July 31

“/ in them.” — John xvii. ‘I’d.

VTF such be the union which subsists between our souls antl the person of our Lord, how deep and broad

is the channel of our communion! This is no narroTV pipe through which a thread-like stream may wind its way; it is a channel of amazing depth and breadth, along whose gloriotis length a ponderous volume of living water may roll its floods. Behold He hath set before us an open door; let us not be slow to enter. This city of communion hath many pearly gates; every several gate is of one pearl, and each gate is thrown open to the uttermost, that we may enter, assured of welcome. If there were but one small loophole through which to talk with Jesus, it would be a high privilege to thrust a word of fellowship through the narrow door; how much we are blessed in having so large an entrance! Had the Lord Jesus been far away from us, with many a stormy sea between, we should have longed to send a messengci” to Him to carry Him our loves, and bring us tidings from His Father’s house; but see His kindness; He has built His house next door to ours, nay, more, He takes lodging with us, and taberna’Cles in poor humble hearts, that so He may have perpetual intercourse with us. 0, how foolish must we be, if we do not live in habitual communion with Him! When the road is long, and dangerous, and difficult, we need not wonder that friends seldom meet each other; but when they live together, shall Jonathan forget his David? A wife may, when her husband is upon a journey, abide many days without holding converse with him, but she could never endure to be separated from him if she kncAV him to be in one of the chambers of her own house. Why, believer, dopt not thou sit at His banquet of wine? Seek thy Lord, for He is npar; embrace Him, for He is thy Brother. Hold Him fast, for He is thine Husband; and pres? Him to tJiine heart, for He is of thine own flesh.