Several illustrations have been added to those given in the first edition, especially in the chapter on Prayer. In many of the matters mentioned in these illustrations, the Author has been personally concerned, but he has not deemed it necessary to specify such cases particularly. The reader will observe that the same persons and facts are frequently referred to in different portions of the volume; this does not, however, involve any real tautology, for such is the fulness of Holy Writ, and such is the variety of application of which each portion of it is susceptible, that, in point of fact, a few incidents and a few characters answer all our need. When we consider how very few are the leading characters which are brought before our notice in Holy Scripture, it seems as though God designed to teach us by the few and not by many, in order that we, as individuals, might be taught or warned by the individual, and not by a class. Hence in part the exceeding preciousness of the individuality of Jesus. The reader, who is familiar with the book of Psalms, will also observe that many "I wills" are omitted in this volume; amongst these are some which group together under different heads, such as the "I wills" of CONFESSION and HUMILIATION, of WORSHIP, of Joy and REJOICING, of the MIND and HEART, and of OBEDIENCE, together with many which do not range themselves in any distinct order; these the writer preferred leaving untouched, rather than saying but a few words upon them. The following pages are designed rather to suggest than to teach, to whisper than to speak. Yet all their whisperings are of importance, for their subjects are from the word of God; may they admonish and encourage, may they remind and direct, may they help and confirm the people of the Lord according to their respective needs; may they shew them where they have failed to determine, and where their determinations have come short; and, from time to time, reminded by these pages of these things, may they go on unto perfection, until the fulfilled determinations of time, (accepted in the blood of Christ,) bring to them the fruition of glory in eternity. CONTENTS. The unreservedness of Trust-Trust despite appearances-Luther at Worms-Helps to unreservedness of Trust-Unreservedness in the Apostle Paul-The shipwrecked sailor-Trust though all be unknown-Helps to procuring this Trust. Trust in God, even though the usual human instrumentality of help may be at hand-Helps to obtaining this Trust. Unreserved Trust in the union of cause and effect-The child's umbrella- Helps to obtaining this Trust-God the great object of Trust -The Psalmist's trust in God in all developments of Himself -God the Ruler of the people-God in the still chamber— Ridley's sleep-The sleepless minister-Elijah's flight-The shadow of God's wings-Helps to Trust under this shadow— God the Fortress-Alliance between God and man- -The Believer not alone-The strawberry plant-Mungo Park's moss-God in decisive action-Whitelock taught by his ser- vant--Co-operation between God and man -Practical thoughts resulting from this co-operation-Luther and Melancthon. Circumstances under which Trust is to be exercised-Times of action of Trust in the time of fear--Instances in the martyrs, Bishop Farrar, Dr. Taylor, Bishop Hooper, Thomas Hawkes -Hard struggle in the case of Rawlins White and George The duty of Ministry and Testimony not fully recognised in the present day-The loss which God's people suffer from non- recognition-The ministry of Mary in breaking the alabaster box-Loss of the reflex benefit of action for God-Duke Eric of Brunswick-The positions in which Ministry is to be carried on-Teeva's prayer-Ministry in the family-The mother's hand-The Church of Christ a sufferer by lack of Ministry-A great result from a small act of Ministry—The preacher's ministry to one man—' Sunday School child-Melancholy picture of the Church as regards Ministry. The world a loser by lack of Ministry and |