"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. "--Luke ii. 14.

Man was fallen and helpless by reason of his own sins. The Saviour had been promised, and the Jews were looking for their king. The prophecies concerning Him were being fulfilled; and now the presence of the long expected Messiah was announced by the angel, and the re­sults of His coming proclaimed to the shepherds by the heavenly host, as given above.

Glory to God in the highest, for the plan of salvation before time began, and for its faithful accomplishments by the Lord, in now saving us from sin and hell through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Though we once delighted in sin, were steeped in sin, yea though we were dead in sin, "Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died." Who can condemn us, since Christ has died in our stead? O, let us rejoice with the heavenly host, that Christ was born and that Christ has died the just for the unjust to bring us to God. Let us watch and pray that we give not glory to the preacher nor to others of this great, salva­tion. But "Glory to God in the highest,” for salvation through the blood of Jesus! "And on earth peace." At the time our Saviour was born and while these words were proclaimed by the angels, wicked men ruled, and the dark cloud of infidelity and heathenism covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. The earth was filled with violence. Sin and terror reigned su­preme. How pleasing then to those who loved peace must have been these words of the heavenly host: "And on earth peace." The spirit and influence of Christianity is in favor of peace. David said, "I am for peace; but when I speak they are for war." Hence the warfare between sin and righteousness. In this sense, Christ "came not to send peace, but a sword." Dear reader, do you rejoice in peace and feel recon­ciled to God and His providence? Then you are highly favored of the Lord. Do you want this Peace with God and with men to abide in your heart? Then look to Jesus as suffering on the cross for you and with love keep His command­ments. Look not to men nor all the combined powers of earth, but look to and obey Jesus Christ who says, "My peace I give unto you." Jno. xiv. 27. This peace with God is promised to all loving believers for all time. And according to His promise, as we love God and obey Jesus we enjoy this sweet peace and love in our hearts. How blessed to obey our Lord, to abide in His love and feel this inward sweet peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ! How consoling to the poor, trusting, penitent soul are the words, "Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ!,” Phil. i. 2.  Brother, sister; are you troubled and grieved, or have care for the things of this life. "Be careful for nothing, but in everything ~ prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." Phil. iv. 6, 7. Oh! Beloved, when Our hearts are pained with grief and care, 10t us heed the command and enjoy this comforting promise of peace--the peace which passeth all understanding. My young friends, do you want to live in peace with your fellow-beings, which shall soon be in cold death? Then look not for fame nor to wealth to bring you peace. Look not on your neighbor's wife, nor behold the wine when it is red, neither meddle with other men's masters, but humbly do right and live in love and peace. "If sinners entice thee consent thou not." Prov. i. 10. Remember, my friends, the Path of virtue is the way of peace. And  may that peace with God be given in your hearts, .which prompts to such fruits as virtue, goodness and peace. Jesus came into the world to save sin­ners. May He give you repentance and peace and incline you to say: "Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to the cross I cling." May God save you from sin through the cleansing blood and imputed obedience of Jesus, the sinner's Friend.

"Good will toward men." Finally, my breth­ren and all humble believers on Jesus: let us prayerfully examine our hearts. Let each one consider the thoughts, words and doings of the past year, and enquire, Does ill will abide in my heart against anyone? If so, remember, "If you from your heart forgive not men their trespasses neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses." O! may the great, love of Christ constrain us all to freely forgive those who continue to injure us. Let us not wait for others to ask for forgiveness, but let us readily forgive them for Christ's sake, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us. Brethren and sisters let us thus forgive and ask forgiveness and by love remove all past enemies, strifes and jealousies. During the New Year let us look to Jesus as on the cross, and not hold ill will toward anyone. "Be of one mind, live in peace” II Cor. xiii. 11. May God bless you and constrain us all by His love and grace to heartily join the angelic strain, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." M.D. DENMAN.