11. ENEMIES OVERTHROWN.
11. ENEMIES OVERTHROWN.
Though Israel was safe, while recoiling seas opened a passage for the ransomed tribes; and the angel and the cloud interposed between the heirs of promise and the hardened pursuers; yet when their enemies are no more—but their lifeless bodies, which caused their terror in Egypt, are lying on the shore—how do they sing and boast in their divine Deliverer!
Even so, though under your conduct, O Captain of salvation! I am safe in spite of earth and hell at my heels, in spite of sin and corruption rising in my heart! Yet how desirable is it to enter into the land of rest! how pleasant to join the triumphant throng, who have put off their armor—and put on their crowns; who have dropped the spear—and taken up the palm! In a word, how sweet, how ineffably sweet, to cease from sin!
You know I desire to depend on promised grace, and in the strength thereof to cut my way through all my enemies. But I also desire to pant for promised glory, when not an enemy shall be found in all the heavenly world.
Hail happy day, when sin—which choked my graces, and slew my comforts—shall be cast into the lake of fire! To believe in you is my duty while below—but to behold you will be my bliss above! Faith and hope refresh and support me in earthly state—but vision and fruition shall transport and ravish me forever! Indeed my defense is the same—but the sense of my security differs.
Though grace shall rise into glory, yet often my faith is shaken, and a heavy tumult ensues in my soul. But when crowned with glory, and seated before your throne, I shall sin no more, I shall fear no more—but enjoy divine ecstasies, sacred tranquility, and all the pleasures of the land of love!