tilings are against mey." In fact, the very events which he so much deplored, were the means which God had ordained for the preservation of himself and all his family. Job too, in the midst of all his trials, little thought in what they would issue. But " you have seen the end of them7--" and if you will wait to see the Lord's end in every thing that wears a painful aspect in his dispensations towards you, I may venture to assure you that the time is coming when you shall add your testimony to that of old, " He hath done all things well." Your way may be circuitous and painful : but you will find, at the last, that " he has led you in the right way."]
2. The blessedness of true Believers ?
[Where is the man under heaven, except the Believer, who can adopt the language of the text, or carry it into effect? Ungodly men may sing when all goes well with them : but where is he that will sing in the midst of his afflictions, and make his afflictions themselves a ground of joy? Nowhere is that man to be found, but in the Church of Christ; for it is to his believing people only that " God giveth songs in the night." On the other hand, there as not an individual in the Church of Christ who is not privileged to experience this joy, and who does not actually possess it in proportion as he has made a progress in the divine life. Hear the prophet of old : " Although the fig- tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines ; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut oif from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls ; yet I will rejoice in the Lord ; I will joy in the God of my salvation3." Take this for your pattern, Brethren. You may be brought into trials, which may seem to menace your very existence : but, however the storm may rage, your Saviour is embarked in the vessel with you ; yea, and is also sitting at the helm. Only reflect on his conflicts, victo- ries, and triumphs ; and you will see the way that is marked out for you : and as He fought and overcame, and is set down upon his Father's throne, so shall you also overcome, and enjoy the full recompence of your trials upon your Father's throne for ever and ever. And say, whether there will be one incident for which you will not bless your God in the eternal world ? If not, then view every thing now as proceeding from his love, and as leading to the full enjoyment of heaven : and sing now both of mercy and judgment, as you will sing, when they shall have come to their final termination, and all present scenes shall be consummated in eternal bliss. I conclude, then, with that direction of the Apostle which is so suited to the occasion, " In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning youV]
yGen.xlii.36. * Jam. v. 11. a Hab.iii. 17, 18. * 1 Thess.v. 18.