and tender spirit was most perfectly seen amid the circumstances that were provocative of anger and resentment. So with these loved ones in Smyrna. Though under press and conflict, He found nothing to condemn, and in the silence there lies the highest eulogium. Of such value is this teaching that I pause to make a passing application. Some child of God, whelmed with great and crushing sorrows is longing for the sound of His voice, and there is nothing but silence. It may be that that silence is a