contained in the Holy Scriptures; these ought to be meat and drink, a refreshing draught and a sustaining cordial to us all; but sometimes a simple, short observation, though lisped by a stammering tongue, or written by a very indifferent scribe, may be of service. If then you happen to be afflicted, perhaps you will dwell with me for a moment on the words, It will not be so always.

There are very few of God's people who have not some open or some secret affliction; for the words, "In the world ye shall have tribulation," John xvi. 33, are not a figure of speech, but a literal truth. A man may have hidden troubles, as well as hidden treasures, in his strong box, that no one knows of but himself; and this may be your case. We conceal our infirmities and our afflictions, oftentimes, more jealously than we hide our money bags.

Are they not animating words to say to the blind: "Cheer up fellow-pilgrim, for your eyes are about to be opened?" To the lame: "Take courage, the use of your limbs will be soon restored, and you will be enabled to run without weariness, and to walk without fainting? Are they not enough to make the one and the other sing for joy? Why, then, should not you sing?" 'The time is short;" "the kingdom of heaven is at hand;" you are in trial, but It will not be so always.

Whether you are afflicted in the sight or the sinews, the head or the heel; whether you are groping as the poor ass, hobbling about like the poor horse, or not even able to hobble at all, no matter. Whatever may be your troubles, whether afflicted in mind, body, or estate, take courage, I say, It will not be so always.

What are our troubles of yesterday to us to-day? And what will those of to-day be to us to-morrow? But you may think that your troubles are peculiar. Well, what of that? God's people are a peculiar people, and have peculiar support; no wonder that their troubles should be peculiar also. Dwell not upon them, but look forward to peculiar joys. These light afflictions-heavy though we think them-spring not forth of the dust. They are weighed in the balance, and are not a scruple too light or too heavy for your taste. Whether for a moment,

"The heart is mournful, or with rapture glows,

Love holds the scale that metes our joys and woes." Bear then, your afflictions patiently, submissively, acquiescently your trouble may be weighty, but It will not be so always.

If we did but know what our afflictions defend us from, as well as we know what they bring upon us, we should be more reconciled to have them for companions. They may give us pain, and yet be

so blessed as to afford us peace. They may give a gloom to time, and yet impart a glory to eternity. I have some friends now, whose afflictions I put into my prayers; not that they may be removed, for that might or might not be a blessing; but that they may be among the "all things" that work together for the good of God's people.

When I began these homely observations, I hoped to make them better worth your acceptance, but I have found, before now, to my mortification, that strong sympathy has oftentimes none but very weak language at its command. You must give me credit for my thoughts being better than my words; and taking what comfort you can under your afflictions, from the remembrance that It will not be so always, look steadily, hopefully, and trustfully to the God of all consolation, who hath said, "Even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs I will carry you," Isa xlvi. 4. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," Heb. xiii. 5.

ON STRONG EMOTIONS.

THERE are some who pass through the changing scenes of life with the same moderate excitement as that with which they go through the changing seasons of the year. They feel joy, and experience sorrow; but their emotions are not strong, and rarely is a tear of rapture, or of grief, seen glittering in their eyes. This is no doubt the case with, by far, the greater part of mankind.

There are others, of a more susceptible sort, more tremblingly alive to the touch of pleasure and pain, of joy and grief; and these manifest stronger emotions. Whether it be an advantage, or the contrary, to possess keen sensibility and strong emotions, is a question on which different opinions are entertained; but all will, perhaps, agree in this, that strong feelings should ever be subject to strong control. For myself, I am subject to strong excitement; let me question how it is with you. I will try you on many points. Should you ask me what advantages will be de

rived from my questionings, it may be, that I shall hardly be prepared with an answer; but it suits the feeling of the moment; and therefore, as I wish, at one time or other, to have a word with all kinds of readers, let an old man have his way.

Have you, with mysterious joy, held communion with the elements, walked abroad with the winds, and gazed on the glowing creation, as on the gift of God? Have you looked on a leaf and a flower, until your heart has leaped with transport? Have you fixed your enraptured eyes on the silvery clouds of heaven, till they appeared to be angels' thrones ranged round the celestial sanctuary of the Eternal ? Have you listened to the blustering blast whirling through the forest trees, till it has seemed laden with mysterious and dear delight? Has your bosom heaved with undefinable sublimity, when the brooding tempest has hovered in the heavens till you have yearned for the climax, the descending deluge, the earthshaking roar of the thunder, and the soul-arresting fiery flash of the living lightning?

Have you, "afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted," burdened with care, and bowed down with a sense of your unworthiness, ever opened the word of God, yearning after consolation, as the hart thirsteth after the water