The Twenty Fifth of January

ACCEPTED OF HIM --- 2 Corinthians 5:9

"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him." --- 2 Corinthians 5:9.

This indeed is the true disposition of a soul espoused to Christ. She has but one care, which is, to please him in all things. And this desire to do his will is, as it were, the ring and seal of her Bridegroom; which she may look upon, even in the absence of all spiritual joy, as a token for good that she is his spouse.

Ought not, then, this day, O my soul, to be a new wedding-day with Christ? He is desirous that thou shouldst be betrothed unto him, even now, and waits only for thy consent.

Hearken, O daughter, consider and incline thine ear; be no longer married to the world. Forget thine own people, and thy father's house, and take him alone for thy husband, so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty.

Wilt thou give the refusal to this glorious and loving Saviour? I hope not. Give it rather to the world, and resolutely say, I have done with thee, O poor world! I break the bonds of my former love; my eyes and feet shall henceforth only be directed to the blessed and eternal city of the new Jerusalem, where my heavenly Bridegroom resides.

And oh! what need I have to be duly prepared, dressed, and beautified, against his coming, and the time of his taking me home to himself! Lord Jesus, keep me longing for thine appearance.

If Christ is ours, we may despise
All rage, though hell against us rise;
His love experienced will impart
Immortal transport to the heart.