28I PADEN "BUM ON KNOWLEDGE. but for every circumstance of life and the 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 conversa- tion unspotted with the world, through ten thousand snares. at-, tending such circumstances, by the influenceof such a faith. If they fall under various and heavy afflictionsin the several stages of their life, it will be,their perpetual relief, that all their concerns are in the bands of a merciful andafaithful Leighpriest, 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, be still. But this leads me to the next inference. IV. We may infer from this discourse, how well God has provided for the safety and comfort of believers. For their safety, "because he has set up and appointed a person so ableto take care of their souls ; and for their comfort, because he gives them such a knowledge of himin his own word, and by their own spiritual observation. It is this knowledge, this faith, and holy confi- dence, in the power and faithfulness of Christ, that prepares the soul for all accidents in the natural and spiritual life ; it is this gives thechristian his support andcomfort under every change of circumstances; and makes him valiant, and, ready to meet them all. Shall we run through a fewof these seasons briefly ? In times of abounding error, when the gospel of Christ is corrupted, the believer gives diligence to reading, that he may hold fast the form of soundwords ; he prays for the enlightening 'Spirit to confirm him inthe truth ; but he rejoices in this, that his soul is in the hands of Christ, who will not suffer him to be sedu- 'cèd into damnable heresies, but will secure him from every fatal mistake. Under the violent temptations. of Satan, it is a support to the saint, that the, powers of hell are led captive, and trodden under foot by him who is the guardian 'of his eternal welfare : lie knows that his Lord will save him from the mouth of the lion, will deliver him from eve?y evil work ; and will preserve him to his heavenly kingdom; 2 Tim. iv: 17. Under a sense of fresh guilt, and sins of daily infirmity, the christian mourns bitterly, because of his failings and follies, but hopes for seen- city from ruining transgressions, and the -unpardonable sin ; becaúse the virtue of the atonement in which he trustais eternal
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