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(for the New Year): — 1. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GUIDE. He is Jehovah — the Lord our strength; the Cause of all existence, and the Fountain and Source of life. Thus He is "mighty to save," and able to conduct His servants through every danger, and deliver them from every foe. He is thy Redeemer, loving thee with an everlasting love. A companion to rescue thee from danger, to take a loving interest in all thy cares and sorrows: One who has "chosen thee in the furnace of affliction," that He may make thee "all glorious within," and imprint on thee His own likeness. He is "the Holy One of Israel," faithful and true, rich, tender, and unfailing in His promises. II. THE METHODS OF GUIDANCE. "Teacheth thee to profit leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go." The methods are various and sometimes peculiar, but always full of wisdom. Nothing is ever wanting on the part of the Teacher: if it is necessary for the pupil's progress, he will have to submit to the discipline of restraint, and to bear the yoke of adversity. 1. God leads us sometimes by unknown paths, by ways we cannot understand. Joseph, Jacob, Daniel, Elijah. The ways of providence need careful watching to see their fitness and beauty. 2. By gentleness. David could say, "Thy gentleness hath made me great," — the Divine condescension had stooped to his frailties and errors. "I will guide thee with Mine eye." Not with bit and bridle, nor with the "hook in thy nose," as Sennacherib. 3. This guidance is continual. The Guide never relaxes His vigilant care. He will "never leave thee," — "even unto death" He is by thy side. Thus guided we are always safe, right, and happy. III. THE RESULTS OF ACCEPTING THIS GUIDANCE (ver. 18). "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." God's promises are always to character. 1. Peace — that quiet, restful condition of soul which is the heritage of those from whom all painful emotions and all disturbing influences are removed. 2. Righteousness — as the foundation on which character is built, and the element of which it consists. "Righteousness . . . as the waves of the sea — so wide in its influence as to cover all the interests of life; so deep as to go down to the deepest places of the heart, and permeate the whole life with its power and beauty. And the peace and righteousness united make life fruitful — so that it abounds in goodness, and the soul at all times and in all places is enabled to fulfil life's highest duty.

( J. Edwards.)

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KJV: Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

WEB: Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.