THINGS HARD ΤΟ BE

UNDERSTOOD.

influence of a spirit of unbelief, through which, to the pain of his

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I THANK YOU much for requesting me again to consider the sum and substance of the 73rd Psalm; and I must say, it is full of godly consolation to every sin-burthened, and satan-tormented saint, inasmuch as it plainly exhibits the wretched state of feeling we may fall into, even after we have tasted the Lord to be gracious, felt the power of his salvation, and rejoiced in the anticipation, that when absent from the body, we shall be present with the Lord. Not that there is any thing in these God-dishonoring feelings worthy to glory in, but as light makes manifest darkness, so by these discoveries of the deep-rooted depravity of our hearts, we are taught experimentally the fact, that without Christ, and the power of his grace, we cannot do any thing but sin, murmur, and rebel. My sister, in this world of anxieties and constant changes, it is a great mercy to know, that all our times of sorrow, as well as of joy, and peace in believing, are in that covenant of grace, which is ordered in all things and sure; so, that,

"Not a single shaft can hit,

Till the God of love see fit."

You will recollect, the dear Redeemer on one occasion said, In the world ye shall have tribulation ;" from this there can be no exception, for if we escape chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are we bastards, and not sons." David, although king of Israel, yet as a saint of the most High, had to do business in deep waters; hence we hear him say, "Deep calleth unto deep, at the noise of thy water spouts; all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me;" and sometimes was left to sink under the wretched

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lips. To this he alludes in the Psalm referred too; and sure I am, every one who knows the plague of his heart, feels something of what this man of God did, when he said. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart; but as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped." This may refer, not only to the many snares and gins laid for our feet by the great adversary of souls, from which we have been strangely deliv ered by the interposing power of him who hath said, "Sing ye unto her a vineyard of red wine, I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every mo ment; lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day," I have now in my recollection, many circumstances of extreme peril, in which I should have fallen an unhappy victim to some besetting sin, or have been overcame either by the violent assault or the secret influence of the prince of darkness, had it not have been for the gracious and timely interposition of that dear Saviour, who in the days of his flesh was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted by the devil; who

"Bore all incarnate God could bear, With strength enough, and none to spare,"

But, my sister, I find the most painful of all exercises, arises out of our own depraved hearts: this is a fountain from whence issues every evil, with which our fallen humanity is afflicted; so that even after that we have been called by grace, and in some happy degree, had our fellowship with the Father, and with his Son, Christ Jesus; our spirits have often been bowed down to the dust, by the inward strugglings of the flesh and of the Spirit, so that we cannot do the thing that we would. My sister, your experience of late has been of this character, and not

able to distinguish clearly between the works of the flesh, and the works of the Spirit, you have hastily concluded, you have neither part nor lot with the dear children of God; "but think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, as though some strange thing had happened unto you:" for remember, you are only partaking of the same sufferings which are accomplished in your brethren in the world, by which you are fitted and prepared to every good word and work. Have you never been under some peculiar and trying dispensation of divine providence, as the psalmist was, when he said, "I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked; for there is no bands in their death, but their strength is firm; their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish; whilst the people of God return hither, and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them;" And not only so, but Satan, united with our own hearts, have much to do, in perverting the dispensations of divine providence, by which, we not only pain and wound our own souls, but cast a reflection upon the faithfulness of our covenant keeping God, who bath promised, to guide us by the skilfulness of his hand, and to bring us home to the full enjoyment of his blessed presence, when we shall behold his face in righteousness, and be satisfied by awaking up in his glorious likeness.

I have frequently found when I have attempted to measure the love of God towards me, by the outward events of his providence, that a spirit of discontentment and rebellion have been fostered, and ere I have been aware, have evinced every feeling unworthy the christian character, cherished a despairing spirit, accompanied as it is sure to be with rebellion of soul, and hardness of heart. I confess to you again, that when my spirit has been sinking under the weight and pressure of outward trials,

the easy and flowery path of the wicked has often perplexed and confounded me. Indeed, when I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into God's sanctuary, then understood 1 their end; and have said,

"Lord, what an envious fool I was,
How like a thoughtless beast;
Thus to suspect thy promised grace
And think the wicked blest."

My sister, I presume it is no unusual thing with the children of God, when tried and harrassed with the things of this world, for the flesh to murmur and rebel against the allotments of divine providence, and like Jonah to say, "I do well to be angry, even unto death;" but, oh, how very gracious the Lord overrules these wretched feelings, for the promotion of our spiritual welfare, and to make unto himself an everlasting name. Hence follows, such a feeling discov. ery of nature's ruin, and entire help. lessness, as to bring us down into the dust of humiliation, confessing that we have sinned and come short of the glory of God, whose favour is better than life. I can well remember a period in my history, when in an unexpected moment I experienced a complete wreck in my earthly prospects, and feared I should be swallowed up in the midst of the storm. Satan was now very busy, and successful in his cruel suggestions, whilst a thousand frightful things my own misgiving heart conjectured, causing me to fear I should sink to rise no more for ever; but, oh how timely is delivering mercy! just as I was about giving up all for lost, the hand of love and power was stretched out, and my soul escaped as from the snare of the fowler.

"Just as a hen, protects her brood,

From birds of prey that seek their blood, Under her feathers, so the Lord Makes his own arm his people's guard."

Methinks, my sister is no stranger

to this experience, but can set her seal to the truth, that when this merciful interposition takes place, the soul is immediately humbled under the mighty hand of God; and oh, what a child-like feeling is produced, what a holy dependence upon the Lord springs up in the soul, whilst every feeling and request may be comprised in this one sentence, Lord, thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation." Indeed, when I consider the frowardness of our hearts, how naturally inclined to forsake the fountain of living waters, I am sure it is a great mercy, yea, it is all mercy, to be under the discipline of our heavenly Father, who alone teacheth to profit.

"Blest be the sorrow, kind the storm

That drives me nearer home."

Seeing then that such things are plain matters of fact, I am sure it would add much to our happiness, if we did but view every dispensation in the light of the Holy Spirit, instead of sense and carnal reason; then, many a heart-ache would be prevented, and God our heavenly Father would be glorified by us, even in the fires; but the truth is, we are absolute dependants, we cannot command the exercise of faith when and how and under what circumstances we please; no, verily this is the gift of God, and when he speaks to the soul, all opposing principles give way, and Christ becomes, in a way of enjoyment, all our salvation and desire. It is true, when left to ourselves, we attempt, and vainly suppose we can manage our own affairs, and by a round of duties to keep our souls alive; but alas, we are soon wearied in the midst of the way, our strength is felt to be perfect weakness; then, and not till then do we cleave to the Rock Christ for the want of a shelter; and, oh, what a mercy it is, that in the season of the deepest distress, we are not discarded and forbidden to

cherish the expectation, that we still shall live to praise redeeming mercy, when mortality with all its cares and sorrows are done away for ever. Hence, when the Lord returns to bless our sin-distressed and way worn spirits, faith in the blood of atonement springs up in the soul; and then, like those who have felt the resurrection power of the Son of God, we can in some happy measure say,

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory; for, whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon the earth I desire besides thee: when flesh and heart faileth, God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."

LINES TO A TRIED MINISTER.

MAY Jesus enliven your soul,
His glorious truths to proclaim;
The wonders of Calvary tell,

The cause of thy Jesus maintain :
Though thousands of hirelings arise,
Who care not for Jesus's sheep,
The truth of the Lord they despise,
The people in bondage they keep.

Free grace is the theme of your song,
Unto the election of grace,
And thou shalt in glory, ere long,
Behold thy dear Lord face to face :
And when thou art called to thy rest,
This honour will Jesus bestow,
Thy people through grace he hath blest,
In heaven above thou shalt know.

They shall be the crown of thy joy
In the heaven of heavens above,
Where sin shall no more thee annoy,
For thou shalt e'er rest in his love:
All glory to Jesus's name,
Who made you his servant below,
And honoured his truth you proclaim
And life to the dead did bestow.

And though now your pathway may lie
Through much tribulation below,
And foes from without now you try,
As through pov'rty's vale you do go:
The devil in malice may rage,
And harrass without and within,
The scourge of the tongue too engage,
Yet rise now and triumph o'er him.

The Lord in his kindness hath said,
"No weapon's that formed against thee,
Can prosper;" he shall thee defend,
Thy shield and thy buckler he'll be:
Yea,
every tongue," he hath said,
"That riseth in judgment 'gainst you,
Sure utterly shall be contemned,"
And you o'er them all triumph too.

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This honour God's servants all have,
A glorious heritage this;

The servants of Satan may rave,
Yet short is their season of bliss:
The Lord shall thy foes overthrow,
And drive them to hell with his rod;
They shall in that dread pit of woe
Experience the justice of God:

Unless the Lord brings them to crave
Forgiveness of him ere they die,
For Jesus is mighty to save
All those who for mercy apply:
That mercy to those he 'll bestow
Who cry now for mercy indeed;
He saveth from sin and from woe,
Dear Jesus that mercy I need.

Go on, christian soldier, go on,
The banner of Jesus unfold;
Salvation by grace is your song,
To sinners who Jesus behold:
The hypocrite's mask tear aside,
The empty professor display ;
The Lord by his word shall provide
And bring back his people who stray.

May mourners in Zion receive
For mourning the rich oil of joy ;
And sinners be brought to believe
In Jesus, whom nought can destroy :
May streams from that river flow down
That gladdens the city of God;
The lost too, whom Jesus hath found,
Be brought now to rest in his blood.

Remember the words of St. Paul,
He spake by the Holy Ghost too,
May Jesus be all and in all,
In all that you think, say or do :
The ministry thou didst receive,
Take heed in the Lord to fulfil,
For Jesus, in whom you believe,
Shall shortly accomplish his will.

Soon, soon will your labour be o'er,
Your trials and conflicts shall cease
For ever, on Canaan's bright shore,
Where nothing shall trouble your peace:
May I, a poor sinner, indeed
Be one of that glorified band,
Whom Jesus for ever hath freed
From sin, and before the throne stand.

Free grace is the anthem above,
Of glorified spirits in heaven;
For ever they rest in his love,
While glory to Jesus is given :
To Him that hath loved us, they say,
Redeemed us to God by his blood:
Hath washed too our sins all away,
We're made kings and priests unto God.

And soon we for ever shall reign
With Jesus our glorified Head,

"He knoweth the way I take, and when he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold."

He knows the way I take

When trials press me down, But Jesus never will forsake, Although he seem to frown.

He knows the way I take

When all is dark within, When Satan and his host annoy, And stir up inbred sin.

He knows the way I take

When I attempt to pray,

But find the heavens are like to brass,
And bring my wants away.

He knows the way I take,

When I bemoan in sighs,

And though no answer I obtain,
In mercy he denies.

He knows the way I take

When in his word I look,

And find, to my excessive grief,
It is a sealed book.

He knows the way I take

When I am full of fear,

And kindly whispers, Do not doubt, On me cast all thy care.

He knows the way I take

When faith is sorely tried

And from the fire will bring me forth Like gold that's purified.

MARY.

LINES ON THE DEATH OF A DEARLY BELOVED MOTHER.

SHE came to the verge of the border flood,
But dark and drear was the river,
And when her petitions ascended to God,
No arm seemed nigh to deliver:

A shelterless future seemed spread to her eye,
The accuser alone seemed near her;
The fearful array of the judgment day,
And no Intercessor to hear her.

Her children stood round her dying bed,
The teardrops of grief restraining,

Intently watching each word she said,

And her aching brow sustaining:
To lose a mother so loved, so dear,
Seemed every joy obscuring;
But to see her depart with a sorrowing heart,
Was a woe beyond enduring.

And he, her companion in woe and in weal,
United in grief and in gladness,
Plucked leaves from the Tree that was plan-
ted to heal,

Concealing his bosom's sadness.

Oh, precious the promise the Scriptures record,

To soothe in such seasons of sighing; An encouraging word, with a Thus saith the Lord,

And the Comforter sweetly applying.

But hush, a soft slumber hath sealed up her eye,

The throb and the anguish suspending; Oh, who shall declare what was then passing by,

What visions of glory descending! No dark apprehension when wakening again, No terrors the future surrounded, But with sparkling eye and ecstatic cry, Her victory song she sounded.

"I thought," she exclaimed, "in the shadowy vale,

My Saviour's aid obtaining,

Though feeble I should in the conflict pre

vail,

And now he comes sustaining: Subsided now hath every fear,

The darkness all hath vanished,

And the accuser now, with his shameless brow,

By Immanuel's smile is banished.”

"Bold shall I stand in that great day,"
She said, (the hymn reciting,)
"I'm ready now to launch away,
I see my Lord inviting:
Yonder he sits on his glorious throne,

And soon shall I bow before him,
Soon join the song of the angel throng,
And with golden harp adore him."