along with it. Doubtless when Jacob " wept," he did so from a recollection that he had brought all these evils on himself, and had altogether forfeited the Divine favour. And to those in hell, it will be no inconsiderable augmentation of their misery to reflect, that they brought it on themselves.
Let us then determine, through grace, that we will give no just occasion to the enemies of our religion to blaspheme, but that we will in every thing keep a conscience void of offence towards both God and man.]
3. " Wait on thy God continually" —
[Whether we be reduced to such manifest straits as Jacob was, or not, we equally need the superintending care of God's Providence. We have spiritual enemies, incomparably more numerous, powerful, and inveterate than Esau's band ; nor can any human means effectually defeat their malice.
Let us then not merely call on God occasionally, under the pressure of some heavy trial, or in the near prospect of death ; but let us maintain fellowship with him continually, and by fervent supplication prevail with him to preserve us from all evil, and to bless us with all spiritual blessings. Let us re- member, that he is our God in Christ Jesus, and that, through the aid of our incarnate God, we shall be more than conquerors over every enemy d.]
d If this were the subject of a Fast Sermon, it might be improved, 1. in reference to the subject; 2. in reference to the occasion. The former of these heads might be treated as above ; and under the latter it might be shewn from a variety of instances (e. g. 2 Sam. xv. 31. and xvii. 14. 2 Chron. xx. 5, 23. Isai. xxxvii. 15, 36.), that humble and importunate prayer is the most effectual method of defeating the rage or devices of our enemies.