death, or things present, or things to come; and ye are Christ's." all are yours, Then, my loved friend, from this hour believe the glorious truth. No longer listen to your suspicious fears, to the accusations of guilt, or the murmuring doubts of Satan. No longer distrust the God that loves you, the Saviour who bled for you, and the Divine Spirit who has begun to sanctify you. We have seen by examining the tests of a regenerate state, that you have been called. Humbly believe, then, that you are "chosen to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth." From this hour look upon yourself as a child of God, as one of his beloved family, and receive to yourself his inspiring address to such;"Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee." "Fear not: for I am with thee." "I have created thee for my "Ye Feel glory:" "shew forth my praise." are my witnesses saith the Lord." the importance of this charge; feel that you are solemnly called upon to bear witness to the power, the beauty, and the cheerfulness of Christ's holy religion. And believe me, dear friend, a happy countenance, a rejoicing spirit, and an evident happiness in God, will bear a stronger witness to the honour of your Saviour, than any doubts and fears. Then feel that the honour and glory of your Master is committed to your trust; and, inasmuch as you tremble at sin, tremble also lest you should give occasion to the enemies of your Lord, to say that his service is a gloomy, uninteresting, and unsatisfying thing. Remember there is no medium; the Holy Spirit says, ،، Know ye not your ownselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates.” And by meditating on a few proofs of the awful state of reprobation, we found, to the glory of God, that that was not your own. Be not discouraged because you have not sensible comfort,-because you have not a voice within, as it were, telling you to appropriate the promises; but, simply rest on the word of the Most High, though your own experience seems against it. Faith is not in such strong exercise when the promise seems near, and we have only to extend a willing hand to lay hold of it, as when we see it "afar off, and are persuaded of it, and embrace it," on the truth alone of God's word. is not hope; but if we 66 Hope that is seen hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." When it pleases God so to shine upon his gracious declarations, that we cannot mistake their suitableness to our own case, hope may indeed be said to be seen, and faith likewise appears sight, and all the trials and difficulties of faith are then removed. But when contrary to our feelings, we grasp with a firm though trembling hand, the gracious assurances of God, then faith and hope are in powerful exercise, and we are obeying the command, and following the example of our God and Saviour. "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." Has it never struck you that some of the strongest expressions of faith were uttered by the Psalmist in the absence of all sensible comfort, and during the influence of most desolate and trying feelings? Thus he exclaims, "My soul is also sore vexed: I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim: I water my couch with my tears." Then comes the language of faith in the midst of this heavy sorrow and deep gloom, "The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping: the Lord will receive my prayer." On another occasion he prays, me, O Lord, consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me;" and then adds, "I will rejoice in thy salvation." 66 Have mercy upon In the same manner he makes this 66 touching complaint, “ How long wilt thou forget me O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death." Surely darkness and depression of spirit could not easily go beyond this! Yet he immediately adds, "I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation." Again he cries, "Thou art the God of my salvation,” though while he uses this appropriating language, he tells us that his heart was "desolate and afflicted," and that "the troubles" of his spirit "were enlarged." So at another time he pathetically complains to God, "Mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul for my life is spent with grief, : |