who has the whole creation at his command; "who measures the waters in the hollow of his hand, and metes out the heavens with a span, and comprehends the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighs the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance, and takes up the isles as a very little thing*." A Being such as this can never want the power, and we know well, that he never wants the will, to protect those that trust in him; from whom he will either avert every great and extraordinary disaster, or make it conduce ultimately to their good. If infidelity and irreligion have any more solid comforts to offer than these, you they will deserve some attention. But if in the hand of God only you can think yourselves safe, if in the promises of the gospel alone you find that sovereign remedy which composes all your fears, and gives rest to your souls, you can no longer doubt what course you have to take. Your first business is, to render yourselves worthy (by a holy life and reliance on the merits of your Redeemer) of the divine protection; your next, to repose upon it with boundless confidence, and perfect tranquillity; * Isa. xi. 12. 15: casting 66 casting all your care upon God, because he careth for you*." Then may you say, even under the most alarming apprehensions"God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will we not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea. The Lord is our light, and our salvation, whom then shall we fear? the Lord is the strength of our life, of whom then shall we be afraid +?" To His gracious protection I earnestly recommend you, and remain Your affectionate brother, and servant in Christ, B. CHESTER. October 10, 1777. * 1 Pet. v. 7. † Ps. xlvi. 1, 2. xxvii. 1. AN ESSAY TOWARDS A PLAN FOR THE MORE EFFECTUAL Civilization and Conversion OF THE NEGRO SLAVES, ON THE TRUST ESTATE IN BARBADOES, BELONGING TO THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN FOREIGN PARTS. First WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1784, AND ADDRESSED TO |