voice, they are in darkness and have no light;" at least, their hope is so faint and glimmering, that it scarcely affords them any support at all. If we were not able to assign any reason for the divine conduct in this particular, it would be quite sufficient for us to know, that God never suffers his people to be " in heaviness through manifold temptations," except when he sees some peculiar " necessity" for such a dispensation towards them a.]
But to them is directed the most encouraging advice —
[Let not such persons say, " The Lord hath forsaken and forgotten meb:" let them not conclude, that because their hemisphere is dark, it shall never be light ; (for " light is sown for the righteous0," though it may not instantly spring up) but " let them trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon their God." The name of the Lord is a strong tower, whither they may run, and in which they may find safety d. By " the name of the Lord" we may understand all by which he has revealed himself to man, and especially that adorable Saviour " in whom his name is," and " in whom all his promises are yea and amen :" in him let them trust as a reconciled God and Father : yes, under the most distressing circumstances let them " en- courage themselves in the Lord their Gode:" and if he appear to frown, still let them say with Job, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in himf. And whenever disquieting thoughts arise, let them chide their unbelief, as David did6; and determine, if they perish, to perish at the foot of the cross, pleading for mercy in the name of Jesus.]
To persons, however, of a different description, the Lord changes his voice ; and speaks,
II. Terror to the secure —
While some are disquieted without a cause, there are others causelessly secure —
[To " kindle a fire and compass ourselves with its sparks" seems a natural and obvious expression for seeking our own ease and pleasure: and this may be done, either by self- pleasing endeavours to " establish a righteousness of our own, instead of submitting to the righteousness of God;" or by giving up ourselves to worldly occupations and carnal enjoy- ments. Now they, who find all their satisfaction in one or other of these ways, are very numerous ; while they who serve God in sincerity, but walk in darkness, are comparatively very
alPet.i.6. b Isai.xlix.14. c Ps.xcvii. 11. d Prov.xviii. 10. s 1 Sam. xxx. G. f Job xiii. 15, 8 Ps. xlii. 11.