Psalms 83:18

REFLECTIONS

MY soul! observe how implacable is the enmity of Satan against Christ's hidden ones: and what persecutions, from a variety of quarters, he will stir up, in order to draw them from God. But observe also, how eternally secure they are of God's favor. They are hidden with him, and hidden in him: and although for a time the Lord may seem to keep silence, while the enemy triumphs; yet, in due time, Jesus will arise to the destruction of all his and their adversaries; and while the Lord hides them, he manifests himself in their defense.

See, my soul, whether thou art in this happy number: The people that are hidden, dwell alone, and are not reckoned among the nations. They are so truly secret and unperceived, in all their sweet transactions with God in Christ, that the world knoweth them not, because it knew him not. And who shall describe their hidden life with Christ in God? Who shall say how, or when, it began; how it is carried on; how kept alive; by what channel communicated, and preserved to glory? Oh! the unknown mercies, the unnumbered blessings, from the day of their effectual calling, until grace is consummated in everlasting glory! Oh! the blessed visits Jesus makes to his hidden ones the manner he gives to them in secret the ten thousand foretastes of his love! Lamb of God! that feedest thy church above, surely no less art thou attentive to thine hidden ones in the wilderness below. Yes, thou precious Lord Jesus, thou art my life, my strength, my joy, my portion, my defense, when the Ishmaelites, and the Esaus, and Edoms, of the present hour, come on like troops of Tema, to destroy. Hide me, Lord, in thee and thy righteousness, and give me to see it, and daily to live by faith in present enjoyment of it, until faith is swallowed up in sight; until thou art in everything blessed to my soul, and I am blessed in thee. Then, like the apostle, I shall truly know that I am dead to everything but thee, and that my life is hid with thee in God; that when thou, who art my life, shalt appear, I shall appear also with thee in glory.