experience of their own trials and difficulties, contrasted with the predicted blessedness of the saints in these glorious days, may excite in them some feelings of discouragement, and may cast at times a transient gloom across their minds. Such feelings, indeed, would find no place in a nature that was perfectly renewed. But we must ever bear in mind, that the most eminent Christians are, in this life, renewed but in part; they are still compassed with infirmity. And in this state of things, it is far from impossible, but that they may at times be tempted to repine at their own lot, and to wish that their portion had been cast in those happier days, of which such glorious things are prophesied. While "watching and keeping their garments," conflicting with trials, and surrounded by dangers, how often may they be urged to exclaim, O that we had been

reserved for that season of Blessedness, when "such trials and dangers will be known no "more! O that, instead of bearing the burden

and heat of the day, we had been called ' into the vineyard at the eleventh hour, when

the work will be nearly finished, and the 'cool of the evening shall have commenced, "and rest and refreshment will be the la'bourer's portion!' Such wishes, it is to be admitted, would not be perfectly innocent,

because they imply some little measure at least of dissatisfaction and impatience. But the Lord is very merciful and of tender pity. He graciously watches over his people's happiness, and often anticipates even their unreasonable desires. And in this view may not the assurance which we are considering, be regarded as peculiarly seasonable? May He not be supposed, as at this time addressing these words unto his people, for this reason among others, that He might kindly meet the feelings to which we have adverted; and show them that He does not forget their work and labour that proceedeth of love?" True, indeed, it is, that those who wait and come to the 'predicted time, shall be blessed. But envy not ye their lot. Repine not ye at their blessedness. Ye have not been forgotten of

' me.

There is a blessedness also for you; a joy with which a stranger intermeddleth "not." I pronounce you blessed. Let this assurance console and satisfy you. "Blessed

192

CHAP. VI.

THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED.

LET us now inquire into the particulars of which the promised Blessedness will consist. And in entering on this inquiry, it will be necessary to determine the period to which the promise belongs; the time, in reference to which our Lord declares, that "he who watcheth and keepeth his garments is blessed." If we contemplate the true Christian as he stands in relation to the world to come, we shall see that with a prospective view to the happiness and glory reserved for him in heaven, he may in truth at all times be pronounced blessed. Whatever his circumstances on earth may be, in whatever trials or troubles, in whatever depths of poverty or affliction he may be here involved, yet, rich in the reversion of a heavenly inheritance, he possesses even now a present blessedness, which is the common property of all the people of God: and, therefore, in this sense, with respect to the glory which shall be revealed, Christ might say to

his Church at the present Crisis, "Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments;" as He said to his disciples, when He was on earth, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

But seasonable and consolatory as such a declaration would doubtless be to the people of God; much as it might tend to their support and encouragement under present trials, to be reminded of the Blessedness which awaits them hereafter in the kingdom of their Heavenly Father; yet the assurance given in the passage before us, seems to require a more specific and definite application. Let us recall to mind. the peculiar circumstances under which this promise is given -the peculiar Crisis in which Christ thus addresses his Church the peculiar event, of which He designs to admonish them, namely, the near approach of the time of unprecedented trouble, and then let us consider, whether it be not reasonable to suppose, that this promise bears a special relation to the time in question, and is given chiefly for the purpose of reminding the people of God of the signal favour which will be vouchsafed to them in this approaching season. "Behold,

K

I come as a thief." "Those aweful judgments of which the prophets have spoken; those days of predicted and unparalleled visitation on the enemies of God, are at ⚫ hand.

They are even at the door. But fear not ye, nor let your hearts be dismayed." ""Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments.' He shall be preserved in the • midst of those calamities which shall over"whelm the wicked. He shall be purified, but 'not destroyed, by them. A place of safety ⚫ shall be opened unto him in the day of trouble. Let him now watch and keep his

garments, and then the Lord will watch over and keep him. He shall be safe under the shadow of his wings, until the tyranny be ❝ overpast. In this sense In this sense I pronounce him

'Blessed.'

Such appears to the writer of this essay to be the specific meaning and application of the assurance here given to the Church. It is designed to convey to it an intimation of that security and protection, which will be vouchsafed to it in the season of approaching tribulation. The time, indeed, will be "a time of trouble, such as there never has been since there was a nation even to that time:" but the Lord will open a way of escape for his faithful