REFLECTIONS
MARK the perfect man and behold the upright, (saith the Psalmist), for the end of that man is peace. Reader! think what an important thing it is to die well. What is to be performed but once should be well performed. For if we err here there is no repentance in the grave. LORD, grant, if it be thy holy will, that like the Patriarch I may be waiting while living for thy salvation: that when dying like him I may rejoice in the possession of it.
Let us take a parting look at the Patriarch Jacob while closing his history, and once more in him behold a lively type of the blessed JESUS. Before his birth, like the Patriarch, was he not chosen to be the father of many nations? Did he not in a yet more striking manner struggle in the womb with the elder Adam; and by fulfilling the covenant which he had broken, recover the birth-right for his people? In the great work of redemption, how was he driven from his father's house, exposed to all the horrors of the wilderness, and made the subject of temptations? For the love he bore his Church, what a series of servitude did he not endure? Never, surely, could it be said of Israel, as of Israel's GOD, with equal strength of reason, that which was torn of beasts was required of my hand; in the day I was consumed by drought, and of the frost by night. Blessed JESUS! in all things it behoveth thee that thou shouldst have the pre-eminence. May it be my portion to have thy person and gracious offices always in view, until in the dispensation of the fulness of times thou shalt gather together in one all things in thyself, both which are in heaven and which are on earth: and the whole multitude of thy people shall be gathered round thy throne in everlasting glory.