Were his communications refreshing only, and not influential on the conduct, we might be afraid of en- thusiasm ; but his favour invariably discovers itself by-
II. Its fruits and effects —
The effects of the dew are seen by the progress of vegetation : the descent of God's Spirit on the soul also produces growth, beauty, fragrancy, fertility.
1. Growth —
[The " lily" springs up speedily, but is of short duration. The cedars of " Lebanon cast forth their roots" to a great ex- tent. Thus the soul that is refreshed with divine communi- cations. The quickness of its growth often excites admiration. Its stability defies the assaults of earth and hell, while it " spreads its branches," and displays its vigour in every good word and work.]
2. Beauty —
[There is peculiar grace and "beauty in the olive-tree," and such is there in the soul that communes much with God. What a lustre was there on the face of Moses, when he came down from the mount11! And how is the lively Christian " beautified with salvation ! " His outward conduct is rendered amiable in every part. His inward dispositions of humility and love are ornaments which even God himself admires1. He is trans- formed into the very image of his Godk ; nor shall his beauty be ever suffered to decay1.]
3. Fragrancy1" —
[Lebanon was no less famous for its odoriferous vines than for its lofty cedars : and does not the Christian diffuse a savour all around him"? How animated his discourse when God is with him ! How refreshing and delightful to those who enjoy his conversation0! How pleasing is it also to his God and
h Exod. xxxiv. 30. ! 1 Pet. hi. 4. k Eph. iv. 23, 24.
1 The olive, as an evergreen, retains its beauty ; and in this re- spect also is a fit emblem of the true Christian. Ps. i. 3.
m This is twice mentioned in the text, and therefore deserves pe- culiar notice.
n 2 Cor. ii. 14.
0 See him before the sun has exhaled the dew, or the world abated the fervour of his affections ; and how does he verify that saying ! Prov. xvi. 24.
1 178.] god's notice of penitents. 151
Saviour p ! In proportion as he lives near to God, he fulfils that duty'— .]
4. Fertility —
[The " corn and the vine" are just emblems of a Chris- tian's fruitfulness. They often wear the most unpromising ap- pearance; yet are they " revived" by the genial influences of the sun and rain. Thus the Christian may be reduced to a' droop- ing or desponding state ; but the renewed influences of God's Spirit will revive him. They make him " fruitful in all the fruits of righteousness." They too, who " dwell under his shadow," and are most nearly connected with him, will parti- cipate his blessings1.]
Infer —
1. How honourable and blessed is the Christian's state !
[Often is he favoured with visits from above8, and glorious are the effects produced by God upon him. The whole crea- tion scarcely affords images whereby his blessedness may be adequately represented. Who then is so honourable ? who so happy ? Let all endeavour to maintain a sense of their high privileges, and to " walk worthy of the calling wherewith they are called."]
2. How hopeful is the state of those who wait on God!
[The promises in the text were given as an answer to prayer1: and they are made to all, who, " like Israel," plead with God. If the dew be withheld from others, it shall de- scend on themu. Its descent shall accomplish the utmost wishes of their souls. They shall soon experience the fulfil- ment of that wordx — .]
p Mai. iii. 16. Cant. iv. 16. i Col. iv. 6.
r If he be a master, a parent, and especially a minister, the bene- fit of his revivals will extend to many.
s John. xiv. 23. l ver. 2. u Judg. vi. 37, 38.