His cross of agony He cried, "Fatber, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Thus, step by step, is the young man going forward in the work of regeneration: not in his own strength, indeed, but in his Saviour's strength; for he knows well that without Him he "can do nothing." It is that Saviour, who by His Holy Spirit is operating upon him: it is He who gives him power to cooperate, by acts of self-conquest and overcoming in temptation. As youth merges into manhood, his good resolutions are becoming fixed by good actions; principle is becoming practice; as evil passions are subdued, good affections and dispositions are formed. His character is becoming settled. He is getting to be known as an upright man of business, a good citizen, a just-minded and honorable man, a man of purity in life and heart. Assuming the relations of a husband and father,—together with new sources of happiness, new duties, also, and sometimes new trials come upon him. But he does not fail. Having learned where to go for strength and support under all circumstances, he finds himself at all times sustained: he feels that the Divine Eye is upon him, the Divine Arm around him. Prayer is his unfailing comfort and support. With him it is no hard task: it is but communion with a Heavenly Friend. He remembers that that Divine Friend said, when on earth, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give yon rest."[1] He believes His words, and goes to Him whenever he is in trouble. Does the world go hard with him? he knows that it is permitted for his trial and purification; and that as soon as the pressure has
