other to stand in before God, and enjoy peace with him. But possessing this righteousness by faith, we enjoy a peace which passeth all understanding.

There are many things from a sinful nature, Satan, and the law, to disquiet our minds daily. But the blessed effect of Jesus' righteousness is, quietness to the conscience. This comforting thought, I am righteous, my Father hath put on me that best robe which Jesus my elder Brother wrought out for me, quiets my mind. I am satisfied. I can seek no better. I dare trust in no other. And this righteousness is presented with the clearest evidence, the strongest confidence, the fullest assurance. The triumphs of Jesus' resurrection proclaim its acceptance with God. The Spirit testifies of it in the word, and gives assurance of salvation by it in believing hearts. Hence the holy boldness and happy rejoicing of faith before a righteous God. David's address to Jesus. is, "My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day. I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only," Psalm lxxi. 15, 16. As there is but one faith, so saints in all ages had but one object to look to for righteousness, even Jesus. Therefore, with holy Paul, we pray that we may be found in Christ, not having our own righteousness, Phil. iii. 9.

OCT. 4. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.-1 Cor. vi. 12.

The constraints of love and the jealousy of fear sweetly unite in believing hearts. Where the faith of Jesus prevails love constrains. It holds and keeps us in our station and duty, as soldiers are, under a banner or ensign displayed. What cheerfulness and activity of soul do we experience when we can say with the church, Jesus' "banner over me is love?" Song ii. 4. Then how sweetly do we judge and determine our conduct by the law of Christ, which is love! This excites a

godly fear, lest we should allow ourselves a latitude in things indifferent, to the wounding our souls or hurting our fellow-soldiers. Though all things, of an indifferent nature, which are innocent in themselves, are lawful to us, yet the cause and interest of our dear Saviour, and the good and edifying of his beloved members, should be ever near our hearts, and make us consider their expediency.

How narrow is the path of duty! yet is it pleasant to the faithful. For Jesus hath strewed it with the fragrant fruits of peace, love, and comfort; peace from God, and with our brethren; love to God and one another. While we walk according to this rule, we bring glory to God, who hath called us by Christ to glory; and will also, assuredly, glorify us together with himself. What circumspection becomes us in our daily walk that we give none offence; neither to the Jew, nor to the gentile, nor to the church of God! The eyes, not only of God, angels, and devils are upon us: but the eyes of men also, our brethren, and our opposers. Did the Rechabites wholly abstain from wine, because Jonadab commanded, "Ye shall drink no wine?" Did the Lord honour their obedience in this indifferent thing with his approbation? Jer. xxxv. How much more will Jesus honour his disciples, who with an eye to his glory, and his members' good, abstain from things that are not expedient! Thou freeman of the Lord, with a holy resolution, assert thy dignity. I will not be brought under the power of anything contrary to the love of Jesus. Happy is he who seeketh not to please himself, but profit others. How then can those answer to the Lord Christ, their own souls, and their brethren, who indulge themselves at card-tables, play-houses, &c., and say, "These are indifferent things; I see no harm in them?" Is this following "after the things which make for peace, and wherewith one may edify another? Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth," Rom. xiv. 19, 22.

OCT. 5.-What dost thou here, Elijah ?-1 Kings xix. 13.

Prophets, as well as God's people, may be found where they ought not to be. Elijah had now taken up his residence in a cave in the wilderness. What work could he do for his Master here? what glory bring to his name, in a barren mountain? Here were no lambs of God's flock to be gathered; no sheep of Christ's pasture to be fed; no torn sheep to be healed, and nourished by his word and doctrine. It seems as if he thought all his work was at an end; his zeal quite decayed; and in a fit of fear, unbelief, and despondency, he retreated from public opposition, to the dreary mansions of a mountainous cave, for rest and quiet. But the Lord followed him; calls him to new work; endues him with fresh strength; and animates him with the pleasing assurance, that he had seven thousand faithful servants yet in Israel; for poor Elijah thought he was left alone.

See the effect of judging according to appearances. Carnal reason is a bad judge in spiritual things. The wisdom of the flesh is contrary to the wisdom of God. Beware of your frames, O disciples. If on the mount, in the sunshine of comfort, be not vain and confident, with "I shall never fall." If in the gloomy vale, where light and joy are obscured, be not dejected. "The Lord reigneth. Rejoice in him." Though clouds and darkness are round thy God and Saviour, yet "righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne," Psalm xcvii. Above all, beware of thy conduct. Fly not to places of sinful vanities and carnal gratifications. These can never profit thy soul. Nay, if dark and uncomfortable, thou wilt be darker and more uncomfortable. This is a farther remove from the Saviour's love and presence. What canst thou expect, but this cutting reproof, this keen interrogation, "What dost thou here?" Was Elijah reproved, for being in a barren wilderness? how canst thou answer it to thy loving

Saviour, for being found on worse than barren ground; where the alluring baits of sin, the poisonous weeds of Satan, grow in abundance to poison and destroy unstable souls? Hear the call of thy beloved Lord! "Depart ye, depart ye, this is not your rest." Know your glorious privilege! "Ye are the temple of the living God; God dwells in you and walks in you." Listen to his voice. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate; and I will receive you; will be a Father unto you; ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty," 2 Cor. vi. 17, 18.

OCT. 6.-Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.-Heb. xii. 1.

The eyes

Christian, thou art called to run a race. of innumerable spectators are upon thee. The powers of many enemies are against thee. But fear not. In the strength of Jesus, through the power of faith, thou shalt obtain the prize; even the salvation of thy soul. It is thy wisdom to know thy foes, and guard against them; to know thine own vileness and weakness, and look to thy Friend for power. Thou hast a heavy burden, which hinders thy running with alacrity and delight; this, in the exercise of faith, thou must lay aside; therefore "put off the old man with his deeds." This, through the Spirit, is to be thy daily work. Every sin is a weight, and as such is to be laid aside. "The body of sin" is a sore burden, therefore to be put off. But thou hast a besetting sin. Thine own conscience best knows its name and nature. This thou art called to lay aside. In the nature of all men there is one sin, a master sin, the source and spring of every other sin, which even believers are not exempt from; but it is ready, at all times, easily to beset them. It is that monster of iniquity, unbelief.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen," Heb. xi. 1. In this chapter

we see what glory is given to God, and what wonders were wrought by faith. It is the nature of unbelief, to deny the substance of what is hoped for, and to oppose the evidence of invisible realities. It tends to make faint hearts, weak knees, and feeble hands. It stops us from running our race. And we should give up, and give over all, unless Jesus prays for us; and we are endued with power from on high. But, glory to him, he does pray for us, therefore our faith fails not: we are strengthened by the Spirit's might in the inner man to hold on. Yet, shame to us, instead of laying aside this sin, how often do we treat it as a bosom friend! How frequently consult it as a sweet counsellor! espe cially, when its arguments are backed by its constant companion, carnal reason. But, being assured the matter of our faith is the word of truth; the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus; we are not called to answer cavils from carnal reason; nor to silence unbelief, by explaining the mysteries of godliness; but to lay it aside; put it off as David did Saul's armour; put it away as men do childish things; cast it out, as Abraham did the bond-woman and her son; and run with patience the race set before us, "looking unto Jesus."

OCT. 7.—That I may know him.—Phil. iii. 10.

"There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four-the fire, which saith not, It is enough," Prov. xxx. 15, 16. This is true of the fire of love, when kindled in believing hearts. It burns with insatiable desire toward Jesus. Amazing! Had Paul so long known, loved, and preached a crucified, risen Saviour, and yet, now desires to know him? Yes. Such is the nature of faith, that like riches to a miser, the more they increase, the more the desires of his heart increase after them. His wants are greater than his possessions. So, the living members of precious Christ see such inex