Father; fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."[1] Now, to the sincerely religious man, this is a real and practical and constant source of comfort. The man of the world sets out, in his own strength, on the accomplishment of plans which he has formed for himself,—formed without ever looking up to the All-wise Guide for direction; and which, perhaps, the Divine Eye sees are immediately to be crossed and thwarted by certain counter-plans laid by some one else. Presently, they are so crossed and defeated; and the unsuccessful planner frets and is mad at his ill-success,—exclaims against the world and against Fortune (as he terms it)—has his heart embittered against his fellow-men—distresses, by his ill-temper, his wife and family—is anxious, wretched, and in despair. But the truly devout man, living in habitual and peaceful trust in Divine Providence, accustoming himself in all his undertakings to look up for guidance and direction,—is preserved from these difficulties and dangers: there is the leading of Providence with him, in all his ways. And if occasionally allowed to fall or be unsuccessful, it is because success would have been an injury to him; and misfortune (or what is called such) is permitted, as the means of humbling and purifying him, and thus of fitting him for higher happiness hereafter. Thus, even misfortune proves to him a blessing: trouble is turned into joy: and thus, in truth, as the Apostle declares, "do all things work together for good to them that love God."
In this manner, the man, who is in the habitual acknowledgment of God, is led on peacefully through life. He has a perpetual Guide and Support. He
