and God can find no instrument of punishment against you. You cart find no real gratification in sin, and by seeking for it there, you only increase your misery.
SATURDAY.
Christ's Discourse with Nicodemus.
I. Nicodemus being a man of high character, among his fellow citizens, and afraid of the censures of the world, came during the night, for instructions to Christ. He came in this private manner, "for fear of the Jews," for his mind probably revolted at the idea of appearing among the unlettered and poor disciples of the Man-God. How many thousands have lost their immortal souls by indulging this feeling! How many at this moment indulge it! Do not imitate their example, but say with St Paul, " I am not ashamed of the Gospel." (Rom. i. 16.) Confess God both confidently, and openly, for Christ says: "Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me, and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His majesty." (Luke ix. 26.)
II. As an affectionate master, Christ accommodated Himself to the weakness of His disciple, and instructed him in many important points. He informed him of the necessity of baptism; of the causes of His coming into the world; of His passion, that was to ensue; and of the necessity of faith for salvation. Give God thanks for this information, which is equally communicated to you, and ponder in a particular manner, the benefit of spiritual regeneration. "You must be born again." (John iii. 7.) Consider, also, the greatness of God's love for the world, " For God so loved the world, as to give His only begotten
