The Second of September.

SO BE YE HOLY --- 1 Peter 1:4, 15.

"Not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy (Note) in all manner of conversation." --- 1 Peter 1:4, 15.

"Give dligence to make your calling and election sure. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, etc." --- 2 Peter 1:10; 1 Peter 4:3.

None can be so sure of salvation as to be for ever free of fears and doubts; for there is no assurance without conflicts; therefore all diligence is required to be evermore sure of it, so as to have boldness even in death.

But let us take heed of presumption, since we do not know what may befall us at last; and be careful not to despise or overdrive the weaker sort of Christians, nor make our own experience a general rule for others, lest this comfortable doctrine of assurance prove a torment to them who have not yet attained it.

Let all who have received a measure of grace be thankful; yet not rest in it, but press forward, fighting the good fight of faith, till they lay hold on eternal life.

How short and hast is our life!
How vast our soul's affairs!
Yet senseless mortals vainly strive
To lavish out their years.

God on high invites us home,
But we march heedless on;
And, ever hast'ning to the tomb,
Stoop downward as we run.

How we deserve the deepest hell,
That slight the joys above!
What chains of vengeance should we feel,
That break such cords of love!

Draw us, O God, with sov'reign grace,
And lift our thoughts on high;
That we may end this mortal race,
And see salvation high.

Devotion for September 2