Nehemiah 8:18

REFLECTIONS

PRECIOUS chapter this, which in the view of Ezra reminds me of Jesus! how was it possible indeed to see Ezra taking the book, and opening it before the people, and not call to mind what I have read of thee, thou Holy Saviour, when as a Lamb thou, and thou alone, wert found worthy to open the book of God, and loose the seals thereof. And were the people of the captivity anxious to hear Ezra the scribe read out of the book of the law, and shall I not be, extremely solicitous that thou, most blessed Jesus, should open to me the precious words of salvation? Did they weep with holy tears at what they heard. And shall my soul remain, unmoved at the gracious words which proceed forth from thy mouth? Was the law of Moses, which contained the ministration of death, glorious to their view? And shall not life from the dead in the gospel of thy blood and righteousness, be abundantly more glorious? Oh! precious, precious Lamb of God; let me join the universal song that filled heaven and earth, in the moment redemption work was made known, and cry out with them; Thou art worthy to take the book, and open the seals thereof, for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God, by thy blood. Yes! thou adorable Redeemer; the church hail thee in heaven; the church praise thee on earth. Oh! let a poor worm send forth his feeble breathings, poor and feeble as they are, and sing as they did, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. May all glory be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. Amen.