of a wise general, or rather, as children dependent upon the wisdom and experience of a good father, they confidingly go forward, trusting in the all-wise dispensations of a merciful God; and with humble and willing minds, follow whithersoever that providence leads, and feel an assurance that the Lord's mercy shall compass them about for ever.
September Fourth.
THE POINT OF THE DIAMOND.
"The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond."—Jer. xvii. 1.
THE sin of Judah, and of all those of whom Judah is a type, is still written with the point of a diamond; and men may read the writing by studying the Word of God, and learning therein what sin is. The diamond is so far an analogy of the Word of God, that it reflects objects in the dark; and the Word of God is a shining light, which discovers the darkness of evil, and which enlightens every one who takes it for his guide; it is "a lamp to the feet, and a light to the path," which cannot fail to conduct to heaven. The diamond is considered the most precious of gems; but there are others that have a higher or more interior signification. But the grand design of the divine wisdom, in, introducing into the sacred narrative the precious gems, was to lead man to the still more precious jewels contained within the letter; and by considering the qualities and properties of the diamond, we may see this in a striking and beautiful manner. There are men who question the superiority of the
