soul. As for the world, far from regarding it as an enemy of which he has just reason to be constantly afraid, he looks upon it with delight, and gives to it the first place in his heart. Instead of anxiously watching against the temptations to which it daily exposes him, he embraces with eagerness its deceitful offers, and rushes without fear into the snares which it spreads for him. Of his own heart he is equally ignorant. He flatters himself, that although, through the force of bad examples and the violence of evil passions, he may be sometimes drawn into sinful tempers and actions, yet at the bottom his heart is good. He is not, in his own idea, naturally and deeply corrupt. His intentions at least are upright. He can safely trust to his own resolutions, and has no fear but that all will end well at last. Persons thus secure and confident, must listen with indifference to the promise of spiritual strength. They cannot value it, for they feel no need of it, nor see in it any excellence.

Very different is the case with the Lord's people. They have been taught of God to see their danger, and to feel their weakness. They are not altogether ignorant of Satan's devices;" of the delusions of the world; of the deceitfulness of their own hearts.

Hence they value the Promise in the text. The strength which it proposes to bestow, is the very thing of which they stand in need. Has the Lord promised to bestow it? To him they apply for it. They seek it of him in humble and constant prayer. They wait upon him for it in all his appointed ordinances. Their earnest desire is to be 66 strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man," to be made "strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS:" and thus to be fitted for every good work.

Again, men naturally feel no need of spiritual peace. Not being convinced of the guilt and misery of sin, they cannot estimate the value of this blessing. They have no knowledge of that awful breach which sin has made between their soul and GOD; they think not of the dreadful curse which disobedience to the divine commandments has brought upon them. They have lulled their conscience into a fatal sleep. If a doubt concerning their salvation sometimes arise, they soon get rid of it. What, though they have some faults, yet they have many pleasing qualities to make amends. They need not fear. "Soul, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." Puffed up with such high notions of themselves,

they value not the offer of Peace. They have peace already. Can they desire that, for which they feel no need?

But are such the feelings of the LORD'S people? Is such their language? Are these their notions? Far otherwise. Their con

sciences have been awakened. Their eyes have been opened to see their real state. They have seen that they are sinners. They have trembled at the thoughts of that misery which sin has brought upon them. They are convinced, that there can be no real happiness but in the favour and love of GOD. They know that without reconciliation with their offended Maker, they must for ever perish. Peace with him is the blessing for which they long. A sense of his forgiveness only can give peace to their hearts. With transport then they receive the promise in the text.-Will the LORD give peace? What glorious tidings! How exactly suited to their wants! LORD,' they cry, unworthy as we are, bestow on us this blessing. Reconcile us to thyself through the blood of thy cross. our iniquities far from us.

Put away

Grant to us

a comfortable hope of our pardon and acceptance. Speak peace to our troubled "Make us to hear of joy and glad

'souls.

6

ness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice."

Such are the LORD's people. My brethren, have you reason to hope that you are of this happy number? Do you find on trial, that you possess those feelings, those dispositions, and desires, which distinguish the persons to whom this promise belongs? If there be but one who answers to this description, it becomes the minister of the Gospel to give to him all the comfort and encouragement which this most precious promise is capable of giving. If there be but one, who, under a conviction of his own weakness and guilt, is humbly waiting upon CHRIST for strength and peace, and if he ask,

To whom these blessings are promised?' Let it be instantly replied, to Him.'"Thou art the man." To thee this promise is given. Through fear that thou art not one of the LORD's people thou mayest perhaps distrust thy interests, in the blessBut distrust it not. If thou wert not one of the LORD's people, thou wouldest have no desire for these blessings. If the LORD had not given to thee a heart to seek strength and peace of Him, thou wouldest not be seeking them. And because thou seekest, thou shalt find. Be then of good

ings.

*Psalm li. 8.

cheer. "Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees." In thyself thou art weak and helpless, surrounded with mány enemies, exposed to many trials, engaged in many conflicts. But fear not. The Lord will be thy strength. Let a sense of thy weakness lead thee to depend more humbly and entirely upon him; and thou shalt experience the truth of the apostle's words, "When I am weak, then I am strong."-The Lord" will also bless thee with Peace." He has already made thy peace with GOD; and if he have not already shed abroad a sense of it in thy heart, yet hereafter he will certainly do it. If thou canst not at present look up to GOD with a comfortable persuasion of being at peace with him; yet tarry thou the Lord's leisure, and he will not leave thee comfortless. "Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to know the Lord." * Be satisfied that all thy concerns are in the hands of infinite wisdom, mercy, and love. The Lord best knows for what reason he delays to fulfil his word to thee. But in due time he will fulfil it. Sooner or later he "will restore comfort to the mourners." He will extend peace to thee, like a river." In the mean time, bear in mind the direction of