God our Refuge in Evil Days.
By Leighton
"AmidsT all disorders, God is ordering all wisely and justly, and, to them that love him, graciously; therefore we ought not to be dismayed. Let us calm our thoughts with this, remember who it is that rules all, and disposes of peace and war, and all affairs, and we cannot wish them in better hands. I am persuaded, that in all the commotions of the world, when a believer thinks on this, it cannot but calm and compose his spirit exceedingly—'my Father rules all!' Let this so quiet our fears, as that withal it quicken our prayers, and stir us up to the work of this day—repentant, humble, seeking unto God; seeing all is in his hands—our peace, our liberties, and our enemies that threaten to bereave us of both. O that the effect of all our troubles and dangers were to drive us more to God—to make us throng more about the throne of grace, to draw forth our King for our help! O our impenitence and unreformedness, that turns him to be our enemy, and that only! Men are nothing. And now in so great straits, yet so little calling on him! O my brethren, what are we doing? O pray, pray! It is our God that commands all, and, we may say it upon his own warrant, it is prayer that commands him."—Leighton.