ACCEPTABLE WORDS:

Choice Quotations and Scripture Texts

FOR

Every Day of the Year.

COLLECTED AND ARRANGED BY

S. M. L.

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words

and that

The words

which was written was upright, even words of truth.
of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of
assemblies, which are given from one shepherd."

LONDON:

THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY:

56, PATERNOSTER Row; 65, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD;
AND 164, PICCADILLY.

PREFACE.

THE following collection of extracts from old divines was not originally prepared with a view to publication. In moments of leisure-for the most part occasioned by feeble health—the compiler has found it profitable to illustrate the portions of Scripture selected for daily reading by quotations from the writings of holy and learned men. As her plan approached completion, she thought it not improbable that these "Acceptable Words" might edify and comfort some of her fellow Christians.

The selections are short because they are intended for the busy, in the midst of daily employment; and for the afflicted and weak,

whose infirmities render prolonged attention always painful, often impossible. It is after all a very small work; but if it shall prove helpful to any weary Christian pilgrim, to God alone be all the glory.

S. M. L.

ACCEPTABLE WORDS.

JANUARY 1.

Be thou faithful unto death, and E will give thee a crown of life." Rev. ii. 10.

THE bearing of the cross must always go before the wearing of the crown. Yea, he that would have a crown of glory with Christ in His kingdom, must first have a crown of thorns with Him in this life. He that desireth to reign with Him, must first suffer with Him. But yet, for our comfort, the more patiently we endure the cross here for His sake, the more glorious shall our crown be at that day. And as a traveller that goeth a long journey, though he have many a weary step, yet cheereth himself, that his rest at night will make amends for all; so shall we constantly and patiently pass through reproaches, persecutions, temptations, and death itself, in hope of that crown of life which the Lord hath promised to all them that are "faithful unto death." Charles Richardson, 1612.

B