The Fifth of April.

BE OF GOOD CHEER --- John 16:33.

"The breaker is come up before them; they have broken up, and have passed through the gate; and their King (as the Author and Finisher of faith) shall pass before them, and the Lord on the head of them." --- Micah 2:13.

"Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." --- John 16:33; Hebrews 12:1, 2.

Sometimes the enemy seems to get an advantage over us; but the battle is not over yet. At last thou shalt have the victory, and carry the day for all that. In hard stuggles remember the power of Christ, who in his resurrection broke through everything.

With him thou canst also break through, and be more than conqueror. Yea, in every conflict, if thy faith be firm, thou canst be sure of victory beforehand; for faith engages Christ's power, and his power ensureth victory; it is as impossible for thine enemies to keep thee always in bonds, as it was impossible that Christ could be kept in the grave by the stone, seal, and keepers.

Nay, the greater the force is, the more glorious will be the victory of Christ over them.

Hosanna to our conqu'ring King!
The prince of darkness flies;
His troops rush headlong down to hell,
Like lightning from the skies.

There bound in chains the lions roar,
And fright the rescued sheep;
But heavy bars confine their power
And malice to the deep.

Hosanna to our conq'ring King!
All hail incarnate Love!
Ten thousand songs and glories wait
To crown thy head above.

Thy vict'ries and thy deathless fame
Through the whole wide world shall run,
And everlasting ages sing
The triumphs thou hast won.