Is not this the text which sounds in our ears on the new mourn over the sins and follies of the past, and recollect with shame the good resolutions we have broken, the little progress we have made? Oh! surely the Lord God is very gracious. He waiteth for us long-He still che- rishes and waters the little seed which He has sown in our hearts; and rejoices over every fresh plant which springs forth from that seed. Shall not this encourage us forward? Shall He wait in vain? Shall He water in vain? He still "lets us alone," and for what pur- Each year brings its trials and its sorrows, but as B |