3. A view of him in these his providential mercies will encourage us to apply to him for the blessings of his grace —
[Great as the dangers were from which Israel had l)een delivered by the interpositions of their God, they were not a whit greater than those to which we are exposed every day and hour. Truly we have a sea of difficulties ready to overwhelm us : we have a roaring lion seeking to devour us; and a subtle enemy ready to take us in his snares. And who, but God, can deliver us? Who can hope to escape from so great perils, if God him^ self be not on his side? Truly, " our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth," and in his name alone. Where is there one of us, who, when he considers the number and power of his spiritual enemies, has not reason to say, " Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth ?" Sure we are, that there is not a Believer amongst us, who does not view himself as " a brand plucked out of the burn- ing," and marvel at the grace that has been magnified towards him in the redemption of his soul.
Now then let those who have not yet experienced this mercy, consider how gracious God has been to our guilty land, and what an amazing deliverance he has vouchsafed to us : and let them say with themselves, " Will God be less gracious to my soul ?" Has he not assured me, that " he willeth not the death of any sinner;" that " he will cast out none who come to him in the name of Jesus ;" and that, if I make my requests known to him, he will fill me with " a peace that passeth all understanding?" O let us put this matter to a trial ; let us see whether or not he is " rich in mercy unto all that call upon him." Beloved Brethren,
the
^ 1 Sam. XXX. l6. ' See Exod. xv. 1 — 1 1.
" See Ps. cxixvi. where this is repeated twenty-six limes in as many verses.