Thus much having been stated, that the timid mind or the sickly frame; the tender plant of grace or “the bruised reed;” may not sink under a weight of obligation, the fulfilment of which is above their present strength; and may not despair, because they fear they can never attain to that measure of faith, “which, whilst it kisses with filial reverence the rod of correction,” can, in the strong language of St. Paul, “_glory in tribulation_ also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” {23a} Let it be remembered, at the same time, that though none should despond, because they possess not a strength of faith bestowed only on the most highly-advanced Christians; still, all must earnestly seek grace to be enabled to “go on unto perfection;” {23b} by having implanted in their souls that “perfect love, which casteth out fear.” {23c} And, as undoubting faith, unrepining submission, and unwearied supplication, are amongst the leading features of the true Christian character, they alone can enjoy the consolations of the Gospel of peace, who are “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.” {23d} It is a painful, an awful consideration, how many, in this Christian land, “care for none of these things.” {23e} I speak not merely of the profane, the scoffer, the sceptic, and the infidel; of those who “make a mock at sin,” and, disputing or disbelieving the truth of Christianity, “live without God in the world;”—I speak also of the gay, the thoughtless, and the proud; of the worldly, the avaricious, and the sensual; of the envious, the malicious, and the censorious; and, with shame be it said, of unworthy and false professors and teachers; of the unsound in faith and morals; of the lukewarm, the self-righteous, and the hypocritical; in short, of all who, declaring a belief in the Christian faith, either mistake its doctrines, disregard its spirit, abuse its privileges, or live unmindful of its strict and holy obligations. Against all such the Gospel denounces condemnation and woe. How, then, are they prepared to meet the awful dispensation of Divine Providence, which has fallen upon the nation? Let the prophet’s enquiry be addressed to them:—“What will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help?” Will ye dare to say, “O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of affliction?” What! can ye in sickness apply to God for relief, who in health were “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God?” {24} Can ye in affliction seek comfort of God, who in joy have by your actions denied God? Can ye in adversity flee to God, who in prosperity had not God in all your thoughts? {25} They who have never really sought, and submitted