have any nearer prospects of success. But what if Israel had yielded to such discouragements, and ceased from their labours before their work was done ? True it is, that the precise time for the interposition of Jehovah was made known to them ; but it is concealed from you : nevertheless it is as much fixed in the Divine counsels with respect to you, as it was to them : and " in due season you shall surely reap, if you faint not." What if you are unequal to the task ; was not the sound of rams' horns, and the shout of the people, weak? Only be content to be weak, and you will then be strong ; because " God will perfect his own strength in your weakness." See how God
himself chides, yet supports, your fainting mind^ And
see what a frame of mind, though in the midst of all your
conflicts, you are privileged to possess* — Follow then
the advice which God himself gives you ; and, " though walk- ing in darkness, stay yourselves upon your God." And, if still unbelieving fears arise, chide yourselves, like David, and say, " Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me ? Hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God"." In a word, let this saying sink down into your ears, and animate and sustain your souls ; " Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established ; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper^." Only go on a little longer in a patient continuance in well-doing, and the victory is yours ; and glory, and honour, and immortality are yours also.]
8 Isai. xlix. 24, 25. * Isai. 1. 7—9.
" Ps. xliii. 5. ^2 Chron. xx. 20.