Hell and thy sins resist thy course,
    But hell and sin are vanquish'd foes;
Thy Jesus nail'd to the cross,
    And sung the triumph when he rose.

He dies; and in that dreadful night
    Did all the powers of hell destroy:
Rising he brought our heaven to light,
    And took possession of the joy.

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Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But he chasteneth us for our profit,
that we might be partakers of his holiness. - KJV
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? He disciplines us for our good,
that we may share his holiness. - ESV
Hebrews 12. 6-10.

To these chastenings belong outward afflictions, which are precious means, and sanctified to believers. And this is a clear proof that we should receive such chastenings with gladness, and that we should not repine under them. They evidence the fatherly care and love of God, and are designed to try our faith, and purge our souls from the drossy matter of earth that is mixed up with them ; and from them we must learn that chastisements will be the means of good to us if we use them aright. Oh ! my dear heavenly Father, thou art only pleased with a true child-like confidence ; but I am still of a distrusting heart when anything comes upon me on a sudden. Help me always to entertain the kindest thoughts of thee, and to fear no adversity ; looking on it as a token of love and not of hatred, and really believing it to be intended as a blessing for my good. Whatever thy providence may order, let me only be convinced of thy fatherly affection, and fall in with thy wholesome and loving designs.

Though for my sin Ijustly feel
Thy discipline, O God,
I wait thy gracious moment still,
Till thou remove thy rod.

For I have found 'tis good for me  
To bear my Father's rod ;
Affliction makes me learn thy law,
And live upon my God.

This is the comfort I enjoy
When new distress begins ;
I read thy word, I run thy way,
And hate my former sins.

Thy mercies fill the earth, O Eord,
How good thy works appear !
Open mine eyes to read thy word,
And see thy wonders there.

When once it enters to the mind,
It spreads such light abroad,
The meanest souls instruction find,
And raise their thoughts to God.

'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light,
That guides us all the day ;
And through the dangers of the night
A lamp to lead our way.

Since I'm a stranger here below,
Let not tlnr path be hid,
But mark the road my feet should go,
And be my constant guide.

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Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. - KJV
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. - ESV
Psalm 119. 37.

If you were to see a man endeavouring all his life to satisfy his thirst by holding up one and the same empty cup to his mouth, you would certainly despise his ignorance, but if you should see others of brighter parts, and finer understandings, ridiculing the dull satisfactions of one cup, and thinking to satisfy their own thirst by a variety of gilt or golden empty cups, would you think these were even wiser or happier, or better employed for their finer parts? - Now this is all the difference that you can see in the happiness of this life. The dull and heavy soul may be content with one empty appearance of happiness, and be continually trying to hold one and the same empty cup to his mouth all his life. But then let the wit, the great scholar, the fine genius, the great statesman, the polite gentleman, lay all their heads together, and they can only show you more and various empty apearances of happiness; give them all the world into their hands, let them cut and carve as they please, they can only make a greater variety of empty cups; for, search as deep, and look as far as you will, there is nothing here to be found that is nobler or greater than eating and drinking; than rich dress and human applause; unless you look for it in the wisdom and laws of religion. Reader, reflect upon the vanity of all orders of life who live without godliness, and see how all the ways of the world are only so many different ways of error, blindness, and mistake, that you may be earnest at the throne of grace to be turned from the creature, and seek for happiness in the Creator.

No peace or lasting rest
Earth's flattering joys impart;
The portion of a beast
Will not content my heart.
The God of spirits only can
Fill up the vast desires of man.

Because on me they set their love,
I'll save them, saith the Lord ;
I'll bear their joyful souls above
Destruction and the sword.

In me they every grace shall find
For sorrow, joy, or care ;
Their broken hearts I will upbind,
Unloose their every snare.

My grace shall answer when they call;
In trouble I'll be nigh ;
My power shall help them when they fall,
And raise them when they die.

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If I yet please men, I should not be the servant of Christ. - KJV
If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. - ESV
Galatians 1. 10.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. - KJV
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. - ESV
Romans 15. 2.
Fear or love of men, and hypocrisy, very often, are nearly allied. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. - KJV
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. - ESV
Proverbs 29. 5.
But he that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. - KJV
Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue. - ESV
Proverbs 28. 23.

We are inclined to extremes, even then when God has begun his work in our soul. At one time we are apt to run into a false activity for the conversion of others, trusting too much to our own sufficiency and strength; at other times, perhaps, we fall into too much remissness and inactivity for the salvation of others. May the Lord therefore always guide me to steer the middle course, so as to walk in all singleness and humility of heart, as well as in true fervency of spirit, faith, and love, that it may be said, "I believe, therefore do I speak." Grant, O my dear Saviour, that I may shine as a light, and be useful to all about me: never seeking my own but only the salvation and good of others, with unfeinged love. Oh may that thy love may constrain me in all things! Amen.

My own glory still I seek,
Still I covet human praise ;
Still, in all I do or speak,
Thee I wrong, and rob thy grace.

And must that which is so good
Evil prove to sinful me ?
Poison shall I draw from food,
Sin from grace, and pride from thee?

Oh ! forbid it, humble love !
Hide me, O my Father, hide !
Far away this snare remove ;
Save me from the sin of pride !

Faith only gives me peace with God ;
But ifmy faith be true,
It surely shews itself by love,
And kind obedience too.

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He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. - KJV
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. - ESV
Matthew 24. 13.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. - KJV
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. - ESV
Revelations 3. 11.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. - KJV
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. - ESV
1 Corinthians 10. 12.

He that stands in faith, and by nature is of a cheerful temper, must not magnify the measure of his own faith, nor undervalue that of weaker souls; for such conduct would declare that he is now fallen into pride, and a contempt of his brother; therefore, however fast we may seem to stand, let us be wary and watchful. We are never so near a fall as when we grow self-confident. He who knows the nature, and power of temptations will not discourage the weak, nor insist too much upon particular enjoyments and sensible assurances, which are not the constant witness and marks of faith. The Holy Spirit himself is the earnest and seal of adoption; who is to be known not only by this joy, but all his other fruits and operations. To trust too much upon feeling disturbs our peace as soon as it is gone; but to rely on the word of God preserves a settled assurance.

Jesus ! shall I never be
Firmly grounded upon thee ?
Strong in faith I seem this hour ;
Stript the next of all m}r power.

Plant, and root, and fix in me
All the mind that was in thee ;
Settled peace I then shall find,
When I am renewed in mind.

Grant that every moment I
May believe and feel thee nigh ;
Steadfastly behold thy face.
'Stablished with abiding grace.

Holy, true, and righteous Lord.
I seek to know and do thy will
Be mindful of thy gracious word,
And stamp me with thy Spirit's seal.

My conscience purge from every blot
My idols all be cast aside ;
Rebuke each vain and sinful thought,
And crucify both self and pride.

Within me thy good Spirit place,
Spirit of health, and love, and power;
And grant me such victorious grace,
That inbred sin may reign no more.

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Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. - KJV
For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance. - ESV
Matthew 13. 12.
For the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. - KJV
The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. - ESV
John 4. 14.

Of the remarkable increase in the kingdom of God, even from the least beginning, see also Matthew 13. 31-33:(1) And that beautiful figure, Ezekial 47. 1-12.(2) This well being opened, it highly concerns us to draw living water out of it daily by fervent prayer, and then it will spring up freely. But, reader, if you begin to be slothful, and distracted with worldly cares, not abiding closely with Christ, nor diligently on him, your spirit will soon be dried up, and you will scarcely be able, with anxious groans, to draw a single drop from this well. Therefore, take heed to your spirit; and if you desire your own comfort and God's glory, keep near the well's mouth, and be drawing its water continually by prayer, and drinking it sweetly by faith.

Glory to God that walks the sky,
And sends His blessings through ;
That tells His saints of]oy on high,
And gives a taste below.

Cheerful I feast on heavenly fruit,
And drink the pleasures down, -
Pleasures that flow hard by the foot
Of the eternal throne.

But, ah! how soon my joys decay !
How soon my sins arise,
And snatch the heavenly scene away
From these lamenting' eyes!

When shall the time, dear Jesus, when
The shining day appear,
That I shall leave these clouds of sin,
And guilt and darkness here?

(1) Matthew 13. 31-33.
KJV - 31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

ESV - He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." 33 He told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened."

(2) Ezekiel 47. 1-12.
KJV - 1 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. 2 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.
3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. 4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. 5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. 6 And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this?
Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. 7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. 9 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. 10 And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. 11 But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. 12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

ESV - 1 Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. 2 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side.
3 Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits,[a] and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. 4 Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. 5 Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?"
Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea;[b] when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.[c] 9 And wherever the river goes,[d] every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea[e] may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. 10 Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea.[f] 11 But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. 12 And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing."

With careful hand may I employ
    The talents God has given;
Yet not my profit, but my faith,
    Must bring my soul to heaven.

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Through desire a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. - KJV
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. - ESV
Proverbs 18. 1.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. - KJV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; - ESV
Galatians 5. 22, 23.

Through pride and self-will, a man having separated himself from the written word of God, and the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, seeks to set up and pull down, and to establish everything according to his own wisdom, self interst, or ambition, instead of humbly following the truth as it is in Jesus. Self-will never becomes a Christian, and much less reviling those who differ from us. The Lord was not in the strong wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire; but in the still small voice. 1 Kings 19. 11, 12.(1) He that taketh offence in everything that differs from him, shows great weakness. It is written, "Destroy it not." Isaiah 65. 8.(2) Though the grape be young, there is wine in the cluster. All spiritual exercises are good: brotherly love renders them beautiful and lovely. The Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ breathes love to him, holy joy in his salvation, and a divine and peaceable temper, with long-suffering and gentleness towards the weakness and infirmities of all around us. The fruit of the Spirit is real goodness in heart and life, steadfast fast faith in a precious Jesus, a partaking of his divine meekness temperance, etc. By these things let us daily try our own spirit, instead of sitting in judgment of the spirit of others.

Lo! what an entertaining sight
Are brethren that agree;
Brethren whose cheerful hearts unite
In bands of piety!

When streams of love, from Christ the spring,
Descend to every soul,
And heavenly peace, with balmy wing,
Shades and bedews the whole.

(1) 1 Kings 19. 11, 12.
KJV - And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind
         rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an
         earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after
         the fire a still small voice.
ESV - And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore
         the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake,
         but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire
         the sound of a low whisper.

(2) Isaiah 65. 8.
KJV - Thus saith the Lord, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my
         servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.
ESV - Thus says the Lord: As the new wine is found in the cluster,and they say, 'Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,'
         so I will do for my servants' sake, nd not destroy them all.

Let party names no more
The Christian world o'erspread;
Gentile and Jew, and bond and free,
Are one in Christ their Head.

Among the saints on earth
Let mutual love be found ;
Heirs of the same inheritance,
With mutual blessings crowned.

Let envy and ill-will
Be banished far away ;
Those should in strictest friendship dwell
Who the same Lord obey.

Then will the Church below
Resemble that above,
Where streams of pleasure ever flow,
And every heart is love.

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Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. - KJV
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. - ESV
Matthew 24. 42.

To watch is the wise exercise of a gracious soul, who is sensible of his own weakness, loves his Saviour, and fears to grieve his Spirit; who is well acquainted with the depth of corruption in fallen nature; is well apprized of the invisible powers of darkness; and hearkens to the voice of his kind and adorable Shepherd. This watchfulness discovers an awakened attention to spiritual concerns, and has the love of Christ for its motive, and is attended with constant dependence on Christ for protection from dangers, and for strength against all enemies, together with supplies of grace in every time of need. If our religion be only in outward profession, it may pass without watching; but if it be true grace in the heart from Jesus Christ, that sacred treasure will need to be guarded by circumspect watchfulness. The exhortation is to all God's children necessary in every condition, in every stage of a Christian's life; in youth, manhood, old age; in prosperity and adversity, in the seasons of consolation, and in the times of temptation; in company and alone. O blessed Jesus, help me to watch and pray; let me be always ready; keep me in thy love, and preserve me by thy power, till my change shall come.

Lord, help me to watch,
    And help me to pray
Lest the enemies catch,
    By night and by day.

The world and the devil
    Are spreading their net;
My heart, too, is evil,
    And full of deceit.

Kternal wisdom has prepared
A soul-reviving feast,
And bids our longing appetites
The rich provisions taste.

Jesus, the God, invites us here
To this triumphant feast,
And brings immortal blessings down
For each redeemed guest.

O ! glorious God. what can we pay
For favors so divine?
We would de%-ote our hearts alway
To be for ever thine.

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How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? - KJV
How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? - ESV
Psalm 13. 2

God's Answer:
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God. - KJV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known to God. - ESV
Philippians 4. 6.
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righeous to be moved. - KJV
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act, and he will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous
to be moved. - ESV
Psalm 37. 5; 55. 22.
Thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. - KJV
For you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. - ESV
Isaiah 25. 1.

" Be careful for nothing," is a wall against a thousand troubles. But if we give room to any care and unbelief, it is like a leaven that spreads through all our actions. Therefore we ought never to despair in our lawful calling, but rely in all things on the good providence and faithfulness of God ; firmly believing that He will never fail to carry us through the most difficult and intricate circumstances, though there should be ever so little appearance for it in our own eyes. But, alas ! Lord, how often do our hearts misgive us, and we either murmur at thy providence, or we trust to ourselves ! how seldom have we cast all our care upon thee, and, in humble faith, implored thy direction ! Oh ! help us to commit our way unto thee.

He that can dash whole worlds to death,
    And make them when he please,
He speaks, aand that almighty breath
    Fulfils his great decrees.

His very word of grace is strong
    As that which built the skies;
The voice that rolls the stars along
    Speaks all the promises.

He said, "Let the wide heav'n spread,"
    And heav'n was stretch'd abroad;
"Abram , I'll be thy God," he said,
    And he was Abram's God.

When all the saints are gathered home,
And time its course has run,
What shouts the ransomed souls will give,
When Jesus cries, " 'Tis done!"

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Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. - ESV
We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. - KJV
Acts 14. 22.
Therefore, let us run with patience the race that is set before us. - KJV
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. - ESV
Hebrews 12. 1.
Ye have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin. - KJV
In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. - ESV
Hebrews 12. 4.

Some licentious professors think there is no need to strive against sin; and some would seem so holy as to be above it; but here we are plainly told of striving against it. While St. Paul speaks of the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, is to the same purpose, Galatians 5. 17.,(1) and the most experienced Christians are witness to it. The word of God is said to be a sword, our prayers a wrestling, and our faith the victory. Thus our whole race consists in strivings and conquests. There is always an enemy to be conquered first, before we can make a considerable progress in anything that is good; and none of our enemies are very easily to be overcome, but some are very stubborn. Therefore courage and patience are required; and thus we may be sure to have the victory at last.

In Jesu's strength seek, O my soul,
Thy glorious warfare to pursue ;
 He only can thy sins control,
And give thee vict'ries ever new.

The land of triumph lies on high,
There are no fields of battle there ;
I^ord, make me conquer till I die,
And finish well the glorious war.

Assist me with supplies of grace,
To bring thy gospel good renown ;
 And let me, when my labors cease,
Receive through Christ the promised crown.

(1) Galatians 5. 17.
KJV - For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye
        cannot do the things that ye would.
ESV - For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each
         other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

God, the great God, that rules the skies,
    The gracious and the just,
Makes his own Son a sacrifice,
    And here lies all our trust.

Here rest my faith and ne'er remove;,
    Here let repentance rise,
While I behold his bleeding love,
    His dying agonies.

With shame and sorrow here I own
    How great my guilt has been;
This is my way t' approach the throne,
    And God forgives my sin.

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See that ye fall not out of the way. - KJV
Do not quarrel on the way. - ESV
Genesis 45. 24.

Joseph, having shown himself fully reconciled to his brethren, dismisses them with this caution; "See that ye fall not out by the way." He knew that they were but too apt to be quarrelsome. One might say. "It was you that upbraided him with his dreams;" another, "It was you that said, 'Let us kill him;'" another, "It was you who stripped him of his coat;""It was you that threw him into the pit;" another, "It was you that sold him to the Ismaelites," etc. Thus their journey to their father's house would be very uncomfortable, if this spirit of quarrelling and upbraiding once got possession of them. Fellow Christians, what a lesson is here for us! Whar says our Lord Jesus to us? Love one another; live in peace: whatever occurs, let us not fall"out by the way." Are we not all brethren? Have we not all one Father? Are we not all subjects of free and sovereign grace? Are we not all agreed in essential points? Are we not all sinners by nature and practice? Have we not all one onject of faith? Are we not all travelling the same road? Oh, then, why should we fall out by the way? Suppose we be of different denominations, yet, holding the same Head, why cannot we love as brethren? (the best and most enlightened of all "see but in part, through a glass darkly:" and what a powerful reason is here for mutual forbearance. Let not the strong despise the weak, nor the weak judge the strong. Suppose our way should part a little as to externals; yet all setting out for the same spiritual Egypt, all under the same Leader, why may not we all hope to meet at last in the true Canaan? Have we not open and secret enemies around enough, but we must quarrel one with another? Satan, false professors, and the ungodly world, are unanimous in their opposition to us; let us be united, that they prevail not against us. Philippians 2. 1, 2.(1)

Our Jesus is the Prince of Peace,
Who made God's quarrel with us cease ;
And now He bids the children come,
But quarrel not as they go home.

(1) Philippians 2. 1, 2.
KJV - If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
         Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
ESV - So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
         complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Lord, I believe a rest remains,
To all thy people known,
A rest, where pure enjoyment reigns
And thou art loved alone.

A rest, where all our soul's desire
Is fixed on things above;
Where grief, and pain, and fear expir
Cast out by perfect love.

This is the feast of saints on high,
But I may taste below;
And sweeter tastes God will supply,
As into Christ I grow.

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Ye are complete in him. - KJV
You have been filled in him. - ESV
Colossians 2. 10.

15 The Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. - KJV
15 which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - ESV
2 Tim. 3. 15, 17.

And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. - KJV
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. - ESV
John 1. 16.

Think, O believer, with wonder and amazement, reflect with gratitude and love, that whilst thou art deploring the common ruin of human nature, and mournfully feeling its sad effects upon thy own soul, thou mayest yet look through all thine imperfection, fraility, and unworthiness, to thy glorious Representative, and see thyself complete in him. The law which would condemn thee, he has completely satisfied: the obedience which it requires, in order to thine acceptance with God, he has completely paid; and that eternal life, from which thy sinful imperfections must have for ever barred thee, is now become thine unalienable inheritance, as a reward of His righteousness who lived and died for thee. Go forth, then, and glorify him in heart and life; the more thou believest in him, the more wilt thou love him; and the more thou lovest him, the better wilt thou serve him; and till he shall remove thee from this vale of sin and sorrow, let thy song in the house of thy pilgrimage be this - "Complete in him."

To all my vileness, Christ is glory bright;
To all my mis'ries, infinite delight;
To all my ignorance, wise without compare;
To my deformity, the eternal fair.
 
Sight to my blindness, to my meanness wealth;
Life to my death, and to my sickness health;
To darkness light, my liberty in thrall;
What shall I say? - My Christ is All in All!

The Spirit breathes upon the word,
And brings the truth to sight;
Precepts and promises afford
A sanctifying light.

A glory gilds the sacred page,
Majestic like the sun ;
It gives a light to every age.
It gives, but borrows none.

The hand that gave it still supplies
The gracious light and heat;
His truths upon the nations rise,
They rise, but never set.

Though various Scriptures seem to clash,
And leave the mind in doubt,
Yet if you read them well with prayer,
You'll find their meaning out.

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And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, Hebron for an inheritance. - KJV
Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. - ESV
Joshua 14. 13.

The spies that went up to view the promised land, all, except Caleb and Joshua, made a formidable report of the gigantic inhabitants of Hebron, saynig, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." Caleb (answering well to his name, which signifies All-heart) stilled the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able to overcome." We are told he had another spirit with him, and followed God fully. Moses, therefore, because he wholly followed the Lord his God, was commissioned to make him a grant of all the land whereon his feet had troden, which was the mountain of Hebron. Caleb was eighty-five years old when he reminded Joshua of this promise; he was forty when when Moses sent him to spy out the land; thirty-eight years the Lord kept him in the wilderness, through the plagues of the desert, and seven years in Caanan, through the perils of war. The city of Hebron was already reduces, but the inhabitantshad repaired to the fastness of the mountain: these he wanted to dispossess, assuring Joshua he had now the same strength of body and holy confidence in God to engage in this dangerous enterprise, as he had at forty years of age, when he was sent as a spy. Joshua blessed him, acknowledged his claim and deserts, besought God to prosper him in his undertaking, and gave him the country: thus was his fidelity and uprightness rewarded. Reader, are you like-hearted with Caleb? Are you longing after Hebron, that is, communion with God? Are you eager to fight against your spiritual foes, those sons of Anak, lusts, passions, the devil, and the world? If so, remember the promise, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be;" keep up the fellowship with God, and no enemy shall be too strong for you; follow God fully; eye the captain of your salvation; fight in his name and strength, and you shal conquer every foe.

All heart, like Caleb, may I be
Against each spiritual foe;
And like him, trusting in the Lord,
To fight and conquer go.

Let no proud sinner grow secure,
Who has through dangers pass'd;
If former judgments turn thee not,
Thy life shall go at last.

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Draw me, we will run after thee. - KJV
Draw me after you; let us run. - ESV
Song of Solomon 1. 4.

Divine Answer:
I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee. - KJV
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. - ESV
Jeremiah 31. 3.

Many and various are the ways the Almighty takes in bringing his children to himself, and to a knowledge of the things of peace. Sometimes he draws by the silken hand of love; sometimes by the still small voice of his Spirit; sometimes by the knotted cords of pain and sickness; sometimes he drives them by the storm and tempest of his broken law; but most effectually in giving his Son to die for them. Reader, pray always to him to make you sensible of the secret tender drawings of his love, and willing to follow them directly. This praying always is very needful, because we are always in want, and without being instant and earnest we cannot receive much. Therefore, it is not a hard command, but a great benefit and privilege: as God should say, "You are a poor child, always wanting something; but you may always pray to me, and I will always hear, and assist, and draw thee after me."

Oh ! draw me, Saviour, after thee,
So shall I run and never tire ;
With gracious words still comfort me,
And'be my hope and whole desire.
No lust can stir, or guilty fear,
Nor worldly wish, if thou art there.

Oh ! that I, as a little child,
May follow thee, nor ever rest,
Till sweetly thou hast poured thy mild
And lowly mind into my breast;
Nor ever may we parted be,
Till I become one spirit with thee.

The Lord Jehovah calls,
Be every ear inclined;
May such a voice awake each heart,
And captivate each mind.

Oh harden not our hearts,
But hear his voice to-day
Lest ere to-morrow's earliest dawn
He call your souls away.

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Abraham against hope believed in hope. - KJV
In hope he (Abraham) believed against hope - ESV
Romans 4. 18.

O my soul, thou hast not one single promise only, like Abraham, but a thousand promises, and many patterns of faithful believers, before thee; it behoves thee, therefore, to rely with confidence upon the word of God. And though the Lord delayeth his help, and the evil seemeth to grow worse and worse, be not weak, but rather strong, and rejoice; since the most glorious promises of God are generally fulfilled in such a wondrous manner, that he steps forth to save us at atime when there is the least appearance of it. He commonly brings his help in our greatest extremity, that his finger may plainly appear in our deliverances. And this method he chooses, that we may not trust upon anything that we see or feel, as we are often apt to do, but only upon his bare word, which we may depend upon in every state.

How large the promises, how divine
    To Abra'am and his seed!
"I'll be a God to thee and thine,
    Supplying all their needs."

The words of this extensive love
    From age to age endure;
The Angel of the cov'nant proves,
    And seals the blessing sure.

Our God, how faithful are his ways!
    His love endures the same:
Nor from the promise of his grace
    Blots out the children's name.

Jesus, mighty to renew.
Work in me to will and do;
Turn my nature's rapid tide;
Stem the torrent of my pride.
 
Take away my darling sin,
Make me willing to be clean;
Make me willing to receive
What thy goodness waits to give.

Then my soul shall praise thy grace;
Then with gladness run my race;
And, when all my course is done,
Receive the prize thy cross has won.

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Neither yield ye your members as instruments of un-righteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God. as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. - KJV
Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. - ESV
Romans 6. 13.

That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, - KJV
To present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, - ESV
Romans 12. 1.

If God has my members as weapons and instruments in his hands, I shall certainly be able not only to work, but also to conquer, since he understands full well how to manage them. May the Lord only give me grace not to wind myself out of his hands else I must needs be like a dead, useless carcass; for how can a pen write alone, without being in the hand of a writer? It is true, indeed, that it is very hard, nay, impossible, to be really good, and to do all that is good, if we undertake it alone; but God himself living and working in us, and we truly delighting in him, it is very easy and pleasant. Therefore care is only to be taken that our hearts may be always the working-place, and our members the instruments of God, in which and through which he can perform everything himself.

Now God I serve; to Him alone
My thankful homage pay;
My only master Christ I own,
And Him will I obey.

To Him my members I present,
Which He will not refuse;
The meanest, basest instrument,
His glory deigns to use.

Come then, my soul, to God the Lord,
In holy ardor come;
Obey the precepts of His Word,
Until He calls thee home.

A slave to sin too long thou wast,
But Christ has set thee free;
Anthems of praise forever burst
To Him who ransomed thee.

Lord, save me from the fear of man,
Which surely brings a snare;
And make me hear their scoffs and jests
With unconcerned ear.