OF THE TREE OF LIFE: A MANUAL FOR THE INTERVALS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF DIVINE BY REV. ROBERT W. FRASER, M. A. MINISTER OF THE PARISH OF ST. JOHN'S, EDINBURGH. AHLON EDINBURGH: PATON AND RITCHIE, 3 HANOVER STREET; MDCCCLI. 138. c. 247. Preface. HE metaphorical expression, "Tree of Life," has various significations in the Scriptures. It is applied to "Wisdom," which is spoken of as 66 a Tree of Life to them that lay hold upon her;" it is used to represent fruition, as opposed to disappointment,-" Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but when the desire cometh, it is a Tree of Life;" it is applied also to what is understood by the words, "The fruit of the righteous," and by the expression, "A wholesome tongue." The same metaphor, as used in the Book of Revelation, refers to Christ, and to the benefits which, through Him, believers are made to partake; and the sacred doctrines and precepts taught in Holy Writ by the inspiration of His Spirit, may be understood as being referred to in the words, "And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." The title of this little volume is derived, therefore, from the passages of Holy Scripture which it contains, and which may truly be termed LEAVES OF THE TREE OF LIFE, as testifying of Jesus, who came to heal our spiritual diseases, and to confer eternal life on them that believe in Him. In accordance with the metaphorical title of the work, not only the prose, but the poetical parts of it, have been composed, in a great measure, with reference to such similitudes or analogies, as tend to illustrate the topics suggested by the texts, and to impress them on the reader's mind. For this kind of instruction there is the highest authority. The meditations are very brief. They cannot, therefore,-although intended for perusal in the intervals between the hours of Divine service,-interfere with the instructions of the pulpit; while, through the Divine blessing, they may tend to foster that habit of pious thought that devotional frame of mind, so desirable on the Lord's Day. The Author places this little Manual in his readers' hands, trusting to that Divine blessing which alone can render it useful in the cause which it is humbly intended to promote. EDINBURGH, April 1851. |