March 4

"I love them that love me: and those that seek me early shall find me." — Pror. viii. 17.

So says our Saviour, under the character of Wisdom; let the young remember that he has peculiar claims on them. Note

WHAT HE REQUIRES OF YOU. It is to love and seek him.

The principle you are to possess. "Love." This is reasonable when you consider who he is, what he became, and what he has done. He deserves your supreme affection and regard. "My son, give me thy heart." If this is not yielded, all your sacrifices are vain.

The practice you are to pursue. "Seek him." This implies that you have lost him; his image, love, favor, and friendship are lost by sin, but they may be regained. Where is he to be sought? In the Scriptures of truth, at the footstool of mercy, and in the house of God. How? Earnestly, constantly, and perseveringly. When? "Early." Begin in the morning of your days, for there is much to be done; then the mind is more susceptible of Divine impressions, and there is a comparative freedom from the many hinderances that encompass us in after life; and the night cometh when no man can work. The flower of youth never looks so lovely as when it bends towards the Sun of righteousness.

WHAT HE PROMISES TO YOU. If you love him, you shall be loved of him; and if you seek him, he will be found of you.

The love he bears. How wonderful is it when you consider his greatness, your unworthiness, and the ways in which his love is manifested!

The assurance he gives. You shall find him as your God in covenant, your guide in youth, your refuge in anger, your support in age, your hope in death, your plea in judgment, and your triumph in glory.

"The soul that longs to see my face, Is sure my love to gain: And those that early seek my grace, Shall never seek in vain."