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to those preachers of his Gospel whom he means to honour in the work of converting souls to his service, and even then their success depends not upon these qualities in them, but upon the influence which he gives to the heart of the hearer, as they speak in his ears.

3. Moses still remained unwilling to go, and would gladly have been altogether excused. Such is the meaning of his words in the thirteenth verse: he said, “O my Lord, send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send." This was not said in the spirit of Isaiah, when he "heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" and Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me." No. It is evident from what follows that the meaning was, 'Lord send by some one else rather than by me.' For we read that "the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses." God might have struck him dead in his anger, at least he might have thrown him wholly aside, and appointed another. But the Lord pitied his frame and remembered that he was but dust,

and pardoned, and accepted him concerning this thing also, and gave him his brother Aaron to be his companion and spokesman. Thus gracious was God to his servant, he met all his objections with kindness, gave him every confirmation and necessary assistance, and removed all his fears.

This whole history seems to be a striking illustration of two truths which we read in the New Testament. The first is contained in these words of our Lord (John xv. 5.) "Without me ye can do nothing." This is. true of every attempt to accomplish any thing that is spiritual and holy. It is true of the ministers of the Gospel in their endeavours to convert the sinner, or to edify and comfort the saint. Their most earnest exertions fail, their best words are unregarded, except the Lord himself put a vital efficacy into them. It is true of every individual of mankind. No one can do any thing of a spiritual nature effectively for his own salvation by his own natural strength and goodness. This is very powerfully expressed in the tenth article of our own church, which says, The condition

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of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and good works, to faith, and calling upon God: wherefore 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 with us, when we have that good will.'

The second truth is contained in these words of the Apostle Paul, (Philip. iv. 13,) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Every individual may do whatever is required for his complete salvation through the grace of Jesus, and that grace is never withheld from true and fervent prayer. By it he may repent, believe, and obey, overcome every difficulty, conquer every temptation, and fully work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. Through the strength given by Christ every public servant of his, on whatever mission he is sent, may successfully accomplish it. Powers of body and mind, knowledge, speech, courage, perseverance, every requisite of every

kind, can be furnished by the great master and head of the church. Oh! that he may make his grace sufficient for us, and perfect his strength in our weakness. Often is the believer ready to despair when he considers the magnitude of his sins, the strength of corrupt nature, the temptations which arise from surrounding friends and enemies, and the power and art of his great invisible foe. But if Christ be with him, Christ will enable him, by his all-powerful grace, successfully to resist, and effectually to conquer, every opponent and hinderance of his salvation. Yes, "strong in the Lord and in the power of his might," the weakest believer shall be stronger than the united strength of all who set themselves against him. O ye timid ones, take comfort from this, and go on your way with a humble confidence and holy trust in the presence and help of your Lord.

SERMON VII.

PHARAOH'S OBSTINACY.

EXODUS V. 1.

And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.

WE here enter on the Scripture history of one of the most audacious rebels against the word and authority of God that is to be met with in all history; and these verses describe the beginning of that controversy between the Lord and Pharaoh, which we shall have for some time to consider in its progress and end. How it will issue we may be well

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