The more we search the scriptures the better able we shall be to judge of the frailty and weakness of human nature, and to make such observations, as will convince all mankind, at least the most religious and virtuous part, that during our short and transitory passage in these earthly regions, where there is a great mixture of good and evil, that very often unexpected storms, and tempests arise and we are surrounded with turbulent and violent appearances of approaching misfortunes, and insurmountable troubles, and may compare the present situation to the mariner, who for a series of years must go through the threatening and dangerous scenes of chance, either of good, or bad fortune, and be subjected to be tossed in the troubled ocean, now and then beholding it serene and calm, and very frequently becomes a witness of many distressed objects, shipwrecked, forlorn and apparently cast away, neglected and deserted, yet as he knows very well, long ere he sets out on his prosperous and advantageous voyage, he must place all his dependance on divine providence that he may escape and avoid all the dangers, the restless and disturbed deep may expose him unto during his passage, yet at the last, through the mercy of God, he may arrive at the wished for haven, where plenty and security will protect him for his trouble, and the service he has been of to his country by returning with those necessary supplies, for his fellow creatures, he left behind, and without which the mercantile part of this creation would neither be rich or opulent in the latter part of their lives; such, is the great desire of gain, and power, and authority, that we behold many risque and venture their lives, some after a few years absence ruin their constitutions, returning with opulence, spend it in extravagance, indulging themselves in idleness and passing their days in inactivity and lasciviousness. Others who have been led to search unknown countries, and visit foreign regions for the sake of information and improvement, and have quitted their native place for the sake of the propagation of the gospel, and encouraging virtue and religion, God grant, they may receive the honour due unto them, and when they return, receive a sufficient recompence for their rewards; all such examples as these, those who have not had inclination, nor have been forced to leave their domestic happiness, and wonted societies of their youth and innocence, owe many great and valuable comforts unto, such is the mixture, such is the composition of frail man, unbounded are his desires, various are his expectations, some are promoted to honour, some born to dishonour; yet in every birth, in every climate, and situation of life, more or less man is exposed to different trials, some accidental, some troubles, are to be expected long ere they happen, but then we have this consolation, as we see the fatal and evil day approaching, we have every opportunity, to prepare for the