2. For the nature of it, it is here set out, under the terms of that eminent pledge of the presence of God ⟨p. 4⟩with the people in the Wilderness, for their guidance and protection, in the midst of all their difficulties and hazards, by a pillar of cloud, and a flaming fire; this guided them through the Sea, and continued with them after the setting up of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness 40. years. The use, and efficacy of that pillar, the intendment of God in it, the Advantage of the people by it, I cannot stay to unsold. It may suffice in general that it was a great and signal pledge of Gods presence with them for their guidance and preservation; that they might act according to his will, and enjoy safety in so doing. Only whereas this promise here respects Gospel times, the nature of the mercy promised is enlarged, and thereby somewhat changed. In the wilderness there was but one Tabernacle; and so consequently one cloud by day, and one pillar of fire by night was a sufficient pledge of the presence of God with the whole people: there are now many dwelling places, many Assemblies of mount Zion; and in the enlargement of mercy and grace under the Gospel, the same pledge of Gods presence and favour is promised to every one of them as was before to the whole. The word we have translated a dwelling place, denotes not a common habitation, but a place prepared for God; and is the same with the Assemblies and Congregations in the expression following. The sum of all is; God by his creating power, in despite of all opposition will bring forth preservation for his people, guiding them in paths wherein they shall find peace and safety.
2. For the nature of it, it is here set out, under the termes of that eminent pledge of the presence of God ⟨p. 4⟩with the people in the Wildernesse, for their guidance and protection, in the mid'st of all their difficulties and hazards, by a pillar of cloud, and a flaming fire; this guided them thorow the Sea, and continued with them after the setting up of the Tabernacle in the Wildernesse 40. years. The use, and efficacy of that pillar, the intendment of God in it, the Advantage of the people by it, I cannot stay to unsold. It may suffice in general that it was a great and signal pledge of Gods presence with them for their guidance and preservation; that they might act according to his will, and enjoy safty in so doing. Onely whereas this promise here respects Gospel times, the nature of the mercy promised is enlarged, and thereby somewhat changed. In the wildernesse there was but one Tabernacle; and so consequently one cloude by day, and one pillar of fire by night was a sufficient pledge of the presence of God with the whole people: there are now many dwelling places, many Assemblies of mount Sion; and in the enlargement of mercy and grace under the Gospel, the same pledge of Gods presence and favour is promised to every one of them as was before to the whole. The word we have translated a dwelling place, denotes not a common habitation, but a place prepared for God; and is the same with the Assemblies and Congregations in the expression following. The sum of all is; God by his creating power, in despite of all opposition will bring forth preservation for his people, guiding them in paths wherein they shall finde peace and safty.
