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17. The Lord is a God of knowledge; by him actions are weighed. 1 Sam. ii. 3.

1. Then we cannot deceive him.-2. Then can he determine the value of actions.-3. Then let us act with reference to his estimates.

Search, O my God, my thoughts and heart,
If mischief lurks in any part;
Correct me, where I go astray,

And guide me in a perfect way.

18. I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Phil. iv. 11.

1. A rare Christian attainment.-2. A state of mind essential to the highest enjoyment.

Fond ambition, whisper not;
Happy is my humble lot:

Anxious, busy cares, away:
I'm provided for to-day.

19. Study to be quiet, and to do your own business. 1 Thess. iv. 11.

1. As a preservative from evil.-2. As a means of enjoyment.-3. As a becoming example.

Remote from anger, noise and strife,
Submissive and resigned,

Oh let me lead a quiet life,
At peace with all mankind.

20. And Abraham said unto God, Oh that Ishmael might live before thee!

Gen. xvii. 18.

1. Strength of parental desire.-2. Energy of parental prayer.

God of mercy, hear our prayer

For the children thou hast given;
Let them all thy blessings share,

Grace on earth, and bliss in heaven.

21. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts xx. 35.

1. It is more excellent in itself.-2. It has a better effect upon the character.-3. It brings a richer reward.

Thus what our heavenly Father gave

Shall we as freely give ;

Thus copy him who lived to save,
And died that we might live.

22. Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Eccl. xi. 1.

1. A service for faith to perform.-2. A promise for faith to trust.

How bless'd is he who fears the Lord,

And follows his commands,

Who lends the poor without reward,
Or gives with liberal hands.

23. I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Rev. ii. 23.

1. The justice of God is retributive.-2. It is distributive.-3. It is equitable.

His holy law before him stands;
His justice, with impartial hands,
Divides to all their due reward,
Or by the sceptre, or the sword.

24. Thou shalt call his name Jesus.

Matt. i. 21.

1. A Divinely appointed name.-2. A very expressive name.-3. A precious name.

Jesus! the name that calms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;

'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life, and health, and peace.

25. Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke ii. 10, 11.

1. A joyous announcement.-2. A wonderful personage.-3. Extraordinary union of grandeur and humility.

Joyful all ye nations, rise;

Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."

26. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke ii. 14.

1. The angels' doxology to God.-2. Their congratulations of men.

Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim,
And heaven's eternal arches ring
With thy beloved name.

27. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke ii. 12.

1. Extraordinary humiliation.-2. Unparalleled condescension.-3. Mysterious benevolence.

Cold, on his cradle, the dew drops are shining;
Low lies his bed with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore him, in slumber reclining,
Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour of all.

28. When he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. Heb. x. 5.

1. Without a sacrifice of infinite value, sinners could not be saved.-2. The sacrifices of the Old Testament were inadequate to the purpose.-3. The body of Christ was given him that he might have an offering that should be satisfactory.

But Christ, the heavenly Lamb,
Takes all our sins away;

A sacrifice of nobler name,
And richer blood than they.

29. We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ.

Heb. x. 10.

1. We cannot be saved without sanctification.2. We are dependent for sanctification upon the expiatory offering of Christ.

Should my tears forever flow,

Should my zeal no languor know,
All for sin could not atone;

Thou must save, and thou alone:
In my hand no price I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling.

30. And I beheld, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts [living ones] and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Rev. v. 11, 12.

1. The sentiment of heaven.-2. The spirit of heaven.-3. The employment of heaven.

Hark! how the choirs above,
Filled with the Saviour's love,
Dwell on his name!

There, too, may we be found,
With light and glory crowned,
While all the heavens resound,

"Worthy the Lamb."

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