ingredient in the cup of his affliction, that they died under the expression of divine displeasure, and that their conduct was mainly to be attributed to the weakness of his domestic discipline. Many a friend has been startled by "the voice of his brother's blood crying from the ground." His follies might have been checked, and his ignorance instructed; a new bias might have been given to his habits and pursuits; he might have been led to the adoption of means calculated to produce impression and conversion; had that friend been more wise in his plans, more prompt, affectionate, and persevering in his endeavours, to save an immortal soul from spiritual and eternal death. The thought cannot but awaken the most distressing feelings; and every example of this kind exhibits fresh proof of the fact, that "in many things we offend all.” Our regrets can now avail, only in so far as they lead us afresh to the blood of sprinkling, for peace of conscience and acceptance with God; and as they prompt us to increasing fidelity and diligence in the discharge of our relative duties. The words addressed to Joshua will apply with equal force to us; "Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?" We have still living friends, whose spiritual condition demands our anxieties and labours; and, in promoting their highest interests, let us expend our energies, and pour forth our prayers. "The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth."

CHAPTER IV.

THE MOURNER'S RESOURCES.

And o'er the sinner still

The Christian had this one advantage more,
That when his earthly pleasures failed,—and fail
They always did to every soul of man,—

He sent his hopes on high, looked up, and reached
His sickle forth, and reaped the fields of heaven,
And plucked the clusters from the vines of God.

POLLOK.

CHRISTIANITY never appears more unrivalled in importance, or more worthy the acceptance of man, as a sinner against God, and a sorrowing sojourner upon earth, than when, driven from every other refuge, he is compelled to seek counsel and comfort in her certain announcements, and gracious provisions. The world may interest the imagination, and gratify the senses, in the hour of health and prosperity; and by taking off the attention of the mind from the miseries sin has entailed on mankind, and engaging it in the pursuit of pleasure, or the cares of business, it may render the spirits buoyant, and keep the heart in a state of carnal security. But it has no power to

relieve the darkness which broods over the despondent and distressed; to heal the wounded conscience, or bind up the broken heart. The beauties of a summer's landscape may please the eye; music may captivate the ear, and exhilarate the spirits; business may engross the thoughts, which must else be reflecting on our character and responsibilities; society may fill up the vacant hour, and while away the tedium which would otherwise be felt in a relaxation from the more active duties of our station; and. friendship may sympathise in the sorrows, and give a relish to the joys, of our earthly pilgrimage. To such wretched expedients, indeed, many have had recourse, when, through the afflicting hand of God, or the power of conviction, the veil of night has been drawn over the soul, and the sinner, like the mariners in the ship with Paul, has seen neither sun nor stars for many days. They attempt to divert the mind from all serious thought, and disengage it from all spiritual perplexity, not by seeking and applying the only remedy the gospel exhibits, but by forgetting that they are morally diseased. Cain, under the first impressions of guilt, stung with remorse, and apprehensive of some awful judgment, went out from the presence of the Lord, and "builded a city;" thus seeking to obliterate all remembrance of the past, and dissipate all dread of the future, by contriving and labouring for the temporal convenience and comfort of himself and family. Saul, troubled with an evil spirit from God, commanded his servants,

66

Provide me now a man that can play with his hand, and bring him to me:" and when the son of Jesse took a harp, and played with his hand, Saul was refreshed, yet not cured. The powerful excitement given to his animal feelings was soothed and tranquillized; but his heart was still the seat of turbulent passions, and settled gloom. Nor are there few in the present day, who thus attempt slightly to heal the hurt they have received, and calm their perturbed spirits; like Ephraim, they see their sickness, feel their wound, and go to the Assyrian. "They return, but not to the Most High:" they seek peace in forbidden objects, the attainment of which may divert, but cannot pacify, the troubled spirit. The delights of sense, to one who is labouring under strong mental dejection, are "like the singing of songs to a heavy heart;" instead of yielding relief, they become insipid, and even excite disgust.

Divine truth, as made known to us in the Holy Scriptures, is the only source of a mourner's consolation, and warrant of a sinner's hope. Like Noah's dove, he may wander, in endless circles, over a world devoted to destruction; and yet, like her, he will find no rest even for the sole of his foot, until he returns to this ark for firm standing, and safe shelter. Here, and here alone, he touches solid rock; all besides is sea. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord

66

is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb." When mournful providences, like the wide overflow of waters at the universal deluge, shroud the face of all earthly comfort, and refuse rest to the weary, anxious spirit, it is only in these higher regions that the Christian can pluck the olive branch of peace, and find a happy and enduring home. The truths revealed to us in the sacred volume are in their own nature calculated to raise us above the depressing influence of all earthly sorrows, and elevate us to the contemplation and enjoyment of Him who is the source of light, and life, and happiness. They affirm the being, and unfold the perfections and will, of the great Supreme; they exhibit a perfect remedy for all the ills which sin and the curse have brought on our fallen and wretched world; they develop a scheme of pardoning, restoring, and sanctifying mercy, suited to our character and circumstances as depraved and guilty sinners; and they inspire us with the hope of a blessed and glorious immortality. Nor are the facts contained in the Scriptures, like the refined and subtle philosophy of the Pagan schools, the theories and speculations of men dimly guided by the light of nature, and having no certain conviction of the truth of their own conclusions. The sacred writers introduce their messages with "Thus saith the Lord;" they speak in his