The  introduction  to  the  "expounding"  of  the  law  is  most  naturally  a  persua-
sive to  obedience  ;  and  this  is  found  where  it  would  be  the  strongest,  in  their
i-ecent  history,  fresh  and  vivid  as  it  ^as  in  the  memories  of  the  people.  They
had  shown  themselves  out  fully  in  it ;  in  this  way  it  was  a  history  full  of
sorrow.  But  God  too  had  manifested  Himself  in  surpassing  majesty, — in  holi-
ness and  in  grace  ;  and  the  double  record  might  serve,  if  any  thing  would,  to
arouse  the  conscience  and  stir  the  heart,  and  produce  fidelity  to  One  whose  favor
to  them  had  been  so  conspicuous,  and  whose  discipline  withal  so  uncompromis-
ing. Day  by  day  He  ministered  to  them  ;  day  and  night  His  presence  had  been
amongst  them  :  He  who  slept  not  nor  slumbered  was  the  keeper  of  Israel ;  and
if  He  smote,  it  was  because  He  would  not  give  them  up,  and  could  not  give  up
His  own  character.
