Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-03-09
For THE ARGUS.
CONSOLATION FOR THE AFFLICTED.
No V.
Raad iguaras maj nliseyis saocwrere disco.

Another result of affection duly improved is
an established hope of happiness hereafter
writer OF whom it may be said, as Longinus said
OF the Jewish Legislator, that he was no common
man, has assured US that tribuiation worketh
experience" and experience "hope." We
have, as has been shown in the last number, ex-
perience ofthe faithfulness OF God in the fulfil
ment ofhis gracious promises, in the support and
consolation afforded in the hour of distress and
this experience" lays sure foundation for
hope" that the promise of eternal life thro'
Jesus Christ will be made good to all who put
their trust in him.
This may be considered an unimportant mat
ter by these who hope for future happiness with
out any distinct views of religious truth, with
out any reference to the preparation necessary
for the enjoyment of this happiness. Hope Of
thls kind may suffice in time of prosperity, in
the midst OF mirth and gaiety; but it ordinarily
happens, that, when We most need its support,
when evil comes upon us like food, and unex-
pected, heavy calamity overtakes us, " like a
whirlwlnd," the prop upon which leaned is
swept from under the illusions of this hope
vanish like the ignited vapour IN a dark night,
and we are left, without light, or guidance, or
shelter, to bear $ the peltings of the pitt
less storm" that beats upon us 1t is Of I'm
speakable Importance then that we should have
acquired such habits, have gained such expert
ence, as are necessary for "hope that maketh
not ashamed" that, 50 like an anchor, both sure
and steadtast" holds to its mornings i'm the hca-
west storms. Now this hope is founded uDon
the covenant and promises Of God and an un-
shaken confidence in these is acquired BY expe-
rIence. Nothng,f hope, ii is understood, can add
to the veracity or faithfulness ofthe Deity But
there is SO much inidelity in the human heart,
or to use language OF the highest authority,
there is in man such a hard heart of unbelief''
that unless we arc disciplined into il, we never
exercise that trust in God we never feel
that confidence IN lis PROMISES that is neccssa-
ry for our own comfort and support i'm the near
prospect Of death and eternity. He who has
gained the experience Of which we have spoken.
may reason and feel IN this manner. In all the
sorrows OF life, the good hand Of God has sup.
ported me. lie has promised, that sas nv dav
Is 90 shall my strength be-" and hitherto have
proved MS t.ithiulncss "htherto hath he Lord
helped me-" For the rest, hope that his wis
dom viii guide, and his arm uphold me- lie
that has gone with me through the fire of alflc-
ton, viii with his rod and his staff support me
=" m the dark valley OF the shadow Of death"
and after death this most mercifill, and faithful
Cod, Wlii gave me portion in 4" that inhcri-
lance which IS incOrruptihle, undciiled, and "a
deth not Always" viii admit me into that place
where the voice Of sorrow is never heard. where
INC cheek IS never stained by tears, the heart
never OpPre scd BY grief: that place, where
d"cu ne iulness Of JOY, and pleasures forever
more In this manner, say, the disciplined i'm
thc school OF "iiiiction may feel and reason and
thus verify the Christian paradox, we rejoice
IN tribulation." Thus may sorrow be turned
into Joy; aud the waiIings of grief. into songs
Of rejoicing. These are not fctions of this wri.
ters BRAIN To borrow the sacred language of
scripture, be speaks that which he knows. ami
tcstlhcs That which lac has seen" These arc
truths which have been confirmed bv the cxre.
Hence OF many an humble Christian. many
modest and retired child Of sorrow. The world
which IS generally more affected By tyagic. by
Pompous griei, than by real distress, for tie most
P~r'' overio'Ss tbS Christian sudereg But he