The Twentieth of May.

BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR --- Revelation 3:20.

"I am the Lord God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. Oh that thou hadst hearkened to my commanments! then had thy peace been as the river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." --- Isaiah 48:17, 18.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and I will sup with him, and he with me." --- Revelation 3:20.

How often and how variously does the Lord knock at the door of our hearts, by the voice of his word, the voice of his Spirit, or the voice of conscience! But how seldom are we inclined to give him the hearing! We are often so distracted with business or pleasure that we hardly observe his voice, through the hurry and noise of worldly things; and we are not at home when he knocks, and seeks to take up his abode with us.

Well, even now he is knocking by this paper. Hearken to his voice, and open the door to him directly, since he desires nothing from us that might be grevious; but intends to make our heart a glorious residence and banqueting-room of love, to fill it with heavenly treasure, and give us everything along with himself.

I'll bring him to my mother's home,
Nor does my Lord refuse to come
To Zion's sacred chambers, where
My soul first drew the vital air.

He gives me there his bleeding heart,
Pierced for my sake with deadly smart;
I give my soul to him, and there
Our love their mutual tokens share.

I charge you all, ye earthly toys,
Approach not to disturb my joys;
Nor sin, nor hell, come near my heart,
Nor cause my Saviour to depart.