3. All things but sin fall out by God's appointment. Though his arm be raised to strike, we are sure that his hand is conducted by his heart. What have we to fear from a heart that loves us? We will, then, desire nothing but what he pleases; we will not complain of losses, sickness, troubles, &c. The name and the nature of these things are changed as they pass through the hands of God. What the world calls misfortune, affliction, dishonour, is an advantage, a grace, and a favour from heaven, when considered in the order of Providence.
[Renounce your oxen will, and beg of God that his may be accomplished in you.]
"Be it so, Father, because it is thy will.” — Matt. xi.
“ He is pleasing to God, to whom God is pleasing.”— Austin.
TWENTY-FOURTH DAY. — CONFIDENCE IN GOD.
1. God is the great parent of mankind; our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us to call him Father . Not a hair can even fall from our heads without his knowledge. His providence reaches from end to end, disposing all things sweetly. What madness, therefore, to doubt of his protection, or be slow in trusting ourselves to his guidance.
2. The insects are an object of his care — how much more we, who are created to his image, and redeemed by the blood of his only begotten Son. If God feeds the infidel, who knows him not — if he heaps favours on the impious, by whom he is blasphemed — what will he not do for Christians who honour and love him?
3. Our affairs are much better off when in his hands than they can be in our own; let us, therefore, leave them all at his disposal. He is, at the same time, our Father and our Creator. The tenderness
