is little else than a bodily exercise. Whoever has made his observations on the way in which both social and public wor- ship is often performed, wall have seen abundant cause for this caution. In like manner, the confidence of many savours far more of bold presumption, than of humble affiance. But let it never be forgotten, that tenderness of spirit is abso- lutely inseparable from a spiritual frame. When our blessed Lord prayed, it was "with strong crying and tears1:" and when Jacob wrestled, " he wept, and made supplication." This then is the state of mind which we must aspire after. Our fervour must be a humble fervour; and our confidence, a humble confidence. And whilst we look to God to accomplish all things for us, we must at the same time use all proper means for the attainment of them. Jacob, though he relied on God to deliver him from his brother's wrath, did not omit to use all prudent precautions, and the most sagacious efforts for the attainment of that endk. So likewise must we " labour for the meat which the Son of man will give us1," and "keep our- selves in the love of Godra," in order to our being "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation11."]
3. A word of encouragement —
[It is said of Jacob, that " God blessed him there0" even in the very place where he lamed him. Thus shall you also find that your greatest discouragements are only a prelude to your most complete deliverance. To his people of old he said, " Thou shalt go even to Babylun : there shalt thou be delivered : there shall the Lord redeem thee from the hand of thine ene- mies1*." Go on, therefore, fully expecting that God will inter- pose in due season, and that your darkest hours shall be only a prelude to the brighter dayq.]
4 Heb. v. 7. k ver. 3—8. » John vi. 27.
m Jude, ver. 21. n 1 Pet. i. 5. ° ver. 29. P Mic. iv. 10. Jer. xxx. 7. 9 Isai. liv. 7, 8. Ps. xxx. 5.