Nehemiah 12:47

REFLECTIONS

FROM the perusal of this Chapter my soul may learn that the minutest point belonging to the church of Jesus, in all ages, hath been interesting, The very porters of God's house are spoken of with honourable testimony. David, indeed, though a prince, and a great one, declares himself that he would rather have been a door-keeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of ungodliness. Think, then, my soul, to what an honour art thou arrived, if so be Jesus hath betrothed thee to himself, and made thee his in an everlasting covenant and union not to be broken? Pause, and contemplate thine high privileges. Given by God thy Father to the person of his dear Son, Jesus hath bought thee, purchased thy ransom, subdued the unwillingness and stubbornness of thy nature by the sovereignty of his grace; endowed thee with all spiritual gifts, and graces, and blessings; undertaken, by the influences of his Spirit, to complete thine education; and by his own power when life is ended to bring thee unto glory. Are these thy mercies, my soul, and thy privileges in Jesus! And dost thou not love him, adore him, desire to live to him; and make him thy whole glory? Oh! precious Redeemer! be thou more and more precious, more and more lovely and desirable to my view. Oh, marvellous grace! Oh, stupendous mercy! Jesus hath loved me, and given himself for me, an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour! Lord! banish all other thoughts, drive out every buyer and seller from thy temple, which is my body and thy lawful right. Come in, Lord Jesus, and live, and reign, and dwell there. Be thou my God, my Lord, my righteousness, and let my soul's salvation be to thy glory.