March 17

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."—James 4:8.

MAN by nature is far from God; by grace, he is brought near; and in glory he is nearest of all. The first is the miserable state of the unregenerate; the second is the happy condition of believers on earth; and the third is the triumphant destination of the saints in glory. In this passage, observe

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US. It is to draw nigh to God.

The medium. We cannot approach him as an abstract God; sin has cut off the channel of communication between earth and heaven; so that all our transactions with the Divine Being must be carried on through the mediation of Christ. The Divine glory would overwhelm us; but Christ's flesh, as a veil, softens its brilliance, and takes away the edge of its brightness.

The means. We must draw nigh to God at the throne of grace, in the temple, in the scenes of meditation, and in all the divinely instituted ordinances.

The manner. It must be done in the exercise of faith — in the spirit of humility — with holy love and desire — and with godly fear and reverence.

The end. What have we to do with him? Much every way, both in rendering praise to him, and receiving benefits from him. Draw nigh to him as a Friend for help, a Father for compassion, a Master for instruction, a Physician for health, a Sun for light, and a Shield for protection.

WHAT IS INSURED TO US. "He will draw nigh to you." This promise may be regarded in

Its extent. He will draw nigh to supply our wants, forgive our sins, impart his grace, support us in every trying scene, and cheer us in the vale of death.

Its security. All this is insured from the testimony of his word, and the experience of every believer. Let me exclaim,

"If thou, my Jesus, still be nigh, Cheerful I live, and joyful die; Secure when mortal comforts flee, To find ten thousand worlds in thee."