dependence can do nothing. The work which has been begun by Divine mercy, must be carried on by the agency of God. We are to take heed that we throw in the way no obstacles by our rashness or despondency. If under a feeling of the importance of the work we have to do, we set about doing it in any way of our own, we only invite disappointment, and peril the very object which we have in view. There will always be those who, "being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, do not submit themselves unto the righteousness of God." They are suffering from a fearful delusion. There is only "one name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." We can obtain salvation only in the name of Jesus. The Gospel makes known to us the way in which we may obtain an interest in it. We have been united to Him, and if we will hold fast our profession, and follow his steps, our faith in Him is counted as righteousness. By availing ourselves of the means of grace, we have intercourse

with Him; we are furnished with grace sufficient for us; we shall be prepared to dwell with Him for ever. But it is only in faith, and in a dutiful and patient waiting upon Him, that we can obtain a blessing. We cannot extort his favour by pursuing any ways of our own devising. Not all the will-worship which was ever contrived by human ingenuity, can bring us nearer to heaven. We may perhaps be saved in spite of such contrivances-we trust that multitudes are saved in spite of them; but it is a perilous thing to leave the fold and the care of the shepherd altogether, or to be feeding upon pastures which have not been set for us.

"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." These words may guide us in every difficulty of the spiritual life. They lay down a principle which is sufficient for every emergency. They bid us give no place to excitement or alarm. Those who act upon them, can be no fanatics, nor ever give way to despair. We may not seek what God sees fit to deny. We are not to aspire after ecstasies, or

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flights of feeling; we are not to be affrighted by difficulties or danger. If we are tempted, we have the promise, that we "shall not be tempted beyond what we are able." We must be cautious what means we adopt to place ourselves in a more favourable condition for contending with our spiritual enemies. We must take care that we take no unlawful stepthat in our desire of attaining what is excellent, we keep clear of equivocal means. There is great hazard that we may do so, if we once lose sight of this precious quietness and confidence;" this willingness to leave ourselves to God's disposal, this firm persuasion of His power and purpose to deliver us. This, indeed, is the very essence of faith. Every other feeling, every other course, is, if we examine it, the very spirit and conduct of unbelief. We have small evidence of our spiritual progress, till we find ourselves willing thus to rest and trust in God. It is a strange way of seeking spiritual proficiency, to disquiet ourselves, and bring ourselves into a state of ferment and agitation. There is

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no real strength to be got in this way. We may not do evil that good may come; we may not distrust God's power and willingness to help us; we may not seek help from Egypt.

The text affords us light and guidance on all the subjects most interesting to us. Regarded thus, it is especially valuable in troubled and unsettled times. We are living amid circumstances of change. So rapid has been the progress of society, that like men travelling in speed, we seem to see the very objects we look upon in motion. Men are in astonishment, and seem to be all asking what is coming, and what they are to do. From every quarter we hear an alarm given. Many seem panic-stricken: others are filled with unreasonable hopes. All this is very dangerous. There is great risk of partaking of the prevailing spirit. spirit. And what ought Christians to do, who would act consistently with their profession? Why, just act upon the principle of the text, "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." What have we to do with the

spirit of the times? Are we to be excited because the world is on tiptoe? Are we to lose our patience and steadfastness, because worldly speculators and worldly religionists are in an uproar. No; let them follow their own course-let us only not imitate them. Let whoever will, "stand up and gather themselves together," they can do nothing without being overruled; when they have done all, they can only "do what God's hand and his counsel determined before to be done." Truth is safe; the Church is founded upon a rock; nothing can harm it, but our attempting to defend it with carnal weapons. We have in this

sense no enemies but ourselves. Let us guard against unbelief, and remember that our business is after all not to fight, but to suffer. It was thus the Gospel triumphed over its early foes. It has never triumphed in any other way. There is a deep meaning in our Lord's saying, "they that take the sword, shall perish with the sword." The Christian's weapons are the word of God, and prayer. And in the use even of them, we must take heed what

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