220 BAXTER'S DYIttG THOUGHTS. saints? Some think that this apparition was for the strengthening of Christ himself, whose human nature had use for such ministry also of angels; but it is more certain that it was for the strengthen- ing of the disciples: faith, and of ours by their testimony. As it is said, " This voice came not because ofme, but for your sakes ;" John xii. 30. 17. It is much worth our noting, in what a communion this specimen of thekingdom of heaven was represented in the holy mount. Here was a voice of God, and a glimpse of his glory : here was our Redeemer in a glimpse pf his glory here was a Moses and Elias in a glimpse of their glory; and here were three beloved disciples yet in the flesh, and in weakness of faith, which needed'such confirmation. God, our Father, and our Savior, the saints of heaven, and those on earth, are all of one society or kingdom. 'There is a near re ation and a near com- munion among them all. When the eternal Word disdained not so wonderful condescension, as to come to us in the form of a ser- vant, even of a poor, despised, crucified man, it is less wonder that Moses and Elias should come down as his witnesses and servants. The heavenly Jerusalem,.and city of the- living God, of which we are enrolled burgesses.or heirs, hath many parts. There isthe assembly of the first-born, and. angels, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the Mediator of the new cove- nant, and God the Judge of all ; Heb. xii. 23, Sze. (*what ho- ly, glorious, joyful 8ompany shall we have above! Christ and his angels will not despise the least of saints. 18. But what was the introduction'to this apparition and traps- figuration? It was Christ's praying. " He went up into a moun- tain to pray, and, as haprayed, .he was transfigured ; ". Luke ix. 28, 29. Surely this is written to invite and encourage us to pray. We are in greater need than Christ. It is folly in'unbelievers to think prayers vain, because God is unchangeable. We are not unchangeable ; and the exercise of faith,, depencjence on God, and true desires, being the condition required in a due receiver,maketh those blessings become ours, which else we had been incapable of. God, who corbmandeth fervent prayer, bath promised to answer it. Though we must not think to be the rulers .of the world, nor have whatever our flesh or folly doth desire, because we ask it earnestly, yet true prayer is the appointedway for obtaining what we'need, and is best for us, and we are fitted to receive. And as Christ had this wonderful return to his prayers, his servants have experience that their choicest mercies, for soul and body, have cone this way. 19. Though the three disciples were admitted to this glorious society, how different was their case from that of Christ, and Mo-
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