CHAP. XXIX. that the LORD did before your eyes in Moses reminds Israel of the Lord's wonderful works, in order to the land of Egypt, unto Pharaoh, and T their again ratifying the covenant, 1-9. He addresses all who were required to do this, 10-17. He tremendously denounces the doom of presumptuous transgressors, 18-23. He distinguishes between things secret, and things revealed, 29. HESE are a the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. b 2 And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all a 12,21,25. Lev. 26:44,45. 2 Kings 23:3. Jer. 11:2,6. 34:18. Acts 3:25. b 4:10-13,23. 5:2,3. Ex. 19:3 -5. 24:2-8. Jer. 31:32. Heb. c 8:9. c See on Ex. 19:4.-Josh. 24: ence to God's commandments; and his wrath is revealed from heaven expressly for our warning, "that we may fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD OUR GOD." None will suffer any misery above his deserts: but indeed we are all exposed to this awful curse for breaking the law of God. Yet, blessed be his name, we are under so gracious a dispensation, that nothing but obstinate impenitence can expose us to the more tremendous part of it. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us," and having borne, in his own person, the substance of all that agony and anguish, which our sins had merited, and which we must otherwise have endured for ever. To those who believe in him, "there is no condemnation:" all temporal calamities are converted into salutary chastisements; whatever be their proportion of temporal blessings, every thing is given or withheld, as most conduces to their final and eternal felicity; and even in this present world, their comfort and happiness is far superior to that of the most prosperous sinner. To this Refuge and Salvation let sinners flee; in these privileges let believers rejoice, and serve their reconciled God with gladness of heart, for the “abundance" of all spiritual blessings with which he has blessed them; while gratitude to the Savior, meditation on his sufferings, and a consciousness of their own deserts, reconcile them to every cross and self-denial. But let none call these blessings their own, who do not endeavor to observe and do all the commandments of God, with uprightness of heart: for even the believer can enjoy the present comfort of them, no further than he "exercises himself to have a conscience void of offence towards God and man."-As "all things work together for good to them who love God;" so all things concur in ruining his enemies, and in enslaving to the vilest of masters those that refuse to obey him, whose 'service is perfect 'freedom. Even prosperity increases their pride and insolence, their table becomes a snare, the curse of God imbitters their blessings; and it will pursue them, until it overtake and sink them into final destruction.-As these predictions concerning the Israelites, compared with their accomplishment, demonstrate the divine inspiration of the Scriptures; how should the example of that people warn all who see and hear these things, not to provoke the Lord to anger, by disobeving his commands, and despising his gospel! -But let all who love the truth and word of God, remember to pity and pray for the conversion of the benighted Jews: and likewise to beseech the Lord in behalf of our much favored, but much offending land; that reformation, and the revival of true religion, may preserve us from being bereaved of our distinguished mercies, and feeling those miseries, from which we have hitherto been graciously exempted. VOL. I. 75 unto all his servants, and unto all his land; d 3 The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: e 4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. 5 And I have led you forty years in d See on 4:32-35. 7:18,19.- e See on 2:30.-Prov. 20:12. Is. 40. Acts 28:26,27. Rom. 11:7 -10. 2 Cor. 3:15. Eph. 4:13. 2 Thes. 2:10-12. 2 Tim. 2:25. Jam. 1:13-17. NOTES. with this new generation, (like the law given CHAP. XXIX. V. 1. The covenant ratified them.) was substantially the same, as that before ratified with their fathers at mount Sinai.-ln this chapter the covenant is proposed, and the consequences of violating it are declared: but a more explicit ratification of it was afterwards made, from mount Gerizim and mount Ebal. (Notes, 27: Josh. 8:30-35.) in their youth been eye-witnesses of the miracles V. 2, 3. Numbers of the persons addressed had, referred to, and could attest the reality of them to their children and juniors. (Marg. Ref.) V. 4. Fallen man never makes a proper use of his senses and faculties, and of religious instruction and outward advantages, without the special Preventing grace of God. An entire indisposedness to that which is spiritually good, and a strong propensity to evil, the effects of our fall in Adam, are the sources of all actual wickedness, and render us the objects of the Lord's holy abhorrence, and righteous displeasure. No doubt Omnipotence could overcome these hindrances in every man: but the exercise of the power of God is directed by infinite wisdom, and regulated as most conducive to his glory. No sinner can deserve so valuable a benefit from his offended Creator; but every man might righte ously have been left to the effects of his corrupt propensities, which are never in the holy scriptures admitted as an excuse for sinful actions. Indeed men in general perceive no occasion for renewing grace; they have no desire after it, and will use no means to obtain it. But on the con trary, by their voluntary wickedness, they do violence to natural conscience and the common sense of mankind, and thus often provoke God judicially to leave them to themselves. (Note, 2 Thes. 2:8-12.) He has, however, appointed certain methods to be employed, to convince sinners that the change is absolutely necessary: and they are commanded and encouraged to seek it. Thus the path of duty and safety is made plain; and they who attend to these instructions, "receive the blessing from the God of salvation," the Giver of "every good and perfect gift;" (Notes, Jam. 1:13-18.) who at last will convince all his enemies that they alone were to blame for their sins.-The faithful minister will be thankful when any receive "hearts to perceive and eyes to see:" (Note, Matt. 13:16, 17.) but while so many remain blinded to their own character, interest, and duty, he must wait, with earnest expectation and prayer, for a more extensive blessing, and will seem to think nothing done, as long as so much remains undone. This appears to have been precisely the feeling of Moses at this time. There were doubtless many exceptions; yet the bulk of the people still remained insensible to the [593 the wilderness: f your clothes are not|| tains of your tribes, your elders, and waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is your officers, with all the men of Is not waxen old upon thy foot. 6 Ye have not eaten bread, ineither have ye drunk wine or strong drink; that ye might know that I am the LORD your" God. 7 And when ye came unto this place, j Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them. 8 And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh. rael, m 11 Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp. from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water: 12 That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and Pinto his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: 13 That he may establish thee to-day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Ja 9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may pros-cob. per in all that ye do. 10 Ye 'stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your cap 14 Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath; 15 But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, covenant is confirmed with true believers "for the good of them and of their children after them:" and in their families, the profession of Christianity is principally continued. (Notes, Jer. 32:39-41. Acts 2:37-40. Rom. 11:16-21.) Thus they enjoy permanent religious advan tages, which are seldom withdrawn, unless they renounce the religion of their forefathers, or evince a total disregard of it. As others likewise embrace the gospel, their families also become a part of the visible church, which thus spreads from nation to nation, and descends from one generation to another. The infantoffspring, therefore, of such persons as are favored with the gospel, are greatly interested in the conduct of their parents: and they who value the blessings of the new covenant as their own portion, and desire them as the portion of their beloved children, and intend to bring them up accordingly, seem equally authorized and required to bring them under the external obligations, and to seek for them the external pledges of it, as these Israelitish parents were. real design and tendency of all that the Lord had V. 10-12. The national covenant, made with spoken and done among them; and multitudes Israel, was in some things a shadow of the covehad provoked him to give them up to their own nant of grace; as it also represented the outward hearts' lusts. This grieved the pious and affec-dispensation of the gospel. (Note, Er. 19:5.) This tionate spirit of Moses, who used this language, not only to reprove their hardness of heart, but also to warn, instruct, and excite them: for if "God had not given them a heart to perceive, and eyes to see," it was undeniable that they had wilfully hardened their hearts, and stupified their consciences against every thing which they had seen and heard.-Maimonides rightly and judiciously explains these words, when he saith, "They had not disposed themselves to receive "this grace from God.'' Bp. Patrick. It may, however, be worth the reader's while to compare this statement with the words of the apostle: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure." And also with the language of our Liturgy, and articles; 'Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our 'hearts to keep this law.'-We have no power to 'do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God, "without the grace of God by Christ preventing us that we may have a good will, and working in us when we have that good will.' Article x. V. 5, 6. (Noles, 8:2,3.) By the special blessing of God on the manna, which the people despised as light bread, that immense multitude had been preserved as healthy and fit for their various exercises, as any other people on the productions of the corn-field and vineyard.-Moses here reports the very words of God, as if he had himself addressed the people. Clothes, &c. (5) Note, 8:4.-As by far the greatest part of the clothing of all ranks and ages in Israel, were made of linen, for which they had no resources in their own possessions, and exceedingly little opportunity of obtaining supplies from others; the reality and greatness of the miraculous interposition in this behalf, were the more extraordinary. V. 7-9. 2:32-37. 3:1-11. Notes, Num. 21: 21-34. 32: 594] This transaction might, in many ways, at the time and afterwards, benefit both the parents and their offspring; as it had a direct tendency to stir up the parents to pray for their children, and to instruct them as they grew up and if when they came to years of understanding, they were reminded how solemnly they, as well as their parents, had entered into covenant with God, it would tend to restrain their passions, awaken their consciences, and excite them personally to seek the covenant blessings, which could only be forfeited by their own wilful sins. (Note, Mark 10:13-16.) It therefore pleased God to order the covenant to be ratified, not only by the principal persons in Israel, or by the adults; but by the women and children, nay, by the strangers and meanest slaves; that is, by the whole company. and also with him that is not here with ||ination of mine heart to add drunkenus this day: 16 (For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the nations which ye passed u by; 17 And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:) [Practical Observations.] 18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, lest there should be among you a root that beareth † gall and wormwood: 19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, b though I walk in the imag t See on 5:3.-Jer. 32:39. 50:5. Acts 2:39. 1 Cor. 7:14. u 2:4,9,19,24. 3:1,2. Heb. dungy gods. x 11:16,17. 13:1-15. 17:2-7. Heb. 3:12. y Jer. 9:15. Hos. 10:4. Amos 6:12. Acts 8:23. Heb. 12:15. Or, a poisonful herb. rosh. Heb. z See on 12.-Gen. 2:17. a 17:2. Num. 15:30. Ps. 10:4— b Num. 15:30. Ec. 11:9. Rom. ness to thirst. e 20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and 8 all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. 21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law: 22 So that the generation to come of your children, that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it; c Job 15:16. 34:7. Is. 30:1. 56: 18. 1 Cor. 10:22. f Ps. 18:8. 74:1. Heb. 12:29. Heb. the drunken to the g 27:16-26. 28:15-68. d Ps. 78:50. Prov. 6:34. Is. 27: e Ex. 20:5. 34:14. Ps. 78:58. 79:5. Cant. 9:6. Ez. 9:3,5. 23: 25. 36:5. Nah. 1:2. Zeph. 1: h See on 9:14. 25:19. Ex. 32:32, i Josh. 7: Ez. 13:9. Mal. 3:18. Heb. wherewith the LORD hath made it sick. can do. The word, translated gall, may mean hemlock, or some other poisonous plant. The na-enmity of man's heart against God is a root which bears the poisonous and bitter fruits of idolatry, impiety, hypocrisy, and every kind of wickedness. (Note, Acts 8:18-24.) A person of corrupt principles and bad character, is likewise a root which produces an increase of these pestiferous plants, by his persuasions, influence, and example: and the attempts of idolatrous Israelites to entice others to the same practices, till they became general, seems to have been especially meant. (Notes, 2 Tim. 2:14—18. 5: 17,18. Heb. 12:15-17.) V. 13-15. The oath, which the Lord sware unto Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is here adduced as confirming the covenant made with the tion of Israel; yet St. Paul refers to it as the security of all who "have fled for refuge to lay held upon the hope set before them" in the gospel: for by it temporal blessings, and the means of grace, were ensured to the posterity of the patriarchs according to the flesh; and likewise the special blessings, which Abraham was personally interested in by the righteousness of faith, to all his spiritual seed of believers, who are sealed with the true circumcision of the heart. (Notes. Gen. 17:1-12. Rom. 4:9-12. Gal. 3:6-22. Heb. 6:13-20.)-Even such as were absent, and the unborn children of the whole company, to the latest posterity, were included in the covenant: since nothing but apos-in tacy, idolatry, or rejection of the promised Savior, could cut off the entail of the national advantages; and nothing but personal unbelief and disobedience could prevent individuals from sharing in the spiritual blessings. V. 19, 20. Unbelief and false principles cherish presumptuous hopes of impunity; and in this way men embolden themselves and one another wickedness, and expect to be happy, notwithstanding the awful threatenings of the sacred Scriptures. (Note, Ec. 8:11-13.) Thus "they walk in the imagination of their heart to add drunkenness to thirst." This seems to be a metaphorical expression, denoting the eager V. 16, 17. (Marg. Ref.) They had opportunity gratification of depraved inclinations; while men in Egypt of seeing too much of their vile idola- greedily drink down iniquity, as the drunkard 'tries. And so they had, as they passed by the coun- does his liquor, without regard to consequences. try of Moab and Midian, when some had been se- (Note, Job 15:14-16.)-The arrangement of the 'duced to the worship of Baal-peor.' Bp. Patrick. words in the original has led some to render V. 18. This and the following verses 1eferred them, "to add thirst to drunkenness;" and then to the curses of the preceding chapters, and they imply the insatiableness of men's sinful taught the people to dread the infliction of them passions, which hanker for more and more indulupon individuals, and families, as well as on the gence after the greatest excesses. But some nation at large, if they violated the covenant think that the expression relates to the zeal, now proposed to them, especially by idolatry, with which sinners try to corrupt others; as if the however secret. This crime, in an Israelite, land which was overflowed, should pour out its must be preceded by wilful apostacy from God, waters to deluge that which still continued caand contemptuous defiance of him: it was an ex-pable of cultivation. Perhaps it may also refer plicit renunciation of the covenant, and an act of direct rebellion.-There is something similar in the case of those who have been baptized, and brought up under the dispensation of the gospel, if they become infidels or live wicked lives: they more explicitly renounce God and refuse the blessings of his covenant, than any other persons to the sensual excesses, which were employed as incentives to the worship of idols, and which tended greatly to promote idolatry. More terrible words can scarcely be conceived than those which follow: and as they respected the people of Israel, their accomplishment has been equally remarkable. (Marg. Ref.) ༞ 23 And that the whole land thereof is * brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: 24 Even all nations shall say, " Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? 25 Then men shall say, • Because P they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt. 26 For they went and served other k Job. 18:15. Is. 34:9. Luke 17:29. Rev. 19:20. 1 Judg. 9:45. Ps. 107:34. Jer. m Gen. 14:2. 19:24,25. Jer. 20: Jer. 22:8. Lam. 2:15-17. 4: o Is. 47:6. Jer. 40:2,3. 50:7. 27 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book: 28 And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, "as it is this day. 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us, and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. 9:7. x Job 11:6,7. 22:28. Ps. 2514 | y Ps. 78:2—7. Is. 8:20. Min. V. 26. The Lord, not only did not command the idolatry of Israel, but he did every thing which was proper to keep them from so degrading an abomination.-The clause rendered, “which he had not given them," may however mean, that the false gods never conferred any benefits on them. (Marg.) V. 21-25. The tremendous destruction of individual transgressors is here considered, as connected with the ruin of the nation, through the fatal effects of corrupt influence and bad examples. The warning then becomes prophetical, and coincides with the predictions already considered. (Notes, 4:25-28. 28:15-67.) The entire desolations during the Babylonish cap- V. 28. As it is this day.] Probably the clause tivity, and the waste and sterile condition of was added by Ezra, or by some scribe, who had that once fruitful land, from the taking of Jeru- witnessed the desolations of the Babylonish capsalem by the Romans to this day, are foretold in tivity. But the emphasis of it, as acknowledg emphatical language. But the most striking cir- ing the accomplishment of this ancient prophecy, cumstance is this; the Jews themselves (along supposing the words, "as it is this day," to be with strangers and enemies,) are introduced, as-spoken by a modern Jew, after the long contincribing all these calamities to the wrath of God ued dispersion of the nation, is inconceivably enagainst them for their sins, especially their idol-hanced. atry. (Marg. Ref. n-p. Note, Jer. 40:2,3.) V. 29. It is here intimated, that many things, In numberless instances this has been verified, in in the divine counsels and conduct, might appear the judgment formed of them by others; and the very dark to the Israelites. They would be ready Jews in general at present concur in the de- to propose questions about those future events, cision. The barrenness of the land of Canaan which were foretold in general terms; and to at present, contrasted with the description of its raise objections against the Lord's dealings with fertility contained in the Scriptures, has led in- them. The awful curses might appear needlessly fidels to bring forward many specious arguments, severe, and they would inquire into the reasons or subtle insinuations, against the divine author- of them, with irreverent curiosity, and a dispoity, and indeed the veracity, of the sacred writ-sition to justify themselves and the nation. Of ers: for present appearances lead them to conclude that it never could have been so fruitful as it is represented in Scripture. But they seem not at all aware, that in the pains which they take to shew the present sterility of those regions, they authenticate the very Book which they intend to oppose; and illustrate the fulfilment of the prophecies delivered by Moses, whose credit as an historian, and as an inspired writer, they aim to undermine. For who can deny, that these ancient records predict the singular barrenness of the promised land in subsequent ages, as the just punishment of Israel's apostacy and wickedness; as well as describe its extraordinary fruitfulness, when God put Israel in possession of it? Who can say, even on rational grounds, that the Almighty God cannot effect such a change? or object to the declaration, "A fruitful land maketh he barren, for the wickedness of them who dwell therein?" (Ps. 107:34.) And, whatever second causes have concurred, undoubtedly "thus it was written," and thus it is; "and this God hath wrought, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Marg. Ref.) this disposition Satan might avail himself, and tempt them to unbelief; to entertain hard thoughts of God, and his law and service; to excuse their disobedience; or to indulge vain speculations, instead of attending to their duty. They were therefore cautioned against these delusions, by an important distinction of easy and universal application. Man ought not to intrude into those things, which it has pleased God to conceal from him: for who can penetrate into the secrets of his wisdom; or discover his decrees and counsels, the reasons of his conduct, and the mysteries of his nature, further than he reveals them? (Notes, Is. 40:12-17. 45:9,10. Rom. 11: 33-36.) "Secret things belong to the LORD;" and all inquiries into them are arrogant and presumptuous. But he has revealed every thing that can be really beneficial; and our attention in this respect should reach to the whole of these discoveries, and terminate with them. Those things which are revealed belong to us:" not to increase our stock of barren notions, but to encourage and regulate our obedience, "that we may do all the words of this law." They belong also to our children, and to them we should com-enant ought to be proposed to men in general, municate the instruction which God has afforded who should be exhorted and invited with all earus.-Almost all the heresies and controversies, nestness to lay hold on it: the encouragements of which have corrupted the purity or disturbed the the gospel should be stated, and the awful consepeace of the church in every age, have originat- quences of neglecting so great salvation declared, ed from disregard to this distinction; from vain with the greatest solemnity, the most urgent exattempts, by human reasonings and authority, to postulations, and the most affectionate warnings. fill up supposed chasms in revelation, and to In these things all are alike concerned; kings and make it more apparently consistent and system- princes, captains and senators, rich and poor, atical, than it has pleased God to make it; from bond and free: and blessed be God, the strangers deducing disputable consequences from revela- of the Gentiles, nay the most abandoned sinners, tion; or from tracing back its sacred mysteries are invited, and should be even "compelled to to some unrevealed antecedent causes. But the come in," and to participate the gracious feast, as silence is as instructive as the language of Scrip- far as energetic arguments and earnest persuature: its truths must be apprehended by humblesions can prevail. Even infants, though yet unfaith; and they disdain to be comprehended or conscious of their wants, duties, and privileges, modelled by our proud reason. They are intend- are concerned; and they should be devoted to ed to subserve practice; not to gratify curiosity, God, and brought up for him, as the children of or foment angry controversies. Yet there is the covenant, and the seed of the church.-But danger on the other side: and a disposition to though means should be used by every man with speak of many things, concerning which a great his neighbor; (Notes, Is. 2:2-5. Mic. 4:1—4. deal is revealed in Scripture, as immaterial, or Zech. 3:9,10.) yet God alone can give men “a not to be understood; and to sink, (so to speak) heart to perceive, eyes to see, and ears to hear," as far as men are able, a large portion of the for good and saving purposes. We must there"whole counsel of God;" as if it had better never fore seek the blessing from him; and give him the have been written; not only tends to obscure praise when it is vouchsafed.-While the true divine truth, but to countenance the too prevail- Christian, or the zealous minister, mourns that so ing opinion that the language of the sacred ora- few believe and obey the gospel, in comparison of cles is obscure, and conveys no clear and distinct the multitudes who are blinded by the god of or even safe meaning, without some note, or this world;" the consideration should add fervency comment, or safeguard.-Such writers, if God to his prayers for others, and to his grateful praises had consulted them, would have advised the omis- on his own account.-Every mercy, which we sion of many parts of revealed truth, especially enjoy, should bind us more strictly to cheerful in the epistles of St. Paul.-But all the revealed obedience; and every divine truth, if properly rethings belong to us. To know the perfections of ceived, will have a practical and holy effect upon God, and our obligations to love and serve him; us: nor can we expect to prosper, in the best our relations to him and to the eternal world; sense, "unless we keep and do the words of his our state and character as sinners, and our duty as under a dispensation of mercy: to know the way of acceptance, and the source of grace and comfort in Jesus Christ: to understand our duty as redeemed sinners, with respect to our several stations and relations in life; our talents and the way of improving them, with the motives and assistances and encouragements which revelation proposes: and to be aware of the enemies and dangers to which we are exposed, and the means of escape, and the consequences of our conduct: -this is the substance of useful knowledge, and, when reduced to practice, constitutes heavenly wisdom. This the Scriptures plainly reveal: by this light we may live and die comfortably, and be happy eternally; after having on earth glorified God, served our generation, and left our dying exhortations and blessings as a bequest to posterity. But all which man attempts to add to revealed truth, or substitute in its place, is merely an ignis fatuus, which bewilders the benighted traveller; and, while it amuses him with its glimmering, misleads him into the pit of destruction, and leaves him to sink in it. (Notes, Is. 8:20. Matt. 6:22,23.) covenant." V. 18-29. That covenant which is ratified by the promise and oath of God, to all who believe in the name of the divine Mediator, is established on better promises than the covenant made with the nation of Israel; and secures to them all things pertaining to eternal salvation. (Notes, 2 Sam. 23:5. Is. 55:1-3. Heb. 8:3-6.) Yet, alas! many, who only deceive themselves, suppose that they are interested in these blessings, and thence take encouragement to continue in sin. The lusts of their heart were never mortified by converting grace; and therefore when occasion offers, they spring up into practices as poisonous and as bitter as hemlock and wormwood. Thus many are defiled, or hardened in prejudice, unbelief, and ungodliness; or buoyed up in vain confidence: and the dire evil eats as a canker, pervades great multi tudes, and corrupts whole churches; while the tempters themselves "draw back unto perdition," or perhaps propagate pestilential heresies.-But, however the curses denounced in Scripture may be disbelieved and despised, their tremendous effects will assuredly convince the most daring sinners, without distinction of rank or sex, and without regard to multitudes, "that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." And though the heart of man now rages in enmity They who have consented to the new covenant against them; the period is approaching, when of mercy and grace in Jesus Christ, and have not only spectators, but the criminals themselves, given up themselves to be his people, should em- whilst enduring their direful accomplishment, will brace every opportunity of renewing the open be constrained to admit the justice of their own profession of their hopes, obligations, and grateful condemnation.-But it is the grand design of Salove; and of avowing, to the world and to the tan to embolden men in sin by the hopes of impuchurch, that they desire to "walk worthy of God,nity: and as they are prone to flatter themselves, who has called them to his kingdom and glory." It is delightful to behold numbers of the rising generation come forward to consent to the same covenant, and acknowledge their obligations and purposes, by divine grace, "of walking by the same rule, and minding the same things." In order to this, the nature and blessings of the cov PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-17. they love to be flattered by others; and find many ready to assure them, that "they shall have peace, though they walk after the imagination of their hearts," and gratify their favorite passions. They persuade themselves, and find others concur with them, that they need not be so strict, and that God will not be so severe, as vulgar readers of |