great noise, and the elements melt with fervent heat, and the earth and the works also that are therein are burnt up," will all the contemners of the Messiah wail because of his wrath and fiery indignation. It is indeed in the former sense only that this can be a sign to convince the world at present; but in the latter sense it will hereafter be a demonstration to the whole universe, that all which had been spoken of Christ was true.] To encourage an earnest expectation of the Messiah, the prophet declares, II. The blessedness of those that believe on him The subjects of the Messiah's kingdom are characterized as "calling upon his name "— [To call upon Christ is, to give him all that honour and worship that are due to the Supreme Being. This was done by the first martyr, Stephen, and by all the Christian Church". It was that which rendered them so odious to the Jews, and so distinguished among the Gentiles. And, at this hour, it justly describes all those who are endued with the Spirit. All, without exception, regard Christ as the only source of life and salvation, and depend on him for daily supplies of grace and strength: "the life which they now live in the flesh, is altogether by faith in the Son of God."] Nor shall any of that description ever experience the calamities that were foretold as coming on the ungodly world— [The "deliverance" mentioned in the prophecy before us, doubtless referred primarily to the escape of the Christians from Jerusalem, while the Jews, hemmed in on every side, were reduced to the greatest miseries. But we must extend our views to a more important deliverance, even from sin and Satan, death and hell: it is from these that the sincere follower of Christ will be saved, while all who reject him will perish under the displeasure of an incensed God. In this view St. Paul quotes the very words before us, expressly applying them to Christ as the object of our worship, and confining the it is not always easy to determine to which of the two his expressions are to be referred. f 2 Pet. iii. 10. with Rev. i. 7. Acts vii. 59. and 1 Cor. i. 2. h Acts ix. 14, 21. i Pliny, in his letter to the Emperor Trajan, stating for his information the conduct of Christians, says, "they met on certain days before it was light to sing a hymn to Christ as God." blessings of salvation to those who call upon him. At the same time we must observe that none who comply with this direction are excluded; "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord," whatever he may have been, or whatever he may have done in times past, provided he call in sincerity and truth, shall find the Lord rich in mercy towards him.] This subject will be found of Use, 1. To confirm our faith against the cavils of infidels [There have been in every age some, who have rejected Christianity as a cunningly devised fable. But we would ask, Was the effusion of the Spirit predicted? or could the accomplishment of that prediction be counterfeited? Was the destruction of Jerusalem foretold? Did Jesus apply the very words of our text to that event, and declare that they should be accomplished before that generation should pass away? And did this also happen within the time specified, attended with such prodigies as strictly corresponded with the terms of this prophecy? Then Christianity must be of divine original; Jesus must be the true Messiah; and salvation must be, as he has declared, through faith in him. Let us then moved away from the hope of the Gospel," but "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering."] 66 never be 2. To vindicate our experience against the calumnies of scoffers [St. Peter adduces this passage in vindication of those who had received the miraculous influences of the Spirit; and asserts that, what was profanely imputed to intoxication, was indeed a fulfilment of the words of Joel. Thus scoffers of the present day deride all pretensions to the enlightening and sanctifying influences of the Spirit, and, without any candid examination, impute them to folly or hypocrisy. Our professions of faith in Christ, our simple dependence on him, and assured hope of salvation by him, are also deemed enthusiasm. But if we can say, "This is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel," or by Peter, or by any other inspired writer, we need not regard their calumnies. If it was said to the apostles, 'Ye are drunk,' we may be content to have it said of us, 'Ye are fools.' Let us then seek more and more earnestly the operations of the Spirit, and be daily calling on the Lora Jesus for grace and mercy: so shall our experience accord with the sacred oracles, and our deliverance be completed, when the sufferings of infidels and scoffers shall commence.] * Rom. x. 12, 13. MCLXXXIII. THE FINAL JUDGMENT REPRESENTED BY THE HARVEST. Joel iii. 13. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. THIS is a remarkable prophecy of the destruction of God's enemies. The prophet summons the executioners of vengeance to come up against them3. They are represented as a field of corn; the command is given to cut them down; and the prophet instantly sees them fall; "multitudes," &c. Our Lord delivers a parable resembling this in reference to the whole world. In a similar manner we shall improve the passage before us, by inquiring, I. What it is that ripens men for the great harvest— There is a ripeness to which every one must attain. The wicked have a measure of sin which they must fill up; the righteous have degrees of holiness for which they are reserved: there are growing in the great field of the world both tares and wheat; and both are ripening for their proper end. Sin is ripening some for vengeance [It unfits the soul for the enjoyment of God. It renders a person meet for destruction. It creates many horrors, which are foretastes of hell itself.] Holiness, on the other hand, is ripening others for glory a The valley of Jehoshaphat, or of decision, to which they are summoned, ver. 12, 14. seems to be not any particular place: It may rather be considered as an allusion to the utter destruction which his enemies (the Syrians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Grecians, and Romans) should successively bring on each other. And it may have a further reference to the destruction of Antichrist, and of the wicked at the last day. b Gen. xv. 16. c Eph. iv. 7, 13. Not that there is any general standard either of sin or holiness to which all persons must attain: There is no degree of sin to which any shall be impelled against their will; nor of holiness, which any shall be prevented from surpassing. But some are kept from more sin, and others are excited to more holiness, by the preventing or assisting grace of God; for sinners would commit more sin unless prevented, and saints attain less holiness unless excited. d As dry wood for the fire. See Luke xxiii. 31. [It unfits the soul for the society of the wicked. duces a 66 It in meetness for the heavenly inheritance." It is a source of joys which shall be consummated in glory.] The Holy Scriptures enable us to discern, II. What are the marks of our being ripe Nothing can be more awful than the thought that a sinner is ripe for everlasting misery. Yet it may be justly apprehended that he is so, 1. When he is given over to a total insensibility [Custom in sinning will harden the heart and sear the conscience. When a person is arrived at such a state, he is fitted for destruction. This is both figuratively and plainly' declared in the Scriptures.] 2. When he continues wilfully in sin against conviction [There are some who determine to hold fast their sins. These have reason to think that God's Spirit will be taken from them. They may expect to be utterly given up to their own lustsh.] Saints, on the other hand, may be judged ripe for glory, 1. When they simply rely on the Lord Jesus [We fix upon the lowest marks of true grace. Faith in Christ is exercised by the weakest saint: yet to that is eternal happiness annexed'. Of consequence, he who possesses it must be fit for glory.] 2. When they unfeignedly desire to be conformed to his image [There is a great difference in the attainments of different Christians, and much allowance must be made for a difference in their respective advantages; but all desire to be "holy as God is holy." "Vessels thus sanctified are meet for their Master's use *.] While space is yet allowed us, it becomes us to consider, III. What shall be done when we are ripe f Prov. xxix. 1. g Gen. vi. 3. i John iii. 36. e Heb. vi. 8. When the corn has attained maturity, the sickle is put to it; thus, when our measure of sin or holiness is complete, we shall be reaped down [Our existence in the world is entirely dependent upon God!" None can shorten or protract it beyond its appointed bounds m.] The saints will be "gathered into the garner of their Lord" [Saints, at their departure, ascend immediately to God"; but in the day of judgment their bodies also will rise. They shall then be carried to their eternal home.] The wicked will be "bound in bundles, and cast into the fire "— [They, who die in sin, immediately sustain their just punishment; but at the last day their bodies also shall be restored to life. Then shall they too be collected by the ministry of angels, and receive their final doom in fire unquenchable.] ADDRESS 1. Those who are ripening for destruction— [You may easily discern your real state, but who can express the misery of it? You ripen, however involuntarily, every day. Notwithstanding your security, you will quickly fall. The great husbandman will easily distinguish you from the saints; and he will most assuredly, yea, eternally, separate you from them. But, through the mercy of God, you may yet be changed. Though you be tares at present, God can make you wheat. Seek then this divine change ere it be too late.] 2. Those who are ripening for glory [What thanks do you owe to God for his distinguishing grace! And how well may you be reconciled to the afflictions of life! There is no event which does not promote your maturity. Look forward then for the blessed period of the harvest. Reflect on the happiness of the state for which you are preparing. Still seek the showers of the Spirit, and the influences of the Sun of Righteousness. Thus shall you, in due season, be transmitted to the mansions of eternal bliss.] 1 Ps. xxxi. 15. • Luke xvi. 23. m Job xiv. 5. p 2 Cor. v. 17. n Luke xxiii. 43. 9 No wintry blasts, no scorching suns, no worm at the root, &c. |