The chief concern of a man should be to see that his own soul is right in the sight of God. But you have no armor for your back, and the perils of going back are far worse than the perils of going forward! Therefore I charge you, if you are, indeed, a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, to play the man and let your faith overcome your fear! Fear not the powers of earth and hell; God will these powers restrain; His mighty arm their rage repel, And make their efforts vain. Fear not the want of outward good; He will for his provide, Grant them supplies of daily food, And all they need beside.
There is also the loving fear which every true, right-hearted child has towards its father, a fear of grieving so tender a parent, a proper feeling of dread which makes it watch its every footstep, lest, in the slightest degree, it should deviate from the path of absolute obedience. This fear of our ourselves, the fear of sinning against God, is a fear which we ought always to cherish. But the slavish fear which leads to the apprehension that something evil is about to happen must be shunned. Happy man who is in that prepared state, for he need have no fear of death! Use the telescope very frequently.
The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Of what can this tree be but a type but of our Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation? God takes care of the little things, the trifles, of Believers, and here, of our Lord, it is said, "The leaves are for the healing of the nations." That is to say, even His common things, His lower blessings of Divine Grace are full of virtue! When Jesus healed the sick of the palsy, He said to him, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you." Pardon and healing were one! Rest assured, Believer, that since God has forgiven your sins, He has dried up the well of bitterness and you shall drink no more of it. Or, if it seems to come to your lips, it shall be so changed in its character that it shall be a healing draught!
Now, the cure is usually accomplished by the most simple means. My dependence is not to be upon the seal of the Spirit, but upon the blood of the Son! Stand on the sure rock of the Lord's finished work and not on the dubious ground of your own carefulness. Let all be of Grace and nothing of self! "Neither be you of a doubtful mind." Your position is one of unrest, fear and dread if you build upon self. But if you have the hearing of faith, you will feel that this subject is one which concerns yourself. The Sun of Righteousness has risen upon you with healing in His wings.