This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. V. PRACTICAL ADDRESS. There are many who make themselves needlessly unhappy on account of dreams. There are such a variety of dreams that it is impossible to describe them all. Night dreams are very different from each other, and some may admit of a pe. culiar interpretation. Some dreams are full of terror and confusion, others are pleasant and delightful. How a person dreams we cannot easily tell. Some persons have had very remarkable dreams which have left a deep impression upon their minds, which have not only led to a change of conduct but a change of heart. "In a dreâm, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumbering upon the bed; then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction.”Jacob's dream was full of instruction, full of consolation and encouragement to a man in his circumstances, and we find that it made a very deep impression upon his mind. He remembered it all his life. It is likely he never had such a sweet sleep or such a remarkable dream afterwards. Children may have to tra vel alone as Jacob did, in an unknown road to an unknown place, without any one to bear them company, without any one to guide them by the way. They may be benighted. They may be obliged to lay down and sleep on the ground as Jacob did. Never mind, put your trust in Jacob's God, and though you may not have Jacob's dream to comfort and encourage you, yet you will have Jacob's God to protect you. Seek his protection and the pardon of all your sins through Jesus Christ, by earnest prayer, and then you may lie down and sleep as soundly and safely as if you were in a house surrounded by soldiers or servants to take care of you. We ought to take notice of those dreams that warn us to repent of sin and seek for pardon. Disobedient children do not dream that they are obedient. Careless and inattentive children do not dream that they are attentive to their books or to the instructions of their parents and teachers. Lying children do not dream that they are tell ling the truth. No, they often dream that they are found out and punished for their falsehood and mischief. Wicked children are always terri” fied by their dreams. Good children some. times dream of good things, that God loves them, that Christ smiles upon them, that they are going to heaven. I recollect when a boy about nine years of age, I dreamed that the day of Judgment was come, and I thought the Judge asked the person to whose school I then went, what sort of a boy I was? And he replied, I think he will do; or I think he will pass. I awoke in great fear, the dream made a deep impression on my mind. Wherever we are, we may meet with God. Jacob was surprised to find that God was there. He had no expectation of finding God there. God is every where, Awake, asleep, at home, abroad, You are surrounded still with God. Consent to sin, for God is there. Watts. Remember Jacob's dream, seek to have Jacob's God for your God. The Angels which he saw, for your guardian angels. Pray that God will be with you wherever you are. That he would would be your guide and go with you wher ever you go. That he would bring thee safe to heaven at last. That he may never eave thee, nor forsake thee in life or at death; in affliction or health, in poverty or prosperity. Pray that he may be your guide even unto death, and your God for ever and ever. Amen. A HYMN. Jacob's Ladder. Gen. 28. 12. IF the Lord our leader be, We may follow without fear, East or West, by land or sea, Home with him is ev'ry where. When from Esau Jacob fled Tho' his pillow was a stone, And the ground his humble bed, Yet he was not left alone. Kings are often waking kept, Rack'd with cares on beds of state, Never king like Jacob slept, For he lay at heaven's gate. Lo! he saw a ladder rear'd, Fear not, Jacob, thou art mine, Till I have accomplish'd all. Newton. (See Olney's Hymns. |