264 FAITH BUILT ON KNOWLEDGE. CDrsc. x. various changes they may pass through in the day of their pilgrimage : and it will fit them for an early or an aged. death. If they should be exalted to riches or honour in the world, such a faith will be of abundant use and safety to them, that the keeping of. their souls was committed in their younger days to the care of Christ ; and they will carry their profession and their conversation unspotted with the world, through ten thousand snares attending such circumstances, by the influence of such a faith. If they fall under various and heavy afflictions in the several stages of their life, it will be their perpetual relief, that all their concerns are in the hands of a merciful and a faithful highpriest, who himself has suffered in the flesh, and ,knows how to pity them that suffer. When the tumults of sorrow gather together, and the waves rise high, to distract and overwhelm their spirits, they will find many an hour of sweet serenity and calmness, by having committed themselves to that Jesus, who can say to the waves, peace and be still. But this leads me to the next inference. IVth Remark. We may infer from this discourse, howwell God has provided,for the safetyand comfort of believers. For their safety, because he has set up and appointed a person so able to take care of their souls ;; and for their comfort, because he gives them such a knowledge of him in his own word, and by their own spi, -ritual observation. It is this knowledge, this faith, and holy confidence, in the power and faithfulness of Christ, that prepares the soul for all accidents in the natural and spiritual life; it is this gives the christian his support and comfort under every change of circumstances; and makes him valiant, and ready to meet them all. Shall. we run through a few of these seasons briefly r" In times of abounding error, when the gospel of Christ is corrupted, the believer gives diligence to read- ing,. that he may hold fast the form of soundwords; he . prays for the enlightening Spirit to confirm him in the truth ; blithe rejoices in this, that his soul is in the hands of Christ, who will not suffer him to be seduced into, damnable heresies, but will secure him from every fatal mistake. 1. ender the violent temptations of Satan, ,it _is a s ipport
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