July 5

They are also exceeding precious in the esteem of real and confirmed believers. Let us go through the Scriptures, and we shall find how the saints always delighted in them. The patriarchs "embraced them"—kissed them, as the word is; "and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Job said, "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." David said, "I have taken thy testimonies as my heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart." "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Jeremiah said, "I found thy words and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." The noble army of Martyrs overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony, and loved not their lives unto the death. And now, in the soul of every Christian, "this is the victory that overcomes the world," "even" their "faith."

And no wonder they are in such estimation with them. They do not judge of them by report, but from experience. To a sense of want they have added the relish of enjoyment: and therefore as new-born babes, they desire the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby, having tasted that the Lord is gracious. They have tried these promises, and can trust them. They repair to them as to wells of salvation from which they have derived refreshment in many a fainting hour. They have had proofs, blessed proofs of their influence and efficacy—First, in preserving them from despair, in bringing peace into their troubled consciences, and enabling them to joy in God under a sense of their guilt, unworthiness, and imperfections. Secondly, in supporting them amidst all the trials of life. For where is the Christian who cannot say, with David, "This is my comfort in mine affliction; thy word hath quickened me." Thirdly, in animating them in all the duties of religion. How often have they found "the joy of the Lord" which they have derived from their "strength;" freeing them from fear, depression, and formality; and enlarging their heart to run in the way of his commandments! Fourthly, in promoting their mortification and sanctification. This is their ultimate design: "That by them we may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the pollutions of the world through lust." For they are not only intended to afford us consolation, but to draw us from earth to heaven, from the creature to God, from the life of sense to the life of faith, and from the life of sin to the life of holiness. And Christians feel this effect from them far more than from the dread of wrath, or the authority of command, according to the language of the Apostle: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Are you an heir of promise? "O that I was! I know that these promises are exceeding great and precious; but they often make me shudder, lest I should come short of them. Oh that I knew whether I might claim them as my own!" Wait on the Lord, and keep his way. Pray for the testimony of his Spirit as he imparts it by his work in the heart and by his rule in the word. Observe the characters he has given of the subjects of his grace. "To this

man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God."—

But if I am an heir, what is my duty with regard to these "exceeding great and precious promises?" It is to believe them. They are nonentities without faith. It is only by faith they can live and operate in the soul. It is to remember them. You should not have your resources to seek when you want them to use; but be of a ready mind to apply those divine encouragements as your various exigences may require. It is to plead them before God. They are good bills, payable at sight. Present them, and say, Fulfil thy word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. It is to publish and recommend them. It is a good day with you; and if you hold your peace, some evil will befall you. Go therefore and tell the king's household. Say to your relations, friends, and neighbours; O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Yea, to all you find, say, with Moses to Hobab; "We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do the good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel."

JULY 6.—"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him."—Exodus 3:1, 2.

In the history of Moses we find three distinct periods. Each of them consisted of forty years. The first he passed at the court of Pharaoh. The second as a shepherd in Midian. The third as the leader and ruler of Israel in the wilderness—So changeable often is human life—So little do we know at the commencement of our course what direction it will take, or what design the Lord has to accomplish, either for us or by us. He giveth none account of any of his matters: but he says, "I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."

Who can conjecture, when a child is born, however disadvantageous the circumstances in which he is placed, what are the destinations of Providence that await him? What a character was here! What wonders did he perform! What a space does he fill in the records of antiquity, as a deliverer, a commander, a lawgiver, an historian, and a prophet of the Lord! What a tax of admiration and gratitude has he levied upon all ages! Yet all this importance was once hid for three months in successive concealments, launched in an ark of bulrushes on the Nile, and by a concurrence of circumstances, apparently the most casual, discovered, saved and advanced to glory, honour, and immortality!