in him, is greater than he who is in the world. Jesus, who vanquished Satan in our nature, by his Spirit, destroys the power of the adversary in the hearts of his people. Thus, he enables them to rise superior to all their trials, through his grace which is sufficient for them. In tribulation the child of God experiences many sweet tokens of his heavenly Father's care. His sick chamber is the abode of grace, mercy, and peace. The bright beams of hope dispel the gloom which gathers round the grave, and raises his enraptured soul far above a sorrowing world. At such a season of unspeakable delight, his heart is loosened from every earthly tie, and in the language of the exulting apostle, he can say, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Thus affliction has a two-fold effect. Like the wintry blast, it kills the noxious weeds of lust, pride, and covetousness; while, like the genial warmth of summer, it cherishes all the kindly graces of the Spirit, humility, purity, and love. Many persons are apt to imagine that if they are not deeply afflicted, in some way or other, they cannot be the children of God. We see instances, however, of excellent characters passing through life with comparatively few trials, and yet maintaining a peculiar spirituality of mind. There is certainly no necessary connexion between affliction and resignation; or prosperity and gratitude. When adversity meets a man destitute of grace, it stirs up within him a rebellious spirit against the moral government of God; or at least, it calls forth his natural corruption into more active operation. When prosperity pours its profusion upon an unconverted person, it tends to foster all the evils of pride, insolence, and independence; so that the man almost forgets that he is mortal, a being accountable to his Maker. It is grace alone which makes all the real difference between one man and another. "By the grace of God," said St Paul, "I am what I am." And to the Corinthians he adduced this argument as a ground for humility: "Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou, that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it ?" We may therefore conclude, that when affliction renders a man humble, and resigned to the will of God; when it tends to wean him from the world, and produces a change in his whole spirit and conduct; it is, because the God of all grace is employing it as a mean, whereby to lead him to deep consideration; and through the accompanying power of the Spirit, to true repentance, faith, and holiness. So, when in prosperity the heart expands with benevolence; when a man is cheerfully employed in diffusing a portion of that comfort around him which he himself enjoys; when he is labouring to glorify his Redeemer, by aiding those institutions which have for their object the dissemination of divine truth; when he is led to consider himself as a steward of the manifold gifts of God; and when all this is accompanied with true humility, unostentaciousness, and self-denial: then we may safely conclude that God has blessed his basket and his store; that all his fruitfulness is the effect of grace alone, and not the natural consequence of mere worldly abundance. How precious then is the grace of God! Natural evils are converted into spiritual blessings, when thus sanctified by divine grace; and without this grace, natural blessings, such as health, plenty, friends, and influence, become snares and excitements to sin and rebellion. O then, let me ever pray for grace to use both affliction and prosperity aright. me this inestimable treasure. Lord, impart unto grace, thou givest thyself: "Thyself, of all thy gifts the crown. Be still, my soul, and know the Lord, Thy path is strewed with piercing thorns; Soon shall the painful conflict cease; Soon shall the raging storm be o'er; Soon shalt thou reach the realm of peace, There shall thy joy for ever flow, In one unbroken stream of bliss; LVI. ON THE CHARACTER OF MARTHA AND MARY. WITH what beautiful simplicity is the interview between Jesus and the sisters of Lazarus related by St Luke, in the 10th chapter of his Gospel. How gentle and yet how forcible is the reproof, which our Lord gave to Martha. How gracious the testimony which he bore to the piety of Mary. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and heard his words. Happy and favoured station! She sat at the feet of him who is infinite wisdom, and heard with teachableness and delight, those gracious truths which proceeded from his lips. The Lord inclined her heart, as he did Lydia's, to attend unto the things which he spake unto her. His words fell like good seed into a soil prepared by sovereign grace, and brought forth the blessed fruits of righteousness. Martha was cumbered with much serving, and careful about many things. Her mind was ruffled at the apparent inattention of Mary, who had left her to serve alone. But Jesus, instead of reproving, bestows his commendation on Mary's conduct; since he came to their house, not for the purpose of feasting himself with their earthly dainties, but to feast them with the delicious truths of Gospel grace. and sprang This family picture is often exhibited in the Christian world. We are naturally more inclined to the bustle of religious occupations, than the retired devotional exercises of meditation and prayer. Martha's hospitality was in itself commendable, from love to her Saviour: but the hurried state of her mind, and the neglect of a precious season for spiritual improvement, were highly reprehensible. She forgot her own spiritual wants; and the great object of Christ's visit. She was cumbered with much serving. Her spirit got ruffled. An improper feeling carried her away beyond the bounds of affection and decorum. She even interrupted our Lord in his discourse with Mary, and wished him to dismiss her with a suitable reproof for neglecting her household concerns. "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." The reproof, however, unexpectedly fell upon herself. "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." This faithful admonition, was no doubt GG sanctified to her; for "Jesus loved Martha, and he. sister, and Lazarus." We cannot contemplate this family scene without being struck with the value of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. A mind active and ardent, alive to neglect, and susceptible of irritation, is generally admired by the world, as indicative of a noble spirit; whilst a retired, noiseless, yet humble and obedient frame of heart is ridiculed or despised, as low and unmanly. But the Lord seeth not as man seeth. Man looketh at the outward appearance, but God looketh at the heart. That which is highly esteemed amongst men, is an abomination in the sight of God. Like Mary, I too am privileged to sit at Jesus' feet; for when I read the Holy Scriptures, I read the word of Jesus. When I hear the Gospel faithfully preached, I hear the Gospel of Jesus. With what reverence then should I listen to the words of eternal truth: with what delight should I receive the glad tidings of salvation, proclained by him who came down from heaven to seek and to save that which was lost and who hath graciously declared, that all who look unto him, who come unto him, who receive him, and believe in his name, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. : Lord, give me faith, and hope, and love, that all my affections may be fixed upon thee; and my whole life devoted to thy glory. But alas! how often do I resemble Martha! Daily do I need her salutary reproof. The various occupations and businesses of life; the multiplied cares and anxieties about earthly things; nay, even the very labours required in actively conducting religious institutions, have a tendency, without great watchfulness and prayer, to weary, the spirits; to clog the wheels of the mind in |