Numbers 13

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII.—It is hazardous to indulge our own senses and reasonings rather than simply to submit to the revelations of God; for often the Lord chooses men’s delusions, and permits them to be eugnared by their own unbelieving devices. How often are most of those, who are employed in the most important transactions, evil and wicked; and get themselves remarked, chiefly to their lasting dishonour! Yea, the manifold experience of the power of God, and the frequent repetition of his promises, are of little avail with such a desire to have abandoned themselves to the rage of their unbelief. The cowardly heart ☐ magnifies every object, and increases every difficulty; and unbelief obstinately concludes every enemy too mighty for us: while zeal for God dares every danger, and faith makes men confident of success. Credit therefore, O my soul, what the Lord hath spoken concerning the heavenly Canaan and my entrance into it. Let me live by faith, not by sight. Let not unbelief and carnal sense, but faith and hope, be my spies, to enter within the veil. And let repeated tastes of grapes from Eshcol, repeated tastes of intimate fellowship with God, make my heart desire to depart, and be with Christ, which is far better