II. Why this is compared to the best wine
II. Why this is compared to the best wine
Perhaps the wine of Sharon may be referred to, which was so strong, that they mixed it two parts water and one wine;[4195] tho' there were other places in Judea that had the first name for wine[4196]; the wine of Lebanon was very grateful for taste and smell (Hosea 14:7), where was a city, called Ampeloessa,[4197] from the excellency of its wine. 1. That is the best wine which is pure and free from dregs and mixtures; that Which is upon the lees, well refined: such is the gospel, as preached by the faithful ministers of it, who are not as some, which corrupt the word of God; they do not mix it with their own inventions, but deliver out this wine of the gospel, neat and clean, as they have received it. 2. Wine that has age, is also accounted the best: thus saith Christ (Luke 5:39). "No man having drunk old wine, straightway desireth new; for he saith, the old is better:" the gospel is no novel doctrine; for though it is more clearly made known under the New Testament dispensation, than it was under the Old, yet it was known then; it was wrapped up in the types, shadows and sacrifices of the old law; it was preached before unto Abraham, nay, to our first parents in the garden; and was spoken of more or less, ever since, by the mouth of God's holy prophets, which have been since the world began. 3. The best wine is that which is of a good flavour, and delightful to the taste, as well as that which is of a good color: such is the gospel; it is like milk for nourishment, and like wine for pleasantness; nay, like Ezekiel's roll, as honey for sweetness; yea, the psalmist says (Psalm 119:103), that the words of God's mouth were sweeter than honey to his mouth. 4. Wine is of a cheering and reviving nature; it is what makes glad the heart of man; and therefore is proper to be given to those that be of heavy hearts, that they may drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more of such a nature is the gospel; it being received by persons in distress, like the best wine; it cheers and revives their spirits, it makes them forget their spiritual poverty, and puts out of their minds their former misery and distress; whilst they behold what riches of grace are treasured up in Christ, and what ample provisions are there made for them; nay, it not only revives distressed and drooping souls, but such is the virtue and efficacy of it, that it will bring dead sinners to life; for it is the savor of life unto life to many. 5. The best wine is very refreshing to weary persons, who have been fatigued with labor and travel: the gospel is a word in season to him that is weary; it not only directs the weary soul where it may have rest, kindly invites unto it, but is also the instrument of bringing him into it. 6. Wine is reckoned a comforter and strengthener of the stomach; therefore the apostle Paul advised Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23), to use a little wine for his stomach sake; and his often infirmities: the doctrines of the gospel have a tendency to comfort souls; they are often blessed for that purpose; the ministers of it are employed herein on that account; and the Spirit of God does his work, and executes, his office as a comforter by them. Thus the gospel, the word; which is in and proceeds out of the church's mouth, may be compared to the best wine.