the way, and who has himself encountered all the perils of this wilderness. The enemy attacked him when there alone; but found nothing in him by which he could work with one single temptation: he knows, therefore, how to succour them that are tempted, and can always find a way for their escape. When their spirit is overwhelmed within them, he knoweth their path, he is acquainted with all their wanderings, and will lead them by a way they know not, to a city of habitation.' 6 While travelling toward that better country through this desert land, the accommodations of the way are wisely and kindly superintended by our divine guide and conductor; and, when the traveller ventures all his immortal interests in his hands, well may he surrender to the same keeping his lesser concerns, nor be anxious respecting food or raiment, health or comforts of any kind; for he knoweth that we have need of all these things - ' He who hath given us his Son, will he not also with him freely give us all things?' And with respect to those who are dear to us as our own souls, whose welfare we ardently desire in this waste howling wilderness, that we may see their good, and rejoice with them; or for whose future welfare when our pilgrimage is over, we feel anxious; let nature and friendship rejoice in their behalf, and rest on the blessed promises that are so abundantly given for our support. So may the widow and the orphan be left in those hands which are engaged to keep them alive. We know in whom in all these respects we have believed, and that he is fully able to keep that which we have so committed to him. Especial seasons will often arise, in which we shall peculiarly need this help - when we shall rejoice to recollect in whom we have formerly believed: many an occasion will occur which will call us to celebrate this faithfulness, and which will serve to assure us that, of a truth, he is still able to keep that which we have heretofore committed to him. But it is against that day that our pre cautions are taken, and his care especially sought after; and that day will eminently show that he was able to keep all that we committed to him. How great will be the exultation, when on that day we find our souls safe and secure-pardoned, perfected, and placed in heaven! — when, however inexplicable our former wanderings may have appeared, we find all explained and cleared up to our perfect satisfaction. And if, too, we should then behold those most dear to us, and for whom we have so often pleaded while in this vale of tears, assembled together at his right hand; then shall we with devout extasy confess, how able he was to keep all that we committed to him against that day. And the worldling possesses a treasure also, on which he sets a higher value than on his immortal soul: but, whatever may be its intrinsic worth, to whom can he commit it to ensure its security against any future day, or indeed for the shortest period? Like the Christian, he finds himself utterly unable to defend his treasure; he perceives enemies of every description, and at every turn, way-laying his path but in whom shall he repose unlimited confidence, when daily experience admonishes him to cease from man whose breath is in his nostrils?' Disregarding this faithful monitor, he clearly evinces that he knows not in whom he has believed, and has yet to learn the fallacy of all his sanguine hopes and expectations. Against that day! Ah! on that eventful day, what of all that he so highly prized, does he expect to find? Those things which he valued most shall be as stubble, when the firmament itself shall melt with fervent heat. The reluctant soul must now re-unite with a body which has been the instrument of its destruction. Sorrowful was once the parting; but how much more sorrowful the meeting; for both must now be banished from the presence of Him, who will present millions of immortal spirits to his Father, ' without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.' O! |