as also terror was diffused through the whole camp of the Phi- listines'\ Thus it is with the Church at this time; it is the presence of God in it that renders it the joy of the whole earth'. It is God's glory that is seen upon it, which brings kings to the brightness of its rising ''. There is often a power in the ordi- nances that evidences the presence of the Deity, and constrains his most inveterate enemies to submit themselves to him, and to unite themselves to his Churcli'. And it will be in conse- quence of that more abundant manifestation of his presence which shall be vouchsafed to the Church at a future period, that all the nations of the earth shall seek with eagerness an interest in its privileges, and a participation of its blessings™. Persons of all ranks, from the lofty " fir-tree" to the humble " box," shall come together to the Church, of which it will be said, " The Lord is thine everlasting light, and thy God tJiij glor//^.'']
To IMPROVE this subject, let me entreat you,
1. To give yourselves up to God as his people —
[The whole of this subject refers, as you have seen, to Israel as God's redeemed people. To such alone were these promises made ; and by such alone were they experienced. To the Egyptians the cloud was as darkness, whilst to the Israelites it was a pillar of light : and the sea, which afforded to Israel a path of safety, was to the Egyptians without excep- tion a fatal grave. So to those only who give up themselves to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ are the blessings of redemption fully known : to them the Gospel is " a savour of life unto life, whilst to others it is only a savour of death unto death :" to them is Christ a sanctuary, whilst to others he is only a stumbling-block and a rock of offence." What then shall I say unto you 'i This I will say : Imitate the Israelites on the occasion referred to. Cast off your bonds, and put yourselves under the guidance of " that Prophet, whom Jehovah has raised up unto you, like unto Moses." Go forth from Egypt in dependence on your God : rely upon him for every thing during the time of your sojourning in this dreary wilderness : and look forward to your possession of the pi'o- mised land as your sure and abiding portion. " Follow the Lord fully," as Joshua and Caleb did ; and rest assured that, like them, you shall in due season enjoy the promised inheritance.]
2. To glory in God as your God —
[Tell me one promise that ever failed those who trusted fully in their God. If Joshua, after forty years of conflict, could make this a matter of appeal to Israel, be sure that none
h 1 Sam. iv. 7. ' Ps. xlviii. 2. ^ isai. Ix. 1 — 3.
1 1 Cor. xiv. 25. •" Zech. viii. 23. " Isai. Ix. 13—16, IG.