the helplessness of childhood, and from that judge what must have been your own. Yet, though the slightest accident might have rendered the healthiest among you an object of compassion through life, or even extinguished life itself: though the smallest atom might have utterly destroyed that form, of which you now, perhaps, are vain; His everlasting arm has been around you, and guarded you from danger. When you reflect that opportunities have been afforded which might have been withheld without complaint-blessings and privileges bestowed, which might have been denied without injustice can you not feel what you owe to God Almighty, the maker of heaven and earth? When again you think how little you know what shall happen on the morrow: how soon the death of parents or relatives may leave you solitary-perhaps destitute: when you read, and hear, and see how little man is able to direct the future, or order his own goings, or command that prosperity to shine upon him through life, which seemed to beam so brightly at its dawning: when, I say, you meditate upon the dangers which beset all mankind in their progress through the world; the troubles and trials and disappointments which await them, (and it is not an imaginary picture which I present unto you; but one which you will, too surely, find real and actual) what is it that you have to pray for to your Father which is in heaven? It is still guidance and protection. That he will do for you what you cannot do for yourselves-keep your feet from falling. That he will be with you and preserve you. Nor are you left without assurances of his aid and of his fatherly protection. The God of Moses is also your God. He who rescued him will also save you. His promises are as sure as they are consolatory. If thou wilt remember him in the days of thy youth, he will not, in age, forsake thee. "If thou commit thy way unto the Lord, and put thy trust in him, he shall bring it to pass '." "Wait on the Lord, and keep his 1 Ps. xxxvii. 5. way, and he shall exalt thee'." "He will keep thee in perfect peace, if thy mind is stayed on Him"." Begin then, before you set out in the busy and perilous way of life, to repose your confidence and rest your faith on Him, and on Him alone. Begin early to seek Him, who alone can be a strong rock and house of defence to them that take refuge in Him. Secure in his protection, you may go on your way rejoicing. Strong in his strength, you may go forth into the world with boldness, and survey its dangers with resolution. Trusting in his blessed promise, you may support the trials that await you for His words are, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned: neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour "." 1 Ps. 34. 2 Isaiah xxvi. 3. 3 Isaiah xliii. 2. |