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would certainly not have received the new name, if he had immediately fled, under the idea that he had no power to resist. But he was compelled to struggle, because his life was now at stake. How many are there who take up the words of Jesus, and say, "We can do nothing without him," without really believing it, because they have never tried how far their own strength extends. Assuredly the Scripture does not call upon us in vain to strive and fight, to fear and be diligent, to work and do violence; and these things are equally as true, as that 'in quietness and confidence shall be our strength.' 'I write unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you; for ye have overcome the wicked one.' ever, every thing has its time. What has been said, has reference to the first station, if I may so speak, on the journey to Jerusalem; Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but on the seventh, the sabbath of the Lord, thou shalt rest.'

How

Such was Jacob's case. He wrestled and strove; but at length his struggling was at an end, since his thigh, the soundness of which was indispensable to his wrestling, was dislocated. There was now an end to his striving, because he had no strength left. He then fell into the arms of his God; and conquered then, and not before; he was blessed then, and not till then.. Fight therefore, O man! who desirest to be saved. Fight with all thy might. Do not give way a hair's breadth. Watch, pray, read, and hear. For lo! Esau marches against thee with four hundred men! With four hundred men !-and Jacob was alone. Danger

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ous situation! For what assistance could he derive from his wives, his children, or his shepherds? He was compelled to fight with men. To Mesopotamia he dared not return; for God would not have it. Proceed he could not. What fool-hardiness, to march out alone, against four hundred men! Therefore, weep, and lament, and mourn, and despair!" Not so. He believed in an Almighty and merciful God; be believed in his promise, I will do thee good.' However, his faith was at that time not sufficiently strong to enable him to say, 'Though a host should encamp against me, I will not be afraid'—or to think and say with calmness, "God, who enjoined Laban to speak no otherwise than kindly to me, is still the same, and is able and willing to turn the heart of Esau in such a manner, that he shall be unable to act cruelly towards me, seeing that God hath promised that in my descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed." Could he have acted thus, how glorious would it have been! But this was not in accordance with his previous state of grace. He was afraid, because his reason still reflected too much, and looked more at the things which are seen, than at those which are not But his faith was the victory which overcame the world. This faith softened his heart, so that he wept, as Hosea says; and much is already gained, when we acquire a contrite spirit, and when the hard heart dissolves. His faith opened his mind and his heart; so that he was able to pray, as Hosea also informs us. His faith took refuge with God. What! shall God work a miracle? How miserable, to be

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only able to oppose prayer to four hundred armed men ! Certainly this is not rational, but still it is of faith. And to the believer are given all the promises of a living God, who overrules all natural and accidental events according to His good pleasure.

It was thus he wrestled with men, in the most prudent manner, by taking God to his aid against them; for if God be for us, who can be against us? And oh, how evangelically wise we all act, when we commence our spiritual conflict-not in our own wisdom and. strength, but draw the Lord himself, by faith and prayer, into the conflict; he will then fight for us, whilst we shall hold our peace. If we go out to the battle without God; if we think that in our own wisdom and strength we are sufficiently equipped-we should act as foolishly, as if Jacob had believed that he alone was able to face four hundred men; and that which we think we have accomplished, is only self-deception. But with God, it might be all one to Jacob, whether his brother came out against him with four hundred or four thousand men. For he that without Christ can do nothing, with him can do all things; and it is the same to the Lord, to help with many or with few.

Thus Jacob wrestled, like a prince, against men. He did not despair on account of the might and multitude of those who were against him, and looked not at his littleness and inability. Nor did he trust to the fragile staff of his own strength, which indeed he was unable to do; for it was broken. Reason showed him nothing but ruin and death, and nature was afraid, but

faith helped him through. By its means, he honored God as able to help, where there is no other aid; and although he did not understand by what means, yet he left this with God's all comprehensive wisdom. He said, “Wilt thou not do it, Lord? I know no other measure, and can do nothing more, and see myself compelled to resign myself to thee and thy good pleasure, with all that are mine, and what thou hast otherwise given me. Do with me, therefore, as seemeth thee good."

Nature, indeed, trembles, when it feels compelled to seek help of God, because it is no where else to be found, and is more inclined to fear its total ruin, than to expect help and deliverance. But the Holy Spirit here soul fast, so that it de

turns the scale. He holds the clares, 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me!' This is the real inward conflict and travailing in birth, during which the soul cries to God, out of the depth of its distress, and then ascends on high when the time arrives. This is in reality no trifle, and it may be said with Solomon, 'A wounded spirit, who can bear!' But these are, at the same time, paths which terminate in the desired end :— The Lord hath done great things for me, whereof I am glad.'

• Thou hast had power with men, and hast prevailed,' said the Lord to Israel. He came off more easily with Laban. He fled, and prudently took advantage of the absence of his father-in-law, as the fittest moment for his flight. However, that he might not ascribe all the success to his prudence, Laban ascertained his flight early enough to hasten after him. He did so,

and took with him his brethren; which however did not betray the most friendly intentions towards Jacob, and overtook him on the seventh day. But God came to Jacob's aid, by a dream, in which he turned the heart of Laban in such a manner, that he was not permitted to do him any harm, but only spoke harshly to him; and at length retired, after taking a friendly leave. Jacob, in this instance, came off easily, and with a slight degree of terror; for God usually leads his people step by step, and exercises those whom he calls to severer conflicts, previously in easier ones. For a period, they are able by their own strength and reflection to accomplish much; but at length both go to the bottom. Waves cover the little vessel, and the cry is heard, Master, save! we perish!' and then the help is near at hand.

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Such was also the case with Jacob. After the departure of Laban, he was greatly comforted, and received a powerful invigoration to his faith; for he was met by the angels of God. This circumstance was highly remarkable and encouraging; and because the art of writing was at that time not understood, he called the place where it happened, 'Mahanaim,' the Lord's host for when he saw the angels of God, he said, 'This is God's host.' This afterwards assisted him in his conflict. If any one is delivered out of six troubles, he cherishes the hope that in the seventh he shall not be forsaken; for experience worketh hope and hope maketh not ashamed.' Christ said to Peter; 'Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve le

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