The Fourteenth of May.

AS NEW BORN BABES . . . --- 1 Peter 2:2.

"By these, my son, be admonished." --- Eccelesiates 12:12.

"As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." --- 1 Peter 2:2.

New-born babes must not, self-conceitedly, be desious of high things and strong meat. Such have more need experimentally to understand the first oracles of Christ, and taste the milk and saving power of the gospel. This would best make them grow in grace, and wean them from the world, since a sucking child esteems nothing else in comparison of its mother's breast; and those that delight in more lofty, vain imaginations than the Bible, do not follow the right spirit, and at last must come to their catechism again.

For the more a Christian is approaching to his end, and desires to be duly prepared for heaven, the more he walks in deep humility and godly simplicity, placing himself on the lowest bench of weak and little children. And thus they are fittest vessels of grace; they will certainly be enlightened, and have the mystery of Christ revealed in their hearts, Matthew 11:25.

There was an hour when Christ rejoiced,
And spoke his joy in words of praise;
Father, I thank thee, mighty God,
Lord of the earth, and heaven, and seas.

I thank thy sovereign power and love,
That crowns my doctrine with success;
And makes the babes in knowledge learn
The height, the breadth, and length of grace.

But all this glory lies conceal'd
From men of prudence and of wit;
The prince of darkness blinds their eyes,
And their own pride resists the light.

Father, 'tis thus, because thy will
Chose and ordain'd it should be so;
'Tis thy delight to abase the proud,
And lay the haughty scorner low.