The First Day of February.
God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. - KJV
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. - ESV.
2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 6.
Without this saving knowledge we have no God,
no Christ, no grace, no faith, no union with Christ,
no actual justification, pardon of sin, peace, nor
eternal life. But whoever has found Christ, the
pearl of great price, the treasure hid, has found
matter of great rejoicing ; for he was poor before,
and this treasure enricheth him ; he was naked
before, but finding this treasure, he is gloriously
clothed ; he w7as forced before to feed upon husks,
but now he feeds on the bread of life ; he was far in
debt before, but now he sees the debt is paid, that
he is justified from all things, and pardoned for
ever ; he saw he was a child of wTrath before, but
now he is become a child of God ; that he was a
captive, and in chains before, but now he is set at
liberty ; condemned before, but now he sees there
is no condemnation to him, nor to any one that is
in Christ Jesus ; that he was a fool before, but now
he is made wise unto salvation. Reader, canst thou
set thy seal to the truth and power of such experience
? Then thou art wise indeed ; if not, thou
hast much to learn : apply with speed, and remember,
it is God alone that gives this light and knowledge.
Take heed unto the sure word of prophecy,
as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until
the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. - 2 Peter 1. 19. (1)
Father of love and grace,
Thy light to me impart
Reflected from thy dear Son's face
And beaming on my heart.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) 2 Peter 1. 19.
KJV - We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
ESV - And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
The Second Day of February.
This is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ. - KJV.
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. - ESV.
1 John chapter 3 verse 23.
God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. - KJV.
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. - ESV.
1 John chapter 4 verse 9.
The Father breaks forth, as it were, through the whole Scriptures, in high praises of his Son; he calls out from heaven, "'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him,'" Matthew 7. 5.(1) Nothing, therefore, can be more agreeable to him than to receive this his Son, and to believe his report, John 16. 27;(2) and on doing this we shall have life; but by omitting it we look upon him as a liar. Unbelief, therefore, which refuses to accept of his great gift is, no doubt, the greatest of all sins. O Lord, teach me this, and grant me faith.
"Why art thou so backward, O my poor soul, to believe like the rest of God's children, in Christ? Hast thou not as good a right to have it as they have? Who can dispute with thee this privilege? It is the express will of the Father: nay, he even commands thee to do it. Has he given his only Son, by an act of inconceivable love, to die for thee, to the very end that thou shouldst live? Oh, what a pleasing thing will it be to him, to put thy whole trust upon this his well-beloved Son! This would be the joy of his heart more than anything else; therefore, delay no longer to receive what his love has offered thee, but firmly believe that the Father loves thee as well as the Son."
Author of faith, to thee I lift up
My weary longing eyes
Oh let me now receive that gift!-
My soul without it dies.
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Matthew 7. 5.
KJV - Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
ESV - You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
(2) John 16. 27.
KJV - For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
ESV - For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
The Third Day of February
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. - KJV.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might, and honor and glory and blessing! - ESV.
Revelations chapter 5 verse 12.
O Lord, what mean and slight notions have I often of thy great power! By these I am discouraged, and thou art robbed of thy praise; grant therefore, that though I would always be duly abased and convinced of my vileness, in such a manner as never to ascribe any good to myself, or think worthy of the least thing in the way of merit - for at the best I am an unprofitable servant! - yet thy grace and power may at the same time appear to me abundantly greater than all my sins, so that I may have always encouragement enough to believe in and praise thy holy name. And grant that the delusive pleasures of this world
may never twine so closely round my heart that thy glory and thy praise do not always occupy my song.
Come let us join our cheerful song
With angels round the throne
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one.
"Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry,
"To be exalted thus:"
"Worthy the Lamb," our lips reply,
"For he was slain for us."
Let all that dwell above the sky,
And air, and earth, and seas,
Conspire to lift his glories high
And speak his endless praise.
The whole creation join in one
To bless the sacred name
Of him that sits upon the throne,
And to adore the Lamb.
The Fourth Day of February
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My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. - KJV.
My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, - ESV.
Psalm 63 verse 5.
Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come. - KJV.
"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,
for he marriage
of the Lamb has come, - ESV.
Revelations chapter 19 verses 6 and 7.
What tends not to thy glory, O Lord, and is
not thy own work, whatever appearance it may
have, is not really good and profitable. Preserve
and assist me, therefore, to do all things as of thee,
in thy sight, and to thy honor. May my soul be
ever magnifying thy name, O my dear Redeemer
and Bridegroom, and my whole conversation be
directed to thy praise ! Grant that my heart and
mouth may be ever full of thy great mercies, and
overflow continually with thanksgiving, and that
in thy worsnip I may enjoy such a full sensation of
spiritual comfort and joy, that no desire shall be
left unsatisfied.
My God, my King, thy various praise
Demands thanksgiving all my days;
Oh, let thy grace employ my tongue,
Till death and glory raise the song!
Grant, Lord, that every hour may bear
Some thankful tribute to thy ear
And every setting sun may see
New works of duty done for thee.
Thy faithfulness endures the same;
Thy bounty flows an endless stream;
Thy mercy swift, thy anger slow,
But dreadful to the stubborn foe.
And who can speak thy wonderous deeds?
Thy greatness all our thoughts exceeds
Vast and unsearchable thy ways,
Vast and immortal be thy praise.
The Fifth Day of February.
Forsake not the works of thine own hands. - KJV.
Do not forsake the work of your hands. - ESV.
Psalm 138 verse 8.
Divine Answer. He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ . - KJV.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - ESV.
Philippians chapter 1 verse 6.
The right way to grow in grace is to give up thyself wholly to thy heavenly Father, who knoweth all thy wants, and has engaged to supply them. Then labour diligently to walk with Christ, and carefully cherish the new life, which, be it ever so weak and little now in comparison to the old man, will increase and gradually outgrow him, as a new skin does the old. May the Lord only give us grace to watch against the opposite extreme, so as to never be lulled into a false rest, or lukewarm spirit; but to be ever diligently and seriously employed in crucuifying the flesh, and using all the means of grace! Then we need not be anxiously troubled for the growing of the work of God in our souls. For "He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ ;" that is, till Christ shall come to call you home to glory in the happy mansions He has prepared above the sky.
My soul lies cleaving to the dust;
Lord, give me life divine;
From vain desires and evil lusts
Turn off these eyes of mine.
I need the influence of thy grace
To speed me in thy way,
Lest I should loiter in my race,
Or turn my feet astray.
Are not thy mercies sov'reign still,
And thou a faithful God?
Wilt thou not grant me warmer zeal
To run the heavenly road?
The Sixth Day of February.
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The fashion of this world passeth away. - KJV.
For the present form of this world is passing away. - ESV.
1 Corinthians chapter 7 verse 31b.
As long as we feed on the husks of this world, and are in love with it, we are neither willing nor able to taste the comforts of the love of God; but when sin and the world are become an abomination to us, and we desire to be rid of them, and seek diligently unto Jesus Christ for the help of his grace, and the benefit of his blood, we are then in a right way to receive the love of God, and every blessing of salvation; and though we are chastened by the Lord, yet he is not angry with us, but does it to imbitter sin and the world more and more to us, and make us loathe them, that we may not be condemned with the world.
Let worldly minds the world pursue,
It has no charms for me
Once I admired its trifles too
But grace has set me free.
Its pleasures now no longer please,
No more content afford;
Far from my heart be joys like these,
Now I have known the Lord.
As by the light of the opening day
The stars are all conceal'd,
So earthly pleasures fade away
When Jesus is reveal'd.
Now, Lord, I would be thine alone,
And wholly live to thee;
But may I hope that thou wilt own
A worthless worm like me?
Yea, though of sinners I'm the worst,
I cannot doubt thy will;
For, if thou hadst not loved me first,
I had refused thee still.
Mark 10.24.
The Seventh Day of February
hine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Amen. - KJV.
Not included in this version. - ESV.
Matthew 6. 13.
(They) shall cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power. - KJV.
They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, - ESV.
Revelations 4. 10b, 11.
One that is really poor in spirit, though he hath
practiced the duties of the Christian life ever so
long, and ever so diligently, always thinks himself
to have received but a very little portion of Christ,
and the work of sanctification hardly to be begun
in his soul. So far is he from believing he has
already attained it, that after all his best actions,
he counts himself not worthy to be called by the
name of a grateful son. He is never pleased with
himself. Xo degree of holiness will satisfy his soul.
He seeks and finds no rest or comfort but in the
infinite mercy of God, and in the pardon of his
sins by faith, though he does not divide Christ but
receives Him in all His offices, and gives himself
entirely up to Hirn, without reserve, to be more
and more sanctified and perfected ; and in this
state he is safe indeed, he is prepared for death,
and has no reason to be anxiously afraid, though
earnestly desirous of higher degrees of sanctification.
Forever hallow* d be thy name
By all beneath the skies:
And may thy kingdom still advance,
Till grace to glory rise.
A grateful homage may we yield
With hearts resigned to thee;
And as in heaven thy will is done.
On earth so let it be.
For thine the pow'r, the kingdom thine :
All glory's due to thee;
Thine from eternity they were,
And thine shall ever be.
The Eighth Day of February
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He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure; for this is all my salvation, and all my desire. - KJV.
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? - ESV.
2 Samuel 23. 5.
I have made a covenant with my chosen. - KJV.
I have made a covenant with my chosen one; - ESV.
Psalm 89.3.
This was David's plea and confidence, when, with eternity full before him, he was going to make his appearance before an infinitely pure God. This must be our plea also, if ever we would obtain the approbation of our Judge. After a life of most emminent holiness, the best of men will have reason to cry out, "Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord!" It is true, indeed, the believer will discover some evidences of grace, just to show the child of God, and no more; but all so imperfect that he dares not ground his expectation on them. Here the covenant of grace steps into his relief, wherein he sees ample provision for the security of his eternal interest: for the covenant is made with Christ and his seed. It is an everlasting covenant, not only made before time, but extending it beneficial effects through the ages of eternity. It is ordered in all things, therefore nothing can be wanting in it, either to promote the glory of God, or the salvation of believers. It is sure also; depending on no conditions requiring nothing but what it gives, conferring its blessings freely, and making them sure to all the seed, being established upon better promises. Happy souls, who are interested in this well-ordered covenant. May it be all my salvation, and my desire!
Thy word, O God, begetteth faith;
From thence our hope doth spring;
Founded alone on what God saith,
My soul, adore and sing.
Thy word is truth, thy promise sure;
Hence faith and hope abide:
True faith in Jesus will endure:
Nought can from Christ divide.
The Nineth Day of February
I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever: even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. - KJV.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. - ESV.
John 14. 16, 17.
When God designed the great and glorious work of recovering fallen man, and the saving of sinners, "to the praise of the glory of his grace," he appointed, in his infinite wisdom, two great means thereof: the one was his giving of his Son for them; and the other was his giving of his Spirit unto them. And hereby was way made for the manifestation of the glory of the blessed Trinity, which is the utmost end of all the works of God. Hereby were the love, grace and wisdom of the Father, in the design and contrivance of the whole; the love, grace, and condescension of the Son, in the execution, purchase and procurement of grace and salvation for sinners ; with the love, grace and power of the Holy Spirit, in the effectual application of all unto the souls of men, made gloriously conspicious. To these heads may all the promises of God be reduced. Happy for the church, that the Spirit is to abide with it for ever! - awful to think the unconverted world neither can receive or know the Holy Spirit!
Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
Bringing peace, and bringing love
Take me, and possess me whole;
Form the Saviour in my soul.
Be my true and constant Guide,
In my fainting heart abide;
All the grace of God reveal,
And each precious promise seal.
The Tenth Day of February
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Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death. - KJV.
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. - ESV.
2 Corinthains 7. 10.
There is a sorrow that is called godly, because it is produced in us by the Spirit of God discovering the evil of sin, and the plague of corruption of our own hearts, and deeply humbling us under a sense of sin, producing evangelical repentance, and leading the soul to cry to the Lord Jesus Christ for pardon and salvation,- The Holy Spirit at the same time enabling us to believe in him, and rest upon his person, blood, and righteousness, for redemption and salvation; which repentance will never be repented of: but sorrow, arising from the love of this world, worketh death,- eternal death. Lord Jesus, grant me to feel more of this godly sorrow for sin, and rejoice more in thee as my Saviour!
Father, thy long-lost child receive;
Saviour, "thy purchase own;
Blest Comforter, with peace and joy,
Thy waiting- creature own.
Return, my roving heart, return,
And life's vain shadows choose no more;
Seek out some solitude to mourn,
And thy forsaken God implore.
O thou great God, whose piercing eye
Distinctly marks each deep retreat,
In these sequestered hours draw nigh,
And let me here thy presence meet.
Through all the windings of my heart,
My search let heavenly wisdom guide
And still its beams unerring dart,
Till all be known and purified.
Then let the visits of thy love
My inmost soul be called to share,
Till every grace combine to prove,
That God has fixed His dwelling there.
The Eleventh Day of February
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. - KJV.
Light is sown1 for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. - ESV.
Psalm 97. 11.
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. - KJV.
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. - ESV.
Psalm 112. 4.
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward; for ye have need of patience, etc. - KJV.
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
For, Yet a little while, and the coming one will come
and will not delay; - ESV.
Hebrews 10. 35, 37;
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and and thy darkness be as the noonday,
11 and the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden,
and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
12 And they that shall be of theeshall build the old waste places; thou shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called,
The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
- KJV.
If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. - ESV.
Isaiah 58. 10-12.
This shows that believers are subject to many
changes of joy and sorrow. In a state of gladness,
therefore, we have reason to fear; and in the hours
of trouble and sadness, to entertain good hopes.
Thus we shall always be able to keep the happy
medium between the extremes of levity and despair.
Before a man has a true sense of his own miseries,
th e complaints'and infirmities of the saints are often
a stumbling-block ; but afterward they will administer
to him great comfort. This is the reason that
God has revealed them in Scripture; for the complaints
of His elect children give more comfort
than all their most heroic actions. Grant, O Lord,
that whether sorrowing or rejoicing, I may have
the light of the Holy Spirit to direct me.
Alas! it swells my sorrows high,
To see my blessed Jesus frown;
My spirits sink, my comforts die,
And all the springs of life are drown.
Yet why, my soul, why these complaints?
Still while he frowns his bowels moves;
Still on his heart he bears the saints,
With tender sympathy and love.
The Twelfth Day of February
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I find a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. - KJV.
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. - ESV.
Romans 7. 21.
O my soul ! thou art always striving, yet sin is
always stirring : thou fearest the truth "of grace,
because thou findest the working of sin ; but it will
be always thus ; thou canst not come out of Egypt,
but Amalek will lay wait in the way ; the flesh will
be sure to trouble thee, although it be never able
to conquer thee. He therefore that sits down, and
is at rest in sin, it is a sign that Satan is there, the
strong man, because his kingdom is in peace ; but
where there is any work of Christ, there will be
always war with sin. Sin was the womb of death,
and only death must be the tomb of sin. God
would have my soul humbled ; therefore, though
He hath broken my prison, yet He hath left the
chain upon my feet. God would have my graces
exercised ; therefore, though He hath translated
me into the kingdom of life, yet He hath left the
Canaanite in the land. God would have my faith
exercised ; therefore, Goliath still shews himself in
the field, that so I might go out to him "in the
name of the Lord." I will betake me to the
strength of Christ ; and though I cannot help the
rebelling power of sin, yet through grace I will
labor to prevent the ruling power of it. God grant
me of that strength according to my daily need !
Though sin will in believers dwell,
Till death the inmates part;
O Jesus, save me from this hell
Which lurks within my heart!
The Thirteenth Day of February
God was is Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. - KJV.
That is, in Christ God was reconciling1 the world to himself, nnot counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
21 qFor our sake he made him to be sin rwho knew no sin, so that in him we might become sthe righteousness of God. - ESV.
2 Corinthians 5. 19, 21.
What a glorious statement for the contrite sinner,
"God is in Christ!" And how employed?
" Reconciling the world unto himself"' But how ?
By "not imputing their trespasses unto them."
And how can the justice of God do this? By
making " Him to be sin for us who knew no sin;"
and all " that we might be made the righteousness
of God in Him." May not the Christian, then,
live at perfect peace? He may. Yet it highly
concerns believers, who desire to keep a constant
peace in their bosoms, to be ever sensible of their
spiritual poverty, and to feed and rest wholly on
the all-sufficient atonement and righteousness of
Jesus Christ. Disquiet of mind and laziness of soul,
often proceed from self-righteousness and not looking
to Christ for everything, but trusting secretly to
something in ourselves.
Jesus, thou art our righteousness,
For all my sins are thine;
Thy death has bought of God my peace,
Thy life has made him mine.
For ever here my rest shall be,
Close to thy bleeding side;
'Tis all my hope, and all my plea-
For me the Saviour died.
My dying Saviour and my God,
Fountain for guilt and sin,
Sprinkle me ever with thy blood,
And cleanse and keep me clean.
The Fourteenth Day of February
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Nevertheless I am continually with thee. Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. - KJV.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is jthe strength of my heart and my portion forever. - ESV.
Psalm 73: 23-26.
Babes in religion not only long for Christ, but
for sensible communion with Him; and very often
they are indulged with it, that they may be weaned
from the world. But those of fuller age, who have
their senses more exercised, are thankful they can
trust Him when they do not see Him, and can
follow Him when they feel no comfort; relying
more upon the word and covenant of God than on
sweet sensations, which, though ever precious and
desirable, are oft withdrawn in times of trouble
and temptation. Bestow thy grace, thou blessed
Jesus, upon my poor soul, that by faith I may lay
hold on thee, and esteem thee as my chief joy, my
sure portion, and exceeding great reward.
How oft hath sin and Satan strove
To rend my soul from thee, my God
But everlasting is thy love,
And Jesus seals it with his blood.
Admidst temptation sharp and strong,
My soul to this refuge flies;
Hope is my anchor, firm and strong,
When tempests blow and billows rise.
The gospel bears my spirit up;
A faithful and unchanging God
Lays the foundation of my hope
In oaths, and promises, and blood.
The Fifteenth Day of February
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. - KJV.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; - ESV.
Psalm 46. 4, 5.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. - KJV.
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. - ESV.
1 John 4.4; See also Psalm 110. 2; Zechariah 2. 5.
True Christians, in a right spirit, still are subject to temptations from within and without: but, watching unto prayer, they do not fall by them. On the contary, as temptations are great helps to discover their hidden infirmities, and stir them up to be more cautious, serious, and faithful, they are followed with great and glorious victories. Temptations are not indeed joyous in themselves, but are attended with good fruit and blessed effects in the faithful. Hence, St. James bids us count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations. What reason have we, then, to be afraid of temptations, since every one carries a new blessing along with it?
Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the billows near me roll,
While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Saviour hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe unto the haven guide,
Oh receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on thee;
Leave ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stay'd,
All my help from thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of thy wing.
The Sixteenth Day of February
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Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey in the lusts thereof: - KJV.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. - ESV.
Romans 6, 12
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. - KJV.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. - ESV.
James 4, 7.
O my soul, how awful is thy state by nature and practice! Sin hath gained a dominion over thee; its influence is universal over the soul and body,
and over every son and daughter of Adam: it hath brought death on the body, and subjected the soul to everlasting misery; its authority is unjust, and its power cruel and destructive.
Lord Jesus, let me adore thine effectual grace, that it hath in any measure delivered me from it power, and assist my poor heart in opposing and rejecting every temptation to obey it
in the lusts thereof; let thy precious blood effectually seccure me from the guilt of sin in this life, and punishment of it in another. O my soul, if thou art a faithful follower of Jesus,
though Satan received a deadly wound when Christ was crucified for us, yet his malice is still the same; thou hast a thousand enemies, and the devil is the leader of them all.
Oh may I, with the deepest humility, look to Jesus, rest upon Jesus, and derive daily strength from him to resist the devil; and finally come to off conqueror, and more than conqueror,
through him that loved me! Amen.
Oh! that thou would the heavens rend,
In majesty come down,
Stretch out thine arm Omnipotent,
And seize me for thine own!
What though I cannot break my chain,
Or e'er throw off my load,
The things impossible to men
Are possible to God.
The Seventeenth Day of February
Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. - KJV.
Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. - ESV.
2 Corinthians 5, 16.
What is it to know Christ in the flesh? It is to content ourselves with carnal views of his person, character, and kingdom.
This was the case with all those who followed him, not on account of his miracles and doctrines, but for the loaves and fishes. Alas! are there not
too many who wish to know Christ for carnal, worldly interest, and not that they may be saved from a proud, rebellious heart, and an ungodly life?
O my soul, let me see to it that my seeking after Christ may not be carnal, but spiritual! worldly interest is too apt, it may be feared, to influence
both private professors and even public preachers. True believers can say, that henceforth this carnal knowledge of Christ is not their pursuit.
Where the Spirit of Jesus regenerates the heart, and we are brought to a spiritual and experimental knowledge of Christ, we shall love him, rejoice in
him, humbly submit to his will in all things, aand daily pray to become more and more like him. O thou dear and precious Jesus! grant that this may be
more and more my experience, till I know thee in all thy holiness and glory, for ever and ever!
I cannot live contented here,
Without some glimpse of thy face;
And heav'n, without thy presence there,
Would be a dark and tiresome place.
The flesh of mine might learn as soon
To live, yet part with all my blood;
To breath when vital air is gone
Or thrive and grow without my food.
The Eighteenth Day of February
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The Lord preserveth the simple. I was brought low, and he helped me. - KJV.
The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. - ESV.
Psalm 116. 6.
He who walks in godly simplicity and humility, accounting his own infirmities always the greatest, will best be preserved from being
puffed up and sifted by the enemy of souls; and truly, nothing should humble us more than justification by free grace. The more we consider and carefully
cherish that, the more this simple, child-like, quiet temper will increase; for there is nothing in ourselves which can be depended upon, but all must be freely
received from Christ, this, at the same time cutting off all vain boasting, brings us low, settles our peace in Christ, who is our all, and is sure enough to be
rested upon. It is only from thee, O my dear Saviour, I can learn true simplicity;- teach me, therefore, to turn thine eyes, not upon others, but upon thyself.
humble me to the uttermost, and fashion me after thine own mind, that I may be careful to avoid everything that is contrary to love. Keep me, O my light, from
all self-dependence and self-conceit, bridle my carnal reason, and pull down all vain imaginations. Grant that my eye may be fixed only upon one thing needful
which lasts eternally; and that in all my words, deeds, and gestures, I may always resemble the simplicity, innocence, fidelity, and love of a little child.
Matthew 18. 3.(1)
Rich grace, free grace, most sweetly calls,
Directly come who will,
Just as you are, for Christ receives
Poor helpless sinners still.
'Tis grace that feeds our souls;
Grace keep us inly poor;
And oh nothing else but grace
May rule for ever more!
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Matthew 18. 3.
KJV - And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
ESV - Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Nineteenth Day of February
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. - KJV.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. - ESV.
Psalm 23. 1.
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. - KJV.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. - ESV.
John 10. 10, 28.
Reader! is the Lord Jesus thy shepherd? Has he called thee out of the wilderness? called thy heart from the love of sin and the world,
and brought thee into a close atttendance on his ordinances? And does he refresh and feed thy soul with his word? Canst thou distinguish the Shepherds's voice
from the voice of a hireling? And does thy heart cleave to the Shepherd in faith and love, adoring person, and approving his laws, as well as admiring his doctrines?
Then fear not; the Lord is with thee; Jesus is thy Shepherd; Thou shalt want nothing that is really good. Follow the Shepherd till he bring thee to glory.
My shepherd is the living Lord;
Now shall my wants be supplied;
His providence and holy word
Become my safety and my guide.
My wandering feet his ways mistake
But he restores my soul to peace,
And leads me, for his mercy's sake
In the fair path of righteousness.
The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green : Ke leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
My soul He doth restore again;
And me to walk doth .make
Within the paths of righteousness,
Even for His own name's sake.
Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,
Yet will I fear none ill;
For thou art with me; and thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
My table thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me:
And in God's house for evermore
My dwelling place shall be.
The Twentieth Day of February
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The everlasting gospel. - KJV.
An eternal gospel. - ESV.
Revelations 14. 6.
And upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. - KJV.
and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. - ESV.
Mark 16. 14.
The Gospel is properly called "Glad Tidings,"
for these reasons : We are polluted with the filth of
sin; in it is opened a fountain for sin and uncleanness.
The way to heaven is blocked up by our
sins; it reveals "a new and living way through the
flesh of Christ." We are imprisoned debtors by
multiplied transgressions; it shews that a price, the
most inestimable, has been paid to discharge us.
We have by nature hard, strong and impenitent
hearts; in it is promised a heart of flesh. We can
of ourselves do nothing; it shews that through
Christ we can do all things! We feel that we are
liable to err and backslide; it declares that God will
scourge us till we return to Him, but not take His
loving-kindness from us. We know that we are
liable to many calamities; it teaches us that they
shall all work together for our good. We see that
we are dying creatures; hy it we are assured that
we have a Forerunner in heaven, and an eternal
habitation with God in glory. Lord, send abroad
and bless this Gospel. Make bare thine thy holy
arm, and let the people be willing in the day of thy
power. Oh! let the world adoring see triumphs of
mercy wrought by thee.
Salvation, oh! Salvation,
The joyful sound proclaim,
Till each remotest nation,
Has learned Messiah's name.
Salvation! let the echo fly,
The spacious earth around;
And all the armies of the sky
Conspire to raise the sound.
The Twenty First Day of February
They profess that they know God; but in works deny him. - KJV.
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. - ESV.
Titus 1. 10.
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness,
and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. - KJV.
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality
and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. - ESV.
Jude 4.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. - KJV.
Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.. - ESV.
2 Timothy 3. 5.
There is a profession of a special kind, which in its own nature is exposed to the reproach of the world: "They that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." There is a being in Christ, and not living godly; for there are branches in the vine, by profession, that bring forth no fruit; men that have not in them the mind that was in Christ Jesus, which torments the men of earth: but they that will live godly, that is, engage in a profession that shall, on all occasions, and in all instances, manifest the power of it, they shall suffer persecution. We see many every day keep up a profession; but such a profession as will not provoke the world. Now this is to be ashamed of the gospel, to be ashamed of the power and glory of it, to be ashamed of the Author of it. No man can put Jesus Christ to greater shame than by professing the gospel without showing the power of it, Phillipians 3. 18.(1), Revelations 11. 10. (2). There can be no more vile and sordid hypocrisy than for any to pretend unto inward, habitual sanctification, while their lives are barren in the fruits of righteousness and obedience. Reader, of all the dangers in profession, beware of customary, traditional, or doctrinal owning of gospel truths, without an experimental acquaintance with the reality and efficacy of them; for all such will have their portion where is "wailing and gnashing of teeth."
O fairest Pearl of price
Thy riches let me see,
And freely sacrifice
The world's esteem for theeFor thee I would count all things loss,
And glory in thy cross!
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Phillipians 3. 18.
KJV - For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
ESV - For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
(2) Revelations 11. 10.
KJV - And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
ESV - And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.
The Twenty Second Day of February
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I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. - KJV.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." - ESV.
Genesis 3. 15.
See also Galatians 4. 4-6; Colosians 2. 14-15. and Hebrews 2, 14.
By "the seed of the woman" is to be understood Christ the Saviour; not excluding his friends and followers in every age of the world. This prediction of a Saviour signified to our first parents these four things;
1. That the promised Saviour was not to be the man's but the woman's seed, or born of a virgin:
2. That he was to be a man by that expression, "Thou shalt bruise his heel:"
3. That he should break the head of the serpent, or destroy his power and dominion over mankind, and punish him, and all his votaries, with an utter destruction; and,
4. That in order to our Saviour's doing so, he must have his own heel, or human nature, that the lowest part of his meditatory person, bruised by the serpent, or presented and put to death by the devil and his emissaries.
This was the first intimation of a Saviour that was made to the world, it was made to the serpent, for his immediate confusion; made in the presence of our first parents, and before their sentence was pronounced, to inspire them with the hope of pardon and life, and with a sense of the distinguishing mercy of God, who, before he denounced so much as any temporal punishment, animated to them with the hope of eternal redemption.
Arise, arise, thou woman's seed,
And bruise the serpent in my heart!
Employ thy vengeance on his head,
And deadly strokes each day impart.
Other Scripture mentioned above.
Galatians 4. 4-6.
KJV - 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
ESV - 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Colosians 2. 14-15.
KJV - 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
ESV - 14 By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Hebrews 2, 14.
KJV - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
ESV - Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
The Twenty Third Day of February
The Lord do that which seemeth him good - KJV.
And may the LORD do what seems good to him. - ESV.
2 Samuel 10. 12.
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. - KJV.
Saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." - ESV.
Luke 22. 42.
A Christian still feels the motion of self-will, and, consequently, of sin in his heart. And if it be asked, How can Christ, and sin dwell together in one heart? The answer is, As a king and rebels in one kingdom or town; he does not agree or correspond with them, but subdues them, and maintains peace. But where self-will has the dominion, there is nothing but trouble and confusion; for unsanctified passions, and a bad conscience, not only are inward torments, but often occasion perplexity and damage in our worldly affairs; whereas in the blood of Christ we have a good conscience, abundance of peace, and can be content and happy in the most indifferent circumstances.
Take heed, therefore, O my dear Christian, never to be led by thy own spirit, were it even in such things as seem to bring glory to God, if it is not of his own appointment. Our hearts are sometimes very deceitfully desirious of what pleases ourselves, while we pretend to seek God's glory: and were we not crossed in these our designs, they would prove a great burden to our life. Blessed is he who not only prays with his lips, but is heartily willing also that nothing but the will of the Lord should be done in everything. It is God alone that understands what may be good or dangerous to our spiritual or temporal circumstances. We being often blinded or drawn by our lusts, are too much inclined to choose at random what would be, perhaps, most detrimental.
Saviour, to my heart be near,
Exercise thy shepherd's care!
Guard my weakness by thy grace,
Let me feel a constant peace.
The Twenty Fourth Day of February
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The Lord will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. - KJV.
He{the Lord}} regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. - ESV.
Psalm 102. 17.
They looked unto him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed. - KJV.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. - ESV.
Psalm 34. 5.
See also the instance of the woman of Canaan. Matthew 15. 21-28.(1) And what Christ says, Luke 11. 5-13;(2) and chapter 18. 1-8. Likewise of a tossed vessel. Matthew 8. 24-27.(3)
The load of outward and inward affliction, is not always prayed away with a few words, or in a few days. Sometimes it is necessary even to wrestle with God, and be very instant too; how else could faith and practice be exercised? If, therefore, the trials be sharp and lasting, it is not to weaken our faith, but to stir us up to be more instantly zealous in prayer, and in the right use of the word of God; and by these means to be so much more gloriously delivered and strengthened in faith; for whatever God sends upon us, it not for the lessening; but for the increase of our faith. " Blessed is the man
that endureth temptation ; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." James i. 12.
God is our refuge and our strength,
In straits a present aid;
Therefore, although the earth remove,
We will not be afraid;
Though hills amidst the seas be cast;
Though waters roaring make,
And troubled be; yea, though the hills
By swelling seas do shake.
A river is, whose streams do glad
The city of our God;
The holy place, wherein the Lord
Most High hath His abode.
God in the midst of her doth dwell;
Nothing shall her remove;
The Lord to her an helper will,
And that right early prove
Scripture mentioned above.
(1) Matthew 15. 21-28.
KJV -
21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
ESV - 21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, ha Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon." 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us. 24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 And he answered, "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.
(2) Luke 11. 5-13;
KJV - 5 And he said unto them,Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
ESV - 5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
(3) Matthew 8. 24-27.
KJV - 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
ESV - 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." 26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men mmarveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"
The Twenty Fifth Day of February
.
I dwell in the high and holy place, with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite one.
For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth, the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. - KJV.
I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me,
and the breath of life that I made. - ESV.
Isaiah 57. 15, 16.
How sweet are all God's promises, and what a
cheering hope do they impart! "I dwell with
him that is of a contrite and humble spirit." Oh!
how consoling are these words to the broken heart
and to the wounded spirit ; to the spirit wounded
on account of sin! How unbounded the joy of the
true believer! God doth dwell wTith him. Yet to
insist too much upon the sensible joy of faith,
might make weak souls weaker still. Many a sincere
Christian's heart is like a bottle of a very
narrow passage, which can receive the dew of a
heavenly comfort only by little drops. But dost
thou feel thyself quite naked, and void of all good?
Christ will surely cover thee with the robe of righteousness.
Go entirely out of thyself, looking only
to Him for everything ; and whatever gifts of joy,
peace and holiness may be given thee, be very
thankful for them, yet trust not in them, but in
Christ alone. This will make thee pure and keep
thy heart at rest.
The man who walks with God in truth,
Andev'ry guile disdains,
Who hates to lift oppression's rod,
And scorns its shameful gains;
His dwelling, 'midst the strength of rocks,
Shall ever stand secure;
His Father will provide his bread,
His water shall be sure.
The Twenty Sixth Day of February
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Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. - KJV.
By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. - ESV.
Psalm 30. 7.
29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. - KJV.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works, - ESV.
Psalm 104. 29-31.
SEE, my soul, in this verse, a picture of thine own
experience ; how much art thou and David alike !
When I look up to heaven, how often do I see the
sun both shine and set ! When I look down into
myself, how often do I see my comforts rise and
fall ! One while I am upon Mount Tabor, and
have a glance of heaven ; another while I lie in the
valley of Bochim weeping, because I have lost
sight of my heavenly country. Joshua's long day
is many times turned into Paul's sad night. When
God would quicken my affections, He gives me a
glance of heaven, that so I may be in love with
wmat I see. When I begin to bless myself, and rest
in my happy privileges, He draws a veil over the
bright vision, that I may rest in nothing but Himself,
nor loathe what I so greatly love. He suffers
my happiness here to be imperfect, that so I may
be pressing on to that place where I shall be perfectly
happy for ever, Lord, when thou shewest
thyself, let me love thee ; when my mountain
stands strong, let me praise thee ; when thou withdrawest
thyself, let me follow thee ; when thy
countenance is hid, let me still believe that thou
lovest me ; under all my changes here, let my soul
be always breathing, panting, longing and reaching
after thee, till I shall so perfectly enjoy thee,
that I may never lose thee anymore. But bound up in
the bundle of life, when life closes, my soul may
wing its way to dwell with thee for ever. Amen.
Lord, guide me in this Christain race,
And keep mine eye intent on thee;
Rejoicing when I see thy face,
And trusting when I cannot see.
The Twenty Seventh Day of February
Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. - KJV.
Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. - ESV.
Luke 22. 31, 32.
Yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. - KJV.
But no pebble shall fall to the earth. - ESV.
Amos 9. 9.
I will keep thee from the hour of temptation. - KJV.
I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, - ESV.
Revelations 3. 10.
Sometimes we may imagine ourselves to be
Divinely convinced of the will of God, both, by
seeming outward providences and inward persuasions
of faith; and yet it is possible that the siftings
of Satan are at the bottom; however, the Lord
will overrule him at last, and order all things to the
best for His people. May the Lord make us watchful
against our own spirit, and against the evil one,
especially when he is transformed into an angel of
light, that it may not be in his power to sift us so
as to gain an advantage over us, by our listening to
his inward suggestions, or yielding to his subtle
temptations! And, O my soul, what a precious
truth is this for thee, "I have prayed for thee, that
thy faith fail not!" Remember who He is that
prays for thee. It is Christ. Thou hast still the
same intercessor, who is now at God's right hand.
He has the same merits to plead now that He had
when upon earth. Wilt thou despise his prayer?
Pause, my soul; hast thou ever asked for this
prayer? Thou hast need of it. Turn even now to
Christ and plead for it. Plead in earnest and thou
shalt get it.
In vain the baffled prince of hell
His cursed project tries;
We that were doomed his endless slaves,
Are rais'd above the skies.
Oh! may my Jesus guard me safe
From every ill design;
And to His heavenly kingdom keep
This feeble soul of mine.
The Twenty Eighth Day of February
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Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, etc.: but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. - KJV.
Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, etc - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. - ESV.
1 Peter 3. 3, 4.
In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. - KJV.
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. - ESV.
Isaiah 30. 15.
A Christian's best accoutrements and festival clothes, in which he daily celebrates his sabbath, are called Colossians 3. 10, 12, 14,(1) "The new man, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering: and above all, charity." These are our true ornaments, and we should seek to be dressed in them -- Reader, what dostthou adorn most? body or soul? O thou meek and quiet Lamb of God, justly I blush before thee, when I consider my impatience, though I am never innocent like thee! I humbly beseech thee to forgive me these my transgressions, since thou hast made sufficient atonememt for all by thy meritorious silence; but to deliver me from this choleric, hot, and peevish temper also; and give me grace, in all inward and outward troubles, to have the long-forbearing mind which was in thee! Make me daily more and more like a lamb, that on all occasions, grevious and joyful, I may be duly composed, and show that excellent ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, not in many words, but in reality and power. Amen.
Giver of concord, Prince of Peace,
Meek, lamb-like Son of God,
Bid our unruly passions cease
And quench them with thy blood.
Oh let us find the ancient way
Our wond'ring foes to move,
And force the heathen to say,
"See how these Christians love!"
Scripture mentioned in the passage.
(1) Colossians 3. 10, 12, 14,
KJV - 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
ESV - 10 And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
The Twenty Nineth Day of February
Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: why cumbereth it the ground? Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well; and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. - KJV.
And he said to the vinedresser, 'Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?'
And he answered him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' - ESV.
Luke 13. 7-9.
Thou fruitless fig-tree! thou barren professor! dost thou hear this, and not tremble? God is come seeking fruit:- will thy bare profession, thy knowledge of the principles of religion, satisfy the great God? Will the notions of truth in thy head, thy talking and disputing, thy hearing the word preached, thy commending or censoring sermons and preachers, just as thou art in the mood, will this serve thy turn? -- and wilt thou thus endeavour to ward off the heart-searching God? Know thou, God is come to seek for fruit, and for good fruit from thee; not the fruit of good words only, but the fruit of good works; and not the fruit of talking well, but of walking well, the fruit of holiness in life and conversation:- fruit short of this God will not regard. If thy conscience be awakened, look to thy merciful High Priest, consider well his intercession for such a barren soul as thou art: "Lord, let it alone," etc. Father, let this man live one year longer;- Oh turn away from thine anger! I will yet see what may be done;- I will try what corrections may do;- perhaps the rod may work more upon him than my word has hitherto done, and may tend to make his barren heart fruitful; I will also stir up my servants to awaken him by a more sharp and searching manner; and if these new efforts be blesse to him, all shall yet be well, thy grace magnified, and his soul saved; if not, then thou shalt cut him down.
If, under means of grace,
No fruits of grace appear
It is a dreadful case
Though God may long forbear
At length he'll strike the threaten'd blow,
And lay the barren fig-tree low.