1 Samuel 9:13

"For the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden."—1 Sam. ix. 13.

— 1 Samuel 9:13

I know not how scrupulous the Israelites were of not partaking of the sacrifice, until the prophet Samuel had blessed it in the name of the Lord; but well I know, no offering, under the gospel dispensation, can be profitable or blessed, until Jesus be first seen in it, and first enjoyed in it too. Surely, thou dear Lord! thou art the all in all of every thing that is sacred, blessed, and interesting. Thou art the altar, the sacrificer, and the sacrifice! And it can only be from thy blessing upon our poor ordinances, when we hold a feast upon thy one all-sufficient sacrifice, that any real enjoyment of a spiritual nature can be found in them. Neither, Lord, till I hear thy bidding, can I venture to eat. If Jesus indeed say," Eat, O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly, O beloved;" then I feel a confidence in thy welcome to every gospel feast, and" sit down under thy shadow with great delight, and thy fruit is sweet to my taste." Come then, thou dear Lord! come to thine own banquet; to thy church, thy table, thine house of prayer, thine ordinances! Come and bless thy people, and command a blessing upon all thine own appointments, and all will be blessed indeed!