Leviticus 21

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXI.—In these ceremonial figures I behold Jesus, my priest for ever, unminted with splash affections, or immoderate passions—I behold him holy, harmless, and undefiled—perfect as his Father who is in heaven is perfect; personally united with an unspotted manhood; graciously united to virgin-cherches; and spiritually married to washed and sanctified souls, nor ever-deceived from attending his work, no not by the most powerful temptations. Let me learn likewise what noted examples gospel-ministers ought to be of holiness and purity; what close and earnest attention they ought to give to their work, with what patience and resignation they ought to bear the loss of worldly comforts; how circumspect they ought to be with respect to their meriness and family; and how, as servants, they ought to labour to be perfect and unblemished, even as their Master. Yes, if I name the name of Christ, whatever be my place in his church, let me depart from iniquity, and follow after holiness in an manner of conversation. While God is my portion, as well as my master, on no account should I desert or neglect his worship; and, while my God liveth, never should I sorrow for deceased relations, or withdrawn comforts, as those who have no hope. Since I am a child of Jesus, let me never by whorish pollutions or apostasy discredit him, or endanger myself. Since I am betrothed to him, let me never wittingly lay his enemy, an heir of hell, in my bosom. And, since God hath promised to supply all my wants, let me cast my cares on him, and firmly trust that he will perfect his work which concerneth me, rendering me perfect, even as my Father which is in heaven is perfect. And let me bless the Lord that, though my infirmities should disqualify me for office in the church, they do not debar me from partaking of Jesus, my sacred provision, in the courts and ordinances of his grace