2. Those who are conllicthig with their spiritual enemies —
[Much has already been spoken to you both in a way of caution and direction : we beg leave to add a word of encouragement. The thing against which you are chiefly guarded, is unbelief; because that is the true source of all apostasy. We now would say, Be strong in faith, giving glory to God. " Faith is the shield wherewith you are to quench the fiery darts" of your enemies. Only believe; and Omnipotence will come to your support. Only believe ; and you shall experience " the mighty working of his power, who raised Christ from the dead." Commit yourself to him " who is able to keep 3^ou from falling; and he will present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding
joy-"]
CANAAN TYPICAL OF THE BELIEVER's SPIRITUAL AND ETERNAL REST.
Heb. iv. 1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it,
THE histories of the Old Testament are very in- structive to us. The divine interpositions, as well in a way of judgment as of mercy, shew us what to ex- pect from God^ The Apostle has been recording the destruction of the Jews in the wilderness'': and from thence he takes occasion to urge us to holy fear and diligence —
Consider, I. What is that rest which God has promised us —
The rest promised to the Israelites was the land of Canaan : but the Israelites had already for many hundred years possessed that land. The rest there- fore, which David speaks of as yet future, must be a, rest, of which Canaan was only a type or shadow —
It includes,
1. A present rest in Christ —
a 1 Cor. X. 11. " Heb. iii.