNFEIGNED GRATITUDE. A retrospect of past mercies, deliverances, and supports, will produce this. Therefore, erect another "stone of remembrance" at this new stage of your journey, and exclaim, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."

WITH SELF-EXAMINATION. There are many who are conversant with the general subjects of religion, while they are

1* strangers to their own hearts. They will, at particular seasons, balance their accounts, and endeavor to ascertain the state of their temporal concerns, while they feel no anxiety as to their spiritual condition. Bring your principles, views, feelings, and desires to the unerring test of God's word. Are you advancing in religion, or are you in a state of decay? Examine—what have you learned, experienced, and enjoyed during the past year?

WITH GREATER CIRCUMSPECTION. Wrong steps are sooner taken than retraced. Many eyes are upon us—a cloud of witnesses surround us—snares and temptations beset us, and every thing urges the apostolic injunction, "See that ye walk circumspectly."

WITH RENEWED DEDICATION. This act is first performed in conversion—but should be continually repeated. Let the Christian character be more fully exemplified in you.

WITH INCREASING ZEAL. We have much cause to take shame to ourselves that we have done so little in a work that deserves our highest regard, and demands our best energies.

"May we govern our passions with absolute sway, And grow wiser and better as life wears away."