But what to me will be life's darkest day, Thou art my portion, Lord! If as an exile I am call'd to roam, And distance rudely severs ties of home,- Thou art my portion, Lord! The eyes whose friendly smile I loved to greet Thou art my portion, Lord! Thou art my portion, Lord! Oh! blest assurance!--happiness complete! Through life's dark shadows, and the vale of death, BIBLE QUESTIONS. E. S 57. Who was it, who, when he was sick, "sought not unto the Lord, but to the physicians?" 58. Why was not David permitted to build a house for the Lord! 59. Who was exhorted to "give attendance to reading?" 60. Where is Satan called "the Accuser of the brethren?" 61. What were the "two evils" which God declared, through the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah, that His rebellious people had committed? 62. Where, and how often, is the length of the drought which took place in the days of Elijah mentioned? 63. Who caused "the offering of the Lord to be abhorred?" 64. Where is Christ called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah?" ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS OF LAST MONTH. (49.) Samuel wept for Saul: 1 Sam. xv. 11. (50.) Nehemiah iv. 16, 17. (51.) Jonah iii. 2, 3; and iv. 11. (52.) Zechariah xi. 12, 13. (53.) Nehemiah ix. 21. (54.) Mark vi. 48-50; Job ix. 8. (55.) John xvii. 3. (56.) Rom. vi. 23. THE FRIENDLY VISITOR. GOD'S PROMISES. THE grace of God and the Spirit of grace are called, or compared to, a river, to answer those unsatiable desires, and to wash away those mountainous doubts, that attend those who indeed do thirst for that drink. The man that thirsteth with spiritual thirst, fears nothing more than that there is not enough to quench his thirst; all the promises and sayings of God's ministers to such a man seem but as thimbles instead of bowls-I mean, so long as his thirst and doubts walk hand in hand together. There is not enough in this promise; I find not enough in that promise to quench the drought of my thirsting soul. He that thirsteth aright, nothing but God can quench his thirst: "My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God," Ps. xlii. 2; lxiii. 1; cxliii. 6. Well, what shall be done for this man? Will his God humour him, and answer his desires? Mark what follows: "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none," when all the promises seem to be dry, and like clouds that return after the rain—“ and their tongue faileth for thirst, I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them." Yes; but, Lord, what wilt thou do to quench their thirst? “I will open rivers," saith He, "in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water." Behold, here L are rivers and fountains, a pool and springs, and all to quench the thirst of them that thirst for God. THE WORLDLING'S CHOICE. MAMMON has many followers, because he pays present wages; Christ has few disciples, because their reward is in another life. One walks by faith, the other by sight. Most live to gratify sense, choosing rather a small present portion with Ishmael, than with Isaac to wait for an inheritance never to be exhausted. Earth looks larger than heaven, because it is nearer. It is more attractive to the lovers of wealth and votaries of pleasure, because it promises a present good-the gratification of the senses. Like Esau, they cry, "What profit is there in this birthright? Give us pleasure-give us riches; let the future take care of itself." Thus they will barter the kingdom of heaven, and eternal life, for a momentary gratification,-for a mess of pottage. How few are the heroic spirits of Moses, who could choose affliction and suffering with the people of God, rather than enjoy all the luxuries of the Egyptian court for a season! He walked by faith, and had respect unto the recompense of a future reward. How few, like the disciples, will leave an inheritance to live upon a promise! But how soon the tables will be turned. Dives shall lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment, and unable, with all his wealth, to purchase a drop of water to cool a burning tongue; whilst Christ's afflicted and despised disciple shall be carried to Abraham's bosom. How unwise, how supremely foolish, is the worldling's choice! "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or, what shall he give in exchange for his soul?" WHAT SHALL I THINK ABOUT? 1. WHEN you awake in the morning, think thus: The great Jehovah can and will as easily raise our mortal bodies at the general resurrection, as my frail body now. This sleep is the image of death. Death is but a sleep; the grave my bed; the resurrection the morning. Oh that, when I awake, I may be still with God! and then at my last awaking I "shall be satisfied with His likeness," and the upright shall have dominion in that blessed morning. 2. When you have had a good night, think: Blessed be the Keeper of Israel, "that neither slumbers nor sleeps:" the "Lord only makes me dwell in safety;" even "thus He gives His beloved sleep;" and if natural sleep be so refreshing, oh! what is it to be received to the arms of my best beloved, Christ! what enjoyment have those souls that walk all the day in the light of His countenance, and sleep all the night of affliction upon the lap of His love! 3. When you see the morning sky, or rising sun, then think 66 Truly light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold this sun." Blessed be God who hath set up this candle, by which poor mortals may see to walk or work! What a dark dungeon and confused chaos would this world be without it! but oh, the blessed mercy we have in the light of the glorious Gospel, without which we should be in the darkness of ignorance, and go into utter darkness! 4. When you pray in your chambers, think: Now my Father in heaven sees me in secret; darkness or closeness hides not from Him; my God sees the movements of my body, and the imagination of my heart. Oh for an upright frame of spirit! Oh that my heart were now seasoned for God all this day! The Searcher of hearts will have His eye upon me whithersoever I go. Oh that I could set the Lord in my sight in all places, companies, and occasions! 5. When your families are together, think: How sally and suddenly might a breach have been made! Oh that God should make this image of death a means of life! We are alive, that is rich mercy; we are in health, that is more; we are called together, so will God gather His saints together. How many of this family shall be of this number? Lord grant that none under my charge may be an Ishmael or an Esau! Oh that we may all meet in heaven! 6. When you are to read the Word, or go to prayer with your families, think: Oh, what a mercy it is that I may read this blessed book! Lord, open mine eyes that I may understand the wonders of Thy word! What an infinite, glorious, gracious God is this, to whom I am to pray! Oh for a suitable frame! Oh, the mercy of a throne of grace-of a blessed Advocate! Who knows but some may be touched now, if I pray aright? 7. When you go out of your houses to work or travel, think: The world is full of snares and temptations, and my heart is full of sin and treachery. Little, ah, little, do I know what corruptions may break out, or afflictions break in upon me before my return! the least occasion of sin may seduce me, the least accident may overthrow me-the Lord bless and preserve my going out and my coming in, from this time forth and for evermore. 8. When you are travelling by the way, think: My life is a journey; I am in constant motion towards eternity. Every action is another step; heaven is my home. I cannot get thither without diligent exertion; Lord, let me not miss my way, nor miscarry in the end; take me by the hand, support me by Thy Spirit, keep me from fainting, give me some good provision by the way, and bring me to the end of my faith at last, even the salvation of my soul. 9. When you see various objects before your eyes, deduce some holy matter therefrom, as thus: What a vast world is this! and yet, what is this to the heavens! and what are both earth and heaven to the immense and infinite God! What multitudes of people are there in this city! but, oh, what an assembly shall meet at the great day! O my soul, art not thou too like yonder hard rock, or fruitless tree, or barren mountain? Look about thee; make something of these objects. 10. When you are discoursing with others, think: Of every idle word I must give an account, and in a multitude of words there wanteth not sin. O my soul, think twice before thou speak once-will this be to the glory of God and the edification of others? Let no corrupt communication proceed from thee; say what thou would say, if Jesus Christ stood by thee in His human nature; speak here, as thou must speak in heaven, or wouldst be found speaking at death. 11. When you are alone, O think I am now in the presence of the omnipresent God; these are precious hours that go over my head. Why should I squander away my time and thoughts about trifles? O my soul, thou hast a noble faculty of reflection; find work at home, busy thyself about thy soul; thou mayest find work enough. Oh that I might be never less alone than when alone! When thou hast no creature to converse with, my soul, converse with God. 12. When you eat, think: Oh, how beneficial are the creatures to us living, and how serviceable being dead! they accomplish the end of their creation and appointment. O my soul, sit thou as queen-regent over thy sensual appetite! take heed of excess, put a knife to the throat of intemperate desires, be not brutish by a sinful abuse, be saint-like by a sanctified use of creatures; look up to God for a blessing, else these dead things cannot preserve life. 13. When you rise up well refreshed, think: If the creatures be so nourishing and supporting, what is the Creator! Oh, the sweetness of the blessed feast of fat things in the Gospel! Oh, the delicacy of the wine in my Father's kingdom! Why should I abuse the gifts, forget the Donor, eat and drink, and rise up to play? Many better than me want these refreshments. Oh for a thankful heart! what a bountiful Master do I serve! what a great housekeeper is the Lord, who provides for so great a family in heaven and earth! 14. When you meet with or part from your acquaintance, think: If it be so sweet a thing to meet with my dear and longtried friends, how much better is it to meet with God, my best beloved, most loving Friend! God is a friend that is nearer than any brother or neighbour: meet now with friends, oh that I knew how to improve their friendship, to get good by them, or do good to them! We must soon part; oh that we may meet in heaven at the resurrection of the just! 15. When you are busy in your particular calling, think: Who |