cxertionsd. The mountains must be threshed by our arm : " tlie kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent must take it by force e." We must run our race, and fight our fight, and endure unto the end : for it is " to him only that overcometh, that the crown of glory will be given." Give not way then to dejection or sloth, but go forth in the strength of the Lord Jesus : and when difficulties appear to be absolutely insur- mountable, then go to him, and remind him of his promise, " I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness1?' Then you shall find, that "you can do all things through him strengthen- ing you," and that " Satan with all his train shall be shortly and eternally bruised under your feet."]
d Phil. ii. 12, 13. e Matt. xi. 12.
f ver. 10. with the text; and Amos. v. 9.
Isai. xli. 17, 18. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys : I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
THE word of God is an inexhaustible source of instruction and comfort : there are passages in it suited to persons in all states and conditions ; but it is calculated more especially for the afflicted and contrite. The passage before us is peculiarly adapted to a desponding soula: in its primary sense it is an encouragement to the Jews to trust in God ; in its spiritual meaning it extends to the Church of God in all ages.
I. An afflicted case described —
The people of God are for the most part in a low and afflicted state —
a God, in ver. 8. reminds his people of his relation to them ; assures them of his presence, and promises them strength, ver. 10 ; victory, ver. 14, 15. (" thou, a worm, shalt thresh the mountains ; ") and triumph, ver. 1G. Not that they are to expect a continued series of prosperity : they may be reduced to great straits ; but in their lowest state they shall still have ground for the richest consolation.
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