“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path.”  “He is not far from every one of us.”  But, though He is ever near, yet God often waits long before he relieves.  Why is it thus?  We do not always see the reason, but we may be sure it is infinite wisdom that defers.  He would have us feel our dependence on Him, and when we do feel this, when we hope no more from any earthly source, and turn a despairing eye to Him, then he is ever ready to rescue.  Even toward those who have long withstood his grace, and rebelled against his love, is he moved to kindness “when He seeth that their power is gone.”  “We must sometimes have the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.”

Even where we would accomplish most, when we would fain secure the salvation of those dearest to us, when we would win eternal life for our children, we must be made to rely on Him who, as he can raise the dead, even call life from nothing, can also revive the spiritually dead, and break the sleep which threatens to be eternal.

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He is gone—­while we looked, suddenly he rose in the full vigor of manliness, and now, exulting in his new-found faculties, he is walking yonder among the multitude, carrying upon his shoulders the couch which has so long borne his weary, helpless frame.  See, one with frowning countenance and harsh words arrests his steps, and wholly unmindful of the joy which lights his pale face, reproves him with severe and bitter words:  “It is the Sabbath day.  It is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”  The command indeed is, “Thus saith the Lord, take heed to yourselves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem.  Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day; neither do ye any work; but hallow ye the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.”  He stands dismayed and troubled.  In his new-found happiness he has forgotten the solemn mandate.  Timidly he answers, “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed and walk.”  Thou hast answered well.  Only the Lord of the Sabbath could have done on thee this work of healing.  Go on thy way rejoicing.  Return not to seek Him, He was here, he spoke to thee; but he is gone.  None saw him depart.  Everywhere present, He is, yet, when He will, invisible to mortal eyes.

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Original.

REPORTS OF MATERNAL ASSOCIATIONS.

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DETROIT.

Another year has passed over us, and we, a little band, have met to recount, and gratefully to acknowledge, God’s goodness and loving-kindness to us and our families.  Our Association, commencing as a small stream, has not yet grown to be a mighty river; yet it has flowed steadily in its course, and we confidently believe, has sent forth sweet and hallowed influences, refreshing some thirsty souls with pure and living waters.