August 19

"It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." — Lamentations 3:26.

JEREMIAH wrote this book under peculiar circumstances; in it he bewails the low and depressed state of the Church, and the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by the Chaldean army. In this passage we have three things: —

THE OBJECT OF PURSUIT. "The salvation of the Lord." This expression as used in Scripture sometimes alludes to temporal deliverances, but is mostly employed in a higher sense, to denote the salvation of the soul. This is an object worthy the pursuit of a rational, accountable, and immortal being. Notice

Its nature. "Salvation." It includes every thing that is adapted to the condition and requirements of man, that can possibly conduce to his happiness, — pardon, peace, acceptance with God, conformity to the Divine image, and a full and final possession of everlasting glory.

Its source. "Of the Lord." It is the salvation of man as he is the subject of it, and of God as he is the author and source of it. He announces it in his word, reveals it by his Spirit, and imparts it by his grace.

THE EXERCISE REQUIRED. "Hope and quietly wait." It is two-fold. Confident expectation. It is not a vain hope through merit, but a good hope through grace that inspires the Christian. It is a well-grounded hope, and one that will not make ashamed. Patient waiting. To wait quietly is not to wait in idleness, but in the pursuit of various duties. Sim-con served God in the temple, while he waited for the consolation of Israel. Job exclaimed, "All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come."

THE BENEFIT REALIZED. "It is good." It is so in many respects. Because it tends to God's glory. We dishonor God when we are impatient, either in the endurance of trials, or in waiting for mercies. Because it gives composure of mind. Impatience puts a man out of the possession of himself. Therefore our Lord says, "In patience possess ye your souls." Because it inspires us with courage. It enables us to meet trials, encounter difficulties, and engage in duties with Christian fortitude. Because it will issue in endless happiness. We shall not hope and wait in vain. The accomplishment of his purposes and promises is certain. This affords every encouragement to the sincere inquirer after salvation, and gives the strongest consolation to the tried Christian.