[Who is it that has made us to differ from the most aban- doned on earth, or the most miserable in hell ? Is it not the Lord ? and have not many of the occasions on which he has extended mercy to us been as much unsought for, and at the time unnoticed, as if we had been utterly independent of him ? Let us remember then to whom we are indebted for all the temporal and spiritual blessings we enjoy : and let every thing be improved by us " for the praise of the glory of his grace" ]
2. To seek his guidance and protection in future — [Who can tell what consequences may ensue from one
single step? perhaps the eternal preservation or ruin of our souls. Assuredly, if left to ourselves one moment, we shall fall and perish. But God sees effects in their causes ; and in his eyes eternity itself is but a single point. In his hands then we shall be safe. Whatever enemies may menace our de- struction, he will ride in the whirlwind and direct the storm. Only let us not lean to our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge him, and he will " never leave us till he has fulfilled all the good things that he has spoken concerning us J
3. To submit with cheerfulness to any dispensa- tions, however adverse they may appear —
[Who that recollects the testimony of Joseph after all his multiplied afflictions, will not be ashamed of giving way to impatience under trials ? " God sent me here before you," says he to his brethren, " to preserve life." Above all, who that reflects on the issue of our Saviour's sufferings, will repine at being made a partaker of them? We have the promises of God on our side, " and the Scripture cannot be broken." We have our appointed measure to fill up, as well as he : and the termination of our trials will resemble his. Let us wait then the Lord's leisure. If we see not distinctly what his design is in this or that affliction, let it suffice, that " what we know not now, we shall know hereafter." We have already seen abundant reason in past times to say, " It is good for me that I have been afflicted :" and the time is coming when we shall say the same in reference to our present trials. We shall see, that they were a necessary link in the chain of Providence, for the advancing of his glory in our salvation.]