illustrated than in Caleb, and the whole nation of the Israelites. The nation was terrified at the report of the spies, and, instead of proceeding to fight against the Canaanites, proposed to appoint a captain, and go back again into Egypt: but Caleb, whose hope was lively, stood unmoved, and strove to animate his countrymen with an assurance of easy victory. And thus, while the hearts of others are failing them for fear, and they turn back unto perdition rather than contend with their adversaries, the true Christian "encourages himself in his God," and makes up his mind to die, or conquer. 66 There is not a more ornamental part of the soldier's armour than the Helmet; nor is there anything that more adorns the Christian, than a lively, stedfast, and consistent Hope. In the exercise of Hope he stands, as it were, on the top of Pisgah, and surveys the land of promise, the land that floweth with milk and honey. He longs to leave this dreary wilderness, and to enter into the joy of his Lord. Knowing that when his earthly tabernacle shall be dissolved, he has an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," he groans earnestly desiring that mortality may be swallowed up of life. If he had crowns and kingdoms in his possession, still he would account it far better to depart, and to be with Christ. He is "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God ;" and thus has his conversation in heaven, while yet he remains a sojourner upon earth. View the Christian in this frame, and confess, that the sun shining in his meridian strength, glorious as it is, has no glory, by reason of the Christian's "glory that excelleth." This-this, Christians is the state in which you ought to live. Were you more habitually in this frame, your years of warfare would seem nothing for the greatness of the prize for which you contend. You can scarcely conceive what an energy such a frame would give to your souls. You would soon come to Jesus with joy and wonder, like his disciples of old, saying, "Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name ;" and he, in return, would increase your confidence by saying, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Do but consider how weak will Satan's temptations be, when you thus abound in Hope! How little will anything be able to move you, when you are thus, by joyful anticipation, 'sitting already with Christ in heavenly places! Beloved brethren, this is your perfection: you will "come behind in no gift," when you are thus "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Whatever you have to do, you will do it heartily, 66 as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance." May God enable you thus to live, till faith shall be lost in sight, and hope be consummated in enjoyment!-SIMEON. THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE. What is our Hope? A Helmet bright, Protects it in each fearful fight, What is our Hope? An Anchor sure, What is our Hope? A gentle Dove, Which, while the sky is dark, But soon re-seeks its Ark; Bearing some token in its bill, That peace and joy await us still. What is our Hope? The child of Faith The nurse of Charity; Which flings its radiance over death, And soothes each labouring sigh, What is the object of our Hope ? By that which thus the soul bears up?— A heritage in heaven, Too bright and firm to fade away; And Christ himself our trust and stay. ELLIOT. HOPE. Hope, with uplifted foot, set free from earth, |