the cities in which they dwelt, were walled up to heaven : and it is probable that there was a dreadful pestilence at that time ravaging " the land, and swallowing up the inhabitants thereof." But Caleb had the promise of Jehovah to rest upon ; and there- fore he knew that he could not fail of success; yea, he was assured that, however numerous or mighty his enemies were, they should be " bread for the Lord's people," and be as easily crushed and devoured by them as a piece of bread.
In this also the faithful follower of Christ will resemble Caleb: he knows that Omnipotence is engaged in his behalf; and he rests securely on the word of God. If his corruptions were yet stronger than they are, and the world, with the confederate hosts of hell, were tenfold more powerful, he would not fear ; " he knows in. whom he has believed," and is persuaded that " He who has promised is able also to perform."]
The character of those who follow the Lord fully, being thus delineated, we shall proceed to notice,
II. The blessedness of those who do so —
Here also the history of Caleb will serve as our guide. The text informs us, that he received,
1. The approbation of his God —
[God confessed him before all Israel as " his servant." What an honour was this, to be thus distinguished by Jehovah himself! And shall not every faithful servant of Jehovah be thus distinguished ? Shall he not have an inward witness of the Spirit testifying of his adoption into God's family, and enabling him with confidence to cry, Abba, Father ? Will not God " shed abroad his love in the hearts" of his people, and " seal them with the Holy Spirit of promise, as the earnest of their eternal inheritance ? " And though no authentic declara- tion shall be made to others respecting his state, yet shall his very enemies be constrained to reverence him in their hearts, even though, like Herod, they should persecute him unto death.]
2. The completion of all his wishes —
[Doubtless Caleb earnestly desired an inheritance in the land of Canaan : and the very mountain on which his feet had trodden was assigned to him as his portion by God's express appointment. But he surely looked beyond an earthly inhe- ritance : nor can we doubt but that he is distinguished in the Canaan above as much as he was in the earthly Canaan.
And what does the faithful Christian desire ? What is the great object of his ambition, but to inherit that good land which the Lord his God has promised him ? And shall he come short of it ? Will not God preserve him unto his heavenly