February 1

"All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." — I. A. IV. 13.

WHAT glorious things are spoken of Zion! her enemies shall be confounded, her friends exalted, her subjects increased, and her God glorified. Our text is one out of a rich cluster of promises respecting the prosperity of the church. Let us contemplate believers in three ways.

THE CHARACTER THEY BEAR. They are God's children. Observe

The change they experience. It is a radical change, the heart being the subject of it. They are born again, renovated by Divine grace, created anew in Christ.

The conduct they display. They have the feelings and dispositions of children, and yield a dutiful obedience to the Divine commands.

The glories they anticipate. Being children, they become heirs. They have much in possession, and more in prospect. By the designation of children, we are reminded of their present imperfections. They are children in knowledge, grace, and holiness; but soon they shall attain to the stature of a perfect man.

THE INSTRUCTIONS THEY RECEIVE. They are taught of the Lord. The lessons are important, the means are simple, and the Teacher is Divine. The best lessons are learnt, not in the schools of the philosopher, but at the feet of Jesus.

THE BLESSING THEY ENJOY. "Great shall be the peace of thy children." There is the enjoyment of peace in themselves, and the pursuit of peace with each other. Nothing can equal that serenity of mind which results from reconciliation with God. It is not like the stillness that precedes the raging storm, but resembles the face of nature, calm and serene, on a fine summer's evening.

"Thou great and good, thou just and wise, Thou art my Father and my God; And I am thine, by sacred ties, Thy son, thy servant, bought with blood."