and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ships pass thereby. (b) Who dwelleth also with them that are of a contrite and humble spirit. (c) Though the Lord be high yet hath he respect unto the lowly; but the proud he knoweth afar off. (d)

By grace are we saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast. For "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works."

(b) Isai. 33. 21.

(c) Isai. 57. 15.

(d) Ps. 138. 6.

Be still; and know that he who said, "I AM that I AM," remains the same to-day, yesterday and for ever: he will arise for our help and comfort, that we may enjoy a foretaste of that glorious kingdom, “where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." He who was the still small voice that appeared to the prophet Elijah, and who also will be a swift reprover of evil in our hearts, and whisper peace when we do well; he who will hide us in the secret of his presence from the pride of man; will keep us secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (e) The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habi

(e) Ps, 84. 11.

tation, and in sure

resting places. (ƒ)

dwellings, and in quiet The name of the Lord the righteous runneth

is a strong tower;

into it, and is safe. (g) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. (h) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. (i) He also will hear their cry, and will save them. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life. (j) In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. (k)

If we have thus far proceeded in our Christian course, let us press on towards the mark for the prize of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus, who for the joy that

(f) Isai. 32. 18.

(h) Ps. 37. 23, 24.

(j) Ps. 30. 5.

(g) Prov. 18. 10.
(i) Ps. 103. 13.
(k) Isai. 54. 3.

was set before him, despising the shame.

endured the cross, The Lord waiteth

to be gracious, saying unto us, will ye not be made clean? when shall it once be? (1) He draweth us with the cords of a man, with bands of love; (m) come then to this cross, and glory in nothing save in it alone, that the axe may be laid to the root of the tree of self, that it may be hewn down, and cast into the fire; having all the refined selfishness with which the soul is entangled, removed thereby; being willing to offer up the very good itself as Abraham did his only son Isaac. That we may rise again in the pure life of love and innocency, being workers together with him, not having received the grace of God in vain, (for he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (n)

(1) Jer. 13. 27.
(n)

(m) Hos. 11. 4.

Cor. 6. 1, 2.

And the Apostle further exhorts, "be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (o) Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (p) Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. (q) · Whosoever shall confess me before men, (says our Holy Redeemer,) him will I confess also before my Father, which is in heaven; but whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven: (r) And whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy Angels. (s)

(0) 2 Cor. 6. 17, 18.
(q) 2 Tim. 1. 8.

(p) Luke, 12. 32.

(r) Matt. 10. 32, 33.

(9) Mark 8. 38.

F