By Rev. EBENEZER ERSKINE.
(Continued from page 303.)
THE fourth thing was the application of the doctrine; and the first use is of information. Is it so that Zion’s King is sometimes held in the galleries of gospel ordinances? Then, 1. See hence the happiness and dignity of the saints of God beyond the rest of the world. We reckon that person highly honoured, who is admitted to the king’s presence-chamber, and to walk with him in His galleries. This honour have all the saints, either in a greater or lesser degree; truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And, therefore, I may infer that they are the excellent ones in the earth, and more excellent than their neighbour. Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable. 2. See hence why the saints put such a value and estimate on gospel-ordinances. David everywhere declares his esteem of them; I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth. He would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of his God, than dwell in the tents of sin. Why, what is the matter? The plain matter is this, they are the galleries where Zion’s King doth walk, and manifest His glory unto His subjects: Ps. xxvii. 4. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord. I pass other uses and go on to a second use of this doctrine, and that is by way of trial and examination. My friends, you have been in the galleries of the King of Zion; but that is not enough; and therefore let me ask—have you been in the galleries with the King? and have you been holding the King in the galleries? There are many poor ignorant creatures, who, if they get a token and win to* a communion table, think all is right and clear between God and them, like the whore, Prov. vii. 14. Peace-offerings are with me; this day I have paid my vows. But, O sirs, remember folk may win in to the outer galleries of ordinances and never win in to the inner gallery of communion with the Lord Jesus. For your trial as to this matter, I shall only propose a few questions to you. Question 1. What did you hear in the galleries? What said the King unto you? For, as I told you, the galleries of ordinances are the place of audience where the King of Zion converses with His people. And, readily, if He hath spoken with you, you will remember what He said; for He speaks as never man spake, He has the tongue of the learned, and His words are as goads and as nails fastened in a sure place. The spouse, we find, had been in the chamber of presence, and in the banqueting house; she tells that the King spake with her, and she remembers what He said, Cant. ii. 10. My Beloved spake, and said unto me, rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. So then, did the King speak with you in the galleries? Did He speak a word of conviction, or a word of comfort, a word of peace, or a word of consolation? or whatever it be. Question. How shall I know that it was His voice, and not the voice of a stranger? Answer. The sheep of Christ have a natural instinct whereby they know His voice; it has a different sound from the voice of a stranger; and if you be the sheep of Christ, you will know it better than I can tell you it by words. When He speaks, He makes the heart to burn; and you will be ready to say with the disciples—Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us, in the galleries? His words have kindled a flame of love that many waters cannot quench, a flame of zeal for His glory; a flame of holy joy, so that you will be ready to say with David, God hath spoken in His holiness, I will rejoice. When He speaks, He makes the soul to speak, whose lips were formerly closed; for His voice makes the lips of those that are asleep to speak. If He has said—Seek ye My face, your souls have echoed—Thy face, Lord, will I seek. If He has said—Come, thy soul has answered, behold, I come unto Thee, for Thou art the Lord my God. If He has spoken peace to you, this day in the galleries, you will be concerned not to return again unto folly; you have been made to say with Ephraim—What have I to do any more with idols?
(To be continued.)
*Get to.