The rich and the poor were to give the same, being all equally guilty before the Almighty, and all equally precious in his sight; for, as Solomon says, the rich and poor meet together, the Lord is the maker of them all. Therefore we must be all redeemed by the same price; that is, not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. David's petition was, "purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean, wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."

O may it be our's, that we may compass thine altar, O Lord: (y) that we may depart from evil, and do good; and dwell in thy house for evermore. (z) Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense? Was it not he who was anointed to preach good tidings unto the meek; to bind up the broken-hearted, to

proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to comfort all that mourn? Yes, it was he who was the branch out of the root of Jesse, upon whom the spirit of the Almighty rested: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord; who is quick of understanding, and who does not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness doth he judge the poor, and reprove with equity the meek of the earth. Come then and let us wash in this pure fountain, which is open for sin and uncleanness, till we are without spot, or wrinkle; for if we are in Christ, we are new creatures: old things are passed away: behold all things are become new.

en hen "emored vom Zinau, ma ntched in Fismut.

A Tom Ris. to moisten, &c. Ew consoling to the Christian traveller, wule pursuing is course through this wildemess, to have the dew of Hermon descending into his soul, invigorating and moistening it, that when the sun arises, it may be as a morning without clouds; that it may grow as the lily, and cast forth its mots as Lebanca. These divine emanations, proceeding from the pure fountain of light and life, through earnest intercessions, should be a farther confirmation to us, to proceed on our way rejoicing in Him, through whom we have access by one spirit unto the Father. It was the dew upon the fleece, and on the ground, which were tokens to Gideon, that

f

the Israelites were to be saved by his arm. Surely then the same Almighty power can refresh our souls with his heavenly dew, and save us with the saving strength of his Anointed, from all the attacks of the enemy, that every evil affection and desire may be slain in the heart; that nothing may hinder our progress to that land of peace, where the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. (a) For they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. (b)

(a) Matt. 13. 43.

(b) Dan. 12. 3.

Journey XXX. v. 22.

And they journied from Rissa, and pitched in Kehelatha.

KEHELATHA, from Kehel, an assembly, a congregation, to gather together. We read that the sabbath was given for a sign between the Almighty and the Children of Israel, that they might know it was he alone who could sanctify them. (c) For every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of his covenant; he will bring to his holy mountain, and make them joyful in the house of prayer. The Lord God who gathereth the outcasts of Israel, saith, yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered to him: for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people: (d) even the son of the stranger, and he who saith, behold I am a dry tree. He also will give them a place (d) Isai. 56. 6,7, 8.

(c) Ezek. 20. 12.