Patience under provocations from our fellow creatures, may result from very mixed and inferior considerations; but the display of this amiable temper in reference to those delays and denials with which the supreme Governor of the Church is pleased to try his people, can never be produced or cherished but by the special operation of the Holy Ghost. He only can instruct us on this important subject, or enable us to apply to that exclusive source of ability, apart from which we can do nothing.

Amidst various arguments derived from the inspired volume to urge to the practice of this requisite temper, our general purpose in these discourses, confines us to the consideration of that case stated in our text. "Behold, the husbandman "waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and "hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and the latter rain, be ye also patient."

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- Promises made to diligent and persevering efforts, are not always immediately fulfilled; the vision may yet be for an appointed time. And ever since the creation of the world, which was spoken into existence by the "Word of God," it hath pleased Him to work gradually, and by instruments of his own selection; thus designing to try the faith, and reward the diligence of his servants.

In the affairs of his church, God has seen fit to postpone the execution of his best purposes, and delay the accomplishment of his most precious promises, for the longest period. The same epitaph is inscribed on the monumental tablet of all the Old Testament saints," These all died in faith "not having received the promise;" after the lapse of four thousand years,-in the fullness of time God sent forth his Son.

In the daily experience of every true believer, this grace is called into exercise; and generally it is found, that in proportion to the value of the mercy needed and the earnestness with which it is sought, is the degree of delay which precedes the bestowment; yet faithful is He that hath promised, who will also do it." Cast not away therefore "your confidence, which hath great recompence "of reward. For ye have need of patience, that "after ye have done the will of God, ye might "receive the promise. For yet a little while, " and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

The manifold wisdom of God may be traced in his natural operations, as influenced by the same determination; the most useful trees which give

* Hebrews, x. 35, 36, 37.

majesty and beauty to our forests, are those which are longest in advancing to maturity,-while the gourd which rises in a night, perishes in a night.

The toils of the husbandman are not immediate

ly repaid: a tedious and painful season of suspence follows the committal of the precious seed to the earth; during which, the changes of the weather, the multiplication of insects, the voracity of birds, the probability that the grain may perish, and many other causes of apprehension, occur; yet he waiteth, in many cases hath long patience, until he receive the early rain to moisten the ground→→ the latter to quicken vegetation, and call forth the tender sprout. And doth God care for our fields only? nay, for our sakes was this, doubtless, written, that we, who are sowing to the Spirit, may, through patience and comfort from this scripture, have hope.*

I invite you this day to "Behold the husband"man who waiteth for the precious fruit of the "earth, and hath long patience for it, until he re"ceive the early and the latter rain.”

1. Behold the continued and persevering diligence which preceded the exercise of his patience.

* Romans, xv. 4.

It is not the owner, the landlord, who receives the rent, it is not the eater who is fed from the fruits of the field, but the labourer-the person who cultivated at his own toil or expence, the land-that is represented as anxious and apprehensive, yet patiently waiting for the springing of the corn.

How various and multiplied are his labors; he ploughed he dressed-he fallowed-he sowedhe harrowed his fields, and for what? to wait until the softened furrows should allow the tender grain to sprout and spring.

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Can you behold his preparatory efforts, his severing toil, without any emotion? Alas! my brethren, we are verily guilty in this matter. What little diligence have we evinced-how disconnected have our toils been-how unwilling to repeat the effort, the reward of which must be dis tant, and which appears precarious! Yet while by this plain question you are censured-or ra ther are led to censure yourselves-take consolation from the practice of the husbandman, which is the result of long experience; each revolving year has confirmed the propriety of his plans, nor has total failure or even partial disappointment been his frequent lot.

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When engaged in the tedious labors of spiritual cultivation, whether of your hearts, your families, or your neighbors,-if disposed to remit your diligence, or to sink into despair,-if censure or consolation are needed, "Behold, the husbandman "waiteth for the precious fruits of the earth, and "hath long patience for it, until he receive the 66 early and the latter rain. Be ye also patient."

2. Mark the submissive acquiescence with which he expects the promised issue of his labors.

He indeed, knows not which field shall best prosper, or whether both shall be alike good, but he quietly and without distraction waits the arrival of spring, when the tender herb shall appear. Convinced that all his anxious fears or fretting impatience, will not hasten the close of the year, or change the appointed seasons, he rises day by day and pursues his varied labors,-he in fact, leaves it in God's hands and care; and believes that the frosts of winter, the garment of snow which covers his fields, and the rain which may deluge his land, are all working together for good, and are designed to usher in the beauties of spring and the abundance of summer. And shall he be wiser in his

worldly ways than you, who are the husbandmen of the Most High?