January 10

"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." — Hebrews 12:25.

THE chapter out of which these words are selected, is one of the most sublime in the Bible. Here is a striking contrast drawn between the two dispensations, — the law is set forth in all its terrific grandeur, and the Gospel in all its glorious grace. In the passage we have

CHRISTIAN PRIVILEGE ACKNOWLEDGED. Contemplate Its nature. "A kingdom." It is widely different from the kingdoms of this world, being spiritual in its principles, and sacred in its interests. Of this kingdom, Christ is the Monarch, the heart is the throne, grace is the sceptre, the Bible is the law, and glory the end.

Its stability. "Which cannot be moved." This is in opposition to the passing away of the Old Testament dispensation. Its past stability is a pledge of its future endurance. The kingdom of Christ is firm, and shall continue the same in its character, principles, laws, constitution, privileges, and immunities. The lapse of time, the attacks of infidels, the rage of persecutors, and the malice of devils cannot move it. How we become interested in it. "Receiving." When by faith we embrace Christ, we become members of this kingdom.

CHRISTIAN DUTY RECOMMENDED. — Consider

What it includes. "Serving God." Our aim should be to do this acceptably: and the manner, "with reverence and godly fear." We must avoid the forwardness of presumption, and cultivate humility. Thus to serve God, is to yield ourselves implicitly to him.

What it requires. "Grace." It is not to be accomplished by natural ability. Without a new heart, we cannot have the disposition to serve God, and without grace we cannot have the power. Where it is to be obtained: "let us have grace." The source is divine, — but the means are human. Seek it from him who is the God of all grace.