November 12

"The Lord is my portion, saith my soul."—Lamentations 3:24.

JEREMIAH was peculiarly situated when he penned this book. He lived in the time of the Babylonish captivity, and was an eye-witness to the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem. After he beheld these distressing scenes, he sat down and wrote the book of Lamentations. In the storm of judgment, he had the sunshine of mercy. Consider

THE NATURE OF THE BELIEVER'S PORTION.

It is a present portion. There are many who are looking forward to future possessions they expect to enjoy at the death of others, but the individual who has God has obtained a present portion. Religion not only secures to us future happiness, but present comforts; yet how few seek it! how many say, It is too soon to be religious! On what mode of reasoning do you delay? Because you are young? Don't the young die? Because you are possessed of health? How many a blooming flower has been suddenly cut down by the scythe of death! We never hear individuals say, It is too soon to get rich. The sick man does not say, It is too soon to seek health; or the destitute, It is too soon to obtain relief; but such is the treachery of the human heart, that man says, It is too soon to seek religion.

It is a suitable portion. The world is not. An individual may possess riches, but it is grace he wants; he may have elevation, but it is humility he wants; he may have friends, but it is Christ he wants, the friend that sticketh closer than a brother. What will suit us amid the trying scenes of life, and in the solemn hour of death, but this portion?

It is a sufficient portion. There is enough in God for all the requirements of the soul;—enough for life and death, time and eternity.

It is a needful portion. Many things combine to show this: the testimony of Scripture, the experience of all believers, the joys of heaven by its possession, and the terror of hell by its loss. "One thing is needful."

It is an attainable portion. But where? Not in the world;—all is perishing there. In the sanctuary, in the Bible, at the throne of grace. Many cannot obtain wealth, because they have no present capital to commence their exertions in trade with; but it is not so here. Poverty is no hindrance; riches, so far from facilitating, often prove a serious barrier. "He that hath no money" may obtain the pearl of great price.

It is an everlasting portion. Oh to have a portion when all terrestrial things are at an end! Then the Christian may say, Let the world pass away, my portion is not there; let riches take to themselves wings, my portion is not there; let the elements melt with fervent heat, and all nature sink in ruins, "the Lord is my portion, saith my soul."