Address —
[To those who have sinned in any of the foregoing parti- culars, we would particularly recommend, that, like Aaron, they confess their sin humbly, and without delay1. Yea, en- treat that very Saviour whose authority you have despised, to intercede for you. Seek an interest in him : implore for- giveness for his sake: so will God " pardon your offences, though he may take vengeance of your inventions k." " Turn with unfeigned sorrow from your transgressions; so your iniquity shall not be your ruin." Leprous as ye are, ye shall yet be healed : and, deserving as ye are to be expelled from the camp of Israel, ye shall yet be received into it, and, through the tender mercy of your God, shall proceed in comfort to the promised land.]
i ver. 11. k ver. 13, 14.
Numb. xiv. 4, 5. And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. Then Moses arid Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the con- gregation of Israel.
THAT the journeying of the Israelites in the wil- derness is typical of our journey towards the heavenly Canaan is so generally known amongst you, that I need not insist upon ita. That being kept in mind, you will at once see the bearing of my present subject on the solemnities in which you have been engaged. The Israelites had now arrived at the borders of Ca- naan : and they sent spies, one from every tribe, to search out the land. They all agreed respecting the fertility of the country : but ten of the spies repre- sented the attempt to conquer it as altogether hope- less. This report discouraged the whole congrega- tion ; who bitterly bewailed their disappointment, cast severe reflections on Jehovah himself as having de- ceived and betrayed them, and proposed to make a captain over them and to return to Egypt.
a If this should be the subject of an Address to young people after Confirmation, this sentiment may be modified according to circumstances. But, if it be used on a common occasion, our bap- tismal engagements maybe substituted for those that are here specified.