THE FAMILY ALTAR

October 21.

"Thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,

whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him

also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of

the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Is. 57, 15.

Our God is holy. All iniquity is an abomination in His pure

sight. His wrath, provoked by sin, is like consuming fire. They

do not know our God who make Him out a weak, indulgent parent

that scolds at the wrong-doing of His wicked children, but never

punishes them severely for it. No ! While our God is indeed long-

suffering and abundant in goodness and mercy, He is also a zealous

God who can and does destroy the impenitent sinner, both body

and soul, in hell. (Matt. 10, 28.) And yet this holy God says that

He dwells with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, that

is, with him that has learned to fear and tremble at God's great

holiness on account of his sin. God dwells with him to revive and

gladden him with His divine goodness. How can these things be ?

Does God now cast aside aught of His holiness in order to befriend

the contrite, penitent sinner? How can He who is eternal and

unchangeable in all His attrtibut.es? But look to the cross of

Calvary! Why does God's own dear Son suffer that awful death

of the sinner on the accursed tree ? Because God is holy ! Yes,

the death of our Savior proclaims to us not only the wonderful

love of God for our sin-lost race, but also God's inviolable holiness

that never could brook the sinner in His presence till all the de-

mands of His divine righteousness were satisfied and all sin atoned

for. Oh, how we ought to fear to indulge the least little sin when

we remember what it cost our Savior to redeem us from its guilt

and power ! His precious blood does not only cry with a loud voice

better than Abel's : "Mercy ! Mercy !" but also : "Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord of hosts!" Sinners, you are bought with the price of

Christ's divine blood; therefore glorify God in your body and in

your spirit, which are God's.

Renew me, 0 eternal Light,

And let my heart and soul be bright,

Illumined with the light of grace

That issues from Thy holy face.

Destroy in me the lust of sin,

From all impureness make me clean,

0 grant me power and strength, my God,

To strive against my flesh and blood.

Create in me a new heart, Lord,

That gladly I obey Thy Word,

And naught but what Thou wilt, desire;

With such new life my soul inspire.