The Twenty Eighth of February.LET IT BE THE HIDDEN MAN --- 1 Peter 3:3, 4."Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." --- 1 Peter 3:3, 4. "In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength." --- Isaiah 30:15. A Christian's best accoutrements and festival clothes, in which he daily celebrates his sabbath, are cAlled (Colossians 3:10, 12, 14,) "The new man, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering: and above all, charity." These are our true ornaments, and we should seek to be dressed in them -- Reader, what dost thou adorn most? body or soul? O thou meek and quiet Lamb of God, justly I blush before thee, when I consider my impatience, though I am never innocent like thee! I humbly beseech thee to forgive me these my transgressions, since thou hast made sufficient atonememt for all by thy meritorious silence; but to deliver me from this choleric, hot, and peevish temper also; and give me grace, in all inward and outward troubles, to have the long-forbearing mind which was in thee! Make me daily more and more like a lamb, that on all occasions, grevious and joyful, I may be duly composed, and show that excellent ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, not in many words, but in reality and power. Amen. Giver of concord, Prince of Peace, Oh let us find the ancient way |