APRIL.

1. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii. 16.

1. The character of the world which God loved.2. The character of his love as developed in action. Inscribed upon the cross we see,

In glowing letters, "God is love;"
He bears our sins upon the tree;
He brings us mercy from above.

2. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Rom. x. 4.

1. The end contemplated by the law of God is perfect righteousness.-2. Christ answers that end in behalf of every believer.

For ever here I rest my cause;

In faith I make this plea;

Christ hath obeyed thy righteous laws;
Christ hath expired for me.

3. Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matt. xxv. 21.

1. The faithful Christian will receive the commendation of his Judge.-2. He will receive a rich reward.

Servant of God, well done;

Rest from thy loved employ!
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy master's joy.

4. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matt. xxviii. 18.

1. Then is he able to accomplish all his purposes. -2. Then is he able to save all who trust him.3. Then is he able to punish all who reject him.

Teach all the nations my commands;
I'm with you till the world shall end;
All power is trusted in my hands;
I can destroy, and I defend.

5. The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Heb. iv. 2.

1. The great end for which the word is preached, is the profit of the hearers.-2. The word cannot be profitable to them unless they believe it.

Go preach my gospel, saith the Lord;
Bid the whole earth my grace receive;
He shall be saved who trusts my word,
And he condemn'd who won't believe.

6. He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

1 Pet. iii. 10.

1. The duty required.-2. The blessing annexed.

The tongue, that most unruly power,

Requires a strong restraint;

We must be watchful every hour,
And pray, but never faint.

7. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John vii. 17.

1. It is very important that we should know the truth as God has revealed it.-2. A disposition to obey the truth, is essential to the acquisition of this knowledge.

My gracious God, how plain
Are thy directions given !
Oh may I never read in vain.
But find the path to heaven.

8. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. Ps. cxvi. 2.

1. An obligation gratefully recognised.-2. A duty solemnly pledged.

I love the Lord; he heard my cries,

And pitied every groan:

Long as I live, when troubles rise,
I'll hasten to his throne.

9. Set your affections on things above,

not on things on the earth.

Col. iii. 2.

1. Because of their superior dignity.-2. Because they are more satisfying.-3. Because they are more enduring.

Then, man, be wise; thy constant care

To purer joys be given;

Nor let delusive objects share

The place of bliss and heaven.

10. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul. Lam. iii. 24.

1. An adequate portion.-2. An unfailing portion.-3. A gracious portion.

God is the treasure of my soul,

The source of lasting joy

A joy which want shall not impair,
Nor death itself destroy.

11. The Lord's portion is his people.

Deut. xxxii. 9.

1. By absolute right.-2. By gracious preference.

Oh come and make me thine,

A sinner saved by grace;

Then shall I sing, with loudest strains,
In heaven thy dwelling place.

12. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matt. vi. 10.

1. As spontaneously.-2. As exclusively.--3. As uniformly.-4. As universally.

Lord, may thy perfect will

On earth be done in love,
As saints and seraphim fulfil
Thy perfect law of love.

13. Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke ii. 49.

1. Our heavenly Father has assigned to each of us a portion of his business.-2. That we may execute it well, we should commence it early in life. To God thy youthful heart submit,

For him thy powers employ;

Make him thy fear, thy love, thy hope,
Thy portion and thy joy.

14. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Ps. xxxvii. 3.

1. A double duty enjoined.-2. A double blessing promised.

Then let me make the Lord my trust,

And practise all that's good;
So shall I dwell among the just,
And he'll provide me food.

15. The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. 1 Sam. xvii. 37.

1. A grateful recollection of past deliverances.2. A strengthened confidence in Divine protection. Why, oh my soul, oh why depress'd, And whence thine anxious fears? Let former favours fix thy trust, And check thy rising tears.

16. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. Prov. xxii. 2.

1. They have a common origin.-2. They have a common nature.-3. They are subject to common infirmities.-4. A common destiny awaits them.5. Let them not despise each other.

Love is the golden chain that binds
The happy souls above;

And he's an heir of heaven that finds
His bosom glow with love.