The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-10

complish his purpose of mercy In saving
sinners by the death of Christ. In these
cases, where we see cruel suferings lntiict-
ed by wicked men, yet overruled by God
and bringing about great good; let us
learn in these providences that are most
dark and inscrutable to us, to rejoice that
% the Lord reigns," and will in the end
show that what is now to us short sighted
creatures dark and mysterious, is wise and
good, and will promote the glory of God,
advance the interest of the Church, and
make his people more humble and heav-
enly minded.
In times of calamity there are some
things we can do, and duty requires us
to be difgent and faithful. We must in
quire what in our. circumstances and
with our means we can do for our Sa-
viour's cause. In ncts of beneyolence a
willing mind is the chief thing. LIS ac-
cording to what man hath, and not
what he hath not. No doubt the widows
mite was as acceptable to God as the
large donations of the wealthy. Power
ty, unless induced by crime, is no sin.
Jesus, who had power to select any con-
dition, chose that of poverty. 1t is
doubtless more free from temptation than
that of wealth. If God should reduce
any one from wealth to mediocrity, we
should thank him; for that is the condi-
ton for which Agur prayed, "Give me
neither poverty nor riches" If we are
poor in this worlds goods, but rich in
faith, heirs of the heavenly inheritance,
We may well rejoice. We then have the
good part that shall never be taken
awav.
Sometimes unbelef and distrust
spring up and trouble us, notwithstand-
ing the many promises made for our
comfort. When we are called to live by
faith and not by sight, when we do not
see how our wants are to be supplied, we
are troubled. We can trust God when
the granary is full, not when it is empty.
1t is well then to read-Matt vi: 25-
81, and learn that if God feeds the birds,
ond gives to flowers their beauty and per-
fume, he will not neglect his children.
@ for the faith of Habakkuk Gal
though the fig tree shall not blossom,
neither shall fruit be on the vines; the
labor of the olive shall fail, and the
fields shall yield no meat; the flock
shall be cut off from the fold, and there
shall be no herd in the stalls; yet l will
rejoice in the Lord. will joy in the God
of my salvation" Say now, is there
not reason why you should cast away
your sad and gloomy fears, and rejoice
in the Lord?
l. "The Lord reigns.' He rules
over the seasons, over beasts, men and
devils; and we can conceive of none in
whom We can so safely confde to rule
over all. Then joyfully say, "thy
will be done"
2. 1t IS rain to trouble yourself about
things you cannot control God will do
his pleasure in heaven, earth and hell
and what ne does is right and best.
Then believe it is all for the best.
3. If you want to be as happy as a
creature can be on earth, first receive
Jesus Christ to be your Teacher, your
Priest, on whose sacrifice and interces-
sion you rely for salvation and your
King, TO rule in you and over you, and
subdue all his and your enemies. Then
believe with unshaken confidence all his
promises, and you will have that peace
and Joy the world cannot give.