Among the failings with which the saints are chargeable
surely this is one—Too low apprehensions of their own greatness—which they
have in Christ. The poor man who has many troubles every day to combat with,
and is subjected perhaps to daily indigence, would think it presumption for
him to believe that there were orders given in the court of heaven
concerning him by name, that necessary supply should be sure to him; and
that no less than angels, who attend the throne, were commissioned to secure
his safety! But since God's eternal Son condescended to come to save his
people, "and give his life a ransom for many," it well befits the brightest
of the angelic multitudes, to minister unto the heirs of salvation.
Truly, O saint! a serious consideration of your high
estate, (for "since you were precious in his sight, you have been
honorable,") ought not to puff up your mind with pride—but to fill your
heart with holy admiration and wonder, and to swell your soul with ecstasy
and love! The men of the world may scorn your poor cottage; but had they but
one glance of the angelic guards that do duty there, they would conclude it
to be the palace of a king, or the gate of heaven. Elisha's servant was of
the same mind with the world; he thought his master was a helpless, though a
holy man—"Alas! my master, how shall we survive? we are undone, for we have
no power to withstand the Syrian army." But, presently, he sees the mountain
shining around them with celestial guards, and covered with the flaming
chariots of the King of glory. Now, O saint! Elisha's God is your God, and
the standing forces of eternity are still the same, being truly the immortal
legion; yes, their employment is also the same, until all the saints are
brought safe to glory!
When on a journey you put up at an inn, you may be
obliged to take the worst room, while others, who have a grand retinue, and
numerous attendants, have the best lodgings. But what do you think of
this—that not only angels should be your guards—but the Lord God himself
should be your watchman? How secure, then, are you—seeing your omnipotent
Guardian neither slumbers nor sleeps! If, under your earthly sovereign, you
are called to the battle field, you may pitch your tent in the open field;
while the general of the army fixes his splendid pavilion in the center—yet
only men encamp around him. But wherever you pitch, "the angel of the Lord
encamps round about you."
What, then, should your conduct be, O you who are highly
favored of the Lord! You should study holiness in the highest degree,
in gratitude to him who deals so amazingly with you; and humility,
that you may never forget yourself, and so cease to wonder at the heavenly
condescension! Is it your part, O saint! when so honored, so defended by the
King, to hold disloyal conferences with his implacable enemies—self, sin,
Satan, against whom the "Lord has sworn that he will have war forever?" When
he, in redeeming grace, has raised you up to heaven, will you through sin
debase yourself to hell? Now, O saint, you are no less happy, and your
condition no less grand than this. Live, then above the world and its
vanities, with a greatness of soul that evidences your divine pedigree—until
the day comes, in which you shall be exalted to that glory—of which you are
now an expectant, candidate, and heir!