Fifth Week: Monday Morning
O God, thy greatness is unsearchable; but we rejoice to think, that thy love passeth knowledge. We have sinned against Thee, but Thou art ready to forgive. We have gone far astray from Thee; but Thou art more tha.n willing to admit our return. Thou hast even provided the way to accomplish it. Thou hast appointed and made known a Mediator, who has once suffered for sin, the just for the unjus:, that He might bring us unto God. In Him we behold Thee reconciling the world unto thyself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. And in Him a multitude which no man can number, redeemed, justified, and renewed are exulting. My soul shall be joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom deckelh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself whV her jewels.
O, that it were thus with us! O that we could ascertain our spiritual condition, and read our title clear to the inheritance of the saints in light. Praise waiteth for Thee, O God in Zion; and we are longing to be able to adore Thee, as the strength of our souls, and our everlasting portion. Say to them that are of a fearful heart. Be strong, fear not. Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out; whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life, freely: O, say unto oui souls, I am thy salvaiion.
And, O Lord, we hope that we are not concerned for our safety only; we trust we not only wish to Know that we have the grace of God in truth, but to feel a progression in the divine life; to increase with all the increase of God. We wish to be qualified for our work; to stand complete in the will of our heavenly Father; and to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Grant us, therefore, we pray Thee, more of the supply o! the Spirit of Jesus Christ; to give more decision to our character; more vigour to our purposes; more elevation; more constancy to our zeal, so that we may run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.
Thou dost not despise the day of small things, nor refuse to encourage a little strength; but Thou hast commanded us to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour; and Thou hast said. To him that hath, shall be given; and hast promised, that the feeble among them shall be as David. Be it unto us according to thy v’ord. Fulfil all the good pleasure of thy goodness, and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified
.68 FirrH week.
in us, and we in Him. May we be examples o{
the reliction we profess, the most impressive and attractin:^; may we have a testimony in the bosoms of those who observe us, that we are the seed which the Lord hath blessed; and may every thing around us say to them, Come with us, anc’ we will do you good.
To Thee we desire to submit all our desires, and to Thee would we commit all our concerns, casting all our care upon Thee, conscious that Thou carest for us. And
Who so fit to choose our lot,
Or regulate cur ways —
as a Being who loved us, so as not to spare his own Son, who knows what is best for us in every circumstance, and is able to make all things work together for our good.
In every difficulty with which we are called to struggle, may we not only think of thy promises, but also call to remembrance, the years of the right hand of the Most High. We have often been brought low, and Thou hast helped us; and when we have been looking for nothing but darkness, at evening time it has been light. O, how does it betray our depravity, that after all thy kindness and care, after all the proofs of thy patience, power, and fidelity, we are yet so little capable of trusting in Thee. We would cry out with tears, Lord, we believe, help Thou our unbelief.
Do us good by all the dispensations of thy providence, especially those of an afflictive kind. And why should we consider them strange things, since Thou hast told us, that in the world we shall have tribulation, and that the same afflictions have been accomplished in all our bretnren? And why should we desire exemption from them? Seeing ihey are founded in love, and intended for our profit. May we ever realize th) design by them, and see thine hand in them; may we believe that Thou wilt be with us in trouble: and look forward with joy to that state, where it will be safe for us to be without sorrow, and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes.
And if we have a portion in this world, keep us from makint? this world our portion. May we never look for that in the creature, which can only be found in the Creator; nor for that on earth, which is only to be found in heaven. Among our caresses and indulgences, may we never lose the heart of a stranger, or forget that this is not our rest. Miy the streams of comfort lead us to the fountain of all good: and may we love and serve our Benefactor in all his benefits.
And thus may we know how to be abased, and how to abound; and in every varying condition, display the principles and dispositions of those, who are born from above, and bound for glory.
And to the Father, the Word, and Holy Ghost, be ascribed all honour and praise, world without end. Amen.