of getting in almost every shilling that was due to me, I failed in paying my acceptances.  Add to this, the painful prospect of losing my property until I could not pay my just debts, and then mention a situation which would place an honest mind in a greater degree of perplexity.  O! had it not been for the preserving hand of my gracious Redeemer, I had never lifted up my head above the waters which were ready to overwhelm me.  In the midst of all this I received a firm conviction, that if I wound up as speedily as circumstances would admit, I should measurably be safe; but if I suffered the impression to pass away disregarded, I might be hurled along with the stream and never more be able to recover myself.  It seemed as if my eye was fixed on a star which shone quite on the other side of the [waters]; and I was thus enabled to wade through, without, knowing what course to take when I got to the other side.  I do not mention this as being in the whole applicable to thy case; but as a fellow Christian traveller towards the celestial city, I earnestly intreat thee, in the love of the gospel, never to consider thyself on a level, or at liberty to act in full scope, with the man of business, who thinks himself created to pursue the things of time without being responsible to his Creator for endeavoring to reach a situation in life which would enable him to prepare for eternity.  Thou wilt not be long at a loss what to do if thou dost not overlook the secret motive in thy own breast.  Do not grieve at losing a little of what thou hast; it will come again, if for the best, and may bring the double reward of peace.  If thou attendest to that directing Hand which has hitherto preserved thee as a monument of thy Heavenly Father’s mercy, thy victory is already sure, though thou mayst not know it.  It is not for the test, consequently not permitted, that we should always see our way.  Were this the case there would be no exercise of faith.  The servant of the prophet was blind as to the power which preserved them, when he saw a host of the enemy encamped against them:  he cried out, “Alas, my master, how shall we do!” But his master answered, “Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them;” and the prophet prayed that the young man might be made to see.  And when his eyes were opened, what did he see?  Why, he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about them.  The Lord’s chosen people are continually encircled with these chariots of fire, otherwise it would not be possible to be so mercifully preserved from harm.  Should it be insinuated to thee that thou art not of this chosen race, let me tell thee, we become children of the Most High as soon as he has raised in us a desire to serve him, and we become willing to abide under his protecting wing whatever changes may take place in our own feelings during the operation of his holy hand upon us.

Nothing is more important in the life of a Christian than the manner in which he turns to account the opportunities for serving his Lord which continually spring up before him.