Page:Illustrations of the Holy Word.pdf/62

54 138. It is written in the book of Genesis, And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive; I will go and see him before I die; (chap. xlv. 28.) But how much more may the Christian talk of his enough, whilst he can say of Him who was figured and represented by Joseph, Jesus my Saviour is yet alive; and whilst he can lift up his eyes to see Him in His Divine Humanity, as the resurrection and the life of all that is good and wise and blessed in angels and men, and thus as the sure Deliverer from all death, darkness, and misery.

139. It is written in the book of Psalms, Our soul is brought low, even to the dust; our belly cleaveth to the earth, (xliv. 25,) to denote the extreme depression of spiritual life, both as to good and truth, which are respectively signified by the soul and the belly.

140. It is written concerning the vine brought out of Egypt, that she sent out her boughs to the sea, and her branches to the river, (Psalm lxxx. 10,) to denote the extension of spiritual truth to the scientifics of the natural man, and to the reasonings and conclusions of the rational man.

141. It is not possible for man to attain unto any higher state of spiritual perfection, than what is expressed in these words, well understood, and spoken from the depth of a humble and contrite heart, My soul doth magnify the, and my spirit hath rejoiced in my. (Luke i. 46.)