The Twenty Fourth of August.

STRIVING LAWFULLY --- 2 Timothy 2:5.

"If a man strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned, except he strive lawfully," (2 Timothy 2:5.), namely, in faith, by which we have the victory. And as the enemies return again and again, and are always crafty and strong, we must continually be in arms.

"Until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence." --- Matthew 11:12.

If those cannot expect to be crowned who strive, but not lawfully, what must become of those who do not strive at all? O Lord, strengthen me therefore to get victory, for it greatly exalts thy glory, if the power of mine enemies be broken; and thy grace is able to overcome the greatest power of sin, and will destroy it effectually at last, since thou hast promised that grace shall endure, and grow, and conquer, whilst sin is condemned to death, and is actually dying more and more, when nailed to the cross of Christ.

Stand up, my soul, shake off thy fears,
And gird the gospel armour on;
March to the gates of endless joys,
Where thy great Captain Saviour's gone.

What though the prince of darkness rage,
And waste the fury of his spite?
Eternal chains confine him down
To fiery deeps and endless night,

What though thine inward lusts rebel?
'Tis but a struggling gasp for life;
The weapons of victorious grace
Shall slay thy sins, and end the strife.