2149 nolAt Fonrtrttnea awaken any of the passions of the soul, or tó raise distressing fears within you. Are your spirits so weak, that thunder and lightning, and the storms of the air affright you ? Think who it is that commands the tempests to arise, and quashes the storms at his pleasure. In whose hand is the thunder ? Whokindles the lightning ? Who directs the flashes, and guides every sweep ing blast of wind or fire to its appointed place ? Remember the disciples in the midst of the storm, and the language of Jesus walking upon the water, It is I, be not afraid; Mat. xiv. 27. Or if the public commotions of the world awaken your fears; read the name and presence of God, even your God, in the xlvi. Psalm, and rejoice and stand firm amidst the tumult and shaking of the nations. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help, in trouble, Therefore we Will -not fear,- though the earth be removed, and though the moon- ;rains be cast into the- mi=dst of the sea, verses 2, 3. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered his voice, the earth melted; verse 6. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge; verse 11. Selahv. Or perhaps more particular and personal dangers and afflictions threaten your good name, your estate; your fleshy your life. Well, the name of God in his presence isan universal spring of comfort and courage, a wide spreading shield against every mischief. Are yen terrified at the thoughts of personal'reliroach and slander, know that the tongues of men are within the reachof the hand of God, and he cab east a bridle of restraint upon them, but if he take off that restraint, and leave them to their own perverseness and rage, learn to say as good David, -when Shimei cursed him; the hand of the Lord is in it, God path given him a loose to curse me : And thus sweetly compose yourselves to an acquiescence in the providential will of your heavenly Father. Is poverty and want the thing you dread ? But is not God your heavenly Father ? And can you not trust him 'to provide for his Children? Will he give the young ravens their food, when they cry,. and. Will he not feed his sons and his daughters ? It is true you may be reduced to bread and water, and broughtdown tothe very lowestcircumstances, andyou must That is an excellent treatise which Mr. Floyd has published against sin- fear,-espedially in times of public danger and persecution: And his little book of keeping the heart,, has some valuable chapters in it, , containing richpre. aervativesagainst thin weakness of the mind.
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