"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings."—Phil. iii. 10.

Almighty God, do Thou draw near to me this night in Thy great mercy. What am I, that infinite unworthiness and nothingness should be permitted to stand in the presence of infinite purity, majesty, and glory? Lord, I dare not have ventured to bow at thy footstool in my own merits. I am poor and wretched, and miserable, and blind, and naked. Enter not in {48} judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight no flesh living can be justified.

But, adored be Thy name, I have an all-sufficient ground of confidence wherewith to approach Thee. I bless Thee, that by the doing and dying of Jesus, Thou hast opened up a way of reconciliation to the chief of sinners. Oh, enable me to know more fully the adaptation of His person and work to all the necessities and exigencies of my character and circumstances. Let me know him in His infinite Godhead, as "mighty to save;" in His spotless humanity, as mighty to compassionate. Let me know Him in all His offices, as my Prophet, my Priest, my King; my Kinsman-Redeemer within the veil, my Refuge in trouble, my Guide in perplexity, my Support in death, my Portion through eternity. I rejoice, blessed Jesus, at the hidden springs of life resident in Thee! Thou art suited to all the varied wants and circumstances, and trials of Thy people—for every moment of need, for every diversity of situation. I can mourn no real blank, if I have Thy presence and blessing.

O Thou, better than the best of earthly {49} friends, who, though enthroned............