b Isai. xxxiii. 10. c Isai. xxxiii. 21. d Zech. ii. 5.
900.] THE FELICITY OF GOD's PEOPLE. 21
his hand?" Having him, they have all. If " none can separate them from his love," their honour and beauty, their happiness and security, are as firm and immovable as God himself.]
Infer —
1 . How desirable is it to be found among the little remnant !
[Look at the greatest monarch upon earth ; and the con- dition of Lazarus is infinitely preferable to his, unless he be among the number of God's people. Created glory, like that of Samaria, is but "a fading flower:" but if we belong to God, we have a portion, substantial in its nature, and everlasting in its duration. Let us then seek this portion with all earnestness through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.]
2. How little should we regard the scoffs and con- tempt of men !
[It is indeed " a small matter to be judged of man's judg- ment." If God commend us as wise, we need not be concerned though men should account us fools. Time will shew, who are the truly wise, they who through the love of the world or the fear of man displease their God, or they, who face the frowns of the world, and sacrifice its interests in order that they may please him. Indeed the ungodly themselves will soon alter their sentiments respecting these things e. And, if a king upon his throne would not regard the ravings of a maniac who should conceit himself to be arrayed in royal majesty, so neither need we regard those who enjoy only the appearance of happiness, while we possess God himself for our crown of glory, and our diadem of beauty.]
3. How are we bound in our respective spheres to
honour and glorify our God !
[Can we reflect a moment on such transcendent mercies, and not feel it our duty to walk worthy of them ? If any ask, How shall I requite the Lord ? We answer, " Be ye a crown of glory and a royal diadem in his handf." It is true, we cannot add to his honour, beauty, happiness, or security ; but, as a diadem is that on which the prince looks with peculiar com- placency, so may we be objects of pleasure and delight in the hand of our God. Let us then endeavour so to walk that we may be his boast : so to shine, that it may be seen to whom we belong ; and so to honour him, that he may acknowledge us as his in the day that he shall make up his jewels.]
e Wisd. v. 3— G. f Isai. lxii. 3.