the far-seeing and all-wise Author of the Scriptures, who had all men in view, when He wrote or dictated. His Word,—those of a future age as well as those to whom it was directly addressed. He knew who would be reading it three thousand years from that time, as well as He knew who would read or listen to it when first it was uttered: and he took care to accommodate it to both. And this character of accommodation to men of all times is one of the wonders of the Scriptures. It is this peculiarity, which enables it to hold thousands and millions of minds fast to its pages, in this our day, as well as in ages long past. Man's mind in every state and in every stage, from the rudest to the most cultivated, and from childhood to old age, finds food for itself, instruction and delight, in these wonderful Writings. The child pores over this narrative of the deliverance of the Israelites from their Egyptian bondage, with unflagging interest; and when he comes to the expression about God's "hardening Pharaoh's heart," he thinks it a little strange, and wonders a moment, but soon he goes on again, doubting not that it is all right, and can be explained in some way, which he will understand as he grows older. It is good angels that keep him in this thought,—in this state of childlike belief and trust; it is the Lord Himself, who, from the centre of His Word, beams forth not only rays of spiritual light into that childish mind, but also warmth and sweet peace into his heart, and makes him happy while reading this wondrous scroll,—so written that the simplest child can comprehend the meaning on its surface, while the highest angel cannot exhaust the wisdom that lies in its depths, for it is infinite and Divine.
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