[In the contest with the worshippers of Baal, this matter was brought to a trial : and what was the result ? the very idolaters themselves exclaimed, " The Lord, He is God ! The Lord, He is Goda!" Nebuchadnezzar was in like manner forced to acknowledge the vanity of the idol he had set up, and to confess that no other god could effect such a deliverance for his votaries, as Jehovah had wrought for the HebrewYouthsb.]
2. To his enemies at this day —
[There are many who are ready to think that too much honour is ascribed to God, when the weakness of all created confidences is exposed. But we will appeal to their judgment, whether they do not think that an omniscient, and omnipotent Being, whose providence and grace have been so marvellously displayed, be not more worthy of our trust than an arm of flesh? We appeal also to their experience: for though, through their ignorance of Jehovah, they cannot declare what he is, they do know, and must confess, that the creature, when confided in as a source of true happiness, invariably shews itself to be " vanity and vexation of spirit."]
Address —
1. Let those who have undervalued our Rock, re- pent of their folly —
[Not idolaters alone, but all, who do not supremely love and adore the Saviour, must be considered as undervaluing this our Rock : and, if they do not repent of their conduct now, they will bewail it ere long with endless and unavailing sorrow. Let them then consider, that, with respect to tem- poral things, there is none other that can deliver them from trouble, or support them under it : and that, with respect to spiritual tilings, there is no wisdom, strength, or righteousness, but in Him alone. Let them consider, that " in him all fulness dwells;" and that, if they trust in him, he will give them all that is needful for body and soul, for time and eter- nity. O that they were wise and would turn unto him, and cleave to him with full purpose of heart !]
2. Let those, who trust in Jesus, glory in him as
an all-sufficient portion —
[They who build on this Rock need never fear : however high their expectations are raised, they shall never be disap- pointed of their hope. They may enlarge their desires, even as hell itself that is never satisfied; they may ask all that God him- self can bestow ; and, provided it be good for them, they shall possess it all : however " wide they open their mouth, God will
a 1 Kings xviii. 39. b Dan. iii. 29.