Page:ThePathToHeaven.pdf/781

 ducted by his heart. What have we to fear from a heart that loves us. We will, then , desire nothing but what he pleases; we will not complain of losses, sickness, troubles, & c. The name and the nature of these things are changed as they pass through the hands of God. What the world calls misfortune, affliction, dishonour, is an advantage, a grace ,and a favour from heaven, when considered in the order of Providence.

[ Renounce your own will, and beg of God that his may be accomplished in you .]

“ Be it so, Father , because it is thy will ” (Matt. xi . ).

" He is pleasing to God, to whom God is pleasing ” ( St. Austin ).

1. God is the greatest parent of mankind : our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us to call him Father. Not a hair can even fall from our heads without his knowledge. His providence reaches from end to end, disposing all things sweetly. What madness, therefore, to doubt of his protection, or be slow in trusting ourselves to his guidance.

2. The insects are an object of his care, how much more we, who are created to his image, and redeemed by the blood of his only begotten Son ? If God feed the infidel who knows not him - if he heap favours on the impious, by whom he is blasphemed, what will he not do for Christians who honour and love him ?

3. Our affairs are much better off, when in his hands, than they can be in our own ; let us, therefore, leave them all at his disposal. He is at the same time our Father and our Creator. The tenderness he has for his children obliges him to take care of them. He has promised us his protection --- he will then be as good as his word. Sooner shall the heavens and the earth be destroyed, than that man should perish who places his confidence in God.

[Examine your heart, and see whether your confidence be worthy of the goodness of God, and the merits of Jesus Christ. ]

" Thou art my God ; my lot is in thy hands” (Psalm xxx.).

“ Throw yourself upon him ; he will not withdraw to let you fall ” ( St. Austin ).

1. God has loved us to such a degree as to give us his only Son. Had he any thing better, he would have given it to us. Is it not buying our love too dearly to purchase it at such a rate ?

A trifling bounty from a fellow - creature is entitled to our love ? Why, then , shall we not love a bounty that is infinite ? What! doth its being infinite render it less amiable ?

2. God has strictly enjoined us to love him ; is a commandment rigorous, which orders us to love what is infinitely worthy of our affections ? He commands us to love him with all our heart ; is a heart so small as mine too much for a God so great ? But in saying all, he admits of no exception. Whatever share I give him, if I give him not all , I give him nothing.

3. If eternity could have an end, the torments of the damned in hell, even to the day of judgment , would not be too much to