CHAP. XLVIII.
city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; h The Lord of hosts is his name.
The Lord, foreseeing the obstinate idolatry of Israel had foretold what he was about to do, that his works might not be ascribed to idols, 1-8. He promises to save his people, for his own name's sake, by his almighty power, and by raising up and prospering Cyrus, 9-15. He pathetically shews, how happy obedience would have rendered them, 16-19. He calls on the captive Jews to leave Babylon, remembering how their fathers had been supplied in the wilderness; and declares that
there is no peace for the wicked, 20-22.
The
3 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them: I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
4 Because I knew that thou art * ob
stinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew and thy brow brass;
5 I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath commanded them.
life, and hope in death, and everlasting happiness beyond the grave: and surely wo need desire no further information in these matters. Let us then stand aloof from all the delusions of men, and of the great deceiver; and learn to walk by faith, through the troubles of life and the vale of death, to the land of perfect light, joy, and felicity.
NOTES.
in order to purge his church from hypocrites, and to warn others not to abuse their privi- leges. ( Notes and P.
O.1 Sam . 4:) But those who take advantage of these dispensations, to abuse their power, and to shew their enmity against God, by cruelly oppressing his wor- shippers, will be punished with proportiona- ble severity.-Pride renders men presumptu- ous in their wickedness and regardless of their latter end; end; so that they "lay not to heart." either the warnings or the judgments of God; they expect impunity, notwithstanding his "wrath revealed from heaven" against their iniquities; and they are confident of perma- nent prosperity, until ruin comes upon them suddenly and in its perfection, and they can neither see whence it arises, nor how it may be avoided.
Such as do not trust in God, buoy up their confidence by means of wicked- ness in one form or other, and they are ready to think, that no eye sees those secret crimes which man cannot detect.
And whilst men will not believe the authenticated truths of God, because they contradict their pride and lusts; they often become the dupes of their own credulity, and of the vilest impostors; even of the meanest of such as pretend to gratify their curiosity by informing them of future events, and humor them with promises of great prosperity, without disquieting their consciences, or requiring them to renounce their sins.
Hence the encouragement which sorcery, divination, astrology, and fortune-tell- ing of every kind, have ever met with, in proportion as the holy truths and precepts of scripture have been disregarded. But the Lord scorns, and abhors, such daring attempts to pry into his secret purposes, or to escape V.3-5. In order to lead the people to be his threatened vengeance.
However men may more earnest in adhering to his worship and tabor and weary themselves in these vain en-commandments, the Lord again reminded them deavors, they will never be able to prevail for of the conclusive proof, which prophecy af- others or themselves; they will shortly be de-forded them of their divine authority. Noth-stroyed root and branch, by the consuming fire of the Lord's indignation; and it will appear, that they could neither foresee nor prevent the ruin to which they were exposed.
But, if we simply and firmly believe the word of God, we may know assuredly how it will be with the righteous and the wicked to all eternity; we may learn how to "escape the wrath to come," to glorify God, to have peace through
CHAP. XLVIII. V. 1, 2. The Jews gloried in their descent from Jacob, and in the name of Israel, which God had in honor conferred on him; (Notes, Gen. 32:27,28. John 1:47-51.) they boasted also of springing from Judah, to whom the sceptre belonged, and from whom the Messiah was to descend. They were likewise accustomed to use the name of JEHOVAH in solemn oaths, and to make mention of him as their God. ( Notes , 45:23-25.
Jer. 5:1,2.) They prided themselves also upon their relation to that holy city, where his temple was built and his worship conducted: and on these accounts they were very confident, that God would render them successful, and deliver them from all their enemies. Yet there was neither sincerity in their religion, nor holiness in their lives; they were deceitful and dishonest in their dealings; and they concealed their frauds by perjury and hypocrisy.
It appears from the prophecies of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Micah, that this was the general disposition of the people, just before the captivity. (Notes, Jer. 7:3-11. 26:9-19. Ez . 11:1-3. Mic . 3:8-12. Matt . 3:7-10. Acts 6:9-14.) Out of the waters, &c. (1) As water springs from a fountain ( Notes , Num . 24:7-9. Ps . 68:26. Prov. 5:15– 19.)
ing material had occurred, since the original of their nation, which had not been predicted. God had previously informed them what he purposed to do; and then he had suddenly performed his word, when they had no expec tation of it. He adopted this method, because he knew that they would prove obstinate and untractable, even as if the sinews of their necks had been made of iron; and bold and 6 Thou hast heard; see all this; and 11 For dmine own will not ye declare it ? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden 'things, and thou didst not know them.
7 They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when hou heardest them not: lest thou shouldest ay, Behold, I knew them.
8 Yea, 'thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not: yea, from that time that u thine ear was not opened: for * I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb. 9 For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
10 Behold, I have refined thee, but with silver: I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
not
sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it : for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.
[Practical Observations.]
12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the First, I also am the Last.
13 Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my tright hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear: which among them hath declared these things ? The Lord hath loved him Phe will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.
15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he
q Ps. 107:43. Jer. 2:31. Mic 6:9. y Deut. 9:7,24. Ps. 51:5. 58:3. shall make his way prosperous.
21:10.43:8-10. Ps. 40:9,10. Ez. 16:3-5. Eph. 2:3.
71:15-18.78:3-6.119:13. 145: z 11. 37:35. 43:25 Josh. 7:9. 4,5. Jer. 50:2. Matt. 10:27. Acts 1:8.
42:9. Dan. 12:8-13. Am. 3: 6. John 15:15. Rom. 16:25, 26. 1 Pet. 1 10-12. Rev. 1: 19. 4:1. 5:1,2. 6:1,&c.
t 6:9,10. 26:11. 29:10,11. 42:19, 20. Jer. 5:21. Matt. 13:1315. John 12:39,40.
u 50:5. Ps. 40:6. Jer. 6:10. 4. 21:2. Jer. 3:7-11,20. 5:11. Hos. 5:7. 6:7. Mal. 2:11.
1 Sam. 12:22. Ps. 25:11. 79:9. 106:8. 143:11. Jer. 14:7. Ez. 20:9,14,22,44. Dan. 9:17-19. a Neh. 9:30,31. Ps. 78:38. 103: 8-10. Prov. 19:11.
b 1:25,26. Job 23:10. Prov. 17: 3. Jer. 9:7. Ez. 20:38. 22:18 -22. Zech. 13:3,9. Mal. 3: 2,3. Heb. 12:10,11. 1 Pet. 1: 7.4:12. Rev. 3:19. Or, for silver.
c Deut. 4:20.
impudent in their objections and self-vindica-willed: ( Notes , 50:5,6. Ps . 40:6-8.) and they
tion, as if their brow were brass: ( Marg . Ref . -Notes, Prov. 29:1. Ez. 3:4-11. Acts 7:5153.) and, being alienated from true religion and attached to idolatry, they would absurdly and ungratefully have ascribed their deliverances to their idols, had not JEHOVAH by his prophecies precluded them from such a pretence. ( Notes , 42:22-25. 44:6-8. Jer . 44:1519.)-The former things ... may point at the 'former prophecies, relating to the two con'federate kings, (7:) and to Sennacherib; (10:) 'as the new things relate to the Babylonian 'captivity, and their return from thence, as 'they were figures of the gospel-times.... They 'punctually came to pass at the time foretold, 'even when there was no likelihood of such an 'effect being produced. Lowth .
V. 6-8. The Jews had already heard the prophecies concerning their nation; let them therefore mark, and see their exact accomplishment: and would they not at length declare this to be a demonstration, that JEHOVAH alone was entitled to their worship; and publish his wonderful works, according to his word, to other nations and succeeding ages?
From the time, when former predictions had been accomplished, in their deliverance from the Syrians and Assyrians, the Lord shewed them "new things," hidden from all creatures, of which no tokens appeared, and of which they knew nothing. ( Notes , 42:8,9. 43:14-21, v . 19.) His word, as in creation, gave them as it were their first existence: ( Note , Gen. 1:3-5.) before he spake of them, the Jews had never heard of them, and therefore they could not ascribe the discovery either to their idols, or to their own sagacity. acity.
Yet, after all, the Lord foresaw that they they would prove unbelieving and disobedient; and even shut their ears to to instruction, however plainly set before them. For "their ear had not been opened from the beginning :" they had always been unteachable and self
would continue to deserve the name of transgressor, apostate, or rebel, which he had given them in the very infancy of their nation, when they first came out of Egypt. (Notes, Ex . 32:7-10. Ez . 20:7-9.)
V. 9-11. The Lord saw nothing in the Jewish nation, to induce him to deliver it from captivity or to extend blessings to it: but the honor of his own great name was concerned. If idolaters should finally prevail against his worshippers, their gods would seem to triumph over the God of Israel: it behoved him to perform his engagements to Abraham, to Israel, and to David, and to maintain his worship in the world.
"For his own sake," therefore, he would defer his anger, and not cast off the Jews till after the coming of the Messiah: for his own glory, he would refrain from pouring out his indignation, and utterly destroying them. ( Notes , 43:22-25. Deut . 32:26,27. Ps. 79:8-13. Jer . 14:7—9,19-22. Ez . 20:7-9, ν. 9. Dan . 9:17-19.
Eph . 1:3-12.) By various calamities he shall refine them, as metal in a furnace: and though they were not fully purified as refined silver, but still had a great mixture of base metal among them; yet he would again choose them amidst the afflictions of Babylon, as he had their fathers in the iron furnace of Egypt. ( Marg . Ref .) This he would do, not for their sakes, but that his name might not be profaned, or his glory given to idols.
'I had 'respect to thy weakness and infirmity: for in 'silver there is some pureness, but in us there 'is nothing but dross.' - If the furnace of affliction had not been moderated, they must have been consumed. ( Notes , ( Notes , Ps . 125:3. Matt . 24:21, 22.)-'God joineth the salvation of his, with his own honor; so that they they cannot perish, sh, but 'his glory should be diminished.' ( Notes , Ex. 32:11-14. Num. 14:13-19. Josh. 7:6-9. Ez. 36:20-24,31,32.)
V. 12-15. The eternal and unchangeable
19 Thy seed alst had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.
20 Goye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans , d with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob.
21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them:
God of Israel here calls upon his people to hearken to him. ( Note , 41:2-4.) The same almighty power which had founded the earth, "meted out the heavens with a span," and issued orders to their hosts which were implicitly obeyed, was pledged to perform the predictions concerning the deliverance of the Jews from captivity. ( Notes , 40:12-17,25,26.) Let then all of them assemble, consider, and ask themselves, whether JEHOVAH, or some of their idols, had foretold these things; that they might ascribe the accomplishment unto him. (Notes, 41:21-26. 43:8-13.) He meant to shew especial favor to Cyrus, (as a type of Christ,) in assigning him the honorable work of liberating his people. So that this prince would execute the Lord's pleasure, and be as his arm, in taking Babylon, and subduing the Chaldean monarchy: for God would call him to this arduous undertaking, and 'Isaiah, "And now the Lord hath sent me and
prosper him in it. ( Notes , 41:27-29. 44:25
Lord and Redeemer. And now the Father and his Spirit had sent him to effect their predicted deliverance: or the Lord Gon had sent Him and his Spirit; for so the words may be read, and the language accords better to the ordinary style of scripture.
The deliverance from Babylon seems to be predicted; yet as shadowing forth the incarnation of Christ, and the pouring out of the Spirit, to apply his redemption to the souls of men. - "The foregoing 'part of the verse shews, that the words are 'spoken by God: and since it is affirmed, that 'the Lord God hath sent him, we can under'stand the words of none other, but the second Person of the sacred Trinity; who was sent into the world by his Father, and was anoint'ed to his prophetical office by the Holy Spirit.' Lowth . ( Notes , Zech . 2:6-13. 4:8-10. 6:915.
John 14:7--14.)-'Who is it that saith in 'his Spirit?" in which, as the expression is amwhich have sent Jesus; or the Father who 'hath sent both Christ and the Holy Spirit? The latter is the true interpretation. Origen in Bp . Lowth.
28. 45:1-6. 46:10,11.)-The expression, "my 'biguous, is it the Father and the Holy Spirit,
called," (12) may refer to the call of Abraham, (Note, Gen. 12:1-3.) and the nation of Israel in him, which was a type or emblem of the effectual calling of the elect people of God: (Notes, 41:2-4,10-14.) but some explain it of the Israelites being called by the name of God, as a people peculiarly belonging to him.
V. 17--19. JEHOVAH, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, continues to speak to his people, when in captivity. He had taught V. 16. There is some appearance of diffi- them profitable things, and had pointed out to culty in ascertaining the speaker in this verse: them the way in which they should have gone; but if the prophet be be supposed supp posed to to s speak, it must and he was ever ready to afford his effectual be as a type of the "Elect Servant of JEHO- teaching to such, as desired to profit by his VAH," before predicted. ( Note , 42:1-4.) From word.
This would have been far more agreethe opening of of his ministry, ministry, Isaiah had pub- able to his holy will as revealed by his servants, licly spoken of those things which were com- than their rebellion and calamities; so that, ing to pass, and events had accorded to his speaking after the manner of men, he, as it predictions; he had from the first been at hand were, wished that they would have hearkened to declare the will of the Lord: and now the Lord to his commandments: for then their peace GOD and his Spirit had sent him to predict the would have flowed with an even, uninterruptcaptivity, and also the deliverance of the Jews ed course, like a river, the waters of which fail from it; and it behoved them to come near and pot: and he would have shewn them how to attend to his words.
This however, seems not obtain righteousness and salvation, vast as the by any means to come up to the energy and ocean, and a permanent and inexhaustible full meaning of the passage: and, "The Word, source of blessings to their souls: their seed who was in the beginning with God, and was would then have been innumerable as the God," and by whom the mind and will of God sand, and "gravel," or, as some understand it, have ever been declared to men, may properly the fishes, of the sea; and their name would be considered as the Speaker. He had always never have been cut off, or cast out.
Whereas, addressed the nation in the most open manner, for their sins they were reduced to a remnant, from the time when he appeared to Moses in and to great distress and contempt. ( Notes , the bush, and called himself, I AM THAT I Deut . 5:28,29. 32:29. Ps . 81:13--16. Luke 19:41 AM: ( Notes , Ex . 3:2-7,14. Acts 7:30-36.) and -44.)-- Righteousness . (18) Notes, 45:22--25. He was constantly present with Israel as their ||46:12,13. VOL. IV
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he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
h 57:21. Job 15:20-24. Luke 19:42. Rom. 3:17.
V. 20-22. The Lord here addressed the people, as if the time of the decree of Cyrus had been already come. They were summon-ment, or even to that conduct which God ab
ed and presumptuous: we are ready to ascribe success to our own sagacity or good manage
ed to go forth from Babylon, and flee from among its devoted inhabitants, inhabitants, singing praises to the Lord, and publishing his truth, power, and love, to the ends of the earth. ( Notes , 51: 9-11.52:9-12. Jer . 50:7,8. Zech . 2:6-9. Rev. 18:4-8.) When the Israelites passed through the wilderness from Egypt to Canaan, the wa-futation of these absurd principles, and this
hors: and when calamities overtake us, we deem them the result of chance, or lay the blame on the ill behavior of others. Thus we studiously forget God, and aim to exclude him from the government of the world. But the whole scheme of prophecy is a standing con
ters gushed from the smitten rock to satisfy their thirst: and the Lord intimated that he would equally take care of the Jews in returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. ( Notes , 35:5 -7. 41:17--20. 43:19-21. Ex . 17:5,6.
Jer . 31:8, 9.) But, as the language is too strong to have received a full accomplishment in any of the events, attending that deliverance; we may be assured that the Holy Ghost intended the spiritual blessings of redemption; and the wonderful interpositions, with which the rescue of the church from Antichristian tyranny shall be accompanied, and especially the converted Jews and Israelites conveyed back to the promised land.--Whatever revolutions take place, the Lord also warned impenitent sinners, that no good would accrue to them; ( Notes , 3:11,12. 57: 20,21.
Ez . 20:33--38.) for all that inward anguish and outward tribulation, which spring from guilt and from the wrath of God, must inevitably be their portion, throughout every period of their endless existence.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-11.
Men may have a sound creed, make an open profession of true religion, and with apparent devotion "mention the name" of God, value themselves on their relation to his people, and join with them in the most solemn ordinances; and yet be hypocrites in religion, and destitute of common honesty in their dealings with their neighbors! Nay, men may have strong confidence in the Lord, and verily think that all the blessings of salvation belong to them; when they are entirely deceived by Satan and their own hearts, and have no more than a worthless "form of godliness!" (Notes, Prov. 14:12.
Gal . 6:1--5, v . 3.) Let us then be careful not to over-value external distinctions, privileges, or cbservances; and not to stay our souls on any relation to families, or churches, eminent for piety. Let us examine whether we be indeed sincere, in our own professed faith and devotedness to God; and whether these produce truth and equity in all our dealings with men. Let us remember that confidence without conscientiousness is presumption; and
preposterous conduct: as things hidden from every created mind, and which must appear at the time improbable in the highest degree, have for ages been foretold in the sacred scriptures, and are continually coming to pass accordingly. Yet how little is this attended to! how little are men disposed to receive instruction, and yield obedience to God! But hence arises another demonstration of the truth of the scripture, which every man possesses in his own conscience.
Contrary to our self-flattery, the scripture declares, that "every man dealeth very treacherously, and is a transgressor from the womb." And is not this witness true? have not we each of us, violated our obligations to God? and were not our first thoughts, words, and works rebellious and unholy?--We have then nothing in ourselves to depend on, or to plead with God, as a reason why he should have mercy on us. Had he not deferred and refrained his anger, we should have been cut off and destroyed long ago.
But he has formed a plan, in which, for "his own sake" and "for the glory of his grace," he saves all that come to him for salvation. Thus sinners are encouraged to hope for his mercy. And be that "hath fled for refuge to lay hold on this hope set before him," and "holds fast that confidence," has the honor of God pledged for his security, that he shall never be cast off, or perish; for then would God's name be polluted, and his glory tarnished.
He will indeed refine his people in the furnace of affliction: but, notwithstanding the alloy which remains after each visitation, he will yet confirm his choice of them; and frequently he first brings sinners acquainted with his grace, by casting them into this painful but salutary furnace.
V. 12-22.
The same power, which upholds the world, supports the cause of truth and righteousness; and it is a peculiar honor to be employed as instruments in the good work of making known the salvation of God to mankind. Yet even this, (as well as many other instances of the loving-kindness of God,) has been sometimes vouchsafed to those, who knew him not, by true faith and holy experience, to the sal
that those who cheat their neighbors, and var-vation of their own souls. But the Lord nish it over with a profession of godliness, will Jesus alone has, in every respect, done the "receive the greater daunnation." May the Father's "whole pleasure," and is the adequate Lord search and prove us, and render us Object of his love: having prospered and fin"doers of the word, and not hearers only, de-ished his work, he invites sinners to draw near ceiving our own selves!" ( Note , Jam . 1:22-- and hearken, whilst he proclaims the counsels 25.)--The divine origin of our religion is abun- of his love, which have been from the begindantly demonstrated, in the co-incidence ob-ning. As the Father has sent him, so has he servable between the prophecies of the Bible, sent his ministers, to publish openly his rich
and free salvation. May he send forth more and more of them throughout the earth; and with them send forth his Spirit to prosper their labors; that 'glory may be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost,' throughFather, and out the earth, and through eternal ages. Let us seek our holy Redeemer to "teach us to
and the dispensations of Providence; so that infidelity, impiety, and hypocrisy, will be left without plea or excuse: and this arrangement is purposely intended to leave every one without cloke for his sins. For the Lord knows how obstinate and daring men are, in rebellion against his authority, and opposition to his truths. Indeed we are all by nature self-will-profit," by all the means of instruction which
5 And now, saith the Lord, that formed
e 42:1. 51:16. Ps. 91:1. Luke h 65:2. Matt. 17:17. 23:37 23:46. John 1:11. Rom. 10:21. Gal. 4:11.
2 And dhe hath made my mouth like a f 50.4 61:1-3. Ps. 45.5. Jer.
we enjoy, and to "lead us by the way that we should go;" for blessed are they who hear his
to any but the divine Savior of sinners; for who else was ever given to be "a Light of the
word and do it. Our sanctification and com-Gentiles, and the salvation of God to the ends
fort are his will and delight; inward and out ward peace are his legacy to his believing people; and those, whom he justifies and sanctifies, have peace with God, peace of conscience, and an inward tranquillity "which passeth all understanding:" a peace, not transient and precarious, as the joys of this world are; but which flows on like a river through life and death, and to all eternity.
The inheritance annexed to the righteousness which God bestows is immense as the ocean, its blessings unnumbered like the sand, and it is at tended with "an everlasting name that shall not be cut off;" and with an entail of most important advantages to our posterity.
Let then all who hear these words separate from the world, and break loose from their ruinous connexions; let them join themselves to the Lord with gratitude and joy: and let believers sing glad praises to the Redeemer, and declare to all around "what he hath done for their souls." Though this world is a wilderness, in which many inconveniences await us, and nothing grows or springs forth, suited to the wants and desires of the regenerated; yet from Christ, our smitten Rock, the consolations of the Holy Spirit flow forth abundantly to water all the camp of Israel, through all their wanderings; till each arrives at the Fountain-head above, and drinks abundantly of unalloyed felicity for ever.
But this peace and joy are far from the wicked man: by an irrevocable decree, and by his character and the state of his unrenewed soul, he will be for ever precluded from them; and a tormenting conscience, a despairing heart, and furious, unrestrained, and malignant passions, will concur with the wrath of God, to render him as durably miserable, as the righteous is blessed in the favor, image, and presence of his God.
NOTES.
of the earth?" (6) --Christ therefore here speaks, in his mediatorial character, and as anticipating his incarnation. He opened his important instructions by demanding the attention of the most distant nations, as he was about to declare those interesting truths, those "deep things of God," in which they were all concerned. He had engaged to become incarnate for the redemption of mankind.
That event had been purposed from "before the foundation of the world," and predicted from the first entrance of sin: and before his conception in the virgin's womb, "he was named Jesus, because he should save his people from their sins." ( Marg . Ref . c.- Notes , Matt . 1:20 -23.
Luke 1:26-33, v. 31.) The efficacy of his word to alarm, convince, and subdue the hearts of sinners to himself, and the energy of his denunciations to destroy his enemics, are denoted by "his mouth being like a sharp sword." His human nature would be secured from sin, (which alone could defeat the end of his incarnation,) by his union with the Deity; even as if it had been hid, or covered, under the shadow of the Almighty's hand.
And he would be in every respect prepared and qualified for his work, by the immeasurable communication of the Holy Spirit; as a polished shaft or arrow, which the warrior carefully conceals and preserves in his quiver, till he has occasion to employ it, in obtaining some desired and expected victory. (Marg. Ref. d -f.- Notes , 51:15,16. Heb . 4:12,13. Rev. 1:12 -20, v . 16. 2:12,13.)
V.3, 4. The eternal Son of God willingly consented to "take upon him the form of a servant," that God might be glorified in saving sinners through him. ( Notes , 42:1-4. 53:11, 12. Phil . 2:5-8.) He may be called Israel, as the Head of the body of the church, the true Israel of God; or because he wrestled and prevailed for the blessing of God upon his people, as Jacob prevailed for the blessing on himself and his posterity. That name, in its 'original design, and full import, can only be'long to him, who contended powerfully with 'God, in behalf of mankind, and prevailed. 'Gen. 32:28. Bp. Lowth . The Redeemer, in the prospect of the general unbelief of the Jewish nation, intimated, that if the small remnant of that people should be all, who obtained salvation by him, he should "labor in vain and spend his strength for nought, and in vain:" for though the salvation of one soul [171