Proverbs 29:27

REFLECTIONS.

READER! there is an abundance of matter for raising many profitable reflections in the perusal of this chapter; but I beg particularly to call your attention to that solemn verse contained in it, which in itself forms a volume. Where there is no vision, the people perish. The most faithful ministers of Jesus have to lament the little success of their labors in the present day: and when they look round and take a leisurely survey, of the languishing state of Zion, much cause have they to weep, between the porch and the altar, and to besiege the mercy-seat, night and day, with the cry: Spare thy people, 0 Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach. But what an awful view doth it afford in the consciousness that in many paces of this our guilty land, There is no vision! Oh! for the Lord to send forth faithful men, anxious to win souls to Christ! And oh! for the Lord Jesus to come himself in every place whithersoever he sends his word by faithful Pastors, after his own heart, that shall feed his people in true understanding and knowledge. Reader! where, and under what open vision, do you sit? That gospel, which holds forth Jesus in the glories of his person, and in the completeness of his salvation - which humbles the sinner, and exalts the Saviour - which, by laying the creature low, makes Jesus precious; and tends to promote holiness in the life and conversation, in shewing all our springs to be in him: these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and to prevent leanness and perishing. Reader! may it be your portion, and mine, to be thus strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.