Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isa. lv. 1. Come, for all things are now ready. Luke xiv. 17. Him (be it who it will) that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. John vi. 37. How could a tender mother's heart cast out her See, dearest Lord, our willing souls We bless the great Redeemer's love, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with How glorious, Lord, thy wisdom shines, Thy power is sov'reign to fulfil The noblest counsels of thy will. Prayer shall be made for him continually, and daily shall he be praised. Ps. lxxii. 15. Thy kingdom come. Matt. vi. 10. Pour out your hearts before him. Ps. lxii. 8. 66 → WHAT a condescending King we have, who may Arise, my soul, from deep distress, God calls thee to his throne of grace, Go then, my soul, and talk with God In mercy oft he lifts the rod, Z us: Art What dost thou here Elijah? 1 Kings xix. 13. LET this question be supposed as addressed to What dost thou here in this world? thou "working the work of him that sent thee, or standing all the day idle? Art thou in the post assigned thee by heaven, truly called, and properly qualified for it, and faithfully discharging the duties of it? or hast thou thrust thyself into it without warrant or invitation; and therefore hast no cause to expect success? What dost thou here in this retirement? Is the world shut out of thy thoughts, and are the visits of the blessed Spirit invited? What dost thou here, if thy peace with an offended God is not already made, or most earnestly desired and sought after? If thou really wantest peace and safety, plead the blood of Jesus, flee to the city of refuge. What dost thou here in times of trial and temptation? Art thou flying from the danger, or boldly facing it in the name and strength of the Lord? Art thou ashamed of the cross, or dost thou willingly take it upon thee? Elijah failed here; he fled from Jezebel. And did such an one as Elijah fear? Then howl, ye fir-trees, if the cedars be thus shaken! hold fast by CHRIST, ye weak ones, if the strong fall! What dost thou here below? Art thou not pitching thy tent on this side Jordan, satisfied with thy present portion? or art thou "looking to a better country, to a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God?" Life is uncertain, death approaches, the Judge is at the door, then "prepare to meet thy God." Arm me with a jealous care, As in thy sight to live; And thy weak servant, Lord, preparo Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Ps. xxv. 15. Happy is the man that feareth alway. Prov. xxviii. 14. O HOW long can some enemies hide themselves with their nets before our eyes, and draw in all on a sudden! It is unspeakable how cunning and powerful our enemies are, how they lie in wait everywhere, so that in all places, and at all times, we are surrounded with many cruel murderers of souls! Blessed is he that keeps clear from self-confidence, and fearing always, says within himself, as soon as he awakes in the morning, Who knows what temptations I may meet with to-day perhaps when I arise, by the first step my feet may be entangled in dangerous snares and nets. And as self-confidence ever will be ashamed, and a firm confidence in the Lord never shall (Rom. ix. 33), grant, O Lord, I beseech thee, that, distrusting myself, I may fully put my trust on thee, watching evermore in all things, and looking cautiously in all places about me, where there is any fear of danger. Whatever I am about to do or to speak, let me first converse with thee by prayer; that keeping always close to thee, I may be preserved against the power and craft of mine enemies, as in a stronghold; and confidently say, according to thy own pattern given (Ps. xvi. 8), " I have set the Lord before me because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." God is my portion and my joy; He gives me sweet advice by day, My soul would all her thoughts approve To his all-seeing eye; Nor death nor hell my hope shall move, While such a friend is nigh. |