Nehemiah 13:31

REFLECTIONS

BEHOLD, my soul! how God's people have been enjoined in all ages to keep separate from all others, and never to mingle with them, much less to form alliances with them, and learn their works. See then that thou art come out from among them and touch not the unclean thing. In God's original appointment the people of his dear Son dwell alone. They have a distinct mark and character, Given to Jesus. Purchased, redeemed, ransomed by Jesus. Regenerated by the spirit of Jesus, and set as a seal of the Spirit on Jesus hand, and in Jesus heart. Oh! then as one of the Lord's ransomed sinners may it be my portion thus to be known, and distinguished. Let no Tobiahs, no Sanballats, neither Ammonites nor Hanaanites be in my alliance. But oh! let me be found one with Jesus, united to my Lord: and Christ my Lord be formed in my heart, the hope of glory. And oh! for grace to be so known in reverencing the sabbaths of my Lord, the ordinances of Jesus, his word, the ministrations of his grace, and all his holy things. Lord, remember me for my good in all these, according to the greatness of thy mercies, in Jesus thy dear and ever blessed Son.

And now farewell, thou noble Tirshatha, thou magnanimous Nehemiah, thou great and faithful servant of the most high God! I pray for grace to imitate thy lovely example. And amidst all the opposition of the Sanballats and Tobiahs of the present day, may it be my happiness to be distinguished, as thou wert in thy generation, valiant for the truths sake; and only zealous to be approved before God.

But oh! Almighty God! thou who didst give to Nehemiah all he possessed of fortitude and grace in this blessed cause; to thee would I chiefly look, and while delighted with the history of the servant, recognize the hand of the Almighty Master; influencing, guiding, guarding, and giving success to Nehemiah in all! Yes! Holy Spirit! it is thou which hast in all ages raised up faithful servants, to be honoured instruments in thy almighty hand, for good to thy people. To thee, then, be all the praise and all the glory. I desire to bless thee for thy mercies to this great man, in giving him so distinguished a post in thy church. I desire to bless thee for causing his history to be handed down as an example to succeeding ages. And oh! Lord, grant that all may be blessed to bring glory to God, and happiness to thy people in Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be endless praise. Amen.