IN THE LORD BY THE REV. JAMES LITTLE, A.M. WINDSOR PARK, BELFAST AUTHOR OF "THE DAYSPRING," etc. UNIRSITY Edinburgb and London OLIPHANT, ANDERSON & FERRIER PREFACE In the sermons composing this volume, the author ventures to address to his friends and fellowmen, another message on behalf of God and their chief good. He feels encouraged in this, by the high and general expression of appreciation given to his last volume, "The Dayspring," to which he hopes this one may prove a not unworthy companion. He wishes to bring before them the gracious Lord, as the highest inspiration of the heart and worthiest object of their glorying, and to help them to such spiritual apprehensions and knowledge of Him, as shall give them uplift and elevation of spirit, and may enable them to glory in the Lord. He feels that since God through Christ is propitious to men, and welcomes all who come in faith and penitence to Him, it is his privilege and duty as one entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, to entreat others to be in friendship with God. He therefore urges all who read these sermons "to acquaint themselves with God and be at peace with Him." Thus, he confidently assures them, "good will come to them." While in opposing, or hardening themselves against God, they cannot prosper. It is man's wisdom to know and understand the great forces stored in nature-frost and fire, petrifying pressures and rock-splintering explosives, and to turn them into useful service, rather than to defy or fight against (RECAP) 5959 JAN-41917 379983 them. It is higher wisdom for men to know and stand on the side of God, the supreme and Almighty Ruler, with whom they have to do. If they recognise and submit to His righteous claims, He will graciously receive them, and will engage all the resources of His grace and power for their complete redemption. If they resist His will, they will inevitably be vanquished. Hence men should put away indifference and all hostility to God, and cordially accept His gracious offers, made through the mediation of Christ. The title of the book, "Glorying in the Lord," is taken from the first text. The Apostle Paul, interpreting it in the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, teaches us, why we should glory in Christ the Lord, above all else. It is because through union with Christ we enjoy these three great blessings. First, Christ becomes to us the wisdom of God, by whom God and spiritual life are revealed to us. Second, He becomes both the righteousness which justifies us and the indwelling Spirit of holiness which sanctifies us. And third He becomes our complete redemption, delivering us from all evil and bringing us into the enjoyment of all good. We may not, therefore, glory in self, the world, or in man, but in the Lord. As it is written, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." In this interpretation of the title, all the topics of the book find unity, life and elevation; as all the branches of a tree, however distant and diversified, find unity, uplift and direction in the one life which vitalises every part. WINDSOR PARK, Belfast, 1912. J. L. CONTENTS JEREMIAH ix. 23, 24.-" Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, which exercise loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth; for |