A sure covenant

"And because of all this we make a sure covenant."-Nehemiah 9:38

There are many occasions in our experience when we may very rightly,
and with benefit, renew our covenant with God. After recovery from
sickness when, like Hezekiah, we have had a new term of years added to our
life, we may fitly do it. After any deliverance from trouble, when our
joys bud forth anew, let us again visit the foot of the cross, and renew
our consecration. Especially, let us do this after any sin which has
grieved the Holy Spirit, or brought dishonour upon the cause of God; let
us then look to that blood which can make us whiter than snow, and
again offer ourselves unto the Lord. We should not only let our troubles
confirm our dedication to God, but our prosperity should do the same. If
we ever meet with occasions which deserve to be called "crowning
mercies" then, surely, if He hath crowned us, we ought also to crown our God;
let us bring forth anew all the jewels of the divine regalia which have
been stored in the jewel-closet of our heart, and let our God si!
t upon the throne of our love, arrayed in royal apparel. If we would
learn to profit by our prosperity, we should not need so much adversity.
If we would gather from a kiss all the good it might confer upon us, we
should not so often smart under the rod. Have we lately received some
blessing which we little expected? Has the Lord put our feet in a large
room? Can we sing of mercies multiplied? Then this is the day to put
our hand upon the horns of the altar, and say, "Bind me here, my God;
bind me here with cords, even for ever." Inasmuch as we need the
fulfillment of new promises from God, let us offer renewed prayers that our old
vows may not be dishonoured. Let us this morning make with Him a sure
covenant, because of the pains of Jesus which for the last month we have
been considering with gratitude.



"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is
come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land."-Song of Solomon
2:12

Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to
appreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its
present delights. After periods of depression of spirit, it is delightful
to behold again the light of the Sun of Righteousness; then our
slumbering graces rise from their lethargy, like the crocus and the daffodil
from their beds of earth; then is our heart made merry with delicious
notes of gratitude, far more melodious than the warbling of birds-and the
comforting assurance of peace, infinitely more delightful than the
turtle's note, is heard within the soul. Now is the time for the soul to
seek communion with her Beloved; now must she rise from her native
sordidness, and come away from her old associations. If we do not hoist the
sail when the breeze is favourable, we shall be blameworthy: times of
refreshing ought not to pass over us unimproved. When Jesus Himself
visits us in tenderness, and entreats us to arise, can we be so base a!
s to refuse His request? He has Himself risen that He may draw us
after Him: He now by His Holy Spirit has revived us, that we may, in
newness of life, ascend into the heavenlies, and hold communion with Himself.
Let our wintry state suffice us for coldness and indifference; when the
Lord creates a spring within, let our sap flow with vigour, and our
branch blossom with high resolve. O Lord, if it be not spring time in my
chilly heart, I pray Thee make it so, for I am heartily weary of living
at a distance from Thee. Oh! the long and dreary winter, when wilt Thou
bring it to an end? Come, Holy Spirit, and renew my soul! quicken Thou
me! restore me, and have mercy on me! This very night I would earnestly
implore the Lord to take pity upon His servant, and send me a happy
revival of spiritual life!