5. Gospel ordinances. The wine-fat, or vat, was a large stone trough deposited in the ground, to receive the juice of the grape squeezed out in the winepress placed over it. The winepress thus consisted of two parts—a receiver for the grapes, and beneath that a receptacle for the expressed juice. The press above, or upper trough, in which the grapes were placed to be trodden out by human feet, amid songs and shouts of joy, was called by the Latins torcular ; by the Grecks Anvés, the word used by St. Matthew; and by the Hebrews gath. Through a hole in the bottom of this the expressed juice flowed into the vat beneath, or lower trough, which the Romans called lacus; the Greeks troAfvior, the word used by St. Mark in the passage before us; and the Hebrews yekev, from a root meaning “to hollow out” or “deepen;” while both words occur together in the Prophet Joel (iii. 13), “ The press (gath) is full, the vats (yekavim) over- flow.” The winepress and wine-vat were sometimes made out of one block, and communi- cated by an aperture; sometimes they were distinct stones connected by a tube. If, then, we are to follow out the allegory explaining its particular parts, we may understand by the winepress the ordinances of the gospel, namely, prayer, praise, the Word, and sacraments; though others understand thereby gospel fruits or graces, as charity, thanksgiving, and devotion flowing like wine through it. If, then, we understand by the winepress gospel ordinances, by the wine-vat we may understand the place where the grace conveyed through these ordinances is received and enjoyed. God has appointed certain means for the communication of wisdom, strength, consolation, and every needful gift and grace. These means are the winepress; and the place where these spiritual supplies are obtained and preserved is the wine-vat. Let us take as an example, and in order to illustrate our meaning, the sacrament of the Supper. The Saviour, when he made himself a sacrifice for sin, trod the winepress of God’s wrath alone, while “of the people there was none with him.” The sacrament of the Supper is a feast after and upon that sacrifice; the place where this feast is dispensed, and its benefits to our spiritual nourishment and growth in grace partaken of, is the wine-vat, The bread is a lively emblem of Christ’s body, and a striking symbol of the hidden manna; the wine is a true token of his blood, and a sweet foretaste of that wine which we shall drink new in the kingdom of our Father; the table of the Lord, round which the faithful meet and share the feast, is symbolized by the wine-vat. In any case, even if we may not attach a specific meaning to each particular detail, these details imply generally God’s care of and provision for his Church. 6. Practical remarks. Mark, then, the connection of the press and vat; they go together. So is it with the ordinances, and the place of their administration ; the ordinances, and the benefits they convey ; the ordinances, and the blessings God gives us to enjoy through them. If we would glorify God, it must be in the manner he has appointed; if we would enjoy him, it must be in the use of the means he has provided; if we would enjoy not only the communion of saints, but also the communications of Divine grace, we must not forsake the assembling of ourselves with the people of God; if we would promote at once the glory of God and the growth of grace in our own hearts, we must “ remember the sabbath day to keep it holy,” and the sanctuary to frequent it duly and devoutly. In a word, if we would be truly wise for both worlds, we shall ask wisdom of God, who “giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not,” waiting at the posts of wisdom’s
on, xu. 1—44.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST, MARK. 187
doors to hear what God the Lord will say to our souls. 7. The tower. This wasa place of safety and strength for the watching and guarding of the vineyard, and for the protection of its fruits. The temple in the old economy was the tower, and the Pee that lodged around might be regarded as acting the part of the watchmen.
ore usually, however, the prophets are spoken of as the watchmen. “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” The faithful preachers of the gospel and pastors of the Christian Church are watchmen now, who watch as those who must give account; while to both teachers and taught, pastors and people, preachers and hearers, the words of the Lord, as addressed to the Prophet Ezekiel, while he sat by the river of Chebar, are applicable still. In that instructive passags we read, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: there- fore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shal! die in his iniquity ; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from nis wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” In consideration of all these careful arrangements, surely God might well say, as he did by the Prophet Isaiah, “ What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it ?”