The Godly Man's Picture

Object. 3 But I am a barren reed, I bring forth no fruit, therefore I fear I shall be broken.

Object. 3 But I am a barren reed, I bring forth no fruit, therefore I fear I shall bee broken.

Answ. Gracious hearts are apt to overlook the good that is in them, they can spy the worm in the leaf, but not the fruit. Why dost thou say thou art barren? if thou art a bruised reed, thou art not barren. The spiritual reed ingrafted into the true Vine is fruitful, there is so much sap in Christ, as makes all, who are inoculated into him, bear fruit Christ distils grace, as drops of dew, upon the soul, Hos. 14. 5, 6. I will be as the de• unto Israel, he shall grow as the Lilly, his branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the Olive-tree. That God, who made the dry rod blossom, will make the dry reed flourish.

Answ. Gracious hearts are apt to overlook the good that is in them, they can spye the worm in the leaf, but not the fruit. Why dost thou say thou art barren? if thou art a bruised reed, thou art not barren. The spiritual reed ingrafted into the true Vine is fruitful, there is so much sap in Christ, as makes all, who are inoculated into him, bear fruit Christ distils grace, as drops of dew, upon the soul, Hos. 14. 5, 6. I will be as the de• unto Israel, he shall grow as the Lilly, his branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the Olive-tree. That God, who made the dry rod blossome, will make the dry reed flourish.

So much for the first expression in the Text, I proceed to the second,