Inference 7.
* 1.1Were the Sheep scattered, when the Shepherd was smitten; Learn hence that the best of men know not their own strength, till they come to the trial. Little did these holy men imagine such a cowardly spirit had been in them, till temptation put it to the proof. Let this therefore be a caution for ever to the people of God. You resolve never to forsake Christ, you do well; but so did these, and yet were scattered from him. You can never take a just measure of your own strength, till Temptation have tried it. 'Tis said, Deut. 18.2, 3. that God led the people so many years in the wilderness, to prove them; and to know (i. e.) (to make them know) what was in their hearts. Little did they think such unbelief, murmurings, discontents, and a spirit bent to backsliding, had been in them; till their straights in the wilderness gave them the sad experience of these things.