February 20

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."—2 Corinthians 9:15.

God is essentially and immutably good. All the virtues and excellences that adorn us as creatures, as well as all the gifts and graces that ennoble us as Christians, are the streams issuing from him as the divine Fountain, or the beams descending from him as the Father of lights. But Christ is his unspeakable gift, for which our unfeigned gratitude is demanded. Observe

THE GIFT BESTOWED. It is styled unspeakable. Jesus is so, In the glory he possesses. There is in him, as God and man, a combination of excellences, a glory of wisdom, power, love, majesty, and grace; a glory that outshines the brightness of the sun.

In the grace he manifests. Who can fathom the depths of his love, or describe the riches of his grace? We behold it in its heights, and lengths, and breadths, and depths; and in the vast contemplation are lost in wonder and astonishment.

In the sufferings he endured. Were not the pangs of his soul unutterable, when the sword of Divine justice pierced him, and the arrows of the Almighty fastened on him?

In the blessings he bestows. The satisfaction cannot be fully expressed; the peace passeth understanding; the hope is within the veil, the joy is unspeakable, and the glory that awaits us is yet to be revealed.

THE GRATITUDE PAID. God is the Giver. It is according to the purposes of his grace, the promises of his word, and the fulness of time. How is this gift to be acknowledged?

By an ardent attachment to him. There is every thing in Christ to attract your love, and secure your regard. "How welcome," says a living writer, "is Jesus to a soul taught of God; as rural flowers to the sense, when the softening sun renders the air genial, when the fields breathe balmy freshness in the morning beam; when dew-drops tremble on every leaf; and the slow zephyr toils along the landscape, as if laden with sweets!"

By a bold confession of him. If this gift is received in the heart, it will be acknowledged openly and fearlessly.

By active zeal for him. The best way to show our gratitude for the Father's gift, is to seek to spread abroad the Saviour's fame. If God has given us his Son, let us give him our hearts.