his Spirit, and, by seasonable trials in a way of providence or of grace, to trim them, as it were, whensoever their dimness called for his special interposition.
2. In his habit. — The garments which he wore were such as "Were appointed for the High Priest' : and by this clothing he intimated, that, though he was in glory, he still executed the priestly office, pi'esenting his blood before the mercy-seat, and " ever living to make intercession for his people." He would have it known to the Church that he is " a Priest upon liis throne*^."
3. In his appearance. — This was august beyond all expres- sion or conception. His hoary " head," denoting both his majesty and wisdom, marked him out as " the Ancient of days*." His fiery " eyes" evinced, that he searched the heart and tried the reins, and penetrated the inmost recesses of the soul. His " feet" of fine and burning brass intimated, that, as all his steps were holy, so was his procedure firm and irre- sistible. His " countenance," shining as the meridian sun, dis- played his excellency and glory, and his worthiness of univer- sal love.
4. In his voice. — This, which was terrible, like the roaring of the tempestuous ocean, shewed, that, however his words had formerly been disregarded, it became all to attend to them with the deepest humility.
5. In his altitude. — He " held in his hand seven stars," (which represented the Ministers of the Seven Churches *^,) and thereby intimated, that all Ministers were ujider his directi(Mi and controul, and that they ought to shine for the good of men without regarding their menaces or assaults, since under his protection they could not but be safe. At the same time, emitting " from his mouth a sharp two-edged sword," he de- clared his power and determination to subdue his enemies, and either to subject them to himself as vessels of mercy, or to cut them asunder as monuments of his indignation^.]
2. The effect of the vision —
[On almost all occasions the appearance even of an angel has produced much fear and terror in the minds of those to whom he came : no wonder therefore that such an eft'ect should flow from the appearance of God himself. Manoah concluded that he must die, because he had seen God face to fiice''. Ezekiel', Daniel ^ and Paul' fell down before him, unable to sustain the brightness of his glory. Once indeed man could converse with his Maker face to face : but, since the introduc- tion of sin into the world, he has been intimidated by a sense
of
' Exod. xxviii. 4. ^ Zecli. vi. 13. ' Dan. vii. g.
' ver. 'j.0. B Kev. ii. \Q. *' Judg. xiii. 22.
'Ezek. i. 28. *- Dan. x. 8, 9. 'Actsix.4.
.1199.] ST. John's VISION'. '31:1
of guilt, and incapacitated for so high an honour ; insomuch that the most beloved of all Christ's Disciples was overwhelmed at the sight of him, and " fell at his feet as dead.'"]
Not to insist any longer on the circumstances of the vision, we sliall,
II. Deduce from it some pertinent observations — . ,
- 1. They who suffer much for their Lord may expect peculiar manifestations of his power and love —
[John v.'as now in banishment : yet, though suflering much by reason of hardsliips and privations, he was infinitely happier than Domitian on his throne. St. Paul also found, that, " as his afflictions abounded, so also did his consolations," Thus it shall be with all that suffer for righteousness' sake. \^'hat then have they to fear ? Need they regard the reproaches of men, when they are so highly honoured by their God ? Need they be concerned about losses, when they are enriclied v/ith such invaluable communications ? Need they fear stripes, or imprisonment, when their trials may lead to such manifesta- tions as these ? ]
2. We have reason to be thankful that our Lord reveals himself to us now through the medium of men, and of the written word —