Joshua 3

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—Let us always press forward in the way of our duty, notwithstanding foreseen difficulties attending it. And, when we have done our utmost, the Lord can step in and clear our passage. Let us follow his word as our guide, and our way will be right. But let us always set up the ark of the covenant, before us, by faith depend on him, and with due verence follow his example; and, if we cannot get rid of our sins, let us them. Let ministers go before others, as he-goats before the flock; and, if they should be more exposed than others, that Christ, whose name they in their ministrations, shall be their protection, for God highly honours that honour him: and those who are comforted and encouraged of God encourage and strengthen their brethren. In the moment of difficulty they will be seen. The greatness of the difficulty shall but the more magnify power of God in overcoming it. And Christ will be the protection of his pain in trouble or death, till they be all clean passed over into Canaan above! 11 then I expect a noted appearance of God for my relief, let me make solemn preparation for it, separating myself from every sinful lust and carnal care. Always seeking the honour which cometh from above, let me improve God’s present manifestations of power and love as pledges of more, nay, of eternal and immediate enjoyment of him. Let no occasional advantage, gained by the opposition made to my happiness, or to the church of God, dismay me; for the Lord sits ing upon the floods, and is mightier than the noise of many waters