PREFACE. In all his labors in the Christian ministry, during a period of more than twenty years, the author of the fol. lowing discourses has known no dearer object than the inculcation of a cheerful and trustful confidence in God; in the abundance of his love, and the unchanging benev. olence of all the principles of his government. He be lieves such a state of mind to be most favorable to the practice of all the virtues, that should adorn the Christian. When the soul rests in a calm and happy reliance upon God, and no fears disturb or cares distress, the heart is tender, and the hands ready to engage in works of love and kindness. But when the mind is harassed with doubts and fears, the temper sours, the heart hardens, the man is dissatisfied with his God, as well as with himself and his fellow-men, and is ready to smite and destroy. Hence the importance of cherishing in our hearts the spirit of a hopeful and cheerful religion -a religion which shall enable us to look up to God as a Father, whom we have all reason to love and adore; and around upon our fellows, as brethren to whom our affections and our kind offices are due. With an eye fixed upon the principle here indicated, the following work has been prepared. The aim of the author has been to present a hopeful view of the Divine government, which can see signs of promise in every cloud, and stars of hope in every night, and thus, to win the soul to happiness and virtue. That it may, in some small measure, at least, tend to the promotion of the contemplated end, is the devout prayer of THE AUTHOR. Blessed are they, which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Take, therefore, no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. MATT. 5: 16. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my |