rage, and be instructed, for as our day is, so shall our strength be. The sweet Psalmist declares, he that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (g) How long then halt we between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him; and be willing to come out of Egypt, that land of darkness and death, to be followers of him who will satisfy us with his goodness, and shew us his salvation; who will give his angels charge concerning us to keep us in all our ways. (h)

(g) Ps. 91. 1, 4.

(h) Ps. 91. 11.

Journey FFF.

AND they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which signifies Completeness, Perfection, Integrity. Israel's, encamping here may imply our soul's arrival at that completeness by which it desires earnestly to walk before the Almighty in truth and in righteousness, and in uprightness, and integrity of heart; that we may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; (i) having respect to all his commandments; and that we may be complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power; in whom also we must be circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also we shall rise with him through the faith of

(i) 1 Kings, 3. 6. 1 Kings, 9. 4. Phil. 1. 10.

the operation of God; (j) and as the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; (k) so when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1) For we read, it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings: for both he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one: for in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is also able to succour them that are tempted. (m) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (n) for the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (0)

(j) Col. 2. 11, 12.

(1) 1 Cor. 13. 10.

(n) Heb. 5. 9.

(k) Ps. 19. 7.
(m) Heb. 2. 10, 11, 18.

(0) Heb. 7. 19.

For

the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins: having therefore boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation; (p) for if we trample under foot the

(p) Heb. 10. 1, 4, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27.

M

Son of God, and do despite unto the spirit of grace, may we not expect to be judged by him to whom vengeance belongeth, and who will recompense according to our desert? O that we may be of the number that believe to the saving of the soul. For it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (q) And though troubles and difficulties should attend our path, conscious of our weakness and inability, let us trust in him who proportions our strength to our trials, and look up to him for direction in all our ways; for we find he went before the Israelites, while they were in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness, and took not away the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night. May we not discern while clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are, the habitation of his throne, and mercy and truth go before his face? Do we not behold Jesus given to be our ever-attending light and leader, as

(9) Heb. 10. 31.