Manis born to trouble, as the sparks fly upwards, saith Eliphas Job v. 7. And as it is the corruption and sinfulness of his birth and nature, that has exposed him to trouble, so nature usually sets him at work, to look out for such things as may preserve and deliver him from trouble, or, at least, mitigate and temper the bitterness of it. And because there is not any one worldly thing that hath either certainty or sufficiency enough to serve at all times, therefore, worldly and natural men are forced to make use of variety, and are but badly served with them all. The believing soul hath but one comfort whereon he relies, but it is a great one, which alone weighs down all the rest. Bread strengthens, and wine makes glad the heart of man, Psal. xiv. 15. But God is the strength of my heart, says the Psalmist, Peal. I xxxiii. 26, and the gladness of it too: Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than they have when their corn and wine increase. Psal. vi. 7. And therefore, while the rest are seeking after some scattered crumbs of goodness in the creatures, and saying, Who will shew us any good? He fixes his choice upon this one thing, the light of God's countenance. And it is the constant assurance of this, that upholds him. Waves beat upon him, yea, and go over him; yet, the Lord will command his loving kindness to shine upon him. Robert  Leighton

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