29 poses, be thankful for undeveloped blessings, even though their rind be rough, and their bud bitter. 6thly. And above all, as indeed the strength and life of all else, will thankfulness depend upon the cultivation of Faith—or a firm persuasion of and trust in God's loving kindness. This, in its connections, the text especially teaches—•' In everything give thanks; for this is the ivill of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" Whatever be the precise force of the words—"m Christ Jesas"—they certainly connect thanksgiving with Gospel faith. If we are . in Christ Jesus—or instructed by Christ Jesus, we shall reckon all that comes to us from God as truly and only beneficent. If our cup be bitter, yet trustful in the great Physician, we judge that our true need is of medicine, and take it, as more richly a u cup of thanksgiving," than a crystal chalice of the water of life from the hand of an angel. If our way be in the dark valley, where overhanging cliffs shut out sun and stars, and the air is chill, and the path flinty to the bleeding feet, yet we know that through it the Great Shepherd leads his flock in love to richer and greener pastures and fairer landscapes beyond, and so walk it with joyous footsteps and thankful songs. Faith.—Faith resting on the Gospel of " God in Christ Jesus," and strengthened by livelong experience of God, unfailing loving-kindness—this is what we most want to quicken our thankfulness. Faith in the present—not considering with Job, "the parts of
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