his tent door." And oh! how great was the privilege which Moses now enjoyed: "The Lord talked with Moses;" "And the Lord spake unto Moses, face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." This may only

mean, in the most familiar and intimate manner. Yet I cannot but think that it implies that there was a personal appearance, of course of the second person of the blessed Trinity, in human form. Certainly it cannot mean that there was any visible display of the glorious face of God, for that could not be seen by man, without instant death. But in whatever manner God talked with Moses it was with that freedom and intimacy, with which two friends converse together, and strongly marks his favour to this honoured servant. The substance of this conversation seems to be related in some following verses. We are to remember that Moses was quite discouraged because of the Lord's threat that he would no longer go with the people. This presence of God with him had been promised when the Lord first called him at the burning bush, where he had said, "Certainly I will

be with thee," and this had been the support and comfort of his heart, and the guide and security of the people all their way. But what could he do, what could the people do, if the Lord should leave them? Although they might be under the conduct of an angel, yet this was not like being under the immediate care of the Lord himself: therefore the whole of his pleading is to obtain a renewal of this promise. He urges the Lord's command to him to bring up the people out of Egypt into Canaan: but now, he says, he knew not who was to go with him, gently intimating that he could have no confidence or comfort but in the Lord himself. He repeats the gracious words which the Lord had spoken concerning him, when he said, "I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight." And he prays that if he had this favour towards him, he would shew him his way, that is, be himself his guide, and teacher, and counsellor and he pleads for the people also, saying, "and consider that this nation is thy people." Thus earnestly did Moses desire that great blessing of the Lord's return and

presence with them. This would indeed give joy to his heart. This would shew that he had found grace in his sight, and that the people were pardoned.

6. And this brings me to the granting of his request in the gracious promise which I read to you as my text, The Lord said to him “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Moses now speaks more fully, and shews what a value he set upon the Lord's presence, as their richest privilege and greatest honour. He says thus.

If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here, that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I have known thee by name." Thus the earnest intercession of Moses prevailed. He obtained the blessing which he so much desired. And, brethren

what need we for our guidance through this wilderness of the world to our heavenly rest but the presence of the Lord? In what else have we protection from our numerous enemies, and in our manifold temptations? From what other quarter can we enjoy any spiritual peace and comfort? Or how can we otherwise successfully win our way to his heavenly kingdom? Without this we can neither be safe nor happy; but with it we need fear no evil, either in life or death. His present church also has this promise, as well as his ancient one. 66 Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world." Every true member of his church at this day may appropriate to himself the encouraging assurance, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." And how is he present with his people now? Not by any visible appearance to them, as by the cloud and the pillar of fire as of old but by the teaching of his word, and the influence of his Spirit with their souls. Oh! how greatly should we desire that in this way he may be ever present with us. Then we shall have a companion, a guide, a counsellor,

:

a protector, and comforter, every day that we live, and at last he will give us rest with himself in his own kingdom of glory. Let us earnestly seek this presence of his Spirit, and endeavour by every possible means to preserve it. Let us fear every thing which may deprive us of it. It was taken away from the Israelites for their sin.

provoke God to take his

Let us fear lest we

holy Spirit from us.

It was restored to the Israelites on their humiliation and repentance, and through the intercession of Moses their mediator. If we are sorrowing and fearing, or ever have occasion to sorrow and fear, for its loss, let us betake ourselves to God with deep contrition of heart, and humble ourselves before him, and seek the advocacy of that better mediator than Moses, who is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High, and who ever liveth to make intercession for us. Oh! that Christians were more careful to secure the presence of the Holy Ghost, and more afraid of whatever may grieve and drive him away from their souls. Most holy and most happy is their state while God is with