REFLECTIONS
MANY are the sweet reflections which are suggested to the Readers mind, from the perusal of this Chapter. Here is the first institution of the holy sabbath. And here we meet also with the first institution of the holy estate of marriage. Both of divine authority. Both sanctified by God himself; and therefore both worthy to be observed with suitable reverence. Concerning the former, I would say to the pious Reader, may it be your mercy, and mine, to honour the Lord's day, on account of the many precious purposes, for which the Lord himself honoured it: and to cease from our own works, as God did from His. And concerning the latter, I would add a prayer, that a due sense of the Divine appointment, in the institution of holy wedlock, may make everyone engaged in it, remember what the Apostle says: Marriage is honourable unto all, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. But doth not the idea of union in the marriage-state, in this life, awaken a spiritual improvement, and call up to the recollection of the true believer in Jesus, the sweet thought of our spiritual union with Him, who hath betrothed his people to himself, forever? Oh! what a precious scripture is that; Thy Maker is thy Husband, the Lord of Hosts is His name. Isaiah 54:5. Dearest Jesus, be Thou my Husband, Shepherd, Friend!
May the recollection, which Genesis 2:7 awakens, of the dust of which our nature was formed, remind you and me of our earthly extraction; so that we can truly say to corruption, thou art my father; and to the worm, thou art my mother and my sister. Job 17:14. But at the same time, may the pleasing thought, that the LORD God hath breathed into our nostrils the breath of life, make us never forget our heavenly relationship. And oh! that God the Holy Ghost would breathe upon the dry bones, both of him that writes and him that reads, and bid us live.
Reader! do not overlook the very gracious doctrine of Genesis 2:20. There was not found an help meet for Adam. No! There is not, there cannot be, in any, or in all the creatures of God's providence, an help meet. And though the LORD God brought the woman to our first father, as a suitable help meet for the body; yet it is the Seed of the woman, alone, which can become an Help-meet for the soul. Dearest Jesus! be thou my Help, my Hope, and my Portion forever.