Midnight waking, twilight weeping, Such as earth has never known, 4. I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 5. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor wake my love, till he please. In the arms of faith and love alone, can the Church hold fast Jesus, and retain the joy of His salvation! Those who have found him to be precious, will not be content to "let him go" without leaving, as in Jacob's case, a rich blessing behind him: both on their own account, as well also for the Church's, (the "mother's house," the "chambers,") wherein souls are, by grace, conceived, through the ministry of the Word, and the due administration of Christ's ordinances. Have you found Christ-Reader? or, rather, have you been found of Him? Then take Him home to your "house" Let all your dear relations and brethren be told of his great grace and love. See that ye grieve Him not, lest He depart. Let all " bitterness, and strife, and evil speaking, and clamour," be put away. Disturb Him not. "I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor wake my love, till he please." 6. Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? God's dealings with ancient Israel were typical. They were" the portion of the Lord and the lot of His inheritance;" and so are all the souls which by grace are called to know and follow the Lamb of God. Israel was brought up from the "howling wilderness," by cloud, and pillar of fire, and miracle: so are the "souls of the righteous" led up from the "wilderness" of nature into the garden of grace, which is the Church of Christ. As they ascend from the maze of spiritual blindness, and the wilderness, their affections heavenward rise up towards God in Christ "like pillars of smoke!" Christ's flock do not stand still, but, led by Him, their good Shepherd, continually are making head out of the wilderness. Their progress is visible. Their prayers, and holy services, like " pillars of smoke," rise up to Jesus, and are grateful and acceptable to God—being perfumed with sweet spices and holy incense-those fruits of the Spirit, which are, through Jesus Christ, acceptable to the Father, and well-pleasing in the sight of the Church's friends and companions. But all these "graces," are from Christ. He is the "Merchantman" from far, who supplies His Church with the "aloes, myrrh and cassia." In Him only, and by His Holy Spirit are we able to offer sacrifices pleasing to God, of sweet-smelling savour. The larger our dealings with this rich "Merchantman," the more fragrant and plentiful our stores of grace. His merchandise is better than the "merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof of fine gold." But the merchandise of the earth will come to nought, and the merchants of Anti-Christ be confounded, as it is written :1 "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 1. Rey. xvii. 11—12. and saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!" 7. Behold his bed which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. 8. They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. A greater than Solomon is here, and an object of admiration more beautiful than either his costly bed or his magnificent temple!-Christ's Church, wherein such as are appointed unto salvation" are begotten and born again " by the incorruptible Word," is the thing signified by this metaphorical language. It is a "bed," and that of rest, where the " weary and heavy laden " lie down in peace, none making them afraid. It is also well guarded More are with her than against her; the Lord himself keeps her by night and by day. As "the mountains are round about Jerusalem," so are the ministers of God and the holy angels set for the defence and guardianship of Christ's Church, and every member of His Body. The ministers and pastors of the flock are to prove 1. Is. xxvii. 2-3. themselves valiant for the Church's defence; being always ready armed with " the sword of the Spirit." With this, Christ expects them to be "expert," as well as "valiant," both to silence the fears of His people during the night of their doubts and fears, as well as comfort and support them. The angels of God, which "excel in power," are the ministers of mercy, sent forth to minister3 to every heir of Christ's Kingdom. Their number is more than Solomon's three-score valiant men. Their name is Legion, and their strength wonderful. By them, are His people, shielded from all "terror by night." They encamp around them, and deliver them, and to their unseen, watchful care, are the Lord's flock continually indebted for their wonderful and hair-breadth escapes! Surely the Lord's people may rest in peace and feel secure, knowing that around their bed and about their path, the angels of God are commanded to watch, lest they "should at any time even dash their feet against a stone!" 4 How free from wasting care and anxious thoughts ought they to be, who are thus assured of the Lord's charge over them! They may be assaulted, but shall not be defeated; distressed, but not destroyed; wounded, but not 1 Ephes. vi. 17. 2 Psm. ciii. 20. 3 Heb. i. 14. 4 Psm. xci. 12.-II. Pet. i. 4. |