Ezekiel 1:1-3

Let the Reader call to mind, through the whole of this prophecy, the state in which the Prophet as well as the Church was, at the time of those visions with which he was favoured. God's people are peculiarly blessed, when brought into peculiar situations. Jeremiah was in the dungeon, Ezekiel in captivity; and John in exile in the desolate island of Patmos, when the Lord manifested his special tokens of favor. Reader! it is very blessed to be withdrawn wholly from men, in order to enjoy communion with God. It appears by this account, that four whole years had run out, in which we hear of no vision. And it should seem, that all this while the Church lay without ordinances and means of grace, or Sabbaths; as a Wife deserted of her Husband! Reader! think of your privileges, and mark the Lord's mercy to Israel. Though a wife of whoredoms; and though sent into captivity; yet the Lord hateth putting away. He will not leave himself without witness. Ezekiel shall be commissioned. Reader! look to those scriptures! Isaiah 42:22; Jeremiah 31:20; Malachi 2:16.