Christian is sometimes favoured : it is represented as " un- speakable and glorified*."]
3. An independent character —
[Others, if bereft of earthly supports, are reduced to extreme distress : the Christian may be deprived of all exter- nal comforts, and still the source of his happiness will remain entire. He can even derive happiness from his afflictions ; he can " rejoice in his sufferings," and " glory in his tribulations." He is independent of the whole world : none can greatly add to his happiness, or materially detract from it. In the fulness of earthly blessings he enjoys God in all; and in the absence of them he enjoys all in God8.]
Address —
1. The careful Christian —
[God would "have you without carefulness11:" he com- mands you to " be careful for nothing1:' and four times in the space of a few verses does our Lord repeat the command, " Take no thought," that is, no anxious thought, " about any earthly thing whateverV' O ye who are " careful and cum- bered about many things," see how ye live below your privi- leges. Get your hearts more filled with the love of God, and the cares of this world will be dissipated as the dew before the sun1.]
2. The timid Christian —
[Some, though dead to the world, have not that joy in God which it is their privilege to possess. They meditate too much upon their own infirmities, and too little upon the per- fections and promises of their God. O brethren, look at God as the God of salvation, as the God of your salvation, and you shall have your fears turned into confidence, and your sorrows into thanksgiving and the voice of melody.]
3. The confident Christian —
[If your confidence be tempered with humility and con- trition, " hold it fast," and " keep the rejoicing of your hope firm unto the end." Such joy in God will recommend religion unto others, and " be the strength of your own souls." While living in this state you will be prepared for every event : you will be guarded equally against the allurements of prosperity, and the terrors of adversity. " Rejoice then evermore ; rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice."]
f 1 Pet. i. 8. s 2 Cor. vi. 10. h 1 Cor. vii. 32.
j Phil. iv. 6. k Matt. vi. 25, 28, 31, 34.
1 Gal. vi. 14.