Page:Illustrations of the Holy Word.pdf/71

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THE HOLY WORD.
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the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon; but the word white is an interpolation, and therefore, it ought to be omitted; and then the passage reads thus, It was as snow in Salmon, to denote that as snow melteth before the sun of this world, so kings, or all false principles of life and doctrine, are scattered at the approach and presence of the Sun of Righteousness.


157. The Word of the Lord is compared to rain and snow, coming down from heaven, (Isaiah lv. 10,) because by rain is signified spiritual truth, which is appropriated to man; and by snow, natural truth, which is as snow whilst only in the memory, but becomes spiritual by love, as snow becomes rain-water by warmth.


158. In the parable concerning the ten servants, to whom the Lord gave ten pounds, (Luke xix. 12, and following verses,) the charge delivered by the Lord on the occasion is, Occupy till I come, or as it might be better rendered, Take the management till I come; thus instructing us in the proper application of all our talents, and the grand end towards which that application ought continually to be directed, which is no other than the coming of the Lord; not any future coming, either to judge the world or to destroy it, but His present coming, to establish in our hearts and lives that kingdom of purity and peace, of which it is written, The kingdom of God is within you.


159. It is written in the Gospel according to Luke,