[This also is twice mentioned, as God's peculiar design in all that he wrought for Israel of old. And surely it should be a primary motive with us in contemplating all which he did for them, and all that he has done for us also, in that more won- derful redemption which he has accomplished for us through the Son of his love. Methinks our hearts should be full of it : we should never forget it for a single moment : we should be speaking of it every day, and all the day long. We should never be contented to remain at a distance from him. In attending upon the public ordinances, we should go in this spirit ; " Where is he ?" 'I want to find my God; I want to tell him of all his tender mercies ; and to adore him for all the wonders of his love.' In our secret chamber, too, this should be our one desire ; nor should we be ever satisfied, till we can say, with the Church of old, " I have found Him whom my soul lovethe." The constant habit of our mind, whether in public or private, should be, " I will mention the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed upon us ; and the great goodness toward the house of Israel that he hath bestowed on them, according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving-kindnesses f."]
See, then, Brethren,
1 . What improvement to make of your troubles —
[They are sent in order to bring you nigh unto Godg : and if they produce this effect, you will have reason to bless God for them to all eternity. Be careful, however, that these im- pressions do not pass away with the occasion that calls them forth. Alas ! our better feelings too often prove but transient11
And then, like metal taken from the furnace, we
become only the more obdurate. But " we hope better things of you ;" and that you will be able to attest, that your trials have only quickened your desires after God, and rendered you more thankful for all the mercies that have been vouchsafed unto you.]
2. What to expect at the hands of God —
[See, in the text, Elijah's mantle ; and take it up ; and, with an impassable river before you, strike the waters in faith, saying, " Where is the Lord God of Elijah ' ?" See how the Church of old acted in the extremity of her trouble : " Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord ! awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old ! Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab (Egypt), and wounded the dragon ? Art thou
e Cant. iii. 3, 4. f ver. 7. s Hos. v. 15. and vii. 14, 16.
h See Ps. lxxviii. 34—37. ! 2 Kings ii. 14.