January 5

"Abide with us." — Luke 24:29.

SUCH was the language of the two disciples, going to Emmaus, to the Saviour, whom as yet they recognized not. The circumstances connected with this part of the history of Christ, are related in a most interesting manner, in the context. The desire they here express breathes the sentiments and feelings of every Christian's heart. Why is the presence of Christ sought after?

BECAUSE OF THE RELIEF IT AFFORDS. On earth we are called to pass through scenes of sorrow and suffering. What can administer such relief as the presence of Christ? If the exercise of mutual confidence between friend and friend, and the pouring out of the secret sorrows of our hearts tend so much to alleviate our pains and anxieties, how soothing to go and tell Jesus!

BECAUSE OF THE PLEASURE IT YIELDS. The disciples felt this, and they said, "Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way?" The presence of Christ is the very life of the soul. The world, the church, means, ordinances, the social circle, and the pious throng, are all a blank without it. It is the spring by which all our pleasing sensibilities and holy enjoyments are set in motion; the fountain from whence all the streams of our spiritual consolations flow; and the sun, whose bright beams and genial influence chase away the darkness from our minds, and impart new life and vigor to the soul.

BECAUSE OF THE EFFECTS IT PRODUCES. Moses' face shone with such brilliancy when he came down from the mount, that the children of Israel could not look upon him, till he had put a veil on. So the believer, from the lofty elevation of communion with God, catches as it were a few rays of the Divine glory, which makes his face to shine; and when he descends, the blush of humility shades the brightness of his countenance, his joys are too big to be told, and the holy raptures of his soul are partially concealed. The effect is transforming, elevating and enlivening.

BECAUSE OF THE PROSPECTS IT UNFOLDS. If relieved by the presence of Jesus while we live, we shall be refreshed by it when we die. He will abide with us, not only in the morning of life, and in the heat and burden of the day, but when it is toward evening, and the shadows of death are around us. — his presence alone can penetrate the darkness of death, gild the sepulchre, and light us to glory. Who would not cry, O Saviour, abide with me!