rapidly by, does the Saviour graciously bend with his infinite benediction, and with whom does the Holy Comforter make his abode? The answer to these questions must be, THE HUMBLE! To comfort such, the Saviour was anointed, Isa. lxi. 1, 2. The great God commissioned him to come into the world to make proud sinners humble, then to lift them up; and right well does he perform the work entrusted to him. It will form a profitable birthday employment to study his descriptions of humility, and his declarations concerning those who possess it. He tells us that its seat is in the spirit. It is inward and real, not external and feigned. It is easy to use words expressive of humility, or to appear humble in garb or demeanour for a time, in order to attain some worldly end. Humble words are sometimes used by a proud heart, as a bait wherewith to angle for praise; and a voluntary humility is put on, in order to gain the high places of the earth. Real humility is heart humility, it courts not the observation of man; it seeks nearness to God, and yet ever hides its face in the presence of his mercy and majesty. This lowliness of spirit is an evidence of the efficiency of Divine teachings; for the spirit now humbled was once proud and independent. It may be profitable to inquire, what are the lessons learned, and what are the views which the instructed soul now takes of itself? The word used by the Saviour furnishes a reply; such are poor; "poor in spirit." The poor in spirit must be distinguished from the spiritually poor, and the poor spirited. Though poor in spirit, yet such are rich, Rev. ii. 9. True, they have nothing good in themselves considered, but they have all things in Christ, in whom they are complete. They are rich in faith, rich in holy joys, and in heavenly hopes. Their humility is accompanied with true dignity, and a consciousness of spiritual greatness, which preserves from grovelling pursuits, and mean actions. While they agree with God's testimony concerning their fearful condition and just desert, as sinners; they "set to their seal that God is true," when he sets the great salvation before them and says, "Look unto me and be ye saved." They give him all the glory of being brought into a new state, and endowed with a new disposition and character. Finding themselves possessed in Christ "of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," they cordially enter into the Divine design," that he who glorieth should glory in the Lord." They receive the rich blessing of eternal life without questioning, and bend down adoring, under its mighty weight. The enjoyment of spiritual things causes them to lose all relish for what the world esteems sweet, and enables them to count as dross what the world calls K riches. Thus, these poor ones stand out in striking contrast with the sensual and the covetous, as well as with the proud. Earth's pleasures cannot make them happy, nor its treasures make them rich. Those who are differently minded are not humble. The lover of pleasure is too proud to seek happiness in God, and the layer up of treasure is sure to be high-minded, 1 Tim. vi. 17: his riches are his strong tower, while the lowly, dwelling on the name of the Lord, find safety and supply. This poverty of spirit, this sense of emptiness, weakness, and insufficiency, manifests itself in dependence, prayer, teachableness, and thankfulness. Such weak ones lean upon the Lord for help and strength, they come as needy beggars to his throne, sit conscious of their own ignorance at his feet to be instructed; and for all help given, prayers answered, lessons taught, render their tribute of thanksgiving. Thus, the poor and the needy give thanks to his name." What pains does the Lord take to make and keep his people humble; what exceeding great and precious promises has he made to them; and with what pleasure does he testify in his word to the character and memory of the humble! Let these facts attest its value, and stir us up to seek grace to be humble believers, humble workers, humble adorers, and, if the Lord so will it, humble sufferers. But the words of the Saviour exhibit the value of this grace, and the happiness of those who possess it. The blessed ONE of God, pronounces them blessed. The heir of all, promises them a kingdom. What a birthday benediction and gift have we here! Such are happy and rich indeed. Their privileges are great, their prospects glorious. The reign of God is set up in their hearts. The benediction of the infinitely blessed One is ever over them. The riches and honours of an eternal kingdom are theirs, and the happiness which flows from contemplations on God, and communications from him, is ever ensured to them. Their blessedness shuts out all evil, and includes all good. It is spiritual, heavenly, and eternal. They are delivered from those desires which only end in disappointment, and from that worldly sorrow which worketh death. They are nothing, and they know it. Christ is all, and they rejoice in him as their all. Reader, are you commemorating your birthday as one of God's pensioners; confessing your poverty, confiding in his promise, and contemplating, with holy complacence, his gracious character? Then, ALL HAIL! However lowly your lot, however solitary your condition, or trying your circumstances, all hail! Blessedness is upon you, a kingdom is before you, and God is for you. Yet a little while and the great birthday shall come; the birthday of perfect knowledge, spotless holiness, and ever-glowing, everincreasing love. Till then, dear reader, may happiness fill your heart, holiness adorn your character; and, as a sure preservative of joy, and antidote against sin, may you be clothed with humility. And when your work and warfare are ended, and your birthday is no longer kept on earth, of you may it in truth be said: "He lived a debtor to God's grace, Rejoiced in sin forgiven; Died in his Father's kind embrace, THE BEST BIRTHDAY ORNAMENT. "Be clothed with humility." 1 Pet. v. 5. My soul, on this thy natal day, "If you true happiness would see, "Behold my throne-how grand, how high ! There loftiest seraphs lowest lie; |