CHAP. LVII.
The disregarded yet happy death of the righteous a token of approaching judginents, 1, 2. Idolaters, hypocrites, and wicked men, cited before God's tribunal, convicted, and threatened with destruction; while none could help them, and while those who trusted God would be saved, 3-14. Promises to the
broken-hearted; causes of the sufferings of God's professed
people; free grace the gospel, from which penitent are excluded, 15-21.
THE a righteous perisheth, and
man layeth it to heart: and * merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. 3
the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.
4h Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? mare ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood?
5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion: they, they are thy lot: even to them thou hast poured a
But draw near hither, ye & sons of drink-offering, thou hast offered a meat
a 2 Chr. 32:33. 35:24. b 11. 42:25. 47:7. Mal. 2:2. *Heb. men of kindness, or, godliness. Ps. 12:1. Mic. 7:2. c 1 Kings 14:13. 2 Kings 22:20. 2 Chr. 34:28.
↑ Or, that which is evil.
d Job 3:17. Ec. 12:7. Matt. 25:21. Luke 16:22. 2 Cor. 5: 1,8. Phil. 1:23. Rev. 14:13. Or, go in peace. Luke 2:29.
7:50.
e 14:18. 2 Chr. 16:14. Ez. 32: 25.
Or, before him. Gen. 17:1 Luke 1:6.
f 45:20. Joel 3:9-11. g Gen. 3:15. Hos. 1:2. Matt. 3:7. 12:34. 16:4. 23-33. Luke 3:7 John 8:40-44. Jam. 4:4. 1 John S:10. Rev. 17:1-5.
Alas! the visible church has hitherto been very grievously corrupted, through blind watchmen and ignorant teachers, who like dogs can bark at the sheep, and bite, nay greedily devour them; but seem at league with the wolf and lion, from which they ought to defend the fold: who cannot through ignorance, or will not through slothfulness, preach the truths of God to the people, to warn them from the wrath to come, and will not permit
h 10:15. 37:23,29. Ex. 9:17. 16: 7,8. Num. 16:11. Luke 10:16. Acts 9:4.
i Judg. 16:25-27. Ps. 69:12. Matt. 27:29,39-44.2 Pet. 2:13. k Ps. 35:21.
1 Josh. 10:21. Job 16:9,10. Ps. 22:7,13,17. Lam. 2:15,16.
m 1:4. 30:1,9. Ez. 2:4. Hos. 10:9. Matt. 13:38. Eph. 2:2, 3.5:6. Col. 3:6.
n Ex. 32:6. Nura, 25:1,2,6. Jer. 50:38.51:7. Hos. 4:11-13.7:
4-7. Am. 2:7,8. Rev. 17:1 - 5.18:3.
|| Or, among the oaks. 1:29. o Deut. 12:2. 1 Kings 14:23. 2 Kings 16:4. 17:10. Jer. 2:20. 3:6,13. 17:2. Ez. 6:13.
p Lev. 18:21. 20:2-5. 2 Kings 16:3. 23:10. 2 Chr. 28:3. Jer. 7:31.32:35. Ez. 16:20. 2006, 31.
q Jer. 3:9. Hab. 2:19. r 65:11. Deut. 32:37,38. Jer 7:18. 19:13. 32:29.44:17-25.
trary example, as well as by aut oh! send us pastors after thine own heart, to authority. And feed thy people ople with knowledge and under- standing; that we may rejoice in thy holy name, and that believers may be daily added to thy church: even so be it, Lord Jesus thou good and chief Shepherd of the sheep. A nen
NOTES.
CHAP. LVII. V. 1, 2. This chapter and the next are written in so general a manner, that they may accord to several different periods of the Jewish history. But they are equally applicable to the state of the Christian church, during the prevalence of papal idolatry and superstition: and, if we may suppose
others, if they can help it: who are ever in pur-any order or connexion in this part of the book,
we must conclude, that they refer to those times; for we shall soon find the prophet speak ing, in the most evident manner, of the glorious events which will succeed the fall of every antichristian power.--In the conclusion of the preceding chapter, the extreme wickedness of the rulers and teachers of the church was pointed out, as one sign of approaching judgments: here the disregarded removal of the righteous is mentioned as another. They are said to "perish," not with reference to themselves, but to the irreparable loss sustained by their survivors: though none were duly affect
suit of preferment, and after having added one source of emolument to another, are yet dissatisfied: who are asleep and dreaming of worldly pleasure, when they should be preaching and praying; but are awake, and keep a sharp look out, when "filthy lucre" from any quarter can be obtained: who never study, and do not understand, any part of their pastoral duty, but know very well how to fleece the flock, and to make the most of their incomes: who are as lavish and luxurious in spending, as they are rapacious in getting; wasting those benefices in intemperance, or magnificence and the pride of life; or employing them in en-ed by it, or considered that the Lord took the
riching or aggrandizing their families, which were given to be used in charity and hospitality! and, who are often encouraging each other in sensuality, filling themselves with strong drink, and presumptuously expecting that "tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant;" when they, and those that blindly is the case with every one, who has walked
righteous away in mercy and love, that they might not be involved in those calamities, which their prayers, labors, and example could no longer retard. But "he enters into peace;" his soul being removed to heaven, his body sleeps as in a bed till the resurrection: and this before God in integrity and uprightness. The
mistake such hirelings for shepherds, are about to "fall into the ditch together." From such death of Josiah, who was taken away before
pastors, O Lord, deliver thy church: open the eyes of those, to whom any part of this character belongs, to see their guilt and danger, that they may escape them! teach those, "who have the rule" over thy people, to set their faces against such abuses, and to exclude such blind guides, such dumb, greedy dogs, such covetous and sensual watchmen, from the sacred function; and to oppose them by a conVOL. IV.
vengeance was poured out on the Jews, may be predicted as an illustration of this general truth. ( Notes , 2 Kings 22:15-20. 23:29,30.) 'The soul of the righteous shall be in joy; and 'their body shall rest in the grave, unto the 'time of the resurrection; because they walked 'before the Lord.'-- Taken away . (1) Or, Gath ered "to their fathers."- Beds . (2) Or, Graves. ( Note , 14:18-20. 2 Chr . 16:13,14.)
[201
they were de
9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy a perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, band didst debase thyself even unto hell.
10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.
11 And fof whom hast thou been afraid
z 30:1-6. 31:1-3. 2 Kings 16: 7-11. Ez. 16:33. 23:16. Hos. 7:11. 12:1.
Or, respectedst.
a Prov. 7:17.
b 2:9. Col. 2:18.
с 47:13. Jer. 2:36. 9.5. Ez.
24:12. Hab. 2:13.
d 2 Chr. 28:22,23. Jer. 2:25. 44: 17,18. Rom. 7:9
§ Or, living.
e Jer. 3:3. 5:3.
f 51:12,13. Prov. 29:25. Matt. 26:69-75. Gal. 2:12,13.
oil of olive: as if some power had been present, I worshipped, I addressed it, I asked benefits, not at all thinking of the trunk.) ... 'Accordingly Theophrastus has marked this as a strong feature in the character of the superstitious 'man: 'Passing by the anointed stones in the "streets, he takes out his phial of oil, and "pours it on them, and having fallen on his knees, and made his adorations, he departs.'? Bp . Bp. Lowth.
V. 3--6. JEHOVAH here summons apostates and hypocrites to appear before him. They are not the genuine children of Abraham, or the sons of God and the church; but the sons of a sorceress, the increase of adultery and whoredom: "the seed of the adulterer, and of her who commits whoredom:" they v scended from parents, who had been guilty of these crimes, and they resembled them in their conduct. They were more properly "the synagogue of Satan," than the church of God, and Babylon's children rather than Jerusalem's. 'Men are in scripture called the children of 'those, whose practices they imitate.
John 8:39, '41,44. Lowth .--By whoredom and adultery we may understand idolatry; and idolaters are represented as the offspring of the adulterous church and her paramours. ( Notes , Jer . 3:1--11. Ez . 16:15--22. Hos . 1:2,3. Matt . 3:7-10. 16:1 --4. Jam. 4:4--6. Rev. 17:1--6.) They are charged with having derided the servants and children of God, expressing their scorn by every contemptuous gesture; and diverting themselves by mocking them: not considering that they despised God in his people.
This they did to be revenged of the prophets, who reproved them for their sins: but could they deny, that they were children of disobedience, and hypocrisy? Being eagerly bent upon idolatry, they performed their worship under every green tree: and, whilst they adored proud, ambitious, revengeful, cruel, intemperate, and licentious deities; the imagined characters, pre-worshipped their gods: and thus debased them
tended exploits, and abominable rites of these idols, inflamed them with every diabolical and sensual lust: so that they even sacrificed their children, in lonely valleys, and in the caverns of the rocks. ( Marg . Ref . n-p.-- Notes , Lev . 18:21. 20:2-5. Hos . 4:10--14.) They were accustomed to take stones from the brooks, to set them up, and to anoint them with oil: and whenever they met with a stone of this kind, they paid a stupid worship to it, with drink offerings and meat-offerings, as if it had been their god and portion! And indeed they were likely to have all the happiness, which such deities would allot them, and no other: for could they suppose that the Lord would take pleasure in idolaters, or even endure them? "Can I see these things with acquiescence?" Bp. Lowth. Shall I not, therefore, be angry 'at these things?' Sept.
Smooth stones. (6) 'Arnobius... gives an ac'count of his own practices in this respect be'fore he became a Christian. Si quando con 'spexeram lubricatum lapidem , et ex olivi unguine
V. 7, 8. Here the idolatrous church is represented as a woman, who has violated her marriage-covenant, and is grown impudent in her adulteries. The idol-temples, (which were as the adulterous bed,) were built upon the highest mountains, to which the worshippers openly ascended to offer sacrifice. Yet they had in their own houses, behind the doors and on the posts, miniature pictures, or small images, of their deities, to put them in remembrance of that public solemnity. ( Notes . Deut. 27:15. Acts 19:23--31, vv . 24,25.) Thus they shamelessly violated their covenant with God, by worshipping idols; they multiplied the objects of their abominable worship, and solemnly covenanted with them, as if enamored of them at first sight. ( Notes , Ez . 16:15--29.23:)
V. 9, 10. The kings and people of Israel, and even of Judah, often paid court, and made presents, to the idolatrous kings of Egypt or Assyria; and, entering into confederacy with them, they conformed to their customs, and
selves to the lowest degree of infamy. ( Notes , 30:6.7. 2 Chr . 28:20--33. Hos. 12:1,2.) They sent their ambassadors also to a great distance; and wearied themselves in long journeys.
And they would not despair of help in this way, though often rebuked and punished for it: for they allayed their present fears, and shifted off present dangers, by such expedients; and therefore they were not grieved, or did not faint, on account of the trouble and hardship attending them.--Many of the preceding expressions accord to the idolatry of the Jews: but the self-imposed austerities, the laborious and multiplied superstitions, and the expensive observances of popery, seem also to be described.
The antichristian worship of images, and of saints and angels; the pilgrimages, penances, and indulgences of papists; their dispensations, and oblations, or legacies to the priests, that by masses and prayers, they might deliver souls out of purgatory; far better answer to this passage, than any idolatries practised by the Jews: and the king before-mentioned seems
'sordidatum: tanquam inesset vis presens, adul- to point out the head of the antichristian 'abar, affabar, et beneficia poscebam, nihit sen- church, to whom, during many ages, men 'tiente de trunco. (If at any time I saw a flocked with presents and tributes from every sinocthed stone, and rendered sordid by thell part of the western world; debasing them
or feared, & that thou hast lied, and hast stumbling-block out of the way of my
not remembered me, 'nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?
12 I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit
thee.
g 30.9. 59:3,4. Jer. 9.3-5.42: 20. Ez. 13:22. Hos. 11:12. Acts 5:3. 2 Thes. 2:9. 1 Tim. した
4:2. Rev. 21:8. 22:15.
h See on Jer. 2:32. 3:21. i See on 1.
k 26:10. Ps. 50:21. Ec. 8:11. 11:11-15.58:26.59:6-8.64; 5. 66:3,4. Jer. 7:4-11. Mic. 3:2-4. Matt. 23:5,14. Rom. 3:10-20.10:2,3.
m 9,10. Judg. 10:14. 2 Kings 3:13. Jer. 22:22. Zech. 7:13.
n 40:24. 41:16. Job 21:18. Ps. 1:4. 58:9. Hos. 13:3.
o 26:3,4. Ps. 37:3,9. 84:12. 125: 1. Prov. 28:25. Jer. 17:7,8. p 11:9.56:7. 65:25. 60:20. Ez. 20:40. Joel 3:17.
q 35:8. 40:3. 62:10. Luke 3:5,6. r Rom. 14:13. 1 Cor. 8:9,13. 10: 32,33. 2 Cor. 6:3. Heb. 12:13,
[Practical Observations.]
15 For thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, u whose name is Holy; * I dwell in the high and holy place , with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.
s 6:1. Ps. 83:18. 97:9. 138:6. 6:16. Dan. 4:17,24,25,34.
y 66:2. 2 Chr. 33:12,13. 34:27. Ez. 9:4. 16;
Ps. 34:18. 51:17.
selves even to hell by their abject submissions. And, though wearied with the burdens imposed on them; yet they persevered in their way, deeming obedience to the Romish hierarchy "the life of their souls;" expecting to merit heaven by these works of their own hands; and not grieving at any labor or expense, to soothe their consciences and buoy up their confidence.
be owned as his true people; and he will dwell among them, as in Canaan, and on mount
Zion, with his ancient church. at they persevered
V. 11, 12. The Lord here inquires of this corrupt company, of whom they had been afraid, that they falsely professed to pay any regard to him, or that they had broken their covenant with him? for had they truly feared him, they would have avoided and abhorred their abominations: so that their hypocrisy was a needless sin. They did not really remember him and his law, or lay to heart the important concern; and his patience and silence for a long time, as if he had not regarded them, emboldened them to cast off his fear, and to expect impunity in their crimes. ( Notes , Ps . 50:16--21, ν . 21.
Ec . 8:11--13.) But he would shew o openly the nature of their righteousness and works, and prove them to be worthless and unprofitable.--This seems peculiarly applicable to that church, which holds the doctrine of the merit of good works, in the most exorbitant sense; and yet sets the highest value upon unmeaning forms and worthless superstitions, observance of the rules of this or the other founder of a monastic order, nay often on acts of idolatrous worship: and the Lord left that church for many ages to go on, as if he had taken no notice of her; which was never the case with the nation of Israel: nor did the Israelites suppose, that they merited , and should be justified , by their idolatries.
V. 13. The idolaters are here supposed to be in extreme terror, and crying to the Lord for deliverance; but they are sent to their companies of idols, and idolatrous connexions, for help. ( Notes , Judg . 10:13--16. 2 Kings 3:13,
V. 14. Or, "One shall say:" or, "I will say;" for so it may be rendered merely by altering the vowel-points. The Lord will say, or send one to say, "Cast ye up, &c."--It is, however, the word of God to his ministers and servants, to prepare the way for those who trust in him, and for sinners to return to him. They are commanded to level the road, and make it straight, casting it up as a causey, and removing every thing which might cause the weak or inadvertent to stumble. ( Notes , 40:3--5.62: 10--12.
Heb . 12:12,13.) There may be some allusion to the return of the Jews from Babylon: but the prophecy evidently relates to the return of sinners unto God, and the walk of God and believers through this world to heaven. The preparation for this is made, by clearly stating the truths, uths, and proclaiming the invitations and promises, mises, of the Gospel; by by shewing the love of Christ, and the way of acceptance and of holiness; by obviating difficulties, answering objections, guarding against dangerous errors and extremes, and detecting the snares and wiles of Satan and of wicked men.
But it may also relate to the interpositions of Providence, in removing those stumbling blocks, which are thrown in the way, by the corruptions, errors, wickedness, and contentions, which prevail within the church. ( Note , Matt . 18:7 --9.) The occasions of idolatry were carefully removed after the captivity: the apostles and faithful ministers in every age, have obeyed this command: but the ruin of Antichrist's kingdom, and the removal of those enormous scandals and abuses, which have so long obstructed the promulgation of the gospel, seem especially predicted.
14. Jer . 2:26--30.) Yet they and their confi-greatly corrupted by an attachment to splendid
dences would be alike carried away by the wrath of the Almighty, as by a vehement wind, into utter ruin.--This also is applicable to the destruction of Antichristians, notwithstanding their companies of mediators, and of tutelary saints and angels: while those, who trust in the LORD according to his word, will
V. 15, 16. The Jews, even when addicted to idolatry, gloried in their magnificent temple and worship: the Christian church has been externals: and few of the human race have judged properly, of that simplicity and spirituality, which are the excellency of divine worship; ( Note , John 4:21--24.) or of the value of a broken heart, above all notions, forms, gifts, visions, or revelations. These lessons are here inculcated. The Lord declares his essential
glory and majesty in the sublimest language: "The high and lofty One, who inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy." As eternity is the habitation of his immutable existence, and holiness is his nature; so "the high and holy place" of heaven is his special residence, in respect of his sovereign and universal government, and the immediate manifestation of his glory.
But he has also a habitation on earth, in which he peculiarly delights, (even more than in the temple on mount Zion, except as it typified the human nature of Christ;) and that is, the heart which is broken down under the sense of guilt and unworthiness, and deeply humbled before him; which is crushed, as it were, in self-abasement, and broken off from all self-confidence, self-sufficiency, and selfpreference. ( Notes , 66:1,2. 2 Kings 22:15--20. Ps . 51:17. Ez . 9:3,4.
Matt . 5:3. 1 Pet . 3:1--4.) With such persons the Lord will dwell, in order to revive their drooping spirits, and comfort their dejected hearts, and gi give them life eternal. (Notes, John 14:18-24.) For though he alarms, convinces, and distresses them, by by shewing them his majesty, justice, and holiness, and their own guilt and depra depravity; and for a time contends with them by frowns, and rebukes, and corrections: yet, the end being answered, he will cease to contend, and to be wroth with them; lest they should be driven to despair, and incapacitated for serving him; as no creature can endure his perpetual frown and indignation. ( Notes , 27:2—6.
Ps . 30:5. 61:1 -3.88:38,39. 103:9-18. 125:3. Jer . 10:23-25. 2 Cor . 2:5-11.)
V. 17, 18. The people are here stated to have imitated the covetousness of their rulers and teachers: ( Note , 56:9-12.) and this covetousness was connected with iniquity, fraud, oppression, or extortion: therefore the Lord smote Israel, or Judah, and hid his face from him. Under these rebukes he went on frowardly, in the way of his own perverse heart. But though the Lord saw his wicked ways and hated them; yet of his own mere grace he intended to convert and heal him, to take him under his tuition and guidance, and to comfort him, and those who lamented and mourned over his calamities.
This may be understood of the conduct of Judah previous to the Babylonish captivity, and during that calamity; and of the freeness of God's mercy in his restoration. ( Notes , 43:22-25. 44:22. Jer . 31:1820. Ez . 36:31,32. Hos . 2:6-17. Rom . 5:20,21.)But the nation of Israel was more peculiarly addicted to covetousness in the time of Christ, and previously to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans; their strictest professors of religion "devouring widows' houses, and for a pretence making long prayers." For this and other sins the Lord was wroth, and smote
up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
m Ex. 4:11,12. Hos. 14:2. Luke 21:15. Eph. 6:19. Col. 4:3,4. Heb. 13:15.
n Matt. 10:13. Mark 16:15. Luke 2:14. 10:5,6. Acts 2:39. 10:36. 2 Cor. 5:20,21. Eph.
2:14-17.
o 3:11. Job 15:20-24. 18:5 14. 20:11,&c. Ps. 73:18-20. Jude 13.
p 3:11. 48:22. Rom. 3:16,17.
them, and they have ever since gone on "frowardly in the way of their own hearts," and covetousness has all along been the characteristic of the nation, even to a proverb. Yet the Lord will surely convert and save Judah, and become again his Guide and Comforter, for his own name's sake.
This seems the more immediate meaning of the prophecy: yet the avarice of the church of Rome, her enormous exactions, and her infamous traffic for indulgences, dispensations, and other scandalous impositions, must occur to the attentive reader's mind; and also the promises of God to recover his church from this corrupt state, into which it has been so long sunk. By covetousness, in scripture, we must generally understand the inordinate love of lucre, whether to hoard, or to lavish in luxury and indulgence.
V. 19. (Note, Eph . 2:14-18.) This This verse points out the method, by which God revives, purifies, and comforts his church. He raises up faithful ministers to preach his word; he qualifies them for their work, and gives them their message; he creates in their hearts that zeal for his glory, and compassion for souls, which produce earnest and constant preaching of the gospel, "the fruit of their lips;" by which peace of every kind is proclaimed to Jews and Gentiles, far and near, and thus numbers are converted and healed. ( Notes , Matt . 10:11-15.
Acts 2:37-40. 10:36-43.2 Cor . 5:18 -21.)-In this way a remnant of the Jews, and the Gentiles were called into the church: thus that nation shall be again converted, the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in, and all Zion's wounds and breaches shall be healed.
The text may also refer to the mercies through the gospel bestowed on multitudes, the gratitude excited in their hearts, and the spiritual worship rendered by them: for the Lord "creates the fruit of the lips," by teaching and exciting sinners, having embraced the message of salvation, to offer unto him the spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. ( Notes , Hos . 14:1-3. Heb . 13:15,16.)
way religion was revived among
V. 20, 21. Wicked men cannot share that inward peace, which springs from the mercy and grace of God. Their turbulent passions, polluting lusts, and unquiet consciences, render them like the tempestuous, restless ocean, when ceaseless dashings against the shore "cast up mire and dirt:" so that, whatever external changes take place, "there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." The promises before given therefore must not be so explained, as to encourage men to expect reconciliation to God, and peace of conscience, without "repentance and works meet for repentance:" but to excite them to believe and hope and pray, that he would give them repent
ance, and forgiveness of sins, through the promised Redeemer, and according to the gos- pel: as all the impenitent and unconverted would be given up to final destruction. ( Notes , 3:10,11. 48:20–22. Acts 3:19—21.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-8.
The death of the righteous is the greatest gain to themselves, and the greatest loss to others, which can be imagined. They are exempted from the evils, that are impending over guilty nations and churches; but their removal portends, and makes way for divine judgments: yet alas, this is seldom attended to, and scarcely ever duly laid to heart. In all events true believers are safe and happy: and even their graves are quiet beds, in which they sleep in Jesus, and from which he will
But we ought at the same time to remember, that except our earnestness be regulated according to the word of God, it will be at best wholly unprofitable. It is vain to dissemble, or to pretend to fear God and seek his glory, if we do not: those who really remember him, will be universally conscientious; and such as allow themselves in known sin, act from some sinister motive which the Lord will detect; and then he will shew the corrupt nature of "their righteousness and works," and manifest the reason of his rejecting them. His silence and patience encourage the presumptuous hopes of transgressors: but when he shall arise to judgment, the infidel and profane, the pharisaical and superstitious, the hypocritical and enthusiastical; and all the advocates for vice, or for false religion, will discover their danger: but it will then be too late to cry for help; nor
shortly awake them to everlasting joy and fe-will any of their companions or idols avail
licity. ( Notes , 1 Thes . 4:13-18. Rev. 14:12,13, ข. 13.)-The enormous wickedness of those, who are favored with the word and ordinances of God, is a lamentable demonstration of human depravity. The spurious brood, which hypocrisy, superstition, and fanaticism have engendered, within the visible church, will easily be distinguished, notwithstanding names and splendid pretences, from her genuine children; and be punished with more marked severity than any other transgressors.
We ought then neither to be disconcerted, nor exasperated, if they treat us, as Ishmael did Isaac, with mockery and derision in every form. (Notes, Gen. 21:8-12. Gal . 4:21-31.) Scoffs and calumny are their weapons, when more destructive instruments are placed out of their reach.
Yet they little think against whom they sport themselves, when they ridicule and mock the humble and faithful servants of the Lord: but he will shortly convict and expose them, silence their mockery and boastings, and shew them to be "children of transgression, a seed of falsehood." -Men naturally love a religion, which inflames and authorizes their unholy passions: and there is no absurdity so palpable, no cruelty, even to their own children or bodies, however horrid, of which they are not capable, if seduced into an opinion, that it will atone for their crimes, and purchase indulgence for the favorite lust; if it can be made subservient to the gratification of their pride and ambition; or if it will quiet their consciences, and aid them to hope for happiness, without Christ, or without holiness, This developes that "mystery of iniquity," namely, of idolatry, Pagan, Jewish, or Antichristian: the whole has been suited to one or other of these purposes.
And so entirely does Satan blind the minds of numbers, that they expect that God should delight in, and reward them for, such observances, as he has expressly forbidden and utterly abhors!
V. 9-14.
The zeal which men shew in false religion, the boldness with which they avow their absurdities; their diligence and constancy in public and private superstitions; the alacrity, with which they weary themselves in burdensome services, or severe penances; the pertinacity,
them; for they will all be driven into destruction. But those who trust and love our God and Savior, will "inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world." -It should therefore be our first care to learn the ways of God ourselves; and then, in our several places, to make them plain to others, and to remove every stumbling block, which obstructs the path. In this respect we have much to do, and much to pray for.
The absurd and wild opinions, which are propagated; and the crimes which are committed, by men professing the doctrines of the gospel; the multiplied controversies acrimoniously agitated among them; the horrible injustice and profligacy of men called Christians, in every quarter of the globe; the corrupt state of almost the whole visible church, in doctrine, discipline, and practice; and the idolatry, imposture, and enormous covetousness of the church of Rome, have long been stumbling blocks to infidels, Jews, Mohammedans, and Pagans all over the world.
The Lord calls upon Christians and ministers to remove these scandals as much as they possibly can; and we should unite in constant and earnest prayer to him to raise up instruments who may do it effectually.
V. 15--21.
While numbers stumble, and fall, and perish, through the offences which every where abound, it is by their own pride, unbelief, and enmity and lofty One, who inhabits eternity, whose enmity to God and holiness. "For this name is holy, who dwells in the high and lofty place," delights in those who are "poor in spirit" and broken-hearted, mourners for sin, and supplicants nts for mercy and grace. He will make his abode with those, whose hearts he has thus humbled, in order to revive and comfort them: "he will not contend for ever" with the penitent soul; he will not drive the contrite to despondency, nor leave him to perish under his frown. Let then no trembling supplicant give way to discouragement, or hard thoughts of God: but let him continue to wait and pray, and ere long he shall be comforted. But though the Lord employs corrections to bring sinners to repentance, and to recover backsliders; yet they are not of themselves ef
with which they hold fast their delusive hopes, fectual. Even believers sometimes go on froand labor to "establish their own righteous-wardly for a season, when smitten for their inness," should remind us, who have a better iquity, and under the hidings of God's countecause, how earnest, constant, patient, and dili-nance: ( Note , Ps. 32:3-5.) and many who seem gent we ought to be. The very devotees of to be religious in this way, become mere thorny
superstition and idolatry avow, that religion is ground, that brings forth no fruit to perfection. the grand concern ; that it should be our main -Covetousness isidolatry, and it almost always employment and satisfaction; that every thing produces dishonesty and iniquity likewise; yet should be sacrificed to it; and that no labor, few are much aware of its malignity. (Notes, loss, or hardship should here be regarded. Luke 12:15 -21. Eph . 5:3,4. 1 Tim . 6:6-10, υν .
9,10. 2 Pet . 2:12-16.) But if we have been delivered from this snare, or are recovered from the state here described; we must acknowledge it to be the mere grace of God. He saw us, when we were "walking frowardly in the way of our own hearts," and graciously determined to heal us by his sanctifying Spirit: thus he began to teach and guide us, and to bring us into the ways of holiness and consolation: ( Note , 42:13-17, v . 16.) and he has repeatedly recovered us, when we were departing from him; causing us to renew our godly
4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness:
ye shall not fast as ye do this day, make your voice to be heard on high.
f Num. 23:4. Mic. 3:9-11. 7.ech. 7:5-7. Mal. 3:14. Matt. 20:11,12. Luke 15:29. 18:9-12. g Lev. 16:29. 23:27. Ps. 69:10. h Dan. 10:23. Jon. 3:6-8. i Neh. 5:7. Prov. 28:9. Jer. 34:9-17. Matt. 18:28-35. ↑ Or, things wherewith ye grieve others. Heb.griefs. 47:6. Ex.
2:23,24.
m to
k 1 Kings 21:9-13. Prov. 21: 27. Matt. 6:16. 23:14. Luke 20:47. John 18:28.
1 Acts 23:1,2. Phil. 1:15,16, Or, fast not as this day. m Joel 2:13,14. Jon. 3:7. Matt. 6:16-18.
to the people, and in exposing their hypocrisy. The Lord primarily addressed this command to Isaiah; but it is equally obligatory on the ministers of religion in every age: the prophet might intend his warnings for the hypocrites of his own time; but the Holy Spirit had also those of other ages in view. The fasts observed by the Jews during the captivity merited the censure here given. ( Notes , 3,4. Zech. 7:2-7.) The Pharisees in the time of Christ fasted often, in ostentation and hypocrisy, and to cloke oppression and avarice: the great val
sorrow, and restoring our comforts. The gos-ue put upon fasting by the church of Rome,
pel was sent to us when "far off" from God; the influences of the Holy Spirit, by which we were brought near, and that new heart from whence grateful praise, "the fruit of our lips," originates, are alike his gift. Our salvation, with all its fruits, hopes, and comforts, is his work; it comes from him, and to him belongs all the glory.
But the destruction of the wicked is from themselves; their hearts cast up filthy imaginations and desires, and empty themselves in wicked words and works: ( Note , Jam. 1:13-18.) their selfish and malignant passions, and constant disappointments and vexations, with anxious forebodings as to the future, exclude them from peace: and as death for ever fixes a man's character; so those who die in sin will be left eternally proud, revengeful, envions, full of enmity against God and man, and given up to the torments of conscience and the rage of despair. ( Note , Prov . 14:32.) Were there no other he hell, the thoughts of such a condition are enough to harrow up the soul with consternation.
Such men are, as it were, turned out of this hospital incurable; because they pertinaciously refuse to be healed, or to use the means of healing. "There is no peace, saith my God, for the wicked:" but "let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, and he will abundantly pardon." ( Note , 55:6,7.)
NOTES.