The Twenty Seventh of March.STIR UP THE GIFT --- 2 Timothy 1:6; 2 Samuel 7:18, 28."Stir up the gift of God which is in thee." --- 2 Timothy 1:6; 2 Samuel 7:18, 28. How can this be done? Answer: By looking as well upon thy own great poverty and wants, as upon the riches of grace which are in Christ for thee, and so drawing near to God through him in faith; but it is not enough to do this once for all, or now and then only. It is to be thy daily work. One day's omission may greatly hurt thy soul; especially the morning hours are very proper for this purpose. These must directly be laid hold on to converse with God in prayer, before we meddle with anything else in our business, though ever so needful and important, for fear of being entangled and distracted, perhaps, the whole day; and to gather the whole strength, draw as near to Christ as possible, and even wrestle with him, as if it were the last time. Pour out thy whole heart before him - not giving over too soon; but be instant in thy supplication, at least with inward continual groaning till thy heart burn within thee, and thou feel the quickening influence of his grace and Spirit. Then great care is to be taken to preserve this blessing and strength in a quiet and well-composed mind, examine thyself frequently, especially at nights, how the day has been spent. I'll lift up my hands, I'll raise my voice, |