ters of the Gospel, may be regarded with the utmost propriety, as the "eyes" of the Church, and illustrates the remark by the language of Job,1 “ I was,” says he, “eyes to the blind.”

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And so is the faithful minister among his flock,

eyes" to the spiritually blind-as also to them that see.

For, as the natural eye is set upon the highest place of honour in the body-(as a sentinel on the watch-tower) to give warning of approaching danger to the body: so every minister sent of Jesus Christ, is set as a watchman, in His Church, to warn, exhort, encourage and preserve His flock from being scattered.

They are the "light of the world," and more especially are intended to be "lights of the Church."

As the "eyes" of the Church, it is equally their privilege as their duty to search out the truth as it is in Jesus and bring out of the treasury of His Gospel-truths new and old-to the edifying of the Church and perfecting of the Saints in love.

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But, observe, Christ affirms, concerning these eyes" of the Church-that they are like "Doves' eyes." Precious in His sight, are His faithful ministers. Now, Dove's eyes, are remarkable for their clearness of vision, united with a peculiar expression of meekness and lowliness.

1. Job. xxix. 15.

Would to God, that we, who have taken upon ourselves, the solemn vows of orders-as labourers in Christ's vineyards and ministers of His word and sacraments did answer to this description!

Of how few individual Churches or Congregations, can Jesus say-" Thou hast Doves' eyes!”— Alas! how blind are many !

How ignorant are many, who set themselves up teachers of God's heritage!

What little discrimination of truth! What imperfect vision, and consequently what indistinct declaration of truth!

This, then speaks home to ministers. The commendation bestowed by Jesus upon His faithful watchmen, surely rebukes, most solemnly, many hirelings.

Happy that Church, which possesses a servant of the Lord—whose "eyes" have been enlightened to see the truth as it is in Jesus!

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Happy and blessed that man of God, who in manifestation of the truth, commends himself (not only) to every man's conscience in the sight of God" -but, above all, to the Lord himself!

Then, in truth, is "Christ's bed" (his Church)— wherein souls are begotten' "green," (flourishing and fruitful,) abounding both in holy Saints-who flourish "like trees planted by the water's side”

1. I. Pet. i. 23.

as

also in new converts to the faith-such as are by means of a faithful, simple, gospel ministry-added continually to the Church.

17.

The beams of our house are cedar, and our
rafters of fir.

It seems most agreeable to the general scope of this passage, to consider the "house" as the " Church of the living God," which St. Paul calls " the house of Gud."

The Jewish Commentators understand it of the Tabernacle and Solomon's temple, but acknowledge that the house which shall be filled with the glory of the Lord in the day of Israel's restoration, should be much more glorious than either the Tabernacle or the Temple.

The word in the original is in the plural number, ("houses")—and hence some Christian interpreters have discovered a reference to those " many mansions" in His Father's house, which Jesus is now preparing for them that love Him.

But, it seems most agreable to many passages of Holy Writ, to consider the Church of God" militant here on earth,” as intended by this "house." Thus, as before noticed, St. Paul speaks.2-So again,3 Believers are said to be" Christ's house,"

1. I. Tim. iii. 15. 2. I. Tim. iii. 15. 3. Heb. iii. 6.

and, as lively stones, are built up a "spiritual house."-There is a peculiar fitness in calling the Church Christ's house.

(I.) He is the great Master Builder of it. By His word were the Heavens and the Earth made,2 and these serve as scaffolding for building that spiritual house which has ever been progressing since man was created and made.

When the fulness of time shall come, this spiritual house shall be finished," and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying Grace, Grace unto it."3

Christ is the great Architect who designed this glorious house before the foundations of the world were laid. He is the great Master Builder, who "laid in Zion the chief corner stone.”

He employs under Him others, who are labourers together with Him. In this how great is His grace and mercy! He has committed the "treasure" of the Gospel to "earthen vessels." He might have done otherwise. Angels and Cherubim, direct from the throne of God, might have been sent forth to proclaim the Gospel and build up this "house: but, in the most illustrious mercy, He has been pleased to commit to man the word of reconciliation. He employs men of like passions and sympathies

1. II. Pet. v.

2. I. Jno. ii. 3. 4. II. Cor. iv. 7.

3. Zech. iv. 7.

with yourselves, that they may entreat you in Christ's stead-"Be ye reconciled to God." Behold what grace our Lord has displayed in thus honouring ministers-suffering them to labour in building this glorious "house!" How great then is the ministers' work; how solemn his responsibilities!

(II.) There is, also, a peculiar fitness in calling Christ's Church, His "house," because He is the foundation of it.

It is built, as St. Paul says, "Upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone."

The Apostles and Prophets are only said to be the foundation of this house, so far as they unite in bearing the same testimony. "Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus

Resting on this everlasting foundation, it is beyond the reach of every foe. The power of the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The foundations of the earth may be removed-and the pillars thereof thrown down-but "the house" of the Lord, the Church which He hath purchased with His own blood, amidst the "wreck of matter and the crash of worlds," will stand forth "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."

1. Eph. ii. 20.

2. I. Cor. iii. 11.

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