t44 REFORMATION OF MANNER'S. this standard against sin, and assist her to pray for victory : Noes are these, who lie at a distance from the throne; but still within the verge and shadow of its protection, less jealous in their assis- tance of the war, ór less fervent in pleading withGod for success- 0mayour Aarons never grow weary of encouraging the work of reformation, and giving their utmost aid to the piousdesign' of our supreme magistrate ! May they still revive and quickenYthe languishing diligence of all that have engaged iii the same cause ! And wheresoever men are joined in societies, to build the house of God, or to demolish the houses of satan, there let it be always said, that " with them are the prophets of God helping them ;" Ezra v. 2: Hur follows themention of Aaron, and his post is to support the other hand of Moses against Amalek: His character seems to beá prudent man,and a considerable counsellor ; Ex_xxiv. 14. when Moses left the camp of Israelfor a season,." behold," saith he to the people, " Aaron and Hur are with you : if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them." The rod of power lifted up by the civil magistrate must be well managed by the hand of zealy and thehand ofprudence. Ministers andcoun- sellors are the supports on each side to exhort to the work and advise the best methods of performance. All persons and socie- ties that are contrivingmeans of reformation, fall under the cha- racter of Hur ; such are those gentlemen who have formed a scheme for carrying on war with in and sinners, and brought their methods to a regularity and consistence ; they have made . the execution of them practicable, and much easier than at first. Our praises are due to the God of wisdom that such men are found in the nation ; that the prudent man is not cut off; nor the counsellor perished from amongst us : O may their pious consultations be continued in their stated seasons ! May they be executed with dailyvigour, and attended with growing success ! Joshua is the chief person concerned in the execution of these orders of battle against Amalek ; he ventures into the field, and fights the enemy. The inferior magistrates of every kind and degree bear a resemblance to his office, andshould wear the image of his Spirit; courage and resolutionbecomes eachof you that act according to the several ranks of your authority; fear not the rage nor the threats of Amalek, of the most profligate and haughty sinners ; remember you have the warrant of Moses for what you do : The supreme magistrate ceases not to lift up the rod., The chosen men of Israel are the last characters I take no- ticeof here; they assist Jóshua in the performance of his divine. orders; 'such are those brave and,geuerous spirits, whether of
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=