MEDITATION IX.
MEDITATION IX.
THE SACRED INSURANCE.
Horndean, April 30, 1758.
Men that go to sea, conscious of their danger, oftentimes insure themselves. I am also going to sea, and carry a cargo with me more precious than all the treasures of the Indies—even my immortal soul, which is also in danger of perishing upon the waters of vice and profanity. How then shall my all be safe amidst so many dangers; amidst the corruption of nature and the seeds of sin within—and bad example, base advice, bold attacks, and baneful snares without; while perhaps there is not one to counsel me aright, to strengthen my hand in God, and thereby comfort me? Blessed be the God of all consolation, that in this deplorable situation I need not despond. The insurance-office of heaven is willing to contract with me on the most honorable, and most advantageous terms for my soul; and holds forth to me the steadfast promise of his faithfulness, "That his grace shall be sufficient for me, because his strength is made perfect in my weakness, and that he will not allow me to be tempted above measure—but will with the temptation make a way to escape."
Then, Lord, my humble request is—That I may never sin against your love and grace, nor cause you to hide your face by my untender walk—That sin may continue, whatever shape it may put on, as ugly and abominable to me as ever I thought it, yes, the more so the more I am entangled with it; as I would more hate the serpent twisting around my legs, than crawling ten yards distant from me on the ground—That I may ever be grieved with the sins of others, and that, in speaking against sin, I may not fear the face of man—That the more all things would draw me from you, I may draw the nearer to you, and keep the closer by you—That I may never be ashamed of true religion, or of you—That I may remember the concerns of your glory as far as in me lies, and pray for the reviving of religion, and prosperity of Zion—That I may study, since I cannot have the ordinances of God in public, to enjoy the God of ordinances in private—That I may never be cast down for temporal misfortunes—but own the hand of God in all; and, like the honey-bee, suck sweetness to my soul—from that same providence which affords bitterness and disquiet to the unsubmissive mind—That in the midst of all, I may keep my latter end in my mind, and never forget the world to come—That I may depend on nothing in myself—but be always strong in the grace and strength which is in Christ Jesus—That every Sabbath may be sweet to my soul, in spite of all obstruction; and that an opportunity may be afforded to me, to read that word which I should esteem more than my necessary food.
O grant me my request! for, as of old, you allowed none to do your chosen ones harm. Yes, for the sake of your prophets, you reproved mighty kings; so now, if I be among the number of your people, you can, who have the hearts of all men in your hand, not only restrain—but reprove the bold offender, and keep me safe in the midst of danger. As a sign of my gratitude for your great goodness—not a little—but all I am, have, or can do, shall, all my lifetime, be devoted to the advancement of your glory, and honor of your name.