"fire has kindled,” and “at the last they have spoken with their tongue," and have urged their suit with that holy importunity which, by the righteous appointment of God, secures success. In like manner we are commanded to" to "search the Scriptures." But the heart is tempted to reply, How can I? Is there not a veil before my eyes; and, till it is removed, how can I read with any benefit?'-To such persons also the injunction must be repeated: "Search the Scriptures, for they are they which testify" of Christ; and, whilst you humbly and devoutly search the record of his power and grace, Jesus himself will "draw near," and unfold to you the sacred and delightful mysteries of his word: will "manifest himself" unto you, as he "does not unto the world." Who has ever, with earnest prayer for the assistance of the Holy Spirit, made the experiment, without finding new light break from the page of Scripture on the soul, as fresh stars continue to crowd upon the eye of the stedfast examiner of the blue vault above us? There is, no doubt, a difficulty in reconciling the commands to pray, and to search, with the declaration that "of ourselves we can do no good thing." But let us, in compliance with the will of God, endeavour to discharge the required duty, and leave the difficulty in His hands who can untie every knot, and decipher every mystery. All that is difficult to us, is probably plain to the spirits in glory; and is certainly plain to the God of those spirits. Our obligation as to duties which, although plainly prescribed, involve difficulties in their fulfilment, is obvious. As the poor woman with an issue of blood, although unconscious of the means by which virtue could pass from the garment of the Redeemer to herself, yet in faith caught hold of it; as the centurion, though wholly ignorant of the mode by which the unheard accents of Christ could effect a cure, yet besought him to "speak the word, that his servant might be healed: " so is it for us simply to obey the word of God, and to cast the difficulty upon his infinite wisdom and power. He who sends the shades of the evening, sends also the beam of the morning; and the great Author of the obscurities of Scripture is their only sufficient Interpreter. Lord Jesus! we have often confided our best worldly interests to the affection and wisdom of an earthly parent, 66 and our filial confidence has never been disappointed. Much more are we able to commit ourselves unto Thee, in the sure conviction that "whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." We have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption, whereby we" are authorized to address thee as Abba, Father." As weak and guilty children of thy family, we come unto thee: O cast us not out! Though it be but a withered hand we extend to thee, yet welcome and bless us. And let the hand, restored by thy grace, be employed for thy honour through all eternity. AS in deep shades the parent dove So, Lord, thy Spirit in the heart That word is sounding still to all, What is it, Lord, thou bidst us do? Spirit, that deign'st in us to dwell, |