Chapter V. IF the soul has now in a great measure brought into captivity every thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and his holy presence dawns in its room, we begin to feel in a great degree freed from those vain thoughts, which so short a time before continually presented themselves to our view. But while we are enjoying the beauty and sweetness of the gifts of hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling, of these faculties, and in the objects themselves which are most of them but streams, we must be aware of taking too much delight in them, and thereby be entangled, supposing that the streams are the fountain itself. It is the Lord alone that will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ships pass thereby. (b) Who dwelleth also with them that are of a contrite and humble spirit. (c) Though the Lord be high yet hath he respect unto the lowly; but the proud he knoweth afar off. (d) By grace are we saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast. For "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works." (b) Isai. 33. 21. (c) Isai. 57. 15. (d) Ps. 138. 6. Be still; and know that he who said, “I AM that I AM," remains the same to-day, yesterday and for ever: he will arise for our help and comfort, that we may enjoy a foretaste of that glorious kingdom, "where" the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." He who was the still. small voice that appeared to the prophet Elijah, and who also will be a swift reprover of evil in our hearts, and whisper peace when we do well; he who will hide us in the secret of his presence from the pride of man; will keep us secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (e) The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habi (e) Ps, 84. 11. tation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. (f) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (g) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. (h) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. (i) He also will hear their cry, and will save them. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life. (j) In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. (k) If we have thus far proceeded in our Christian course, let us press on towards the mark for the prize of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus, who for the joy that (f) Isai. 32. 18. (g) Prov. 18. 10. (i) Ps. 103. 13. (k) Isai. 54. 8. was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame. The Lord waiteth to be gracious, saying unto us, will ye not be made clean? when shall it once be? (1) He draweth us with the cords of a man, with bands of love; (m) come then to this cross, and glory in nothing save in it alone, that the axe may be laid to the root of the tree of self, that it may be hewn down, and cast into the fire; having all the refined selfishness with which the soul is entangled, removed thereby; being willing to offer up the very good itself as Abraham did his only son Isaac. That we may rise again in the pure life of love and innocency, being workers together with him, not having received the grace of God in vain, (for he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (n) (1) Jer. 13. 27. (m) Hos. 11. 4. (n) 2 Cor. 6. 1, 2. |