Zechariah 4

Ver. 2, 3, 11, 14. The candlestick denotes the church curiously framed, pure, precious, and durable; the seven lamps her ministers and members; the two olive trees, Christ in his natures or offices, or he and his Spirit in their new covenant stations; the oil, gifts and graces; and the pipes for conveying it, the ordinances of the gospel

Zechariah 4:6-10

Not by human, but divine assistance, shall Zerubbabel, notwithstanding all the attempts of the heathens to hinder him, happily and triumphantly finish the building of the temple: and even you, who have had low thoughts of the beginning of this work, shall rejoice when you see him carrying it on prosperously, and marvellously assisted by my all-seeing, all-preserving, and governing Providence. And in like manner shall Jesus Christ, notwithstanding all the opposition of hell and earth, from age to age build up his gospel church, though by weak instruments, to the great comfort of his people

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—Not only must the Holy Ghost exhibit to us divine things, but must also make us observe them. And it is desirable to understand God’s manifestations of himself in his word, ordinances, and providences: yea, great is the shame that we are so slow of heart to conceive of them. Yet in parables we may often understand their scope, though we should not clearly understand every circumstance of them. No want of human helps can hinder God’s work. Nay, they are often withheld that his power and grace may have all the glory. Silent progress will issue in triumphant shoutings. What takes its rise from, may safely be committed to the care of, his grace. He will never forsake the work of his hands. And, while fulfilment of predictions attests their divine original, the smallest beginnings of his work ought never to be despised. It is inexpressibly comfortable to see magistrates and ministers active in building the church, and God himself making all his providences to concur for her welfare, while Jesus and his Spirit, by ordinances and oracles, pour down their influences upon her ministers and members. 10 K