PERFECT PEACE. "Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them."-PSALM cxix. 165. We have lived to little purpose, (because it proves that we have made little observation upon human life,) if we are not thoroughly convinced how vain it is to expect any such thing as pure and satisfying enjoyment while on earth. Trouble, more or less, is the lot of mankind; since neither the knowledge of the wisest, nor the wealth of the richest, nor the power of the mightiest, nor even the virtues of the best, can keep them altogether free from disappointment or vexation. Life, in its best estate, is a chequered scene-a mixture of good and evil; so much so, that they who enjoy (comparatively speaking) more of what is good are pronounced to be happy; whilst those who suffer more of what is felt to be evil we look upon as wretched and unfortunate. Therefore, since trouble, in a greater or less degree, is entailed on all, it is folly to expect to escape it: prudent it is to consider how we may profitably bear it, whenever our all-wise Creator is pleased to afflict us. A rational being, such as man, who has the power of calculating benefits, and of providing for events, ought certainly to consider how he may best await his trials. The most highly favoured know not how soon or how sorely they may be vexed. And it is an indisputable maxim that, for what may happen to any man at any hour, all, no matter who they be, high or low, rich or poor, should endeavour, with God's assistance, to be well prepared. Now, where is this provision to be found? Where are we to look for guidance in the midst of perishable prosperity? and where for support under heartbreaking adversity? Before I conclude, we shall, I hope, unite in feeling that this world, with its very best attractions, yields nothing really satisfactory; that whosoever leans on things temporal for happiness, "leans on a broken reed, which will go into his hand, and pierce it" (Isaiah xxxvi. 6); that he resembles one afflicted with bodily disease, who tosses to and fro upon his sleepless bed, unable to remain at rest; and that he alone who loves God's law obtains great peace, and lives without offence. Upon all that is great, and lofty, and brilliantupon all that is admired and coveted in this world, the eye of the Christian may read what the finger of God has traced: "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John iv. 13, 14.) Our knowledge of the world, it is true, informs us that many, in time of sorrow, seek comfort in exciting and sensual pleasures. Some, for example, (as Solomon writes in Proverbs xxxi.), drink strong wine, and endeavour for a little to forget their grief. But I need not describe how fruitless is their attempt; for how miserable are all drunkards "in mind, body, and estate!" I need not delay to prove the utter insufficiency of sensual gratifications to soothe the anguish of a troubled heart. Neither can more innocent indulgences avail; as we see in the case of unhappy Saul, who, when tormented with an uneasy conscience, vainly endeavoured by the sounds of the harp to chase away the evil spirit. (1 Sam. xvi. 23.) Others hope to lose their melancholy thoughts by engaging in the amusements of society; but, as it was with Belshazzar at the feast, whose fears were roused by the mysterious hand upon the wall, a guilty conscience even there extinguishes delight. (Dan. v. 5, 6.) Others endeavour to forget their grief by labouring in useful occupations, which employ the mind, and perhaps for a time divert their thoughts; yet it generally happens that, instead of business lightening sorrow, sorrow prevents application to business. Others place their hopes of happiness on the accumulation of wealth; but, as riches cannot avert tribulation, so neither can they cure it. Neither houses, nor lands, nor silver, nor gold, can remove death from the body, or vexation from the soul. The rich man must have both health of body and health of mind ; he must have "the sound mind in the sound body," before he can find enjoyment in his heaped-up treasures. Others look for comfort in the tender sympathy of friends. Experience, however, proves that this is indeed a poor and feeble remedy. It often greatly enervates the mind; and, moreover, when seeking the healing aid of sympathy, we too frequently undergo a bitter aggravation of our distress the fancied friend in prosperity is sometimes, to our great dismay, discovered to be cold and heartless in the hour of need. For all these reasons we conclude that no solid comfort is to be found without -in "the things of the world." But some perhaps imagine that from within more comfort can be gained? They may fancy that to cultivate amiable and moderate tempers, which neither passion nor anxiety can ruffle or annoy, is an excellent mode of securing worldly peace. If indeed they are blessed with such a temperament, and have resolved to cherish and improve it, they have within their own breasts a deep source of happiness; for, if fretfulness be bitter, cheerful patience tends to promote pleasure. But let them remember that, if amiable dispositions, without any higher influence to regulate and increase them, can contribute so much to human comfort, how much more effective would they prove in lessening the sorrows of life, if grace were grafted upon nature -if the Holy Spirit (whose fruits are love, joy, peace, temperance, patience, and godliness,) warmed and invigorated the inclinations of the same breasts. Perhaps they think that the acquisition of worldly |