the Holy Ghost takes of the things of Christ, as delivered in plainness and honesty by his servants, and unfolds their incomparable beauties unto a poor, dark, bewildered sinner, he finds them to be the power of God for salvation. " Yes, he knows the reality of the things of God; nor need he ask his neighbour, Do I know the Lord? 1. 26. CEASE FROM MAN. Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of.---Is. 11. 22. 1. WHAT is man? a fallen creature, Cease believers, cease from man, 2. All the outside, fine adorning, 3. Lord, I would be ever viewing 4. Here alone I see perfection : Saints are sinners, weak and vain; ,་་་ * It is There are times and seasons when a believer knows what it is really to cease from man-from all men, bad and good; and then it is he finds the sweetest repose in the Lord his God. true, every means ought to be used to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; and nothing is more beautiful than to behold love in exercise among real Brethren; but how frequently do the Saints idolize these things! till the Lord permits the potsherds to dash against each other; that, (severe as such circumstances may be,) they may, by such things, learn to cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils. 27. THE SAINT'S BEST PORTION. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul.---Lam. III. 24. 1. CHRIST my living portion is, What a pleasing thought is this—* Satan's dire, infernal rage, Yet Christ is still my theme! 2. He's my portion and my God: 3. Faith in Christ is simply this, Viewing him the sov'reign Lord, 2 "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup," was the language of Christ. (Ps. xvI. 5.) And it is, also, the language of his 1 seed, when the Comforter comes into their hearts with light and power, testifying of Jesus, and helping them to cry, "Abba, Father!"-Ransomed sinner! what a rich and most precious portion hast thou got! In him thou hast durable riches and unfading righteousness. He, as thy Head, comparable to fine gold, is thy wisdom: such he is made of God to thee; and is it possible for thee to be deprived of this thy portion, as Adam the first was deprived by the devil of his primitive purity? No: "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed;" but thy portion shall not depart from thee: He who gave it thee, gave it thee freely; that thou mayest enjoy it freely; nor live under the least apprehension that thou shalt be deprived of it. His word and oath confirm it to thee; and his Spirit in thy heart is the seal, and true confirmation of the deed. 28. FAITH'S FIRM GROUND. I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.---Josh. 1. 5. 1. ""TIS I, Omnipotent, that speak "To all my chosen race; My promises I will not break, 2. Poor troubled soul, be still, and rest On God's unchanging love; Recline thy head on Jesu's breast, Thy Rock can never move. 3. The promises are firm and sure Firm as his throne they shall endure, 4. What tho' the winds of error blow, And thou in tears and sorrows sow, 5. Amidst thy weakness he'll uphold, Tho' oft thy faith he'll try; Thy faith shall prove like purest gold, G |