_He caused me to eat that roll._ THE MYSTIC MIND 1. There are few writers in the Bible who have imprinted the characteristics of their own mind on their writings more than the prophet Ezekiel, and this is so remarkably the case that we can hardly rise from the perusal of his book without being more... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech._ THE DANGER OF ABUSED PRIVILEGES If you consider ministers simply as the labourers of God, you will perceive that he whose scene of cultivation is an English parish, has not necessarily an advantage over him who is appointed to a Hottentot settlem... [ Continue Reading ]
_But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me._ THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN PREDESTINATION AND FOREKNOWLEDGE God gives Ezekiel an express command to speak his words to the house of Israel (verse 4), and, at the same time, distinctly informs him that the house of... [ Continue Reading ]
_As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead._ THE ADAMANT (Zechariah 7:12):--A great and good man who served and suffered for Christ in North Africa seventeen centuries ago won for himself a noble name by which he is still known, Origen the Adamantine. There isn’t a boy nor, in her ow... [ Continue Reading ]
_All My words. .. receive in thine heart._ THE HEART THE TREASURY OF TRUTH What is in the head may soon be lost, but what is in the heart abides. Books locked up in the closet are safe, and truths laid up in the heart are secure (James 1:21). They must first put out of their hearts filthiness, mal... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then the Spirit took me up._ THE LIGHT OF GOD RECONCILES THE DISORDERS OF LIFE In the light of God the presence of moral disorder can be reconciled with His superintending goodness and mercy. And as we are lifted up in spirit into that light we see that there is an explanation of these terrible pe... [ Continue Reading ]
_So the Spirit lifted me up._ IN THE UPLIFTED LIFE WE ARE FITTED TO DO THE LORD’S WORK Ezekiel was now strengthened to do a very difficult work. He was to go and speak to a people who had no sympathy with him,--who would not listen to him, as the old classic prophetess Cassandra was doomed forever... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have made thee a watchman._ THE CHRISTIAN WATCHMAN I. The office of the christian watchman is to warn his people of the danger to which, according to the word of God, all men are naturally exposed. From the “specular mount” on which the Lord hath placed him, he looks abroad upon the mighty plain... [ Continue Reading ]
_His blood will I require at thine hand._ BLOOD GUILTINESS Public sentiment in New York has been aroused against a poor brakeman on the New York Central railroad because he failed to give the danger signal to the St. Louis express. He was sent with a red lantern to wave down the approaching train,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee._ RETIREMENT I. The duty enjoined--“Arise, and go forth into the plain.” Premise two things-- 1. The place is indifferent. It matters not whether it be a private room, or the open field. The thing required is to be alone. 2. It is n... [ Continue Reading ]
_They shall put bands upon thee._ RESTRAINTS IN SERVING THE LORD I. They are often experienced. Every true life for Christ, at one step or another, verifies the expression of Paul, “Without are fightings, within are fears.” 1. The restraints may be in the servants. They may be ready to spread the... [ Continue Reading ]
_That thou shalt be dumb._ THE SILENT SYSTEM After so many years of uninterrupted activity, to be imprisoned, to be silenced, and almost incapable of writing or reading, is mere wearisome than even the pain that often accompanies it; and yet, hence the following instruction may be gathered:-- 1.... [ Continue Reading ]