forward in the spirit of the holy Apostle, " If God be for us,
who can be against usm?"
Hear then, believers, and follow my advice —
1. Survey the land —
[See whether it be not the glory of all lands, " a land flowing with milk and honey." Come up to Pisgah, and look down upon it : or rather, I would say, Come up to Zion, and behold its length and breadth. See already, and taste, the fruits of it. Take into your hands " the grapes of Eshcol," and tell me whether the whole world besides affords such fruit. Methinks, some of you at least have already partaken of them: yes, I doubt not, but that, in " the light of God's countenance lifted up upon you," and in " his love shed abroad in your hearts," you have already found an earnest and a foretaste of your heavenly inheritance. But still, I say, Survey the land. " Not one of its inhabitants ever says, I am sick11." " No sorrow is there, no sighing, no pain, no death0." " Nor is there any night there : it needs neither the sun nor moon to lighten it; for the glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof11."
Tell me, then, is it not worth the conflict? Is any thing too much to do, or too severe to suffer, in order to obtain itq? Only keep that glorious object in view, and you will never sheathe your sword, till you have gained the victory.]
2. Perform your duty —
[Gird on your swords. Go forward against the enemy. Make no account of any obstacles. Think neither of the strength or number of your enemies. Say not, " Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? for thus saith the Lord ; The prey of the mighty shall be taken away ; and the lawful captive shall be delivered : for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee ; and / will save thy children1." Neither be discouraged from a sense of your own weakness : for " God will perfect his own strength in your weakness s." Go on simply depending on your God. Rest on that word of Ins, " Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed ; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee : yea, I will help thee : yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness*." With confidence do I address you thus: for the Lord Jesus Christ himself has said, " Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom11." Only " fight the good fight of faith:" and you shall be " more than conquerors, through Him that loved you."]
m Rom. viii. 31. n Isai. xxxiii. 24. ° Rev. xxi. 4.
i1 Rev. xxi. 23. « Rom. viii. 18. r Isai.xlix.24, 25.
s 2 Cor.xii.9,10. t Isai. xli. 10. u Luke xii. 32.