them. To those whom he loves, he sends afflictions and trials, that they may be hallowed and sanctified under his hand, and become more worthy of his love. Happy are we, then, when God visits us with trials and temptations (whether from within or from without) in this vain world. They are the sure marks of his love and care for our souls; and if we bear them as becomes his children, he will preserve us to everlasting life.

8. We are but too apt to accuse Providence when any great affliction falls upon us; we rebel against the will of heaven; forgetting that, by temporal calamities, God recals us to himself. We should, then, pray to Him, not to deliver us from our sufferings; but (since it is his will that we should suffer) that he would be pleased to sanctify our afflictions to us, and give us patience and strength under them. When the deep wounds of our

hearts give us an abhorrence of the world; when they shew us, too late, how deceitful are its dreams of felicity, and we turn from it, wretched and forlorn-at such a moment where shall we find rest, but in the mercy and goodness of God? The heart, suffering in its most delicate feelings, and disappointed in its most innocent, most virtuous inclinations, is driven back upon itself; but, no longer able to endure its own sensations, it flies to God as its only refuge, and finds in him a sure support, and an effectual consolation.

9. If we try to forget ourselves, and the world, all our misfortunes may be easily endured. It is a very wrong idea, that the devoting of ourselves to God cuts us off from the innocent enjoyment of this life, or that his service is hard; it is our own self-love that causes almost all our sorrows, since it is always at variance with the love of God. When, indeed, Providence tries us with any very severe

deprivation; as the loss of a beloved child, or dear friend, God does not require us to be insensible to the blow, but to reflect that it comes from Him, and therefore must be for our good; that the beloved object which he has taken from us is far happier than before, and that, if we could lay aside our self-love, we should rejoice in his change. Our preparation for the joys of heaven, is through the calamities of this life, and our title to them is to be found in our manner of supporting those calamities. Our religion is but a vain form of words, and our piety nothing but imagination, if we do not patiently bow to the will of God. If we murmur against Providence, and in our afflictions seek for consolation from the world only, our hope is vain, and our disappointment certain.

10. Let us not preach to others that which we fail to practise ourselves: When God tries us with great affliction,

L

་

let us then call to mind the arguments which, in like circumstances, we have made use of to our fellow-sufferers. A soul devoted to God, and (as far as human frailty will permit) submissive to his will, may support the most dreadful calamities, and yet feel that peace" which passeth knowledge." Suffering is the unavoidable lot of mortality; and to bear it in the easiest manner, must, therefore, be earnestly desired by us: But let us consider for a moment, how much better this case is to be obtained by those who trust in God, and believe in his holy Gospel, than by the unbelieving sinner. We can meet with no trials in this life, for which we may not find comfort and support in the Word of God. Nothing can so effectually disarm misfortune of its sting, as an acquaintance with the Gospel doctrines, a conviction of their truth, and the full assurance that every thing which befals us is directed by the unerring Will of God. This consideration

will preserve our souls in peace, whatever be our lot in this world; and our sufferings will purify and prepare us for the unspeakable joys of the world to come. Happy are they who can thus suffer, and with calmness and tranquillity apply to themselves those divine words of our merciful Saviour:-" Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted: Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you (if you bear it for my sake); rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven." St. Paul tells us, that God loves such as willingly and cheerfully give alins of their goods unto the poor. How much more will he, then, love those, who with faith and obedience resign themselves, their souls and bodies, a constant sacrifice to his Will?

11. We have often reason to acknowledge, that the most severe calamities have been sent for our good, though our