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SO I TWISTED IT.

You will agree with an old man in the observation, That it is a pleasant thing to be in that delightful mood, wherein you seem to have the power of turning every thing to the best account. In such seasons, the earth is felt to be the Lord's, and "the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein," Psa. xxiv. 1.

A Christian friend, who is often in this mood, has just given me an account of an evening party in the following words :-"We stayed supper on the little island, having made a fire of sticks. I could not help thinking of St. Paul on the island of Melita, when the barbarous people showed him no smal kindness, receiving him, and those with him, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.' True it is, that there came no viper out of the heat; but that did not signify. After a while, the party began singing, all standing round the fire. They were singing, alas! not the praiseof God; but I laughed in my sleeve, for sc 1 twisted it."

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O that Old Humphrey could thus twist every word that comes out of the mouths of his fellowsinners, as well as every thought that emanates from his own heart, to God's glory! This would indeed be acting up to the spirit of the text, "Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God," 1 Cor. x. 31.

HOW FAR IS IT TO CANAAN!

"How far is it to Canaan?" said a friend. "Why," replied I, "the children of Israel found it a long way; for they travelled forty years in the wilderness. The most important thing is to know that we are in the way, for then the distance will get less and less every hour."

"How far is it to Canaan ?" asks the doubting Christian; "for I am sadly afraid I shall never get there. My sins are a heavy burden to me, and I long to be rid of them, if, indeed, there is hope for such an one as I."

Go on, poor doubting Christian; take fresh courage, and quicken thy step. Canaan is not so far off but thou shalt reach it at last; and if thou couldst know how willing the Saviour of sinners is to receive thee, it would shed a sunbeam on thy dejected countenance. I have a word of comfort for thee, a cordial for thy heart :—

"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins," Isa. xliii. 25.

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HOW FAR IS IT TO CANAAN?

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"How far is it to Canaan ?" asks the triumphant Christian; "for I long to be at home. know that my Redeemer liveth, and because he lives, I shall live also. My soul has made me like 'the chariots of Amminadab,' and I am impatient to behold him face to face!"

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Go forward, triumphant Christian, with the glorious ring of assurance upon thy finger. Cast not away thy confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." But stay; I have a word for thee also, which may be useful. Ponder it in thy heart :—

"Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall," 1 Cor. x. 12.

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"How far is it to Canaan?" inquires the afflicted Christian; for I have lain a long while upon the bed of suffering. Wearisome nights are appointed to me.' I am full of tossing to and fro unto the dawning day. Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.""

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Be of good cheer, afflicted Christian! The heavier the cross, the more pleasant will be the crown. If we suffer with Christ, we shall be glorified with Christ. I have a word to refresh thy fainting soul, and will now give it thee :—

"The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us," Rom. viii. 18.

HOW FAR IS IT TO CANAAN?

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"How far is it to Canaan?" asks the persecuted Christian; for I am an outcast from my family, a stranger upon earth; like my Lord, I am despised and rejected of men.' they that rise up against me,' and

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Hold on thy way, persecuted Christian; it is a safe one, and a blessed one, yea, the one thy Redeemer trod before thee. Dost thou want a word of consolation? I will give it thee; lay it up in thy bosom :

"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven," Luke vi. 22, 33.

"How far is it to Canaan?" sighs the bereaved Christian; "for I am a lonely and desolate pilgrim. All that were dear to me upon earth are taken away. My tears have been my meat day and night, and my soul yearns for the land where there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying."

Pass on, bereaved Christian; the more lonely thy pilgrimage, the more pleasant will be the company of the " 'shining ones" that await thee, and the sweeter thy reception at the end of thy

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