these things: so shall we understand the loving-kindness of the Lord:" so shall we learn that it is not only when we "sit, every one under his vine and under his fig-tree, with none to make us afraid,”—it is not only when "all the earth sitteth still and is at rest," that the believer can "sit down" in tranquillity and confidence; but that, even when "the heathen rage," when "the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously and the spoiler spoileth," he can rest in the calm assurance that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," and will be faithful to all his promises.

Think, then, how, in the whole history of that Indian revolt, the hand of the Lord has been manifest, making the wrath of man to praise Him, and restraining the remainder of that wrath. Think how marvellous were those repeated interpositions of His providence, by which the secret designs formed for the seizure of Calcutta, and for the massacre of all its European inhabitants, were discovered and frustrated. Think how fearful would have been the result if that conspiracy had proved successful; and if, as the anticipated consequence, the standard of revolt had been raised throughout the length and breadth of India. Think how the tide of civilization would have been driven back;-how the light of Christianity would, in all human probability, have been extinguished, at least for a time, in that land. Think what murky clouds of superstition would again have gathered over those plains, which have been the scene of missionary labours, and the subject of so many prayers and hopeful anticipations. Consider how obvious was the providence of God, in raising up for this emergency such men as the two Lawrences, and Havelock, and

others like-minded;-men who, while discharging so wisely and so well their duties to an earthly sovereign, were yet so uncompromisingly true to their Heavenly King-so ready to use their influence, their substance, and their personal efforts for the promotion of Christ's cause, and the extension of His kingdom. Think of the strength which God gave to so many of the weak and tender at that awful crisis;-of the peace and quietness in which He kept so many of His people amidst such scenes of accumulated horror and agonizing suspense. Think of the indomitable courage and perseverance with which the God of battles nerved the hearts of all ranks of our army, and the untiring energy with which he enabled them to bear up amidst such fatigues and dangers and privations, endured under a climate so relaxing and debilitating.

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Think (to take a particular instance) of that almost unparalleled scene presented at the defence of Lucknow ; where, when, in a literal sense, "the blast of the terrible ones was as a storm against the wall," God was a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat." Think how He there defended the weak and the helpless by the instrumentality of a heroic band, who night and day, for months together, manned the shattered ramparts, and held their ground so firmly against the ceaseless cannonade, and the deadly assault, that the bloodthirsty and swarming myriads who compassed them about could not gain a foot of ground upon them, nor effect an entrance even over their ruined defences. Think how truly God was "a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress," when even women delicately nurtured were

enabled not only to bear up under their unwonted privations and hardships, but to minister with untiring assiduity to the sick and the wounded. Think how truly God "brought down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place, even the heat with the shadow of a cloud;" when, after a period of hope deferred, during which many an anxious eye, and many a sleepless ear, was strained to catch the signal of the promised deliverance, relief was at last brought, and the sick and the delicate, with all their brave defenders, were conducted forth in perfect safety, under the very guns of the unsuspecting enemy; and carried beyond the reach of danger, before it was known that the bird had escaped from the snare of the fowler.

In these incidents of the Indian insurrection, and in many others—such as those associated with the names of Delhi, Allahabad, and Futteyghur—we find illustrations of the strength and security which God can give in seasons of calamity, and especially amidst the dangers which flow from the violence of wicked men, who are permitted to exemplify in their own persons the vileness and virulence of sin. "Thon wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee, because he trusteth in thee." The truth of this promise was experienced, during these troublous times, by our missionaries, and by many other of the people of God, while thousands around them were cowering with terror and trembling with alarm; and while tales of slaughter, and rumours of conspiracy, and horrific details of the barbarities perpetrated by an infuriated soldiery, shook the nerves of the stoutest and appalled the hearts of the bravest. In the previous war, too, there were many

among the ranks of the army who, as soldiers of the cross, felt the faithfulness of this promise. It was felt by not a few around the leaguered walls of Sebastopol; it was felt amidst the din of battle and the silent ravages of yet more deadly disease; it was felt amidst the thunders of the cannonade, and the dreary silence of the cheerless bivouack;—in the ravine where prayer was wont to be made, and amidst the headlong rush of the assault.

So has it ever been, and so will it ever be, with those who "trust in the Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength." However terrible and trying to flesh and blood be the dangers and sufferings to which they are exposed—whether it be by mortal foes, or by invisible enemies, that they are menaced; whether it be by the shafts of temporal disaster, or by the fiery darts of Satan, that they are assailed-they need not fear what Earth or Hell can do against them. "In the shadow of the Almighty's wings may they make their refuge until these calamities be overpast." "He is their rock and their salvation: He is their defence: they shall not be greatly moved." "He has been a shelter for them, a strong tower from the enemy; and they will abide in His tabernacle for ever." Whatever be the outward activities or conflicts to which they are called, they can never desire to go forth from the secret place of the Most High in search of any other refuge, any other source of comfort or support. They will "make the Lord their habitation," and will ever feel that, as regards the security of their eternal interests and the promotion of their souls' health and welfare, "their strength is to sit still" under the shadow of that great

Rock which is a hiding-place from the wind and a covert from the tempest.

Thus, having loosed herself from the bands of her neck, having put the raiment of her captivity from off her, having arisen from the earth, and shaken herself from the dust, the Church is called upon to sit down in quietness and confidence under the canopy of Divine favour. But it is not as unclothed, but as clothed upon with array befitting her blessed condition, that she is called to take her seat in the pavilion of her Lord :—

46 PUT ON THY BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS, O JERUSALEM, THE HOLY CITY."

Raiment of Rejoicing. mourning, she is invested in garments of praise. Having "put off her sackcloth," she is "girded with gladness." She is "clothed with change of raiment." The best robe is brought forth for her. A wedding garment is put upon her. Her rest is not only sweet and serene, but glad and glorious. The joy of the Lord makes her face to shine, and "the beauty of the Lord is upon her." "The King's daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework; the virgins, her companions that follow her, shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought; they shall enter into the King's palace." It is as "the holy city" that Jerusalem is called to "put on her beautiful garments," and this new song is put into the mouth of every one

Being divested of the garb of