d be
just as explicit, definite and irrevocable. And so of the covenants to
which God is leading His children from time to time in regard to other
matters of obedience and service. God grant that during this hallowed day
many a consecrated life may be able to say with new significance and
permanence, "'Tis done, the great transaction's done."

For the living Vine is Jesus,
In whose fulness we may hide;
And find our life and fruitfulness
As we in Him abide.

NOVEMBER 19.

"We would see Jesus" (John xii. 21).

When any great blessing is awaiting us, the devil is sure to try and make
it so disagreeable to us that we shall miss it. It is a good thing to know
him as a liar, and remember, when he is trying to prejudice us strongly
against any cause, that very likely the greatest blessing of our life lies
there. Spurgeon once said that the best evidence that God was on our side
is the devil's growl, and we are generally pretty safe in following a
thing according to Satan's dislike for it. Beloved, take care, lest in the
very line where your prejudices are setting you off from God's people and
God's truth, you are missing the treasures of your life. Take the
treasures of heaven no matter how they come to you, even if it be as
earthly treasures generally are, like the kernel inside the rough shell,
or the gem in the bosom of the hard rock.

I have seen Jesus and my heart is dead to all beside,
I have seen Jesus, and my wants are all, in Him, supplied.
I have seen Jesus, and my heart, at last, is satisfied,
Since I've seen Jesus.

NOVEMBER 20.

"The disciple whom Jesus loved leaned on His breast" (John xxi. 20).

An American gentleman once visited the saintly Albert Bengel. He was very
desirous to hear him pray. So one night he lingered at his door, hoping to
overhear his closing devotions. The rooms were adjoining and the doors
ajar. The good man finished his studies, closed his books, knelt down for
a moment and simply said: "Dear Lord Jesus, things are still the same
between us," and then sweetly fell asleep. So close was his communion with
his Lord that labor did not interrupt it, and prayer was not necessary to
renew it. It was a ceaseless, almost unconscious presence, like the
fragrance of the summer garden, or the presence of some dear one by our
side whose presence we somehow feel, even though the busy hours pass by
and not a word is exchanged.

"O blessed fellowship, divine,