Ezra 3:13

REFLECTIONS

SEE, my soul, in those perilous, poor times of the church, yet amidst all their poverty, the altar was set up, and the foundation of the temple laid. But thine Altar is forever established, and thy foundation from everlasting laid; even Jesus, who is the sum and substance of every altar, sacrifice, and priesthood, and the whole of the temple, foundation, and top-stone, brought forth with shoutings of grace, grace unto it. Yes! thou dear Redeemer, in the secret and mysterious nature of thy person, work, and office, thy blood and righteousness, do thy people find the Altar, on which all offerings can alone be offered. On thee, and in thee, and by thee, all the presentations of thy people's persons and prayers come up with acceptance. And thou art the foundation on which is built their life, safety, happiness, and comfort, both in time and eternity. And, Lord, grant that in the view of thee and thy finished work, I may lose sight of all outward things; for neither the splendor of Solomon's temple, nor the want of splendor in the second temple, is anything, for thou art All, and in all.

Where thou art, blessed Jesus, thou givest glory indeed, to the service, to the offering, in the church, in the heart of all thy people; and without thee what is all the outward adorning, or inward parade of church or worship? My soul therefore will weep like those men if thou art not present, and shout for joy when thou art with me. Everywhere, and in all things, be thou my portion; and then in all things my happiness will be complete. Thou art my dwelling place, my church, my temple, my altar, my sacrifice: for how full of all things art thou to supply every spiritual necessity? And while my soul is sweetly solacing herself in thee and on thee; while Christ is my home, my house, my habitation; his flesh my food; his blood my drink; his righteousness my covering; and all that belongs to Jesus my treasure; angels will be my ministering spirits; and Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit, my companions both here and forever.