SERMON XXVII.

CHRISTIANS CONSOLED UNDER ALL TRIALS AND

SUFFERINGS.

ROMANS, VIII. 28.-" We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God."

HAVING adverted to the spiritual comforts, and the many important privileges enjoyed by the christian converts, as the blessed result of their having embraced the Gospel, the Apostle addresses to the disciples at Rome, the consolatory assurance contained in the text-that, however oppressed by heavy and long continued afflictions, however assailed by temptations, from without and from within,-they might "know," of a certainty, that "all things" which occur in the dispensations of Providence, should, either in

their immediate, or more remote consequences, "work together" for real, everlasting "good, to them that" sincerely, and abidingly, "love God."

Now, there is a positiveness in this assertion of St. Paul, which claims our particular notice. He does not say it is probable that all events will conduce to the ultimate benefit of God's people; but he declares it to be certain. "We know," says he, "that all things work together for good, to them that love God."

By the expression "all things," it is evident from the context, we are to understand, chiefly, all kinds of trials or sufferings, of whatever nature they may be, and from whatever source they may arise-whether in temporal or spiritual concerns, whether they assail our bodies, or our minds, our property, our families or our friends: -whether they proceed from the devices of Satan, the deceitfulness of men, the power of the elements, or the other created agency of any

things.

Of this consolatory truth, many are the striking illustrations to be found in the Holy Scriptures. None, perhaps, more forcible, than in the history of the patriarch Joseph.

What trials did not he experience, which envy and malice could invent, or deliberate treachery perpetrate? Cast into a pit by his unnatural brethren; then sold as a slave and carried into a strange country; afterwards, thrown into

prison and confined for years, under a groundless charge. But, amidst all these trials, his sure trust was in God, and he was never left nor forsaken. No: not all the gloom of Egyptian dungeons, could shut out the heart-cheering beams of Jehovah's countenance, from his afflicted servant. No: even in his deepest humiliation, "the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy," and that which he did, "the Lord made it to prosper." And wonderfully indeed, were all his sufferings made to work together, both for his own good, and the essential benefit of his fellow creatures. They were instrumental in first presenting him to the notice and favour of Pharaoh by them, or rather by his conduct under them, he was proved worthy of the highest distinctions in his sovereign's court; till, at length, he was raised to the dignity of chief minister and governor over all the land of Egypt.

In this high station, great indeed was his reward for, not only had he the generous satisfaction, of rescuing from the horrors of famine, those cruel brothers, who had so barbarously turned a deaf ear to "the anguish of his soul," but, to crown his earthly happiness, after so many years of banishment, he was restored to the arms of his fond and aged parent; permitted to welcome his beloved father to the enjoyment of "the best of all the land of Egypt,"-to cheer and solace his declining days,—and, after

receiving his prophetic blessing, on himself, and on his children, and listening to the last-the dying commands, which Israel gave to his assembled sons, to see his aged sire depart in peace, surrounded by every comfort, Goshen's favoured region could bestow.

And here, let us not overlook the pious spirit, with which, in his prosperous days, Joseph recognised the merciful hand of Providence, through all his sufferings. Hear his generous endeavour to re-assure his "troubled," and conscience-stricken brothers,-and mark the divine source of the patriarch's generosity :-"Now therefore," says he, "be not grieved nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for, God did send me before you, to preserve life."

Now, brethren, if the divine mercy in chastisement, was thus acknowledged, by one to whom those promises were but dimly shadowed forth, which have beamed upon us, in all the lustre of the everlasting Gospel, what shall be said of nominal Christians, who "despise the chastening of the Lord, or faint when they are rebuked of him?" What! but that they acknowledge him indeed, "with their lips, while in works, they deny him."

But, farther to illustrate the doctrine of the text, let us glance over the history of Moses. Of that great prophet and lawgiver,—that distinguished prototype of Jesus, it is recorded, that,

three months after his birth, when his mother "could not longer hide him" from Pharaoh's cruel edict, he was exposed, "in the flags, by the river's brink." And we find from the sequel, that this very incident, which seemed to threaten his immediate destruction, proved, in the hands of God, the source of his future advancement. For, instead of becoming a victim to the devouring monsters with which the river abounded, he was found by a compassionate princess, who not only spared his life, but adopted him as her son, brought him up in all the learning of the Egyptians, and caused him to be distinguished in her father's court, where his agency was, afterwards, to become so highly important and beneficial.

Another memorable instance of the wonderworking hand of Providence, in rendering the most seemingly adverse circumstances, instrumental to the "good" of his faithful servants, is afforded in the early life of David,-emphatically called "the man after God's own heart."

At one time, striving for his life, in a desperate encounter with a lion and a bear;-then, sustaining what seemed a most unequal conflict, with a gigantic adversary, who, boastingly, threatened to "give his flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field :-afterwards, persecuted by the envious king, whom he had so heroically, so faithfully served;-and com