heavenly harps. Oh! one cannot but feel a sweet and holy thrill at the thought, that such a host of God invisibly encampeth about them that fear him. And who knoweth how near also those clouds of witnesses who have gone home before us, and of whom the world was not worthy, may be permitted invisibly to return to us! Is it likely that the gate by which a Samuel, a Moses, and an Elias stepped back, though but for a few moments, into the circle of their mortal brethren,-is it likely, much less is it certain, that that gate has since all along been shut and barred? Who would assert this ? But it is enough that we live already in the midst of the invisible world, and have heavenly beings for our friends and fellow-servants, even the angel-spirits for our companions and guardian attendants. And let the naturally timid Christian, and those who think themselves exposed to any personal danger, and are ready to cry out, Alas! how shall we do! console themselves with the certainty, that such an invisible host is always encamped round about them. More are those that are for us, than all those that can be against us. Let us rejoice in this, and have peace.

VI. The name of Judah's CAPTAIN is NAHSHON, SON OF AMMINADAB.

This name, as will be seen by its interpretation, truly belongs to the Prince of the host, the

Nahshon signifies

Captain of our salvation. Experience; and who is so experienced in conflict as He who was made perfect in sufferings, and having spoiled principalities and powers, overcame death, and opened to us the gate of everlasting life! Who is so experienced a captain as He, whose unslumbering pastoral care has been exercised for ages in behalf of his people! What arm is like His, who, by himself alone, has all along opened a way for his poor ransomed church to pass through millions of her foes! Who is so experienced in the tumult and alarm of war as He, against whom the infatuated and cold-hearted world have been bearing arms day and night, for so many centuries! And who is so accustomed to triumph as He, who is making all such enemies his footstool, and every where abides last upon the field! Appropriate therefore to Him is the name of Nahshon, or Experience. And well indeed is it with those, who in Him possess such a shield of help, and such a sword of excellency. He is also as truly in character the son of Amminadab. For this name, which signifies My people are a willing gift, directs our thoughts first to God the Father, as freely giving to Christ all who will ever come unto him, and as making them also willing in the day of his power. We know that to the incarnate Word, the Son of God, hath been assigned and given from the beginning of the world, a people consisting of lost and ruined

sinners, enemies to God by sin and wicked works; who being made willing in the day of his power, show forth the riches of his goodness and grace, to the praise of his glorious name. Hear his own declarations upon this great subject. "All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day," John vi. 37, 39. Blessed then for ever and ever are those, who, upon good and scriptural grounds, can be numbered with this company of his chosen; whom the Father, from everlasting, hath given to the Prince of Peace, not for works of righteousness which they have done, but of his own mercy and grace. These are the true sheep of Christ; and as they belong to an omnipotent Shepherd, he gives unto them eternal life; he promises that they shall never perish, and that none shall be able to pluck them out of his hand.

Therefore, in quietness and confidence, O Judah of God, enjoy the name of thy tribe, thy camp, and its position; thy banner, thy host, thy Captain. Arrogate not the false liberty of marching or halting at your own will. Suppress within you every rising of pride and vanity; and ever number yourselves among the weak and the poor. Live upon grace alone: be nothing in your own eyes; and whatever you are, let it be

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in your Mediator and Surety, who is your strength and your salvation. Repose only in his merits, his grace and power. Abide under the banner to which you are sworn, and which is both your glory and your consolation; the certain pledge of your victory and your liberty. Let your face be always turned towards the sunrising; look not behind you after the false glare of this world, till "your light is come, and the glory of the Lord be risen upon you." Look for the brightness of its rising, and breathe the morning air for this is the will of your God. Say not in your heart, I will walk in darkness; for twilight at least is before you. Neither let the night visions of your sins, infirmities, or crimes, nor the body of sin and death, suggest despondency to your penitent heart. Look beyond them all to the morning of the promised jubilee of complete redemption, which is drawing nearer to you every hour. Rise amidst the beamings of hope, and hold converse with heaven itself. Triumph over darkness, temptations, and death, by an upward flight of faith; and thus let your spirit mingle with the dawn of eternal day. O Judah, be of good courage; for it is the Lord's command. Sing cheerfully thy morning song, even in those vales of mist and darkness, through which thy way may conduct thee. He leads us, whose name is Immanuel, God with us. Amen.

WISDOM'S DELIGHTS WITH THE

SONS OF MEN.

PROVERBS viii. 31.

Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

THE key to this mysterious chapter is not difficult to be found. Divine Wisdom is the speaker; and we know that Christ is personally "The Wisdom of God," 1 Cor. i. 24. He is that Wisdom which is "justified of her children;" and which said, "I will send unto you prophets and apostles," Luke xi. 49.

In the words before us, there are revealed, concerning this personal, substantial, and self-existent Wisdom, things which may be easily apprehended by the light of the New Testament. We shall begin with the latter part of the verse.

I. MY DELIGHTS WERE WITH THE SONS OF

MEN.

Wisdom then has her delights; and where does she find them? Are they only about the tree of life, by the river of the water of life, where, crowned with glory, she beholds ten thousand times ten thousand celebrating her praises, doing