February 2

"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." — Isa. 1 10.

WHAT mysteries are there connected with the life of a Christian! He enjoys peace, and yet he is engaged in a continual conflict; he is quickened, and yet he often complains of his dulness; he has spiritual light, and yet sometimes walks in darkness. Note

A CHRISTIAN'S CHARACTER DESCRIBED. Two things with regard to him are here stated.

The principle he possesses. Fear. Religion is called the fear of the Lord. It is divinely implanted in the heart, and exerts its influence in the life.

The practice he pursues. Obedience. Christ as Mediator, is the Father's servant, and our Lord, whose we are, and whom we serve. Our obedience must be sincere, cheerful, and constant in its exercise.

A CASE OF TRIAL SUPPOSED. "Walking in darkness." This is the case

When the presence of God is withdrawn. Sometimes he hides himself, but it is only for a small moment. Job, David, and others, felt this.

When the operations of the Spirit are withheld. Sometimes, like Pilgrim, the Christian loses his scroll, and goes on mourning; or, like Saul, slumbers, and loses his spear and cruse.

When his prospects for eternity are darkened,

"He wants to read his title clear To mansions in the skies;"

but he cannot, and cries, O for a beam of celestial light to dart upon my benighted soul, to guide me in my path!

A SOURCE OF COMFORT OPENED. Observe

The interest he may claim. "His God." The certainty of our interest in him does not depend on frames and feelings. He is our God as really in the storm and tempest, as when our sky is bright. The firmament may be overhung with clouds, so as to obstruct from our view the glorious luminary of day; so the clouds of our guilt, imperfections, and doubts, may for a time intercept the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness, but still he shines.

The confidence he may repose. Let him trust and stay upon his God. Nothing for a moment must induce us to give up our hold of his promise. Ultimately he will scatter every mystery. Ultimately he will scatter every cloud, quell every fear, resolve every doubt, and explain every mystery.