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The Constraining Love of Christ.

state. Be this my prayer,-to mourn over past sins, to strive against self-will, to see more and more and more of a Saviour's love.

The love of Christ constraineth us, says St. Paul. Oh that it may sweetly constrain me! While I was a sinner, Jesus so loved me as to give Himself for me. May I live unto the glory of His salvation,-loving Him and resting on His sacrifice. I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Oh for deeper faith in this eternal purpose of redemption! The Son of God seeks to draw me, with bands of love, unto Himself. May I be taught by affliction, or in whatsoever way He appoints, to love Him more, to draw nearer and nearer in spirit unto Him.

Prayer.

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PRAYER.

BLESSED Lord, the Saviour of sinners, have mercy upon me. Wash me and make me clean. Teach me that Thy precious blood cleanseth from all sin. Lead me to Thy cross in humble faith. May I see Thee as my own Saviour, and rejoice in the peace of reconciliation with God.

O Lamb of God, receive my prayer. Saviour of the world, have mercy on me. Teach me, O Lord, to rest simply on Thy sacrifice may I look unto Thee as my own Saviour. Vouchsafe to draw me nearer and closer unto Thyself.

O mighty God, Thou who didst become the Man of Sorrows, who didst die the death of the cross, all-merciful, full of tender pity, assure me of Thy love; aid me to rejoice in it. Help me to bless and praise Thee both now and evermore. Amen.

Hark, my soul! it is the Lord,-
'Tis thy Saviour: hear His word!
Jesus speaks, yea, speaks to thee,-

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Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou Me?

"I delivered thee when bound,

And, when wounded, healed thy wound;
Sought thee wandering, set thee right,
Turned thy darkness into light.

"Mine is an unchanging love,—
Higher than the depths above,
Deeper than the depths beneath,
Free and faithful, strong as death.

"Thou shalt see My glory soon,
When the work of grace is done;
Partner of My throne shalt be:
Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou Me?”

Lord, it is my chief complaint
That my love is weak and faint;
Yet I love Thee and adore:

Oh for grace to love Thee more!

Contentment.

I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.-PHILIPP. iv. 11, 13.

ST. PAUL lived in Christian contentment. In all things he was bent on doing the will of God. And so, whether his path were rough and thorny, or smooth and pleasant, still he was quiet and patient,-yea, even content. Sometimes he was persecuted; very often reproached and despised he knew well what it was to be hungry and to suffer need. But there was no murmuring, no fretting. Far from being gloomy and