In Thee, sweet source of heavenly peace, From whence those gladdening streams abound. There the good Shepherd loves to lead, Fearless of harm, to that dear spring DECEMBER 22. "For I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God." -Exod. xx. 5. It is mercy in the Merciful, and justice in the Just, to be jealous of His creature's love. Proverbial Philosophy. DECEMBER 23. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors."-Prov. viii. 34. We know not the secret history of this world's mightiest transactions, and its proudest monuments ; but from the little that we do know, we can affirm that the men who have prospered best, are the men who have taken time to pray. Mount of Olives. DECEMBER 24. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation."-Isa. lii. 7. O, t'was a spectacle for angels, bound Though Satan's legions watched at every portal, MONTGOMERY. DECEMBER 25. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men."-St. Luke, ii. 14. And so the Word had breath, and wrought More strong than all poetic thought; Which he may read who binds the sheaf, In Memoriam. 66 DECEMBER 26. In everything give thanks." 1 Thess. v. 18. May God, in His mercy, give me deeper views of my own sinfulness, and a deeper sense of my own need. May He graciously teach me to know and to feel that all that I have is of His free grace, and that I can put in no claim from myself for anything He may give me; then I shall be in a better frame to bless Him, and to thank Him for everything. DECEMBER 27. "Forgetting those things which are behind, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."- Phil. iii. 13, 14. Forgiveness of the past should animate us now to press forward. NEWTON. DECEMBER 28. "He that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."-Gal. vi. 8. He has taught us what reply to make- If there be need-when sorrowing men complain But that the gladness we are called to know, Is an increasing gladness; and the soil Of human heart, tilled rightly, fitted to bear fruit R. C. TRENCH. DECEMBER 29. "Cast thy bread upon the waters for thou shalt find it after many days."-Eccles. xi. 1. Pilgrim, who long hast cast Thy bread upon the waters, fear not thou ; Though all thy path be cold and cheerless now. Is thy life nearly gone, And yet does nought thy hope deferr'd fulfil? Think not He can forget; Trust in His righteousness-be still, and wait. Thou know'st not what with Him is soon or late. |