[We know what it is to commit a large sum of money to the care of a banker : and from thence we may attain a just notion of the Christian's conduct. He has a soul which is of more value than the whole world : and he feels great anxiety that it should be preserved safely " against that day," when God shall judge the world. But to whom shall he entrust it? He knows of none but God that can keep it ; and therefore he goes to God, and solemnly commits it into his hands, en- treating him to order all its concerns, and, in whatever way he shall see best, to fit it for glory.]
To this he is prompted by manifold considera- tions—
[He reflects on the fall of vian in Paradise, and says, ' Did Adam, when perfect, and possessed of all that he could wish, become a prey to the tempter, when the happiness of all his posterity, as well as his own, depended on his steadfastness; and can such a corrupt creature as I, surrounded as I am by innumerable temptations, hope to maintain my ground against my great adversary? O my God, let me not be for one moment left to myself; but take thou the charge of me; and let " my life be hid with Christ in God :" then, and then only, can I hope, that at the last coming of my Lord I shall appear with him in glory''.'
He bears in 7nind also his oivn weakness and ignorance. He is conscious that " he has not in himself a sufficiency even to think a good thought ;" and that " it is not in him to direct his way aright." Hence he desires to avail himself of the wisdom and power of God ; and cries, " Lead me in the right way, because of mine enemies:" " Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe."
But more especially he considers the gracious commands of God. God has not only permitted, but enjoined, this surrender of our souls to him*^. O what a privilege does the Christian account it to obey this divine injunction ! How thankful is he that God will condescend to accept this deposit, and to take care of this charge ! Hence he avails himself of this privilege, and says, " Hide me under the shadow of thy wings ! " " O save me for thy mercy's sake ! "]
Whilst he acts in this manner, IL He is persuaded of God's ability to keep him —
He does not merely presume upon God's suffi- ciency : he is well persuaded of it,
1. From the report of others —
^ Col. iii. 3, 4. " 1 Pet. iv. 19. and Isai. xxvi. 20.