Remove every stumbling-block out of the way of such. They are very much disposed to write bitter things against themselves, and to call into question their heavenly Father's love; and if you keep at a distance from them, it will make the matter worse, for they will consider themselves forsaken of God, and of his people also: this will turn them out of the way. They will perhaps make their complaint to the unbelievers, and will receive some taunting answer, or, in a way of reproach on their holy profession, they will say-" Where is now his God? It was because the Lord was not able to deliver him, seeing he is in such a case." Job was greatly turned out of the way by the ill conduct of his friends, though they were the Lord's; and however some may view the matter, there is nothing in our conduct more dishonourable to God, and more offensive to him, than our going in a time of trouble to any other but himself. Was there any thing more offensive

to him of old than going to the gods of the nations for deliverance? Was not the conduct of Asa,* in going to Benhadad, king of Syria, for help, after such a signal victory as he gained, in answer to his memorable prayer, over the Ethiopians, very offensive to the Lord his God? And did he not receive this rebuke? "Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand: from henceforth thou shalt have wars."-" But let it rather be healed." There are often many wounds in the conscience, and much guilt on the mind, during a long season of affliction; for Satan brings in his accusations in a more especial manner at these times.. Speak to the afflicted and wounded of the balm of Gilead; speak of the Physician there; speak

* 2 Chron. 16. The sin of Asa was the sin of unbe. lief, the fruitful source of all other sins. Asa soon gave a striking proof of this. See v. 10.

of the work, the efficacy, the virtue, of the blood of Jesus; speak of Him, by whose stripes we are healed. "Wherefore make straight paths for your feet;" and let not this be done once or twice only, as if merely to discharge some duty, but let your brotherly love continue: multiply those straight paths for the comfort of your brother's feet.

ESSAY XIV.

ON CHRIST BEARING SIN

For innumerable evils have compassed me about; mine iniquities have taken hold on me that I cannot look up: they are more than the hairs of my head; therefore my heart faileth me. Psalm 40. 12.

THE book of Psalms has been highly and justly esteemed by the church of God, as containing much of Christ, from the beginning to the end. In many of these divine hymas, Christ is the sole speaker; in many, he is the only person spoken of; and in many, he is spoken to, or addressed, either

in

prayer or praise: indeed, there have been some very great men in our land, who do not scruple to affirm that every one of them belongs to our adorable Jesus; but, without controversy, great are the mysteries

that are contained in this sacred book, many and great are the subjects of it, and perhaps no part of God's word is less understood; many supposing David to be the speaker in those parts where he is not, even where Christ is uttering his deep distress under the heavy load of sin imputed; and as they themselves have never felt sin to such a degree, they begin to question whether they have been taught of God. He often speaks in prayer and in praise to his divine Father, and in such strains as never came from the tongue of mortals; and this makes them wonder how it can be that their devotion never arrived to such a height; and they often read of such implicit trust and confidence in God, as makes them stand astonished at the difference there is between David and themselves. Admitting David: to be the speaker, it would be well indeed. for us to imitate him in his devotional. strains, and in his unshaken confidence; but, on the contrary, it often leads to look