November 25

"We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."—John 1:41.

THE Gospel resembles a beautiful flower, of which the bud is seen in Eden, the expanding leaves on Mount Sinai, the blossom on Calvary, and its glowing beauties in Immanuel's land. Happy is the man who has it in the soil of his heart; he can experimentally utter those words: he knows

THE PRIVILEGE OF FINDING CHRIST. Those who find him obtain Spiritual life. He says, "Whoso findeth me findeth life." This life consists in the renovation of the whole man after the image of God in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. Saving knowledge. We designate it "saving," to distinguish it from a mere speculative acquaintance with divine things, which may exist in the minds of those who have not found Christ. A free pardon. The Saviour brings love in his heart, power in his arms, and pardon in his hand. When this pardon is conferred, there is no condemnation to the believer. Holiness. This is the brightest ornament that can adorn us. When we find Christ, we arrive at the fountain that is opened for sin and uncleanness; and thus, while by the righteousness of Christ the guilt of sin is expiated, by his Spirit its pollution is cleansed. A refuge. Under this character he is revealed. He came to wipe away the tear of pity from the eyes of the sorrowful, to plant the balm of consolation in the heart of the miserable, and to make our sky bright with the prospect of a glorious immortality. At his coming was erected that magnificent edifice of mercy into which so many thousands have entered and found peace. Those who find Christ, find in him the best of all relations, a Surety, a Shepherd, a Leader, a Physician, a Friend, an Advocate, a Portion. Have we found Christ? If so, we shall love him, live on him, and live to him.

"Yes, thou are precious to my soul, My transport and my trust; Jewels to thee are gaudy toys, And gold is sordid dust."