March 9 — Evening

Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is matter of secondary importance whether you livest on the mountain of honour or in the valley of humiliation. Living near to Jesus, you art covered with the wings of God, and underneath you are the everlasting arms. Let nothing keep you from that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soul wedded to THE WELL-BELOVED. Be not content with an interview now and then, but seek always to retain His company, for only in His presence have you either comfort or safety. Jesus should not be to us a friend who calls upon us now and then, but one with whom we walk evermore. You have a difficult road before you: see, O traveller to heaven, that you go not without your guide. You have to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you have the Son of God to be your companion. You have to storm the Jericho of your own corruptions: attempt not the warfare until, like Joshua, you have seen the Captain of the Lord's host, with His sword drawn in His hand. You art to meet the Esau of your many temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok's brook you have laid hold upon the angel, and prevailed. In every case, in every condition, you will need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron gates of death shall open to you. Keep you close to your soul's Husband, lean your head upon His bosom, ask to be refreshed with the spiced wine of His pomegranate, and you shalt be found of Him at the last, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Seeing you have lived with Him, and lived in Him here, you shalt abide with Him for ever.