They know something of that pain which human sin inflicted upon Christ's heart and something of that sympathy which showed itself in Christ's- tears and sighs. 3. By their interest and affection cherished towards those for whose spiritual welfare they are concerned. III. THE RECIPIENTS OF BPmITUAL COMFORT. 1. In order to the enjoyment of true consolation, Christians must submit themselves with humility and resignation to the will of God. 2. If they have committed sin or neglected duty, they must not expect consolation except through contrition and repentance. 3. By whatever ministrations consolation may be administered, in order that it may be received aright, it must be, sought from the God of comfort, and it must be sought in the Name and for the sake of Christ.-T. Ver. 11.-Intercessory prayer. The grateful mind of the apostle recognized in the deliverance which had come to bim at Ephesus the answer to the intercessions of the Corinthians on his behalf. Looking back upon affliction, illness, danger, he sees that a Divine hand has brought him out of adversity; yet he acknowledges his debt to those who had pleaded for him at the throne of grace. " Prayer moves the arm that moves the universe." Seeking the continuance of this intercessory application, he hopes great things from it in his future life and ministry. I. FoB WHOM SHOULD INTERCESSORY PBAYEB BE OFFERED? For all men doubtless, yet especially for certain classes. 1. For those who represent their brethren in devoted labour in Christ's cause. 2. Especially for all the public officers of the Church, for bishops and pastors, evangelists and teachers. They need it; for their responsibility is great and their difficulties are many, whilst t_heir discouragements and disappointments are often sore. II. WHO SHOULD OFFER INTERCESSORY PRAYER? The answer is emphatic and instrnctive: "the many," i.e. the whole Church in the person of all its rnembers- privately, in the family, and in an especial manner in the great public and solemn assemblies npon the Lord's day and other appointed seasons. The gatherings of worshippers shonld be composed of "the many," and everything should be done to secure the attendance of large numbers at the services of the Church. III. WHAT BLESSINGS SHOULD BF. SOU0HT IN INTERCESSORY PRAYER'! Surely that the Christian labourers, whose case is remembered, may be made devoted, efficient, and successful. That they may be diligent in toil, faithful to their trust; that they may be cheered and comforted amidst their difficnlties; and that their labour may not bo in vain in the Lord. fV. WHAT ADVANTAGES MAY BE EXl'EOTED FROM INTERCESSORY PRAYER? The expression, "helping together," seems to point to good results widely diffused. 1. To him who labours, the strength which comes from sympathy and the strength thl\t comes from the abundant bestowal and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 2. To him who prays, reflected blessings, such as ever abound to thoso who live, not for themselves, but for others. There ie e. reaction, e. rebound of spiritual blessing, and they who water others themselves are watered. 3. To the world, a h111lowed impression, as it sees how its salvation is near to the hearts both of those who labour and of those who pray for its enlightenment. V. WR.AT ULTIMATE RESULT MAY BE ANTI0ll'ATED AS CERTAIN TO FOLLOW INTER- CESBOBY PRAYER? Thanksgiving on the part of many; thanksgiving to God, who alike prompts the petition, qualifies the labourer, and gives hie benediction to rnako all effort successful. Thanksgiving, here sincerely though imperfectly on earth, and hereafter perfeotly, eternally in heaven.-T. Vere. 18-20.-The promises of God. If Paul, in delaying his promised visit tu Corinth, had seemed chargeable with levity and fickleness, he was not really thus guilty. Such que.lities were alien from hie Christian nature. And not only so ; they were contrary to the character of the God he worshipped, the Saviour he preached; contrary to the promises of the gospel he bolicved-which they had received through hie ministry. Thus the personal reference suggests the statement of a great Christian doctrine. I. Goo Ii GRACIOUS AND GIVES PROMISES, l. Revelation is one long promise; it U. CORINTHIANS. 0 18 THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE COHIN'l'HIANS. [cH, 1.1-2,J.
consists, not merely of commands and admonitions, but of assurances of favour and of help. Herein it proves its adaptation to the nature and to the needs of men. There were promises addressed to our first parents, to Abraham, to Moses. 2. The one promise distinctive of the old covenant was the promise of the Saviour, the Servant of the Lord, the Desire of all nations. In promising the Christ, Jehovah did indeed virtually promise all spiritual blessings to mankind. 3. 'l'he one promise of the ne\9 covenant is the promise of the Holy Spirit, in whom is grace and help for all human want and need. 4. The promises of God extend beyond this life into eternity, and include the vision of our Saviour and the possession of an immortal inheritance and home. II. Gon rs FAITHFUL AND FULFILS ms PROMISES. 1. Of this his uncbangeableness and omnipotence are the certain pledge. What bis fatherly goodness assures, bis inexhaustible resources will realize. 2. The gifts of bis Son and of his Spirit are the proof of his faithfulness. All his promises relating to these gifts have been already made good, a.nd none who receives them can doubt bis power and willingness to fulfil what yet remains. 3. The promises of individual guidance, protection, and aid cannot be falsified. "Ye know:in all your hearts, that not one thing bath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you." 4. Our confidence in Divine faithfulness may be tried, but cannot be disappointed. The stream sometimes disappears a.nd flows for a space underground and unseen; but it is there, and soon emerges in beauty and power. So with the purposes of God ; they may be hidden a.nd delayed, but they' shall all be accomplished.-T.