June 10

better in exchange, something better in itself, and better also for us. It is better to prepare us for his coming at any time, or in any way, than to inform us of it. It is better to make us meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, than to make us acquainted with the nature of it. With regard to the thorn in the flesh, the Apostle was more than satisfied with the manner in which his prayer for the removal of it was answered, when, though it continued, he had the assurance of all-sufficient grace under it, and that the Saviour's strength, should be made perfect in his weakness—"Most gladly, therefore," says he, "will I glory in my infirmity, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." He withholds abundance, but he teaches and enables us to be content with such things as we have. Let us leave ourselves to his wisdom and goodness; a wisdom that is infinite, a goodness that spared not his own Son. He would not tell Jacob his name—but he blessed him there.

JUNE 10.—"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day; because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank."—Genesis 32:30—32.

HERE we have some of the immediate consequences of this singular event. It is obvious that Jacob apprehended the personage to be Divine. Hence he wonders at his preservation. Human nature is weak, and can only bear a degree of impression. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God: and "no man," said God himself to Moses, "can see my face and live." Jacob therefore could not have seen him face to face, unless in the human form which he had assumed. Thus in the gospel God is manifest in the flesh. And thus through the veil, that is to say his flesh, we are not only saved, but shall have communion with him for ever. Jacob's humility also filled him with surprise, that he should have been not only so supported, but so signalized and dignified above all mankind. When we are in a proper frame of mind, divine favours abase as well as encourage.

That the event might not be forgotten, he calls the place by a new name, significant of the manifestation. For the same reason after a deliverance, Samuel had set up a stone, and called it Ebenezer. And Joseph and Moses had given their children names that would serve to recall their trials and their mercies. Nothing can affect us any longer than it is in our thoughts; we should therefore be careful that we forget not all his benefits. Our gratitude and our confidence depend on remembrance.

Jacob knew that the best way to glorify God is to serve him in the condition and circumstances wherein we are placed. He therefore is not idle; but as soon as the divine visitant had left him, he went forward, hastening to join his household, and to perform the duties of the husband, the father, the master, and to prepare for the expected interview. But as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. He could not have travelled at all unless he who had lamed him had re-jointed him. Yet if