Nehemiah 7:73

REFLECTIONS

LEAVING the subject of Jerusalem's safety, and the means the zealous Nehemiah adopted to preserve her from the foe, I would call upon myself and Reader to an higher subject arising out of it, and consider how our Almighty Governor, when about to return to the court of heaven, having finished the holy building of salvation in his own blood and righteousness, set watchmen upon the walls of his Zion, and poured forth abundance of grace that a standing ministry might be alive to the safety and security of his redeemed ones. Yes, blessed Jesus! methinks I see thee in the moment of thy departure sending forth thy servants, and bidding them to be very anxious for the everlasting interests of thy Zion; and under thy blessed Spirit to watch at thy gates, and at the doors of thine house, night and day, and to give the Lord Jehovah no rest, nor peace, until he hath made Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Ye ministers of my God! see that ye are found faithful to your post! Plead with the people! plead with God in Christ; make mention of his purchase, of his blood, of his cross, of the register of the names in the book of life written in heaven; and never cease, never give over; but be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort. And oh thou adorable Emmanuel! do thou bless and crown the labours of thy faithful sent servants, that Jerusalem may again be peopled with men as a flock.