The Twenty Fourth of July.

THE LORD HELPED ME --- Romans 8:33, 34.

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." --- Romans 8:33, 34.

There is a story, how the devil appeared to a dying man, and showed him a parchment roll, which was very long, and wherein were written on every side the sins of the poor sick man, which were many in number; and there were also written the idle words he had spoken in his life, together with the false words, the unchaste words, and angry words; afterwards came his vain and ungodly words; and lastly, his actions, digested according to the commandments. Whereupon Satan said, See here, behold thy virtues! see here what thy examination must be!

Whereupon the poor sinner answered, It is true, but thou hast not set down all; for thou shouldst have added and set down here below, "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin;" and this also should not have been forgotten, that "whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

Whereupon the devil vanished. Thus if the devil should muster up our sins, and set them in order before us, let but Christ be named in a faithful way, and he will give back, and fly away with all speed.

My sins are great, I do confess,
And of a scarlet dye;
But Jesus' blood can wash me clean,
As God does testify.