instruction as we could not by any means have so well received in any other way. By his word and by his Spirit he has im- parted to us much knowledge of himself: but by his various dispensations, and especially those of a more afflictive nature, he has led us into discoveries of his perfections, which we could never otherwise have obtained. Oh ! what views has he given us of our own deserts and of his own tender mercy towards us ! In fact, we may, in his dealings with his people in the wilder- ness, see as in a glass all that is passing in the Church at this day, and all that is passing in our own hearts : and our hea- venly rest will be infinitely the more endeared to us from our recollection of all our troubles by the way, and of the infinite wisdom and power and love by which we have been led in safety through them.]
Think then I pray you, Brethren, what should be our regard towards this Almighty Saviour —
[Who was it that led his people through the wilderness in the days of old ? It was the Lord Jesus Christ, the Angel of the covenant: for he it was whom they tempted0, and he it was " whose reproach Moses counted to be of more value than all the treasures of Egypt?." That same Jesus is still " Head over all things to his Church q," and "guides all his chosen people by his counsel, till he brings them safely to his glory." I ask then with confidence should we not love him with most intense affection ? and trust in him with unshaken affiance ? and serve him with all the powers of our souls ? Methinks, there should be no bounds to our love and gratitude, no limit to our zeal in his service1. We all see and acknowledge this in refe- rence to the Jews, who were favoured with his visible interpo- sition : and how much more is it all due from us, who enjoy the substance, of which they had but the shadow ! I call you then, every one of you, to shew forth your sense of the obliga- tions conferred upon you, and, if possible, to be as zealous in his service as he is in yours.]
° Exod. xxiii. 20. 1 Cor. x. 9. p Heb. xi. 26.
i Eph. i. 22, 23. r Deut. x. 14, 15. 1 Sam. xii. 24.