The doctrine of the text teaches you irresistibly that, since you can not command gratifications, you should command your desires; and that, as the events of life do not accord with your wishes, your wishes should accord with them.  Multiplied enjoyments fall to but few men, and are no more rationally expected than the highest prize in a lottery.  But a well-regulated mind, a dignified independence of the world, and a wise preparation to possess one’s soul in patience, whatever circumstances may exist, is in the power of every man, and is greater wealth than that of both Indies, and greater honor than Caesar ever required.

Thirdly.  As your course and your success through life are not under your control, you are strongly urged to commit yourselves to God, who can control both.

That you can not direct your course through the world, that your best concerted plans will often fail, that your sanguine expectations will be disappointed, and that your fondest worldly wishes will terminate in mortification can not admit of a momentary doubt.  That God can direct you, that He actually controls all your concerns, and that, if you commit yourselves to His care, He will direct you kindly and safely, can be doubted only of choice.  Why, then, do you hesitate to yield yourselves and your interests to the guidance of your Maker?  There are two reasons which appear especially to govern mankind in this important concern; they do not and will not realize the agency of God in their affairs; and they do not choose to have them directed as they imagine He will direct them.  The former is the result of stupidity; the latter, of impiety.  Both are foolish in the extreme, and not less sinful than foolish.

The infinitely wise, great and glorious benefactor of the universe has offered to take men by the hand, lead them through the journey of life, and conduct them to His own house in the heavens.  The proof of His sincerity in making this offer has been already produced.  He has given His own Son to live, and die, and rise, and reign, and intercede for our race.  “Herein is love,” if there ever was love; “not that we have loved him, but that he has loved us.”  That He, who has done this, should not be sincere is impossible.  St. Paul, therefore, triumphantly asks what none can answer:  “He, that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Trust, then, His word with undoubting confidence; take His hand with humble gratitude, and with all thy heart obey His voice, which you will everywhere hear, saying, “this is the way, walk ye therein.”  In sickness and in health, by night and by day, at home and in crowds, He will watch over you with tenderness inexpressible.  He will make you lie down in green pastures, lead you beside the still waters and guide you in paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake.  He will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies, and cause your cup to run over with blessings.  When you pass through the waters of affliction He will be with you, and through the rivers they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle on you.  From their native heavens He will commission those charming twin sisters, goodness and mercy, to descend and “follow you all your days.”