HAD this testimony, that he pleased God. Dear fellow-pilgrim, let us get it too, a daily, hourly testimony that we please God.
Enoch had, without doubt, a body free from disease, strong and excellent; for sin had as yet but partially undermined the health and strength of the race. He had too, a long life in which to perfect and ripen the christian graces. But we have the same God to apply to, the same fountain for sin and uncleanness that he had, and we have many privileges to which he was a stranger.
Blessed is he that waiteth, says the Prophet. Well, dear fellow-pilgrim, we are here in the waiting time. In such a blessed time as this, when pentecostal rains of the Spirit hang just above us, when the saints are already as it were receiving the first mercy-drops; at such a time, shall we droop and languish? Shall we, having laid aside every weight, and cleansed ourselves from all impurity, now begin to falter? No; let those falter who return like the dog to his vomit; but let the consecrated, humble saint, get the testimony of Enoch.
You have not yet attained, indeed. Shall this discourage you? Shall this make you miserable? Was Nehemiah miserable when he and toiling Judah were reviving the walls of Jerusalem out of the rubbish? Away with discouragement, lift up thine head, O rescued captive! Build! yea, build! What if the bearers of burdens are worn with toil? What if the mass of rubbish is almost exhaustless? Be courageous; for soon the walls will be joined around about, with rows of great stones, and hewn stone.
Is this a time to bewail our imperfections, when double guards of angels wait to defend the saints? When the very sweetest and best of the waters of the fountain of life are held to our very lips? What were the opportunities of Enoch, to ours? Shall we sorrow and mourn now, just as the great jubilee is upon us? Shall we who have denied ungodliness and every worldly lust, have heeded the strait testimony to the judgment age of the church, we who have seen the fig tree put forth her leaves, and even blossom, before our delighted eyes, shall we droop now? God forbid! Lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.
J. CLARKE.