Alicia Blackwood :: Jehovah Nissi—The Lord my Banner

Part I. JEHOVAH NISSI

As Jehovah Nissi did the Lord reveal Himself to Israel when He delivered His people from Amalek their enemy, "whose remembrance even the Lord would utterly put out from under Heaven," though He would "have war with him from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:14; 17:16).

"The Lord is a man of war" (Exodus 15:3). And He calls His followers to fight against the wiles of their Amalek.

Not now indeed to wrestle with flesh and blood, but against Satan himself, against the prince of darkness, and of this world, and against all the spiritual enemies which are within us.

God has revealed Himself as Jehovah Jireh-for He has provided for us a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord-our wants are all known to Him, and "He will supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

He has revealed Himself as Jehovah Rophi, and thus has He shown us how great is His sympathy; how tender His mercies; how boundless His love.

And now we have another name, "Jehovah Nissi,"-"the Lord my Banner." This is a needful Tower of Strength, for if the Lord be my Banner what can I not do? "By Thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall" (Psalm 18:29). This was David's boast when he proclaimed, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation and my high tower" (Psalm 18:2). Yes, if the Lord be my Banner all these defences are mine.

And if we enter the service of the Lord, we must follow the "Captain of the Lord's Host" (Joshua 5:14-15). "He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke" (Isaiah 59:17).

And we are to fight the good fight of faith, and to be faithful soldiers and servants of the Lord Jesus, for He is the "Captain of our salvation" (Hebrews 2:10). And under His Banner only shall we be victorious, for we have no strength of our own.

Jesus, our Great Forerunner, is Himself the Conqueror: "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him" (Isaiah 59:19).

Jesus, our Great Captain, has overcome death and hell, and has broken up the portals of the grave, "ascended on high, having led captivity captive" (Psalm 68:18). And that we should follow Him, God has now given to them that fear Him a Banner that it may be displayed because of the truth (Psalm 60:4).

Take up thy cross, the Saviour said,
If thou wouldst My disciple be;
Deny thyself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after Me.

Take up thy cross; let not its weight
Fill thy weak spirit with alarm:
My strength shall bear thy spirit up,
And brace thine heart and nerve thine arm.

Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let thy foolish pride rebel;
Thy Lord for thee the cross endured
To save thy soul from death and hell.

Take up thy cross and follow Him,
Nor think till death to lay it down;
For only he who bears the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

And what encouragements are held out to us, by Him who declared, "I am Alpha and Omega, he that overcometh shall inherit all things" (Revelation 21:6-7). Seven promises to the seven churches are given as last words to His people in their warfare to the end of time.

1st. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God" (Revelation 2:7).

2nd. "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death; be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10-11).

3rd. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna" (Revelation 2:17).

4th. "He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations, and I will give him the morning star" (Revelation 2:26; 2:28).

5th. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels" (Revelation 3:5).

6th. "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from My God, and I will write upon him My new name" (Revelation 3:12).

7th. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne" (Revelation 3:21).

When we think of such love, the richness of such promises, surely it is for us to respond, "Lord, we will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners" (Psalm 20:5).

As standards were appointed to the tribes of Israel, and every man to pitch by his own standard, so is every Christian, every one who fears the Lord and to whom He has given a banner, expected to display it, that all may know whose we are, and whom we serve. It is to be "displayed because of the Truth."

"Be strong and of good courage" was said to Israel's Joshua (Joshua 1:6). "Even as I overcame" (Revelation 3:21) is said to us by our Joshua.

When Israel was first brought out of Egypt we are told "there was not one feeble person among their tribes" (Psalms 105:37). What a testimony! How favoured was that nation of whom such could be said! Oh! that it could be said of us. Oh! that we might never be weak and ashamed of Jesus-nor fear to display His Banner. It is to be displayed "because of the truth" (Psalm 60:4).

If the Lord has deemed us worthy to receive this Banner, it is because He would have us know the Truth and display it, and "endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ," (2 Timothy 2:3) and for His sake. And He has created us in Christ Jesus unto good works, "that we should walk in them," and show ourselves worthy of that high vocation to which He hath called us (Ephesians 2:10).

We are to be epistles known and read of all men, and to have such an influence for good, that, as it has been said, "We ought to be the Bible to the world," showing forth the reconciliation of God with man through Jesus Christ.

Thus are we to let our light so shine before men that they may glorify the Lord our God.

And what an honour is conferred upon us, who are thus sent forth to display this Banner! To be ambassadors for God. To say to our poor alienated fellow-men, "Be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Come, enter His service; be a soldier of the Lord, and fight under His banner; there only have we salvation; there only is truth to be found.

And what is truth? This was once asked by one before whom "Truth" stood; but he who asked cared not to wait for a reply. But we, oh! Lord Jesus, know that Thou art the Truth! Thou art the Way, and Thou art the Life! Let us enter this Tower; for here shall we be girded with strength for the battle. Here is "the whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:13-14).

Truth for our girdle,
Righteousness for our breastplate,
The preparation of the Gospel of peace
Wherewithto be shod,
Faith for our shield,
Salvation for our helmet,
And the Word of God for our sword.

Thus armed with the panoply of heaven what shall hinder us to go forth and fear not: for with that armour is the Lord.

Girt about with Truth, we have Jesus Himself, for He is Truth, and His truth shall make us free.

With Righteousness for our Breastplate-"The Lord Jesus is our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6); and if He be our Breastplate we have a defence of Love and Faith which none can rob us of.

Here is the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth Peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth Salvation" (Isaiah 52:7). Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His command is, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). "And, Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). "And My Peace I give unto you" (John 14:27).

Oh! how should we covet to be partakers of such a work. But, "above all," take the Shield of Faith. Jesus is our Shield and Buckler. And without Jesus, there can be no Faith. Faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens" (Hebrews 11:33-34).

Oh! consider "the great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) upon whom, through faith, such things were wrought, and who now encompass us, that we, like them and like St. Paul, may fight the good fight of faith, "and obtain a crown of righteousness, which the Lord will give them and us in that day" (2 Timothy 4:8).

And take the Helmet of Salvation-

Salvation! Oh, that joyful sound!
Salvation! let the echo fly
The spacious earth around.

Jesus is the Captain of our salvation. With that helmet on our brow, the Lord is our strength. Whom then shall we fear? Of whom shall we be afraid? "Though an host should encamp against us our heart shall not fear; though war should rise against us, in this will we be confident" (Psalm 27:3). "For thou shalt call thy walls Salvation and thy gates Praise" (Isaiah 60:18).

And take also the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And Jesus is the Word, and "that Word is quick and powerful-sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12); sharp "as an arrow in the heart of the king's enemies!" (Psalm 45:5). Searching the depths of the soul, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart; and by that sword which is the Word of God, and by His grace accompanying, "All kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him" (Psalm 72:11), for Thou, our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ, art able to subdue all things unto Thyself.

Thus in all this armour we have the Lord Jesus with us, and through Him we shall be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).

But forget not to cover all with prayer-"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18). We need each other's help. The prayer and song of one encourage the prayer and song of another.

Thus the Banner, which the Lord hath given to them that fear Him, is to be displayed. And He Himself is our Banner. He is Jehovah Nissi. And whithersoever we go, this Banner is to be unfurled; for we are to magnify His glorious name. "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ," says St. Paul, "for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, for therein is the righteousness (or truth) of God revealed from faith to faith" (Romans 1:16). Shall we then hide that which has been so graciously entrusted to us? What should we say of a soldier here who hid his colours and fled?

At our baptism we were charged to fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The prince of this world, of whom Jesus said, "He hath nothing in Me" (John 14:30) is everywhere seeking to destroy not only us, but the Truth of God especially; for he is the great enemy of all Truth-the opposer of all that is holy and righteous-the liar and the murderer from the beginning. His weapons are darkness and death-his subtleties mysterious and deep.

To the unwary he comes as "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).

It is to fight against him, and his powers of darkness, that we need the whole armour of God. The Christian's life is not a life of ease-nor is it easy to live the Christian life.

If we know nothing of spiritual warfare, nothing of outward temptations, or conflicts within, let us be suspicious that all is not right-rather that all is wrong. If we live to eat, drink, and be merry, Satan will soon be in our midst, full of hilarity, displaying his treasures, alluring us to worldly wealth and pleasures, stopping our ears to the sound of the Gospel trumpet, that we may hear his viol and tabret, and dance down the broad road that leadeth to destruction. Or if we sleep, or take our ease in idleness, too wrapt in self-indulgence to hear unpleasant truths, or rouse to think of fighting in the fight of faith, 'tis all the same to Satan; he will not disturb the lap of luxury, but throw his net upon us, and enclosed we slide into the depths below. "Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness" (Matthew 25:30). No. The life of the Christian, with such an antagonistic power, is a life of struggle, and he will not lay his armour down though he have the promise that "sin shall not have dominion over him" (Romans 6:14). The Lord's warning is his watchword. "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation" (Mark 14:38)

Did not St. Paul experience all its difficulties when he exclaimed, "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" But he could add, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24-25). And to this can every true disciple of the Lord bear testimony also. And again does the Lord encourage us by His promises: "They shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles" (Isaiah 40:31); "they shall trust and not be afraid" (Isaiah 12:2); for that Truth for which our banner must be displayed-that Truth is Christ Himself. And what was St. Paul's declaration in the hour of his trial? He hesitated not to display his banner: "And now I stand, and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers" (Acts 26:6). "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness" (Acts 26:25).

How powerfully displayed was that banner by Stephen! and when he wielded the sword of the Spirit, that Word of God, his enemies were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. And to whom was the palm of victory given? "Being full of the Holy Ghost Stephen looked up stedfastly into Heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55). He heeded not the hurling stones, but, like his Master, he prayed for his murderers and fell asleep.

"In that day shall this song be sung: 'We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the Truth may enter in'" (Isaiah 26:1-2).

Arise, ye saints arise,
The Lord your Leader is;
The foe before His banner flies,
For victory is His.

Lead on, Almighty Lord
Lead on to victory,
Encouraged by the bright reward,
With joy we'll follow Thee.

We wait to see the day,
When toil and strife shall cease,
When we shall cast our arms away,
And dwell in endless peace.

This hope supports us here;
It makes our burdens light;
It serves our fainting hearts to cheer
Till faith shall end in sight.

Till of the prize possessed,
We hear of war no more;
And O sweet thought! for ever rest
On yonder peaceful shore.

Part II. JEHOVAH NISSI

Let us enter this Fortress of strength to which we are now come, and implore to be clothed with the armour which is there provided-we need it all, for there be many that fight against us.

Be of good courage, dear friend, for we have the promise, "He shall strengthen your heart all ye that hope in the Lord" (Psalm 31:24).

But can I, so weak and erring, display the banner of the Lord?

Ah! who does not feel weak and erring, that knows anything of the sinfulness of sin, "and the plague of his own heart" (1 Kings 8:38).

Alas! there is none righteous, no, not one! Therefore did victory depend upon our own strength or our own righteousness, hopeless indeed would be our case.

Dear friend, it is our acknowledged helplessness that is our power, for then we betake ourselves to Him who is "mighty to save" (Isaiah 63:1).

We will remember Jehoshaphat, his example gives us great encouragement to faith.

Jehoshaphat's weakness was his strength, his helplessness his victory. Beset with foes and in great difficulties, he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah; he stood in the midst of all the congregation, he unfurled his banner and under it prayed with earnest supplication: "Oh Lord God of our fathers, art Thou not God in Heaven, and rulest not Thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen?"(2 Chronicles 20:6). "But our eyes are upon Thee" (2 Chronicles 20:12).

This was his prayer and it entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. And the Lord made him and his people to rejoice over his enemies.

Now this God of Jehoshaphat is our God, He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, "He will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14).

Jehoshaphat had many enemies, and so have we, enemies within, and enemies without, he betook himself to prayer, and so must we, "praying always." Our enemies differ, in that we have not to wrestle against flesh and blood-but ours are not the less bitter-we are to stand against the wiles of the devil and fight "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12), therefore it is that our weapons must be spiritual also.

If we have been "delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of Christ," we must "be made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light" (Colossians 1:12-13), but there clings to us, and will cling to us the old nature within, warring against the renewed mind, and which will not be put away until we are delivered from this body of corruption, therefore is there perpetual antagonism, "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light with darkness" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

We are pilgrims passing through the territory of the Prince of the world; consequently must we expect enemies, temptations, and trials. But the Lord knoweth the struggles that await us, and to them that fear Him, He giveth a Banner.

And that Banner is Himself! Jehovah Nissi-and He hath set before us an array of armour wherewith to shield us in the day of battle.

Thus panoplied should we not be strong? For "greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Remember, dear friend, we have seen that Jesus is in all that armour, which He bids us take. And though without Him we can do nothing, yet with Him we can do all things, for it is He that strengthens, we have no strength of our own. To rely upon our ourselves would indeed be to rely upon a broken reed. David's sling and stone would have availed him little had he rested on his own arm, however accurate his skill. It was in the name of the Lord of Hosts, that strong Tower in which he armed himself, and thus overcame him who had defied the God of Israel. And it is that we may maintain a good fight against our Philistine, who is as a roaring lion seeking prey, and against this world of sin, of which he is the Prince, that we are to be girt with Truth and wear the breastplate of righteousness, nor may we put off this armour, nor rest from our labor until it can be said of us "Blessed are they that die in the Lord" (Revelation 14:13).

Christian, seek not yet repose,
Hear thy guardian Angel say
Thou art in the midst of foes,
Watch and pray.

Gird thy Heavenly armour on
Wear it ever night and day
Ambushed lies the evil one,
Watch and pray.

Think what kind of Christians, should they be called who have no helmet of salvation, no girdle of truth, no breastplate of righteousness, no shield of faith-and are ignorant of the Gospel of peace? Christians of Christ, such cannot be. "If we have not the spirit of Christ we are none of His" (Romans 8:9).

There are some who say, "I do not like to hear people boasting of their religious principles, and exhibiting their views before everybody, like the Pharisees; I prefer to keep my religion and my ideas to myself.

Now one thing is certain, our Banner must never be hidden. There must be no mistake as "to whose we are, and whom we serve" (Acts 27:23). "His servants we are to whom we obey" (Romans 6:16), but it is not commendable at all times and in all places, to pour forth the profession of our faith: discretion should guide us, lest in our zeal to sow beside all waters, "we cast our pearls before swine" (Matthew 7:6). Yet too frequently that objection is urged by Satan, and practised by such as know not, or understand not, that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak" (Luke 6:45). David kept silence when the wicked was before him, but his heart became too hot, and then he "spake with his tongue" (Psalm 39:1; 39:3). But also does he tell us-"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord" (Psalm 34:1-2).

Thus, the true Christian cannot keep his religion to himself. He will not hide his talent in a napkin. Christ must be confessed before men, or He will not confess us before His Father "in heaven" (Matthew 10:32).

Having this banner given us, we are to display it, having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace we are not to stand still-the sword of the spirit is to be wielded. This armour provided for the soldiers of the Lord is complete, every link in the chain is united, while it is in our entire reliance on Him that we are enabled to combat the great enemy of souls. But-praying always-and watching unto prayer.

"Restraining prayer, we cease to fight
Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright."

Again, remember that it is not against the outward world, and worldliness only, that we have to contend; the inward enemies are equally dangerous and numerous. The subtilties of Satan are so great and varied; and so congenial is evil to our fallen nature, that too often we do not perceive how much we cherish it within, as we breathe its all pervading atmosphere without. "For the whole world lieth in wickedness" (1 John 5:19).

Think, dear friend, of our natural propensities, our tempers, our covetousness, love of money, our vanities, love of praise, self satisfaction, seek honour from without, our constant irritability, sharp answers, cutting sarcasms, unkind thoughts, misinterpretations, etc. Oh the legion of passed over, unheeded sins, constantly trespassing upon the new nature, and hindering the growth of righteousness!

If the kingdom of heaven has by the grace of God supplanted the kingdom of Satan in our hearts, we are not to forget he is still our determined adversary, he knows our natural weakness and he tempts accordingly. Pleasures, wealth, prosperity, power, enjoyment, mirth, all that the world can give shall be ours! If we hesitate, as an Angel of light he whispers, is it not written, "God hath given you richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17), and He "is just and merciful," these are but innocent amusements giving pleasant and necessary recreation?

Then again by absorbing us in all that is in the world, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, he would allure us from our allegiance to our God, and draw us from the love of the Father-For he knows "if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). But Satan is a liar and his rewards are gilded, and allure the senses, but when grasped they are found to be Death and hell, for such are the wages of sin. David gives us his experience, "I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…But when I went into the sanctuary of God, then understood I their end…How are they brought into desolation as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors" (Psalm 73:3; 73:17-19).

Oh no! We are to turn from such wages to the free gifts of God, our heavenly Father, in Christ Jesus our Lord. We must remember we are, and shall be engaged in a contest with Satan until the end, and it is for us to be "sober and vigilant," ever mindful that the kingdom within being once possessed by the Redeemer's power, must not again be usurped.

We are called upon, as those were under Nehemiah, when building the wall of Jerusalem for the defence of the Temple and the city, to be watchful, to wield the sword with one hand while we work with the other (Nehemiah 4:17-18).

"Ah," say you, "but my conscience is ever accusing me of unfaithful conduct, and falling away from God. The question of even being a Christian is often in my mind; and with such a constant wearied unwillingness to study God's Word, how can I wield the sword of the Spirit. I need scarcely ask 'why art thou cast down O my soul' (Psalm 42:5), for the question is answered, how can it be otherwise? I know and acknowledge the long-suffering and goodness of God, and yet am I so slow to seek Him; my prayers are like vain babblings; sometimes I am tempted to give up prayer-so formal are my expressions-so cold is my heart."

That indeed, dear friend, would be to yield at once to the tempter-

Why shoulds't thou fear the darkest hour
Or tremble at the tempter's power?
Jesus vouchsafes to be thy Tower.
Though hot the fight, why quit the field?
Why must thou either fly or yield.
Since Jesus is thy mighty Shield.

Oh no! in such a time should you resort at once to prayer. Your trial, and your desire are known, and the Lord will help you.

The Heavenly armour without prayer is useless. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance" (Ephesians 6:18).

Prayer is the necessary accompaniment, the sharpening and efficiency of every spiritual weapon.

But praying is not always an outward expression:-far more frequently, earnest prayer cannot find words-the heart is overwhelmed-then it is "that the spirit maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26), and leads us to the Rock that is higher than we. For "Thou O Jehovah Nissi hast been our shelter, and a strong Tower from the enemy" (Psalm 61:3).

Prayer is the burden of a sigh
The falling of a tear
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near-

Truly the Lord preserveth all them that love Him. He seeth the secret recesses of the heart and will never hide His ear at its breathing (Lamentations 3:56)-nay more-the blessing will be to us. "Before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24), for all our desires, our thoughts are known to Him.

No doubt, dear friend, we may fall, for alas! who does not? If we turn to Scripture, we find no perfect character recorded there, save Him who could not sin!

Such troubles, therefore, of which you speak are the temptations against which you are called to fight, and which are common to all of us. These are the fiery darts, which would destroy you, if you are without the shield of faith; notice that we are told "above all take the shield of faith." It will help you to grasp the sword of the Spirit, it will remove your weariness, and stir you to know and use the Word of God, that great and wonderful weapon!

But even from the lowest depths, when our sins are like scarlet, may we "look up unto the Lord and wait for His salvation." Our God will hear us and will say, "Let us reason together" (Isaiah 1:18), so condescending is His love.

And how comforting in our depression, in our warfare, is that word of Micah: "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall I shall arise; when I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause and execute judgement for me: He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness" (Micah 7:8-9).

In this may every depressed and burdened soul himself answer to the question "why art thou cast down?" and find the remedy. Hope thou in God.

"My soul wait thou only upon God, in God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God" (Psalm 62:5-7).

Therefore, dear friend, never let the archenemy approach a suggestion to your giving up prayer, say rather: "Get thee behind me Satan! my communion is with my God."

When temptations come, at once display your banner-that Banner is love. For God is love and every portion of God's armour is love. Truth is love, the Breastplate is love. The Gospel bringing peace is love. Faith is love and what love it brings. Salvation, is not salvation love? The Spirit guiding us with counsel now and afterwards leading us to glory-is not that love? And prayer? Is not the word which bids us "ask" a word of love, and the ear that is ever open to hear the petitions of the children, is not that also an ear of love?

O yes! this wonderful Banner, that is given to the children of God is a Banner of love! and it will guide us to, and be over us in "that Banquet House" (Song of Songs 2:4), where joys are eternal, and rivers of pleasures for evermore.

When we Thy boundless love survey
Our hearts like wax then melt away
Our eyes with tears o'erflow
We are determined nought besides
To know, but Jesus crucified
And Him to follow here below.

Stand in the Saviour's might
With all His strength upheld
And take to arm you for the fight
The panoply of God.