The Tenth of December.

WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE --- 1 John 2:1, 2.

"Tell his disciples, and Peter (who had deeply fallen) especially." --- Mark 16:7.

"If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous --- for the whole world." --- 1 John 2:1, 2.

"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees." --- Hebrews 12:12.

Hast thou been slack, unfaithful, and fallen away? O poor soul, thou art not to make light of it; but wilt thou continue in thy fallen condition any longer, and complain? Get thee up, and ask pardon of Christ; he is ready to forgive and receive thee again, like Peter "having received gifts for the rebellious."

Delay not to lay hold of thy ransom, which is greater than all the sins of the world: nay, the ransom paid for this very sin, and a pardon purchased by it already. Therefore sue it out and be not discouraged, nor listen to the temptation of giving up hope, and turning back to the world. The Lord even now reaches forth his hand to thee anew by this very word; come, lift thyself up at it, and be careful for the time to come to be so much more cautious, humble, and gentle toward others; for a Christian's foot may trip; but when recovered, it slides deeper into humility.

Salvation! Oh the the joyful sound,
'Tis pleasure to mine ears;
A sov'reign balm for every wound,
A cordial for my fears.

Buried in sorrow and sin,
At hell's back door I lay;
But I arise by grace Divine
To see a heav'nly day.

Devotion for December 10