The Twenty Sixth of October.

I HAVE LOVED THEE . . . --- Jeremiah 31:3.

"Draw me, we will run after thee." --- Song of Solomon 1:4.

Divine Answer: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." --- Jeremiah 31:3.

Many and various are the ways the Almighty takes in bringing his children to himself, and to a knowledge of the things of peace. Sometimes he draws by the silken hand of love; sometimes by the still small voice of his Spirit; sometimes by the knotted cords of pain and sickness; sometimes he drives them by the storm and tempest of his broken law; but most effectually in giving his Son to die for them.

Reader, pray always to him to make you sensible of the secret tender drawings of his love, and willing to follow them directly. This praying always is very needful, because we are always in want, and without being instant and earnest we cannot receive much. Therefore, it is not a hard command, but a great benefit and privilege: as God should say, "You are a poor child, always wanting something; but you may always pray to me, and I will always hear, and assist, and draw thee after me."

Oh draw me, Saviour, after thee,
So shal I run, and never tire;
With gracious words still comfort me,
And be my hope and whole desire!
No lust can stir, nor guilty fear,
Nor worldly wish, if thou art there.

Oh that I, as a little child,
May follow thee, nor ever rest,
Till sweetly thou hast pour'd thy mild
And lowly mind into my breast!
Nor ever may we parted be
Till I become one spirit with thee.

Devotion for October 26