sider, that the Son of God took our nature up him, and died for our sins, we must either lieve that we are under the merciful care of G -or, we must totally disbelieve the gosp There is no middle way. We may take choice but if we believe one, we must beli the other; for as the apostle forcibly argues, God gave us his son, how much more will he with him give us all things? BESIDES, it is not among the least mercie the gospel, that it places things before us in th true light; and shews us the very reason, God often afflicts us. It is to draw us from world to himself; and fit us for heaven by p ing through a state of trial.At the sa time, the gospel, ever gracious, provides us proper comforts under all our sorrows. Are you poor? Yet bear your lot with tience. You read, that God hath chosen the of this world-that is, such poor, as bear lot with meek resignation to his will; and turn poverty into religion. They are Christ's servants, and he will reward them, when all the glories of this world fade away.-Bear then your lot with patience. Are you reduced from better days?-This is still a harder case, than having lived constantly in poverty, and known no better. But what matters it? Though you have lost your possessions here, you may provide for yourselves a treasure elsewhere, that faileth not. but still religion Your friend hath Have you lost some dear friend, or relation? A few natural tears will fall hath its balm for this grief also. joined, we hope, the spirits of just men made perfect, which, in due time, you also may expect to join. Why should you then sorrow, the apostle asks, as others which have no hope? For if you lieve, that Jesus died, and rose again; even so them also that sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. be Have you been evil spoken of and your character injured? When you know yourself innocent, this is hard to bear on worldly principles. But religion makes even calumny light. All will be set right hereafter. Though your name is injured upon earth, it may be written in the book of life; and your innocence made clear before angels and men. Lastly, to depart, and be with Christ, if it were Go blessed will; and endeavour to raise your des to the same elevated degree. You are hast ing to a father's house, where if you have b an obedient son, you shall surely receive a joy welcome. SINCE then it may be said, we have such cellent means of comfort in all our distresses, should think, that nobody need be misera Whence is it, notwithstanding all these c forts, that might refresh our souls, whenc it, that we see men, every where, wretched, repining-fretted at each little accident of li discontented-perhaps cast down, and forl Whence is it, do you ask? I'll tell you, friends. It is because we try every method o taining comfort, but the true one. The com of religion are promised to if you, you chu accept them but you must remember, they promised to you only on a supposition, that are really religious. If you are lukewar 3 your profession-and depend rather on the com forts of the world, you surely so far give up the comforts of religion. If you refuse the medi cine, you cannot expect the cure. If you have trusted in the world for your happiness; why, you must go to the world for your comfort also. In the multitude of sorrows that are in your heart, there you must apply for relief. When the calamities of life bear hard upon you-when sick, ness, or the infirmities of age, overtake you, you must try what consolations the world can givewhat comfort it has in store for its devoted servants.To the consolations of the gospel you have little claim.-What?-Can you expect the pleasures of sin, and the comforts of religion? -Can receive, at the same time, think you, the wages of Mammon, and the wages of Jesus Christ? Ah! my friends, you will find yourselves miserably mistaken;-cruelly disappointed. The world is a poor comforter in affliction-a wretched paymaster to those who trust it. you If then you desire to receive solid comfort in affliction, the way is plain before you you must look for it only in religion. You must obey the gospel. You must receive, through faith, Christ's law into your heart. heart. You must leave off your sins. You must believe truly in God through Christ. VOL. I. N |