are in distress and apprehension, on account of their manifold failures and shortcomings. Picture the case of one who has begun to be really in earnest about the salvation of his soul. He is assured that without holiness none shall see God; that the Divine precepts are not limited to external actions, but require truth in the inmost spirit; that righteousness must distinguish the thoughts as well as the words and the actions. He has learnt that so entire is the conformity required by the holy law of the holy Lord God, that "he who offendeth in one point is guilty of all;" and the result is he is deeply humbled and distressed. His experience accords with that of Job, "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." How greatly does he need rest! for up to this moment his views of the gospel have been dim. Clearly perceiving the solemn

searching demands of the law, and how entirely he is condemned by them, the glory of the gospel has not yet passed before his eyes, and this alone can give rest to his anxious spirit. But now the Holy Ghost, as the Comforter, takes of Christ, of the perfection of His work-its freeness, its adaptation-and shews it unto him; he is interested; hope revives; he is drawn, attracted to the Saviour, trusts in Him, sees that in Him the Father is well pleased; his ignorance of God vanishes and he finds rest to his soul.

And what is the very blessing we all need but this "rest ?" To enjoy it perfectly every cause of disquiet must be removed; and this cannot be while we are in a world of disorder, and carry with us a frail and disordered nature, and a heart prone to seek rest in the things that are seen rather than in things that are unseen, in the things that are temporal rather than in those which are eternal. This cannot

be while our faith is imperfect, and fails to rely heartily, and constantly, and in the darkest seasons, on Him who is our only rest. But yet, Christian brethren, there may be so large and blessed a measure of this rest enjoyed now, in proportion to the strength and exercise of faith, as to secure us against many disheartening fears, and to elevate our spirits above the disquieting influence of frequent cares and perplexities. Let us but learn to cast all our cares upon Him who careth for us, and we shall find that He will sustain us-that He will give us rest. Let our grand aim be to rely upon His great atonement, and to walk according to His directions, and we shall realize the truth of the assurance, "Great peace have they who love thy law, and nothing shall offend them;" and again, "The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." And eventually perfect rest shall be enjoyed by the people

of God; and He "shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

In conclusion, listen to the words recorded in the sixteenth verse of the sixth chapter of Jeremiah, "Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." Are any of you saying this, as Israel of old, "We will not walk therein," if not in words yet practically by your conduct? Continue to do so, and you will be strangers to rest; torn with anguish and remorse for ever. O that all would now embrace the gracious invitation, "Come unto me, and I will give you rest."

SERMON V.

THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

JOHN xiv, 16, 17.

"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

THE gift of the Holy Spirit, whose advent we celebrate to-day,* has been prominently presented in the appropriate portions of Scripture selected by the Church for this solemn anniversary. The *Preached on Whit-Sunday.