blessedness, new aspects of delight, from the love enkindled within him by references to those earthly tribulations, in which his Saviour most surely, though most mysteriously advanced his meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light. Does he eat of the hidden manna, even of the new corn, in the land of promise above? Will it not then refresh him with an additional sweetness, to remember, that when hungering and thirsting for righteousness, he was led to him, whose flesh is meat indeed, and whose blood is drink indeed? When he drinks of the fruit of the vine, pure and new in the paradise above, will it not be made more delightful by his reflection upon that period, when his spirit fainted for the waters of life, and the rock was smitten, and they gushed forth, and he drank of that rock, as it followed him through the wilderness, and that rock was Christ. When he feels the principles of everlasting life and blessedness, springing up within his spirit, and death vanquished with an eternal overthrow, will he not find even that life, and glory, and triumph, more living, more glorious, more triumphant, by contrasting them with the period, when he lay bitten by the fiery serpent, without hope of escape from death, until the spirit of truth directed him to the Son of Man, lifted up upon the cross, and gave him faith to appropriate the mercies of a dying Redeemer to his deliverance, and strength, and salvation. Is he admitted to the heavenly Canaan, the glory of all lands, there to reign as a king, and a priest, on the throne, and in the temple above? Will no increase, therefore, to the pleasures that are at God's right hand for evermore, arise, from comparing them with the dreary passage from mortal to immortality? Not more surely do the storms and tempests, danger and death, through which the mariner has passed enhance the value of his safety, than will every trial of life, and the terrors of the final struggle, enlarge, and deepen, and endear, the sanctuary of eternal bliss and glory, to the spirits of just men made perfect. No affliction for the present seemeth joyous, but grievous. Death appears formidable and dreadful: but the regions of perfection and repose, love and bliss, lie beyond it. Once entered there, the light affliction which is but for a moment will be found to have wrought for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. That glory itself shall appear to your eyes in more brilliant hues, by being opposed to the darkness of your earthly dispensations, the passing clouds of temporal affliction, and the brief, though gloomy hours of sickness, decay, and even death itself; as the glories of the rainbow shine with additional fulness, by contrast with the passing storm and darkness of the lowering heaven. I should unworthily and imperfectly close this subject, were I not to entreat your attention to one singular feature of the wonderful transaction. Salvation is of God alone. The work, the praise, the honour are due exclusively to him. The waters were cut off before the ark. They divided, when it approached. They acknowledged the presence of Jehovah, and never attempted to invade the protection which it gave to the passing armies. The strength, device, or wisdom of Israel, could not have effected a passage: and, to glory in their own success, under such circumstances, would have displayed the very frenzy of pride, impiety, and ingratitude. Vainly would Moses have waved his hand at the Red Sea, if Almighty power had not gifted his rod with energy to divide it. Vainly would Joshua have commanded the waves of Jordan to retire, if the ark had not preceded him. We have destroyed ourselves. Sin cannot be vanquished, nor holiness attained, nor death subdued, except by the effectual grace of our victorious Saviour. Did the Lord then magnify Joshua in the sight of Israel, by making him the instrument of this mighty deliverance? And shall not the Christian adore and bless that Mediator, of whom the leader of the chosen heritage was only a shadowy type? Shall he not renounce every self complacent thought; remembering, that he is saved by grace, through faith, and that not of himself, for it is the gift of God? Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us; but unto thy name give glory. In heaven the redeemed cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever. The same, though feebly sung, will also be the Christian's hymn of earthly praise. Thou, O Son of the Father, hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. In life, in death, and through eternal ages, should we praise thy love, and make it the subject of our exclusive boast. God forbid that I should glory, save only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! The stones of memorial to be set up in Canaan were drawn from the very place where the feet of the priests stood firm, and the ark rested in the midst of Jordan. Our dearest recollections of salvation, in its principles of grace below, and in its consummation of glory, in the final rest, should be derived, |