latory elation over one's own virtues, devotions, and attainments. The Pharisee exultantly thanked God for his personal purity and his strictness in religion; but the Saviour did not therefore consider him an approved worshipper. His rejoicing was in himself, and not "in the Lord." Of course, faith fails if it does not lead and impel to a virtuous and dutiful life; but a boastful goodishness is a fearful taint to spiritual holiness.

Neither does continuous rejoicing in the Lord consist of a life so even, calm, composed, and peaceful as never to feel a sorrow, grief, anxiety, or painful disturbance. Christianity does not exempt from adverse experiences, nor lift us above the common wants, cares, and frictions of this world. Neither is it meant to make us stony and unfeeling Stoics. Quiet submissiveness even is not a grace in itself, except as conjoined with faith, zeal, and active endeavor. Every one's day has its clouds and unpleasantnesses, which often seriously affect and fret the soul. Nothing on earth is perfect, and neither is our rejoicing in the Lord. Our knowledge is imperfect; our faith is subject to trials; our surroundings are not always happy; and our duties are often hard. Even the Pauls sometimes cry, "O wretched man that I am." The surface of the sea is never perfectly at rest, and is often terribly lashed and tossed; but, deeper down, all is as calm and peaceful as the starry heavens. And so with our earthly joy in the Lord. There may be temporary and disturbing commotions on the surface;

but, deep down in the soul that has lain hold on God and His Christ, there is a calm and peaceful. trust, always hopeful, always glad and joyous in the Lord, always thankful for His goodness.

What is it then to "rejoice in the Lord alway?" It is to have firm and unyielding confidence in God, firm faith in Jesus, cheerful devotion to duty, and a serene hopefulness in the sacred promises. Where there is doubt, unbelief, dejection, despondency, discontent with the dispensations of Providence, and lack of courage to do and bear for Christ's sake, there is no joy in the Lord. When Christian duty is a burden, and indifference takes the place of diligence, and carnal ease is consulted, rather than the will and requirements of God, there is no proper joy in the Lord. When people shrink from the confession of Christ, refuse place in the Church of Christ, and are more captivated and controlled by the ways, vanities, gains, pleasures, and pursuits of the world than by the love and calls and promises of Christ, their joy in Him is fatally weak.

A reasonable enjoyment of the good things of this world is not inimical to joy in the Lord; for they are all from Him, meant for the comfort of His people, and to be received and appropriated with thanksgiving. Diligence in business, cheerful mingling with society, and the honest filling of places and relations in the social economy, need not hinder our joy in the Lord; for they are parts of the service ordained for human welfare and the divine glory. Joy in God carries with it

the honoring of all that is of God, as Christ himself has set us the example. And, when the heart is right, there may be this joy even amid cares and sufferings.

Our Maker means us to be happy,-happy in Him,-happy in His service,-happy in the lot providence has assigned us,-happy in every duty thereby imposed. For this He has made us, and redeemed us, and given us the directory of His Word and the gifts and guidance of His Spirit. There is a giddy mirth which is like "the crackling of thorns under a pot," blazing, noisy, and soon expiring in smoke and darkness. There is a reckless and boisterous hilarity of life which takes delight in ignoring God and outraging the dignified solemnity of our being; but it is shortlived, and as melancholy in its end as it is silly in character and contemptuous of the cries of man's better nature. Of such abnormity and folly God and reason would have us beware; for there is no true nor lasting happiness in the paradise of fools.

Hear, then, the conclusion of the whole matter: "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exerciseth loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”

The Glad Hativity.

Christmas.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared.— TITUS 2: II.

HE seasons in their round have brought us once more to our annual Christmas celebration. It is a glad festival, welcomed by all. It comes in the darkest part of the year, when the days are shortest, nature deadest, and the season roughest; but it comes to create for us a garden of delight amid the drear and bleakness. It comes to cheer our homes, brighten friendships, transfigure childhood with angelic mirth, and make the old feel young again. It kindles new life and stir in the world, and fills our sanctuaries with grateful Halleluias.

What, then, is the real meaning of Christmas? On what is its gladness founded? We read the answer in the text: "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared."

We stand by a manger in Bethlehem. In that manger lies a newborn babe, helpless, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and needing the service of friendly hands. But what is there remarkable or strange in that? Let us see. From heaven

Born

comes word that this is no ordinary child. in time, He is yet said to be from old, from everlasting. Sacred messengers proclaim Him "the Son of the Highest." And the Eternal Father, bringing His first-begotten into the world, saith, "Let all the angels of God worship Him."

We look, and listen, and hear, and wonder. Indeed, we are in the presence of the greatest miracle of time. Here is Deity in lowly infancy. Here is Divinity with our human nature taken into personal unity with himself. Here is one, "who, being in the form of God, and thinking it not robbery to be equal with God, laid aside the show of Deity, took the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." Here is divine immensity in a little human body; omnipotence in infant weakness; the adored of angels in the condition of a weeping child; the Lord of glory born of a woman, and lodged in a cattle-cave! O the mystery, the impenetrable mystery of the Incarnation! Verily "Great is the mystery of Godliness, God manifest in the flesh." Our eyes are dazzled and blinded as we attempt to look into it. But the wonderful fact is there, and nothing can overthrow it. All history attests it. Our glorious Christianity sinks into empty flatness without it. Unbelief may scoff, and seek to explain away the miracle; but, with all that has been said, or can be said, the only consistent solution is that which the orthodox Church holds and confesses. Babe is very God incarnate.

That

What if it does transcend all scientific explana