towards them that be so corrected, and a sure hope of God's everlasting consolation in heaven. If then these sorrows, diseases, and sicknesses, and also death itself, be nothing else but our heavenly Father's rod, whereby he certifieth us of his love, and gracious favour, whereby he trieth and purifieth us, whereby he giveth unto us holiness, and certifieth us that we be his children, and he our merciful Father: shall we not then with all humility, as obedient and loving children, joyfully kiss our heavenly Father's rod, and ever say in our heart, with our Saviour JesusChrist, Father, if this anguish and sorrow which I feel, and death which I see approach, may not pass, but that thy will is that I must suffer them, thy will be done." O thou hope of Israel, the Saviour thereof in the time of trouble,, I acknowledge my reluctance to take up thy cross, and my weakness in bearing it, hold thou me up by fresh supplies of thy Spirit,. that I may be safe. Let thy strength be perfected in my weakness. Thy promises of help are exceeding great, through thee I do believe the truth of them, and I pray for grace to make a right use of them. Enable me in patience to possess my soul, that when it is thy will to try my faith, I may live up to my privileges, and may find it better to suffer with Christ than to reign with the world. O Lord, thou hast showed this favour to Moses, and thou hast done more than this-thou hast made thy witnesses glorify thee in the fires-they have marched on, fighting thy battles against hosts of foes, and they did not account their lives dear to themselves, so they might finish their course with joy, and die in faith, blessing and praising thy holy name. O thou faithful God, thou art the same to us now, as thou wast to them. Lead me on then in thy strength, trusting in thy word, and leaning on thine arm. Thou hast promised thy flock, and I hope I am one of them-" My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.". O thou good Shepherd, let me trust in thy love, and feel thy supports, that whatever lies before me to 106 I may be enabled to do the continual supplies of y his influence help me to n the prize of my high mitted to join that great o one can number, who one of God and the Lamb, robes, and palms in their they who came out of and have washed their em white in the blood of pre are they before the serve him day and night he that sitteth upon the good hope to con and for all thy m ther, and the eter Jehovah, I give thanks, to-day, a ceasing for ever a ither thirst any more, nei. mite them, nor any heat : in the midst of the throne shall lead them unto liv ater, and God shall wipe their eyes. O my Jesus, s most glorious prospect. ace that I am in any meathat great company. It is good hope to come to their glory: for this, and for all thy mercies, to thee with the Father, and the eternal Spirit, the three in one Jehovah, I give honour, and glory, and thanks, to-day, and I hope to do it without ceasing for ever and ever. Amen and Amen. CHAP. VIII. The believer's triumph over the infirmities of old age. IT is appointed unto all men once to die. The time is fixed by an immutable decree. The days of our years are threescore years and ten, and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow for it is cut soon off, and we flee away. If some be permitted to live longer, yet the infirmities of old age must arrive, bringing with them labour and sorrow, the forerunners of death. Circulation will become languid. The senses of the body will grow dull and heavy. The faculties of the mind will be impaired, and will discover it by not remembering proper names. In this decline of life believers are subject to the same infirmities with other men; they have no exemption from pain, or sickness, or death: but they have that which keeps up their spirits, and makes them patient and joyful. The consolations of God are then most needed. |