^ Josh. vii. 7 — 9. e Exod. xvii. 7. ^ Exod. xv. 11.
s Jam. v. 11. ii John xi. 4. ' John xi, 40.
^ Isai. 1. 10.
netrably dark, let it then suffice us to know, that " what we know not now, we shall know hereafter."]
2. How to improve them —
[Every leaf in the book of providence is full of instruction respecting the perfections of our God. O what might Vv^e not learn of his wisdom, his power, his love, his faithfulness, if we were observant of his dispensations towards us ? Many a time should we exclaim with the widow, " Now I k?iow that his word is true;" I do not take it upon trust; I see it, I ktwiv it ; and am ready to attest it before the whole universe. This is the kind of evidence which Job had, when he said, " I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear ; but now mine eye seeth thee." A small measure of such experience as this is of unbounded value. If it were only for our own comfort, we should cultivate it to the uttermost ; but it is of unspeakable benefit to those around us, inasmuch as it encourages them also to trust in God. See how David represents this when emerging out of temporal affliction ; " Many shall see it," says he, " and fear, and shall trust in the Lord':" and again, when brought up from the depths of spiritual trouble; " For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found™." The knowledge which we have of God and of Christ is mere theory, till we have learned the same by our own personal experience; but when our faith is confirmed by actual experience, then it is as convincing as sight itself. O that we may all aspire after this knowledge, and improve every dispensation for the attainment of it ! then will it be to us a source of unclouded peace, and prepare us for that blessed place, where faith shall be lost in sight, and hope in enjoyment.]
1 Ps. xl. 1 — 4. m Ps. xxxii. 3—6.