and conveys an idea of costliness and abundance : a feast " of fat things " imports that the choicest provisions are set forth : and the fat things being " full of marrow," suggests, that no expense is spared in procuring whatever can provoke the appetite of the guests, or afford them pleasure. But "wines" are also added ; wines that have contracted a delicious flavour by being long kept " upon the lees ;" and wines " well refined," that are bright as a ruby, that " sparkle in the glass," and that delight the eye whilst they gratify the palate. What are we to understand from this accumulation of ideas, but that, as the choicest viands administer nourishment and comfort to the body, so the Gospel provides every thing which can exhilarate and support the soul. After all, this representation falls very far short of the truth: for the promises of the Gospel are infinitely sweeter to the hungering and thirsting soul than the most exquisite food can be to our taste. Let but a sinner, who pants after pardon, be enabled to apply to his soul that promise of Jehovah, That " crimson sins shall be made white as snow," or that word of Christ, That " whosoever cometh to him he will in no wise cast out;" what transports of joy will he not feel ! how will he be " filled as with marrow and fatness, while he praises his God with joyful lips !" What strength did that word, " My grace is sufficient for thee," administer to Paul under the buffetings of Satan ! In the strength of that one meal he was enabled to go on, not for forty days only, but to the latest hour of his life^. And such is the Gospel to all who cordially embrace it.]
This feast has God himself prepared for all people —
[It is none other than "the Lord of hosts" who has spread this table at his own expense. And he invites " all people," not of the Jews only, but of the Gentiles also ; yea, the very vilest of the human race. He sends out his servants into the highways and hedges, to call the halt, the lame, and the blind, and orders them to take no refusal, but to compel them to come in^." Yea, though in every succeeding age there have been myriads of guests brought in, yet his message to tis is, that " yet there is room."]
But, as this feast can be of no use to those who feel not their need of it, nor discern its excellency, the Gospel suits itself to our necessities, and offers, II. Light to the blind —
There is a thick, impenetrable *' veil" over the hearts of men —
a In allusion to Elijah, 1 Kings xix. 7, 8. b Matt. xxii. 4. Luke xiv. 17, 21, 22.