Chapter VI: Part 6

‘A help,’ there is her _fallness_; ‘A meet-help,’ there is her _fitness_. The angels were too much above him; the inferior creatures too much below him; he could not step up to the former, nor could he stoop down to the latter; the one was out of his reach, the other was out of his race; but the woman is a parallel line drawn equal with him. Meet she must be in three things.

1. In the harmony of her disposition. Husband and wife should be like the image in a looking-glass, that answers in all properties to the face that stands before it; or like an echo, that returneth the voice it receiveth. Many marriages are like putting new wine into old bottles. An old man is not a meet-help for a young woman: He that sets a grey head upon green shoulders, hath one foot in the grave and another in the cradle: Yet, how many times do you see the spring of youth wedded to the winter of old age?--A young man is not a meet-help for an old woman; raw flesh is but an ill plaister for rotten bones. He that in his non-age marries another in her dotage, his lust hath one wife in possession, but his love another in reversion.

2. In heraldry of her condition. Some of our European nations are so strict in their junctions, that it is against their laws for the commonality to couple with the gentry. It was well said by one, “If the wife be too much above her husband, she either ruins him by her vast expenses, or reviles him with her base reproaches; if she be too much below her husband, either her former condition makes her too generous, or her present mutation makes her too imperious.”--Marriages are styled matches, yet amongst those many that are married, how few are there that are matched! Husbands and wives are like locks and keys, that rather break than open, except the wards be answerable.

3. In the holiness of her religion. If adultery may seperate a marriage contracted, idolatry may hinder a marriage not perfected. Cattle of divers kinds were not to ingender. 2 Cor. vi. 14. _Be not unequally yoked, &c._ It is dangerous taking her for a wife, who will not take God for a husband. It is not meet that one flesh should be of two spirits. Is there never a tree thou likest in the garden but that which bears forbidden fruit? There are but two channels in which the remaining streams shall run:--1. To those men that want wives, how to choose them. 2. To those women who have husbands, how to use them.

Marriage is the tying of such a knot, that nothing but death can unloose. Common reason suggests so much, that we should be long a-doing that which can but once be done. Where one design hath been graveled in the sands of delay, thousands have been split on the rock of precipitance. Rash adventures yield gain. Opportunities are not like tides, that when one is past, another returns; but yet take heed of flying without your wings; you may breed such agues in your bones, that may shake you to your graves. 1. Let me preserve you from a bad choice. 2. Present you with a good one. To preserve you from a bad choice, take that in three things: 1. Choose not for beauty. 2. Choose not for dowry. 3. Choose not for dignity. He that loves to beauty, buys a picture; he that loves for dowry, makes a purchase; he that leaps for dignity, matches with a multitude at once. The first of these is too blind to be directed; the second too base to be accepted; the third too bold to be respected. 1. Choose not by your eyes. 2. Choose not by your hands. 3. Choose not by your ears.

1. Choose not by your eyes, looking at the beauty of the person. Not but this is lovely in a woman; but that this is not all for which a woman should be beloved. He that had the choice of many faces stamps this character upon them all, _favour is deceitful and beauty is vain_. The sun is more bright in a clear sky, than when the horizon is clouded; but if a woman’s flesh hath more of beauty than her spirit hath of christianity, it is like poison in sweet-meats, most dangerous: “The sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were fair,” Gen. vi. 2. One would have thought that they should rather have looked for grace in the heart, than for beauty in the face: take care of running at the fairest signs; the swan hath black flesh under her white feathers.

2. Choose not by your hands, for the bounty of the portion. When Cato’s daughter was asked why she did not marry? she thus replied, she could not find the man that loved her person above her portion. Men love curious pictures, but they would have them set in golden frames. Some are so degenerate as to think any good enough, who have but goods enough. Take heed, for sometimes the bag and baggage go together. The person should be a figure, and the portion a cypher, which added to her, advances the sum, but alone signifies nothing. When Themistocles was to marry his daughter, two suitors courted her together, the one rich and a fool, the other wise but poor; and being asked which of the two he had rather his daughter should have? he answered _Mallem virum fine pecuni_: ‘I had rather she should have a man without money, than money without a man.’

3. Choose not by your ears, for the dignity of her parentage. A good old stock may nourish a fruitless branch. There are many children who are not the blessings, but the blemishes of their parents; they are nobly descended, but ignobly minded: Such was Aurelius Antonious, of whom it was said, that he injured his country of nothing, but being the father of such a child. There are many low in their descents, that are high in their deserts; such as the cobler’s son, who became a famous captain; when a great person upbraided the meanness of his original, “My nobility,” said he, “began with me, but thy nobility ends with thee.” Piety is a greater honour than parentage. She is the best gentlewoman that is heir of her own deserts, and not the degenerate offspring of another’s virtue. To present you with a good choice in three things.

1. Choose such a one as will be a subject to your dominion. Take heed of yoking yourselves with untamed heifers.

2. Choose such a one as may sympathize with you in your affliction. Marriage is just like a sea voyage, he that enters into this ship, must look to meet with storms and tempests, 1 Cor. vii. 20. _They that marry shall have trouble in the flesh_. Flesh and trouble are married together, whether we marry or no; now a bitter cup is too much to be drunk by one mouth. A heavy burthen is easily carried by assistance of other shoulders. Husband and wife should neither be proud flesh, nor dead flesh. You are fellow-members, therefore you should have a fellow-feeling. While one stands safe on the shore, pity should be shown to him that is tost on the sea. Sympathy in suffering is like a dry house in a wet day.

3. Choose such a one as may be serviceable to your salvation. A man may think he hath a saint, when he hath a devil; but take heed of a harlot, that is false to thy bed; and of a hypocrite, that is false to thy God.

2. To those women who have husbands, how to use them. In two things.

1. Carry yourselves towards them with obedience. Let their power command you, that their praise may commend you. Though you may have your husband’s heart, yet you should love his will. Till the husband leaves commanding, the wife must never leave obeying. As his injunctions must be lawful, so her subjection must be loyal.

2. With faithfulness. In creation, God made not woman for many men, or many women for one man. Every wife should be to her husband as Eve was to Adam, a whole world of women; and every husband should be to his wife as Adam was to Eve, a whole world of men. When a river is divided into many channels, the main current starves.

To conclude, Good servants are a great blessing; good children a greater blessing; but a good wife is the greatest blessing: And such a help let him seek for her that wants one, let him sigh for her that hath lost one, let him take pleasure in her that enjoys one.

Where there is nothing but a picture of virtue, or a few shadowy qualities that may subsist without any real excellency, death will hide them for ever in the night of despair. The blackness of darkness will close upon the naked and wandering ghost; whilst its loathsome remains are consigned to oblivion and putrefaction in the prison of the grave, with the prospect of a worse doom hereafter. But where there is a living image of true goodness begun in this state, death will deliver it with safety into the finishing hand of eternity, to be produced with every mark of honour in the open view of heaven; where its now mortal partner, rescued from the dishonours of the dust, and brightened into the graces of eternal youth, shall rejoin it in triumph, to suffer the pangs of separation no more. EVERLASTING JEHOVAH! what a crown of joy will it confer on the preacher in that day, if this little service shall be rewarded with the reflection of having contributed to the salvation or improvement of any of these young persons whom he now addresses! If ever thine ear was open to my cry, hear me, O Lord! hear me in their behalf. What cannot thy spirit perform, perform by the weakest hand? May that spirit seal them to the day of redemption. At that glorious period, may I meet you all amongst the redeemed of the Lord, happy to see you shining with immortal splendour in the general assembly and church of the first born, transported to think that I shall live with you for ever, and joining in the gratulations of your fellow-angels around the throne of God, when He shall, in the sight of all, clothe you with the garment of salvation, and cover you with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom is decked with ornaments, and as a bride is adorned with her Jewels. Amen.

LADY FRETFUL,

A SKETCH FROM REAL LIFE.

Her general style of conversation runs on the inconveniences to be expected from this or that circumstance, and no one is so ingenious in extracting unsuspected evil from plans of the fairest promise. Is the weather fine, and a walk mentioned--It is hot--it is dusty--the wind is in the east--there was rain in the morning--it will be dirty--or it will rain before we reach home. Is she to go out in the carriage; one road is too long for the horses--another is unpleasant--another unsafe--and, in short, none are exactly right. Yet she goes on these proposed expeditions, after all possibility of pleasure has been reasoned and anticipated away. If she is going out to dinner, she is sure the company will be unpleasant--the servants will get drunk--she shall be robbed, or overturned in coming home. If she is to have a party at home, she knows every thing will go wrong--nobody will be amusing--the time will hang heavy--the people will go away, execrating the stupidity of the visit. If she sees any lady employed about a piece of work, she prognosticates it will be unfashionable before it is finished, she sees any one reading, she never new any good come of reading, but to make young people unfit for conversation. If her husband is going a hunting, she hates hunting, it is so dangerous. If he goes for a ride, she is surprised he can take pleasure in sitting on his horse for hours together. If he is in his library, she never saw such a book-worm. If he sits in the parlour, she hates men always at their wive’s apron strings. Thus does she sour every common occurance of life by the most ingenious optical delusion, looking at every thing in the worst point of view.

What absurdity to imbitter one’s alloted portion of happiness by so obstinately persisting to anticipate inconvenience! Why not be disposed to think fair appearances promise fair conclusions? Why, if the sun shines in the morning, be unwilling to enjoy it then? And, if it rains, why not be always inclined to hope the weather will brighten?

THE

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS,

FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME.

GLASGOW;
PRINTED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS.

The progress of the Pilgrim is here represented by Christian leaving the City of Destruction, in terror and alarm at its fate. He is met by Evangelist, who, directed him to fly from the wrath to come; and keep yonder shining light in his eye, where it should be told him what to do.

Christian had not proceeded far, till he fell into the slough of Despond, and was relieved by one called Help, who set him on his way. He was afterwards beguiled by Worldly-wiseman; but was again put right way by Evangalist.

Christian at length arrived at the gate, upon which was inscribed “knock and it shall be opened.” He knocked and it was opened by one Goodwill, who let him in. Beelzebub as he entered gave him a pull but Christian escaped.

Christian having fairly escaped Beelzebub and his emissaries; was kindly welcomed by Goodwill, and shewed many rare sights by Interpreter: he passed the walls of salvation and came to a cross, where his bundle dropped off.

Christian now being rid of his burden, pushed on more lightly, and took the narrow path up the hill, and struggled hard till he arrived at the arbour, prepared by the Lord of the place for weary pilgrims, where he sat and refreshed himself.

When Christian had got to the top of the hill he met two men running, named Timorous and Mistrust; who said they had been bound for Mount Zion, but meeting with two Lions, they were afraid: Christian passed the Lions, who, being chained, could not hurt him.

When Christian lift up his eyes, he beheld the Palace of Beautiful; and after a few interrogations, was admitted by a damsel called Discretion, who with her two sisters, Piety and Prudence, he held a long conversation.

After leaving these good damsels, Christian passed on his way; and in the middle of the valley of Humiliation, he met with Apollion, with whom he had a bloody struggle; Apollion throwing darts as thick as hail: but at last Christian overcame.

Now at the end of this valley was another called the valley of the shadow of death; in the midst of which he perceived the mouth of hell; from which flame and smoke issued out in such abundance, that he was obliged to put up his sword and betake himself to All-prayer.

Shortly after this he came up with Faithful; with whom he held sweet converse till they came to Vanity Fair. A merchant asking what they would buy, they said the truth; which he took amiss, and raised a hubbub; so that they were both taken up and put in a cage, for public view.

Christian and Faithful were brought before Mr. Hategood, to stand their trial. Envy, Superstition, and Hypocrisy, were brought forward as evidences, who did not fail to tell a partial story; which a partial jury confirmed; and Faithful was condemned to die at the stake.

Faithful was then brought out and suffered at the stake: Thus came he to his end, but there stood behind the multitude a chariot, and horses into which he was taken up and carried through the clouds. Christian escaping went on his way.

Christian soon fell in with Hopeful, another pilgrim, with whom he journeyed; and they having slept in the policies of Doubting Castle, were taken prisoners, by Giant Despair, who treated them harshly: a key found in Christian’s bosom, opened the doors, and they made their escape.

Having escaped from Giant Despair, they soon met with the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains. Leaving this country, they came to the enchanted ground, where they fell in with some of the shining inhabitants, of the City.

Christian and Hopeful drawing nigh to the Celistial City, beheld the streets were paved with pure gold, but there was a very deep river through which they must pass the Pilgrims were alarmed and begun to sink; but rose again and were welcomed on the other side by two glorious persons.

Christian’s wife and children wept for him, until a heavenly messenger gave her a letter to follow her husband, and live with him for ever. At first she was overcome, but taking the road with all her children they fell in with Mercy, and went toward the wicket gate.

After they had got safely through the Slough of Despond, they arrived at the gate, where they knocked a long time, till at length the keeper called out “Who’s there,” and opened the gate, and taking Christiana by the hand welcomed them saying “Suffer little children to come unto me.”

With some difficulty Mercy was admitted, and they safely arrived at Interpreter’s house; supper being ready, and thanks given, they partook of a hearty repast; Interpreter asked how she became a pilgrim, she said, it was by the loss of her husband, and a letter from the King of Zion.

In the morning they were much refreshed. Greatheart was sent along with them to guide them on their way. They passed the place where the load fell from Christian’s back; and came to the place where Simple, Sloth, and Presumption were hanging in chains.

They soon arrived at the Hill of Difficulty; Greatheart shewed them the spring where Christian drank; they then begun to ascend the hill, but Christiana began to pant and want rest; but Greatheart encouraged them, telling them they were near the Arbour, where they would find rest.

Being refreshed at the Arbour, and approaching Doubting Castle, Greatheart determined to level it with the ground. He and the giant had a severe fight, but the giant was overcome. They then demolished the Castle, and released many prisoners, where many strange sights were seen.

They still persevered on in their journey by the straight way, and narrow path of pilgrims; occasionally meeting with difficulties and encouragement, till they arrived at the land of Beulah, where the sun shines night and day; and here they betook themselves to rest.

Now while they lay here there was a post came from the Celestial City, with a letter to Christiana: the contents were “Hail good woman! I bring thee good tidings that the master calleth for thee, and expecteth that thou shouldst stand in his presence within these ten days.”

Now the day drew on that Christiana must be gone. So the road was full of people to see her take her journey. So she came forth and entered the river with a beckon of farewell to those that follow her to the river side. The last words she was heard to say, were, “I come, Lord, to be with thee, and bless thee.”

So her children and friends returned to their place; for those that waited for Christiana had carried her out of their sight. So she went and called and entered in at the gate with all the ceremonies of Joy that Christian had done before her.

FINIS.

DIVINE SONGS

FOR

THE USE OF CHILDREN.

BY I. WATTS, D.D.

“Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”

GLASGOW:
PUBLISHED BY FRANCIS ORR AND SONS.

1847.

DIVINE SONGS.

I.--_A General Song of Praise to God._

1 How glorious is our heavenly King,
who reigns above the sky!
How shall a child presume to sing
his dreadful Majesty?

2 How great his power is, none can tell,
Nor think how large his grace;
Not man below, nor saints that dwell
on high before his face:

3 Nor angels that stand round the Lord,
can search his secret will;
But they perform his heavenly word,
and sing his praises still.

4 Then let me join this holy train,
and my first off’rings bring;
The eternal God will not disdain
to hear an infant sing.

5 My heart resolves, my tongue obeys,
and angels shall rejoice,
To hear their mighty Maker’s praise
sound from a feeble voice.

II.--_Praise for Creation and Providence._

1 I sing the Almighty power of God,
that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad,
and built the lofty skies.

2 I sing the wisdom that ordain’d
the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
and all the stars obey.

3 I sing the goodness of the Lord,
that filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with his word,
and then pronounc’d them good.

4 Lord, how many wonders are display’d
where’er I turn mine eye!
If I survey the ground I tread,
or gaze upon the sky.

5 There’s not a plant or flower below,
but makes thy glories known;
And clouds arise, and tempests blow,
by order from thy throne.

6 Creatures (as numerous as they be)
are subject to thy care;
There’s not a place where we can flee,
but God is present there.

7 In heaven he shines with beams of love,
with wrath in hell beneath;
’Tis on his earth I stand or move,
and ’tis his air I breath.

8 His hand is my perpetual guard,
he keeps me with his eye;
Why should I then forget the Lord,
who is for ever nigh?

III.--_Praise to God for our Redemption._

1 Blest be the wisdom and the power,
the justice and the grace,
That joined in counsel to restore
and save our ruin’d race.

2 Our father ate forbidden fruit,
and from his glory fell;
And we, his children, thus were brought
to death, and near to hell.

3 Blest be the Lord that sent his Son
to take our flesh and blood;
He for our lives gave up his own,
to make our peace with God.

4 He honour’d all his Father’s laws,
which we have disobey’d;
He bore our sins upon the cross,
and our full ransom paid.

5 Behold him rising from the grave;
behold him raised on high;
He pleads his merits there to save
transgressors doom’d to die.

6 There on a glorious throne he reigns
and by his power divine,
Redeems us from the slavish chains
of Satan and of sin.

7 Then shall the Lord to judgment come,
and with a sovereign voice
Shall call and break up every tomb,
while waking saints rejoice.

8 O may I then with joy appear
before the Judge’s face;
And with the blessed assembly there,
sing his redeeming grace!

IV.--_Spiritual and Temporal Mercies._

1 Whene’er I take my walks abroad,
how many poor I see!
What shall I render to my God
for all his gifts to me!

2 Not more than others I deserve,
yet God has given me more;
For I have food, while others starve,
or beg from door to door.

3 How many children in the street
half naked I behold!
While I am clothed from head to feet,
and covered from the cold!

4 While some poor wretches scarce can tell
where they may lay their head,
I have a house wherein to dwell,
and rest upon my bed.

5 While others early learn to swear,
and curse, and lie, and steal,
Lord, I am taught thy name to fear,
and do thy holy will.

6 Are these thy favours day by day,
to me above the rest?
Then let me love thee more than they
and try to serve thee best.

V.--_Praise for Birth and Education in a Christian Land._

1 Great God! to thee my voice I raise,
to thee my youngest hours belong;
I would begin my hours with praise,
till growing years improve the song.

2 ’Tis to thy sov’reign grace I owe
that I was born on British ground,
Where streams of heavenly mercy flow,
and words of sweet salvation sound.

3 I would not change my native land
for rich Peru, with all her gold:
A nobler prize lies in my hand
than East, or Western Indies hold.

4 How do I pity those that dwell
where ignorance and darkness reign;
They know no heaven they fear no hell,
the endless joy, the endless pain!

5 Thy glorious promises, O Lord!
kindle my hope and my desire:
While all the preachers of thy word
warn me to ’scape eternal fire.

6 Thy praise shall still employ my breath,
since thou hast mark’d my way to heaven,
Nor will I run the road to death,
and waste the blessings thou hast given.

VI.--_Praise for the Gospel._

1 Lord, I ascribe it to thy grace,
and not to chance, as others do,
That I was born of Christian race,
and not a Heathen or a Jew.

2 What would the ancient Jewish kings
and Jewish prophets once have given
Could they have heard those glorious things
which Christ reveal’d and brought from heaven!

3 How glad the heathens would have been,
that worshipp’d idols, wood, and stone,
If they the book of God had seen,
or Jesus and his gospel known!

4 Then if this gospel I refuse,
how shall I e’er lift up mine eyes?
For all the Gentiles and the Jews
against me will in judgment rise.

VII.--_The Excellency of the Bible._

1 Great God, with wonder and with praise
on all thy works I look;
But still thy wisdom, power, and grace,
shine brightest in thy book.

2 The stars, that in their courses roll,
have much instruction given;
But thy good word informs my soul
how I may climb to heaven.

3 The fields provide me food, and show
the goodness of the Lord;
But fruits of life and glory grow
in thy most holy Word.

4 Here are choicest treasures hid;
here my best comfort lies;
Here my desires are satisfied,
and hence my hopes arise.

5 Lord, make me understand thy law,
show what my faults have been;
And from thy gospel let me draw
pardon for all my sin.

6 Here would I learn how Christ has died
to save my soul from hell;
Not all the books on earth beside
such heavenly wonders tell.

7 Then let me love my Bible more,
and take a fresh delight
By day to read thy wonders o’er,
and meditate by night.

VIII.--_Praise to God for learning to read._

1 The praises of my tongue
I offer to the Lord,
That I was taught and learn’d so young
to read his holy word.

2 That I am brought to know
the danger I was in,
By nature, and by practice too,
a wedded slave to sin:

3 That I am led to see
I can do nothing well;
And whither shall a sinner flee
to save himself from hell?

4 Dear Lord! this book of thine
informs me where to go
For grace to pardon all my sin,
and make me holy too.

5 Here I can read and learn
how Christ, the Son of God,
Did undertake our great concern,--
our ransom cost his blood.

6 And now he reigns above,
he sends his Spirit down
To show the wonders of his love,
and make his gospel known.

7 O may that Spirit teach,
and make my heart receive
Those truths which all thy servants preach,
and all thy saints believe!

8 Then shall I praise the Lord
in a most cheerful strain,
That I was taught to read his Word,
and have not learned in vain.

IX.--_The All-seeing God._

1 Almighty God, thy piercing eye
strikes through the shades of night,
And our most secret actions lie
all open to thy sight.

2 There’s not a sin that we commit,
nor wicked word we say,
But in thy dreadful book ’tis writ
against the judgment day.

3 And must the crimes that I have done
be read and publish’d there?
Be all exposed before thy Son,
while men and angels hear?

4 Lord, at thy feet asham’d I lie,
upward I dare not look;
Pardon my sins before I die,
and blot them from thy book.

5 Remember all the dying pains
that my Redeemer felt,
And let his blood wash out my stains,
and answer for my guilt.

6 O may I now for ever fear
T’ indulge a sinful thought,
Since the great God can see and hear
and writes down every fault.

X.--_Solemn Thoughts of God and Death._

1 There is a God that reigns above,
lord of the heavens and earth and seas,
I fear his wrath, I ask his love,
and with my lips I sing his praise.

2 There is a law which he has writ,
to teach us all what we must do;
My soul, to his commands submit,
for they are holy, just and true.

3 There is a gospel of rich grace,
whence sinners all their comfort draw
Lord, I repent and seek thy face,
for I have often broke thy law.

4 There is an hour when I must die,
nor do I know how soon ’twill come;
A thousand children young as I
are called by death to hear their doom.

5 Let me improve the hours I have,
before the day of grace is fled;
There’s no repentance in the grave,
nor pardon offered to the dead.

6 Just as a tree cut down, that fell
to north or southward, there it lies:
So man departs to heaven or hell,
fix’d in the state wherein he dies.

XI.--_Heaven and Hell._

1 There is beyond the sky,
a heaven of joy and love;
And holy children when they die,
go to that world above.

2 There is a dreadful hell,
and everlasting pains,
Where sinners must with devils dwell,
in darkness, fire, and chains.

3 Can such a wretch as I
escape this cursed end?
And may I hope whene’er I die,
I shall to heaven ascend?

4 Then will I read and pray,
while I have life and breath,
Lest I should be cut off to-day,
and sent t’ eternal death.

XII.--_The advantages of early Religion._

1 Happy the child whose tender years
receive instruction well;
Who hates the sinner’s path, and fears
the road that leads to hell.

2 When we devote our youth to God,
’tis pleasing in his eyes;
A flower, when offer’d in the bud,
is no vain sacrifice.

3 ’Tis easier work, if we begin
to fear the Lord betimes;
While sinners, who grow old in sin,
are hardened in their crimes.

4 ’Twill save us from a thousand snares,
to mind religion young;
Grace will preserve our following years,
and make our virtue strong.

5 To thee, Almighty God, to thee,
our childhood we resign;
’Twill please us to look back and see
that our whole lives were thine.

6 Let the sweet work of prayer and praise
employ my youngest breath;
Thus I’m prepared for longer days,
or fit for early death.

XIII.--_The Danger of Delay._

1 Why should I say, “’Tis yet too soon
to seek for heaven, or think of death?”
A flower may fade before ’tis noon,
and I this day may lose my breath.

2 If this rebellious heart of mine
Despise the gracious call of Heaven,
I may be hardened in my sin,
and never have repentance given.

3 What if the Lord grew wroth and swear,
while I refuse to read and pray,
That he’ll refuse to lend an ear
to all my groans another day.

4 What if his dreadful anger burn
while I refuse his offer’d grace,
And all his love to fury turn,
and strike me dead upon the place.

5 ’Tis dangerous to provoke our God!
his power and vengeance none can tell;
One stroke of his Almighty rod
shall send young sinners down to hell.

6 Then ’twill for ever be in vain
to cry for pardon and for grace,
To wish I had my time again,
or hope to see my Maker’s face.

XIV.--_Against Lying._

1 O ’tis a lovely thing for youth
to walk betimes in wisdom’s way:
To fear a lie, to speak the truth,
that we may trust to all they say!

2 But liars we can never trust,
tho’ they should speak the thing that’s true;
And he that does one fault at first,
and lies to hide it, makes it two.

3 Have we not known, nor heard, nor read,
how God abhors deceit and wrong,
How Ananias was struck dead,
Caught with a lie upon his tongue?

4 So did his wife Sapphira die,
when she came in, and grew so bold,
As to confirm the wicked lie
that just before her husband told.

5 The Lord delights in them that speak
the words of truth; but every liar
Must have his portion in the lake
that burns with brimstone and with fire.

6 Then let me always watch my lips,
lest I be struck to death and hell,
Since God a book of reck’ning keeps
for every lie that children tell.

XV.--_Against Quarrelling and Fighting._

1 Let dogs delight to bark and bite
for God hath made them so;
Let bears and lions growl and fight,
for ’tis their nature too;

2 But children, you should never let
such angry passions rise;
Your little hands were never made
to tear each other’s eyes.

3 Let love through all your actions run,
and all your words be mild;
Live like the blessed Virgin’s Son,
that sweet and lovely Child.

4 His soul was gentle as a lamb;
and, as his stature grew,
He grew in favour both with man
and God his Father too.

5 Now Lord of all he reigns above;
and from his heavenly throne
He sees what children dwell in love,
and marks them for his own.

XVI.--_Love between Brothers and Sisters_.

1 Whatever brawls disturb the street,
there should be peace at home;
Where sisters dwell and brothers meet
quarrels should never come.

2 Birds in their little nests agree,
and ’tis a shameful sight
When children of one family
fall out, and chide, and fight.

3 Hard names at first, & threat’ning words,
that are but noisy breath,
May grow to clubs and naked swords,
to murder and to death.

4 The devil tempts one mother’s son
to rage against another;
So wicked Cain was hurried on
till he had kill’d his brother.

5 The wise will make their anger cool,
at least before ’tis night;
But in the bosom of a fool
it burns till morning light.

6 Pardon, O Lord, our childish rage,
our little brawls remove,
That, as we grow to riper age,
our hearts may all be love.

XVII.--_Against Idleness and Mischief._

1 How doth the little busy bee
improve each shining hour,
And gather honey all the day
from every opening flower.

2 How skilfully she builds her cell!
how neat she spreads her wax!
And labours hard to store it well
with the sweet food she makes.

3 In works of labour, or of skill,
I would be busy too:
For Satan finds some mischief still
for idle hands to do.

4 In books, or works, or healthful play
let my first years be past,
That I may give for every day
some good account at last.

XIII.--_Against Evil Company._

1 Why should I join with those in play
in whom I’ve no delight,
Who curse and swear, but never pray
who call ill names, and fight?

2 I hate to hear a wanton song;
their words offend my ears;
I should not dare defile my tongue
with language such as theirs.

3 Away from fools I’ll turn my eyes,
nor with the scoffers go;
I would be walking with the wise,
that wiser I may grow.

4 From one rude boy that’s used to mock,
ten learn the wicked jest;
One sickly sheep infects the flock,
and poisons all the rest.

5 My God, I hate to walk or dwell
with sinful children here;
Then let me not be sent to hell,
where none but sinners are.

XIX.--_Against Pride in Clothes._

1 Why should our garments, made to hide
Our parents’ shame, provoke our pride?
The art of dress did ne’er begin
Till Eve, our mother, learned to sin.

2 When first she put the covering on,
Her robe of innocence was gone;
And yet her children vainly boast
In the sad marks of glory lost.

3 How proud we are! how fond to show
Our clothes! and call them rich and new!
When the poor sheep and silkworms wore
That very clothing long before.

4 The tulip and the butterfly
Appear in gayer coats than I;
Let me be dress’d fine as I will,
Flies, worms, and flowers excel me still.

5 Then will I set my heart to find
Inward adornings of the mind;
Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace,
These are the robes of richest dress.

6 No more shall worms with me compare;
This is the raiment angels wear;
The Son of God, when here below,
Put on this blest apparel too.

7 It never fades, it ne’er grows old,
Nor fears the rain, nor moth, nor mould;
It takes no spot, but still refines;
The more it’s worn, the more it shines.

8 In this on earth should I appear,
Then go to heav’n and wear it there,
God will approve it in his sight;
’Tis his own work, and his delight.

XX.--_Obedience to Parents._

1 Let children that would fear the Lord
hear what their teachers say;
With reverence meet their parents’ word,
and with delight obey.

2 Have we not heard what dreadful plagues
are threat’ned by the Lord,
To him that breaks his father’s law,
or mocks his mother’s word?

3 What heavy guilt upon him lies!
how cursed is his name!
The ravens shall pick out his eyes,
and eagles eat the same.

4 But those who worship God, and give
their parents honour due,
Here on this earth they long shall live,
and live hereafter too.

XXI.--_The Child’s Complaint._

1 Why should I love my sports so well,
so constant at my play,
And lose the thoughts of heaven and hell,
and then forget to pray?

2 What do I read my Bible for,
but, Lord, to learn thy will?
And shall I learn to know thee more,
and less obey thee still?

3 How senseless is my heart and wild!
how vain are all my thoughts!
Pity the weakness of a child,
and pardon all my faults.

4 Make me thy heav’nly voice to hear,
and let me love to pray,
Since God will lend a gracious ear
to what a child can say.

XXII.--_A Morning Song._

1 My God, who makes the sun to know
his proper hour to rise,
And to give light to all below,
dost send him round the skies:

2 When from the chambers of the east
his morning race begins,
He never tires, nor stops to rest,
but round the world he shines;

3 So, like the sun, would I fulfil
the business of the day,
Begin my work betimes, and still
march on my heav’nly way.

4 Give me, O Lord, thine early grace,
nor let my soul complain
That the young morning of my days
has all been spent in vain.

XXIII.--_An Evening Song._

1 And now another day is gone,
I’ll sing my Maker’s praise;
My comforts every hour make known
his providence and grace.

2 But how my childhood runs to waste
my sins, how great their sum!
Lord, give me pardon for the past,
and strength for days to come.

3 I lay my body down to sleep;
let angels guard my head,
And through the hours of darkness keep
their watch around my bed.

4 With cheerful heart I close my eyes,
since thou wilt not remove;
And in the morning let me rise
rejoicing in thy love.

XXIV.--_For the Lord’s Day Morning._

1 This is the day when Christ arose
so early from the dead;
Why should I keep my eyelids close,
and waste my hours in bed?

2 This is the day when Jesus broke
the powers of death and hell;
And shall I still wear Satan’s yoke,
and love my sins so well?

3 To-day with pleasure Christians meet,
to pray, and hear thy Word,
And I will go with cheerful feet
to learn thy will, O Lord.

4 I’ll leave my sport to read and pray,
and so prepare for heaven:
O may I love this blessed day
the best of all the seven!

XXV.--_For the Lord’s Day Evening._

1 Lord, how delightful ’tis to see
A whole assembly worship thee!
At once they sing, at once they pray,
They hear of heaven and learn the way.

2 I have been there, and still would go,
’Tis like a little heaven below;
Nor all my pleasures, nor my play,
Shall tempt me to forget that day.

3 O write upon my mem’ry, Lord,
The test and doctrines of thy Word,
That I may break thy laws no more,
But love thee better than before.

4 With thoughts of Christ, and things divine
Fill up this foolish heart of mine;
That, hoping pardon through his blood,
I may lie down, and wake with God.

FINIS.

THE

PLANT OF RENOWN:

BEING

TWO SERMONS,

PREACHED BY THE

REV. EBENEZER ERSKINE,

LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN STIRLING.

GLASGOW:
PRINTED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS.

THE

PLANT OF RENOWN.

SERMON I.

EZEKIEL, xxxiv. 29.

_And I will raise up for them a Plant of Renown._

If we cast our eyes back upon the foregoing part of this chapter, we shall find a very melancholy scene casting up; we shall find the flock and heritage of God scattered, robbed and peeled by the civil and ecclesiastical rulers that were in being in that day; a day much like to the day wherein we live: the ruin of the church of Christ in all ages and periods of the world, has been owing to combinations betwixt corrupt churchmen, and corrupt statesmen; and so you will find it. In the preceding part of this chapter there is a high charge brought in against the Shepherds of Israel, and a terrible and awful threatening denounced by the great and chief shepherd against them, for the bad treatment that the flock of Christ had met with in their hands: However the sheep of Christ may be fleeced, and scattered, and spoiled, yet the Lord looks on them; and many great and precious promises are made for their encouragement in that evil day; you may read them at your own leisure, for I must not stay upon them just now. But among all the rest of the promises that are made, Christ is the chief; Christ is the To-look of the church, whatever trouble she be in. In the 7th chapter of Isaiah, the church had a trembling heart, God’s Israel was shaken as ever you saw the leaves of the wood shaken by the wind, by reason of two Kings combining against them: Well, the Lord tells them, “A Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and call his name IMMANUEL.” But, might not the church say, what is that to us? What encouragement doth this afford in the present distress? Why, the Messiah is to come of the tribe of Judah and the family of David; and therefore that tribe and family must be preserved, in order to the accomplishment of that promise. Whatever distance of time, suppose hundreds or thousands of years, may intervene before the actual coming of the Messiah; yet the promise of his coming, as it is the ground of your faith for eternal salvation, so it is a security for the present, that the enemy shall not prevail, to the total ruin of Judah and the royal family of David. In all the distresses of the church, Christ is always presented to her, in the promise, as the object of her faith, and the ground of her consolation; and accordingly, “They looked to him,” in the promise, “and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed.” He is here promised under the notion of _God’s Servant_; and, in the words of the text, he is promised as a _Renowned Plant_, that was to rise in the fulness of time. And, blessed be God, he has sprung up, and is in heaven already, and has overtopt all his enemies, and all his enemies shall be his foot-stool.

_First_, Here then, you have a comfortable promise of the Messiah; where, again, you may notice the promiser: _I, I will raise up, &c._ It is a great _I_, indeed; it is JEHOVAH, in the person of the FATHER: It was he that in a peculiar manner, sent him; “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.--In the fulness of time he sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of Sons.” God promised to send him, and accordingly he has actually fulfilled his promise. Again,

_Secondly_, We may notice the blessing promised, and that is, a _Plant of Renown_.--Christ gets a great many metaphorical names and descriptions in Scripture:--Sometimes he is called a Rose, sometimes he is called a Sun, and sometimes he is called a Door; sometimes he is called the Tree of Life; sometimes he is called one thing, and sometimes another; And he is content to be called any thing, to make himself known to us; and here he is called a Plant, and a _Renowned Plant_; but more of this afterwards. But then,

_Thirdly_, We have the production of this Plant, _I will raise him up_. Hell will endeavour to keep him down; the Devil and his Angels will endeavour to smother him, when he sets his head above ground: So we find Satan sends Herod, and Herod sends the Bloody Dragoons to murder him, when he came into the world: But let hell do its utmost, as it hath done in all ages, and is doing this day, to smother that plant, up it will be; _I will raise him up_, and therefore he shall prosper. But then again,

_Fourthly_, We may notice here, for whom, or for what end, for whose use and benefit it is: _I will raise up for them a Plant of Renown_. Who these are, you will see by casting your eye on the former part of this chapter; it is for the Lord’s flock, his oppressed heritage, that are borne down by wicked rulers, civil and ecclesiastic: _I will raise up for them a Plant of Renown_, and he will be their deliverer.

The doctrine that naturally arises from this first clause of the verse, is in short this, “That Christ is a Plant of Renown, of God’s raising up, for the benefit and advantage of his people, or for their comfort and relief in all their distresses; he is a Renowned Plant of God’s raising up.”

Now, in discoursing this doctrine, if time and strength would allow, I might,

_First_, Premise a few things concerning this blessed Plant.

_Secondly_, I might enquire, why he is called a Plant of Renown?

_Thirdly_, Speak a little to the raising up of this Plant.

_Fourthly_, For whom he is raised up.

_Fifthly_, For what end. And then,

_Lastly_, Apply.

As to the first of these, namely,

_First_, To premise a few things concerning this blessed Plant.

_First_, I would have you to know what is here attributed and ascribed to Christ: It is not to be understood absolutely of him as God, but officially as he is Mediator and Redeemer. Considering him absolutely as God, this cannot be properly said of him, that he was raised up: for he is God co-equal and co-essential with the Father; But viewing him as Mediator, he is a Plant, as it were of God’s training. You will see from the context, all that is said of Christ has a respect to him as a Mediator, that he was to be God’s Servant to do his work: In that consideration he is here called a Plant, and a _Plant of Renown_. Hence, Zacharias, when speaking of him, has a phrase much to the same purpose; “He hath raised up a Horn of Salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” Again,

_Secondly_, Another thing I would have you to remark, is, That this Plant is but small and little in the eyes of a blind world. He was little looked upon when he sprung up in his Incarnation; and when he was here in a state of humiliation, men looked upon him “as a Root sprung up out of a dry ground; they saw no comeliness in him why he should be desired.” And to this day, though he be in a state of exaltation at the right hand of God, yet he is little thought of, and looked upon, by the generality of mankind, and the hearers of the gospel; _He is despised and rejected of men_. But then,

_Thirdly_, Another thing I would have you to remark, is, That however contemptible this Plant of Renown is in the eyes of a blind world, yet he is the tallest Plant in all God’s Lebanon, there is not the like of him in it, “He is fairer than the children of men;” and, “He is as the apple-tree among the trees of the wood,” If ever you saw him, you will be ready to say so too, and with David, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the earth that I desire besides thee.” Again,

_Fourthly_, Another thing I remark, is, That this blessed Plant of Renown, he was cut down in his death, and sprung up gloriously in his resurrection; the sword of divine justice hewed down this Plant upon Mount Calvary, but within three days he sprung up again more glorious and more beautiful and amiable than ever; and “He was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by his resurrection from the dead.”

_Lastly_, I would have you to remark, that all the little plants in the garden are ingrafted in this Plant of Renown: “I am the Vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: For without me ye can do nothing--I am a green fir tree, from me is thy fruit found.” If you be not ingrafted firs, in this Plant, you will never grow; and all the trees that are not planted in him, they are all but weeds. There is a time coming when all the weeds will be plucked up, and therefore take heed that you be ingrafted in him by a faith of God’s operation. So much for the first thing I proposed.

The second thing was to shew, that he is a Renowned Plant. He is renowned in heaven, and he is renowned on earth, and will be so, _For his name shall endure for ever_, Psal. lxxii. 17. O he is renowned!

For what, say you, is he renowned? I might here enter upon a very large field; I shall only tell you,

1. That he is renowned in his Person. There was never the like of him! The two natures, God and Man, are joined together in one, in him: Did you ever see that? If you have not seen that, you have not seen the Mystery of Godliness: He is the most renowned person in heaven; but he is IMMANUEL, _God manifested in the flesh_.--Then he is,

2. Renowned for his Pedigree: _Who can declare his Generation?_ Considering him as God, his eternal generation from the Father cannot be told. We can tell you he is the only begotten of the Father, but we cannot tell you the manner of his generation; it is a secret that God has drawn a vail upon, and it is dangerous to venture into a search of it; and they that have attempted it, have commonly been boged into Arian, Arminian, and Sabellian errors. Considering him as man, he is sprung of a race of ancient Kings, a famous catalogue of them you read of in first of Matthew.--And who can declare his generation even as man? For he was born of a Virgin, and conceived by the overshadowing power of the Highest. Then,

3. He is renowned for his name.--“He hath a Name above every name that can be named, whether in this world or that which is to come.”

4. He is renowned for his Wisdom.--For, “All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in him.”