scribable anguish, eternal despair. condition! Tremendous destiny! portion!

Awful

Woful

Reader! are you a wise son? Is your soul set upon obtaining salvation? On obtaining it in God's way? Are you seeking it now? Are you determined to enjoy no rest until you rest in Christ? Salvation is the one object we should pursue until we enjoy it; and then, being saved, we should endeavour to glorify God to the uttermost, for the salvation he has so freely bestowed. Are you an unwise son? You have had convictions, but have you stifled them? You have felt concern, but have you drowned it in worldly pleasures or cares? You have been urged to repent, but have you rejected the admonition? Have you delayed and lingered? Remember Lot's wife. She lingered on the plain and perished. Have you become hardened in sin? O fearful state! But think again. You are, yet not beyond the reach of hope. You are not yet rejected by mercy. The gospel still calls to you, the strait gate may be passed by you, the way of salvation is open to you, Jesus is willing to save you. Let me beseech you in God's stead to be reconciled to him. His mercy is great

unto the heavens, and his faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. He will pardon all your iniquities, he will pass by all your transgressions, he will receive you into a father's arms, and press you to a father's heart. He glorifies his grace, exalts his mercy, and confirms his word in the experience of every coming sinner; and he will do so in you, if you come to him with confession and supplication. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John i. 9). You have been once more warned, shall it be in vain? You are once more invited to Jesus, will you still refuse? God's testimony has been once more delivered to you, will you again reject it? Have you no fear of hell? Have you no pity for your own soul? Have you no desire for heaven? Have you made up your mind to perish in your sin? Do you say there is no hope? But there is hope. There is certainty, for he that believeth in Jesus shall be saved, be he who he may; and if you believe in Jesus you shall be saved without doubt. Trust in him, in him alone, and salvation is yours. Trust in any one, or in any thing else, and you are eternally undone.

COUNSEL AND COMFORT.

"Hope thou in God."-Ps. xlii. 5. ELLOW-CHRISTIAN, we live in trying times. Nations are convulsed, thrones totter, crowns fall, confusion reigns, and men's hearts are failing them for fear. We cannot but feel; but we ought not to fear. There is enough to make us watch and pray, but not enough to deject or cast us down. The Lord reigneth. Our Saviour has all power in heaven and in earth. He directs every event, and will overrule every occurrence for the fulfilment of his word, and the good of his beloved people. "He worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." Men may rage, infidels may blaspheme, professors may murmur, and real Christians may be filled with alarm; but He says, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." The Lord sitteth above the water-floods, he remaineth King for ever. Therefore, let no man's heart fail him. Let us look to the divine word. Let us look out for the Lord's hand. There

is the bow of mercy in every cloud; but only the eye of faith can discern it.

Are

Beloved, are you passing through storms, tempests, and trials? Hope in God, whatever your trial may be. Are you sick? He will make your bed, and sanctify your pain. Are you poor? He will answer your prayers, and supply your need. Are you sorrowful? He will comfort you, and give you joy for your sorrow. you tempted? He will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able to bear. Are you bereaved? He will be better to you than ten children. He will be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow. He is a friend that loveth at all times, and ever lives to manifest his friendship. Are you in perplexity? He will bring the blind by a way which they knew not, and make your way plain before you. Do you fancy your trials are singular? He assures you that no temptation hath taken you but such as is common to men, and he bids you not to think it strange concerning the fiery trial that is to try you.

Do

you doubt your interest in Jesus, and your title to the promises? Read his sweet invitations, cast yourself afresh into his arms, and still hope in his mercy. Whatever

may be your trial, whether inward or outward, personal or relative, spiritual or temporal, still "hope in God."

Hope, and do not fret, though the wicked prosper, and everything seems to be against you. Hope, and do not murmur ; for you have a thousand mercies more than you deserve, and more than some of your fellowpilgrims. Hope, and do not despond; for all things shall work together for your good; your God hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm. Hope, and do not forebode; for light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Hope, and do not complain; for your Lord forewarned you of all that has happened. He told you that in the world you should have tribulation, but in him you should have peace. Hope, and do not dread; no, not even death for he that hath delivered doth deliver, and he will yet deliver you. He hath delivered you in six troubles, and in seven he will not forsake you.

Hope in God; for he is gracious, merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. He is faithful to his word. He is full of love to his children. He is pledged by his word to be a father to you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you. He