on their behalf". He will not fail to secure them the victory over all their enemies.]
Address,
1. Those who disregard the voice of this divine
Messenger —
[From what is spoken of his mercy you are ready to think him destitute of justice. And from the depth of his conde- scension you conclude he will not vindicate his own honour. But where God most fully proclaims his mercy he declares his justice also0. Make not him then your enemy who came from heaven to save you. Consider what means he has used to guide you to the promised land. Consider what great things he would do for you, if you would obey his voice. Consider what certain and terrible destruction your rejection of his mercy will bring upon youp. And instantly surrender up yourselves to his direction and government.]
2. Those who, though they submit to his govern- ment, are doubtful of success —
[The Israelites, notwithstanding all the miracles they had seen, were afraid they should not finally attain the object of then desires. Thus amongst ourselves, many tremble lest their expectations should never be realized. But is not God able to beat down your enemies before you ? Or will he forget the promise he has so often renewed ? If he be incensed against you, it is not owing to unfaithfulness in him, but to instability in youq. Only be vigilant to obey his will, and to follow him fully : and you need not doubt but that he will preserve you unto his heavenly kingdom r.]
3. Those who are following him with cheerfulness to the heavenly land —
[Blessed be God, there are some of you like-minded with Joshua and Caleb s. And are not you living monuments of the power and grace of God ? Have you not on many occa- sions proved his readiness to pardon sin? And do you not daily experience his paternal care and protection? Go on then with increasing vigilance and an assured hope. Know that all the power and perfections of God are engaged for you : and that " having guided you by his counsel, he will finally bring you to glory."]
n 2 Chron. xxxii. 8. Isai. xlix. 25. ° Exod. xxxiv. 7.
i» Heb. xii. 25. i Jer. ii. 17. r 2 Tim. iv. 18.
s Numb. xiv. 24. and xxxii. 12.