NOTES UPON PART II. 219 delight in hearing of that subject above all others. They do not peculiarly fear difficulties, self-denial, reproaches, or persecution, which deter numbers from making an open profession of religion; and yet they are more backward in this respect than others; because they deem themselves unworthy to be admitted to such privileges, and into such society; or else are apprehensive of being finally separated from them, or becoming a disgrace to religion. 102..28. Valley...A low and obscure situation suits the disposition of the persons here described: they do not object to the most humiliating views of their own hearts, of human nature, or of the way of salvation; they are little tempted to covet eminence among their brethren, and find it easier" to esteem others better than themselves," than persons of a different frame of mind can well conceive.-On the other hand, their imaginations are peculiarly susceptible of im pressions, and of the temptations represented by the valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH: that in this respect SO tender and patient they need more than others the instructions of faithful ministers: while they repeat the same complaints, and urge the same objections against themselves, that have already been obviated again and again but the tender compassion of the Lord to them should suggest an useful instruction to his fervants, on this part of their work. 103..22. When...No christians are more careless about the opinion of the world, or more zealous against its vanities, than persons of this description; or more watchful in times of ease and prosperity: but the prospect of death is often a terror to them; especially when they suppose it to be at hand; yet they often die with remarkable composure and comfort. Few ministers, who have had an opportunity of carefully observing the people entrusted to their pastoral care, can help thinking of some individual, who might seem to have been the original of this admirable portrait; which is full of instruction both to them, and the timid, but conscientious 220 NOTES UPON PART II. part of their congregations. Indeed numbers, who are not characteristically FEARFULS, have something of the same disposition in many particulars. But such as fear reproach and self-denial more than those things, which this good man dreaded, bear a contrary character, and are travelling the road to an opposite place: and even they, whose confidence of an interest in CHRIST far exceeds the degree of their humiliation, conscientiousness, abhorrence of sin, and victory over the world, may justly be suspected of having begun their religion in a wrong manner: as they more resemble the stony ground hearers, who "received the word with joy, "but had no root in themselves," than those who " SOW in tears, to reap in joy." For " godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of.” 66 107.4. Name...The author peculiarly excels in contrasting his characters, of which a striking instance here occurs. The preceding episode relates to a very conscientious. christian, who through weak faith and misapprehension carried his self-suspicion to a troublesome, and injurious extreme: and we have next introduced a false professor, who, pretending to strong faith, made his own obstinate self-will the only rule of his conduct. But in fact this arises from total unbelief: for the word of GOD declares such persons to be unregenerate, under the wrath of GOD, in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.—It would hardly be imagined, that men could be found maintaining such detestable sentiments as are here stated, did not facts most awfully prove it. We need not, however, spend time in exposing such a character: a general expression of the deepest detestation may suffice; for none who have been given up to such strong delusion, can reasonably be supposed accessible to the words of truth and soberness; nor can they succeed in perverting others to such palpable and gross absurdities and abominable tenets; except they meet with those, that have long provoked God, by endeavouring to reconcile a wicked life with the hope of salvation. But it may properly be observed, that several NOTES UPON PART II. 221 expressions, which seem to represent faith as an assurance of ·a personal interest in CHRIST; or to intimate, that believers have nothing to do with the law, even as the rule of their conduct; with many unguarded assertions concerning the liberty of the gospel, and indiscriminate declamations against doubts, fears, and a legal spirit, have a direct tendency to prepare the mind of impenitent sinners, to receive the poisonous principles of avowed Antinomians.-Much harm has been done in this way, and great disgrace brought upon the gospel: for there are many of this man's mind, who have not this man's mouth.' III..12. An inn...The spiritual refreshment arising from experimental and affectionate conversation with christian friends, seems to be here more especially intended: yet the name of GAIUS suggests also the importance of the apostle's exhortation," Use hospitality without grudging." This ought to be attended to, even in respect of those with whom we have hitherto had no acquaintance, provided their characters are properly certified to us: for we are all brethren in CHRIST. 114..13. Advise...The author availed himself of the opportunity here presented him, of giving his opinion on a very important subject, about which religious persons often hold different sentiments. He evidently intended to say, that he deemed it generally most safe and advantageous to the parties themselves, and most conducive to the spread and permanency of true religion, for young professors to marry; provided it be done in the fear of Go D, and according to the rules of his word. Yet we cannot suppose but he would readily have allowed of exceptions to this rule: for there are individuals, who, continuing single, employ that time. and those talents in assiduously doing good, which in the married state must have been greatly abridged or preoccupied; and thus they are more extensively useful than their brethren. Yet, in common cases, the training up of a family, by the combined efforts of pious parents, in honesty, sobriety, in 222 NOTES UPON PART II. dustry, and the principles of true religion: when united with fervent prayer, and the persuasive eloquence of a good example, is so important a service to the church and to the community, that few persons are capable of doing greater or more permanent good in any other way.-But this requires ́ strict attention to the rules of scripture, in every step of these grand concerns: for children, brought up in ungodliness and ignorance, among those who are strangers to the gospel, are far more hopeful than such as have received a bad education, witnessed bad examples, and imbibed worldly principles, in the families of evangelical professors. 115..24. Supper...The different parts of social worship and christian fellowship are here allegorically described. The heave-shoulder and wave-breast seem to have typified the power and love of our great High Priest; and to have conveyed an instruction to the priests to do their work with all their might, and with their whole heart: but they are here supposed to be also emblems of fervent prayer and grateful praise. The wine represents the exhilerating remembrance of the love of CHRIST in shedding his blood for us, and the application of the blessing to ourselves by living faith. The milk is the emblem of the plain, simple, and important instructions of scripture, as brought forward by believers, when they meet together, for their edification. The butter and honey may denote those animating views of GOD, and realizing anticipations of heavenly joy, which tend greatly to establish the judgement, instruct the understanding, and determine the affections, in cleaving to the good part that the believer hath chosen. The apples represent the promises and privileges, which believers possess by communion with CHRIST in his ordinances, and the nuts signify such difficult subjects as experience and observation enable mature christians to understand; and which amply repay the pains of endeavouring to penetrate their meaning; though they are not proper for the discussion of young converts. Whatever Sol. Song, ii. 3. NOTES UPON PART II. 223 unbelievers may think, a company of christians, employing themselves in the manner here described, have far sweeter enjoyments, than they ever experienced when engaged in the mirth, diversions, and pleasures, of the world: for these are merely the shadow of joy, but religion puts us in possession of the substance. 118..14. Report...If our love to sinners be only shown by seeking their spiritual good, it will be considered as a mere bigotted desire to proselyte them to our sect or party: but uniform, diligent, and expensive endeavours to relieve their temporal wants are intelligible to every man, and bring a good report on the profession of the gospel'. 119.9. Grace...The gracious operations of the Holy Spirit are here meant: these overcome our natural pride, love of sin, and aversion to GOD and religion; and then we repent, believe in CHRIST, are justified by faith, mortify sin, die to ourselves, and liye to GOD in righteousness and true holiness. 120..4. Old age...Old age affords a man great advantage in overcoming some corrupt propensities: yet habits of indulgence often more than counterbalance the decays of nature; and avarice, suspicion, and peevishness, with other evils, gather strength as men advance in years. It is therefore in some particulars only, that age has the advantage over youth: and as some old men imagine that they have renounced sin, because they are no longer capable of committing the crimes in which they once lived; so there are young men, who presume that they shall live to be old, and imagine that repentance will then be comparatively easy to them: whereas, sin, in one form or other, gathers strength and establishes its dominion, as long as it is permitted to reign in the soul. The instruction, however, that is here conveyed, is very important; provided it be properly understood: for if we do not estimate the advantages of our situation, we cannot determine how far external amendment results from internal renovation. During tedious diseases, or in the immediate prospect of Matt. v, 16. |