but let him consider that there is " a new and living way, consecrated through the vail" of a Redeemer's human nature, from every scene of retirement or action to a mercy-seat; where he "satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness: especially such as sit in darkness and the shadow of death." Our very misery and infirmity should, in defect of other preachers, point out the seat of our relief; and direct such frail and depraved creatures to the common Friend of the weary and heavy laden. Pouring into his bosom all our complaints, we at once obey his command, honour his character, and obtain his assistance; "for we have not an High Priest, who cannot be touched by the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Is it not a time of need with you? Endeavour, at his command, to approach with an holy confidence for the "supply of all your need, according to his riches in glory;" and, at this time particularly, for the illumination and comfort of his Holy Spirit. He whom you supplicate, not only invites, but reasons with you. " If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" The religion of education and custom obtains, more or less, every where; but serious, vital, spiritual religion is " a case of necessity" with us all. We summon our forces, we ransack our stores," we spend our money for that which is not bread, and our labour for that which satisfieth not;" we look every way, and call to every thing, till each in turn loudly replies, " It is not in me." Well, indeed, will it be, if, after all our fruitless efforts, we are brought to feel, that the provisions of the Gospel are the only bread for a hungry soul, the only balm for a wounded heart. However foreign, my dear friend, these truths were from your consideration, when we first sat down together, if it shall please him who "commanded the light to shine out of darkness," to shine into your heart, and effectually discover the "exceeding riches of his grace" in these provisions; then, though you sit weeping over your loss, we are assured, from unquestionable authority, that angels are rejoicing for your unspeakable gain. We are certain also, that not only every real friend will cry, " this day is salvation come to the house where we lately wept;" but that, drying your tears, you yourself will be compelled to express your grateful sense of the correction you now deplore, and sing, with a companion and fellow-proficient in the school of affliction, Father, I bless thy gentle hand : And here, suffer me to drop a word or two respecting these Our COMPANIONS in the house of mourning. Society is peculiarly pleasant when we are benighted on a journey: and especially that of a citizen of the place to which we are going. It is encouraging to travel with those who are convinced, that if " they are chastened of the Lord," it is, "that they should not be condemned with the world. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Here they are educating for it. Here they sit at the foot of the cross, and receive lessons of faith and patience, of humility and temperance. "Blessed also are the pure in heart; for they here see God," who never so unveils himself as in seasons of distress. In sight of his character and word, they bow before his providence, yea, trust him in the stroke; for hope is made to arise here, as a light in darkness. Here the spiritual husbandman is taught to go "forth weeping and bearing the precious seed of faith and love, penitence and prayer; assured that he shall come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him." Here also the heavenly scholar acquires "the tongue of the learned, that he should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." And here the true soldier of Jesus Christ is found "fighting the good fight of faith, and laying hold of eternal life" in the very valley and shadow of death. He is here instructed to "cast down imaginations," those reasonings which peculiarly infest and darken the house of mourning; and taking the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, he wrestles not only with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers: a mighty though secret conflict, which God shall one day declare to the world; and which, when explained, will leave its most celebrated heroes "silent in darkness." "Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock," for in this house they all have left the prints of their feet. Here stood Jacob weeping over his beloved Rachel; and here Aaron deplored his sons. Here we trace the steps of David going up to his chamber, and crying with a loud voice, "Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son! my son!" and those of Ezekiel, who, forbidden to cry, silently resigned, " the desire of his eyes" to the stroke. But enumeration is vain: hither came all the sons of God, the only-begotten not excepted, for Jesus himself stood and wept at the grave of a friend. With such company, is it not far "better to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting?" I knew one of these; a man who had seen affliction by a rod, like yours; a man who walked and wept in solitude, but with no expectation of being overheard. There is something sacred in grief, and we cannot listen to its effusions with too much candour: great candour, indeed, is here required; but, if afforded, it may procure you at least, a companion, as you pass through this vale of tears. * * * * * * "Set thee up way-marks:" " I desire here to set them up, and to record the severest of my visitations in the house of my pilgrimage. Lord, prepare me for the next! " I perceive I could not have properly sympathized with a friend in a similar case before this stroke. I could not have understood it. " I have at times so felt the importance of eternal things, that I thought the loss of any present comfort would be tolerable: but I had no idea how much depended on being ready, when the Son of Man came in such a providence. "I feel I now stand in the right position to see the world and the word. They both appear under aspects entirely new. "When I find ' my joys packed up and gone,' my heart slain, the delight of my eyes taken away: when I recollect who is gone before her, who is following, and what remains for the world to offer; my heart cries, I loathe it, I would not live alway;' -I thank God that I am also to go. "I perceive I did not know how much my life was bound up in the life of a creature. went, nothing seemed left. rest seem a few thin and scattered remains. When she One is not; and the "And yet how much better for my lamb to be suddenly housed, -to slip unexpectedly into the fold to which I was conducting her, than remain exposed here? perhaps become a victim ! "I cried, O Lord spare my child!'-He did: but not as I meant. He snatched it from danger, and took it to his own home. " I have often prayed, 'Lord, soften my heart! humble my pride! destroy my levity!'-I knew |