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Instead of leading you through every part of this parable, it is my intention to dwell, almost exclusively, upon that introductory sentence, with which my text presents us.

The figure here exhibited, is not only of an intelligible kind, but such a one as must needs be universally interesting to a race of creatures, who depend upon the labours of the agriculturist for our daily sustenance: and perhaps it may be more interesting still, as the well known symbol of a christian pastor. The present opportunity shall be employed, in marking a few points of similitude between the figure here presented, and the character signified by it.

When the husbandman means to sow a piece of land, his first care is to provide good seed for that purpose. And in this particular he is curious and considerate. He will not be satisfied with that which soonest comes to hand; but will nicely examine and cautiously select the fullest, the clearest, and the most promising sample his granary can afford. And if his own stores present him with none sufficiently perfect, he will put himself to the labour of enquiring and searching among his neighbours or strangers,

den-I will confine myself to the particular case before us, when an angel joined himself unseen to the dispirited prophet, on his retreat from Jezreel.

Hopeless and heartless, this faint and weary fugitive threw himself carelessly down beneath a juniper tree. And while he slept, the angel who had been commissioned from above to watch and wait upon him, drew near to gaze upon his helpless charge. Unconscious as the prophet was, he slept secure beneath an angel's wing: no wonder then if his repose was sweet and undisturbed. One greater far in power and might than those who sought Elijah's life, now occupied a station fast beside his person; where, all the while, he exercised a sacred influence on the prophet's mind, and gently raised his soul to God. And as he pitying stood, the heavenly messenger put forth his hand and softly roused him from his peaceful slumber, saying, Arise, and eat. On this the prophet rose, and behold there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. So he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. A second time he rose at the angelic touch, and

found a new repast prepared, and with it a fresh appetite excited. So he did eat and drink a second time, and blessed the bountiful dispenser of all good. How soon may a poor sufferer forget his pains in circumstances such as these! Sleeping enclosed by a seraphic band, waked by an angel's touch, and gratified with angels' food. The wilderness was now transformed into a blooming paradise; when, at his Lord's command, the prophet rose renewed, and journeyed through it, forty days and forty nights, to Horeb the mount of God.

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there, where the God of angels was pleased to afford him still further manifestations of his power and glory. Elijah had fled from Jezebel under the debasing influence of worldly fear, as though the oppressor had been ready to destroy. But, in order to put all those fears to an everlasting flight, the Lord Jehovah condescended here to favour him with such displays of his omnipotence, as we read of on no other occasion. And the Lord said, Go forth and stand upon the mount. And behold the Lord passed by; and, lo! a great and strong wind rent the

mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. These grand displays of power were made to teach the prophet, how easy a thing it was for an almighty hand to crush his congregated foes at once, and make an utter end of all their projects. And while he gazed upon these awful exhibitions, he did exceedingly fear and tremble, as Moses formerly had done on the same sacred ground, and on a like occasion.

But to these terrific displays there succeeded, we are told, a still small voice. And it was so, that, when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. It was his Father's voice. It was the voice of peace and acceptance, carrying with it encouragement and consolation to the reviving soul of the prophet. It reasoned with him concerning the cause of his alarm-What doest thou here Elijah? and how is it, that thou hast so suddenly quitted thy post, and de

serted my cause? It gave him directions with regard to the course he was required to pursue-Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. It comforted him with the assurance, that the Lord had his secret thousands among the tribes of Israel, whose knees had never bowed to Baal, and whose mouths had never kissed his consecrated image.

Such were the consolations which followed the alarm of the terrified prophet. And under the influence of these consolations, we find him fearlessly returning to his deserted station, firmly resuming his neglected charge, and faithfully filling up that measure of services and sufferings to which God had appointed him.

From what has now been offered, two important lessons may be learned-first, to entertain humbling views of ourselves; and, secondly, to exercise an unshaken confidence in God.

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