importance of the subject, and to convey an idea, that even the inanimate creation will rise up in judg- ment against the children of men, if they should dis- regard the voice of their Creator. After requesting their attention, he declares, that the whole tendency of his discourse, and especially of that part which exhibits the character of the Deity, is to comfort and enrich the souls of men. As the dew and rain descend gently and silently upon the earth, softening the parched ground, refreshing and invigorating the drooping plants, and administering nourishment to the whole vegetable creation, so was his word intended to administer blessings to mankind, quickening the most dead, softening the most obdurate, comforting the most disconsolate, and fertilizing the most barren, among them all.
We are aware that a directly opposite effect is in general ascribed to a faithful ministration of the word : it is in general supposed, that a scriptural representation of the divine character must of neces- sity alarm and terrify mankind: but, whatever effect it may produce on them that are determined to hold fast their sins, it cannot fail to comfort all whose minds are duly prepared to receive it, and to ope- rate on their souls as rain upon the new-mown grass. This will appear, whilst we,
I. Illustrate the representation here given of the Deity—
The description which Moses gives of Jehovah is short, but comprehensive : it sets forth,
1. His personal majesty —
[The term " Rock" is often used in reference to the Deity; and intimates to us both what he is in himself, and what he is to us. In himself he is the great unchangeable Jehovah; and to his people a safe and everlasting Refuge. Whether it be from the storms of temptation or the heat of persecution, he affords protection to all who flee unto himb
and, to those who build upon him, he is an immovable
foundation : nothing shall ever shake them ; nothing shall ever disappoint them of their hopes0 ]
b Isai. xxxii. 2. c Isai. xlv. 17.