xxvii. 2, 3. _In that day sing ye unto her, &c._[1]
The Church a vineyard: a spot set apart: weeds taken out; choice
trees planted; supplied with means; fruitful of "red wine," the best
(Prov. xxiii. 31).
I. GOD'S CARE OF HIS CHURCH. 1. It is _constant,_ "night and day."
2. It is _all-sufficient._ "I, the Lord, do keep it"--what
Omniscience and Omnipotence guards, none can hurt.
II. GOD'S MINISTRY TO THE CHURCH. Not only does He guard it from
external assault, He ministers to its internal necessities. "I will
water it." God's influence upon His Church is--1. _Adapted to its
wants._ The vine needs moisture. 2. _It is a continued blessing._
"Every moment." 3. _It is followed by blessed results:_ Growth,
fragrance, beauty, fruitfulness.
_Application._--1. How secure is the true Church of God (H. E. I.,
1246-1251; 2449). 2. How important to belong to it. 3. How great are
its obligations to God. 4. How zealous we ought to be for its
extension.--_British and Foreign Pulpit,_ i. 74, 75.