words before us. They were first addressed by Moses generally to all Israel, when they were about to invade the land of Canaan. They were then addressed particularly to Joshua in the sight of all Israel3 : and they were afterwards again addressed to Joshua by God himself b. Now it might be asked, Have we any right to apply these words to the Church at this time ? and may any individual in the Church consider them as addressed personally and particularly to himself ? We answer, Yes ; he may ; and moreover may found upon them precisely the same conclusions as Israel of old did. For this we have the authority of an inspired Apostle ; who, having quoted the words in reference to the whole Christian Church, adds, " So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper ; and I will not fear what man shall do unto mec." Thus then are we warranted to address the words to you in relation to that warfare which you are to maintain against all the enemies of your salvation : and this we will proceed to do.
Brethren, we suppose you now in the state of Israel when addressed by Moses. And if, like Moses, we knew that the superintendence of your spiritual concerns was speedily to be devolved to another, and that this was the last time that we should ever address you, we could not do better than amplify and expand his ideas, contained in the words before us.
You, Brethren, are about to engage in a most
arduous warfare —
[The enemies of Israel were numerous and very powerful : they were men of gigantic stature, and they " dwelt in cities walled up to heaven." There were no less than "seven nations greater and mightier than Israel," and all these were con- federate together for the defence of Canaan. But these were weak, in comparison of the Christian's enemies. You, Brethren, have to conflict with the world and all its vanities, the flesh and all its corruptions, the devil and all his wiles. There is not any thing you see around you, which is not armed for your destruction : nor is there any thing within you which does not
a ver. 8, 23. b Josh. i. 5, 9. c Heb. xiii. 5, 6.