degree of his aversion. From this distempered state of mind an easy step is made to unwarrantable actions, to the laying base projects and evil schemes, with a view to defraud others, and to obtain the things which are coveted, as far as it can be done with impunity, and without falling under the correction of human laws. JORTIN. 167 Minist'ring Spirits, Is it not a known and delightful truth? are they not indeed all ministering spirits, who officiate before the throne of God, and are sent out to attend on those who shall inherit salvation? and always willing to undertake the offices he shall assign them for the safety and good of his people? And, therefore, far from thinking of them in any view of comparison with him, let us humbly adore him, for the benefits which, by his authority and favour, we daily receive from these benevolent creatures. And as our obligations to him are infinitely superior to theirs, let us emulate their fidelity, vigour, and zeal, in the steadiness and cheerfulness of our obedience; till we join them in services like their own, in that world where they dwell, and to which, if we prove ourselves his faithful servants, he will ere long give them a charge safely and joyfully to convey us. 1 and the faithful armies rung Hosanna to the Highest ; An Hebrew word, signifying, Save we beseech thee. 357 Of Moloch furious king ; A king; an idol of the Ammonites. 365 Vanquish'd Adramelech And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burn their children in fire to Adrameleck and Anammaleck, the gods of Sepharvaim. 365 Asmadia A rebel angel. 369 Nor stood unmindful of Abdiel. An holy seraph who zealously opposed Lucifer in the revolt. 371 Ariel and Arioc Ariel, a devouring and ferocious captain of the fallen angels, a name given to Jerusalem, from the great brazen altar erected there by Solomon, which devoured the sacrifice like a lion, Solomon offered a thousand burnt sacrifices upon it at one time. Arioc another leader of the rebellious spirits. 372 Of Ramiel A proud aspiring chief among the rebels. 380 Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell. Thou hast destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish. Isa. xxvi. 14. 447 Nisrock, of principalities the prime ; Another of the fallen angels. As the king of Assyria was worshipping in the house of Nisroch, his god, his sons smote him with the sword. 2 Kings, xix. 37. 535 Zophiel, of Cherubim the swiftest wing, One of the chiefs under Michael, who sounds the alarm to battle. 564 Heaven witness thou anon, while we discharge Freely our part; Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. Prov. xxi. 24. If once his wrath arise, Ye perish on the place : For refuge to his grace. Ps. ii. 710 Drew after him the third part of Heaven's host. His tail drew down a third part of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth; Rev. xii. 4. which signifies that many whose business it was to enlighten and preserve others, should themselves be corrupted by the attempts of this great and subtle deceiver, whose artifice and rage were so aptly represented by the seducing nature of this vast and voracious dragon. Oh send thy spirit down to write Thy law upon my heart! Nor let my tongue indulge deceit, From vanity turn off my eyes: Within this soul of mine. Order my footsteps by thy word, But keep my conscience clear. Hymn 63. Rebellion rising, While the prince of darkness and his legions are employed in counteracting the divine counsels, in producing new scenes of corruption and turbulence, in aiding the wicked, and in persecuting 735 the virtuous; the omnipotent Creator of the universe turns the evil ultimately to other purposes, causes the crafty to be caught in their own snares, and "make all things work together for good to them that love God." Romans viii. 28. Mighty Father, that thy foes Justly hast in derision, 755 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; Jehovah shall have them in derision. Psalms, ii. 4. Round as a bowl or globe, Stretch'd into longitude; The length of any thing that is measurable, as time, place, motion, &c. into the limits of the north They came, and Satan to his royal seat I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Isa. xiv. 13. 805 Abdiel An holy seraph, who zealously opposed Lucifer in the revolt. 822 Shalt thou give law to God, shalt thou dispute Let us remember that he is our Almighty Creator, and not imagine we can ever have any room or right to expostulate with him, or in any circumstance to complain of him; let us own his right to confer on whom he pleaseth those favours which none of us can pretend to have deserved; and adore his goodness in choosing to exercise mercy and compassion on any of the children of men. Who art thou that replied against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus ? Rom. ix. 20. 836 As by his Word the mighty Father made His nature has a transcendent excellency, infinitely superior to anything that is made; for by him were all things created, things in heaven and things on earth. From him were derived the visible splendour of the celestial luminaries, the sun, the moon, and the stars, even all the beings who dwell and reign above, by whatever names and honours distinguished; and he is before all, both in the duration and dignity of his nature, and in him all things which constitute this universal system do continually subsist in that harmonious order of being which renders it one beautiful whole; whereas, unsupported by him, it would immediately run into confusion, or fall back into its original nothing. 846 And tempt not these, but hasten to appease Th' incensed Father, Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve Jehovah with fear; Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Ps. ii. 10, 11, 12. 872 He said, and as the sound of waters deep And I heard a sound which was the voice of a great multitude, and loud as the voice of many |