his grace, and to bring them in safety to the heavenly Canaan. But as the great body of the Jewish nation deceived themselves to their ruin, so, it is to be feared, the greater part of the Christian world will ultimately be disappointed of their hopes. To follow the Lord will be to but little purpose, unless we follow him fully. Now this implies, that we follow him,
1. With unreserved cheerfulness —
[The Israelites at large were pleased with God's service no longer than while their inclinations were gratified to the full. As soon as ever they were called to exercise any self-denial, or to suffer a little for his sake, they began to murmur, and repented that they had taken his yoke upon them. Especially when they heard the report of the spies respecting the power of their enemies, they proposed to cast off God's yoke alto- gether, and to return to their former masters in Egypt. But Caleb "had another spirit with him:" he considered himself as altogether at God's disposal, and cheerfully obeyed him, as well in circumstances of difficulty and danger, as in the ways that were more pleasing to flesh and blood.
Now this disposition characterizes every faithful follower of Christ. It is not for us to choose our own way, but to follow the directions of our Divine Master. No commandment of his must be esteemed grievous ; nothing must be called " a hard saying;" but we must cheerfully conform ourselves to every part of his revealed will, and account his service to be perfect freedom.]
2. With undaunted resolution —
[Caleb had seen with his own eyes what difficulties he should have to encounter in subduing the land of Canaan ; yet was he not in the least dismayed : yea, his whole nation were so offended with his fidelity to God, that they gave orders that he should be stoned to death. But nothing could intimidate him : he knew the will of God, and he was determined to execute it at all events.
Thus the Christian whose heart is right with God, is not deterred by any difficulties from proceeding in the path of duty : he knows that the world will be against him ; and he often finds his greatest enemies to be those of his own household : yet he determines to go forward, and to obey God rather than man. Like the Hebrew youths, if he behold a furnace prepared for his destruction, he will still hold fast his integrity, and submit to death itself rather than violate his duty to his God.]
3. With unshaken affiance —
[The report of the spies was doubtless very discouraging. The people whom they had seen were of most gigantic stature :
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