September 28

"The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!" Lamentations 4:2.

Such is the difference between the judgment of God and the spirit of the world concerning the precious sons of Zion. In the estimation of God—and his judgment is always according to truth—they are comparable to gold, yea, fine gold. And they are so for their rareness, and their purity, and their value, and their durability, and for their bearing the severest probation; and instead of being injured by the trial, deriving improvement and lustre and usefulness from it.

But as that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God, so that which is approved and commended of God is undervalued and despised by men. The world therefore knoweth them not. It knew him not. Their Lord and Saviour was despised and rejected by them. And they as his followers are esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter. Natural men judge only from sense and outward appearances, and Christians are often poor and afflicted. They see the outside of the tabernacle, and this is covered with goats' skins and badgers' skins, dyed red; but they never enter the holy place, nor approach Him who sitteth between the cherubim. They are sensual, not having the Spirit; and spiritual things are spiritually discerned. They do not feel their need of the blessings which constitute the happiness and glory of the children of God, and therefore prize not the possessors of them. Yea, the carnal mind is enmity against God, and causes them to dislike every thing that bears his impression and likeness.

Yet even these despisers shall behold and wonder and perish. When the delusions of time shall give place to the unveiled realities of eternity, they will be compelled to exclaim, He fools counted their lives madness, and their end to be without honor. How are they numbered with the saints, and their lot is among the children of God! Yea, even now there are moments when, if we could witness the workings of convic-

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30 tion, we should hear many a Balaam admiring, and praying. How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! and thy tabernacles, O Israel! Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.

Christians should not be uneasy and impatient under the mistakes and reproaches of their adversaries. It is a light thing to be judged of man's judgment. He that judgeth them is the Lord. Their praise is not of man, but of God. They should know that this is not their day. Their day is coming. It will be the manifestation of the sons of God. Yea, conscious of what by the grace of God they are, they should learn in whatsoever state they are therewith to be content. In every thing they should give thanks. Their souls should make their boast in the Lord. They should never scruple to extol and recommend their privileges and excellences. That which we have heard and seen, says the apostle John, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us. And is this desirable? And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Who is on the Lord's side? O my soul, art thou? Dost thou love and admire those whom God approves and honors? Canst thou call the saints that are in the earth. The excellent, and say, In them is all my delight? Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, and esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.