needs of hie children with merciful consideration, is too gracious to diRappoint the hopfl we have in him, 2. Because be isfa,itliful. He has invited our confidence and promised his inheritanco to his obedient and trustfnl children. Thus he has pledged his word. His honour is involved. He will never prove false to his promise. 3. Because he is almighty. With the best intentions a man may be compelled to di~appoint the confi- denco reposed upon him through simple inability to meet it. The bankrupt cannot pay his debts, however honest he may ho. But as there is no limit to the power of God, so there will be no failure of hope in him. 4. Because hope in God is lawful a,nd right. We need not fear that the strictest judgment will condemn it. It is a holy hope, and it is therefore likely more and more to be satisfied, as the judgtnent of God condemns and destroys unworthy objects of ambition. Vers. 25, 26.-Quiet waiting. We are here first reminded that God does not disregard those who seek him. Though his grace may be delayed, it will come in due time. Then we are told that this waiting for God's response to our prayers is for our good, provided it be patient, J. GOD VISITS WITH GRACE THOSE WHO BEEK HIM, THOUGH THEY MAY HAVE TO WAIT FOR HIM. 1. He expects to be sought after. To wait for God implies attention and watchfulness. But direct effort to find grace in God is involved in seeking him. There are who say that this is a sign of distrust; that we should wait without seeking God ; that to go after him implies impatience at his tarrying; and, in short, that all prayer which is positive petition, shows self-will, impatience, and distrust. But this hyper- critical view of prayer is a delusion. For the act of seeking may develop a trustfulness and bring about a preparedness which would not be found without it. We have the invitation of Christ to " seek that we may find." 2. He may delay his response to our appeal. He may make us wait. The reason for this cannot be any reluctance or indifference on God's part. But it may be that the time is not ripe for our receiving the response, or that we shall be disciplined into preparedness by waiting, or that, other interests beyond our own being concerned, the answer must tarry on account of them. Be the reason what it may, we mlli\t be warned to expect this delay, or we shall be grievously disappointed, perplexed, and even thrown into doubt and despondency. 3. He will surely respond in due time. God is good to all who truly wait for and seek him. He is not a capricious, partial, respecter of persons. Nor does he require a certain amount of merit in the petitioner. Our want is our sole claim, and the most unworthy are the most needy. But observe: (1) we must truly seek God himself, and not merely pleasant things from God ; and (2) though God is good to all who thus seek him, his goodness does not take the same form to each. To some it is healing balm, to others purging hyssop. II. wAITING FOB Goo's GRACE IS GOOD FOR THOSE WHO SEEK Hill, PROVIDED THAT THEY WAIT QUIETLY. 1. God permits them to wait for their own profit. Whatever other ends may be served by the delay, the good of the petitioner is aimed at in the provi- dential arrangement. How? (1) By testing faith. Thus it is seen whether faith be real, enduring, and constant. (2) By requiring submis3ion. One of the most essential conditions of profiting by Divine grace is willingness to submit to the will of God. (3) By exercising our own spiritual powers. If the timid swimmer were succoured the moment he cried for help, he would never gain confidence and strength. ( 4) By afford- ing us opportunity for consideration. While we wait we can think. We may then measure our need and see what will supply it. Looking at the approaching salvation in the light of hope and imagination, we are better prepared to enjoy it. 2. In order that this waiting may be profitable it must be quiet. Impatience wrecks faith and submissiveness and obedience, and all the graces that are necessary for a right reception of Divine salvation. It is difficult to be quiet while waiting. We grow restless and fret ourselves as the weary hours drag past.. It is harder to wait tha11 to work, because work occupies us as waiting does not. Yet we lose much for lack of patience. We are not quiet enough to hear the still small voice that would bring salvatioil. In our patience we must possess our souls if we are to receive into them the richest gifts of the goodness of God.
Ver. 27.-Youth. I. Tm: YOKE ULONGS TO YOUTH, It is common to hear youth 42 THE LAMENTATIONS OF J~REMIAH. [ou. m. 1-0U.