ok here, you want a farthing's worth of sparrows. Well, you can have
two; but, if you will buy two farthingsworth, I will _throw the odd
one in for nothing_'. Two for a farthing; five for a halfpenny.

But see; of that odd sparrow thrown in as hardly worth counting, Jesus
said, 'Not one of them is forgotten before God. Not one shall fall to
the ground without your Father. Are ye not of more value than many
sparrows?' Now, in the light of that illustration, turn once more to
the Apostolic message, 'Be careful for nothing', and I think you will
find good reason for believing the promise, 'The peace of God shall
keep your hearts through Jesus Christ'.

Before leaving this matter of worry, I suggest that we look well to
find the cause of the trouble; for, alas! it is not unfrequently the
case that care or undue anxiety arises from positive sin in the heart.
Some of you worry in respect of your position in life as compared with
other people's; but are you sure that some of this fratch and distress
does not arise from feelings of envy, or jealousy, or discontent?
Others may worry because of comparative poverty, but is it not often
pride or ambition concerning yourselves or your children, and a desire
to be level with your neighbours, which causes the trouble? You worry,
perhaps, because people cross your purposes and upset your plans and
irritate you needlessly; but is not the secret really that you resent
interference, and want to have your own way? Now, before blaming your
circumstances, I suggest you have a thorough self-examination, for it
may be that the inward trouble is due to unbelief, selfishness,
ambition, pride, or some other form of heart sin, and that evil must be
dealt with before perfect peace can prevail.

May I come very close to you, and ask, Is it not true of some that, far
from being kept by the peace of God which passeth all understanding,
you are in a condition, an attitude of mind, which distinctly hinders
the enjoyment of such a blessing? Some, I fear, have not got even as
far as saying, 'Being justified by faith, I have peace with God'. There
is some sin, some indulgence, which God is against; and as rebellion
and peace are opposed to each other, you cannot have guidance and peace
and spiritual blessings until you cast yourselves at the mercy-seat,
and take Christ as your Saviour.

Again, it may be some point of controversy. Something in regard to your
circumstances, or your consecration, or even y