former sin would be that of presumption, the latter that of distrust. Means are to be used. God has placed them within our reach; but, beyond that, we are utterly powerless. And yet, how many thousands, from day to day, live on in a perpetual fever of anxiety, scheming and planning for the future, as if they themselves could turn the current of events. Mark the furrows on the brow, listen to the eager inquiry,—see the restless running to and fro,-the setting aside, sometimes the total disregard, of higher and nobler interests, for the things of time. Now, it is this carking care, this wearing solicitude, this absorbing desire to accumulate, which is forbidden by Christ, and is inconsistent with a true and lively faith ; and, to a child of God, surely this ought to suffice, he is utterly powerless over to-morrow. It may bring with it altered thoughts, diverted purposes, deranged schemes, and, therefore, must virtually think for itself,-seeing that we cannot think for it to-day. And, are we not under the watchful eye of a Father in heaven, who has promised to provide that the morrow shall bring with it all needful supplies? Powerless over to-morrow we undoubtedly are, and

therefore should be "without carefulness." It will be time enough to meet its trials when those trials come; and if we are His, we may rest assured, that when they come, they shall not be unattended by the grace required for Christian endurance. Our Lord's meaning most certainly is, that His disciples should give heed to the duties of to-day,—in the sure and certain hope, that He will communicate strength for the morrow. There is no truth which ought more deeply to impress the believer's mind than this, that God will give grace and strength to do or to bear, as the occasion may require, commensurate with our wants. It is not God's procedure to give to-day the strength for to-morrow, - this would but weaken our sense of dependence on Him, and induce forgetfulness that of ourselves we have no sufficiency, whether for duties or trials. But it is God's procedure to provide that the communications of His grace shall always be adequate for the wants of His people, that if not made before they are actually needed, they are never actually needed without being made.

Besides, let us remember, that for the future we are in one sense not responsible.

God's commands are now- Go, work to-day in My vineyard." "To-day, if ye will hear His voice," &c. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." And of this we may be well assured, that that man will have little scope for solicitude about to-morrow, who shall perform conscientiously and diligently, what ought to be the duties of to-day; and, if we are tempted, (as we often are,) to become weary in well-doing, let it be borne in mind, that just in proportion as a man diminishes his duties, he will be sure to increase his anxieties. And further, to-morrow will be in nowise injured when it comes, by the preference of to-day,—for, the best of all preparations for impending trial, is to be diligent in the observance of present duty.

Christian! be it yours to act your part well to-day, and you will find, that, bring what it may, to-morrow will bring the needed strength along with it. The task, which, if it were prescribed to you now, would fill your heart with despair, has only to become a duty, and it will appear easy. Have you not found it so in the past? Obstacles which seemed at a distance almost insurmountable, were found, when approached, to be easily over

come; not that in reality they became less,the mountain was as high as it seemed,-but God, mindful of your weakness, imparted strength to surmount it,-He gave power to overleap it. Oh! never, believer, if you really trust your God, and meekly leave events in His hands, never will you find that to-morrow brings with it more of trial than of strength. Why do you look with alarm to the future? The almighty Disposer of all events,-thy Father, holds in His hands the balances, in which are weighed grace and trial,-strength will be imparted when thou requirest it,— patience will be given thee when the hour of suffering comes, and the promise be made good, "My God shall supply all your need." Believe it, Christian! from the unknown depths of the future there can come up no trouble, unaccompanied by its appropriate consolation,--no enemy at whose side there is not an antagonist,- -no loss which does not bring with it a counterbalancing gain. You can at least say,—“ If I know not what to-morrow will bring, I know that my heavenly Father orders all events, it is His to order its occurrences, His to proportion its duties and difficulties, and I will trust in

eventful life, casting his eye on the perilous path he had traversed, and on the Ebenezers with which it was marked. He seems to say, "Time was when I had other hopes and prospects, when another ground of confidence was mine, when, if I had trusted in the world's promises, I had a brilliant prospect before me-wealth, honour, fame: all these were the gilded toys which urged me onward; but, another vision was presented,―Jesus, whom I persecuted, spake to me. His ser

vice was void of all earthly honour; I had nought to anticipate but suffering and shame, -the bitter hostility of foes,-the unkind desertion of friends,-I had sinful habits to break, guilty passions to subdue, and countless dangers to brave,—but He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee, and my strength is made perfect in weakness.' I took Him at His word, I embraced Him as my Saviour, --I placed myself at His disposal, 'Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?' Though of sinners the very chief, He welcomed me; and, then I learned the depth and sincerity of His love, the strength and security of His friendship; then I learned the deep enormity of sin,—so stern and crushing, that it bowed