Be zealous for the truth; "let all your deeds be done in charity," but remem- ber that truth is the basis on which it should rest. And while you are zealous for peace, let it be in connection with that truth, without which there can be no peace. Let truth be established ; let it be placed on the throne on which it should reign, and then there shall be peace. Tliev, peace is our watch-word : Peace with all men peace in all things and peace for ever ! Divine revelation. There was a time when each revela- tion of the word of God had an introduc- tion into this earth, which neither per- mitted men to doubt whence it came, nor wherefore it was sent. If, at the giving of each several truth, a star was not lighted up in heaven, as at the birth of the prince of Truth, there was done upon the earth a wonder, to make her children listen to the message of their Maker. The Almighty made bare his arm, and, through mighty acts shown by his holy servants, gave de- monstration to his truth, and found for it a sure place among the other matters of human knowledge and belief. But now the miracles of God have ceased, and nature, secure and unmo- lested, is no longer called on for testi- monies to her Creator's voice. No burning bush draws the footsteps to his presence-chamber ; no invisible voice holds the ear awake; no hand cometh forth from the obscure to write his pur- pose in letters of flame. The vision is shut up, and the testimony is sealed, and the word of the Lord is ended ; and this solitary volume, with its chapters and verses, is the sum total of all for which the chariot of heaven made many visits to the earth, and the Son of God himself tabernacled and dwelt among us. the truth which it contains once dwelt undivulged in the bosom of God ; and, on coming forth to take its place among things revealed, the heavens, and the earth, and nature, through all her cham- bers, gave it reverent welcome. Beyond what it reveals, the mysteries of the fu- ture are unknown. To gain it accepta- tion and currency, the noble army of mar- tyrs testified unto the death. The general assembly of the first-born in heaven made it the day-star of their hopes, and the pavilion of their peace. Its every sen- tence is charmed with the power of God, and is powerful to the everlasting salva- tion of souls. Irving.
PSALM 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:
for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Happy and gracious conclusion of every truly regenerate soul, convinced of an interest in CHRIST, and a personal union with him. The beloved of the LORD shall dwell safely. Isaiah 32:18. REFLECTIONS READER! let you and I never lose sight of the LORD JESUS while reading this Psalm. He is the LORD our righteousness. And, therefore, in all our approaches to the mercy-seat, let us go there in a language corresponding to this, which calls JESUS the GOD of our righteousness. And while men of the world from the world are seeking their chief good, let us desire his favor which infinitely transcends corn and wine, and all the good things which perish in using. Yes! LORD, thy favor is better than life itself. Thou causest them that love thee to inherit substance, and fittest all their treasure, yea thou thyself art their treasure. And oh! thou gracious GOD and FATHER, hast thou in such a wonderful manner set apart one in our nature for thyself? ...
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