ties and diftreffes, and, with the affectionate fondness of a father, minutely entering into all your real interests and concerns! To know, that you are his offspring, fallen indeed, but redeemed by his BLESSED SON; that his love for you is fo ardent, that "whofo "toucheth you his children, toucheth "the apple of his eye; that in all your afflictions he is afflicted, and "that the angel of his prefence faves "and delivers you; that he will never "leave you comfortlefs, but will be "with you always, even to the end "of the world!" Thefe are fuch fweet and delightful affurances, as you could never have collected from the vain reafonings of worldly philofophy, or the vain confidence, which many pretend to derive from mere unaffifted human virtue. Upon this ground you may rest secure; and, in the ftrength of an Al mighty arm, bid defiance to the open affaults or fecret ftratagems of the enemies of your peace. Whilft the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS continues to impart his chearing beams, and fountains of living water fpring up on every fide to refresh the weary pilgrim, you may pursue your journey, with peace and confidence, through the VALLEY OF BACA; you may "lift up your heads "with joy, as the Ranfomed of the"LORD;" and " proceed from strength "to ftrength, till you appear before "the GOD OF GODS in SION." DISCOURSE |