June 6

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." I Thes. i. 1.

THE Thessalonians had received the word in much affliction; the standard of the cross was not planted among them without much opposition from the enemy's ranks. For them the Apostle expresses his best desires. Let us view the blessings he here implores for them in three ways.

IN THEIR FULNESS. "Grace be unto you and peace." Here is the best wish we can express for those whom we love. Examine them each separately.

Grace. But did not the Thessalonians possess grace? Had they not received the truth in the love of it? Yes, but they require more grace. What would be the consequence, if God were to leave us to our own resources? How soon would the lamp go out, if the oil were withheld—how soon would the well dry up, if the springs were to cease flowing—what would become of the plants and flowers of the garden, if the genial influence of the sun, and the fructifying qualities of the showers from heaven, were no more felt? What would the new-born infant do without the mother's care, and the nurse's attentions? So the subjects of grace must be trained up, tutored, and made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. "He giveth more grace:"—grace for every season, duty, trial, and exigency; quickening grace to enliven us, sustaining grace to support us, enlightening grace to teach us, and comforting grace to console us.

Peace. Where grace is bestowed, peace is enjoyed; the living fountain of grace in the heart sends forth the silent streams of peace in the soul; and although sometimes those streams may be rippled and agitated with the rising of the tide of sorrow, yet the troubled waters shall again be smoothed, and peace shall flow like a river. Contemplate these blessings

IN THEIR ORIGIN. "From God our Father." Notice

His essential title. This grace and peace are from God; they spring from his heart, which is the dwelling place of his love. He is emphatically called, "the God of all grace."

His endearing relationship. "Our Father." None can rightly use this appellation, but those who are adopted into his family, and regenerated by his grace. How great is the love, how kind are the dealings, how important are the instructions, and how rich are the provisions of this Father! Look at these blessings.

IN THEIR MEDIUM. "And the Lord Jesus Christ." He is the only medium of communication from earth to heaven, and from heaven to earth. He is called "our peace." Saints on earth and saints in heaven unite, though in different strains, in the grand chorus, the sentiment of which nothing can equal, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."