God to Be Seen in His Creatures.
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"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2
Man, by meditating upon the works of CREATION, is led to contemplate the heaven of heavens. When I see the stars, Lord, I think if one star is of such magnitude, what are the dimensions of those heavens in which so many are fixed? Nay, how infinite is that God, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain!
When I see the sun, I think, if one sun makes such a glorious day, what a glorious heaven will that be wherein every saint shall be a sun, and every sun so far brighter than the material sun—as the material sun is brighter than our bodies! And yet all these suns are but a shadow—in comparison with the Sun of Righteousness.
Again, when I consider the rising sun, how, by the perfection of his beams—it puts beauty, life, and joy upon the face of the whole creation, paints the flowers, gilds the grain, puts a flourish upon the plants, cheers and exhilarates the birds, and makes the valleys shout for joy—then what shall be the shining beauty, and the ravishing delights of so that soul, upon which the brightness of Your glory shall fully rise and rest, and clearly shine to all eternity!
Lord, when I view your redeemed people, and see one excel in beauty, another in wisdom, another in love, and others in swiftness—I think that these are but beams of your brightness, and streams of your fullness! As they had their being only from your hand—so they have their perfection only in your essence; here on earth, they are mixed—but there in heaven, they are pure. How happy then will so that soul be, who shall enjoy perfection in God—and God infinitely above all!
Lord, I see stately buildings, shady groves, crystal brooks, and pleasant meadows; and yet, perhaps, a wicked man is the owner. Then I think, if Simeon goes away with such a large portion—then what will Benjamin's portion be? If the children of theconcubines have so large a gift—then what shall be the inheritance of the son of promise?
Again, when I look upon myself in temporal things, Lord, I bless you that I have a sufficiency, and a goodly heritage; my tents are by the wells of Elim, my portion is from the hands of your wisdom. Lord, if you give me so much in the time of my vanity—then what will you do for me in the day of my glory!
But, above all, that sweet communion I enjoy with God, those glorious rays which shine from the face of Christ, those ravishing joys that flow from the wells of salvation—set me upon the top of mount Nebo, and give me the greatest view of my happiness. For if the Lord gives me so choice a mercy for my pledge—then how rich a blessing shall I have for my inheritance!
If this is thefirst fruits—then what will be the full harvest! If the Lord gives me such a glorious beam in my prison—then what a glorious sunshall shine in my palace! If there is such a joy in the expectation of what I shall be—then what a happiness shall there be in theconsummation of what I shall be! Lord, show me the path of life; for in your presence there is fullness of joy, and at your right hand are pleasures for evermore! There let me gaze on your glory, be astonished at your excellencies, and forever join in your praises!
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