tokens of the covenant which GoD at this time made with Abram concerning the temporal state of his descendants.

We read in a former section *, that the LORD promised Abram to give to him (as an inheritance for the numerous generations that were to proceed from him) all the land which he could at that time behold, and commanded him to take a particular survey of it; we find, seetion xvi, that he afterwards settled, and dwelt in the plain of Mamre. It is therefore most likely, as we have already supposed, that he removed from place to place, and in this peregrination, abode in Egypt and Philistia, by which means he had opportunity to examine the state and extent of the country.

In this section, we find the LORD fulfilling his promise, by giving this land to Abram's posterity.

The nations, whose right of inheritance is here transferred to the seed of Abram, were descendants of Canaan the son of Ham. They were at that time wicked idolaters, and afterwards became most daring and presumptuous sinners.

We should learn from this section, to consider GoD as the Supreme Governor of the universe, portioning out the earth, and transferring the inheritance of its different territories from age to age, according to his good pleasure. This should teach the people of every nation to endeavour to obtain his favour, rather than confide in their own strength. GOD is a shield, defending from dangers all those who place their trust in Him; and a rewarder of all those who diligently serve Him; for He is no respecter of persons.

The nature and efficacy of Abram's faith is explained by the Apostolic writings; and from them, we also

* See Section xvi.

learn,

learn, that by the seed of Abraham, we are to under stand, not merely those who were his natural descendants, but also those who believe in the LORD like him. St. John the Baptist first taught this doctrine*; and our Saviour afterward.

It is to be observed, that Abram was justified (or esteemed just) by faith, before any express law was given him. This circumstance (as we read in the Epistles) furnished the Apostles with many arguments in favour of the Gentiles, against the Jewish nation: for it plainly shews, that the works of the Mosaic law were not necessary for justification to all sorts of peo. ple.

SECTION XIX.

THE HISTORY OF ABRAM CONTINUED.

THE BIRTH OF ISHMAEL.

From Genesis, Chap. xvi.

Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bare him no children : and she had an hand-maid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

And Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram, to be his wife. And her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee; for I have given my maid into thy bosom, and now I am despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

But Abraham said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

* Matt. iii. 9.

And

And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress, Sarai. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold thou shalt bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him: and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou GoD seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

Wherefore the well was called 'Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

ANNOTATIONS AND REFLECTIONS.

Hagar appears to have been guilty of a fault in treating her mistress with disrespect; but Sarai should not have resented it with so much severity.

The promise here made to Hagar is a remarkable prophecy, which is at this very time fulfilling in the world, as will be explained in its proper place.

It is said that the ANGEL of the LORD found her, &e. From this expression, some interpreters have been led to suppose that it was a created Angel, but in this very section we are told the contrary. So far was Hagar from entertaining this idea, that she addressed the LORD who spoke unto her as GOD; we may therefore conclude, that the term ANGEL of the LORD is synonimous with the IMAGE of GOD, and applicable to the DEITY alone, the Son of God.

The chief practical lesson which presents itself in this section is, that it is the duty of servants to submit to their mistresses, even if the latter carry their displeasure to an unreasonable height; and that it is much wiser to do so, than to expose themselves to difficulties and distresses through pride and resentment.

SECTION XX.

THE EVERLASTING COVENANT RENEWED WITH ABRAM. CIRCUMCISION APPOINTED.

From Genesis, Chap. xvii.

AND when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the ALMIGHTY GOD; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly.

And Abram fell on his face; and Gon talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name be called any more Abram ; but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

And I will make thee exceedingly fruitful, and I

will make nations of thee: and kings shall come out of thee.

And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an EVERLASTING COVENANT; to be a GOD unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their GOD.

And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant, therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee, in their generations.

This is my covenant, which ye shall keep between me, and you, and thy seed after thee: Every male child amongst you shall be circumcised. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

And it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you. And the uncircumcised man-child shall be cut off from his people: he hath broken my cove.

nant.

And God said unto Abraham, as for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear a son in

deed;