Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/317

 is the blessed Jehovah, who maketh Japheth to worship from an internal principle manifested in externals; to spread abroad, until the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.

T is of divine mercy that all apparent desolations are permitted, and nothing can happen unto us that is not overlooked by the divine providence, and overruled for our eternal good by the divine Love. While we do well, we are in a state of acceptance with the Lord; but if we do evil, sin not only lies at our door, but brings with it its own punishment. The eternal truth declares, "I am the Lord; I change not; therefore ye sons of men are not consumed."

In viewing the conduct of Noah after his signal deliverance from the flood, we do but view a representation of the church, which, after repeated deliverances from danger, still does evil in the sight of the Lord, and thus brings with the evil the punishment due to it. As this narrative, however, is of an entirely spiritual character, we stop not to inquire so much into the intoxication of Noah, but proceed to notice such points as may lead to a knowledge of what is implied by it.

The most ancient Church, or Adam, having come to its end, is succeeded by the Ancient or Noah. The word itself signifies rest after conflict, or consolation