time; much more will he renew his assaults upon us again and again; nay, if a man is not watchful, but presumptuous," he takes to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself." But if the conflict lasteth long, remember that is also the case of others; and even the ancient fathers have gone under it till they were grey; at last the victory will be the more sweet and glorious. Only, above all things, take the shield of faith, for faith alone triumphs; by which we are in covenant with Christ, and he makes one cause with us.

'Tis faith that conquers earth and hell

By a celestial power;

This is the grace that shall prevail

In the decisive hour..

30. Come, buy without money and without price. Isa. 55: 1. Come, for all things are now ready. Luke 14:17. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. John 6: 37.

How could a tender mother's heart cast out her sick child calling for help? Come, my poor soul, come only as well as thou canst. Better to come in a cold, fearful, and miserable condition, than not at all; for if we cannot come boldly to Christ with a strong faith, we must even come trembling, just as we are: nor will such coming be offensive to Christ;

for he says, will, "I will in no wise cast out." A feeling of joy is not needful to bring us to Christ, but a feeling of our wants; for it is not required to bring any money of our worthiness, but only the whole heap of our misery along with us, and desire grace. God does not look upon the sensible joy of faith-for this is his particular gift, which he could soon give, if need was— but upon the sincerity, application, and earnestness of a poor sinner. John Bunyan very fitly compares such a one to a man who would fain ride a full gallop, whose horse is hardly able to go a good trot. In this instance, the intention of the rider is not to be judged by the slow pace of his horse-which resembles our corrupt and unwilling nature-but by his whippings, spurrings, and beatings of the beast.

"Him that cometh," come how he

See, dearest Lord, our willing souls
Accept thine offered grace;

We bless the great Redeemer's love,
And give the Father praise.

DECEMBER.

1. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil witn good. Rom. 12:21. Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 1 Pet. 3: 13.

THE Christian life is a warfare, and the conflict between sin and holiness, and between sorrow and comfort, is often very violent. The child of God has many evils to encounter with. Sin, Satan, self, and the world are daily enemies. He is also exposed often to poverty, affliction, reproaches, and persecution. O my Saviour, help me to overcome every evil in the strength of thy grace; give me a heart to do good to all who may seek to hurt me. Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? Not the Father, for he loves you; not Jesus, for he died for you; not the Spirit, his work is to comfort you; not good men, they love those who follow that which is good; not wicked men nor devils, for, though enemies, they are confined, and cannot stir one step beyond what thy God and .aviour permits them. When you meet with trial, look not to men, but to Jesus. Pray for patience to bear it, and look up for a blessing upon it. Then all things shall work together

for good. Rom. 8:28. Let every temptation make you more careful, and put you on closer watching against the enemy. Cleave to Jesus by faith and prayer, like a child to its parent, when it sees an enemy coming towards it. Behold him, flee to him, rest upon him, and then you will rejoice in him.

How glorious, Lord, thy wisdom shines,
And baffles Satan's deep designs;

Thy power is sovereign to fulfil

The noblest counsels of thy will

2. Prayer shall be made for him continually, and daily shall he be praised. Psa. 72: 15.

O what a condescending King we have, who may always be approached. Who would not pray ? You say, O that my coldness and indifference would permit me to do it. But are you not sensible of your wants and miseries? Is not this coldness and backwardness misery enough? Therefore you ought also to pray, and to pray most when you are so dull and drowsy, else it will never be better with you. Arise, therefore, and pray; the good Spirit of God will assist you in it. "Encouraged by the promises of a prayer-hearing God, and a special assistance of the Holy Spirit in this work, we must, even in the greatest conflicts,

not omit to resist the temptations of the devil; and, though we have sinned, not defer it long; but pray directly, and say, The Lord is merciful, and I am unworthy and unable to pray: but alas, what shall I do? Shall I wait till I am worthy and able? O no; perhaps that time will never come; for I am always a great, miserable sinner. A Christian stands always in need of prayer; for since the sense of sin does not leave him, he must not leave off prayer." Lord, grant me more of the spirit of prayer, and let it never be extinguished in my heart.

Arise, my soul, from deep distress,
And banish every fear;

God calls thee to his throne of

To spread thy sorrows there.

grace,

3. What doest thou here, Elijah? 1 Kings, 19:13.

Let this question be supposed as addressed to us: What dost thou here in this world into which thou art sent? Art thou working "the work of Him that sent thee," or standing all the day idle? How dost thou acquit thyself in the duties of thy particular calling? Art thou upright, conscientious, and useful therein? Art thou in the post assigned thee by heaven, truly called, and properly qualified for it; or