siifferings, since " not a hair of their head can perish," " nor can even a sparrow fall to the ground, without the permission of their Father ? " If he see fit to let loose the enemy for the trial of their faith, will he not support their courage, and make them " more than conquerors?" Besides, will not their " light and momentary afflictions work out for them a far more ex- ceeding and eternal weight of glory ?" " And will not a king- dom abundantly compensate all their trials ?" Surely then they should dispel all fears; and commit themselves into the hands of a faithful God".]
Address —
1. The flock of Christ—
[God would have you without carefulness0. He bids you cast all your care on him who careth for youp. And shall God be so concerned about relieving your fears, and you not be concerned to honour him ? O chide your unbelieving thoughts, and say, Why art thou disquieted, O my soul? Jehovah is my shepherd, I shall not want ; Jehovah is my Father, I will not fearq? Surely if you reflect on the promises he has made to you, it will be impossible for you ever to be cast down again. " Ye, my flock," says he, " the flock of my pasture, are men ; but I am your God, saith the Lord Godr." " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the fire, you shall not be burnt \" Consider, " If God be for you, who can be against you ? " O be careful for nothing ; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God ; and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus*.]
2. The herds of this world —
[Shall we address you in the language of the text, Fear not ? Alas ! not only the Scriptures, but also your own con- sciences, would condemn us. You may possibly have no par- ticular cause to dread either wants or sufferings in this world, (though you cannot tell what may befall you before you die,) but may you not have to " dwell with everlasting burnings," and want even " a drop of water to cool your tongue" in that world to which you are hastening ? Know assuredly, that your numbers will not screen you from the vengeance of an angry God. If you be not of those who have put themselves under the care of the good shepherd, you will be considered as goats, and be for ever separated from the flock of Christ u. " He will
n 1 Pet. iv. 19. ° 1 Cor. vii. 32. p 1 Pet. v. 7.
<i Ps. xxiii. 1, 4. r Ezek. xxxiv. 31. s Isai. xliii. 2.
* Phil. iv. 6, 7. u Matt. xxv. 32, 33. vol. xn. ii