Vol. 2

;:520 ST. LUKE.ber of those friends who are altogether for sparingthose they love the trouble of present evils,and forlulling them asleep as to those of eternity, for fear ofdisturbing and grieving their minds. True friendshipconsists in exciting our friends to do their duty, andsaving their souls at the expense of all things. Aman has but one life to lose, and one soul to saveand it is madness to sacrifice the salvation of the soulto the preservation of the life of the body, instead ofsacrificing the latter to the salvation of the former." 5. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fearFear him, which -after he hath killed,hath power tocast into hell; yea, I say unto you. Fear him."What darkness must have overspread the mind ofman, what corruption must there be in his heart, sinceit was requisite that God should take upon him ourflesh, to teach us that he alone ought to be feared !It is our fondness for the present life and the conveniencesthereof, which makes us fear men, and is thecause that we cannot prevail with ourselves to fearnone but God. He alone is able to disengage theheart from these things, who is Lord of it at present,and who shall hereafter be its Hfe and eternal felicity.Teach us. Lord, this necessary lesson. Grant thatI may love nothing which it is in the power of mento give or take away ; to the end that thou mayestbe the sole object of my fear, as well as of my love." 6. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings,and not one of them is forgotten before God ?"The providence of God is the comfort of therighteous. The little faith we have as to the care,vigilance, and concern of God, inevery thing whichrelates to us, is the source of all human disquiets and