Page:Sermons preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia.djvu/17

Rh he is presented under the endearing title of the God of hope. He is thus represented, because that "lively hope" which can sustain the soul amidst the various trials of life comes from God, and finally leads us on to the enjoyment of his beatifick presence. There is a hope which man derives from the constitution of his nature. It shows itself in early childhood. At mature age, he clings to it as a cheerful companion in his multiplied pursuits in life, and too often, never relaxes his grasp upon the airy phantom, until compelled to do so by the irresistible arm of death. What is it that gives the most buoyancy and light-heartedness to the smiling youth? Is it the survey of the wondrous works of nature, and the great achievements of human skill that present themselves to their senses? Or, will the novelty of these scenes account for their wonted hilarity and glee? No.