The Fourteenth of July.

THY FACE, LORD, WILL I SEEK --- Psalm 27:8.

"When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek." --- Psalm 27:8.

"I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts." --- Psalm 119:94.

Divine Answer: "Those that seek me early shall find me." --- Proverbs 8:17.

"The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God." --- Psalm 69:32.

"Seek, and ye shall find." --- Matthew 7:7.

"For whoso findeth me findeth life." --- Proverbs 8:35.

"I am the life." --- John 14:6.

Such arguments and entreaties we may use with God, to strengthen us in faith: he does not want them, but we do; and he is well pleased when we take him at his word. For if we would not draw near to God in prayer till our heart s are quickened, perhaps we might never come to it. Therefore, we must no indulge ourselves in a state of dulness, but rather put a force to ourselves, and pray against our natural inclination.

Being faithful and instant in this, we shall certainly have our affections warmed, and great power and blessings given from above, that our hearts may live. O Lord, I plead thy precious promises; and thou canst not deny thy word. Thou hast laid thyselfunder obligation to help a feeble, praying soul. Then let thy Holy Spirit abide with me to quicken my soul when fainting, and to rule my heart in all things, that no sin may have dominion over me.

Lord, I address thy heavenly throne;
Call me a child of thine;
Send down the Spirit of thy Son,
To form my heart divine.

There shed thy choicest love abroad,
And make my comforts strong;
Then shall I say, My Father God,
With an unwav'ring tongue.

Yet this my soul desires to know;
Be this my only wish below,
"That Christ is mine!" this great request
Grant, bounteous God, and I am blest.