CHAP. XI.
entire destruction of Israel; but in a very short time it would appear, that the Lord's anger against his people was turned away, by the
ed; the Lord, in whom Hezekiah trusted, lopped off the spreading branches of this cedar with dreadful terror: he slew by "a mighty
Predictions of Christ, as springing from the root of Jesse; hisendowments for his work; and the equity of his government, 1
5: of the peace and holiness produced by his gospel, 6-9: of the conversion of the Gentiles, and the gathering of Israel to him by the marvellous power of God, 10-16.
they be good or bad; and those "high looks," which are admired as full of dignity and glory, being the fruit of a "stout heart," will expose a man to divine judgments. (Note, 47:7-10. -When mighty conquerors are cut off in the very crisis of their success, the event often occasions various conjectures, suspicions, and speculations: but in fact they have done their whole work, and are ripe for divine vengeance,
one," an angel of his strength, all his valiant captains; and he cut down a hundred and eighty-five thousand of his soldiers, like the hewing down of a forest. ( Notes , 16--19. Dan . 4:10--18,20-26.) Thus his army, which resembled Lebanon covered with stately cedars, fell at once, to the confusion of its haughty leader, and the grateful and triumphant joy of Hezekiah and his people. The places here mentioned, were all in the neighborhood of Je-and therefore the Lord stops their career: and
rusalem; most of them within a few miles to the north and west. ( Marg . Ref . )
Michmash. (28) Note , 1 Sam . 14:4,5.--'The 'enemies having passed this strait without op'position, shews that all thoughts of making a 'stand in the open country were given up. Bp . Lowth .-- Carriages .] Note, Acts 21:15,16.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-19.
this has often taken place, when they have been glorying in success, and anticipating fresh triumphs! Such overgrown murderers, robbers, and scourges of mankind, think the horrors and miseries of war a mere pastime: they act as if the wealth of the world were created for them alone, and as if every man deserved death, who was not willing to be their slave: and we need not wonder that the lives of thousands are so vile in their esteem; when the God, in whom they live and move, and from whom they have all their power and success, is most entirely despised by them.
Instead of his instruments, they affect to be his rivals; and, forgetful how easily he can crush them, they set themselves against him. But when the Lord of hosts is pleased to repress their insolence, he can soon thin their ranks, either by the sword of an enemy, or by famine and pestilence. And "the Light of Israel" will be a fire to consume all the dignity, prosperity, and multitude of "the workers of iniquity," "both soul and body." Some few indeed escape the most tremendous temporal nendous temporal judgments: but not a single impenitent sinner uner will escape the wrath to come.
Then even the standardbearers of infidelity and impiety will utterly faint, and doubtless all their legions will be driven into "the blackness of darkness for ever."
Injustice and oppression are most atrocious when sanctioned or prescribed by law; and a tremendous woe is denounced against all those who enact iniquitous statutes, or decree injustice from the seat of the magistrate.
The more indigent and destitute the persons are, who are thus robbed, the deeper is the guilt of their oppressors; and when persecution "for righteousness' sake," is added, it speedily fills up the measure of national guilt.-Even in temporal calamities, tyrants and persecutors know not how to secure that power, pomp, or affluence, which they account "their glory;" ( Gen. 31:) or even their own lives: and if the Lord withdraw his protection, the most despicable instruments will execute deserved vengeance on them.
But what will sinners do, whither will they flee, and what will their glory avail them, in the approaching day of judgment? When the Lord intends to desolate nations, or to chastise his people, he sometimes arms with power, and renders successful, the basest of men; and commissions them to smite those who have provoked his anger.
He purposes to destroy the most criminal, and to excite others to repentance: the instruments however do not seek his glory, but their own; and count it their pleasure to destroy, and to "cut off nations not a few." The lust of dominion renders men callous to the feelings of humanity: and, forgetful that they are the creatures and subjects of the Almighty, authority, power, and success inflate their minds with increasing arrogance; and, whilst they ascribe all their achievements to their own prowess and conduct, they suppose that nothing can stop their progress: nay, they can be so infatuated, as to "exalt themselves above all that is called God and is worshipped;" and to suppose themselves able to overcome the deities, as well as the kings, of opposing nations!
How lamentable was it, that Jerusalem, which was single and unrivalled in her relation to JEHOVAH, should set up graven images, in which she was excelled by all the heathen cities! and it is equally foolish for Christians to emulate the people of the world, in those vanities, in which they will always be eclipsed. ( Note , Ez . 15:6-8. P. О .)The Lord allots to every man his part, in fulfilling his grand designs.
When any one serves him humbly and willingly, He graciously recompenses his faith and obedience: but those, who unintentionally perform his purposes, are influenced by corrupt motives, and will be punished for their sins. Men's words and works are "the fruit of their hearts," whether || umph.
V. 20-34.
Scarcely in any age or place, is there more than a remnant , who "stay upon the Holy One of Israel in truth." ( Note , 48:1,2.) Most professed Christians still cleave to sin, and stay themselves on the world, though often troubled and injured by it: but, blessed be God, that there is a remnant who return to Him: may we be found of that happy number!
Then, while we expect his righteous judgments, according to his word, to overflow the profane and hypocritical multitudes, we may dwell in Zion, fearless of every enemy and catastrophe: ( Notes , 33:15-19.) nay, even the corrections which we receive by the hands of wicked men, who are the rod of our Father, will ere long cease, in the execution of his indignation on them for their crimes. ( Note , Ps . 125:3.)-All former judgments on proud oppressors have been and are only specimens of the final ruin, reserved for the enemies of God.
"Because of the anointing" of our great Redeemer, the yoke of every antichrist must be broken from off his church: and if our souls partake of the unction of his Holy Spirit, our complete and eternal deliverance is ensured to us. In the mean time, whilst our enemies defy "the daughter of Zion," and seem to make swift progress in their attempts against her; let us not yield to unbelieving fears.
The Lord, in his own time, by his own hand, or by some instrument, endued with power from on high, will bring down his most exalted and haughty enemies: and all opposition shall fall before him, and his cause shall finally prevail and tri
NOTES.
CHAP. XI. V. 1. The transition, from the temporal deliverances of Israel to that spiritual redemption from which they all originated, is very common in the prophetical writings. Sennacherib's chieftains and army were like the unnumbered stately cedars of Lebanon; but speedily cut down by a mighty one. But the extraordinary Person here predicted, would resemble a tender shoot from the decayed root of a tree which had been cut down; and yet he attained to the highest exaltation. Some think that the prophecy had reference to Hezekiah, or Zerubbabel, as types of Christ.
But Hezekiah was born long before it was delivered; and there was nothing in the state of the Jews under Zerubbabel, answerable to the glorious things spoken in the sequel of this chapter: so that it must be entirely a prophecy of Christ, and can accord to no other. ( Notes , 53:2,3. Zech. 6:12,13. Rev. 22:16,17.) -The prophet spake of the Messiah, as springing from the root of Jesse, rather than from that of David, because Jesse lived and died in a private stabut David was a prosperous monarch: and when all the glory of his family family seemed to be
like the withered trunk or stump of a tree, a tender shoot or rod would spring forth, in which that glory would revive, increase, and be established for ever; and which would indeed become "a Plant of renown." ( Marg . Ref . -Notes, Jer. 23:5,6. Ez . 17:22-24.34:23-31.
Rom . 15:8-13.) 'We have here a remarkable 'instance of that method so common with the 'prophets, and particularly with Isaiah, of tak'ing occasion from the mention of some great 'temporal deliverance, to launch out into the 'display of the spiritual deliverance of God's 'people by the Messiah: for that this prophecy 'relates to the Messiah, we have the express 'authority of St. Paul. Rom . 15:12. Bp . Lowth . V. 2-5.
The human nature of Christ was formed by the operation of the Holy Spirit, in the womb of the virgin; and all his power, wisdom, and holiness, as Man, are ascribed to the same divine influence; for the Holy "Spirit was not given by measure unto him." ( Notes , 42:1 -4.59:20,21. 61:1-3. John 1:30-34.3:27-36, v. 34. Acts 1:1-3.) The varied expressions here used, denote the manifold endowments of the human nature of Christ, for the work which he had undertaken, and the fulness VOL. IV.
righteousness shall be the girdle and faithfulness the girdle of
[Practical Observations.]
6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion,
h 32:1. 2 Sam. 8:15. 23:2-4.1 30:33. Ps. 18:8. Acts 9:1. 1 Kings 10:8,9. Ps. 45:6,7. 72: 1-4,12-14.82:2-4. Jer. 23: 5,6. 33:15. Matt. 11:5. Rev. 19:11.
† Or, argue. 1:17. Prov. 31:8, 9. Jer. 5:28.
i 29:19. 61-1. Zeph. 2:3. Matt.
5:5. 2 Cor. 10:1. Gal. 5:23. Tit. 3:2. Jam. 3:13.
k Job 4:9. Ps. 2:9. 110:2. Mal. 4:6. 2 Thes. 2:8. Rev 1:16. 2:16. 19:15.
m 59:17. Ps. 93:1. 2 Cor. 6:7. Eph. 6:14. 1 Pet. 4:1. Rev 1:13.
n 25:1. Hos. 2:20. Heb. 2:17. 1 John 1:9. Rev. 3:14.
o 65:25. Ez. 34:25. Hos. 2 18. Acts 9:13-20. Rom. 14: 17. 1 Cor. 6:9-11. 2 Cor. 5: 14-21. Gal. 3:26,27. Eph. 4:22-32. Col. 3:3-8. Tit. 3: 3-5. Philemon 9-16. Rev. 5 :9,10.
treasured up in him for his people. Every kind of divine knowledge and sagacity, of wisdom and prudence, of piety and courage; of holy affections and spiritual relish for heavenly things, and delight in them; of vigor and strength of mind for obedience, and for suffering with unabated courage, zeal, and patience: whatever was requisite for the exercise of his personal ministry, attended with numerous and extraordinary miracles on earth, or for that of his mediatorial kingdom in heaven, to the end of time, are comprised in the expressions before us.
So perfect would be his knowledge, wisdom, and justice, that he would in no case judge by appearances or report; but would distinguish characters, and decide causes, with the most exact discernment and impartiality.
He would be the Protector of the poor and needy, especially of his poor and humble people, and plead for them against oppressors: and, while he saved all those who submitted to him, he would destroy the enemies of his kingdom, by denouncing and executing cuting vengeance upon them; as if an iron rod them; as proceeded from his mouth to dash them in pieces, or as if his breath were a flame of fire to devour them. (Notes, 30:27,28. 2 Thes . 2:8 -12, v. 8.
Rev. 19:11-16, 6, ν. v. 15.) 15.) His consummate righteousness and faithfulness likewise would establish him on the throne, prepare him for filling it in the most perfect manner, and be the ornament and glory of it. ( Marg . Ref .- Notes , 59:16-19.
Ps . 72:1-7,12-14.) The general character of the Redeemer, and the manner, in which he would exercise his authority, with the effects produced by it, to the end of time, are here stated; rather than any special events predicted. -The Spirit of knowledge , &c. (2) "Of the knowledge and fear of the LORD." "Of knowledge and godliness.' Sept. - Reprove , &c. (3) Note, Prov. 31:8,9."With equity shall he work conviction in the meek of the earth." Bp . Lowth . ( Note , Ps . 25: 8,9.)
Faithfulness, &c. (5) 'The expression implies 'here, that a strict regard to truth, integrity, 'and justice, will be the honor of Christ's king'dom. ( Eph . 6:14.) On the contrary antichrist 'is described, as coming "with all deceivable'ness of unrighteousness," or all the arts of 'unrighteous deceit. (2 Thes . 2:9.) And without question, nothing has more tended to the 'corrupting the truth of the gospel, or weaken[49
and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together:
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the * cockatrice' den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
[Practical Observations.]
day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the rem- nant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from a Pathros, and from b Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
12 And he shall & set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah, from the four + corners of the earth.
10 And in that day there shall be a 13 The envy also of Ephraim shall root of Jesse, which shall stand for an depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall ensign of the people; to it shall the Gen- be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, tiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
11 And it shall come to pass in that
* Or, adder's. 59:5. Ps. 140:3. p 13. 2:4. 35:9. 60:18. Mic. 4:2 -4. Matt. 5:44,45. Acts 2: 41-47.4:29-35. Rom. 12:17 -21. Gal. 5:22-24. Phil. 2:14,15. 1 Thes. 5:15.
30:26. 49:6. 59:19. 60:1,&c. Ps. 22:27-31.93:2,3. Hab. 2: 14. Zech. 14:9. Rom. 11:25, 26. Rev. 20:2-6.
1. Rom. 15:12. Rev. 22:16. $59:19. Gen. 49:10. John 3:14,
15. 12:32.
t 60:3,5. 66:12,19. Matt. 2:1,2. 8:11. 12:21. Luke 2:32. John 12:20,21. Acts 11:18. 26:17,18. 28:23. Rom. 15:9-12.
32:17,18, 66:10-12. Ps. 91:1, 4. 116:7. Jer. 6:16. Hag. 2: 9. Matt. 11:28-30. 2 Thes. 1:7-12. Heb. 4:1,9. 1 Pet. 1: 7-9、5:10.
Heb. glory. Ps. 149.5.
and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.
x 60.-66:
Lev. 26:40-42. Deut. 4:27-31. 30:3-6. Ps. 68:22. Jer. 29:7,8. 30:8-11. 31:36-40. 33:24-26. Ez. 11: 16-20. 34:23-28. 36:24, &c. 37:48: Hos. 1:11.3:4,5. Joel 3: Am. 9:14,15. Mic. 7:14,15. Zech. 10:8-12. 12-14: Rom. 11:15,26. 2 Cor. 3:16.
y 16. 27:12,13. Mic. 7:12. z 19:23. Jer. 44:1.
a Ez. 30:14.
b 45:14. Gen. 10:6,7.
c Gen. 10:22. Jer. 25:25. Dan.
8:2.
'ing the power of it, than the giving encour-revolution is effected, in their propensities, 'agement to pious frauds and forgeries.' Lowth . desires, affections, and pursuits: they become
bear, and
V. 6-9. ( Marg . Ref. Note, 9:6,7.) The effects of divine grace on the minds of men, in the times of the Messiah, are here represented, with much beauty, under the most significant emblems. Persons of the most dissimilar dispositions and pursuits, and by nature and custom addicted to various kinds of wickedness, would be so changed by the grace of the gospel, that they would become of "one heart, and of one way." ( Notes , Jer. 32:39-41.
Acts 2:44-47.) The selfish, the penurious, the rapacious, the contentious, the ambitious, the savage, the subtle, and the malicious, would lose their peculiar base dispositions, and become harmles harmless, sincere, peaceable, benevolent, and affectionate; they would live together in harmony, hearken to instruction, and be guided by gentle persuasions and entreaties.
So that the change would be as evident and surprising, as if the wolf, the tiger, the lion, the bear, and other fierce carnivorous animals, should learn to be gentle and harmless as the lamb, the kid, the calf, or the cow; to associate with them, to graze the pasture as they do, or to feed on hay and straw; and should be so tractable that a little child could lead then.
Or, as if the asp and the cockatrice should no longer be disposed to bite with envenomed teeth; but should be so inoffensive, that infants might safely play by their holes: for there would be no more a disposition in the inhabitants of Zion, the true church of Christ, to hurt or destroy: and the knowledge of the Lord, with all its sanctifying effects, should at length cover the whole earth, "even as the waters cover the sea." ( Notes , 55: 12,13. 65:24,25. Lev . 1:1,2. 11:2.
Acts 10:9-16.) -Such changes, as are here described, may be imagined, but they never actually take place, in the literal sense. Every creature on earth, man alone excepted, continues from first to last, of that disposition, and retains unchanged those propensities, which belong to its nature. But in those of the human race, who are "born of God," an entire change and
"new creatures," "all old things pass away, behold all things are become new;" and "they walk in newness of life." The emblem is completely answered; the figurative description realized. (Notes, John 3:3. 2 Cor . 5:17.) The fables and imaginations of the gentiles, of a golden age, and the return of it in the latter days, in which some of their writers use not dissimilar expressions, but inferior in beauty and energy, seem to have been taken from the scriptural account of Adam in paradise, and from the predictions of the Messiah's happy reign.- To suppose that the Holy Spirit, by this decisive language, foretold events no way answerable to their exact meaning; and that they are merely highly wrought figures of speech, like those of uninspired eastern poets; and suited to raise expectations in simple hearted believers, which must be eternally disappointed, savors too much of infidelity, not to say blasphemy, to deserve a serious refutation.
The earth has never yet been "full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea;" and therefore the grand accomplishment co nt of the prophecy has not yet taken place. ( Marg . Ref . q. -Notes , Hab . 2:12 -14, v . 14.)
V. 10. ( Notes , 1. 10:20.) When the gospel began to be publicly preached, the divine Savior, as springing from the root of Jesse, and as crucified for sinners, ascended into heaven, and, being exalted to the mediatorial throne, stood as an ensign to which the chosen people of God resorted. ( Notes , 11-16. 59:16-19, υ. 19. Gen. 49:10. Matt . 11:28-30.
John 3:14, 15. 12:27-33, v. 32.) The gentiles sought to him as their Lord and Savior; and "the rest of soul," which they found by trusting in him, was connected with the glory and beauty of holiness, and an earnest of the glory of heaven. ( Marg . Ref .
Notes , 60:1-3. 66:19-23.) Or rather, the Savior would rest with full complacency in his redeemed people, chiefly from among the gentiles, in whom his name would 14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders|| his mighty wind shall he shake his hand of the Philistines toward the west: they over the river, and shall smite it in the shall spoil them of the east together: seven streams, and make men go over + dry they shall lay their hand upon on Edom and shod. Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.
15 And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with
k Ob. 19. Zeph. 25. Zech. 9: 5-7.
59:19. 66:19,20. Matt. 8:11.
m 33:1. Jer. 49:23. Ez. 38: 39: Heb. the children of the east. Heb. Edom and Moab shall be the laying on of their hand;
the children of Ammon their
obedience. 25:10. S4:5,6.60:14. Num. 24:17. Dan. 11:41. Joel 3:19. Am. 9:12. Ob. 13. n: 50:2. 51:9,10. Zech. 10:11. o Ex. 14:21.
be exceedingly glorified. ( Ps . 132:8,13. Note, Rom. 15:8-13, v. 12.)- Root of Jesse.] Notes, 53:2,3. Rev. 5:5-7, г. 5. 22:16,17, n. 16.
V. 11--16. The Lord recovered a remnant of his people from Assyria and Babylon, by the same power with which which he had brought the whole nation out of Egypt: and it is here predicted, that he would "set his hand again the second ond time," ," to gather those, who would be left of them, from all nations whither they had been scattered; and several of the adjacent countries, and some very distant ones in different directions, are specified.
By "the islands of the sea," all the regions separated from Asia are generally meant; and here the British isles are included. (Note, Gen. 10:2--5.)--The crucified Savior, doubtless, as held forth in the preaching of the gospel, is that Ensign to which he will asseinble "the outcasts of Israel, and the dispersed of Judah," from the four corners of the earth. United in dependence on "the Prince of Peace," and in obedience to him, that envy, competition, and enmity, which so long kept the Jews and Israelites at variance, shall be finally terminated; ( Notes , Jer. 3:16-18, v . 18. Ez . 37:15-28.
Hos . 1:11.
Zech. 11:12--14, v . 14.) their adversaries shall be cut off, and many of their former enemies shall be subjected, or willingly submit and become tributary to them, or powerfully assist them, which seems implied in the expression, "they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Phi- || listines towards the west." (14) For the Lord will then remove all obstacles, by the same powerful interposition, which he vouchsafed in behalf of Israel, when he separated "the Tongue," or Bay of the Egyptian or Red Sea, and destroyed that hindrance to their departure: and, "with a mighty wind, he will so separate the waters of the river, (Euphrates,) in all its streams, that men may pass over dry shod. ( Notes , Dan . 11:40–45.
Zech . 10:5-12. Rev. 16:12--16.) Thus a highway shall be made for Israel's return, as there was for their ancestors to pass from Egypt unto Canaan.-'This part of the chapter contains a prophecy,
16 And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt .
The descent, from the summit of earthly grandeur to the abyss of misery, is not uncommon. But heavenly honor and prosperity advance gradually from small beginnings, and will increase for ever: ( Notes , 9:6,7, v . 7. Dan. 2:44,45.) and the cause of God is not rendered triumphant by human power, but "by the Spirit of the LORD." (Note, Zech. 4:4--7.) Thus the great Head of the Church sprang up as a tender shoot; and was scarcely observed at first, or observed only to be disdained: but, through his external meanness, when "in the form of a servant," a divine glory shone forth.
His holy life, his stupendous miracles, his boundless knowledge and heavenly wisdom, and all his words and works proclaimed, that "the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him," for all the purposes here predicted by his holy prophet.
And now in human nature he reigns upon a glorious throne, the Lord and Judge of his church, and of the world; and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, of grace and truth, of power and might, yea, "all the fulness of the Godhead dwell in him." (Notes, Col. 2:1-9.) Thus gloriously exalted, and qualified most completely to fill up the mediatorial throne, he is the Patron of the poor and oppressed; for the lowly and broken hearted alone truly submit to him, and value his salvation: and, while he pleads their cause, he will execute his severest threatenings on all the workers of iniquity; yet with exact discrimination and strict justice: for "righteousness is the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the gir
'which certainly remains yet to be accomplish- dle of his reins."-"From his fulness all" his
ed.' Bp. Lowth.--"This chapter contains a 'general prophecy of the advancement Christ's 'kingdom should make in the world. But as 'this advancement is made by different steps 'and degrees; so the several parts of the proph'ecy may be supposed to point at different 'ages and periods of time.... And I take this 'part of the chapter... to foretel those glorious times of the church, which shall be ushered in by the restoration of the Jewish nation; when 'they shall embrace the gospel, and be restor'ed to their own country from the several dis'persions where they are scattered. This 'remarkable scene of Providence is plainly 'foretold by most of the prophets of the Old Testament, and by St. Paul in the New,
people "receive, and grace for grace." ( Note , John 1:16.) So that the same Spirit is communicated to each of them in their measure: and thus they too learn sound wisdom and discretion; they become acquainted with God and themselves, with his truths, and their own duty, interests, dangers, and security; they are rendered prudent to shun, or strong to resist, the temptations of Satan; they learn to fear and love the Lord; and, with increasing experience and spirituality, they become "of quick understanding" in "discerning good and evil: they are formed to the same judgment with him, whose Spirit they receive; they learn te follow his example of goodness, truth, and purity; and, in a subordinate sense, righteous
As far as we are taught by the Spirit of Christ, the predominant obliquities of our fallen nature will be corrected; and those hateful and mischievous vices, by which men resemble the most pernicious of the animals in their worst qualities, will be subdued and mortified; and we shall be rendered harmless, peaceable, sincere, kind, liberal, and ready to renounce our own interest or pleasure, in order to do good to others.
For, the grace of Christ is a sovereign remedy for every one of our mental disorders: and though none of them are here perfectly healed; all of them are dethroned, hated, opposed and crucified, and no one habitually prevails: but the believer's desires, pleasures, and leading aims are totally changed; and thus they, who before conversion were of the most opposite characters, now assimilate to each other, and learn to concur in the same purposes and endeavors, and live in holy peace and love.
Every one of them becomes teachable and forgiving: they no longer are disposed to hurt, or destroy, or deceive; but they learn to forbear and to forgive, their hearts are enlarged, and they become the friends of mankind, because they are the redeemed servants of Jesus Christ. But alas! how many profess professors of evangelical truth, by their avarice, contention, pride, and and ferocity, evince, that they are strangers to this gracious change; and that they still continue wolves, tigers, or serpents; and have not been "transformed in the renewing of their minds" into lambs and doves!
How many leave the matter doubtful both to themselves and others, and often disgrace that doctrine which they should adorn! How little has this tendency of the gospel yet appeared in the world! We cannot then entertain a doubt, that far more conspicuous and glorious effects are to be expected; when "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea;" when wars and furious contests shall cease, and all nations shall know the power of the gospel, to teach men to love God and one another.
In the mean time let us aim to manifest this spirit and conduct in our narrow circle, as far as we are able; that our example and endeavors may in some feeble measure promote the honor of Christ, and stop the mouths of gainsayers. And, as few Christians are able to do much good by engaging the enemies of the gospel, in a way of disputatious reasoning; let us all aim to convince men by the powerful rhetoric of a holy, useful life, that ours is the true doctrine of the word of
God.
V. 10-16.
By embracing the Christian religion, we enlist under the standard of the cross of Christ;
thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
2 Behold, God is my Salvation: I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my Strength and my Song; he also is become my Salvation.
d 7:14. 9:6,7. 45:17,22-25. Ps. 3:16. Rev. 7:10 27:1. Jer. 3:23. 23:6. Јоп. 2: е 26:4. Ex. 15:2. Ps. 118:14.
that by our profession of his truth, by our good works, and our fervent prayers, we may obtain peaceful conquests over our enemies, by winning them over to our side, and inducing them to have fellowship with us. ( Note , 1 John 1:3,4.) Of old "the banner" was displayed, and both Jews and Gentiles sought to it, and found a glorious rest to their souls, by trusting and obeying the King of saints. For us the same ensign is erected and exhibited: may we also thankfully flock to it, and share these blessings.
And while we expect the Lord to set to his hand again, to gather his ancient people from their dispersions, and to bring them home to his church; and also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all parties will cease from envy and strife, and be united in holy love: let us trust in his glorious power to remove out of the way all the hindrances to our complete salvation; let us tread in the highway of holiness, which he has made for his redeemed; ( Note , 35:8-10.) let us "wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life;" and let us expect that the Lord will prepare our way through death, that river which separates this from the eternal world, that we may "pass over dry shod;" even as he dried up the Red Sea and Jordan, when "he led forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness," to give them the land of Canaan for their inheritance.
NOTES.