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Volume of his Truth, our heavenly Father gives the sweet assurance, that HE CHANGETH NOT. His Love, his Faithfulness, his Power are infinite. To all his adopted children his promises in Christ are yea, and in Him amen, to the glory of his grace; for Jesus is the same, yesterday, and today, and for ever; having loved his own, he loveth them unto the end.

When Ishmael was dying from thirst in the wilderness of Beersheba, God opened the eyes of Hagar, and she saw a well of water, which imparted strength to her child.

We also are perishing in a thirsty land where no water is. God graciously opens our eyes to behold that well of salvation which he has provided for perishing sinners. With joy he enables us to draw forth its restoring water, and receiving in faith this gift of grace, our souls are quickened, renewed in holiness, and strengthened to serve God in the Gospel of his Son.

O how can we sufficiently praise our loving Saviour for the blessings which he reveals and imparts to us in his Holy Word.

Whatever man touches, he defiles, because his nature is corrupted through the fall. All that proceeds from God is holy. "Every word of God is pure." So David found it. "Thy word is very pure, therefore thy servant loveth it." It was a lamp unto his feet, and a light unto his path. He rejoiced at the Word of God, as one that findeth great spoil. In his estimation, it was more to be desired than gold, yea than much fine gold; to his spiritual taste it was sweeter than honey and the

honeycomb. He treasured up the Divine Word in his mind, and had it ready on every occasion. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Through thy precepts I get understanding, therefore I hate every false way."

There is no situation in which a believer can be placed, however dark or intricate, however slippery or perilous, but in the Bible he will find appropriate guidance and adequate support. For, "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

The Word of God is wonderful in its operation on the heart and conscience, through the accompanying power of the Holy Ghost, being quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. "Is not my word like as a fire," saith the Lord, and "like the hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces ?"

As fire hardens the clay, and melts the wax; as it consumes the dross, and purifies the gold, so does the Word of the Lord. Pharaoh was judicially hardened; David was graciously softened. The former being left in righteous judgment to the natural working of his heart, resisted the Divine Word, and was destroyed. The latter, being deeply humbled through grace, under the pointed reproofs of the Prophet, confessed his sin with penitential sorrow, and obtained forgiveness.

Some do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor

the power of God, and perish for lack of knowledge. Others, being unlearned and unstable, wrest the Scriptures unto their own destruction. While others again, hold the truth in unrighteousness, and perish in their own corruption. But in the midst of all this ignorance and perversion, "the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them, but the transgressors shall fall therein." All who will not submit to the authority of God's Word, shall be broken by the power of his wrath; but, "to this man," saith the Lord “ will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

The Word of God and prayer are the divinely appointed instruments in the hand of the Spirit, for defeating the machinations of Satan, and establishing the kingdom of righteousness in the earth, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of man.

This was strikingly verified in the success of the Apostles, who, having declared-"We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word,"-saw the immediate fruit of this devotedness to their work; for St. Luke informs us, that the word of God increased, that the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and that a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Our hearts are evil; we are surrounded by temptations to evil; and the Evil One is ever on the watch to destroy us. Where then must we flee, and to whom must we look for safety? Jesus is our refuge; his love and power can shield and

save us. He is the Captain of our salvation; the mighty Conqueror over sin and death.

When tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus repelled his assaults by wielding the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. To each temptation addressed to his mind, he answered," it is written;" and the Scripture thus powerfully applied, drove back the enemy, till he departed from him, foiled and vanquished.

How strengthening, how consoling is the Word of Truth. With this spiritual armoury, this divine treasury, we shall be fortified for the conflict, equipped for our pilgrimage, and upheld amid the dangers of this evil world.

As the traveller, in an unknown land, needs a faithful guide; as the mariner, traversing dangerous seas, requires a chart and a compass: so we need a guide and directory whilst passing through this world of peril. God has mercifully given us this help.

In his Holy Word, our loving Father has made ample provision for the wants of Zion's pilgrims; while the Spirit, shining into our hearts, enables us clearly to perceive, through his revealed truth, the consecrated way to heavenJesus Christ, the righteous. With what fervour then should we bless our God and Saviour for all these tokens of his kindness towards us.

Are we bowed down under a sense of the guilt of sin?

It is written: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The blood of Jesus

Christ cleanseth from all sin.

Believe in the Lord

Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."

Do we dread a repulse from the mercy-seat? It is written : "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise

rest.

cast out.

The Spirit and the bride say come. And
And let him that

let him that heareth say come.
is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take
of the water of life freely. Let us therefore come
boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need."

Is our heart trembling, under the consciousness of utter helplessness, and at the sight of Satan's power?

It is written: "Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. My grace is sufficient for thee. The God of peace shall bruise Satan under thy feet shortly."

Are we groaning under the workings of indwelling sin?

over you,

It is written: "Sin shall not have dominion for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Who shall deliver me from the body of this death; I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Do we long for faith, and love, and every grace?

It is written: "He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Ask and ye shall receive, seek and

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