given us to do." We should not merely attend to good works in general, but consider what is that particular " good" which God is calling us to do : perhaps it is to exercise meekness and patience ; or perhaps to put forth fortitude and firmness. In the event of persecution for righteousness' sake, these graces must be cultivated with more than ordinary attention, and be called into action in a more than ordinary degree. We are not to be perplexing our minds with inquii'ies how we may avert the storm which is gathering around us, but be solely careful not to be shaken either in our principles or conduct, or in any respect to dishonour that God whom we profess to serve. Without this fidelity in the path of duty, all trust in God will be a delusion : but, combined with it, our trust in him is a most pleasing and acceptable service.]
2. To seek our happiness in his presence —
[Fidelity itself would not be acceptable, if it proceeded from a principle of slavish fear : we must regard God as a Father, and " delight ourselves in him." It is not a low mea- sure of spirituality that we should aim at ; we should aspire after such an enjoyment of God as David himself spake of, when he said, " I will go unto God, my exceeding joy''." In order to this, we should meditate upon all his glorious perfec- tions, and especially on those perfections as displayed and mag- nified in the work of redemption. O ! what wonders of love and mercy may we see in our incarnate, our redeeming God ! In the contemplation of these we should exercise ourselves day and night, till the fire kindle in our bosoms, and we burst forth in acclamations and hosannahs to our adorable Emmanuel. Say, ye who have ever been so occupied, whether such " medi- tations be not sweet ;" and whether " your souls have not been satisfied as with marrow and fatness," when you have been so employed ?]
•3. To commit our every concern to his disposal —
[Our duty in this respect may not unfitly be illustrated by the confidence which passengers in a ship place in a skilful pilot and an able commander. They trust their persons and their property to the pilot without any anxious cares or painful apprehensions. Conscious of their own incapacity to navigate the ship, they presume not to interfere in the manage- ment of the vessel, but leave the whole concern to those whose province it is to conduct it. Whatever storms may arise, they look to him who is at the helm to steer the vessel to its destined port. Thus does the believer commit his way unto the Lord. To God he looks as ordering every thing for his good, yea, as having, if we may so speak, a community of interest with him,
<" Ps.xliii. 4.