"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." --- Psalm 119:133.

We may have a clear sight and a real taste of th gospel, and yet be soon deprived of the comfort of it again, if we do not walk in godly simplicity and poverty of spirit; for Christ will have none but humble child-like disciples. But if we abide in Christ, by a close and humble walk with him, we shall come to a great and lasting assurance. For neither a sweet sense of Christ, nor even faith itself in Christ, is the ground of our salvation, but Christ alone, received into the heart as the Saviour.

Faith does not save, but enables us to receive the Saviour, and with him salvation. Neither does a sweet sense of Christ save us. It only shows the Saviour is present with us. Now the weakest true believer does receive Christ as well as the strongest, though he reap no present comfort from his faith. We must first believe before we can feel, and be thankful for our feeling, but not trust in them.

Thy mercies fill the earth, O Lord;
How good thy works appear!
Open mine eyes to read thy word,
And see thy wonders there.

When once it enters to the mind,
It spreads such light abroad,
The meanest souls instruction find,
And raise their thoughts to God.

'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light,
That guides us all the day;
And through the dangers of the night,
A lamp to lead our way.

Since I'm a stranger here below,
Let not thy path be hid;
But mark the road my feet should go,
And be my constant guide.