The Twenty Fifth of February.

THE HIGH AND HOLY PLACE --- Isaiah 57:15, 16.

"I dwell in the high and holy place, with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite one. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth, the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made." --- Isaiah 57:15, 16.

To insist too much upon the sensible joys of faith, might make weaker souls weaker still. Many a sincere Christian's heart is like a bottle of a very narrow passage, which can receive the dew of heavenly comfort only by little drops.

But dost thou feel thyself quite naked, and void of all good? Christ will surely cover thee with a robe of righteousness. Go entirely out of thyself, looking only to him for everything; and whatever gifts of joy, peace, and holiness may be given thee, be very thankful for them, yet trust not in them, but in Christ alone. This will make thee sure, and keep thy heart at rest.

Thus saith the high and lofty One,
I sit upon my holy throne;
My name is God, I dwell on high,
Dwell in my own eternity.

But I descend to worlds below,
On earth I have a mansion too;
The humble spirit and contrite
Is an abode of my delight.

The humble soul my words revive;
I bid the mourning sinner live;
Heal all the broken hearts I find,
And ease the sorrow of the mind.