self-denial, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, who "had not where to lay His head;" and has that heart no self-command, no moderation? Is it not temperate in all things? Can it be earthly and sensual? No further proof is needed, that a man abides not in Christ. The faith that seemed to make an union between them, has no firmness, no consistency; it has given way: the stem does not nourish it: and, says the Lord, If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 3 But great indeed is the promise to those who "hold the beginning of their confidence stedfast unto the end." If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. There is nothing which is expedient for them, which shall not be granted. No sorrow shall be without its alleviation. No care without its comfort. No evil passion shall retain dominion. No self-will shall be stronger than the will of God. "For it is God that worketh in them both to will and to do of His good pleasure. "They shall be enabled to do "all things:"" yet not they, "but the grace of God that is with them." 6 "All things are theirs. For they are Christ's; and Christ is God's.' Heb. iii. 14. 4 Phil. ii. 13. 5 Phil. iv. 13. 71 Cor. iii. 23. PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET. 1 |