December 27

These representations are indeed very figurative, but they are derived from reality. And he for whom Simeon waited, more than embodies them all—"The consolation of Israel." Let me glance at four things in particular, concerning which, if he be not our hope, we are hopeless.

What can I do with my guilt without him? I cannot deny that I am a sinner; but the soul that sinneth it shall die. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things written in the book of the law to do them. And what does this curse include? It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Who can relieve and comfort me here but he who said, Deliver from going down into the pit, I have found a ransom? Who bare our sin in his own body on the tree, and made peace by the blood of his cross?

What can I do with my depravity without him? For I am not only guilty—my understanding is darkened, my will is rebellious, my affections are earthly and sensual—I feel my weakness—yea, my very heart is alienated from the life of God. And to whom can I apply but to him who is wisdom and sanctification, as well as righteousness and redemption? He says, My grace is sufficient for thee: my strength is made perfect in weakness. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus makes us free from the law of sin and death.

What can I do without him in trouble? But this man is the peace when the Assyrian cometh into the land. This brother is born for adversity.

What can I do without him in death? But he can support and comfort me when every other support and comfort must fail. Ah! says Simeon, "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation."

"Jesus, the vision of thy face Hath overpowering charms; Scarce shall I feel death's cold embrace If Christ be in my arms."

DECEMBER 27.—"The consolation of Israel."—Luke 2:25.

LET us improve this character of the Messiah. If he be the consolation of Israel—

It reminds us of the state of those who, as the Apostle says, "are without Christ." They are lying in wickedness; the victims of guilt and depravity; abandoned to the miseries of life; and all their lifetime subject to bondage through fear of death. They feel their disease in many of its effects, though not in all: but there is no balm of Gilead, no physician there. They have recourse to the most painful pilgrimages, and privations, and tortures, to obtain ease and hope, but amidst doubt and suspicion, lies are their refuge; the way of peace have they not known; destruction and misery are in their paths—And are they bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh? And do we not pity them? Do we not pray for them? And while we pray that his way may be known on earth, his saving health among all nations, do we not evince by our exertions and sacrifices, that our prayers are not hypocrisy or formality? For we have the communication of this knowledge in our power.

The character invites sinners to come to him. While you neglect

him you are only observing lying vanities, and forsaking your own mercy. Nothing can supply the place of the consolation of Israel. Suppose you prosper in the world, the abundance you possess cannot ease the conscience, or fill the wishes of the mind. You grasp at substance, but seize only vanity. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness. But what will you do in the day of adversity? And how soon may this come upon you? How mortal are your connexions? What is your health? What is your life? You are now dreaming, but how will it be with you when you wake?

"O ye gay dreamers of gay dreams, How will you weather an eternal night, Where such expedients fail?"

What a mercy that you can yet hear the sound of consolation! Here is a Comforter at hand, able, willing to succour you. Seek him, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

The character hails those who have found him. They were indeed strangers to all true comfort till they acquainted themselves with him. But he that hath the Son hath life. They are now the happiest beings in the world. They are justified from wrath through him. In his righteousness they are exalted. They rejoice in his salvation; and can leave all their cares in his hand. If the storm rages without, "their minds have heaven and peace within." They know that he will never leave them nor forsake them; that he has provided for every state in which they can be found; that he is now making all things work together for their good; and will soon wipe all tears from their eyes.

But how does the title reproach those who backslide from him? "Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?" "O generation, see ye the word of the Lord. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? Wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? Did he not remember thee when there was none to pity? Did he not deliver thee when there was none to help? Did he not find thee in the road to hell, and turn thy feet into the path of life? Did he not bring thee health and cure after trying physicians of no value? It was a touching expostulation he addressed to the twelve when many turned back, and walked no more with him; "Will ye also go away?" And it was a fine reply; "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." We should only be losers by any exchange we could make.

What can be a substitute for him? The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways. If a fear of reproach or persecution turns you astray from Christ, you may feel such reflection and terror of conscience as may make you long for him even in a prison, or at the stake. If the love of gain tempts you, you may get the worldly advantage you seek after, but you will lose the light of his countenance, and the joy of his salvation. Whatever you lean upon instead of trusting in him will fail you, and pierce you through with many sorrows. Yes, we must learn by what we suffer, as well as by what we enjoy, that he is THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL. "A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children

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