Page:Sermons preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia.djvu/20

16 instances where it is attained, this hope is sure to be disappointed in the enjoyment of the happiness fondly anticipated. The young and sprightly may not realize their airy dreams of future joys and pleasures. The stern realities of life will ever and anon admonish them of the vanity of their pursuits. The soldier, who hopes to return from the battle and receive the plaudit and honors of his countrymen, may leave his carcass among heaps of the slain, to be devoured by the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air. The sick man may be forced to resign hope, and yield to despair of recovery, as death approaches with his cold and icy hand upon his vitals.

The hope referred to in the text, grows not in nature's garden. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The endearing object of its regard is God, the inexhaustible fountain of blessedness. It therefore never fails—it never disappoints us—it "maketh not ashamed; because