We would see Jesus. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. John xii. 21; and v. 39.

IT is remarkable that the wise men travelling to find Christ, followed only the star; and as long as they had that in view, were assured

that they were in the right way, and we may believe had great pleasure in their journey; but when they entered Jerusalem (whereas the star led them not thither, but to Bethlehem) and there would be instructed where Christ was born, they were not only ignorant of the place where, but had also lost the sight of the star that should guide them thither. Whereby we are taught this useful lesson, that when we are going to learn Christ, and seek Christ, who is above, to beware we lose not the star of God's word, which only is the mark that shows us where Christ is, and which way we may come to him. To which may be added, that if with David we make the word of God "a lantern to our feet, and a light to our paths," we shall not be led aside by every false fire that presents itself to us; but by keeping close to the word of God, we shall be brought to the knowledge of Christ here, and to the full enjoyment of him hereafter. Reader, This little book is only designed to lead thee to "search the Scriptures," which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Eternal life God's word imparts,

Whereon each fainting spirit lives;

Here sweeter comforts cheer our bearts

Than all the round of Nature gives,

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Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers; and grieve not the holy Spirit of God. Let not filthiness be once named you, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient. Eph. iv. 29; among and v. 4.

IDLE

words are hurtful words; they grieve the Holy Spirit, destroy what power has been obtained by prayer, and cause nothing but levity and distraction of mind. Let this be a caution against talking too much; ́for if it does not tend to the glory of God, it is nothing but corrupt communication. May all Christians take heed to refrain their tongues, and never speak unadvisedly; but always consider first, whether their words can be profitable to others, and acceptable to God in Heaven. O Lord, teach me by thy wisdom "to keep my mouth as it were with a bridle," and to weigh all my words like gold. heart and lips be moved and governed by thy holy Spirit, that both Let my my silence and talking may be according to thy will and direction ! Grant that I may always chiefly converse with thee in prayer and thanksgiving for the good of my own soul and others! and whenever I am to open my lips in due time, let my words be so seasoned and blessed as to administer grace to the hearers.

So let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess!

So let our words and virtues shine,
To prove the doctrine all divine

Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall; but the Lord helped me. Psal. cxviii. 13. Preserved in Jesus Christ, and called. Jude 1.

JESUS was in the council, undertook our cause, struck hands in the covenant as our surety, wrought out a righteousness for us; suffered our curse on the tree to redeem us, ever lives, and ever loves, and ever pleads our cause, while he represents our persons before the everlastingly gracious, and infinitely just and righteous Jehovah, his Father and our Father, now well pleased with us, because accepted and preserved in the beloved. Are these things so? And has the Lord, the Spirit, the glorifier of Jesus, enlightened our understandings to see these things, enabled us to believe, and assured our hearts of our own happy share and interest in them? O my soul, stop, reflect, dwell on such wonderful power, marvellous favour, distinguishing love, and appropriated mercy! Now let all mine enemies exert their utmost power, I will not be afraid. Afflictions, pains, temptations may await me, waves and storms may go over my head, Satan may sift me as wheat, the waters of death may prove bitter to my taste, yet I will not be discouraged; he that died for me will take care of me; he that pardoned my aggravated offences will heal my infirmities; he that knew the power of temptation, will support and deliver me out of all. This I believe; Lord, help my unbelief!

The wisdom, the power, the love, the promise, the covenant, and the oath of Jehovah, stand all engaged for the preservation of a poor, unworthy believer in Jesus. Alleluia.

Why should I fear, tho' mighty foes
Thrust at me ev'ry day?

The Lord, who offers me his help,

Is stronger much than they.

Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Mat. xi. 29. Be clothed with humility, for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 1 Pet. v. 5, 6.

SUCH as are haughty and self-conceited, rush against the mighty hand of God, and destroy themselves; but those that are humbled under it, will be protected by the same. Whatever knowledge or skill we may obtain in the schools of human learning, the Scripture does not yet allow us to be truly wise, but calls us blind and mere worldly students, till we learn to be poor in spirit, lowly in heart, and dead to the world. Prov. xi. 2. 1 Cor. i. and ii. Therefore, "the more a man dies to this world, the more is he enlightened."

Lord, if thou thy grace impart,
Poor in spirit, meek in heart,
I shall as my Master be,
Rooted in humility.

Simple, teachable, and mild.
Chang'd into a little child:

Pleas'd with all the Lord provides,
Wean'd from all the world besides.

Father, fix my soul on thee,
Ev'ry evil let me fice;
Nothing want beneath, above;
Happy in thy precious love,

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

Gen. xxxii. 1.

As Jacob was favoured with a heavenly vision when he first departed from his father's house, so the Divine Being thought proper again o favour him with the same token of his protection on his return thiher, in order to encourage him to meet with confidence those dangers he had to encounter. Hence we may observe, that when God designs his people for extraordinary trials, he prepares them by extraordinary comforts. We should think it had been more seasonable for these angels to have appeared to him just in the heat of his engagement, either with Laban before, or Esau after, than in this calm and quiet interval, when he saw not himself in any imminent peril. But God will have us, when we are in peace, to provide for trouble; and when trouble comes, draw comfort and encouragement from former experiences; knowing assuredly, that he who has delivered in six troubles, will also deliver in seven; and in due time out of all. This may be a representation of God's people at death, who are then returning to Canaan, to their heavenly Father's house; and then the angels of God will meet them, to congratulate the happy finishing of their labours, and carry them to their everlasting rest.

May Jesus guide me on my way,

And guard from threat'ning woes;

His presence turns my night to day,

And disconcerts my foes.