no might he increaseth strength." This, I say, is his habit and delight : and one great end of his delaying the communica- tions of his aid is, to make men more sensible of their depend- ence on him, and more thankful for his gracious interpositions. Till he vouchsafe his answers to prayer, all human efforts are vain ; " even the youths will faint and be weary ; and the young men, how strong soever they imagine themselves to be, will utterly fall :" but " they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength." Like the eagle, when moulting, they may be greatly reduced ; but in due season, like him, with his reno- vated plumage, they shall soar on high, above all the trials and temptations with which they have been oppressed. Their course may be yet long and difficult; the opposition which they may have to encounter may be exceeding violent ; but, through the Divine aid, " they shall run and not be weary; they shall march onward*, and not faint."]
Address —
1. In a way of tender expostulation —
[Such a state of mind as God's people of old indulged, is approved by many, as characteristic of humility. But it is a mark of pride rather, and of unbelief; and it is calculated only to excite God's heavy displeasure. This appears from the manner in which it is here reproved. In fact, it argues a forgetfulness of all our principles as men acknowledging a Supreme Being. Have we not known, that there is a God who ordereth all things both in heaven and in earth ? Have we not heard, that " without him not so much as a sparrow falleth to the ground?" How then can we imagine that he is inattentive to his suffering or conflicting people, or that he is at a loss for means whereby to effect their deliverance ? Have we not heard that " he has given us his only dear Son to die for us ? What, then, will he withhold from those who seek him ? " Still further ; Have we not heard that " he has made with us an everlasting covenant, a covenant ordered in all things and sure ? " And is not a supply of all our wants there provided for? Be ashamed, then, my Brethren, that, with such principles, you can give way to any disquietude. You have only to " commit yourselves, and all your concerns, into his hands; and be sure that he will bring to pass" whatever shall eventually advance your best interests.]
2. In a way of affectionate encouragement —
[See to what all your fears are really owing. The pious Asaph was harassed with them, like you : but, on reflection, he said, "This is mine infirmity s" Be assured, that
r Bishop Lowth's translation. 8 Ps. lxxvii. 7 — 10.