pitched a tent there again, or expressed the least desire of returning thither; just so, though I should dwell seventy years in this weary world, yet when called away, O with what chearfulness will I quit the land of my pilgrimage, the place of mine exile, and when gone I shall be gone for ever, and raise a triumphant song at being entered on mine everlasting rest, and being set for ever free from sin and earth, from infirmity and death.

XXXIII.

AFFLICTONS WILL ATTEND US TO OUR LAST.

Dec. 16. 1794.

SHOULD I be surprised at suffering like them that have gone before me? However numerous or uncommon some of my afflictions may be, I thereby am conformed to the happy souls before the throne, who came out of great tribulation and fiery trials. I am to acquit Sovereignty in the kind, (though I may be ready to say, Is there any trouble like my trouble wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me?), and in the continuance of my afflictions, while only sin in the instrument, and sin in myself, are to cause me daily grief. But Divine Love, Infinite Wisdom, and Sovereign Grace, can turn this shadow of death into the morning, and out of this roaring lion bring forth food to my soul.

FINIS.

J. Pillins & Sons, Printers, Edinburgh,