t hardworked man.

For you can say in your hearts--All the things which I see, are God's
things. They are thoughts of God. God gives them law, and life, and
use. My heavenly Father made them. My Saviour redeemed them with His
most precious blood, and rules and orders them for ever. The Holy Spirit
of God, which was given me at my baptism, gives them life and power to
grow and breed after their kinds. The divine, miraculous, and
supernatural power of God Himself is working on them, and for them,
perpetually: and how much more on me, and for me, and all my children,
and fellow-creatures for whom Christ died. Without my Father in heaven
not a sparrow falls to the ground: and am I not of more value than many
sparrows? God feeds the birds: and will He not feed me? God clothes the
lilies of the field: and will He not clothe me? Ah, me of little faith,
who forget daily that in God I live, and move, and have my being, and am,
in spite of all my sins, the child of God. Him I can trust in prosperous
times, and in disastrous times; in good harvests and in bad harvests; in
life and in death, in time and in eternity. For He has given all things
a law which cannot be broken. And they continue this day as at the
beginning, serving Him. And if I serve Him likewise, then shall I be in
harmony with God, and with God's laws, and with God's creatures, great
and small. The whole powers of nature as well as of spirit will be
arrayed on my side in the struggle for existence; and all things will
work together for good to those who love God.

SERMON XVII. LIFE.

PSALM CIV. 24, 28-30.

O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all:
the earth is full of Thy riches.

That Thou givest them they gather. Thou openest Thine hand, they are
filled with good. Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled. Thou
takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou
sendest forth Thy Spirit, they are created: and Thou renewest the face
of the earth.

What is the most important thing to you, and me, and every man?

I suppose that most, if they answered honestly, would say--Life. I will
give anything I have for my life.

And if some among you answered--as I doubt not some would--No: not life:
but honour and duty. There is many a thing which I would rather die than
do--then you would answer like valiant and righteous folk; and may God
give you grace to keep in the same m