mingled with love and gentleness toward the of fender, as to show that it is right zeal for God, and not the triumph of party, for which it is exerted.

A third occasion is, when we suffer under the immediate chastisement of God. It is his wise infliction. He never afflicts us but for our good. We drink from the cup of the Master, and are baptized with the baptism of all his most faithful followers. How patiently, then, should we endure with such a guardian, and such sympathy! Heaven is an unspeakably rich reward, worth infinitely more than we can suffer in reaching it, or than we must suffer to be fitted for it. It is of the mercy of God, that we are not now suffering in hell. Let us, then, reckoning "that the sorrows of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed," and remembering that "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps," "be patient in tribulation.”

Another occasion is, when we are called to labour long in the cause of God, with little or no success. This is certainly among the most severe trials to which the Christian is subject. Yet it is one in which he is not alone. It was the experience of Noah, and all the prophets. It was the experience of the Master himself. "He was despised and rejected of men;" yet he was faithful unto death. His reward did come, though the travail of his soul was long. It is our privilege, as well as duty, to labour; it is God's office to give the increase of our work. Shall we dictate to

.

him how he should manage his own cause? The true soul labours not for personal success, but for God's glory. That glory is sure. It is His own. In his own time and in his own way he will accomplish it. He will not ask whether we were successful, but whether we were faithful. It is by patient continuance in well-doing that we attain to glory and honour. us, then, trust God in

Let

the darkness as well as in the light, in the winter

as well as in the summer, the seed time as well as the harvest. "Be not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." It is the Lord's cause; let us then "commit our way unto him, and he will bring it to pass." "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience."

To cultivate this grace of long-suffering, let us look for the influences of that Holy Spirit, sent by the God of patience for the sake of the patient Jesus, who alone can work it in our hearts.

Let us meditate much upon the Holy Scriptures, which contain so many proofs of God's faithfulness to his patient people, and such rich promises of eternal recompense for our trials.

Let us delight in anticipating our heavenly rest, that its hope may cheer us under present trial.

Let us guard against every rising of impatience, and account ourselves unfaithful, disrespectful and rebellious, until we can, like little children, sustain

ed by our Father's arms, rest ourselves and all our anxieties upon his loving bosom.

So may we come to share in the joys of those who came out of great tribulation, and cast our crowns of glory at the feet of the patient Lamb that was slain, but now liveth and reigneth ever

more.

VI.

GENTLENESS.

PERHAPS no grace is less prayed for, or less cultivated, than gentleness. Indeed, it is considered rather as belonging to natural disposition, or external manners, than as a Christian virtue; and seldom do we reflect that not to be gentle, is sin. Yet here we find it among "the fruits of the Spirit." James also, when he describes “the wisdom from above," says, "it is first pure, then peaceable, gentle." Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, when he appeals to them in the name of Him who was the incarnation of that divine wisdom, and the example of Christian character, beseeches "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." And David long before, while blessing God for his