minion over my existence, commands me to give it him. I gave him no portion of it! A thousand passing vanities, one after another, promised it for a day; but he, the author of all good, was not in my thoughts or desires: and now, when I would fain present it, a holy, undivided sacrifice, what an unworthy offering it is! Often is it so cold, perplexed, polluted, fearful, and unbelieving, that it every hour needs renewed pardon. And will it ever continue such ?-Oh, thou, who alone canst effect the mighty change, do thou speak the word, and thy servant will be healed!

MEDITATION VIIL

On the Goodness of God.

[Bickersteth. THE love of God has indeed abounded towards me in innumerable ways, both in temporal comforts and spiritual privileges. But especially am I indebted to

his long-suffering and long-sparing mercy, that I have not been cut off in the midst of my sins: the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness is yet flowing, yet accessible, and that for me; the bread of life is yet tendered to me; the means of grace and the hope of glory are yet continued. There is still a way of access to the throne of grace, and the sure mercies of Christ may yet be obtained. Through the same goodness, I have another opportunity of approaching his mercy-seat, and seeking an interest in his redemption.Others have been called to the eternal world to render in their solemn account, and I have been spared a little longer to recover my strength. I will go, then, and cast myself under the wings of the Sun of Righteousness. I will take refuge in his name, and now seek his salvation.

MEDITATION IX

On Christ as a Refuge in the Time of Trouble.

[Bickersteth.

I SHOULD have perished in my sins, but for redeeming mercy and love. Blessed be God for Jesus, the rock of my salvation. This Rock it is that defends me from the stormy yet justly merited billows of divine wrath. The fury of the tempest, that dreadful vengeance which would for ever have overwhelmed me, he did encounter, that I might be safe.— Now, sheltered by this Rock, though I may hear the roaring and dashing of that terrible sea, which, if unprotected, would have swept me away into endless ruin, yet I am entirely safe; not a wave shall come near me. Oh, in every trying hour, lead me to this Rock, that Jesus may ever be my hiding-place and my covert. Here only I am secure. He is unchangeable and immoveable; the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.

MEDITATION X.

On Devoting Ourselves to the Service of

Christ.

[Rev. Dan. Wilson.

You can only escape the tyranny of the world, by entering the service of a better Lord. In proportion as you transfer your thoughts and affections to your Saviour, will your distaste for a mere You will earthly life be strengthened.

have no time nor inclination for vanity and folly. The cross of Christ, seen by faith, will enable you to crucify the world. It will bring you pardon and victory. It will engage you in another cause, occupy you with other objects, and introduce you into other society. It will detect all the glare and imposition of earthly things. The mysterious death of the incarnate Saviour will fix your heart, produce hatred of sin, reconcile you to reproach, deliver you from the fear of man, and make obedience delightful.

MEDITATION XI.

On Prayer.

O MY Soul! what canst thou desire beyond this? Ask whatsoever thou wilt in the name of Jesus, and in the faith of his holy word; and if it be for the glory of God, and the real good of thy soul, thou shalt as surely have thy request granted, as that the Lord Jehovah liveth, and answereth prayer.-Author of the Retrospect.

O LORD, I know not what I should ask of thee. Thou only knowest what I want and thou lovest me better than I can love myself. O Lord, give to me, who desires to be thy child, what is proper, whatsoever it may be. I dare not ask either crosses or comforts. I only present myself before thee: I open my heart to thee. Behold my wants, which I am ignorant of: but do thou behold, and do according to thy mercy. Smite or heal; depress or raise me up: I adore all