3. Our exertions languid —
[When we come into the divine presence, the arrows are, as it were, put into our hands ; but we are content with
' Ps. xlii. 1, 2. and Ixiii. ], 2. and Ixxxiv. 2. "' Ps. xvii. 15.
" Matt. xiii. 58. with Mark vi. 5. VOL. III. M M
striking twice or thrice. We do not " stir up ourselves to lay hold on God :" we do not wrestle with him, and determine not to let him go, until he has bestowed a blessing on our souls. We should " give him no rest," till he has manifested to us the acceptance of our prayers. But we perform all our duties in so cold a way as rather to offend God Ijy our lukewarmness, than to please him by our zeal. The prophet was justly displeased with Joash for not shewing greater ardour in the cause of Is- rael : " Thou shouldest have smitten," says he, " five or six times : then hadst thou smitten S3a-ia, till thou hadst consumed it : whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice." This pre- diction was exactly verified: " Joash did beat them only three times ° :" and thus we find it in our own experience : we gain some victories, it is true ; but they are only small and partial, because we war not with all our might ]
Advice —
1. Improve the opportunities which God affords you by his ministers—
[Elisha ministered for above sixty years : yet Joash never availed himself of his instructions, till they were about to be for ever withdrawn. And is it not so wherever the faithful servants of God are sent? The generality, especially of the great and opulent, disregard their warnings, and despise their messages of mercy. O that it might not be found so in this place ! If God has sent you the light, learn to walk in the light, whilst you have it ; lest darkness come upon you, and " the word which ought to be a savour of life, become unto you a savour of death."]
2. Trifle not with the impressions which are at any time upon your minds—
[Joash appeared to be now in a hopeful way ; but he soon lost his good impressions, and died, as he had lived, an enemy of God. And are there not found amongst us many, whose " goodness is as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away ?" Under the ordinances perhaps, or in a time of sickness, or under the prospect of some painful hereavevient, you have been affected, and been made willing to obey the voice of God's prophets : but you have soon forgotten all your vows, and " returned with the dog to his vomit, and with the sow that is washed to her wallowing in the mire." Truly should this be the case with you, " your latter end will be worse than your beginning : for it were better never to have known the way of righteousness, than after having known it to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto you."]
o ver. 25.