4. In the greatest extremities wherein his people may be, there are
Baruch. If he should cast his people far off among the heathen, and scatter them among the countries, yet even there he would be a little sanctuary unto them. His own presence should supply the want of a temple, so he is pleased to express himself, Ezek. 11:16. But how is it possible the great God can be but a little sanctuary? His eye is upon them to see their danger, and his hand upon them to secure them from it. His promise shall shield them, and his wings shall cover them, Ps. 91:4. While he hath indignation, he hath a secret chamber for their security, Isa. 26:20, an almighty shadow under which they abide, Ps. 91:1. In times of the most devouring danger he hath a seal to set upon their foreheads as a mark of his special protection. We never have so much experience of God's care and strength as in times of trouble: Ps. 37:39, 'He is their strength in time of trouble.' He is a friend who is as able as willing, and as willing as able to help them, whose watchfulness over them is as much above their apprehension as it is above their merits.
4. In the greatest extremities wherein his people may be, there are promises of comfort, Isa. 43:2. Both in overflowing waters and scorching fires he will be with them; his providence shall attend his promise, and his truth shall be their shield and buckler, Ps. 91:4.
That surely is a sufficient support; Christ thought it so, when he only said to his disciples, 'It is I, be not afraid,' John 6:17, 18. What though there be a storm, a darkness, and trouble, 'It is I am he.' The darkness of the night troubles not the pilot whilst he hath his compass to steer by. If all his providences be for the good of them that fear him, he can never want means to bring them out of trouble, because he is always actually exercised in governing that which is for their good, and till he sees it fit to deliver them, he will be with them.
Great mercies succeed the sharpest afflictions, Jer. 30:5, 6, 7, &c.
When there should be a voice of trembling, and men with their hands upon their loins, as women in travail, and paleness in their faces from the excess of their fears, in that day God would break the yoke from them, and they should serve the Lord their God, and David their king. Though the night be never so dark, yet it is certain the sun will rise and disperse its light next morning, and one time or other