whole hearts, that we may " have confidence before him at his coming."]
2. How may we welcome afflictions, provided we be truly upright !
[What are afflictions but the sieve in our Father's hand, whereby he takes us from among the ungodly, and " purifies us unto himself a peculiar people?" And shall we distrust his skill, or doubt his love ? If the countryman, instructed by him, knows how to suit his threshing-instruments to the na- ture of his corn, shall God be at a loss how most effectually to produce his ends on us'? Let us then leave ourselves in his hands, and submit cheerfully to the means, that we may at last attain the end.]
3. How important a grace is faith !
[Under the various trials with which we are harassed, it is faith alone that can keep us steadfast, or afford us any solid comfort. If we be destitute of faith, we shall be tormented with ten thousand fears : but if we be strong in faith, we shall, under all circumstances, " stay ourselves on God, and be kept in perfect peace k." However sensible we be of our own weakness and unworthiness, we shall expect the accomplish- ment of God's promise, and shall dismiss our fears, " knowing that he is able to keep that which we have committed to him1." May we all be enabled in this manner to trust our- selves in his hands, and to wait quietly for that salvation which he has prepared for us !]
1 Isai. xxviii. 26 — 28. k Isai. xxvi. 3. * 2 Tim. i. 12.