CHRIST PRECIOUS.

To the spiritual mind there is a charm in the very name of Jesus; and when graciously assisted by the presence of the Holy Comforter, we immediately conceive of something sweet, glorious and delightful, when the name of Jesus is but mentioned. It is a name that never wearies, because it is associated with all that is important, valuable, and delightful in the estimation of the believing soul. Many a saint has complained when Jesus has not been sufficiently honoured, but never one that he has been exalted too highly. Our best moments are spent in contemplating his person, rejoicing in his work, spreading his fame, and enjoying fellowship with him The spiritual perception of his glories, fills the soul with admiration and holy love; the application of his promises softens and elevates the heart; and a sense of interest in his salvation and grace, makes happy beyond description. Holiness never appears so lovely, as when beheld in his adorable person and meritorious work; sin never a

pears so detestable and loathsome, as when seen in his agony, cross and death. Grace is then most glorious, when we view it in his humiliation, sacrifice, and triumphs; and mercy has peculiar attractions, when beheld in his tears, tender expressions, and ardent prayers.

Jesus is indeed precious, when faith views him as descending from the glorious high throne, and becoming a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,-stricken, smitten of God and afflicted,-wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and making peace for us by the blood of his cross. To see the object of Jehovah's delight and angelic adoration exposed to the rage of devils, the contempt of men, and the fierce, unsparing wrath of God, in order to purchase my freedom from bondage, to secure my deliverance from eternal woe, and procure a title for me to unfading blessedness and glory, this renders Jesus precious, and causes the soul to exclaim, his love to me was wonderful, his grace surpassing thought, and his mercy is inconceivable! The mind struggles for suitable emotions, the soul longs for a lofty song, and labours for becoming expressions to tell out her ideas of Jesus. Her language is,

I would for ever speak his name,
In sounds to mortal ears unknown;
With angels join to praise the Lamb,
And worship at his Father's throne.

His tenderness, as manifested in his kind expressions, sweet invitations, and loving promises, endears him to us. When we hear him say, "I will in no-wise cast out, I will give to him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life freely,-whosoever will may come to me;" and add, "heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away,"-how unspeakably precious he appears! To hear the Father vouch for him, "A bruised reed he shall not break, the smoking flax he shall not quench; but he shall feed his flock like a shepherd-he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom,"-fills us with admiration and pleasure. To listen to his gracious promises, "I will see you again, I will not leave you comfortless, I will manifest myself to you, I will come and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also," fills us with gratitude and humility. To find him informing us of the Father's mind and will, to relieve us from cares, and banish our fears, saying, "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good

pleasure to give you the kingdom,—whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name, he will give it you: for this is the will of him that sent me, that every one that discerneth the Son, and believeth on him, may have eternal life, and I will raise him up again at the last day,"-consecrates us entirely to him, and leads us to devote ourselves and our all to his praise. But when we behold him confirming his word, removing our sins, bearing our curse, and making reconcili ation for our iniquity by his vicarious sufferings and death, love can hold no longer, but cries out,

If I loved my Lord before,

I would love him ten times more:
Drop into his sea outright,

Lose myself in Jesus quite.

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The sympathy of Jesus also renders him precious to the believer he possesses my nature, and has felt as I feel,-his heart has throbbed in unison with mine, he has feared, hungred, thirsted, wearied and suffered in every part of his person, and in every way, -therefore he is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows the power and influence of temptation upon the mind, and in all our afflictions he is afflicted, and the

messengers of his presence surround us. Not a sigh escapes unnoticed,-not a groan is neglected, nor a tear forgotten: he is ever with us, feels for us, and directs everything to work for the good of the soul that believes on his name. He is always Jesus, the fountain of love, mercy, pity, compassion, and grace. He is ever our kind, tender, and faithful brother, born for adversity, and present when needed to support, comfort or deliver. He says, "Even to hoary hairs I am he,-I have borne, and I will carry, I will make all thy bed in thy sickness, I will never leave thee, I will never, no never forsake thee; but I will deliver thee in six troubles, and in seven shall no evil touch thee." Let this but be received into the mind by faith, and Jesus must be precious. Every name he bears, every office he fills, every relation he sustains, every promise he has given, every doctrine he has taught, every precept he has enforced, rightly viewed, endears him to the spiritual mind, and renders him precious to the soul.

If these lines should be read by any one who has never felt Jesus to be precious,more precious than riches, honours, reputation, health,-yea, than life itself, I would say to that person, Thou art in a pitiable