And can any thing be more precious to a heavy- laden soul ?
[The term used in the text imports far more than an ex- emption from labour and trouble : it implies also that refresh- ment which a great and seasonable relief administers. And how sweet is that peace which he imparts to a believing peni- tent ! it is a " peace that passeth understanding," a " joy unspeakable and glorified." Surely the consolations of his Spirit are not unfitly called " an earnest of our inheritance," since they are indeed a beginning and foretaste of heaven in the soul. But we must extend our thoughts yet further, even to " the rest that remaineth for the people of God." Doubtless that was most eminently in the view of our blessed Lord ; nor shall any thing short of all the glory and felicity of heaven be the portion of those who come to him aright.]
That it is also a true and faithful saying, there can be no doubt —
[Never did any come to our Lord without experiencing his truth and faithfulness. Many indeed there are who pro- fess to follow him, while yet they are far from enjoying this promised blessing : but, instead of coming to him in faith and hope, and love, they are impelled only by terror ; they listen to the suggestions of despondency ; and they live under the reign- ing power of unbelief. No wonder then that they find not the rest which they desire. But if any go to him aright, there is no guilt, however great, which is not removed from their conscience, no tumult of contending passions that is not mo- derated and restrained, nor any earthly trouble in which they are not enabled to rejoice and glory. If under any calamity whatever we go to him like the Apostle, like him shall we receive such an answer as will turn our sorrow into joy, and make the very occasions of grief to be the sources of exultation and triumph''.]
Application —
1. To those who feel not the burthen of sin —
[If we be exempt in a measure from earthly calamities, we have reason to rejoice. But to be unacquainted with spi- ritual troubles is no proper subject for self-congratulation. It is " the broken and contrite heart only which God will not despise." We may boast of our goodness, like the Pharisee, or the elder brother in the parable*^: but, like them, we shall have no forgiveness with God, nor any part in that joy, which returning prodigals shall experience in their Father's house.
^ 2 Cor. xii. 7—10. « Luke xv. 28, 29. and xviii. 11, 14.