may discourage such as seem disposed to a religious life; lest we should be found to have abetted that enemy, who spares no pains to seduce them back again into the world. Even the unbelieving fears and complaints of weak and tempted christians should be repressed before persons of this description: how great then will be the guilt of those who stifle their own convictions, and act contrary to their conscience, from fear of reproach or persecution, and then employ themselves in dissuading others from serving GOD?

59..16. Grim...It is not very easy to determine the precise idea of the author, in each of the giants, who assault the pilgrims, and are slain by the conductor and his assistants. Some have supposed that unbelief is here meant: but GRIM, or BLOODY-MAN, seem not to be apposite names for this inward foe; nor can it be conceived, that unbelief should more violently assault those, who were under the care of a valiant conductor, than it had done the solitary pilgrims. I apprehend therefore that this giant was intended for the emblem of certain active men, who busied themselves in framing and executing persecuting statutes; which was done at this time more violently than before. Thus the temptation to fear man, which at all times assaults the believer, when required to make an open profession of his faith, was exceedingly increased: and, as heavy fines and severe penalties, in accession to reproach and contempt, deterred men from joining themselves in communion with dissenting churches, that way was almost unoccupied, and the travellers went through by-paths, according to the author's sentiments on that subject. But the preaching of the gospel, by which the ministers of CHRIST wielded the sword of the Spirit, overcame this enemy: for the example and exhortations of such courageous combatants animated even weak believers to overcome their fears, and to act according to their consciences, leaving the event to GOD.—This seems to have been the author's meaning; and perhaps he also intended to encourage his brethren boldly to persevere in

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resisting such persecuting statutes, in confidence of prevailing for the repeal of them; by which, as by the death of the giant, the pilgrims might be freed from additional terror, acting consistently with their avowed principles.

in

62..3. Failed...We are repeatedly reminded, with great propriety, that we ought to be very particular and explicit in all our prayers; especially in every thing pertaining to our spiritual advantage. The removal of faithful ministers, or the fear of losing them, may often remind christians that

here they have failed:' they have not sufficiently valued and prayed for them; or, making sure of their continuance, from apparent probabilities, they have not made that the subject of their peculiar requests, and therefore are rebuked by the loss of them.

63..6. Welcome..." Angels rejoice over one sinner that repenteth:" and all, who truly love the Lord, will gladly welcome such as appear to be true believers into their most endeared fellowship: yet there are certain individuals, who, being related to those that have greatly interested their hearts, or having long been remembered in their prayers, are welcomed with singular joy and satisfaction, and whose profession of faith animates them in a peculiar manner. The passover was a prefiguration of the sufferings of CHRIST, and the believer's acceptance of him; of his professed reliance on the atoning sacrifice, preservation from wrath, and deliverance from the bondage of SATAN, to set out on his heavenly pil. grimage: and the Lord's supper is a commemorative ordinance of a similar import; representing the body of CHRIST broken for our sins, and his blood shed for us; our application of these blessings to our souls by faith, our profession of this faith, and of love to him and his people, influencing us to devoted, self-denying obedience: and the effects which follow from thus "feeding on CHRIST in our hearts by faith "with thanksgiving," in strengthening us for every conflict and service to which we are called." The unleavened "bread of sincerity and truth," and the bitter herbs' of Yyy

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godly sorrow, deep repentance, mortification of sin, and bearing the cross, accompany the spiritual feast; and even render it more relishing to the true believer, as endearing to him CHRIST and his salvation.

63..30. Chamber...A marginal note here says, CHRIST'S ⚫ bosom is for all pilgrims. The sweet peace arising from calm confidence in the Saviour, the consolations of his Spirit, submission to his will, and the chearful obedience of fervent love, gives rest to the soul, as if we were reclining on his bosom with the beloved disciple'.

65..15. As you...They who feel and lament the hardness of their hearts, and earnestly pray that they may be humbled, softened, and filled with the love of CHRIST, may be assured that their sorrow shall be turned into joy: though they must expect to be ridiculed by such as know not their own hearts.The assurance, that the dream should be accomplished, is grounded on the effects produced upon MERCY's heart; and there is no danger of delusion, when so scriptural an encou ragement is inferred even from a dream.

67..1. Grace...Grace, in this connection, signifies unmerited mercy or favour, from which all the blessings of salvation flow; while the Father freely gave his Son to be our redeemer, and freely communicates his Spirit, through the merits and mediation of the Son to be our sanctifier; and thus, with CHRIST, freely gives all things to those, who are enabled truly to believe in him.-The important, but much neglected, duty of catechizing children is here very properly inculcated: without attention to which, the minister's labours, both in public preaching and private instruction, will be understood in a very imperfect degree; and any revival of religion that takes place, will probably die with the genera tion to which it is vouchsafed.

68..2. Accept...The young pupil is not here taught to answer systematically, all the elect; but practically, those that accept of his salvation: ' this is perfectly con

1 P. I. p. 56.

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207

sistent with the other; but it is suited to instruct and encourage the learner, who would be perplexed, stumbled, or misled by the other view of the same truth. Thus our Lord observed to his disciples, "I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now: "and PAUL fed the CORINTHIANS " with milk, and not with meat; for they

46

were not able to bear it."-How beneficial would a portion of the same heavenly wisdom prove to the modern friends of evangelical truth! How absurd is it to teach the hardest lessons to the youngest scholars in the school of CHRIST!

69..10. Wiser...We ought not to think ourselves capable of comprehending all the mysteries of revelation, or informed of all that can be known concerning them: yet we should not make our incapacity a reason for neglecting those parts of scripture, which we do not at present understand; but uniting humble diligence with fervent prayer, we should wait for further light and knowledge, in all things conducive. to our good. There may be many parts of scripture, which would not be useful to us, if we could understand them; though they have been, are, or will be useful to others: and our inability to discover the meaning of these passages may teach us humility, and submission to the decisions of our infallible instructor.

70..1. A visitor...Designing men will often assume an appearance of religion, in order to insinuate themselves into the affections of such pious young women, as are on some accounts agreeable to them; and thus many are drawn into a most dangerous snare. This incident therefore is very properly introduced, and is replete with instruction. At the same time an important intimation is given, concerning the manner, in which those, who are not taken up with the care of a family, may profitably employ their time, adorn the gospel, and be useful in the church and the community. It is much better to imitate DORCAS, who through faith obtained a good report, in making garments for the poor; than to waste time and money in frivolous amusements, or needless Y y y 2

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NOTES UPON PART II.

decorations; or even in the more elegant and fashionable accomplishments.

..16. Revealed...Young people ought not wholly to follow their own judgment in this most important concern, on which the comfort and usefulness of their whole future lives in a great measure depend: and yet it is equally dangerous to advise with improper counsellors.-The names of the maidens show what kind of persons should be consulted: and, when such friends are of opinion that there is danger of a clog instead of a helper in the way to heaven, all who love their own souls, will speedily determine, to reject the proposal, however agreeable in all other respects. The apostolical rule, "Only in the Lord," is absolute: the most upright and cautious may indeed be deceived; but they, who neglect to ask, or refuse to take, counsel, will be sure to smart for their folly, if they be indeed the children of GOD. An unbelieving partner must be a continual source of anxiety and uneasiness, a thorn in the side; and an hindrance to all family religion, and the pious education of children, who generally adhere to the maxims and practices of the ungodly party. Nothing tends more, than such marriages, to induce a declining state of religion; or indeed more plainly shows that it is already in a very unprosperous state. But, when christians plainly avow their principles, purposes, and rules of conduct, they may commonly detect and shake off such selfish pretenders: while the attempts made to injure their characters, will do them no material detriment, and will render them the more thankful for having escaped the

snare.

72..10. Fell sick...Sin, heedlessly or wilfully committed, after the Lord has spoken peace to our souls, often produces great distress long afterwards, and sometimes darkness and discouragement oppress the mind, when the special cause of them is not immediately recollected: for we have grieved the Holy Spirit and he with-holds his consolations. In this case we should adopt the prayer of JOB," Do not condemn