Blighted hopes.
I. A COMMON EXPERIENCE. It is not more true that man hopes, than it is that he sooner or later becomes acquainted with disappointment. Young and old, rich and poor, wise and unwise, have their unrealized expectations.
II. A DIVINE ARRANGEMENT. Blighted hopes are no more accidents than are buds that never fulfil their promise, They form part of the great world-plan which has been devised by Infinite Wisdom.
III. A SALUTARY DISCIPLINE. When God breaks a man's earthly ideas, it is that he may find nobler ones in heaven; that, turning away his heart from mundane things, he may seek those things which are above.
LESSONS.
1. Thank God for earth's disappointments.
2. Seek to be possessed of that hope which fadeth not away.