a state where these interruptions will be no Now we have visions, or at best, but visits—then we shall be for ever with the Lord. -The disciples were astonished-and the cause of their marvelling was, "That he talked with the woman." Had they an apprehension that she was a woman of ill character? And, like the Pharisees, did they suppose, that it was incompatible with the sanctity of the Messiah to hold any intercourse with persons of infamous reputation ? This is not probable. She was a stranger to them. Our Lord indeed knew her; but it was by his divine prerogative; and as yet he had no opportunity to speak of her to his disciples. It is more likely that their wonder arose from seeing him in close and friendly conversation with a woman of Samaria; for the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. The rancour excluded even the common civilities of life. At present the disciples seemed not aware of their Lord's design to extend favour to the Gentiles; and were but little acquainted with the nature of his kingdom-" where there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond or free, male or female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus." Again. Women have not always been properly regarded. If they contribute to their own degradation, they must blame themselves. It has often been asked, why the conversation of even wise men, is, with women, always vain and trifling? We do not entirely admit the fact. If, however, there be truth in the supposition, the cause is to be found in females themselves-they must be pleased with such discourse-for men will naturally accommodate themselves to their taste-and it is their interest to do so. Let women rise and vindicate their sex-many are now doing so-let them shew that they consider themselves, and wish to be considered, as rational as well as animal creatures and as companions as well as playthings and toys, and articles of sense and dress. But at this period the sex were treated, and are so still in the East, as a kind of beings inferior to men. Now the disciples knowing that Jesus never trifled in conversation, but always spoke superiorly and divinely; were amazed to find him discoursing on deep and important subjects with a poor menial woman, judged incapable of understanding them. The meanness of the persons to whom he manifested himself always scandalized flesh and blood. Have, it was asked, any of the rulers believed on him? But this people, who know not the Law, are cursed. Yet it was his glory that the poor had the Gospel preached unto them; and that the common people heard him gladly. When he rejoiced in spirit, he said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes. And his Apostle follows in the same strain. "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence." But we here see the diffidence and submission of the disciples-"Yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?" Confidence in his greatness and rectitude, awed them into silence. Whence we recommend two things. First, let us observe the words of Solomon: "If thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.” A good man should make conscience of the state of his mind as well as of his speech: but what we cannot always prevent in thought, we may restrain in expression. Words are worse than thoughts: they add to them; they shew more of the dominion of evil; they are more injurious to others; and betray ourselves more into difficulties. In a multitude of words there wanteth not sin. Therefore let us resolve to take heed to our ways, that we sin not with our tongue. David prayed, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Secondly, as the reverence of the disciples induced them not to question the propriety of our Lord's conduct-though for the present they could not understand it-so should we act towards him. He is not bound to give account of any of his matters; and he often requires us to walk by faith, and not by sight. But we know that his work is perfect, his ways are judgment. Let us never charge him foolishly; but acquiesce in the most mysterious of his dispensations; assured that he has reasons for them which at present satisfy him, and will satisfy us when they are finished and explained. What we know not now, we shall know hereafter.-" Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" "Just and true are all thy ways, O thou King of Saints." JUNE 27.-"Thou hast been a shadow from the heat." Is. xxv. 4. AND what he has been, he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Heat means evil; any evil, every evil, from which it is desirable to be screened. Heaven is a stateand many have reached it-where the sun does not But it is otherwise light on them, or any heat. here. Here many things affect the mind, as oppressive heat does the body: and make us pant for deliverance and repose. The wrath of God-a sense of his fiery Law in the conscience-the temptations of Satan-the persecutions of wicked and unreasonable men-afflictions, public and private, personal and relative-Here is the heat. Where is the shadow? Behold me, says the Saviour of sinners, Behold me! Come unto me, and I will give you rest. This is the rest, says God, wherewith ye shall cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing. But what kind of shadow is He? We read in the Scripture Of the shadow of a cloud-Of the shadow of a tree-Of the shadow of a rock-Of the shadow of a tabernacle from the heat. The shadow of the cloud in harvest is grateful, but transient. The shadow of a tree under which we sit down, is delightful; but it is limited to a small distance; and the rays frequently pierce through the boughs. The shadow of a great rock is dense and cool; but it befriends not on every side, and covers little from the vertical rays. The shadow of a tabernacle into which we may continually resort, and find not only room, but entertainment, is the most complete and inviting. All these have some truth in their application to Him: but none of them can do justice to the subject. He is what they imply, but more; and not only more than each of them, but more than all of them; and more than all of them combined; and more than all of them combined in their best estate-and infinitely more. He is not only perfect, but Divine: and he that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Let me leave, then, other shadows. They are all inadequate to the wants of the soul; and, in some way or other, will be sure to fail me-yea, whatever else I get under for shelter, will not only prove vanity, but vexation of spirit. But let me make use of this shadow from the heat. He is not far off. He is accessible. He is easy to approach. And it is only by repairing to him that I can enjoy the benefit derivable from him. And while believing, I rejoice in him with joy unspeakable; let me shew my benevolence, by recommending him to others. They, also, are strangers to repose. They want rest unto their souls. And he is sufficient to receive, and defend, and succour, and bless all. O happy period! when the eyes of men, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord! And when in him all the families of the earth shall be blessed! The Lord hasten it in his time! JUNE 28.-"What doest thou here, Elijah ?" THE principle of this question was not ignorance— God well knew how, and why, he came there. But he would know from Elijah himself; and therefore asks him that, being called upon to account for his conduct, he might be convinced of his folly, and be either speechless, or condemned out of his own mouth. We may view the inquiry three ways. First, as an instance of God's moral observation of his creatures. His eyes are upon the ways of man, and he pondereth all his doings. Nothing can screen us from this inspection. Elijah was in a wilderness, and alone; he had even left his servant behind himbut the eye of God followed him. And the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. And let us not imagine that he |