SERMON XIX.

At other times, the allwise God sees it good to treat the soul in a totally different manner. Now his whole appearance is that of a reconciled Father, and all his words are words of peace-Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a few moments; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.

By whichsoever of these methods the sovereign Disposer of all our concerns may choose to operate upon the soul, He is influenced by one and the same motive, and keeps the same end for ever in view. Just as a painter, who designs some admirable piece, adjusts his light and shade with the nicest management, allowing this or that to prevail in different parts of his canvass, as it may most contribute to secure the intended effect: even so all the operations of God upon the soul are scanned, and considered, and disposed in the most admirable order. Not so much as a mote, or a hair, in any busi

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man are frequently of such a description, as to cause indescribable perplexity and distress. Oftentimes God pursues the soul so swiftly and with so much vehemence, as if she were some great and mighty one. He hunts her from thought to thought, from creature to creature, from place to place; not even suffering her to take breath. He causeth her guilt, her misery, and her weakness to rise continually before her view, in an endless variety of new and dismal forms, as so many powerful and passionate witnesses against her. In this manner He sometimes makes himself marvellous upon the soul, not permitting her to abide in any one state or temper, but tossing and changing the whole appearance of things, within and without, till she becomes totally lost in amazement and confusion. In such a bewildered case, what course can the trembling soul adopt? She can adopt none of an effectual kind: nor can all the world furnish any adequate assistance under these agitating circumstances, till God himself is pleased to lay aside the appearance of a roaring lion, and take up that of a gentle lamb.

manner.

At other times, the allwise God sees it good to treat the soul in a totally different Now his whole appearance is that of a reconciled Father, and all his words are words of peace-Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a few moments; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.

yea,

By whichsoever of these methods the sovereign Disposer of all our concerns may choose to operate upon the soul, He is influenced by one and the same motive, and keeps the same end for ever in view. Just as a painter, who designs some admirable piece, adjusts his light and shade with the nicest management, allowing this or that to prevail in different parts of his canvass, as it may most contribute to secure the intended effect: even so all the operations of God upon the soul are scanned, and considered, and disposed in the most admirable order. Not so much as a mote, or a hair, in any busi

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ness, falls out casually, or lies neglected; but every thing is weighed, and ordered, and fixed in its proper place, by infinite and unerring wisdom.

These observations may perhaps be sufficient to satisfy my hearers, that, in all his attributes and perfections, all his plans and purposes, all his dispensations and dealings, the Lord our God, in the fullest and strictest sense, is ONE LORD.

And here, my brethren, I cannot but notice the amazing difference of character, by which the gracious Father of lights is distinguished from the common enemy of souls. In the former, we find a complete and comprehensive Unity: while the latter is made up of contrariety, division, and hatred. His name is Legion; and under this menacing appellation is marshalled an innumerable host of evils. In various parts of the Scripture he is variously characterized, as Diabolus the accuser, Satan the adversary, and Apollyon the destroyer. And wherever he attains the ascendancy, there disorder and violence mark his gloomy dominion; producing separation and enmity, war and

bloodshed, devastation and ruin. These are the horrible delights of that malignant spirit, who is the father of lies, and who was a murderer from the beginning. But where the Lord our God is known under the threefold character of Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, there love and joy and peace spring up in all their heavenly forms, healing all divisions, soothing every sorrow, and hushing every complaint. Happy, then, are the people that are in such a case; yea, blessed are the people, who have the Lord for their God.

To maintain a sacred and familiar fellowship with this infinitely great and unchangeable Being, is at once our noblest privilege and our highest felicity. Nor are we left to question the possibility of such a state, since we find it forming the ground of our gracious Master's latest prayer upon earth-Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they be one, as we are. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and

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