things, and very possibly, many blasphemies uttered against the religion and the name of Christ. But let none of these things move you. Do you resolve, through that gracious assistance which God has been pleased to afford, that, however others may choose to think and act, you will be a disciple of the Saviour. Now, in the morning of life, cultivate the fear, and devote yourself to the service, of the Most High. Study to know the whole extent of your duty, and, knowing the will of your moral Governor, conform to it unfeignedly and withut delay. To say nothing of higher consideations, the good name of Lucy Richards would be worth more to you than all the wealth of Croesus.

4. The history of Miss Richards furnishes most conclusive evidence of the supporting power of the Christian faith. Bodily suffering, particularly after she reached the years of womanhood, was her almost unvarying portion. Not only was her nervous system peculiarly delicate and excitable, but her pulmonary organs were doubtless constitutionally diseased. Consequently a day seldom passed during which she did not experience more or less physical suffering. At times, her frail body was almost literally agonized. Indeed, long 'confined to her bed, and under the influence of complicated disease, she suffered more than can well be imagined.

But amidst all, and through all, the spirit was triumphant. Not a word of complaint did

she utter.

She emphatically possessed her soul in patience. Nay, more, she rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory. When interrogated as to the state of her health, her usual reply was, "The Lord deals with me very gently I ought to be thankful for his kindness." However exquisite or protracted her sufferings, her equanimity remained undisturbed.

"she

Now we have no hesitancy in saying, that all this was the result of her strong and truly evangelical faith. She endured, as seeing Him that is invisible. Her faith was the grand sustaining instrument. It was this that took fast hold on the promises of God. Her language was, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Like the father of the faithful, was strong in faith, giving glory to God." Even in the near approach of death, faith seemed to take a still more elevated position, and to exert a still more commanding influence. As from Pisgah's top, she seemed to look over the Jordan of death into the heavenly country, where "Sickness and sorrow, pain and death,

Are felt and fear'd no more."

Such is the sustaining power of an evangelical faith. It was this that supported Miss Richards, and it is this that will support all the sons and daughters of affliction. It has lost none of its power. It will again "subdue kingdoms, work righteousness, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, turn away the edge of the sword, out of

weakness make strong, wax valiant in fight, and turn to flight the armies of the aliens." Nothing can stand before it. Even the last enemy will quail in its presence.

""Tis faith disarms destruction, and absolves

From every clamorous charge the guiltless tomb." Thus were the primitive saints sustained and comforted. The man after God's own heart says, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." "The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord : O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto

thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling." When the great apostle of the Gentiles was deeply afflicted in body, he went to the throne of the heavenly grace, and the answer he received was, "My grace is sufficient for thee; my strength is made perfect in weakness." Sustained by this faith, the ancient martyrs were serene and triumphant, the accents of hope and of joy vibrated on their stiffening tongues, and fell with heavenly sweetness from their pale and quivering lips.

O ye sons and daughters of sorrow and distress, here is comfort for you! God himself

says, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee; for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." It is tranquillizing and sweet to have a beloved friend near when our sorrows are multiplied upon us; but what is the presence of the dearest earthly friend when compared with the presence of a sympathizing God? This of all consolations is the most cheering, of all blessings the most to be desired. It defends us more effectually than twelve legions of angels could do it, and imparts greater comfort to the soul than all the inhabitants of heaven and earth could give, though they were all to unite their efforts to make us blessed. indeed, "the hope of Israel, and the Saviour thereof in the times of trouble." Seek his face and favour, and you will not only be comforted, and supported, and blest, amidst the sorrows of the present life, but when you come to lie down in death, it will be yours to adopt the language of Wesley under similar circumstances "THE BEST OF ALL IS, GOD IS WITH US."

God is,

THE END.