September 17

Let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.—Matthew 17:4.

PETER'S rapturous state of mind carried him quite away, hence he was anxious to perpetuate the scene. The proposal was the result of happy excitement, but not of wisdom and reflection. His proposal in many respects was worthy of him, and displayed amiable and interesting traits of character. He wished only to build "tabernacles," a sort of booths, not permanent dwellings. He wanted these tabernacles to be on the mount of prayer, not in the crowded unhallowed scenes of the world. He wished the first to be erected for Christ, thus giving Jesus the Saviour, the preference over Moses and Elias. He did not say any thing about himself and brethren, perhaps he was anxious that they should be with Jesus, adoring at his feet. Then he referred the matter to Christ, "Lord if thou wilt," if it seem good in thy sight, if not, thy will be done. Yet the proposal displayed the weakness of the Apostle. Luke says, "Not knowing what he said." Peter erred, in that he wanted heaven here, forgetting that this world is the field of warfare, the race course, the ocean, the place of triumph, the goal;—the heaven is above. Peter lost sight of his brethren below, the other disciples who had not been invited to the scene, and therefore his plan was limited and selfish. Peter too forgot that it was unreasonable to wish to detain Moses and Elias, on a barren mountain, after they had become the citizens of the heavenly Zion. Besides three tabernacles at any rate were unnecessary, Moses and Elias, with all the redeemed company, not only wished to have communion with each other but especially to dwell with Jesus, and worship before him. He also forgot the conversation which related to Christ's decease at Jerusalem. An ignorant world had to be instructed, and the eternal interests of men, secured by his death upon the cross. It behoved therefore that the convocation, glorious as it was, must be dissolved: the splendour of the scene begins already to depart, the inexpressible extacy subsides. Jesus touches the Apostles, who had been overwhelmed with the glory they had beheld, and the well-known voice addresses them, "Arise, and be not afraid." The celestial visitants have departed, the cloud of the Divine presence and glory is removed, and now they leave the mountain, to perform the work which God had given them to do. Let us learn, however joyous may be the seasons which we may possess here, that they must be transitory, permanent bliss is enjoyed only in heaven, and a voice is constantly addressing us, "Arise and depart ye, for this is not your rest," but there remaineth an eternal sabbath for the people of God.