[1] In common conversation, we frequently speak of solar
eclipses. But what is called an eclipse of the sun is, in
fact, an eclipse of the earth, occasioned by the moon's
transit between the sun and us. This circumstance makes no
alteration in the sun itself, but only intercepts our view
of it for a time. From whence does darkness of soul, even
darkness that may be felt, usually originate? Never from
any changeableness in our covenant God, the glory of whose
unvarying faithfulness and love shines the same, and can
suffer no eclipse. It is when the world gets between our
Lord and us, that the light of His countenance is
obstructed, and our rejoicing in Him suffers a temporary
eclipse.--_Salter._
[2] When the king removes, the court and all the carriages
follow after, and when they are gone, the hangings are
taken down; nothing is left behind but bare walls, dust,
and rubbish. So, if God removes from a man or a nation,
where He kept His court, His graces will not stay behind;
and if they be gone, farewell peace, farewell comfort: down
goes the hangings of all prosperity; nothing is left behind
but confusion and disorder.--_Staughton,_ 1628.