66

the drops of falling rain. The rainbow is a mere natural effect of a natural cause. It is never seen but in showery weather, nor then unless the sun shines; it never appears in any part of the heavens, but in that opposite to the sun; it never appears greater than a semicircle, but often much less; it is always double, there being what is termed the superior and inferior, or primary and secondary rainbows; they always exhibit the seven prismatic colours, viz: the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. My bow shall be seen in the cloud." The rainbow we regard as typical of the covenant of grace. The covenant of grace means, that agreement between God and sinners, in which God on His part declares His free good will concerning eternal salvation, and every thing relative thereto, freely to be given to those, who comply with the terms of the covenant, by and for the sake of the Mediator. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people: and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest: for I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." We observe

First, The rainbow is typical of the covenant in its source. The rainbow, as to its natural being, might have been before the flood, but, as to its mystical use, it was not before the flood; until after the flood, God had never caused the bow to shine as a covenant token. And that precious covenant, which shines in all the clouds of our trials, must be traced to God as its Author. God first loved men, and then proceeded to provide a Saviour, and to settle the plan by which the design of His mission should be accomplished. The covenant of grace, in which God promises all spiritual blessings to those who receive Christ, the Surety, by faith, originated in His infinite love, was carried into execution by His Almighty power, and developes His unsearchable wisdom, spotless purity, and inexhaustible riches. When, therefore, you see the bow in the cloud, raise your minds on high, and meditate on His precious covenant in its Divine Author. And remember, that the Author of this plan of mercy is that glorious Being, whose laws you have violated, whose perfections you have practically denied, and against whom you have transgressed times without number. Though you have acted the part of a traitor, yet the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, has not only borne with your offences, but also provided a way, in which He can receive you again into favour, pardon all your sins, and place on your head a crown of life. His way too is as honourable to Himself as advantageous to you. Oh! what depths of love and wisdom and power are brought to view here! Satan raised the cloud, but God has set in it the bow of mercy, and thus has triumphed over this apostate spirit. When Satan tempted our first parents to sin, he hoped to raise a cloud before the throne of God, as lasting as their existence; but no sooner had he succeeded in his hellish plot, than the bow appeared in the cloud, and thus his hopes were blasted; Genesis iii. 14. 15. Secondly, The rainbow is typical of the covenant in its cause. The rainbow is never seen but when the sun shines, and is formed by a refraction of his rays upon drops of water falling from the clouds. Hence it is obvious, there could be no rainbow were there no sun; and there could be no covenant of grace without Jesus Christ. The covenant of grace is a refraction of the glory of the Sun of Righteousness. Without this Sun, the clouds which sin has raised would deluge our souls; but this glorious orb in the spiritual system causes a bow, and this inspires hope. "But unto you that fear My name, shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings." Then if Christ-the atonement, promises, and intercession of Christ is the only bow in the cloud, which hangs before the throne of the just God— will you despise Him? What! despise Him, without whom the soul is destined to endless despair? What! would you extinguish the light of the world? What! will you turn your back against the bow in the cloud, and expose your heart to the arrows of the Almighty's wrath? Stop, sinner! and be not so bent on thy ruin; that God of love, against whom you sin with so much pleasure, has commanded me to point you to Jesus, the Sun which causes the bow in the cloud of your sins. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

VOL. X.

3 s

Thirdly, The rainbow is typical of the covenant of grace in its variety. The beauty of the rainbow consists in its various and well disposed colours. And oh! what a grand variety of blessings is there in this covenant. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." But though these blessings are so various, yet, like the rainbow, they melt into each other, and make one astonishing whole. The cross of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the centre in which they all meet. The first blessing to which Paul directs our attention, in the first of Ephesians is, election to salvation. This is in Christ. Hearken!" According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love."

The second is adoption. This is in Christ. Hearken! 66

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will."

66

The third is acceptance with God. This is in Christ. Hearken! According to the good pleasure of His will, to the praiseof the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved."

The fourth is redemption. This is in Christ. Hearken! "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." The fifth is Christian union. This is in Christ. Hearken! "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him."

The last we can mention is (time will not allow us to enumerate all) the heavenly inheritance. This also is in Christ. "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." When you look at the rainbow, oh! think of this variety of blessings contained in the Gospel, all of which centre in Jesus; and bless God that He has raised you up such a Friend. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

Fourthly, The rainbow is typical of the covenant of grace in its extent. The rainbow is sometimes a semicircle, extends from one side of the horizon to the other, encompassing one half of our hemisphere, consequently including within its span persons of different nations. But here the figure is defective, for the Lord Jesus Christ, God's bow in the cloud, is the light of the world. There is no spot on the ponderous ball, which we inhabit, that is out of the span of this wonderful bow. Hearken to the words of the apostle John, which contain in them rivers of delight. "Now He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." God has not placed this bow in the cloud for the consolation of a few-for a few of a certain sect; no, this bow is set in the cloud to encourage the hope of all, to whom the Gospel is preached. The Christian Minister is to go to China, and, having exposed to them the ruin in which sin has involved them, he, as the herald of salvation, is to point them to Jesus, the Bow in the cloud. Another is to visit Africa, another New Holland, another the Islands of the Southern Seas-yea, to sinners wherever found, the ambassadors of the cross are commissioned to go, and in the name of Him, at whose Word the universe rose into being, say "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." And oh! how delightful this work! Unto every sinner with whom I come in contact, it is my privilege, as well as my duty, to open up the fulness of the world's Redeemer, and show him that it is there for his use, and that according to his faith so shall his joys abound. "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.' This is the commission. And oh ye ministers, ye Sabbathschool teachers, ye tract distributors, ye visiters of the sick, ye parents, what glad tidings are contained in this commission! The Gospel is a "bow in the cloud" for every creature. Hence here is an antidote for all the temptations of the devil; the devil will sometimes tell a poor sinner that he is an exception-there is no Gospel for him; but be it known to each of you, that the rainbow of God's covenant includes all, and affords all a ground of hope, who do not exclude themselves by perseverance in unbelief. For the Scripture saith," Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

""

Fifthly, The rainbow is typical of the covenant of grace in its appearance. The

bow is bended upwards towards heaven, and does not stand bent towards the earth. "He that would shoot," observes an old writer, "has the bottom of the bow in his hand, and the string is towards himself; but God, that He might show He does not intend to shoot that arrow any more, holds the string of the bow downwards, which no man does that has a mind to shoot. The Lord, having shot the arrows of immoderate rain from the regions of the air for the sin of man, seems to return to heaven with His bow reversed, as a token of peace." The string of God's bow is downwards; besides it has no arrow. The Lord Jesus Christ has turned away the arrows of Divine wrath from all who hide themselves in the covert of His atonement, having suffered for them in His own body on the tree. "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." The apostle Peter tells us in the same epistle, that Christ is precious to them that believe; and well He may be, since by His own blood He has shielded them from all those arrows, which otherwise would have stuck in their consciences. When, therefore, we look at the rainbow, we ought to view it as an emblem of the believer's peace with God, which peace is the fruit of His sufferings, who is the Prince of Peace. "And came, and preached peace to you which are afar off, and to them which were nigh; for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father."

"And

Again; The rainbow is typical of the covenant of grace in its duration. the bow shall be in the cloud, and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God, and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth." The covenant of grace also, of which this is a type, is an everlasting covenant. The fulness, freeness, and glory of this precious covenant knows no change; mountains may be hurled from their deep foundations, and the perpetual hills be levelled with the plains, and the sun be stopped in his majestic course, but this covenant shall endure for ever. The throne of the Mediator, encircled with a rainbow of the colour of an emerald, is not more stable. "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

Finally; The rainbow is typical of the covenant of grace in its design. The signs which God has annexed to His covenant are assurances on His part that the blessings promised shall be enjoyed. The design of the rainbow, therefore, as to its mystical use was to confirm our faith. That your faith, therefore, may be strong, often look to the Lord Jesus Christ; look at Him as your complete Saviour; and this view of the bow in the cloud will draw strength into this feeble grace. The reason our faith is so weak is we look so much to ourselves-to creatures-to the law; then look, O ye of little faith; more to Christ; fix the eye of faith continually on the bow, and you will be a giant instead of an infant. "Jesus saith, I am the light of the world; he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." We will now notice

III. THE PROMISE. 66 My bow shall be in the cloud." Here we would show, 1. The means by which God fulfils this promise.

First God has given us the Holy Scriptures, in which His bow is seen. The Scriptures unveil to us human depravity, declare that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of heaven; they tell us that God's way is in the sea, and His footsteps are not known; thus they shew us the cloud. But they do not leave us here—no, they point us to the bow. "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts." Of the Holy Scriptures, Christ is the substance, therefore, in almost every page you find this bow. Oh! then value the Scriptures, and in all your trials resort to them for consolation. "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Secondly-this bow is seen in a preached Gospel. The minister of God has first to direct the eye of your mind to the cloud, which portends a dreadful storm. This

is his commission; "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." But God's minister is not to leave you here; no, he has also to preach Christ to you; and when Christ is seen in sermons, the bow in the cloud is seen. "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."

Thirdly-the Lord has instituted His supper that this bow may be visible. This ordinance, it is true, sets forth our sins but it also exhibits Christ. This Sun of Righteousness causes a bow, a sight of which is salvation to the soul; Matthew xxvi. 26-28. Notice,

2. The seasons when this promise is honoured. This bow is seen, by the eye of faith, in conversion. When the sins of the penitent rise before his mind like clouds that threaten a dreadful storm, his soul is fearfully agitated; but his fears subside when the fulness of Jesus is revealed. The promise of this complete Saviour is"Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out;" this is seen as the bow in the cloud.

Again the afflicted saint sees this bow in the cloud in his afflictions. Sometimes it is true, they scarcely see anything before them but clouds of sorrow daily gathering, and are expecting every moment they will burst upon them; but when they discover the bow, oh! how exhilirating! "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” The bow in the cloud is also seen in death. When the pilgrim first enters the valley, he feels timid; but presently the bow is clearly seen; now he becomes peaceful, and with his eye fixed on Jesus he expires. "Lord! now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people—a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel."

3. The effects which the fulfilment of this promise should produce. The sight of God's bow should produce humility. This bow in the cloud reminds us of our sins, which made this token for God necessary; hence, every time you see it, you see you are a sinner. "Humble yourselves, therefore, in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up." The sight of God's bow should excite gratitude. The insulted Ruler of the universe might have left us immersed in these clouds, and have never cheered us with His mercy. Thus He dealt with the fallen angels. But He hath not dealt with us after our sins, neither has He rewarded us according to our iniquities. This bow discovers to us the condescension, forbearance, power, goodness, and faithfulness of Him, who delighteth in mercy. The sight of God's bow should inspire joy. When you turn away from the cross, you see a flood of wrath suspended over your head; but when you keep your eye fixed there, you see an ocean of blessedness ready for you. Therefore, "be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." Learn from this subject

1. After troubles and storms, the righteous may hope for comfort. Clouds are dark things; but while the cloud shows rain, God's light in the cloud shows fair weather. Perhaps this sermon may be heard by some, before whom these clouds hang unto all such we would say, never forget to go to the Scriptures that you may see the sign of mercy. "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for all that are upright in heart."

2. The miserable condition of all in hell, to whom this bow never appears. Hell is full of dark clouds, but there is no bow in any of them; there the Sun of Righteousness never rises. "Lord! gather not my soul with these sinners.”

3. The blessedness of the ransomed in heaven. On earth they saw many a cloud, which terrified their spirits; unbelief obscured the light; but now they are landed in a cloudless world.

4. The importance of an immediate flight to Christ. The bow of mercy is now to be seen in every cloud, but soon it will disappear. Then be diligent in seeking thy soul's salvation. "Yet a little while is the light with you; walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light."

5. Since God has been so mindful of us, let us see to it that we are mindful of Him. This bow sets before us the care of God over us, in its nature, in its extent, and in its perpetuity. God's care of His people is merciful in its nature. The Lord does not watch over them as a judge over a criminal, that he may give them the punishment they deserve; but as a father over a child, that he may promote their spiritual interest. See, Christian, in this bow the tenderness of thy Father's care; He loves thee, and so He has set this bow in the cloud to assure thee of it. God's care of His people is wide in its extent. The span of this bow includes them all, the infant as well as the fullgrown man. The care of God over us is perpetual in its duration. This bow may be seen in every place, in every age, and at any time. Then trust, ye people, in the Lord. And oh! never forget that Hand, which has given thee all this encouragement. "Beware, lest thou forget the Lord thy God." Think of this thy Friend continually; and love Him, praise Him, glorify Him. Glorify Him by making Him known to others. Millions upon millions have never seen this bow in the cloud. Think, then, of the wants of the world, and devote your talents to God's service. Happy will be the era, when every one of Adam's sons shall have seen this bow, and fixed their hope on the world's Saviour, and surrendered themselves to the Triune Jehovah. May each of us do something towards its acceleration. The character of the Promiser-the nature of the promise-our individual responsibility-these, and such like considerations, should arouse us into action. "My bow shall be seen in the cloud."

UNPUBLISHED LETTERS OF THE REV. JOHN NEWTON. Addressed to the Rev. Thomas Robinson, late Vicar of St. Mary's, Leicester.

XIX.

MY DEAR FRIEND--I must try to send you a line by way of remembrance; and as Mrs. Robinson will tell you how it is with us in general, I need say the less. We were glad of an opportunity of seeing her again at Olney, and hope the Lord will guide her and our friends home to Leicester in peace, and give you a comfortable meeting again.

St. Mary's, it seems is still in suspense ; but the event when made known will be certainly right. It is a comfort to be sure of this beforehand. I am inclined to think the Great Lord of all will incline the Lord Chancellor to give it you. If it should be so I shall rejoice and congratulate you, because I shall have no doubt but your presentation to it comes from on High. If it shall prove otherwise, 1 shall endeavour not to sigh and say, 'What a pity!' because in that case I shall have as little doubt, that it was upon the whole better for you to miss it. I can reason and judge pretty well, in the affairs of other believers, and rest satisfied, that, if they love and serve the Lord, all their concernments, even to the number of their hairs, are admirably adjusted by Infinite Wisdom and love to their best advantage. The application of my own principles to my own concernments is quite a different thing. Often I find myself sadly awkward at it. But I can do it, when the Lord enables me. If I could do it always alike, I should perhaps forget that the power was wholly His, and dream of some sufficiency in myself. Therefore it is a mercy, that I am at times left to feel my own weakness. For I should never believe, that I am half so vile or so weak as I am, merely by being told it, or by reading my character in the Scripture, if I did not actually find it so by experience. The Lord, who knows my frame, graciously deals with me accordingly. He will not lay a load for a giant on a child's shoulders. Therefore my trials are comparatively small, if I had more faith, perhaps He would appoint me greater. But small as they are, under the smallest of them I should faint without His supporting hand.

I feel some desire to visit Leicester, and have some thoughts of asking His leave to come to you, if we all live to the Spring. But why should I look so far forward? How many unforeseen events will take place, before the cheerful Spring returns! He knows them all, though I do not. And if it be His will to lead me to Leicester, He will appoint the time and prepare my way. To Him I wish to commit, resign and entrust all. How lightly should we travel, if we could cast all our cares upon