speaks of it as a cup, of which He must drink- a baptism to be baptized with." And the apostle Paul, describing the manner in which the fathers were introduced into the dispensation of the old covenant, and made partakers, by faith, of the blessings of redemption, says, they "were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." A clear perception of the scope and meaning of the figurative language, to which we here allude, is of great importance to the spiritually-minded follower of Christ; inasmuch as it affords an unspeakably blessed confirmation of faith, and a solid ground for his hope of salvation. Yet this enlightenment of the understanding is not an absolute essential in the experience of the devoted soul. Many there be who have few opportunities of becoming instructed in the glorious truths of the Christian religion, who nevertheless receive the kingdom in the simplicity of little children, who know the Holy Spirit blessed Agent in the work of conversion both and sanctification-to work in them, to will, and to do, of His own good pleasure;" these "eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood;" in other words, partake of the benefit of His propitiatory offering on Mount Calvary; their hearts are sprinkled from an evil conscience by the blood of Jesus; or, to use language not symbolical, they experience the pardoning love of God, for Christ's sake, to remove the consciousness of sin. In contemplating the ineffably glorious redemption provided for fallen man, we may, in deepest humility, be assured that, even to the most enlightened and divinely instructed spirit, there are solemn mysteries, which will only be comprehended when, in the unveiled presence of the Almighty Jehovah-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost-we may, through infinite mercy, be permitted to mingle with the beatified host around the throne, who sing the new song, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." |