Numbers 23:9

"The people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations."—Numb. xxiii. 9.

— Numbers 23:9

Mark, my soul, the character of God's Israel, and remember that they are the same in all ages. Distinguishing mercies are sweet mercies. God's people dwell alone, in the everlasting appointment of the Father, by whom they were set apart, and formed for his glory, and given to his Son. They dwell alone, in being brought into the church of Jesus as the redeemed and purchased by his blood. They dwell alone, under the sweet influences of the Spirit, by whom they are known, distinguished, regenerated, and sealed unto the day of redemption. Thus set apart, thus formed, thus given, thus redeemed, thus purchased, thus sealed, surely they, are not reckoned among the nations, but are supposed to shew forth God's praises, who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light. My soul, what sayeth thy experience to these things? Oh how different the state, the circumstances, the new birth, the fellowship, pursuits, way, life, and work of God's people front the world! Blessed Jesus, cause me to dwell alone from the nations around; but let me not dwell a moment without thee; but do thou come with thy Father and the Holy Spirit, according to thy sweet promises, and make constant abode with me.