his promised blessings'' : and, if we ask in faith, he will " do for us exceeding abundantly above all that we either ask or think."]
2. In a way of confident expectation —
[We should " not stagger at any of God's promises, but be strong in faith, giving glory to God." If he see fit to delay his answer, we must not be discouraged, but wait his time ; assured, that " the vision shall not tarry" beyond the precise moment that he sees to be best for us ^ We must trust him no less when we see no way for our deliverance"", than when the promised relief is visibly at hand. Under all the endearing characters which are assigned to him in our text, we should expect his gracious interposition. If our difficulties and trials be of a tem- poral nature, we should anticipate with confidence his effectual aid"; and if of a spiritual nature, we should feel assured, that none shall finally prevail against us ""^ : we should confidently say, '^ In the Lord have I righteousness and strength." *' In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory."]
Address,
1 . To those who are labouring under temporal affliction —
[Those who have no God to go to, often sink under their troubles, and not unfrequently seek refuge from them in suicide. Be ye not like to them. There is a God, whose is the earth, and the fulness thereof, and who feedeth even the ravens that call upon him. Your trials are i^itended to lead you to him ; and if they have this effect, you shall have cause to bless him for them to all eternity. Only remember not to lean to the creature for support. Seek every thing in God ; in " God 07ili/ ;" in *' God at all times ;" and you shall not be disappointed of your hope.]
2. To those who are bowed down with spiritual trouble —
[Hear what instruction the prophet Jeremiah gives to per- sons in your state". David had sunk under his troubles, if he had not cast his care entirely upon the Lord?. Follow then his example in this particular : charge it upon yourself to do so ; " My soul, wait thou only upon God." And if still distressing fears oppress you, chide your unbelieving soul as he did ; " Why art thou cast down, O my soul ? and why art thou dis- quieted within me ? Hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my confidence and my God''."]
" Ezek. xxxvi. 37. ' Hab. ii. 3.
"" Isai. 1. 10. Isai. xKviii. 16. " Isai. I. 7 — Q.
° Lam. iii. 25, 26. Add to this, ib.'ver. 27, 28, 2g. P Ps. xxvii. 13, 14. "J Ps. xlii. 11.
3*77.] PSALMS, Lxiii. 1 — 7. 213