his example, may we ever learn the saving maxims of eternal wisdom; and, in all Jehovah's dispensations, humbly submit to His all-perfect will!

Whatever be our state,-how great soever our sufferings, let us remember they are God's appointment; and therefore, all must be, most wise, most righteous, most entirely good.

Our gracious Father will not lay upon us more than He will enable us to bear: but, "as our day is, so our strength shall be." On His sure mercies then may we depend ;-in all our trials, trust to His protection, and calmly tread the path which He ordains. Even though our way be dark and cheerless, O, let us banish each repining thought, and dare not to direct Omnipotence, how to dispose of His own workmanship: but meekly check our hearts' rebellious pride, humble ourselves before His heavenly throne, implore through Christ, His sanctifying grace, and pray, that in all things, His will may be accomplished in us.

Brethren, to all, a station is assigned, with various and important duties to perform: and though weak, frail, and sinful as we are, we have in us no power to help ourselves,—the God who hath in wisdom fixed our state, will, if we pray in faith, and earnestly desire the good we seek, give us, of His abundant fulness, that strength we only can derive from Him;-strength

to hold fast the word we have received,

strength to repent, amend, forsake our sins, and "to adorn the doctrine of our Lord," in all our future life and conversation.

It is not wealth, remember, that dignifies, neither is it poverty that disgraces a man: it is the liberal and merciful use of riches, (the result of a meek and humble spirit) that is alone, an ornament, and "in the sight of God, of great price:" whilst, on the other hand, an impious discontent, a blasphemous murmuring against God's righteous dispensations, is that alone, which can make poverty really disgraceful.

To "the poor," indeed, and to "the poor in spirit," great and peculiar blessings have been promised:-St. James declares "God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him :" and our Lord himself, in his divine Sermon on the Mount, says, "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Besides, when we know, from the inspired Word, that Jesus Christ, who "was rich" in the glories of the eternal Godhead,—for us, and "for our sakes, became poor, that we, through his poverty might be rich,"-rich in the favour of a reconciled God,-rich in the graces of the Holy Spirit, and at length, eternally rich in all the treasures of the heavenly world;-shall not

"the poor," (in man's false estimation) contented, meek, industrious,-"rich in faith,” and cheerfully resigned to suffer and to do the Almighty's will-to tread the rugged path his Saviour trod;shall not he glory amidst all his trials,―commit himself entirely to the Lord, and triumph in the God of his salvation?-O! my friends, to such a man, formed on the bright example of his Lord, strong in the Spirit's might, and holding sweet communion with his God, this world, with all its ills, seems, as it is, only a passing scene and meekly he endures the heaviest cross, rejoicing in the Gospel's faithful promise, to such as "are partakers of Christ's sufferings," that "when He who is their life, shall again appear, then shall they also appear with him in glory."

Yes, the true believer, be he rich or poor,—be joy or sorrow his appointed portion, knows that this fleeting world is not his home, that he, on earth, has "no continuing city ;"--but he also knows, that, for his good, the All-Wise hath placed him here: and, while, with grateful heart, he "blesses Him that gives, and Him that takes away," his first, his chief concern, is, to "work out his own salvation:" and, looking for a city yet to come, he "offers up the sacrifice of praise," "forgets not to do good, and to communicate," patiently waits his Heavenly Father's leisure, yet wishes "to depart, and be with Christ."

Brethren-To dwell on all the trials of our Saviour's life, a life, varied alone by various kinds of suffering, would far exceed our present limits: nor is it needful. For, blessed be God! the sacred records of our dear Redeemer, writ with the pen of inspiration, are in the hands of all:would they were graven in our hearts,-that we might "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them;" and thus become wise to our souls' salvation! It is not then to every trial that assailed our Lord, (though each might furnish food for deepest thought,) but to the "mind which was in Jesus Christ,"-to the pure source of his all-perfect righteousness,-to that meek, lowly spirit, which ever dwelt in him, and led him in all things, to suffer and to do his Father's will, that I would bid you look, for an example. Yes, brethren, as his ambassador, I do beseech you, to let "his mind be in you; " and henceforth, by his grace, to frame your lives, after your Saviour's pattern. For your instruction, as well as your salvation, did he live, and die: and every step of his most sacred life, should be regarded as a voice from heaven, to guide and regulate our heavenward path. Shall we then turn a deaf ear to our Lord, and heap upon ourselves destruction, when Jesus says, "Take upon you my yoke, and learn of me,"-" and ye shall find rest unto your souls?" Oh! God forbid ! No:-Ever blessed be his holy name! the eternal

fount of living waters still flows on in rich abundance: the source of grace is open unto all;—and every one who thirsts, may come, and from the wells of free salvation, draw immortal life! Jesus, who (as on this day) "was born in Bethlehem," and now in glory sits at God's right hand, to intercede and mediate for us, is that pure source of grace;-Himself, the fountain and the channel. Come then to Him: take of his fulness, and your souls shall find vigour, and strength, and everlasting life.

And O! since all may taste of that life-giving stream;—and since our Lord's example was left alike for all,-let none despair, nor say, 'My sufferings are more than I can bear.' For every child of sorrow, "His grace is all-sufficient." "Look then to Jesus," all ye poor and wretched; -trust ye in Him;-and "learn, in whatsoever state you are, therewith to be content." You cannot be more destitute than He: for, He had not even "where to lay his head." What you are called to bear, your suffering Saviour did himself endure,—and infinitely more :-for, He "who knew no sin," took upon him the burden of our guilt," offered Himself a sacrifice for us," and shed his blood, to save our souls from death. Wherefore, beloved, adore God's righteous ways, with pious reverence;-so shall He bless your present chastisement, to future good ; -so shall your poverty be changed (in his good