The Seventeenth of April.

IN THIS MOUNTAIN --- Isaiah 25:6.

"And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things, full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined." --- Isaiah 25:6.

A feast bespeaks plenty, harmony, and joy. Many feasts were appointed under the law, in commemoration of various deliverances and mercies. The gospel appoints one great perpetual festival, in consequences of the one grand blessing which comprehends all other mercies - "redemption by the blood of Christ."

The table is always spread, the company are always welcome, the season is always pleasant, and the joy is always new.

Lord, I was once feeding upon the husks, upon ashes, upon the wind, and drinking down iniquity like water; but, oh wonderful love! thou didst invite and bring me to thine own feast. Thou feedest me with the bread of life, and causest me to drink the wine of thy consolation. May I never more have an appetite for the vanities of the world!

Why was I made to hear thy voice,
And enter while there's room?
When thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come.

'Twas the same love that made the feast,
That sweetly forced us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perish'd in our sin.