Numbers 9

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IX.—We need repeated excitements to the most pleasant and solemn services of God; though it is an infinite favour that, in these deserts of trouble, we may keep the Lord’s solemn feasts. Those who know their value will delight in the observance, and rejoice to see others hungering and thirsting after God’s ordinances, even when hindrances are laid in their way. Ministers ought ever to be careful in debarring scandalous sinners from the seals of the covenant; yet, on the contrary, ever cautious, and attentive to God’s word, in determining particular cases. But here let me reflect on the mercy that, though we Gentiles were of old afar off, and in our uncleanness, God hath brought us nigh by the blood of his Son, and hath provided a second, a gospel passover for us! If then we be unavoidably disappointed of public ordinances, let us take the first opportunity of approaching his house or table. Providential hindrances may disappoint us of the means, but cannot, if our hearts be right, deprive us of the grace thereof; God will amply supply our wants some other way: while such as reject God’s ordinances will be rejected by him. Habitual neglect of the Lord’s supper is a fearful sign of a naughty heart.—Let Jesus, and JEHOVAN in him, be our pillar of cloud, to direct our motions and rests; and let us be always obedient to his tokens: no safety can be had in going before him; and no comfort can be had in loitering behind him. Let me be ready, with comfort, to see this cloud remove into the eternal state, where I expect a more abiding habitation; that when death comes I may have nothing to do but to remove; and, even by the way, let God fix my residence and lot as he pleases; and there let me contentedly pitch my tent