Leviticus 24

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIV.—While in Jesus’ light I see light, and feed upon him, especially from sabbath to sabbath, let me essay to give light in his church, and be a good savour of Christ, in the feeding of his people with the true bread which cometh down from heaven. Let such as desire to enjoy gospel light never grudge the necessary expenses of it. And never let the pure oil of divine truth be adulterated with the fancies of men. What a mercy is it that they who come to God find a table spread for them in the wilderness: and that on every sabbath ministers are to provide fresh provision for the souls of their people! That the saints, in one generation after another, are set upon the table of the church, and especially on Christ, to the honour and delight of JENOVAH! Let me further observe that a graceless offspring is often the fruit of an unlowed marriage: that quarrels usually end ill; and that judges ought to act with deliberation, and yet with impartiality and zeal. I tremble therefore at the load of uncontrolled blasphemy which lies unpardoned on Britain; since I have spared the heaven-daring miscreants till they are so common that stones would almost be wanting to cast at them all! Let my soul weep in secret place for their crimes! Shall not God visit for these things? Shall not his soul be avenged on such a nation as this? and published and offered to us in the gospel, may be recognized from a undue affection to created comforts, and never hasten to be rich, but depend on God for daily bread, in following the ways of religion and charity. In view of my eternal jubilee let me consider wisely the cases of the poor; study equity in all my dealings; and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free. Blessed be his glorious name—though I have forfeited all my happiness— though I have sold myself a bond servant to Satan and my lusts—my KinsmanRedeemer Christ has paid all my debt; all my ransom! And whom the son hath made free, they are free indeed? Let me adore his sovereignty, that, while almost all the world are detained in everlasting bondage, the seed of Abraham, according to the Spirit, are made the Lord’s free men