matter in suspense; but to obtain of God that " grace that shall be sufficient for them." Let me at the same time suggest some considerations proper to " comfort" and support their minds. They would ask perhaps, How shall I gain the object of my wishes ? How shall I walk worthy of my God ? I answer, " Walk in ChristV in a continual dependence on the merit of his blood, and the assistance of his good Spirit. By his blood ye shall be cleansed from guilt : " by his Spirit ye shall be strengthened in your inner man," and enabled to do whatever He commands2.
Finally, let all, whatever they may have attained, press forward for the prize of their high calling, and endeavour to abound more and more.]
y Col. ii. 6. * Phil. iv. 13.
1 Thess. ii. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually ivorketh also in you that believe.
A PARENT of a numerous family must expect trials of various kinds : yet will He have many con- solations to counterbalance them. And so it is also with the faithful minister. Both from without his Church and from within, he will experience much that is painful and afflictive : but, if his afflictions abound, so will his consolations also : if his doubts respecting the state of some of his people renew in him pangs, like those of a woman in travail, the pro- gress and advancement of others will afford him much heartfelt satisfaction. Thus St. Paul found it The anguish that was occasioned in his bosom by some of his converts, was so keen, that he could scarcely speak of them without weeping : but over others he rejoiced with a very lively and exalted joy. The Church at Thessalonica in particular was con- templated by him with pre-eminent delight ; inso- much that, whenever the thought of them occurred