Christian reckons the seasons of his deepest humiliation among the happiest hours of his life. But view the penitent when applying to his soul the great and precious promises of the
Gospel : feels he no comfort in this exercise ? — _ View him
when he obtains a glimpse of his Lord and Saviour, and a taste of his pardoning love : with what " unspeakable, and even glorified joy " is he filled ! The admiration, the love, the gra- titude which he feels on such occasions, sometimes overwhelm him; and he is silent, not for want of will, but for want of
power, to declare what God has done for his soul
What views has he at times of that inheritance which is re- served for him ! With what adoring thoughts does he contem- plate it; with what ardent longings does he desire it; with what assured confidence does he expect it! Yes, be- loved ; his poverty and mourning, so far from robbing him of these joys, are the means of obtaining, enhancing, and perpe- tuating them
Tell me, then, whether these be not comforts far beyond all that the world can give? Yet these are but the beginnings of the Christian's joy : for the cup which he but tastes of upon earth, he shall drink of to the full in heaven, where there are rivers of pleasure at God's right hand for evermore.]
There are two descriptions of persons to whom we wish in few words to address this subject : 1. To those who seek after happiness, but are not rehgious —
[How long shall it be ere ye shall be convinced of your error? Have ye not had ample proof that Solomon's verdict respecting all worldly enjoyments is true? Have ye not found them to be " vanity and vexation of spirit?" Is there one amongst you that has found the creature to be any thing better than " a broken cistern ? " We appeal to the aged, who have had leisure to reflect upon their past experience : we appeal even to the young in the midst of aU their gaieties ; have ye found in earthly things any solid and permanent satis- faction ? have ye found a portion suited to the desires and capacities of your immortal souls? Go, ask the rich, the great, the gay. Are ye happy? They must all tell you, that " m the fulness of their sufficiency they are in straits "." Know ye then, that " God is the only fountain of living water:" in Christ only can ye " find rest for your souls." Continue to seek happiness in the world, and you will only treasure up sorrow and disappointment : begin to seek it in the exercises of reli- gion, and you will soon find that " her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."]
" Job XX. 2l>.