"He rose triumphantly and destroyed the works of the devil: therefore sin shall not have dominion over us." --- Romans 6:14.

Many complain that though they will not turn back, yet they have no power to advance further. If this should be thy case, my reader, remember that the enemy of souls will discourage thee. Go to praying, and venture it evermore upon the Lord. Consider how he awakened you at first, how he has heard your prayers afterwards, and asisted you in many hard struggles. Surely he will help you now also.

If that will not do, begin as it were afresh; acknowledge yourself guilty in every respect; and, as the chief of sinners, plead for mercy, and be instant in your humble supplications; looking at the same time upon God as a reconciled Father through Christ, who is willing to receive you, pardon, and bless you, in spite of all your misery; then you will soon make a better progress. To the despair of our own strength is good; but we must never despair of the power of Christ, who is risen from the dead, but be sure to overcome with him at last. He will certainly help you in the due and best season.

Hell and thy sins resist thy course,
But hell and sin are vanquish'd foes;
Thy Jesus nail'd them to the cross,
And sung the triumph when he rose.

He dies; and in that dreadful night
Did all the powers of hell destroy;
Rising he brought our heaven to light,
And took possession of the joy.

Devotion for October 1