their boundless love of God, and their joyful celebration of his praise. The more exalted their state is, the more humble is their spirit ; and, therefore, it is written, that the four and twenty elders, who were seated round the throne of heaven, "cast their crowns before the throne, and fell down before him that sat on the throne; and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."

Many solicitously inquire into the subject of degrees in glory, who utterly neglect the infinitely more important inquiry, whether they themselves are likely to be numbered there, even among the least.

When the disciples, whom I had chosen to attend my ministry upon earth, inquired who should be "the greatest in the kingdom of heaven;" it was answered, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall humble himself as a little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Wo be to them, therefore, who cherish the pride of human attainments; for the gate of the kingdom of heaven is too low to give them entrance! "Wo unto them that are rich, who say they are increased in (mental) riches, and have need of nothing, for they have received their consolation ;" and whilst the poor enter into the kingdom, they shall stand weeping and wailing without! But rejoice, ye humble, and leap for joy, ye poor in spirit! for while ye continue in the truth that has made you what ye are, "yours is the kingdom of God!"

CHAPTER XLII.

Hope and Confidence to be placed in God alone.

DISCIPLE.

LORD! what is my confidence in this life, and what my comfort in the possession and enjoyment of all things under heaven? Is it not thee alone, O my God, whose mercies are without number, and without measure? Where hath it been well with me, if thou wert absent? I had rather be naked, hungry, and despised with thee, than abound in honor, wealth, and pleasure, without thee: would rather choose, with thee, to wander, and have no place "where to lay my head,” than, without thee, to possess a throne in heaven. Where thou art, there is heaven; and death and hell are only there where thou art not. Thou art the desire of my soul; ana to thee, my sighs and groans, my cries and prayers, shall continually ascend. There is none that is able to deliver me from my necessities; none in whose power and goodness I can trust, but thee, O my God! Thou art my refuge and my hope, in every distress; my powerful Comforter, and most faithful friend!

Though thou permittest me to be exposed to the trial of various troubles, yet dost thou mercifully superintend the conflict, and direct the event to my

supreme and everlasting good: "for whom thou lovest, thou chastenest; and scourgest every son whom thou receivest." In this awful probation, thou art not less to be loved and praised, than when thou fillest my soul with heavenly consolations. Thou alone, therefore, O Lord my God! art my hope and sanctuary; with thee I leave all my tribulation and anguish, and resign the beginning, continuance, and end of every trouble, to thy blessed will.

Wherever I look for support and consolation out of thee, I find nothing but weakness and distress: and if thou dost not revive, strengthen, illuminate, deliver, and preserve me, the friendship of mankind can give no consolation, the strength of the mighty bring no support, the counsel of the wise, and the labors of the learned, impart no instruction, the treasures of the earth purchase no deliverance, and the most secret places afford no protection. All persons and things that seem to promise peace and happiness, are in themselves vanity and nothing, and subvert the hope that is built upon them: but thou art the supreme, essential, and final good; the perfection of life, light, and love!

"Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens!" In thee, the Father of mercies, I place all my confidence ! O illuminate and sanctify my soul with the influence of thy Holy Spirit; that being delivered from all the darkness and impurity of its alienated life, it may become the living temple of thy holy presence, the seat of thy

eternal glory! In the immensity of thy goodness, O Lord, and "in the multitude of thy tender mercies, turn unto me,” and hear the prayer of thy poor servant, who has wandered far from thee into the region of the shadow of death. O protect and keep my soul amidst the innumerable evils which this corruptible life is always bringing forth; and by the perpetual guidance of thy grace, lead me in the narrow path of holiness, to the realms of everlasting light and peace. Amen.

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