The Twenty Fourth of February.

THE LORD WILL REGARD --- Psalm 102:17.

"The Lord will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." --- Psalm 102:17.

"They looked unto him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed." --- Psalm 34:5.

See also the instance of the woman of Canaan. Matthew 15:21-28. And what Christ says, Luke 11:5-13; and chapter 18:1-8. Likewise of a tossed vessel. Matthew 8:24-27.

The load of outward and inward affliction, is not always prayed away with a few words, or in a few days.

Sometimes it is necessary even to wrestle with God, and be very instant too; how else could faith and practice be exercised?

If, therefore, the trials be sharp and lasting, it is not to weaken our faith, but to stir us up to be more instantly zealous in prayer, and in the right use of the word of God; and by these means to be so much more gloriously delivered and strengthened in faith; for whatever God sends upon us, it is not for the lessening; but for the increase of our faith.

God is the refuge of his saints,
When swords of sharp distress invade;
Ere we can offer our complaints,
Behold him present with his aid.

Let mountains from their seats be hurl'd
Down to the deep, and buried there;
Convulsions shake the solid world,-
Our faith should never yield to fear.

Though loud the troubled ocean roar,
Our souls may yet in peace abide;
While every nation, every shore
Trembles and dreads the swelling tide.