The Ninth of July.

MY SOUL THIRSTETH --- Psalm 143:6.

"My soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land." --- Psalm 143:6.

"Let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelations 22. 17. If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." --- John 7:37, 38.

When thou art dry and barren, examine thyself closely what may be the cause; ask pardon for all known offences, and take care to amend them. And though thou shouldest not find anything particular, yet humble thyself deeply before the Lord; but at the same time remember that thou art accepted, beloved, justified, and blessed in Christ; and in this disposition quietly wait the returns of some new drops of living water and grace; but be also sure afterwards to cherish and make right use of them. "Thus thou shalt be like a watered garden." --- Isaiah 58:11.

For thee I thirst, O Lord, I mourn;
When will thy smiling face return?
Shall all my joy on earth remove,
And God for ever hide his love?

Ho! ye that pant for living streams,
And pine away and die;
Here you may wench your raging thirst
With springs that never die.

Rivers of love and mercy here
In a rich ocean join;
Salvation in abundance flows,
Like floods of milk and wine.