Essex Remembrancer Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together to the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. I. THE WORK THE JEWS HAD TO PERFORM. The work they had undertaken was one in which it was natural to suppose they felt the deepest possible interest. It will be admitted that the work they had undertaken was a great work. Then as to the magnitude of the work, it is indescribable — it is, in a word, to seek the present and eternal salvation of a guilty, ruined, and perishing world. Nor must good men lose sight of the fact, that this glorious work is to be accomplished, not by miracle, nor by a Divine power or agency in the abstract, but by the feeble, and of itself powerless, instrumentality of Christian men, as accompanied with the sanctifying and saving influences of the Holy Spirit of God. II. THE OBSTACLES WHICH, IN THE PROSECUTION OF THEIR WORK, THE JEWS HAD TO ENCOUNTER. The Church, then, must never forget that her adversaries are both numerous and powerful. But have not the Church's greatest difficulties often proved her greatest blessings? It has led the Lord's people both to see and to feel more of their dependence upon Him. III. THE SPIRIT IN WHICH THE JEWS CARRIED ON THEIR WORK. They had their minds, that is to say, their souls, in it, and they were determined to accomplish it. They loved their Master, their work, and each other. IV. THE SUCCESS OF WHICH THEIR LABOUR WAS PRODUCTIVE. 1. Are there any of us who are engaged in the Lord's service, but whose hearts are not in it? 2. Are there any who have no disposition to labour for the Lord Jesus Christ? (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. |
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