believe are virtuous and good men, visited with great afflictions, let us look on them not only with pity but with reverence. Let us consider them as the favoured children of GOD, who are counted worthy to suffer for his sake. Let us try to imitate the glorious example of their patience and resignation; and treasure it in our hearts till our day of trial shall come.

Thirdly, let those who are in affliction of any kind, carefully examine their own hearts. Let them consider whether any unrepented sin has brought this judgment upon them; if so, let them instantly renounce and forsake it. If the best men fairly examine the state of their hearts, they will allow that it is good for them to have been afflicted. If they feel and acknowledge this, and can humbly and sincerely thank GOD for the trials, as well as for the blessings, which he is pleased to send them, they have reason to hope that all they suffer here will work for them an eternal weight of glory. If they have reason to believe that they are found worthy to be set as examples to others; that they are called to suffer for the glory of GoD, and the good of their fellow-creatures, after the example of the Apostles and Martyrs; then they may indeed

glory in tribulation. They may suffer not only with patience, but with joy. They may rejoice with the Apostles, that they were found worthy to suffer for his sake who died for them. The glorious privilege of following their crucified Master, of proving to all the world their love and gratitude to him, will make them even take pleasure in afflictions. They will look unto JESUS, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for their sakes endured the cross, despising the shame; they will follow him through pain and sickness, through poverty and distress, through reproach and persecution; and in all these things they will be more than conquerors. The glories of Heaven are ever before their eyes, and every earthly sorrow will appear as nothing. Happy, indeed, are they who have thus learned CHRIST; but few of us, I fear, have attained to such perfection; and GOD, who knows our weakness, does not call us to suffer more than we are able to bear. Trusting in his support, convinced of his kindness, and hoping for his mercy, let us all, when He visits us with affliction, endeavour to bear it with patience and resignation, that it may answer the ends for which it is in general designed, by correcting our faults, purifying our

minds, and making us less unworthy the favour of GOD.

Lastly, I address myself to those who as yet have not been called to any severe trials, who as yet enjoy health and strength, and to whom the evil days appear to be still at a distance. Let me entreat you to remember, that in this world we must not expect to be always happy; and though we may thankfully enjoy every day of ease and prosperity which God is pleased to allow us; yet we ought always to be prepared for the trials which will certainly follow, and never to set our hearts so much on any earthly blessing, as to be unwilling to resign it at the command of GOD. Remember the advice of the wise son of Sirach, which you will find in the second chapter of Ecclesiasticus; a chapter which I wish particularly to recommend to all young persons, as containing a most important and useful lesson. “ My son, if thou come to serve the LORD, prepare thy soul for temptation. Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity." And now, my Christian brethren, as we must all sooner or later taste the bitter cup of affliction,

let us all apply for succour to Him who alone can enable us cheerfully to receive it; and let me entreat you, with humble and penitent hearts, to join with me in prayer.

Assist us mercifully, O LORD, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that amidst all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD. Amen.

Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

FOR

ORGIVENESS of injuries has always been considered as one of the strongest proofs of a truly Christian disposition. It is the glory of our religion, that it has carried this exalted virtue to a height which never before was known in the world. Revenge is no longer allowed on any pretence whatever. Resentment is no longer to be called courage. To return evil for evil, is no longer to be called justice. The Christian must forgive, if he hope to be forgiven. His courage must be shown in nobly enduring sufferings or injuries. His justice must be displayed in an humble acknowledgment, that as we have all