Do we say then, that events such as those to which we are now alluding, are not to be felt at all by the real Christian? Do we say that smiles instead of tears should be the accompaniments of a Christian's funeral?—Not so, my brethren, but we say that it is the Christian's privilege to see his friends go down into the tomb with feelings in which no other man can share with regret doubtless for the temporary separation which must intervene, but at the same time, in the sure and certain hope of a resurrection to eternal life, and of a re-union in that life for ever.

It cannot be necessary to point out to you in detail, the manner in which Christianity destroys the power of the various other distresses and misfortunes, with which human life abounds-making the bitter sweet, and raising up light in the darkness. You well know, that it has its appropriate remedy for every particular case, and that this is the great fountain from which all its consolations springnamely, from the consideration that man

was created for eternity, and that everything which can befal him in this portion of his existence, is intended to fit and prepare him for his removal into the next. He knows that he must be tried like as silver is tried, and if each successive ordeal renders the metal purer, by removing some defilement, purging away some dross, he receives it with thankfulness instead of repining. It serves only to exalt him more and more in heart and affection unto that place whither Christ his Saviour is gone before; and consequently, removes him more and more continually above the remaining trials, which are yet appointed for him. In short, he seems to have acquired a share of that power over the world and its evils, which Christ promised should be exhibited in the first converts, 66 These signs shall follow them that believe-in my name they shall cast out devils-they shall speak with new tongues-they shall take up serpents-and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them!."

Again, I ask, my brethren, how far have we availed ourselves of this our invaluable privilege ?-Do we perceive that it really is our privilege ?-Do we feel that in the victory over the world which Christ has permitted us to share with him, is included a victory over sorrow of every kind? Can we take the spoiling of our goods cheerfully-can we endure the pains and infirmities of the body patiently -can we see with pious resignation the removal of our friends?-At all events, what progress have we made towards this perfect acquiescence in the divine will? Grieve we must, in some degree, while we are upon earth. So long as we are in the world we shall have tribulation : but how is that tribulation received, how is it borne ?-Let me suggest this to you, my brethren, as an useful practical test of your religious condition. If we find (as it is most probable we every one of us shall find) that in neither of the points we have been examining, is the state of our hearts what we could wish it to be,— if the temptations that are in the world,

still continue to assault, and not unfrequently conquer us-if the sorrow of the world weigh down our spirits with despondency and gloom-let us meditate more carefully upon the scheme of the Gospel, and endeavour to appreciate more fully the advantages it has placed within our reach. Let us remember, that though we once were the slaves of sin, being fast bound in misery and iron, yet, that now the prison doors have been unlocked, the fetters struck from our limbs, and a path of peace opened to us, in which it is our own fault, if we do not walk securely.

Let us think of him, who has trod the path before us, and has sent the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, to lead us on the way. Depend upon it, my brethren, there is much meaning in that promise."I will not leave you comfortless-I will come to you 1." The world, indeed, may neither know it, nor see it-and therefore, receive none of the consolation it

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conveys.-Yet, though the world see Christ no more, we may see him if we will love him and keep his commandments. We shall find that he will manifest himself to us-we shall perceive daily more and more fully, the magnitude of the plan which has been conceived and executed for our redemption. fact, we shall comprehend what the word redemption means-we shall feel that Christ hath spoken such things, that in him we must have peace—that however and to whatever extent the world may bring tribulation, yet shall we be always of good cheer, because we shall know that Christ hath overcome the world.