is sometimes unhappy. In such cases a
widowed state is a release from the trials and difficulties which
attended it, which may be severe and distressing. The misconduct, or
unkindness of those in the nearest relation, wounds in the tenderest
part, and occasions the most pungent grief. True.--Yet a state of
widowhood, after such a connexion, is commonly more unhappy than after
a happy marriage. Many disagreeables are generally left to afflict the
desolate. Reflections on such connexions and the trying scenes passed
while they continued, are disagreeable; and many cares peculiar to
their situation often distress the widows. The care of offspring,
where there are offspring, devolves wholely on them; which, if left in
straitened circumstances, is often a burden they are unable to bear.
And where aid is kindly afforded, still the concern which lies on
them, is oft times distressing. "Pangs and sorrows take hold upon
them--their couch is wet with tears; their eyes consumed with grief."
If those thus tried are _widows indeed_, they follow the line drawn in
the text--_trust in God, and continue in prayers and supplications
night and day_.

As it is the duty, it is also the comfort and support of _the desolate
to trust in God_. When streams dry up, we go to the fountain: So when
creature comforts fail, interest unites with duty, in pointing us
tothe Creator. He is the source of comfort--that which comes by means
of the creature comes from him. The creature is only the medium of
conveyance.

When the saints become desolate--when their worldly comforts fail and
their hopes decay, they are directed to return to God and put their
trust in him; and also to bring with them, those for whom they feel
interested--their helpless dear ones, and he hath promised them
protection. "Leave thy fatherless children, and I will preserve them
alive, and let thy widows trust in me."

Fallen creatures are exceedingly prone to lean to the world--to
promise themselves comfort in it, and support from it. They generally
look elsewhere before they look to God. Disappointed in one worldly
object they often run to another, and another. They never come to the
Creator, and make him their hope, till convinced that what they seek
is not to be found in the creature. God sometimes brings his people
into straits, and strips them of their earthly dependencies, that
having no where else to trust they may come to him and cast their care
upon him.

Even the Chr