CHAP. XLIX. V.1,2. Hitherto spiritual redemption has been predicted more obscurely, and with evident, and almost constant reference to the deliverance of the Jews from captivity in Babylon: but here another division of the prophecy commences; and henceforth we shall have Christ and spiritual redemption constantly before our eyes, and often entirely lose sight of types and shadows. We cannot in this chapter admit, that Isaiah spoke of himself, even as the type of Christ; the language can in no sense be applicable to him, or ||
me from the womo to be his Servant, m to bring Jacob again to him, * Though "Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my Strength.
6 And he said, It is Pa light thing that thou shouldest be my Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a Light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my Salvation unto the end of the earth.
of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a Servant of rulers; "Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation 2 have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to || establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; Or, to him that is despised in y Ps. 69:13. John 11:41,42. 2 soul. 53:3. Ps. 22:6-8.69:7 -9,19,20. Zech. 11:8. Matt. 26:67. 27:38-44. John 18:40. 19:6,15.
t Matt. 20:28. Luke 22:27. น 23. 52:15. 60:3,10,16. Ps. 2: 10-12.68:31 72:10,11. Rev. 11:15.
42:J. Luke 23:35. 1 Pet. 2:4.
Cor. 6:2. Heb. 5:7.
z 42:1. 50:7-9. Acts 2:24-32. a 42:6. Matt. 26:28. Heb. 8:6 12:24.
great and all-sufficient Source of spiritual knowledge and illumination, and "the Salvation of God," even "the Author of eternal sal
must vastly over-pay all the labors and trials of any ordinary servant of God; yet the incarnation of his only-begotten Son, and his labors, obedience, sufferings, and death, de-vation" to the nations of the earth in general.
manded a far more ample retribution. This he knew would be vouchsafed him: for his "judgment was with the LORD," the righteous Judge; and his work with his God, who was competent to estimate its infinite worth, and to recompense it in that way which he desired;
( Notes , 42:5-7. Luke 2:25-32, υυ. 30-32. John 1:6-9. 8:12. Acts 13:42-48, v. 47. 26:16 -18,19-23, v . 23.)
namely, by rendering it effectual for the salva-worlds, and he redeemeth the church, by the
V.7,8. The Father is "the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One," as sending the Son to be the Redeemer: he created the
Son, and without him was not any thing created or redeemed. ( Notes , John 1:1-3. Tit. 3:4-7.) The Father here addresses the incarnate Son, as he, "whom man despised, and
tion of sinners, even multitudes which no man can number. ( Notes , 40:9-11. 42:10—12. Heb . 12:2,3.) This is spoken to the distant nations: it represents the Redeemer's undertaking, after the manner of men, as the result of a stip-whom the nation of Israel abhorred;" and
ulation between the Father and the Son: and it forms an interesting introduction to the prediction of the calling of the Gentiles, that they might enjoy the blessings which the nation of Israel generally refused: for otherwise no ade quate benefit would result from the coming of the promised Messiah.
V.5, 6. JEHOVAH, in the person of the Father, here addresses the Son, as become incarnate, that is, in the divine purpose and prescience. The primary or more generally declared object of his undertaking, was to bring back Jacob to the true service and worship of God. ( Notes , Matt . 10:5,6. 15:21-24. Rom. 15:8-13.) Accordingly, y, the personal ministry of Christ, and the first labors of his apostles, were confined to the Jews: and their national rejection of Christ was the occasion of the apostles at length turning to the Gentiles. So that it was the settled plan of God, made
whom their rulers, as well as Pontius Pilate and Herod, treated as a slave. This decisively marked out the person intended, when he appeared on earth; as every one must perceive, who compares these expressions with the history of our Lord's condemnation, cond condemnation, and crucifixion by the general demand of the Jewish nation and their rulers, and with every circumstance of scorn and abhorrence. ( Notes , 6.53:2,3. Zech . 11:7-9. Matt . 26:63-68.27: ( Notes , 50:5, 19-25,37-44. Luke 23:6-12.) This humiliation was, so to speak, the stipulated price of that glory which was to follow. For certainly kings would behold his glory, and rise up to acknowledge his supreme authority: they would fall down before him, submitting to him as their King, yea, worshipping him as their God! (Notes, 22,23. 60:1-3, v . 3,10-14,1522, v. 16. Ps . 72:8-11. 138:4,5. Rev. 21:2227.) The faithfulness of JEHOVAH was engaged
known ages before, that though "Israel should to accomplish this promise; and the Holy One not be gathered" gathered" to the promised Messiah, as of Israel, being "well pleased in him," as his
his subjects and disciples: yet should he be "glorious in the eyes of the LORD," and be glorified by him; and God would be his Strength to render his gospel successful. Thus when Christ was about to ascend into heaven, he said to his disciples, "All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye, preach the gospel to all nations." ( Notes , Matt . 28:18-20. Mark 16:15,16. Luke 24:44-49. Acts 1:4-8.) So that, compared with the full effects of his mediatorial work, the conversion of a small remnant of the Jews, who were preserved from the national unbelief, would a matter: ( Note , Rom . 11:1-6.) nay, the conversion of the whole nation would have been a light thing: for he was given to be the 172]
beloved Son and righteous Servant, would choose him to be his "King upon his holy hill of Zion." (Notes, Ps. 2:7-12.)-When the Roman Emperors embraced Christianity, this part of the prophecy began to be accomplished: it has been verified in many instances already, and will be far more signally hereafter -When he undertook our cause, his requests were presented "in an acceptable time, and in a day of salvation," and the Father readily acceded to them. The prayers that he offered "with strong crying and tears," in the days of his flesh, were also accepted, and answered by his resurrection and exaltation; and his intercession is always presented in an acceptable time, and every thing is granted which he in
9 That thou mayest say to the pris13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, oners, Go forth; to them that are in O earth; and break forth into singing, O darkness, Shew yourselves: they shall mountains; for the Lord hath comforted feed in the ways, and their pastures shall his people, and will have mercy upon his be in all & high places. afflicted.
10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. 12 Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.
tercedes for. (Notes, Acts 4:7-12, v. 11. 2 Cor. 6:1,2. Heb . 5:7--10, v . 7. 7:23--25, v. 25.) -Being thus preserved, and raised to the me- diatorial throne; he was given as the Surety of the new covenant to sinners all over the earth, to establish it in the knowledge of God and true religion: and to cause all believers to in- herit that heritage, from which as sinners they had been expelled, and which lay desolate; as the land of Judah did during the captivity, until the restoration of the Jews established the land, and caused them to inherit their deso- lated heritages. ( Marg . Ref .--Note, 51:15,16. P. O. Ps.75: Note , 102:13-22.)
V.9--13. The conversion of the nations is here promised, under images taken from the deliverance of the captive Jews, and their re- turn to Jerusalem. At the word of Christ, the prisoners of Satan, who were confined in the dark dungeons of ignorance, idolatry, and vice, would be set at liberty, come forth, and shew themselves among his redeemed subjects. (Notes, 61:1--3. Zech . 9:11,12. Luke 4:16--19. Acts 26:16--18.) Through his ordinances he comfortably feeds the souls of these his sheep, all their journey through life: ( Notes , Ps . 23:) no place is found so mountainous, as not to yield pasturage for thein; or their pastures are situated on high places, inaccessible to their enemies. They are not incommoded by hun- ger or thirst; or left to endure persecution,
14 But Zion said, P The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.
15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, * that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, tyet will I not forget thee.
[Practical Observations.]
16 Behold, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; * thy walls are continually before me.
n 42:10,11. 44:23. 52:9. 55:12.
Ps. 96:11-13.98:4-9. Luke 2:13,14. 15:10. Rev. 5:8-13. 7:9-12.
ο 12:1. 40:1,2, 51:3. 61:2,3. 66: 13,14. Jer. 31:13. 2 Cor. 7: 6. 2 Thes. 2:16,17.
p 40:27. Ps. 22:1. 31:22.77:6- 9.89:38-40. Rom. 11:1-5. q Ps. 13:1. Jer. 23:39. Lam. 5:20.
Mal. 3:17. Matt. 7:11.
Heb. from having compas
sion.
s Lev. 26:29. Deut. 28:56,57. 2 Kings 6:28,29. 11:1,2. Lam. 4:3,10. Rom. 1:31.
t 44:21. Jer. 31:20. Hos. 11: 1. Rom. 11:28,29,
u Ex. 13:9. Cant. 8:6. Jer. 22: 24. Hag. 2:23.
x 26:1. 54:12.60:18. Rev. 21:
r 1 Kings 3:26,27. Ps. 103:13. | 10-21.
invitations, encouraging promises, and abundant out-pouring of the Spirit, which would combine in rendering the gospel successful, especially in the primitive ages; as they will again, when "the fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought in." In the prospect of events so merciful and comfortable to God's afflicted people, the heavens, and the earth, and their respective inhabitants are called upon to break forth into songs of joy and praise. ( Notes , 44: 23. 55:12,13.)--The Hebrew word mesillah ,' (translated highways ,) 'signifies such ways as 'are raised with stone in low and marshy 'grounds.
So the sense is exactly parallel with 'that of 40:4. "Every valley shall be exalted, 'and every mountain shall be brought low." Lowth .--That, however, relates to the change wrought in men's dispositions, preparing them to welcome the salvation of Christ; this, to the preparations made in the gospel, for believers passing safely and comfortably through this evil world to heaven.--Mr.
Faber, interpreting the whole of the future restoration of Israel, understands the words, "Say to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves," or, "Be discovered," of the ten tribes, which have been lost hitherto. (27:13.) But the close connexion of the passage, with Christ being "the Light of the Gentiles," seems to render this exclusive application inadmissible.
V. 14--16. ( Notes , Lam . 5:19-22. Hos . 11.
temptation, or affliction, without shelter, sup-8--11, υυ . 8,9.) The Jewish church during
port, and consolation; for their merciful Re- the captivity, or the Christian church as groandeemer conducts them, where the waters of ing under antichristian superstition and tyranlife abound for their refreshment and consola- ny, is here introduced, as ready to faint and tion. ( Notes , 12:1--3. 25:3--5. 35:8--10:17 despond; apprehending from appearances, that -20. 43:14-21. Jer. 31:8,9.
Rev. 7:13--17.) JEHOVAH, her Lord and King, had "forsaken" Even the loftiest mountains are made a high- her, and even "forgotten" her and her conway: and a causeway or pavement, is prepared cerns: that is, the remnant of believers in such over the low places, that nothing may discour- circumstances would be tempted to think, that age or obstruct them in their journey.--The God would suffer his enemies to prevail against Lord then speaks, as if companies of converts, his cause.
But he inquires of Zion, whether a flocking into the church, appeared in sight; tender mother can forget the infant, for which and points them out to the spectators, some of she hath endured much pain and sorrow, and them coming from the north, others from the which she is accustomed to nourish at her west, and others from the land of Sinim; by breast; and so forget it, as without compassion which some province in Egypt, or some dis- to leave it to perish by hunger and neglect. trict in Arabia, seems to be meant.
All this But though this is the strongest of ali natural denotes the clear instructions, unencumbered || affections; yet some mothers do neglect their
17 Thy children shall make haste; || the inhabitants; and they that swallowed thy destroyers and they that made thee waste, shall go forth of thee.
18 a Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee , as a bride doth .
19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of
y 51:18-20. 62:5. Ezta 1:5. c 54:9. Gen. 22:16. Heb. 6: Neh. 2:4-9,17.
13-18.
d 61:10. Prov. 17:6.
e Jer. 2:32. Rev. 21:2.
f 8.51:3.54:1,2. Jer. 30:18,19. 33:10,11. Ez 36:9-15. Hos. 1:10,11. Zech. 2:4,11. 10:10.
offspring to indulge themselves, and suffer them to perish for want of proper attention; nay, some murder them to conceal their own shame! It was therefore requisite, in order, that Zion might "have a strong consolation, ,"
thee up shall be far away.
20 The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place is too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.
21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been ?
g 17,25,26. Ps. 56:1,2. 124:3. Prov. 1:12. Jer. 30:16.51:34, 44. Ez. 36:3.
h 60:4. Hos. 1:10. Matt. 3:9. Gal. 4:26-28.
i 51:3.54:1,2. Josh. 17:14-16. 2 Kings 6:1.
k Jer. 31:15-17. Rom. 11:11 -17,24. Gal. 3:29. 4:26-29. 1 3:26. 51:17-20.52:2.54:3-8. 60:15. 62:4. 64:10. Lam. 1:13. Matt. 24:29,30. Luke 21 24. Rom. 11:26-31.
V. 18-21. Zion is here addressed in the character of an afflicted widow, bereaved also of her children. She is directed to look up, and behold great numbers approaching her from every quarter; and the Lord most solemn
to add, that the love of God to his church ad-ly assures her, that they come in order to be a
mits of no such exception: the affection of a most tender mother forms but a faint emblem of his unchangeable love to his people, and he will never forget them. ( Notes , Rom . 8:32--39.
Heb. 6:16--20.) In allusion to customs then in use, of artificially marking upon the hands, such objects as those concerned wished continually to remember, he declares that he had "graven Zion on the palms of his hands, and that her walls were continually before him." As the architect is continually mindful of the plan of his intended building, even whilst the rubbish is removing, in order to lay the foundation: so the Lord has the whole plan of his church, in its most flourishing state on earth and in heaven, always before him, during all the corruptions and tribulations which she passes through; and he will in the appointed periods, fulfil all his purposes, predictions, and promises to that effect. ( Notes , Dan . 9:24--27.
Rev. 21:10-21.)- Zion . (14) Note , Rev. 14:1-5. V. 17. Thy children , &c.] Or, "thy builders," as in the old translation, with a trivial change in the punctuation. Those who were appointed to build the city and walls of Zion, would speedily begin and accomplish their work; and they, who had destroyed and wasted her, would speedily depart from her.
Thus Cyrus hasted to take Babylon: and, having accomplished that design, when he succeeded to the kingdom, he hasted to give orders for rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple: the dominion of the Chaldeans, the destroyers of Zion, was at once terminated, and they departed, as unable to retard her returning prosperity.
The speed and success, with which Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, notwithstanding the opposition of the enemies, may also be adverted to. -But the deliverance of the church from antichristian oppressors; and the final and universal prevalence of true religion, are doubtless especially intended.--"They, that destroyed thee, shall soon become thy builders; and they, that laid thee waste, shall become thine off spring." Bp . Lowth . This interpretation does not well accord either to the type or the Antitype.
The Chaldeans did not restore Jerusalem; but were conquered by Cyrus, who ordered it to be built: and antichristian powers are to be destroyed, in order to the future deliverance of the church. ( Notes , 24-26. Rev. 18: 19:)
comfort and honor to her: and that instead of the disconsolate attire and appearance, which had hitherto befitted her condition, this great accession to her family should render her adorned and cheerful as a bride. ( Notes , 61: 10,11.) The desolate and waste places of the land also would soon be so replenished, that there would not be room for all the inhabitants; who would no more be annoyed or alarmed by those enemies, who had before swallowed them up. So that, after Zion's former desolations, her children should be so numerous, that they would earnestly demand more room.
The destruction of the Jews by the Chaldeans, and afterwards by the Romans, and the rejection of the nation for unbelief, were to that church as the loss of children: the state of the Jews during the captivity, and that of the Christian church during the reign of Antichrist; and especially that of the nation of Israel for almost eighteen hundred years, has resembled a desolate widow in captivity, wandering from place to place, without prospect of having or bringing up children: and the replenishing of the church after these desolations, might seem as the resurrection of her children from the dead, or their return to her after they had been supposed dead.
It would be like the case of a poor forlorn widow, to whom many shew the respect and affection of children, for whom she has suffered no pain, and bestowed no labor: and she could not imagine whence these children came, or where they had been during her destitute and wandering condition. After the captivity, the Jews were very much increased: they not only filled the land of Judah, but multitudes inhabited the adjacent cities and countries; and many were proselyted to their religion, and became Zion's adopted children.
Yet, the context and the expressions lead us rather to interpret the prophecy of the enlargement of the church, by the breaking down of the partition-wall, and by the conversion of the Gentiles to Christ; which has already diffused the worship of the true God far more widely than of old; and which, after the recal of the Jews into the church, shall at length fill the whole earth with the knowledge of his glory. ( Notes , 54:1 -5. Jer . 31:15-17.) The restoration of Israel, and the re-union of Judah and Israel, may be included in these general terms; but cannot be exclusively predicted.
22 Thus saith the Lord God, Behold the mighty, or the lawful captive de
I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles; and set up my standard to the people, and they shall bring thy sons in their * arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: 'for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
livered?
25 But thus saith the Lord, "Even the || captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for * I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with "sweet wine: band all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
p 45:14. 60:14. Gen. 43:26. Ps. Heb. captivity of the just. 72:9. Rev. 3:9.
q Mic. 7:17.
r 25:9.64:4. Ps. 25:3.34:22. 69: 6. Rom. 5:5. 9:33. 10:11. 1 Pet. 2:6.
s Ez. 37:3,11.
t 42:22. 53:12. Ps. 124:6,7. 126: 1-3. Matt. 12:29. Luke 11: 21,22.
V. 22, 23. JEHOVAH here further explains, how this increase of Zion's family would be effected. By the death of Christ and the preaching of the gospel, his hand was lifted up to summon the nations, and his standard erected for them to resort to.
The numerous converts, made from among the Gentiles, are represented under the idea of many nations at once bringing Zion's sons and daughters home to her, with the greatest care and tenderness; especially as they employed their ability to promote the cause of the gospel. ( Note , 66:19-23, υυ . 19,20.) Even kings would become fosterfathers, and queens nursing mothers to the children of Zion; ( Note , Num . 11:11-15, v . 12.) accounting it their honor and privilege, to use their influence and authority to promote the success of the gospel: rendering rendering the most profound respect for the church and its faithful and consistent pastors and rulers; not attempting to have dominion over her faith, but promoting by all proper means her comfort and prosperity, and shewing her honor, for the Lord's sake, proportioned to the contempt and indignity with which she had been treated. ( Note , 66:10-14.) Then would it appear more than ever, that the immutable truth, power, and love of JEHOVAH were engaged in behalf of his people; and that those who wait for him shall never be put to shame.-'Cyrus, Artaxerx'es, and other Persian monarchs, shewed sig'nal favor to the Jews; and Esther ... saved the 'nation from utter destruction: but the prophe'cy was more remarkably fulfilled, in the favors 'which Constantine and other Christian princes and princesses have shewed to the 'church.
Lowth. There can, however, be no dispute, but the grand accomplishment of these predictions is yet future. ( Notes , 60:10-14. Ps . 72:9-11. Jer. 16:19-21. Mic . 7:14-17. Rev. 3:8,9.)
With their face toward the earth . (23) It is well 'known that the expressions of submission, 'homage, and reverence, always have been, and are still, carried to a great degree of extrava'gance in the Eastern countries. (Gen. 42:6.) ... The expressions therefore of the prophet 'are only general poetical images taken from 'the manners of the country, to denote great 'respect and reverence.' Bp . Lowth . Lick up the dust, &c.] Mic . 7:17. -The prophecy certainly implies, that a time will come, when
Ezra 9:9,13. Neh. 9:33,37. Jer. 25:6-9,11-14.
u 10:27. 52:2-5. Jer. 29:10. 50: 17-19,33,34. Zech. 9:11. Heb. 2:14,15. 1 John 3:8. || Heb. captivity.
x 41:11,12. 54:15-17. Gen. 12: 3. Num. 23:8,9. Jer. 51:35, 36. Zech. 9:13-16. 12:3-6.
kings and princesses will improve their important talents, in a very reverential, humble, zealous, and diligent manner, to promote genuine Christianity by all scriptural means; counting this their privilege, honor, and pleasure, and specially honoring the consistent ministers of Christ, and Christ in them; and using their influence to give weight and acceptance to their labors. And why should not this be the duty of princes, at all times; whether they will or will not attend to it? ( Notes , 2 Chr . 17:7-9. 30:12.)
V. 24-26. The Jews were delivered into the hand of the Chaldeans for their sins: thus they became the prey of the mighty. It was also just in God thus to punish them, and they might might in many respects be deemed "lawful captives:" and could it be expected that the victors would release them, or that they would be rescued from them?
In answer to this objection, the Lord engaged, that he would take them out of the land of their terrible and powerful oppressors, contending with them, and saving Zion's children froin them; yea, retaliating their cruelties with most terrible vengeance.--Sinners are justly given up for their crimes to be slaves and captives of Satan: but Christ, having paid their ransom, delivers them from his power, and avenges their cause on this great enemy, and on his angels and servants.--But I apprehend, that under the shadow of the destruction of the Chaldean Monarchy, to make way for the deliverance of the Jews; or of the Pagan Roman empire, by means of their mutual discords, to make way for the establishment of Christianity; the dreadful judgments, which remain to be executed on the antichristian Roman empire, in order to the liberating of the church, and the restoration of Israel, are especially predicted. ( Notes , 9:13--21. 34:51:21-23.63:1--6.
Ez . 38: 39: Rev. 18: 19:)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-6.
We should here be all attention: for the Lord Jesus speaks to us, who inhabit these distant isles, in accents of love, united with wisdom, authority, and truth; informing us of what he has undertaken and performed for our salvation.
The dignity of his person, the depth of his humiliation, the immensity of his love, the extremity of his agonies, the unsearchable riches of his grace, and the suitableness of his whole character, offices, and salvation to our ruined condition, unite in warning us, "not to refuse him that speaketh:" but they equally encourage the poor trembling sinner to draw near, and intrust his soul into his gracious hands.
For the Son of God became incarnate, and "obedient even to the death upon the cross," that he might be "able to save to the uttermost all that come to God through him." The salvation of sinners of every nation, to the glory of God the Father, was the recompense which he required when he undertook his arduous work; and which the Father was equally willing to grant him. For love to us, when enemies, moved him to give us "his only begotten Son, to be the propitiation for our sins;" whose human nature was formed in the Virgin's womb by the power of the Holy Ghost, and preserved
V. 7-15.
Even the Redeemer, who spake as never man spake, seemed often in his personal ministry, "to labor in vain and to spend his strength for nought:" and his sufferings and death will eventually increase the condemnation of numbers who hear his gospel. He was, and still is, despised and abhorred by the nation, to which he was sent, and by mankind in general: and many rulers have opposed or newmodelled his gospel, and made his truths and ordinances subservient to their political purposes; as if he were indeed their Servant, instead of their Lord!
Yet is he glorious, and shall be glorified: all judgment is administered by Him, and all power is in his hand to fulfil his great designs. The Father "heareth him in an acceptable time, and in a day of salvation;" and he has said, "Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, through life holy and undefiled, that it might and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy be an acceptable and an all-sufficient atonement possession:" and whilst some are broken to for sin: he was also carried through his suffer-pieces with his iron rod; others, even kings and
ings, raised from the dead, exalted to the throne of glory, and perfected in every thing, which might make him "the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him." "The sharp sword" of his mouth, his quick and penetrating word, is employed in slaying the lusts, as well as the enemies, of those who trust in him; but it will cut off all those that persist in their enmity and disobedience.
His sharp arrows wound the conscience: but when the sinner submits, and supplicates mercy, he heals the wounds which he had inflicted, and the transient pain makes way for durable joy; but these arrows will rankle for ever in the consciences of those who persist in refusing to become his subjects.--It will not in the event appear a light thing, which he has effected on earth: innumerable multitudes of the tribes of Jacob, and of the Gentiles, have been raised up from the depths of guilt and misery; and, through him, their "Light and Salvation," have now arrived at the realms of bliss, and before the throne are celebrating his praises.
Numbers are continually enlightened and saved by him, in the most remote regions, whence daily accessions are made to the church triumphant: and he will be more and more the Light and Salvation of the Gentiles, till "all kings shall fall down before Him, and all nations shall do him service;" "because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel who chooseth him."-These considerations may encourage and instruct his ministers. We should not despond, because of the contempt, reproach, or ill success with which we meet.
We should rather be made more instant in prayer, and more diligent in using every means, by which we may be rendered as polished shafts, and suitable instruments, for his work.
If we seem to "labor and spend our strength for nothing;" we should remember that comparatively our labors are of small value, and easily overpaid; that they may prove more useful than we suppose; and that "our judgment is with the LORD, and our work with our God." And if there should be no gathering of sinners to Christ through our ministry; yet the Lord will honor those that honor him, and welcome them at length, and say to each of them, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." He will also be our Strength and our sure Protector: and if he employ us in rescuing a few souls from destruction, and in leading them to Christ for light and salvation; we ought to count it a great thing: though we should diligently labor and incessantly pray to be made more extensively useful.
princes, shall arise to behold him, and fall down to worship him, as given "for a Covenant to the people, and to establish the earth." We also, whom he employs as "workers together with him;" while "we besecch our fellow-sinners, not to receive the grace of God in vain," "giving no offence in any thing, that our ministry be not blamed;" may assure them, that now, (when the Gospel is preached to them,) is "the accepted time and the day of salvation;" ( Notes , 2 Cor . 6:1-10.) seeing we speak in his name, who ever lives to intercede effectually for all, that come through him to the mercy-seat of our forgiving God. (Note, Heb . 6:23-25.) In the persevering use of these means, we may hope at length to have our prayers answered; and that the Lord Jesus will himself speak to the prisoners of Sa tan, and say, "Go forth, shew yourselves;" and that many of them will appear in the way to Zion, and learn to feed, as they go forward, upon the spiritual provisions of his gospel.
Then our business will be, carefully to prepare food for them, by the faithful preaching of the word, and by duly administering his ordinances; and to cast up, and make plain his highways, and remove all stumbling blocks out of them.
But let those, who are setting out in this heavenly pilgrimage, remember, that if "they follow on to know the the LORD," (Note, Hos . 6:1-3.) he himself will both feed and guide them, by by the springs of grace and consolation: and then they will neither hunger, nor thirst, thirst, nor miss their road, nor be tempted above what they are able; but arrive safe at their journey's end.
And, whilst heaven resounds with joy over sinners from every quarter, brought to repentance and faith in Christ surely we on earth also should join in their songs of praise, anticipating, in the midst of our afflictions, the comforts prepared by our merciful God for his church and people. ( Notes and P. O. Luke 15 : 1—10.)
V. 16-26.
Alas! through sin and unbelief, and by means of sore conflicts, temptations, and distresses, we are often disposed to complain and despond, both respecting our own concerns, and those of religion at large. This is both dishonorable to God and uncomfortable to ourselves, and we are very criminal in yielding to it. The strongest love of the most indulgent mother bears no comparison to the everlasting love of Christ to his church, which he has purchased with "the travail of his soul," and to whom he gives "his flesh to be meat indeed, and his blood to be drink indeed." As far as 2 Wherefore, d when I came, was there The LORD Messiah shews, that the Jews were rejected through no man? when I called, was there none to