or prosper by a different course; God must still do every thing for them." In quietness and in confidence shall be their. strength."

It requires little observation to perceive that it must be so in outward things. History and experience speak the same language-"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill." Though we acknowledge it as a principle, that we may rely with confidence on the uniformity of the great processes of nature, and though we venture to depend upon certain results as sure to follow from certain causes, the business of life is so entangled, the relations in which we stand to one another are so complicated, we are affected by so many circumstances, over which we have no control, that all reflecting persons agree in regarding it as mere simplicity to reckon with certainty upon success in worldly undertakings. It is no doubt natural to expect that talents and industry will be rewarded with success, that

activity and enterprise will lead to fortune. But there is something more necessary for securing the happy result than the habits and faculties which make up the character of the actor. He must have a field to work in; he must labour in a favourable season; he must have to contend with no insurmountable obstacles. Unless these conditions are complied with, the most exquisite parts and the very best habits are in vain. Unless they have scope for their exercise, they will be excited in vain, and only expose their possessors to contempt and ridicule.

The world can find out thus much; and when it has attributed it all to chance, and talked about hazard and fortune, it is fain to regard the thing as sufficiently settled, and to throw the matter aside as curious indeed, but inexplicable. We have been taught to look somewhat higher, to see the finger of God in the marvellous web of human life. Whatever is done, we have learned to acknowledge Him as the doer of it. The sparrow does not fall to the ground without His providential interference; and

there is nothing, however insignificant, in which man is an agent, which is not arranged by his wisdom and power. In us, therefore, it is in violent contradiction to our principles to set ourselves to carve out our own fortunes. To be consistent, we must be content to leave the disposing of our condition to God: it is our duty to labour, and to eat our own bread in the situation in which He has placed us; and, indeed, to follow the course presented by Providence, but not to seek high things. Ambition, and a thirst for wealth, are not sanctioned by the Gospel; they are of the world.

"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." This is the maxim of religion: how wonderfully we see it verified! What a depth of wisdom there is in it! Look out upon life, and see who it is that are, in the long run, most successful. Is it the men of enterprise and unbounded activity? Is it the stirring and excitable persons, those who are most conspicuous in the busy competition? No: it is for the most part the tranquil and retiring; those

who make no display, and have least reliance on their own powers. The busy and obtrusive are continually giving place on the stage of life to the modest and unassuming. The brilliant fortunes of some, who appear for a time most favoured, only serve to call attention to their fall. The success which sometimes crowns the exertion of men of exuberant activity, only serves to tempt them to some act of rashness that will bring about their ruin, or to a negligence which will hinder their further advancement. The surest gains and the most certain advancement usually attend those who are content to go on slowly and steadily, without grasping at what is beyond their reach, or wasting their energies in unnecessary exertion. It is thus the principle works even among worldly men: when it is sanctified by being recognised as a point of duty, its influence is no less remarkable. The godly, who cannot engage on fair terms in the rivalry of the world, who keep aloof from it, and avoid it, pursuing peace with men, and exercising faith in God, are provided for, and not un

frequently even raised to prosperity. The world will despise them, and make a mock at them, if it condescends to notice them; but they are cherished and protected by their Father in heaven. A way is made for them when they see no opening for escape; they are strengthened when they have no earthly friend to uphold them; they are, as they advance, favoured with a more intimate consciousness of the Divine care. While others pity them, they are cheerful and happy, for in this "quietness and confidence" in God's providential care, "is their strength."

Still more apparent is the application of this sacred principle to what goes on in the Christian's soul. A work is to be accomplished there, greater than any thing which is effected upon brute matter. They that built the pyramids, achieved something infinitely less than the sanctification of a soul. In accomplishing this great work, no one can labour successfully, but in acting upon the principle conveyed in the text, "In quietness and in confidence is our strength." Excitement and self