555. The Believer's union with a risen and ascended Saviour. C.M, Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my IN raptures let our hearts ascend 66 2 "Up to my Father, and my God, 3 And doth the Lord of glory call And show our Father there? 4 And doth he teach my sinful lips 50 world, produce a good like this, 6 Dear Saviour, call this willing soul, 556. The superiority of Christ's Priesthood over the Levitical. C.M. They were many Priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death; but Jesus because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood-who needeth not daily as those High Priests to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's; for this he did once when he offered up himself......Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them.-HEB. vii. 23, 27. JESUS, in thee our eyes behold Than the rich gems and polish'd gold 2 Their priesthood ran through several hands, For mortal was their race; Thy never changing office stands 3 They first their own burnt off'rings brought To purge themselves from sin: 4 Fresh blood on each returning day But thy one offering takes away 5 Jesus, the King of Glory, reigns Looks like a lamb that has been slain, 6 He ever lives to intercede Before his Father's face: Give him, my soul, thy cause to plead, 557. Spiritual declension lamented, and a restoration of spiritual comfort implored. C.M. He went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comfort unto him and to his mourners.ISAI. lvii. 17, 18. LORD, when my rising thoughts recall And hide this wretched face. 2 Shall love like thine be thus repaid? Ah, vile ungrateful heart! By earth's low cares detain'd, betray'd, 3 From Jesus, who alone can give 4 But He, for his own mercy's sake, O while I breathe to thee, my Lord, Confirm the kind, forgiving word, 6 Then shall the mourner at thy feet, And grateful own how kind, how sweet, 558. The presence of the Lord the source of all true joy both here and hereafter. C.M. In thy presence is fulness of joy: at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.-PSA. xvi. 11. MY God, the spring of all my joys, 2 In darkest shades if thou appear, Thou art my soul's bright morning-star, 3 The op❜ning heav'ns around me shine, With beams of sacred bliss ; While Jesus shows his love is mine, 4 My soul would leave this heavy clay, 5 Fearless of hell and ghastly death, 559. The prospect of heaven the believer's support. C.M. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.-2 COR. iv. 17, 18. MY thoughts surmount these lower skies, And look within the veil; There springs of endless pleasure rise, 2 There I behold with sweet delight And strong affections fix my sight 3 His promise stands for ever firm, He binds my name upon And seals it on his heart. 4 Light are the pains that nature brings; How short our sorrows are, When with eternal future things, |