16.]
[There was in the ark an abundant store of provision both for man and beast : so that no creature, from the largest animal to the smallest insect, lacked any thing that was needful for it. Surely in this respect it beautifully represents the Church of Christ, wherein the ordinances of divine grace are adminis- tered, and "exceeding great and precious promises are given" for our support. There is not a person in it, from the greatest to the least, who may not find all that can conduce to his health and comfort. There is milk for babes, and meat for those who are of full age1. There is " a feast of fat things" provided for our daily sustenance. There are the richest cordials, " even wines upon the lees well refined," that are dispensed freely to all who desire them. Nothing is lacking : we need never fear lest the store should be exhausted. Nothing is grudged to the meanest servant in the family : all is given to one as well as to another; and to every one, " without money and without price."]
We may yet further trace the typical import of the ark in,
II. The direction given in reference to it —
Noah having finished the ark, waited for further intimations of the divine will, which at length were given him. The direction, as it relates to us, implies two things ;
1. That we should use the appointed means of sal- vation ourselves —
[God having formed his church, and provided every thing requisite for the preservation of our souls, now speaks to every one of us, " Enter thou into the ark."
Christ says to us, " I am the door;" " I am the way, the truth, and the life." By Him therefore we are to enter inm." By faith in him we shall be placed beyond the reach of harm, and may " rejoice in hope of the glory of Godn." This is the duty to which we are called.
We are not to amuse ourselves with indulging idle specula- tions about the fitness of the ark to answer its intended purpose : we have no time to lose: the danger is imminent: if we lose the present moment, we may be undone for ever. We have nothing to do but to " enter in," and to commit ourselves to the care of our heavenly Pilot.]
2. That we should exert ourselves for the salvation of others —
1 Heb. v. 13. 14. '« John x. 9. " Rom. v. 2.