March 18

the blessedness by a miraculous transformation, but by an accident, or a disease—it is enough. “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.”

MARCH 18.—“Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.” Psalms 33:20.

THERE may be the form of godliness without the power. But the religion of the Bible has to do with the “soul.” The true worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in truth—And

“In vain to heaven we lift our cries, And leave our souls behind.”

In noticing the subject of the exercise here encouraged, it may be observed that it is said—not our souls—but “our soul”—as if they all had only one. And what is the language of God by the prophet: “I will give them one heart and one way.” And thus the two disciples going to Emmaus exclaimed, upon their discovery and surprise, “Did not our heart burn within us?” And thus in the beginning of the Gospel it was said: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” We have seen several drops of water on the table by being brought to touch running into one. If Christians were better acquainted with each other they would easily unite. What wonder that those should be one-minded who, under the same influence, are feeling the same wants, pursuing the same good, employing the same means, looking for the same destination? And how suitable and wisely enforced is the admonition—“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

But the exercise itself is “waiting for the Lord.” An exercise frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, and well understood by all believers. Their character as the heirs of promise, is derived from it; “blessed are all they that wait for him.” It includes conviction—a persuasion that the Lord is the supreme good, the fountain of life, our exceeding joy; all in all. It includes desire—it is expressed by hungering and thirsting after righteousness, by panting after God, by fainting for his salvation. It includes hope—the degrees of this may vary, but some measure of it is necessary to the commencement and continuance of the exercise; and the exercise will be always influenced and enlivened accordingly as our hope is possibility, or probability, or confidence. It also includes patience—God is never slack concerning his promise. He never tarries beyond his own time; but he is often beyond ours: and in a state of expectation hours seem days, and days seem weeks, especially if we are pressed with difficulties, and our eagerness for enjoyment is great—Then hope deferred maketh the heart sick. Here is the trial; and here is the need of patience. But patience will restrain us from the hasty use of improper means of relief; and preserve us from charging God foolishly, censoriously, or unfaithfully; and from sinking in the day of adversity; and from abandoning the throne of grace; and saying,