RAYS OF GOLD FROM THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; OR, MORNING MEDITATIONS FOR EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR. BY THE REV. W. WALTERS. HALIFAX: MILNER AND SOWERBY; PREFACE, THE writer having become acquainted with the fact that a former work of his, similar to the present, has been widely circulated, and made useful to many; and, having been often importuned to furnish something of the sort again, has prepared this volume. It will be seen from the diversified nature of its contents, that it aims to meet all ages, and a vast variety of capacity-taste-and character. Special care has, however, been taken to give, throughout, full prominence to the great truths of the Gospel of Christ. Some assistance, it is hoped, will be rendered daily, to those who may read the book, in the study of the Holy Scriptures-in the pursuit of spiritual blessings-and in the practical performance of the Divine Will. May these Rays from the Sun of Righteousness, afford light, and warmth, and joy, and life, to many souls! It may be convenient to say, that the writer intends shortly to send forth a companion volume; and to state, that while this will be found suitable for morning devotions, the other will be adapted to those of the evening. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, W. WALTERS. JANUARY 1. "For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."-JAMES iv. 15. ALL events are governed by the Lord's will. He holds our life in being, supplies our daily need, and superintends all our plans. In His longforbearance He has permitted us to see the commencement of another year. The one just expired was crowned with mercy; we, therefore, enter on the present with gratitude and hope. Inasmuch as we know not what a day may bring forth, we would arrange all our engagements of duty and pleasure in submission to what the Lord may appoint. He sees the year from its beginning to its end; and has ordained all that awaits us. To acknowledge Him in all our ways-in small as well as in great matters-is our true wisdom. Such acknowledgment will give us strength to prosecute our plans; it will deliver us from presumption; it will promote the sanctification of our plans to the best purposes; it will enable us to bear misfortune without murmuring, and teach us to recognise prosperity and deliverance with songs of praise. 375 'Tis to us no cause of sorrow, That we cannot tell to-day, B 1 |