the splendour and influence of the meridian sun : how then can the feeble language of mortality describe the action of Almighty God upon the soul, which he deigns to visit with his more immediate presence ? Suffice it however to say, that such visits are realized in the souls of God's faithful people ; and that " both the Father and the Son will come down to them, and dwell in them, and make their abode with them4," and turn their very souls into the sanctuary of the Most High.]
2. In a way of effectual support —
[Persons who resemble the Apostle Paul in their spirit and conduct will be sure to resemble him, in some degree at least, in his trials and afflictions. It is not possible but that those who love darkness rather than light, should hate such lights as these. In truth the more bright a man's light shines before an ungodly world, the more must he expect to be hated, reviled, and persecuted, even as our incarnate God himself was, during the time of his sojourning on earth: for "the servant cannot be above his Lord:" and "if they called the Master of the house of Beelzebub, much more will they those of his household11." But, need the godly indulge any fears on that account ? No ; for " greater is he He that is in them, than he that is in the world x." Men may assatdt you with all their might : but it may be confidently asked, " Who is he that shall harm you, if ye be followers of that which is goody?" Men may keep all human aid from you : but who can inter- cept the visits of your God ? Hear his own express promise, given for your encouragement and support: " Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." And then, lest a sense of your own weakness, and of the overbearing power of your enemies, should discourage you, he adds, " Fear not, thou worm Jacob : I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument, having teeth; and thou shalt thresh the mountains7, ." Yes truly, " if God be for you, who can be against youa ?"]
3. In a way of complete and everlasting fruition —
[" Whom God loveth, he loveth to the endb :" and if he be with us as a God of peace in this world, he will be with us under the same endearing character to all eternity. What he said to Abraham personally , he says to all the children of Abraham : " Fear not ; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding
1 John xiv. 21, 23. ll Matt. x. 25. * 1 John iv. 4.
y 1 Pet. iii. 13. * Isai. xli. 10, 14—10. * Rom. viii. 31.
b John xiii. 1.