test which proves the excellence
of the religion of Christ is the fact that it fits us for those solemn
hours of life when we must be alone. Mere happiness we may derive from
other sources; but this consolation not all the world can give,--the
world cannot take it away.

Let us remember, then, that though we seldom look within-though our
affections may be absorbed in external things-these solitary seasons
will come. It behoves us, therefore, as we value true peace of mind,
genuine happiness, which connects us to the throne of God with golden
links of prayer,--it behoves each to ask himself, "Dare I be alone? Am
I ready to be alone? And what report will my soul make in that hour of
solitude? If I do wrong, if I cleave to evil rather than the good, what
shall I do when I am alone, and yet not alone, but with the Father? But
if I do right, if I trust in Him, and daily walk with Him, what crown
of human honor, what store of wealth, what residuum of earthly pleasure,
can compare with the glad consciousness that wherever I rest or wander,
in every season and circumstance, in the solitary hours of life, and the
loneliness of death, God is verily with me?"

Surely no attainment is equal to that strength of Christ, by which,
when approaching the cross, he was able to say, "I am not alone, for the
Father is with me." By this strength, he was able to do more than to
say and feel thus. He was able to strengthen others,--to exclaim, "Be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world." So we, by spiritual discipline,
having learned of Christ to be thus strong, not only possess a spring
of unfailing consolation for ourselves, but there shall go out from us
a benediction and a power that shall gladden the weary and fortify the
weak,--that shall fill the solitude of many a lonely spirit with
the consolations of the Father's love, and the bliss of the Father's
presence.

RESIGNATION

"The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink
it?" John xvii.11.

The circumstances in which these words were uttered have, doubtless,
often arrested your attention,--have often been delineated for you
by others. Yet it is always profitable for us to recur to them. They
transpired immediately after our Saviour's farewell with his disciples.
The entire transaction in that "upper room" had been hallowed and
softened by the fact of his coming death. He saw that fact distinctly
before him, and to his eye everything was associated