The Bible. 289 



very hairs of our heads are all numbered. This 

 t care is foreshadowed by those all-per- 

 vading forces that affect all matter, like gravitation 

 that binds suns and systems in their place, and from 

 which the floating dust in thesimbeam cannot escape. 

 This assurance of constant care meets a want in our 

 nature. It is such care as we should expect from 

 a benevolent Ik-ing of infinite power over the help- 

 less that lie had made in II is own image. 



It ther ! itself to our reason. We 



may for a time \ r weakness ; but in danger, 



when th Abroad in their fury, or when 



disease' has fastened upon the system, thc-n it is we feel 

 our need ; then we desire and ask for the very care, 

 vtion, and support, which the Hible prom 



It recogni/es the need of the human soul of sup- 

 port from without itself, and it promises the favor 

 and protection of ( iod himself to all who will seek it. 



It comes to us not only with a Father's promises 

 which satisfy the longings of our hearts, but it lays 

 His commands upon us. This is reasonable. It is 

 in accordance with the whole analogy of nature and 

 all our relations to our fellow-men, that where bene- 

 fits are conferred there should be corresponding 

 obligations resting upon those receiving the favors. 

 And we are not to judge of these commands thus 

 laid upon us, that they are or are not adapted to our 

 nature, by our desire or want of desire to obey them, 

 but by their fitness to secure our highest good if 

 obeyed. And experience teaches us that as all 

 malevolent passions are torments, so all benevolent 



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