and who, by his removal, has rendered earth less pleasing, and has engaged his affections more exclusively in heaven? He has one attachment the fewer to the world, and he possesses an additional attachment to heaven; whence, by his own principles, his religious pleasures should shortly be increased. To be thus absorbed in sorrow, manifestly indicates inconsistency with the possession of such cheering doctrines, and evinces that he does not really believe the truths he pertinaciously contends for, or that they are not in their nature and influence such as they are asserted to be. Thus, in fact, the prejudices of the irreligious are strengthened on every side; and surely Christians should be doubly careful, lest they oppose the influence of Christianity, by placing obstacles to its reception in the way of others.

66

The followers of our ascended Saviour are commanded not to sorrow even as others. which have no hope," and are pointed to one grand source of consolation; "for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."* Here is a positive injunction that Christians should moderate their grief; and a most powerful reason is annexed; for, if we believe

1 Thess. iv. 13, 14.

the fundamental truths of the Bible, we are assured that the disembodied spirit of the deceased over whom affection sheds its fondest tear, is now infinitely happier than on earth; it would not exchange its present peace for the cares and sorrows it has just quitted, for all the world calls good or great. From the enjoyment of such present felicity we would not wish to recall him whom we have lost: our thoughts are led forward to the happy period, when we, if the people of God, shall join the chorus of the redeemed; and unite with his glorified spirit, in ascribing "glory, honour, and blessing to Him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for ever."

Again, the Christian remembers that every event is under the superintendence of God; and that, from whatever immediate source the present affliction may appear to spring, still it originates with Infinite Wisdom, and is directed in its period, and in all its circumstances, by Infinite Love. He knows that he is in the hands of a merciful and faithful Creator, and trusts in his power and goodness, though he cannot distinctly trace that hand which governs even the minutest event. There are many natural phenomena, of which we cannot possibly fathom the rationale; but

we are assured that these are influenced by laws as definite as any others with which we are more intimately acquainted. We cannot attempt

to trace the footsteps of Omnipotence; our constricted capacities are incapable of discovering the ways of Providence; but we are happy in the assurance that the powers of Omniscience are engaged in fixing and preserving in its order every occurrence. The Lord of heaven and earth sees, and knows, and governs all thingsthe motion of an atom and a world: and though we are ignorant of his designs, we may safely confide in Him who does and will direct all contingencies.

"I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it," is the language of humble and submissive confidence. While nature weeps, the Christian remembers that every painful event has been appointed by omniscient goodness; and while the silent tear steals down his griefworn cheek, he will not be utterly cast down; he will review the mercies which have followed him all the days of his life; and perceiving that those events which he now esteems his greatest blessings, were painful in their nature, he will come and make his complaint to God, and not to man. While his heart and eye tend upwards to the sky, he will not be in danger of excessive sorrow; for he will supplicate a gracious Father with deep humility, for the sinful cause which has rendered affliction necessary, and yet with filial confidence, assured that he will not lay

upon him a burden heavier than he can bear; assured that in due time, when his gracious design shall have been accomplished, he will give him peace, and deliver him from every distress. These considerations will prove sufficient to excite him to assuage his grief. He dares not murmur, or call in question the goodness or the justice of God; for he invites his children to pour out their requests unto him; and though in great mercy he sees fit frequently to deny them what they ask, yet he always giveth liberally, and gives exactly, not that which may be most pleasing, but which will be best for them in the present and a future world.

35

CHAPTER III.

ON EXCESSIVE SORROW.

Ir is not easy to define the precise limits where every kind and degree of sorrow becomes excessive; for a moment's reflection will convince, that expressions of grief, which nature and religion both demand and allow under the severe sufferings to which humanity is exposed, would be unjustifiable and sinful under the lighter cares and perplexities of daily life. There are many persons who view their own trials through a magnifying medium: they unjustly trace out aggravating circumstances, which a fond selfishness alone can discover, and thus endeavour to excuse their impatience, by the supposed weight of suffering under which they labour. They conceive their affliction to be more severe than ever was intended by its Author; and, unaccustomed to the yoke, they vainly imagine that no burden is equal to theirs, and believe that their complaints may lawfully exceed the bounds prescribed for others. Yet it is manifest, that the same indulgence of grief cannot be allowed to the sufferings of unsubdued