care, of which we have been speaking. The whole atmosphere is different. The temperature in which the man lives is completely changed. He sees the world passing away from before his eyes, with the lust thereof, but he finds that "whosoever doeth the will of God abideth for ever." He has found that gracious Saviour, in whom he has trusted, to be a refuge from the storm, and a shadow from the heat; a very present help in every time of trouble. "Therefore," said the pious Psalmist, "will we not fear though the earth be removed, and though the hills be carried into the middle of the sea; though the waters thereof rage and swell, and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same. And why was this? Simply because he could humbly say, "The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge!"

It is said in the text, "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." And the experience of many now entered upon that rest which remaineth to the people of God, could testify to the truth of the apostle's word. There is a way of speaking

G

in sacred Scripture which puts a servant of God, in one sense, in actual possession of those blessings which hereafter he will yet more fully enjoy! Eternal life is spoken of in this way, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life."* Of those that do not believe on the Son of God, it is said that they are condemned already; that they abide in darkness; that their sin remaineth. So that real religious principle puts a man in possession of the greatest blessings even now. The peace of God keeps his mind, and makes him thankful.

The plain and simple exhortation which we would ground upon the words of the text is this: Be persuaded to compare the relative value of things temporal and things eternal. Receive by faith the promises of God in the Gospel of his Son. And when once the affections are set upon things above, will see the full meaning of the apostle's you words in my text, "Be careful for nothing." You will, it is true, feel sensibly all the sor

* John v. 24.

rows and distresses of this mortal life; but you will have a support which the world knows not of. You will hasten, not presumptuously, but with filial confidence, into the presence of Him who knows the secrets of your hearts; who will not despise a broken and a contrite spirit. "By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, you will let your requests be made known unto God;" and such answers will be graciously vouchsafed, as will convince you that the great Shepherd of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. He will

assuage the pangs of grief;

He will say to the waves of trouble, "Peace, be still!" "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Such, then, is the line of conduct to be observed by the Christian on this great subject. No positive duty is to be neglected, nor is one dutyto be substituted and put in place of another. A man is not to be negligent because he reads in the Scriptures, "Be careful for nothing!" His anxiety is to be turned into a right channel; he will be alive to every care, but then it will be with a re

ference to the good providence of God. His duty to God, and his duty to his neighbour, will be written upon the table of his heart. He will be present in spirit, serving the Lord, but, at the same time, patient in tribulation. His prayers will be continually presented at the throne of grace, and "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will keep his heart and mind through Christ Jesus!" And what a blessed, what an enviable state is this! Surely the mind so kept must present a continual feast! A rich supply is poured out by the God of mercy. Happy they who with thankfulness receive it! You are your own enemies, you are false to your own grand interests, when these things are neglected. Make God your Friend; approach him in his beloved Son; look to the promises made to those who do thus approach Him; and may "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus !"*

* The present is what we are apt to neglect. That, well employed, will render the remembrance of the past pleasant, and the prospect of the future comfortable. Attention to the duties of the day is like the manna when it descended

fresh and grateful from above. Anxiety about the events of to-morrow resembles the same manna, when, distrustfully laid up contrary to the divine command, it bred worms and stank. Give us then, blessed Lord, even as thou hast commanded us to ask at thy hand our daily bread, and let it not be corrupted by discontent and unthankful imaginations.— Horne's Sermons, vol. iii. p. 23.