Page:The Parochial System (Wilberforce, 1838).djvu/82

ground and foundation of his hope and security. We cannot but see that the majority of amiable domestic religious persons, in the middle and higher classes of society, are without fear and anxiety concerning their daily support. This is right; a Christian should not be careful for such things. But now why are they secure? Is it because Christ has promised, "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you;" and, "your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things;" because they know, that "He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all," will "with Him also freely give us all things;" that to Him who died for them, all power is given in heaven and earth, so that neither earth nor hell can hurt them but by His permission? If so, happy are they, for they trust in God, not in riches. Or, on the other hand, is it because they have much goods laid up in store for many years? because they have houses and lands, gold and silver; and they know that although the value of these things may be diminished, yet, according to the course of nature and the order of society, they can hardly be so much reduced as to bring them within the reach of want? If so, they "trust in riches," their wealth is the real reason of their security and contentment: it does that for them which a filial confidence in God, and a prevailing love for Christ ought to do, and will do where they exist.