or not: we must be anxious only to know what his will is: and then, though it be to march at midnight, or to continue our journey for many wearisome days and nights together, or to be kept by his providence in a state of inactivity for years, we should rise to the occasion, and endeavour to approve our- selves to him as faithful and obedient children.
In a word, to be continually with him, enjoying his presence, fulfilling his will, and pressing forward to his glory, this is the Christian's duty : this is the very end of his redemption, and the way to his inheritance.]
Address —
[Consider yourselves now in the state of Israel advancing through the wilderness : and expect that, " as God's children, ye shall be led by his Holy Spirit -v." Yet be careful not to expect more than God has promised. Do not suppose that you shall be so led as to be kept from all error. It is not God's design to render any man infallible, or so to guide him that he shall have no ground for fear and self-distrust. We must, under all circumstances, feel a jealousy, lest Satan should take advantage of us, or our own deceitful hearts should be- guile us. The Israelites, though under the cloud, fell short of the promised land2, because "their hearts were not right with God, neither were they steadfast in his covenant a." But, if you will " follow the Lord fully," you may look up to him with holy confidence, that now " he will guide you by his counsel, and hereafter he will receive you to glory V]
yRom. vhi. 14. zlCor.x. 1,5. a Ps. lxxviii. 37. b Ps. lxxiii.24.