The record of our Lord's sail over the Sea of Galilee, accompanied with His disciples, as given in Luke 8:22-26, is exceedingly interesting. It contains a lesson rich in instruction, and of deep practical value for the children of God.

It pictures very vividly our passage across the sea of this turbulent world. It is a reflection of our journey through a scene of incessant though ever-varying activity, on to the haven of rest eternal.

The proposal to go to the other side was the ' Lord's:it was no rash undertaking of the disciples. It was the Lord who said, " Let us go." One has come to us from the bright "over there." The Father has sent to us His Son from His own house, and He has told us of the Father-of the Father's house-of heavenly things. We have heard His voice, we have received His words, we have bowed in our souls to His heavenly communications. Owned now as His brethren and companions, He shows us that His blessed home over the other side is ours, and He says, " Let us go."

His saying to His disciples " Let us go over to the other side of the lake " was the expression of His will, the authority for the journey, and the sure pledge or promise of its successful end. Beside this, He was Himself present with them- present to share their lot, whatever that might be.

Beloved, what these disciples had we have. We have His word and His presence. We know His will is, that where He is, there we may be also. He has said so. " It is written " is faith's answer to the question, " What reasonable ground or authority is there for denying ourselves and following a despised and rejected Christ?" Through His word the eye of faith looks upon things " un-seen and eternal," and all is assured. Possessing in His word these three things of such incalculable value for faith-His word being all this to the heart, how free are we to enjoy the blessing of His presence along the journey. But if His word is not thus dwelling in our hearts, we shall not be keeping Him company, though He be with us. He was asleep on this ship as they were gliding along toward the land over the other side. He was oblivious to all around before the storm came and during the storm. A smooth sea, a balmy breeze, the beauties around, occupied neither His eye nor His heart. His disciples did not keep Him company in this obliviousness to the things of sight and sense. So when their circumstances changed, -when the smooth sea became rough, and the gentle breeze turned into a terrific gale,-the joy and pleasure of a beautiful sail was superseded by distress and fear. Now they think of Him, but they cannot bear to gaze upon His peaceful face. How descriptive this of ourselves! Bo long as the scene through which we pass contributes to our comfort, how we enjoy the journey! but when trouble comes-opposition, persecution for the word's sake, such things as the path necessitates,- not troubles our own failures and sins bring upon us, but troubles which are the necessary result of following after a rejected Christ,-when such trials come, what unhappiness! what discontent and murmuring! how much fear and trembling! How impossible to be quiet! How unbearable the quietness of the Lord! Like the disciples here we must invoke His activity. They went to Him and said, "Master! Master! we perish." He heard their cry. He answered their prayer. He arose, spoke to the winds and commanded the waves, and there was a great calm; but He said to them, " Where is your faith ? " Oh, what a rebuke!

Beloved, are the days evil and difficult ? do the winds blow fiercely? are the waves rising higher and higher? He is with us. We have His word and His presence. Is that sufficient? Are we desirous of an easier path? Is this heaving and tossing unbearable? Is His peacefulness, His mastery, His undisturbed supremacy unbearable ? Well, if we cannot endure, He may respond to our desire-gracious One that He is; (have we not known Him to do so?) but if so, be assured it is a rebuke. It is to ask us, "Where is your faith?"

The disciples here were ill at ease in the calm. The solemn quiet and stillness of the calm was dreadful, too. They were not free and happy in the presence of Him who had produced for them such a thorough change. They little knew the personal glory of their Master. " What manner of Man is this?"-who is He, to do such a wondrous thing? We, too, often say, What a wonderful providence! what a remarkable interposition! while yet our hearts are ill at ease in His presence ; so slow are we to learn Himself and the glories of His wondrous person.

What losers we are through our lack of faith, forgetfulness of the word, and indifference to the presence of our ever-calm and restful Lord! What we would gain by allowing His word its full power in our hearts, who can tell? Let us cultivate His company, and never weary of gazing upon His peaceful face.

C.C.