BISCOURSE X. 285 Christ has undertaken to preserve him from final apostacies though the best of saints are not secured here from the, work- ings of sin. And under these discomposures of mind, and the frequent vexations and uneasinesses in the things of this life, that may ruffle their tempers, had it not been for their acquaintance with Christ, they had been sometimes utterly overcome ; but howof- ten have theyretired into their closets, and left the tumult of their thoughts behind them in the world, while they went to converse with him by prayer, who had the care of their spiritualconcerns? Or, at least, they have cried unto the Lord because of those uneasy companions ; have shook them off in his presence with holy auger, and returned into the world again with serenity in their countenance, and victory and peace in their souls. This strength they derive from their blessed Lord, whom they have chosen for their divine guardian. Under the weakness of our graces, and the inconstancyof our tempers, it is a matter of relief to au humble saint, that the keeper of his soul is compassionate, and pities his frailties; is almighty, and will strengthen himunder his weaknesses ; is un- changeable, the sameyesterday, to-day, andfor-ever. The lambs of his flock are weak, and cannot follow him in some rugged and difficult paths ; then he gathers the lambs with his arms, and carries them in his bosom ; Is. xl. 11. And there are some of the sheep of his fold that are ready to straggle into forbidden ways, to wander abroad,- and lose themselves in the wilderness:. But the Lord istheir Shepherd, he restoreth their souls, and leads them again into the, way of righteousness, for his name's sake: Ps. xxiii. 3. In anhour of desertion, when God has withdrawn his joys, when the light of his countenance is concealed, and darkness lies upon the spirit, the believer holds fast his hope, though his rejoicings are interrupted; for he has committed his soul to the care of Christ, who has full interest with the Father, and can prevail for the recovery of his joys again. While he walks in darkness, and has no light ofcomfort, still he can trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God; Is. 1. 1A.. Under sickness, and pains of nature, that threaten a disso- lution of the body, the pillow of a believer lies easy under his head; for his soul, his'dearest part, is insafe keeping and cannot perish. Amidst all the languishings of nature, we have often heard the triumphsof grace from the mouth of a lively christian. If I walk through thevalley of the shadow of death, I willfear no evil; for my Almighty _Friend' is with me; Ps. xxiii. 4. I know that if the. tabernacle of this earthly house be dissolved, I have a building of God, a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. There is a mansion above prepared for me by him
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