July 2

"Rejoicing in hope."—Rom. xli. 12.

THE Christian is commanded to rejoice in the present good which grace communicates, and in the future bliss it insures. Contemplate

THE HOPE HE POSSESSES. It may be regarded in

Its object. We hope in God as a God in Christ, and a God in covenant. How unworthy of an immortal mind are those things on which the worldling's hopes are fixed! They will not, for a moment, bear a comparison with the sublime and glorious object to which the Christian aspires.

Its ground. Christ is emphatically called "our hope." All the bright anticipations that are cherished by the Christian are derived from a believing view of the efficacious death and atoning sacrifice of Jesus. The clouds of terror and despair encompass the distressed soul, till it arrives on Calvary's holy mount, where the atmosphere is clear, and the firmament is bright.

Its nature. It is a believing expectation of something promised, as yet unseen; and it is intimately connected with faith and patience. Faith sees the object, and believes it is for her; patience waits, and hope expects. We hope for guidance in the way, and glory in the end.

Its effects. It imparts peace and tranquillity to the mind, amidst all the changes and vicissitudes of life; cheers the fainting spirit; and leads its possessor to the cultivation of holy tempers and dispositions; "for every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Its rays illumine the valley of death, and are overpowered in the full blaze of immortal glory.

THE JOY IT INSPIRES. "Rejoicing in hope." There is joy both in its exercise and realization.

The seasons when we rejoice in hope. When temptations are strong, we rejoice in hope of sustaining grace. Dwell not so much on the heat of the furnace, as the beauty of the gold that it refines. When afflictions are heavy, we rejoice in hope of deliverance. The beams of hope can pierce the darkest cloud of trial, and gild it with celestial brightness. When doubts are thick, we rejoice in hope of their dispersion. Baxter compares doubts to a thistle — a bad weed growing in good ground. The most eminent saints have had their fears and misgivings; and the late Mr. Romaine, being once asked whether he ever doubted, said, "Do I ever breathe?" When death advances, we rejoice in hope of victory. "The righteous hath hope in his death."

The reasons why we should rejoice in hope. Because such a state of mind will tend to the glory of God, be a witness to the value of religion, and contribute to our own personal enjoyment. Let us, therefore, seek a good hope through grace; one that will not evaporate in the cold atmosphere of death, but burst forth in the full realizations of immortality.