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seen; for this name Jehovah flows on through all eternity as a beautifying stream.

'He was,' is the second syllable, and shows us that Moses preached to them, not a new, but the old unchangeable God. He is ever the same in himself, in his covenant, in his manifestations-a God of perfect blessedness; whilst without him and his fellowship, there is nothing but delusion, deceit, and unhappiness.

But why does not the Lord answer Jacob's question, since he himself excited it in his heart? The Lord often acts in a manner according with his name Wonderful.' What was the reason why he said to Mary Magdalen, who by his appearing was most joyfully astonished, and doubtless fell upon the ground before him in order to embrace his feet-why did he say to her, 'Touch me not! for I am not yet ascended to my Father; although, immediately afterwards, he suffered the other women whom he met, to touch him in this manner? Why did he break off so unexpectedly from her, as here from Jacob? Why did he vanish from the eyes of the two disciples in Emmaus, at the very moment when he made himself known to them, as if unwilling that they should express their feelings towards him; not to mention the singular answers which he frequently gave to the Jews: for instance, on their asking by what authority he did those things, he replied, 'I will also ask you one thing; and answer me.' To their question, Who art thou then? he replied, 'Even I that speak unto you.' At their urgent interrogatory, How long wilt thou keep us in suspense; if thou art the Christ, tell us plainly? he answered, 'I

have already told you, but ye believe not; for ye are not of God.' But frequently he told them far more than they wished to know, and were only offended by it.

His name is Wonderful.' Jacob, Mary, and the disciples at Emmaus, probably saw afterwards the wisdon of the behavior of Jesus towards them, although it might appear strange to them at the time. If the Lord is willing fully to satisfy the desire which he has implanted in his children, he must make them partakers of the whole blessing, which he purchased for He is also willing to do this, ac

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them on the cross. cording to his name; He that shall be ;' not here below, but in paradise. Hence we must learn to be content and satisfied with our daily bread. Nor must we be astonished, if, when enjoying some gracious communication, something all at once intervenes, whilst we believed more would have been added. Here we still dwell in Meseck, and are not yet at home in the Lord, but in patience wait for him. And this waiting is an essential part of religion, in which the Lord has exercised his church from the beginning even until

now.

The Lord does all things well in due time, in general, as well as in particular-He only knows also the proper manner; and hence we must be content to be told,

my hour is not yet come.' Jacob's question was also fully answered; eternity, however, is destined for its further elucidation. Israel thought he might then become acquainted with the whole mystery of redemption; but a couple of centuries must elapse ere it was

fully made known. Israel was obliged to learn to wait to see the promises afar off, and to be satisfied with it. He was satisfied, and held his peace.

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This waiting continued until it was proclaimed, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people'-and then again, when it was said, 'It is finished! the waiting recommenced, untit was said, 'The Lord is risen indeed! Again the people of God began to wait, and expressed their expectations, in the question, Lord, wilt thou now restore. the kingdom unto Israel;' and were exercised by the reply, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. It therefore happened unto the disciples almost as it did to their forefather Jacob. Jesus ascended up into heaven,. and the church was again instructed to wait, when the Lord sent word from heaven, saying, This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts i. 11.) Since that time it has continued to pray, for nearly two thousand years, Thy kingdom come!' Often indeed was the inquiry made, "Lord, wilt thou not at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' under the idea that it would be the case; but the same reply was again given, To you it is not given to know either the day or the hour. It now continues quietly to wait, assured that He will accomplish it in his time. It must not be taken amiss of the church, that it has frequently miscalculated in its joy, and been compelled to wait afresh; which is certainly painful, since the thing is so desirable for which it hopes. But if it tarry, wait for it. It will certainly

come, and will not tarry. Although with regard to determining the time, every year may have witnessed a similar mistake to that of the disciples, yet the thing itself remains true, and we continue to pray, Thy kingdom come,' until we, or our descendants, are enabled to say, 'Thine is the kingdom.'

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Such is also the case with individual Christians. They must wait—not merely for perfect salvation and glorification, but also, for being made meet for it. It is often very painful, when, though possessing the will to perform what is good, the ability is wanting; when, although we clearly perceive that we might be far more happy and courageous in our spiritual course, yet we are unable to attain to it; when we see how comfortable those are, who can hold confidential intercourse with the Savior, who believe in a child-like manner, who pray without ceasing, cast all their care upon the Lord, rejoice in him continually, and confide themselves without anxiety to his guidance and providence ; and when we clearly perceive, that this is not only something very blissful and very sacred, but also possible, and by God's grace attainable; but yet are compelled at the same time to say, "Ah, who will give me the wings of an eagle!" and are obliged to confess, that this is not attainable by human effort, and that no one can receive anything except it be given him from heaven.

But when it is not yet given the individual, and a more intimate manifestation of the Lord to his soul is. still denied him, this state is more painful than those are able to conceive of, who are already full, and, as the Apostle says, 'reign without us.'

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However, faithful is he who hath called you, who also will do it.' If it be once given you duly to appre hend, believe, and understand the words, Who also will do it'—your peace will flow like a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea. Yea, he will do it! O bless the Lord! Amen.

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