NOTES UPON PART II. 229 it, that fear should intervene, to prevent worse consequences. So that, when believers have not only departed from the way, but have also fallen asleep on forbidden ground, their alarms and doubts are salutary, though often groundless and extreme: and should any man, by preaching or writing, be able to prevent all the despondings of such persons, previous to their repentance and its happy effects, he would subserve the design of the tempter, and counteract the Lord's plan. We can, with propriety, do no more in this case, than encourage the fallen to repent and seek forgiveness, by the general truths, invitations, and promises of scripture; and comfort them when penitent, by suitable topics," that they may "not be swallowed up of over-much sorrow."-But though this part of the allegory may be deemed liable to some objection, or capable of being abused, yet it is probable, that the author only intended to show, that the labours of faithful ministers, with the converse and prayers of such believers. as are strong in faith, may be very useful in recovering the fallen, and relieving them that are ready to despond; and of` thus preventing the more durable and dreadful effects of the weak believer's transgressions. 147..1. Marvel... Faith exercised on the promises, and according to the warrant, of scripture, engages the arm of omnipotence on our side, as far as our duty or advantage, and the glory of GoD are concerned: so that strong faith. will remove out of our way every obstacle which prevents our progress. But many things seem to us to be insurmountable obstacles which are merely trials of our patience, orthorns in the flesh" to keep us humble: no degree of faith therefore will remove them; but believing prayer will be answered by inward strength communicated to our souls. "The grace of the Lord JESUS will be sufficient for us:" "his strength will be perfected in our weakness:" the burning bush shall not be consumed: and we shall be enabled to proceed, though in great weakness, and with many trembling apprehensions. On the other hand, real hindrances 230 NOTES UPON PART II. frequently obstruct our path, "because of our unbelief," and because we neglect the proper means of increasing our faith'.-The other emblems are sufficiently explained, and only require to be duly considered, with reference to their practical import. It may however be observed, that some godly men are durably suspected of crimes, charged upon them by prejudiced persons, of which they are entirely innocent: yet, perhaps, this will be found to have originated from some misconduct in other respects, or from want of circumspection in "avoiding the appearance of evil :" so that the general rule may be allowed to be valid; and they who feel themselves to be exceptions to it will do well to examine, whether they have not by indiscretions, at least, exposed themselves to this painful trial. I apprehend most of us have cause enough in this respect for humiliation and patience. 149..22. The glass...The holy scriptures, revealing to us the mysteries and perfections of GOD, showing us our own real character and condition, and discovering CHRIST and his salvation to our souls, are represented under this emblem. Every true believer longs to be more completely acquainted with them from day to day, and to look into them continually. 151..6. Reason...The author embraces every opportunity of showing the important advantages of the pastoral office, when faithfully executed: by which he meant, the regular care of a stated minister over a company of professed christians, who are his peculiar charge, have voluntarily placed themselves under his instructions, seek counsel from him in all their difficulties, and pay regard to his private admonitions; being convinced that he uprightly seeks their spiritual welfare, and is capable of promoting it. Nothing so much tends to the establishment and consistent conduct of believers, or the permanent success of the gospel, as a proper reciprocal attention of pastors and their flocks to each other. A general way of preaching and hearing, with little or no con, 1 Matt. xvii. 19-21. nection, cordial unreserved intercourse, or even acquaintance between ministers and their congregations; with continual changes from one place to another, may tend to spread a superficial knowledge of evangelical truth more widely: but through the want of seasonable reproof, counsel, encouragement, or admonition, the general directions delivered from the pulpit will feldom be recollected when they are most wanted. Hence it is, that professors so often miss their way, are taken in the FLATTERER's net, and fall asleep on the enchanted ground: and a faithful guide, ever at hand, to give the caution or direction at the time is the proper remedy, for which no adequate substitute can be found. But, as it is much easier to preach at large on general topics; and after a few sermons delivered in one congregation, to go over the same ground again in another place; than to perform duly the several parts of the arduous office, which is sustained by the stated pastor of a regular congregation: and as it is far more agreeable to nature, to be exempted from private admonitions, than to be troubled with them: it may be feared, that this important subject will not at present be duly attended to. 159..19. The man... From the names afterwards given to the opponents, with whom this pilgrim fought, we may infer, that the author meant to represent by them certain wild enthusiasts, who, not having ever duly considered any religious subject, officiously intrude themselves in the way of professors; to perplex their minds, and persuade them, that unless they adopt their reveries or superstitions, they cannot be saved. An ungovernable imagination, a mind incapable of sober reflection, and a dogmatizing spirit, characterize these enemies of the truth they assault religious persons with specious reasonings, cavilling objections, confident assertions, bitter reproaches, proud boastings, sarcastical censures, and rash judgements: they endeavour to draw them over to their party, or to drive them from attending to religion at all; or to terrify them with the fears of damnation, in their present endeavours to serve God, and find his salvation. Whatever 232 NOTES UPON PART II. company of persons we suppose that the author had in view, we may learn from the passage what our strength, hope, and conduct ought to be, when we are thus assaulted. The word of GOD, used in faith, and with fervent and persevering prayer, will at length enable us to silence such dangerous assailants: and if we be valiant for the truth, and meekly contend for it, amidst revilings, menaces, and contempt, we may hope to confirm others also, and to promote the common cause. 156..29. Idle... This hath been the reproach cast on religion in every age. PHARAOH said to MOSES and the ISRAELITES, "Ye are idle, ye are idle; therefore ye say, let us go "and do sacrifice to the LORD." Men naturally imagine, that time spent in the immediate service of GOD is wasted: should a professor therefore employ as many hours every week, in reading the scriptures, in secret and social prayer, in pious discourse, and in attending on public ordinances, as his neighbour devotes to amusement and sensual indulgence; an outcry would speedily be made, about his idling away his time, and being in the way to beggar his family. As this must be expected, it behoves all believers to avoid every appearance of evil, and by exemplary diligence in their proper employments, a careful redemption of time, a prudent frugality in their expences, and a good management of all their affairs, to "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." For there are too many favourers of the gospel, who give plausibility to these slanders, by running from place to place, that they may hear every new preacher; while the duty of the family, and of their station in the community is miserably neglected.— They "walk disorderly, working not at all, but are busy. "bodies:" from these we ought to withdraw, and against such professors we should protest; for they are "ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 66 158..1. Deceivers... Worldly people, in opposing the gospel, descant abundantly on the folly and hypocrisy of NOTES UPON PART II. 233 religious persons; they pick up every vague report that they hear to their disadvantage, and narrowly watch for the halting of such as they are acquainted with; and then they form general conclusions, from a few particular, distorted, and uncertain stories. Thus they endeavour to prove, that there is no reality in religion, that it is impossible to find the way to heaven, and that it is better to be quiet than to bestow pains to no purpose. This frivolous sophistry is frequently employed, after all other arguments have been silenced.—But it is vain to deny the existence of hypocrites, and deceivers; or to excuse the evils to which they object: on the contrary, we should allow these representations, as far as there is any appearance of truth in them, and then show that this teaches us to beware lest we be deceived, and to try every doctrine by the touchstone of GOD's word; that counterfeits prove the value of the thing counterfeited; that we should learn to distinguish between the precious, and the vile; and, finally, that while danger may attend a religious profession irreligion ensures destruction. 160..15. Air...The subsequent view of the ENCHANTED GROUND seems rather to vary from that which has been considered in the first part. The circumstances of believers who are deeply engaged in business, and constrained to spend much time among worldly people, is here particularly intended. This may sometimes be unavoidable; but it is en chanted ground: many professors, fascinated by the advantages and connections thus presented to them, fall asleep, and wake no more others are entangled by those thorns and briers, which "choke the word, and render it unfruitful." The more soothing the scene the greater the danger, and the more urgent need is there for watchfulness and circumspection: the more vigilant believers are, the greater uneasiness will such scenes occasion them; as they will be so long out of their proper element and the weaker and more unestablished men are, the more apt will they be in such circumstances, to yield to discouragement. The society and counsel of faithful |