But at the same time we can, if in our right place, and in a right spirit, fully count on the presence of Jesus with us; and we may rest assured that where He is--where His most gracious presence is felt--there we may look for the most precious results, both in the way of binding our hearts together in true brotherly love, in causing us to sit loose to all earthly possessions and earthly ties, in leading us forth in grace and kindness toward all men, and also in putting away from among us all who would defile the assembly by unsound doctrine or unholy morals. * * * * * P. S.--It is of the utmost importance for the Christian reader to bear in mind that, whatever be the condition of the professing Church, it is his privilege to enjoy as high communion and to tread as high a path of individual devotedness as ever was known in the very brightest days of the Church's history. We must never draw a plea from the condition of things around us for lowering the standard of individual holiness and devotedness. _There is no excuse for continuing a single hour in connection with anything that will not stand the test of Holy Scripture._ True, we feel the condition of things--cannot but feel it: would we felt it more! But it is one thing to feel it, and go through it with Christ, and another thing to sink under it and go on with the evil, or give up in despair. May the Lord, in His infinite grace, produce in the hearts of all His people a more profound and influential sense of their privileges and responsibilities, both individually and collectively, that thus there may be a truer and brighter testimony for His name, and a devoted band of worshipers, workers and witnesses, gathered out to wait for His coming! * * * * * What raised the wondrous thought? Or who did it suggest? "That we, the Church, to glory brought, Should WITH the Son be blest." O God, the thought was Thine! (Thine only it could be,) Fruit of the wisdom, love divine, Peculiar unto Thee. For, sure, no other mind, For thoughts so bold, so free, Greatness or strength, could ever find; Thine only it could be. The motives, too, Thine own, The plan, the counsel, Thine!-- Made for Thy Son, bone of His bone In glory bright to shine. O God, with great delight Thy wondrous thought we see, Upon _His_ throne, in glory bright, The bride of Christ shall be. Sealed with the Holy Ghost, We triumph in that love, Thy wondrous thought has made our boast, "Glory WITH Christ above." THE THREE APPEARINGS. (Heb. ix. 24-28.)