to see Christ, when so many others are still following hard after him; and, in the bitterness of their souls, crying, "O! that I knew where I might find him." Be thankful that you have been once more entertained with Divine dainties at his table, when so many others are still wandering in the highways and hedges, greedy after husks, and perishing with hunger. But such distinguishing privileges demand something more than thanks. It is expected that you be living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men. It is expected that the life of Jesus be made manifest in your mortal flesh, and that you bear about continually the dying of the Lord Jesus. It is expected that you should take his yoke upon you, and learn of him to be meek and lowly in heart. In short, it is expected that you show so much of the christian in the whole of your temper, carriage, and conversation, that the world may take knowledge of you, that you have this day been with Jesus.

MEDITATION XV.

[June 2, 1799.]

CANTICLES VI. 2.

MY BELOVED IS GONE DOWN INTO HIS GARDEN, TO THE BEDS OF SPICES, TO FEED IN THE GARDENS, AND TO GATHER

LILIES.

CHRISTIANS, you have been this morning seeking Jesus which was crucified; and as he often walk in the midst of the golden candlesticks, I hope you have not been altogether disappointed. But the transient and imperfect glimpse you got of him there, only inflamed your desire after a nearer and clearer view of him as he is feeding in his garden. By the garden, we are to understand the visible church; all that are separated from the rest of the world by a profession of true faith in Christ. It is an enclosed garden, secured, for the owner's use and entertainment, from the inroads of those that would injure and destroy it. It is a watered garden; whereas the rest of the world is a barren wilderness, a dry and thirsty land where no water is. The church has the word and Spirit accompanying the ordinance like a river, the streams

whereof make glad the city of our God. It is also a well planted garden, furnished with all manner of trees and flowers for beauty and fruitfulness. By those emblems are set forth the variety of graces in believers. Some are more eminent for one grace, and some for another. Some may be compared to cedars and some to lilies. Christ is the great Proprietor of this garden, and often honours and blesses it with his presence. Indeed, it is all the glory of our religious assemblies, that Christ is among us. And all the profit and advantage by means of ordinances depends entirely on the presence and blessing of Christ. But are we so sensible of it as we should be? Are we so sensible of it as we have been? May not Christ say to us, as he did to the church of Ephesus," Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love?" Might not Christ say to us, "Once I was had in esteem among you; you took pains to obtain and secure my presence; and, if I did but frown or talk of going away, sorrow filled hearts: but now I may come if I please, and stay away if I please, and am little regarded by you. You have a name and form, an outside, and that contents you; whether any are converted or edified you little ask or care." O that we were deeply humbled and grieved that we should ever be so cold and slighting in our carriage towards him, whom yet we call our

your

Beloved! O that we were stirred up to be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain and are ready to die; that we might, if possible, recover something of what we have lost, and again be blessed with his presence and favour. But if Christ be the Owner of this garden, and has been at such expense about it, surely it is no more than reasonable that he should enjoy the fruit of it. He has given us sabbaths and sacraments, line upon line, precept upon precept. He has tried us with mercies, to see if we would love him and serve him the better for them. He has tried us with afflictions, taken away this and the other earthly comfort, to see if we would rather suffer than sin; whether we would love a smiting as well as a smiling God. But what return does he meet with from us? Alas! the very contrary of what he might expect: much received, and little or nothing done. Little love, little self-denial, little submission, little faith, little humiliation, little brotherly-kindness. Yea, and, in many cases, not only no good fruit, but a great deal of bad. Instead of humility, there is pride. Instead of selfdenial, there is self-pleasing. Instead of faith and patience, there are fretfulness and unbelief. Instead of brotherly-kindness, there are anger, malice, and revenge. When we think of this, it is a wonder that we have not been, a long time ago, cut down and cast into the fire. But let it be

remembered, that when Christ comes down into his garden, it is to eat his pleasant fruit, to feed among the lilies. When you look for a friend whom you greatly esteem, you study, by what you can procure, to make his stay with you agreeable. Christ is our best and dearest Friend; and should we think any thing too much to get to make him welcome? He requires no outward cost; it is the heart he looks to. If you would please him, you must bring him the heads of his and your enemies; bring him your slain lusts and sinful desires; bring him those graces which are most opposite to your beloved corruptions; bring him that which the flesh would most willingly keep, and bring it cheerfully. The more struggles it costs you, the more acceptable to Christ: and you must acknowledge, after all, that from Christ is your fruit found. But alas! how seldom is he thus entertained by And is this our love to Christ? Must we please ourselves first, and please the world next, and then do a little towards pleasing Christ. Can we think he will stay where he is so treated? "Offer it now unto thy governor, will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy sacrifice, saith the Lord of hosts?" Would any earthly friend take it well, if, when he comes to your house, you should bring out the worst you have, and reserve the best for yourselves and other guests that were greatly his inferiors? Would not he resent it, and go away,

us!