"_And thou shalt yet praise Him._" "YET!" We cannot venture to scan or measure that word. It may be after many bitter tears of sorrow;--it may be after many struggles with a murmuring heart;--many storms may still sweep--many hours of pining sickness may be endured--many a rough and thorny path may have to be trodden--the harp may be muffled in sadness to the last; but, "_at evening-time it shall be light_." There is a season infallibly coming when the fettered tongue shall be loosed--the lingering cloud dispelled--and faith's triumph complete; when, with regard to the very dispensation on earth which caused you so much perplexity, you will be able triumphantly to say, "_I know_" (yea, I SEE) "_that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me_."[33] [33] Psalm cxix. 75. But your depression may proceed from a different cause. It may not be outer trial, but inward sources of disquietude which are causing despondency and doubt. It may be thoughts regarding your _spiritual_ condition. Latent corruption in a partially renewed and sanctified heart,--the power of remaining sin robbing you of your peace; at times leading you to question whether you have any real interest in Gospel blessings and Gospel hopes--whether you have not long ago quenched the strivings of the Holy Spirit by your impenitence and unbelief--whether your hopes of heaven may not after all be a shadowy delusive dream. "_Why art thou cast down, O my soul?_" Who, I ask, is teaching you to breathe out these penitential sighings after a happiness to which at present you feel you are a stranger? Who is it that is teaching you thus to interrogate yourself about the erring past? It is not _Nature's_ work. If there be within you one true breathing after repentance and return, that secret aspiration is the work of that Spirit who, although He will not always strive, is hereby shewing you that He _is_ striving still with _you_! Think of all that God hath done for you in the past, and is still willing to do. After the gift of His Son,--after such an expenditure of wrath and suffering on the head of a guiltless Surety, and all this that a way of reconciliation might be opened up,--think how dishonouring it would be to distrust either His ability or His willingness to save you. Having bestowed this greatest boon, He will "with Him also _freely_ give you _all things_." Turn away from self,--sinful self, righteous self, condemned self,--and direct your believing regards to Him who is "_the_ HOPE _of Israel and the Saviour thereof_." Keep your eye steadily fixed on the infinite grandeur of His finished work and righteousness. Look to Jesus and believe! Look to Jesus and live! Nay, more; as you look to Him, hoist your sails, and buffet manfully the sea of life. Do not remain in the haven of distrust, or sleeping on your shadows in inactive repose, or suffering your frames and feelings to pitch and toss on one another like vessels idly moored in a harbour. The