Every widow did not answer to this description. There were some who answered to no part of it, as he shews below. These Timothy was not required to honor--not directed to provide for them, or employ them in the business of the church; though certain poor and pious women were then used to minister to the sick, of their own sex, and discharge other charitable labors among them. In discoursing on our subject, we shall _make a few observations on the sorrows of widowhood; then glance at the duties of it; and the supports which God hath provided for widows indeed_. A widowed state is naturally desolate, Most widows pass many solitary hours--a lonesome and melancholy situation;--especially after having known and enjoyed the social intercourse of connubial life. The value of all our comforts is best known by experience; more especially by their loss, after a temporary possession. But the conjugal connexion is sometimes unhappy. In such cases a widowed state is a release from the trials and difficulties which attended it, which may be severe and distressing. The misconduct, or unkindness of those in the nearest relation, wounds in the tenderest part, and occasions the most pungent grief. True.--Yet a state of widowhood, after such a connexion, is commonly more unhappy than after a happy marriage. Many disagreeables are generally left to afflict the desolate. Reflections on such connexions and the trying scenes passed while they continued, are disagreeable; and many cares peculiar to their situation often distress the widows. The care of offspring, where there are offspring, devolves wholely on them; which, if left in straitened circumstances, is often a burden they are unable to bear. And where aid is kindly afforded, still the concern which lies on them, is oft times distressing. "Pangs and sorrows take hold upon them--their couch is wet with tears; their eyes consumed with grief." If those thus tried are _widows indeed_, they follow the line drawn in the text--_trust in God, and continue in prayers and supplications night and day_. As it is the duty, it is also the comfort and support of _the desolate to trust in God_. When streams dry up, we go to the fountain: So when creature comforts fail, interest unites with duty, in pointing us tothe Creator. He is the source of comfort--that which comes by means of the creature comes from him. The creature is only the medium of conveyance. When the saints become desolate--when their worldly comforts fail and their hopes decay, they are directed to return to God and put their trust in him; and also to bring with them, those for whom they feel interested--their helpless dear ones, and he hath promised them protection. "Leave thy fatherless children, and I will preserve them alive, and let thy widows trust in me."