This age is peculiarly the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, in which Jesus cheers us not by his personal presence, as he shall do by and by, but by the indwelling and constant abiding of the Holy Spirit, who is evermore the Comforter of the church. It is his office to console the hearts of God's people.

He convinces of sin; he illuminates and instructs; but still the main part of his work lies in making glad the hearts of the renewed, in confirming the weak, and lifting up all those that be bowed down. He does this by revealing Jesus to them. The Holy Spirit consoles, but Christ is the consolation.

Despair is unreasonable. Learn a lesson from the naked boughs, barren as lances, among which the wind is sighing. These shall yet again robe themselves in graceful foliage and boast new charms and ampler spread. Why not the like with you, if you will

but look up and hope in God, whose love will shed a spring-tide o'er your soul, yes, bring you to a summer of supreme delight.