UPHOLD ME WITH THY FREE SPIRIT

 
OCTOBER 25.
 

Uphold me with thy free Spirit.
Psalm 51:12

 
THE Holy Spirit always works freely, and
  leads the soul into freedom.
 
As Jesus did all without us,
  the Holy spirit does all within us.
 
We need his constant presence, power and grace.
 
Except he uphold us, we shall certainly fall.
 
David had fallen, he now deeply felt his weakness,
  and therefore he prays to be upheld by God’s free Spirit.
 
Let this be our daily prayer.
 
It will never be unsuitable.
 
We should have fallen before this,
  if God had not kept us; and
  we may fall any day,
  except we are upheld by an invisible arm.
 
This day Satan may lay some snare for us,
  this day our evil heart may deceive us,
  this day the world may lay some unexpected bait for us;
  and if so, unless the Holy Spirit opened our eyes,
  give us fresh supplies of grace, or
  hold us back by an invisible power,
  we shall disgrace our profession, dishonor God,
    and wound our own conscience.
 
Remember, Christian, you are deeply indebted to
  the Holy Spirit for your preservation.
 
Realize your obligation and dependence; and
  while you do so, seek the constant teaching, guidance,
  and the keeping of the blessed comforter.
 

May we daily grow in grace,

And pursue the heavenly race,

Train’d in wisdom, led by love,

Till we reach our rest above.

 
James Smith 1849