parley with doubts and fears, till the last benign, and cheering ray of hope is almost obscured? And after such an exercise of mind as this, do we find ourselves brought nearer to God? do we find ourselves stronger in resisting sin? do we find the love of earth diminished, and the love of heaven increased? I think not. A friend of mine almost considered it right and safe, to be in a doubting, trembling, fearing, frame; yet, after reading the Scriptures attentively, a far different one seemed there inculcated. At length a conviction of the absolute duty of hope took place in the mind. There was however no alteration of feeling-there was no addition of sensible comfort communicated-the same dark views were held up as before, by the Prince of Darkness,-the same doubts and fears, the same arguments and reasonings returned: but, they were no longer listened to, there was no conversation carried on with them: the pictures were

not looked at the soul intently gazed on brighter scenes. Early in the morning the thought was grasped on waking,-God is my Father, Christ is my Saviour,-and the Holy Spirit will be with me this day to instruct and sanctify my soul. To all the many thoughts that arose to check and darken this feeling, the same answer was returned, "I will not listen to you for a moment." Throughout the whole day the same comforting views were industriously sought every little word of admonition that came seasonably to the mind, whether by book or conversation, was received as a confirmation of the blessed truth, that God loved the soul, and would constantly watch over and instruct it, until it should be brought to glory. Every trial was viewed in the same light, and even when sin, for awhile unhappily triumphed, in causing any ebullition of unholy tempers, the soul tried firmly to secure the same comforting truths; though then, Satan renewed with

increased energy, his endeavours to wrench them away; and it felt consequently, humbled and softened, while owning to its heavenly Father, that it had walked unworthy of the spirit of adoption, unworthy of "its high calling," and earnestly supplicated for more grace. By degrees, what was so difficult, became more easy: bright and happy views became habitual,-and the Prince of Darkness diminished the struggle when he found it to be vain. My friend's experience, I think, would be the experience of all who made the same attempt.

There is something very striking in the repetition of the miracle of feeding the multitude it is related by the Evangelists, with much attention. Was it not intended to strengthen our belief in our Lord's gracious declaration, "He that cometh to me shall never hunger?" And the soul is increasingly fed when it strongly hopes; it experiences, more and more, the truth of the promise, "He that putteth

his trust in the Lord shall be made fat." Every thing does it good, every thing seems to nourish it; and seeking cause to hope yet more, it enters into the meaning of those gracious words, “ they that have gathered it, shall eat it, and praise the Lord."

Our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us as a perfect pattern, which we are carefully to seek to imitate. And what made our Lord despise the shame of the cross, and so patiently endure its anguish ?"A strong, and bright hope of the joy that was set before him. We must earnestly, prayerfully, perseveringly, seek the same hope, and we shall taste the joy of the prophet, when he exclaimed, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. For, as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as

the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring" up in our souls. This last figure, so beautifully representing the sureness of the work of grace, though it may to us appear to be slowly carried on, should abundantly encourage us to hope, even against hope. And perhaps, one great cause why we have so much to deplore is, because we have too little attended to the duty of hope, and thus, have prevented the "good news respecting the Lord Jesus, from producing its due effect upon us.

"

But, if we desire to be strong in hope, we must be steadfast in faith and warm in love. The more this heavenly grace pervades the soul, the more it breathes in our thoughts and words, and actions, the more we shall realise the presence of God, for "God is love," and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. It is not enough that there are no bitter words, or