struggle, conflict, self-denial; but over the whole internal world reigns the spirit of order, and this spirit is sustained in the exercise of its authority by the faith which persuades every sentiment and desire into obedience. There is a spiritual energy which is mightier than any violence of passion, yet is manifested only in the calmness which it diffuses throughout the character and over the whole life, a calmness which no one mistakes for unnatural or artificial composure, but all, even the most selfish, behold with admiration, and all, even the most careless and vicious, wish they might possess when their triai comes. The soul is indeed deeply moved, but it looks to God, and in the Father's face sees the justification of its confidence through every change. "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me," may be its silent prayer, when it perceives the impending calamity, yet before the blow has fallen it adds-" not my will, but thine be done." Come what may, it cannot even suspect that there should be forgetfulness or error; and therefore it surrenders itself to the disposal of a love which is never swayed by blind impulses, nor ever betrayed into

unwise measures. the Being in whom it trusts. In its trouble it goes to Him from whom trouble comes, for he is "the God of all comfort," and with him dwell peace and hope. The divine presence is, in the fine language of the prophet, "like a serene heat when the sun shineth, like a dewy cloud in the heat of harvest." Hence there

The Being who afflicts is

are no repinings, no secret complaints, no halfsceptical surmisings, no anxious forebodings, no rebellion of spirit, no reluctance of will. But when most afflicted, the Christian is not disquieted in vain, since he has remembered the counsel of the Psalmist, "Hope thou in God;" or if in his extremity he should be compelled to cry out, as did the ancient servant of God, "I am feeble and sore-broken, I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart," yet he can add, Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hid from thee. In thee, O Lord, do I hope." Such is the effect of true religious faith in time of trouble.

It is still a question of interest, how faith obtains this efficacy. A few words will contain the answer. It is in the first place a reasonable faith, the understanding admitting

the justice of that control which it exerts ove the heart. Can any thing be more reasonable than that we should believe in God, or that believing we should trust in him? Is not the universe full of the evidences of his being, is it not inscribed all over with the marks of his perfections, must not he do his pleasure here and everywhere, and ought not we to rejoice in his supreme dominion? "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" was the inquiry of one, who ages before the birth of the Savior thus expressed his confidence in the Divine rectitude. Shall not our Father do what is best? is the still stronger appeal which the heart may make when beset by manifold trials, now that Jesus has made known the paternal love of the Supreme. Wil' any one of us, ignorant as we are, arraign his dealings, and refuse to adore his will, because we cannot see its issues: when the very afflic tion that confronts us may be the most fruitful blessing that he could send? Perfect trust in God is altogether reasonable. And not les reasonable is it to believe in Christ, who gav such clear and abundant proofs of his mission. Reliance on him is as just as it is consolatory

Have the truths which beam from his cross so little divinity, or do they import so little, that he is a weak man who draws comfort from them? No, no. Reason refuses its assent.

But not only is the understanding convinced, the affections are addressed. They are not left bleeding and helpless when stricken down by the providence of God. The busy and the happy may pass them by, like the priest and the Levite of the parable; but Christian faith, like the good Samaritan, approaches them and comforts them with its gentle offices of sympathy, and lifts them up and bears them in its arms to the Father's presence. There / they find a place of repose, where their wounds are healed, and they recover strength, while learning those exercises which can never involve disappointment. The pure love of earth becomes the everlasting love of heaven.

The hopes too experience the protection of faith. It raises them from the dust, and replumes their shattered wings, that they may soar on high and pursue their course through regions of immortality. How can the Christian be troubled who in the future sees infinite progress, unbroken union, and per

B*

petual happiness? How can he be troubled, whose hopes have already penetrated the mansions which Jesus went from earth to prepare, and have conversed there with the honored and loved whom this world has lost?

Yet once more; this faith is pre-eminently practical, calling the soul to duty and bestowing upon it the ability to persevere. It forbids idle regrets and profitless contemplations, and while it violates not the sanctity of the past, it summons the energies to do the work of the present, whatever it be. It rebukes that habit of grief which feeds itself with bitter thoughts, as alike unjust to God and injurious to the soul. It makes obedience at once the test and security of solace, and by interesting both the mind and the heart in the duties which are waiting for performance, it lightens the burthen of sorrow and provides the satisfactions of virtuous effort.

With such connections and influences, can any person wonder at the effects of faith? The extent of its efficiency may be still farther illustrated by considering the subjects and the occasions that prove its power. It may be cherished by every one, and none by whom