hands; all thrones, all principalities and powers are under his control, and he can turn the heart of the king, as the farmer turns the river of waters to fertilize any part of his field. When the "kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed, he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision." What a friend Zion has! He has all nature at his command, all dominion over heaven, earth and hell. The church of God needs not fear the power of the enemy, while she has such a friend.
4. He is a present friend. We may be in circumstances, in a natural sense, when our best friend may not be able to grant us any relief, because he may not know of our peculiar distress, or may not be present— but not so with regard to the Savior. His presence fills the heavens and the earth; he is with his children in all their trials and distresses. You recollect what he said to his disciples-" where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." And again, "I will be with you alway, even unto the end of the world." What a full promise! If they are cast on a bed of affliction, he will be with them, and will "make all their bed in their sickness." If they are thrown into prison, he will accompany them, and the dark sides of the prison shall be lighted by the smiles of his countenance.
5. He is a wise friend-wise in his counsels and admonitions.
6. He is an unwavering, consistent and eternal friend. Men are changeable creatures. We may have friends
