IT is good to have days and occasions for renewing the kingdom! Already Saul had been anointed king. It was a recognised matter that he should inaugurate the days of the kings, as distinguished from those of the judges. But his great victory at Jabesh-Gilead seems to have wrought the enthusiasm of the people to the highest pitch, and to have presented a great opportunity for renewing the kingdom. They went to Gilgal to do this, because there, on the first entrance into Canaan, Israel had rolled away the reproach of uncircumcision, which symbolized their lack of separation.

Jesus is our King! The Father hath anointed Him, and set Him on his holy hill; and we have gladly assented to the appointment, and made Him King. But sometimes our sense of loyalty and devotion wanes. Insensibly we drift from our strenuous endeavour to act always as his devoted subjects. Therefore we need, from time to time, to renew the kingdom, and reverently make Him King before the Lord.

Let's go over the old solemn form of dedication; turn to the "yellow leaves of the diary;" bring under his sceptre any new provinces of influence that have been acquired; tell Him how glad and thankful we are to live only for Him. Let this be done at Gilgal, "the place of circumcision and separation," with "the Jordan of death" flowing behind, and "the Land of Promise" beckoning in front. There is a sense in which we can consecrate ourselves only once; but we can renew our vows often.

"Blessings abound where'er He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to burst his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest"

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The Kingdom of Peace
by B. E. Warren, 1897

There's a theme that is sweet to my memory,
There's a joy that I cannot express,
There's a treasure that gladdens my being,
"Tis the kingdom of God's righteousness.

There's a scene of its grandness before me,
Of its greatness there can be no end;
It is joy, it is peace, it is glory,
In my heart, how these riches do blest!

I am lost in its splendor and beauty,
To its never fading heights I would rise,
Till I see the King come to receive me,
And explore it with him in the skies.

What a pleasure in life it is bringing!
What assurance and hope ever bright!
O what rapture and bliss are awaiting,
When our faith shall be lost in the sight!

'Tis a kingdom of peace, it is reigning within,
It shall ever increase in my soul;
We posess it right here when he saves from all sin,
And 'twill last while the ages shall roll. [ The End ]