David's testimony : and similar expressions did Solomon also use, when he had deposited the ark in the sanctuary of his temple''. But since Christ has come, he has a far nobler rest, even in the bosoms of his obedient people ; a rest, in comparison of which the temple of Solomon in all its glory was perfectly contemptible'^. Truly this rest is glorious indeed: for here he vouchsafes far brighter manifestations of his glory, and incom- parably richer communications of his grace. The glory that filled the temple, so that the priests could no longer stand to minister there, infinitely excelled all that the temple itself con- tained : but, in comparison of the discoveries which God vouch- safes to his believing people, it was darkness itself. See the Lord Jesus as " the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person ;" see the glory of God beaming in his face, and all the divine perfections shining with harmonious and united splendour in the work he has accomplished, and you will readily perceive, how far brighter are the discoveries of Christ now made to the believing soul, than all that ever were vouchsafed to men before his advent. The grace, the mercy, the peace, the joy, the strength, which animated some highly favoured souls before this time, were indeed very abun- dant : but as a general cominimication to his Church of old, these gifts were but as a drop before the shower : for " the Spirit was not then given, because that Jesus was not then glorified." So truly does he now " glorify the house of his glory, and make the place of his feet glorious^."]
We may see from hence,
1. What improvement we should make of the preached Gospel —
[The preaching of the Gospel is, in fact, the raising of this standard before the eyes of men : it is the setting forth of Christ crucified, and the calling of men to enlist under his ban- ners. What then have we to do, but to flock around him ; to give up our names to him, that they may be inscribed on his list ; and to gird ourselves for the combat at his command ? Let us then vie with each other in zeal for his service : and let us willingly " endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ," that, being more than conquerors, we may receive a crown of righteousness at the hands of our righteous Judge ^.]
2. The blessedness of those who improve it aright —
[Whoever complies with the invitations of the Gospel, and unites himself to the army of saints, the Church of God, he instantly becomes a distinguished favourite of heaven ; his heart is the temple of the Deity ; he is God's residence, he is God's
<: 2 Chron. vi. 41. ^ Isai. Ivii. 17. and Ixvi. I, 2.
e Isai. Ix. 7, 13. f 2 Tim. iv. 8.
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rest : and more glorious is he, than if all earthly dignities were centered in him : more happy, than a combination ot" all earthly comforts could make him. Let us then aspire after " the good of God's chosen, that we may rejoice in the gladness of his nation, and glory with his inheritance s."]
e Ps. cvi. 5.