'seen." It is that principle in the mind by which we feel as much assured of the certainty of things to come, as if the things were actually present, and the "immediate objects of our senses." Having given this definition, St Paul proceeds to illustrate it by the conduct and character of the “worthies of old time." This occupies the whole chapter. In the 12th chapter, he applies the doctrine thus illustrated by example, to the guidance of Christians under any of the tribulations of life. He bids them remember the example of our Lord himself, and learn from Him, how the assurance of future recompense should support us under trouble. He reminds them that our present afflictions are the merciful chastisements of a gracious Father for our good. And he concludes this branch of the argument by the passage to which I desire to draw your best attention. It is in the 11th verse, "Now no chastening for the present, seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward, it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Observe now in the first place, that of these chastisements or trials, the Apostle says, that they only seem to be grievous, they are not in reality so, for "to them who are exercised* thereby," that good or bad. I have expressed this by the only term in English equivalent to the Greek word, and therefore write, "faith is the substance of things expected." * The word translated "exercised" is derived from the Gymna is who receive the discipline with proper confidence in the wisdom and goodness of their heavenly Teacher, and who employ it to the right purpose, they will prove so far from being grievous, that on the contrary they will yield to them the "peaceable fruit of righteousness.” Such persons will be repaid for their godly submission to the will of the Lord, by a peace which is the result of righteousness, of their acceptance before God for Christ's sake, a present peace, greater than any which this world can bestow, and a peace hereafter, eternal and unchangeable, (compare this with the words of Isaiah ch. xxxii. 17.) Now, my dearest Madam, I do say, that in these words of St Paul coming from the Holy Spirit of God, we are furnished with a source of consolation and direction, which in proportion to the faith, with which we read them, and contemplate the dealings of Almighty God towards us, will contribute most surely to our support. Under whatever trials, I have, blessed be God, experienced this to be the case; and I earnestly pray that you may, by Him, be enabled to do likewise. I would earnestly advise you to read these two chapters attentively and repeatedly; and as is always the case with the faithful sia or schools for Gymnastic exercises, where persons were trained to contend for the prize in the public games, such as wrestling, boxing, &c.-(See 1 Cor. ix. v. 24, 27.) and signifies those who are carefully instructed and disciplined, and who have taken pains to improve themselves. study of God's word, you will discover fresh comfort and assurance the more frequently you meditate on this Scripture. I have witnessed in many instances, a blessing accompanying this passage in the case of affliction which edified and delighted me beyond measure. I could almost wish that my dear and you could meet. I think you would find comfort in talking with her. Her heart's treasure is where it ought to be, and her heart with it. At the same time she is one of the most cheerful of human beings. Adieu! my dearest Madam, believe me ever most truly, your sincere friend and servant, DANIEL SANdford. EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER TO A FRIEND. MY DEAREST MADAM, Edinburgh, Feb. 21. 1828. I am greatly comforted by the account which my daughter gives of your composure of mind. You have sought the true spring of support and consolation, and no one ever sincerely "cast" the present "care on Him who careth for us," without experiencing the blessing of such confidence. Especially doth He who is the husband of the widow, and the father of the fatherless, listen to such prayers as you offer to Him. I am glad that my poor endeavours have been of some use to you. My dearest Madam, do not imagine that I hold lightly your feelings, but will you permit me to say, that we know whence our trials come; (God knows I am not without my own, although they arise not in any shape, from my beloved and excellent family ;) but at the same time we know, that the same power that ordains these trials can support us under them. Through Jesus Christ, in humble filial confidence let us seek that strength, and we shall not be disappointed of it. This, my dear Friend, is one assurance; on this we may repose with comfort; the world cannot supply it, and they who look for support and counsel from the world, will most certainly fail. "I will never · leave thee, nor forsake thee," is the promise on which a Christian rests. It is said in that word which never faileth, "They that know thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek Thee," (Psalm ix. v. 10.). I have been longer silent than I hope to be again; but my late illness has reduced me much. Adieu, my dearest Madam. Accept Mrs Sandford's affectionate remembrances, and believe me ever, most truly and faithfully, Yours, D. SANDFORD. EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER TO A FRIEND. Edinburgh, October 22, 1829. MY DEAREST MADAM, I am obliged to tell you with my own hand, that, to my great concern, my poor endeavours have not been successful. I confess, that I do not understand the spirit that can obstinately retain offence. Life, my dear Madam, is, in my opinion, too short, and above all too uncertain, for the steady retention of displeasure. But there are higher principles, than such as arise from our transitory pilgrimage here; and when I read the precepts of that ever blessed Saviour, through whom we are reconciled to God, I cannot comprehend how a Christian can continue unforgiving. No representations of offence given, (I speak deliberately and seriously,) can change the word of God, or obliterate the command which enjoins forgiveness, on the tremendous alternative, that they who do not forgive, will not be forgiven. My dearest Friend, I do most solemnly believe, according to the blessed assurance of the Apostle, that he who "shall confess with his mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in his heart that God hath raised him from the dead, SHALL BE SAVED." He whose outward life and actions prove the existence of genuine faith in his Redeemer, and he who in his heart, with all the affections of his |