Thus the Church is that society of godly persons, to which all in every place unite themselves, as soon as ever they are converted to God : and it enjoys exclusively the manifestations of God's love and favour. But it is hated by the world with a deadly hatred : and is often menaced by all the powers of earth and hell.]
But God promises that, notwithstanding its weak- ness, it shall enjoy quietness and stability —
[This was in part fulfilled in the preservation of the Jews at those seasons when all the males were withdrawn from the country, and collected in Jerusalem ; none of their enemies ever being permitted to take advantage of their absence, and to attack their land at those times. It was also fulfilled in part, when the temple worship was restored after the Babylonish captivity. But its full accomplishment must be looked for in the apostolic and millennial periods. In the days of the Apostles the Church was assaulted on every side; but it defied the storms, and stood unmoved in the midst of all its enemies. Hypocrites indeed were cast down ; but the Church itself stood ; " not one of its stakes was moved, nor one of its cords broken." From the days of Christ to the latest period of time may it be said, with exultation and triumph, " Look upon our Zion ;" though apparently defenceless, it stands secure; though fiercely assailed, it is " a quiet habitation ;" though it be as a sycamore planted in the midst of the sea, it can never be rooted up. "What our ears have heard, " our eyes have seen ;" and we believe that it shall endure to all generations.]
Nor will this appear improbable, if we consider,
II. The means of its accomplishment —
The way whereby this promise shall be fulfilled, is set forth,
1. Figuratively —
[Jerusalem was despised as having no river to protect it, as the Church also is on account of its defenceless state. But God promises that " he himself will be to it as a broad and rapid river." But it may be said that if, in one view, a river defends a city, in another view it affords means of attacking it to ad- vantage. But God fully obviates this by saying, that he will be such a river as shall not be navigated by vessels, either great or small : yea, that in protecting his Church, he will shew him- self to be " the glorious," the irresistible " Jehovah." Hence that triumphant language of the Psalmist, " Walk about Zion, and go round about her, tell the towers thereof; mark well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to the