EPHRAIM EXALTED HIMSELF. When men exalted themselves they forgot their Lord, the One who had brought them into the good land. In their prosperity they gave way to self-indulgence and were lifted up with pride. Therefore they forgot God their Saviour who had done such great things for them. We often fancy that we could bear prosperity better than adversity, but those who have been tried have proved the reverse. The heart is secretly, and imperceptibly drawn away from God. Affections are set on things below. Indulging the flesh unfits for spiritual duties and exercises. Divine things lose their savour and power. The means of grace convey no grace to the soul. What happened to Israel happens to us. We slacken in spiritual duty and give way to the flesh. Satan hardens our hearts, alienates our affections, blinds our minds, and stupifies our consciences. The warnings of God's word are disregarded, the throne of grace is neglected, worldly company is preferred, and then God is forgotten. We forget his deliverances, his favours, his claims, his threatenings, until visited by some painful event. Brethren, let us be cautious and circumspect, conscious of our danger, and careful to examine our present state: have you forgotten the Lord?

For Meditation:
I left my guide to happiness,
I lost the true eternal peace;
Nor can my soul retrieve its rest,
Till lodged again on Jesus' breast.