Isaiah

Did I give you wages to serve the Devil? 5. Sin is a disease (Isaiah 1:5): The whole head is sick. Some are sick of pride, others of lust, others of envy.

This is the savory meat God loves. How few mind this, worshipping him who is a Spirit in the Spirit; they give him more dregs than spirits; they think it enough to bring their duties, but not their hearts, which has made God disclaim those very services he himself appointed (Isa…

It is sad to have the Bible in one hand, and false weights in the other. Or 2. in adulterating commodities (Isaiah 1:22). Your wine is mixed with water; when they mix bad grain with good, yet sell it for pure grain.

Popish traditions which have no footing in the Word are abominable, and God will say, quis quaesivint haec? Who has required this at your hand? (Isaiah 1:12). The Apostle condemns the worshipping of angels, which had a show of humility (Colossians 2:18).

Response 1. Where has God told them to worship him by an effigies or spirit? (Isaiah 1:12) Who has required this at your hands? The Papists can't say so much as the Devil, Scriptum est, it is written.

This is in an evangelical sense to keep all the Commandments; and though it be not to satisfaction, yet it is to acceptation. 3. Our keeping God's Commandments must be willing (Isaiah 1:19): If you be willing and obedient. God was for a free will-offering (Deuteronomy 16:10).

Though God has set so many flaming swords in the way to stop men in their sin, yet they go on in sin, which all shows what a strong appetite they have to the forbidden fruit. That we may further see the nature of original sin, consider 1. The universality of it; it has, as a poi…

Vivimus in temporum faecibus — Sen. We live in the dregs of time wherein the common shore of wickedness runs; physicians call it [illegible], when there is no part of the body free from distemper. England has a cachexia, it is all over disease; the whole head is sick, the whole…

Will you disgrace your Heavenly Father? Let not God complain of the provocations of his sons and daughters; let him not cry out as Isaiah 1:2. I have brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. So much for the first: if our earthly father is to be honored, then much…

Just so some deal with God; he bestows mercy, and they plot treason against him. Isaiah 1:2: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The Athenians, in lieu of the good service Themistocles had done them, banished him their city.

12. If you would not fall short of the kingdom of heaven, take heed of injustice in your dealings; defrauding lies in two things. First, mixing commodities; as if one mix bad wheat with good, and sell it for pure wheat, this is to defraud (Isaiah 1:22). Your wine is mixed with w…

How severely did God punish Nadab and Abihu for offering up strange fire (Leviticus 10:2), that is, such fire as God had not sanctified on the altar; whatever is not divinely appointed, is offering up strange fire: there is in many a strange itch after superstition; they love a…

We shall only hint at them, for they are directly opposite to the good that comes by the improving of Christ's Intercession. 1. It makes many prayers to be fruitless and futile — though people should weary themselves in prayer, yet it is all but lost labor, and the Lord will say…

Psalm 99:8. You were a God that pardoned, or forgave them, though you took vengeance of their inventions. The same word [in non-Latin alphabet] is given to God, when he takes vengeance on his enemies, (Numbers 31:2; Isaiah 1:24). I will be avenged of my enemies. (2 Kings 9:7). T…

So (Deuteronomy 10:20): "You shall fear the Lord your God, and serve him." Christ expounds it (Luke 4:8) exclusively: "You shall serve only the Lord," because it is the prerogative of God to be worshipped, as it is a prerogative of grace to be the ransomed and redeemed of God (D…

Secondly, consider if you have Christ, you have life, and that in abundance, and you have all the blessings of God; of all lives it is the most comfortable (2 Corinthians 1:20). If you have Christ, you have all the promises, for in him they are — indeed, and in him Amen — and th…

For Paul intended, and desired nothing in this speech, but their good and amendment. Upon like grounds Isaiah calls the Israelites, people of Sodom and Gomorrah (Isaiah 1). Christ calls the two disciples, foolish, and slow of heart to believe (Luke 24:25).

To man: for as David says, it is like a grievous burden, too heavy for him to bear (Psalm 38:4). To God: for the hypocritical and ceremonial service of the Jews, was such a burden to him, that he was weary to bear it (Isaiah 1:14). Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pr…

Even so must we follow our vocation, and constantly bear all sorts of encumbrances. Note also the circumstance of the change of Kings which are here numbered up (Isaiah 1:1). For it is impossible that in so great diversity, the State should always continue alike.

In Sodom and Gomorrah.] This example is oft alleged by the Prophets, to the end we might know that however all chastisements be not equal, yet notwithstanding inasmuch as God is impartial in his judgments, the memorable example which he showed thereof in the destruction of Sodom…

When Isaiah then gives hope of a peace near hand, he had respect to that little flock: when he proclaimed war, that was to terrify the multitude, who were revolted from God, and contemned all admonitions. For the state of the people was such that nothing was sound nor pure among…

And this is worth the noting. For he shows that the remnant shall be very small, in comparison of that great multitude which was then in the land: as we have seen in (Isaiah 1:9). Now whereas the faithful are often punished with the wicked, let us not think God does them any wro…

to seal the law of God among the disciples, (Isaiah 8:16.) Let us know then that, wherever the Scripture denounces eternal death against the Jews, it excepts a remnant, (Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:5;) that is, those in whom the Lord preserves some seed on account of his free election…

This passage agrees with that of Isaiah: Unless the Lord had left us a small seed, we would have been as Sodom, and we would have been like Gomorrah, (Isaiah 1:9.) For it was necessary, as Paul assures us, that the vengeance of God, which had been displayed in the Babylonish cap…

For all who shall depart from his commandments, though they toil and wear themselves out in works of their own contrivance, will hear it said to them at the last day, Who hath required those things at your hands? (Isaiah 1:12.) 37. Then will the righteous answer him.

And so for afflictions, 'tis a great wickedness, when God's hand is listed up not to see it. Isaiah 26:11 The Ox knows his owner, and the Ass his masters crib, Isaiah 1:3 the most dull and stupid creatures know their benefactors. O look to the hand of God in all; and know, that…

It is a good sign afflictive Providences are sanctified to us, when we draw near to God under them and turn to him that smites us. A wicked man under affliction revolts more and more, Isaiah 1:5 turns not to him that smites him, Isaiah 9:13 but grows worse than before; formality…

The good Lord pardon every one that prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his Fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the Sanctuary: though their hearts were upright, though they had hearts rightly prepared, yet he prays that God would pardo…

But they must know, that though they should abstaine from the vices forbidden, yet they stand culpable of judgment, for want of doing the contrarie virtues; for it is not sufficient to abstaine from evil, but we must doe good, and therefore John Baptist saith, every tree that br…

The second similitude wherewith she is compared is a spring shut up: springs were of great price in these hot countries, and served much for making gardens fruitful, as is implied (Isaiah 58:11) where it is promised to the Church, you shall be as a watered garden: hence the righ…

2. God speaks to men by his works; and that either by his works of creation, or by his works of providence. 1. God speaks by his works of creation; the heavens have a voice and declare God's glory (Psalm 19:1), and the earth has not only an ear to hear (Isaiah 1:2), but also a t…

How much of the Laodicean temper have they had in all ordinances? And might not God say to London, as he did of old to Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:11-14), To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to me? etc. Such services are to no purpose; they are vain worship, and do not a…

Is it any pleasure for a man to be in debt? 2. The Scripture calls sin a disease (Isaiah 1:5). The whole head is sick.

The chaff and wheat grow together in the same field, and upon the same root and stalk. In this, wicked men are like chaff, who not only associate with the people of God, but oftentimes spring up with them in the same families, and from the same root, or immediate Parents, Mal. 1…

Be astonished, O you heavens, at this, and be you horribly afraid. And again, Hear O heavens, and give ear O earth, Isaiah 1:2. q. d. O you innocent Creatures which inviolably observe the law of your Creation, be you all astonished and cloathed in black, to see Nature cast by si…

This in a lively manner shadows forth the infinite and incomprehensible Mercy of our God; whose Mercy is said to be over all his works, Psalm 145:9. In how many sweet Notions is the Mercy of God represented to us in the Scripture. He is said to be Plenteous, Psalm 4:5. Abundant,…

It is said of the Nazarites for their typical holiness, they were purer than snow, and whiter than milk (Lamentations 4:7). And the Prophet shows us, that scarlet, red, and crimson, are the colors of sin and guilt, whiteness of innocency (Isaiah 1:18). Our beloved was a lamb wit…

And let us not be like the ungrateful Israelites who regarded not the means of spiritual nourishment, and ascribed the means of their temporal nourishing and cherishing to their idols (Ezekiel 20:11-12; Hosea 8:12; Jeremiah 44:17; Hosea 2:5-8). In this respect the prophet makes…

He would rather choose still all the toil, and cost of the former way, if it were in his option; this was the sin of the Jews, in those times, that they leaned the soul upon the bodies service too much, and would have done enough of that to be dispensed from this spiritual servi…

How few, if any, to be found, that are but such in the lowest sense and measure, real lovers and inquirers after holiness? What are our meetings here, but assemblies of evil-doers, rebellious children, ignorant and profane persons, or dead formal professors, and so the more of u…

1. The sins of the church have their peculiar aggravations, that fall not upon others, that, which is simply a sin in strangers to God, is in his people the breach of a known and received law, and a law daily unfolded, and set before them, indeed it's against their oath of alleg…

No man can wrong us so much as we daily trespass against him, and yet God pardons us. He does not only pardon the lesser failings, some venial errors, and sins of incogitancy and sudden surreption, which creep upon us we know not how; but he pardons the greatest sins, though the…

Christians, before ever you could do anything for him, or yourselves, before you could improve his mercy, when you could not know who was your benefactor, who it was that nourished and cherished you, yet then God rocked your cradles, kept you from many dangers, nursed you, and b…

Professing themselves wise they became fools; but all these things are clearly revealed in Scripture, which discovers the nature and way of worshipping the true God, what that reward and punishment after this life is, and the right way of obtaining the one, and avoiding the othe…

And so (James 1:23-24): "If any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass; for he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was." God's great complaint of his people is, that they will n…

Therefore it is extreme unthankfulness, stupidity, and brutishness for them to carry themselves so unthankfully towards God, who gives them life, and being, and all things. The brutes themselves who have no capacity to know God as the first cause of all being, yet take notice of…

I have been fed at his table, clothed at his cost, defended, kept, when long ago God might have struck me dead in my sins; and yet all this while I have not thought of God to pay the return of my thanks and obedience to my great Benefactor. The [reconstructed: very] beasts are m…

A man can turn his eye no where, but in every place and quarter of the world he shall see plain testimonies of God's mercy: but alas, how much of this is lost and passed over for want of observation! (Isaiah 1:3): The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib; but Israel…

It is not he that brings the present, but he that sends it that deserves our thanks. Beasts will own their benefactor (Isaiah 1:3): the ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master's crib. And if God be our benefactor he must be owned and loved.

(Haggai 1:5) Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, consider your ways. God's complaint was, They would not consider his ways (Job 34:27; Isaiah 1:3) — my people does not consider. Running thoughts never work upon us, nor leave any durable impression; like the glance of a su…

But Christ makes his people a willing people (Psalms 110:3): they prize knowledge, and hang it as a jewel upon their ear. Those that Christ teaches, say as (Isaiah 2:3): Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in them: an…

When we are changed, A tenebris ad lucem, so changed as if another soul did live in the same body, by this change we are interested in the unchangeable God. Trust to this God only who is unchangeable (Isaiah 2:22): "Cease from man, leave trusting to the reed, but trust to the ro…

Alas, it is nothing but a little breath: stop his mouth and his nostrils, and he is but a dead man. By this we are put in mind to consider of our frail and uncertain estate, and to lay aside all confidence in ourselves: and for this cause the prophet Isaiah teaches us to have no…

Nor need we flee to that exposition ever and anon, that Christ died for all, that is, all ranks of men. For "all" is put in Scripture ordinarily for many; as (Deuteronomy 1:21; Psalm 71:18; Jeremiah 15:10; Jeremiah 19:9; Jeremiah 20:7; Jeremiah 23:30; Jeremiah 49:17; Ezekiel 16:…

When Moses delivered the Law to them (Deuteronomy 18:15), 'The Lord your God will raise you up a Prophet like to me, to him you shall hearken.' And the prophets when they prophesy of his Law (Isaiah 2:3), 'The Law shall go forth out of Zion, and the word of God from Jerusalem.'…

The second point is, that Paul must preach to the Gentiles. There be two causes of it: one, that the prophecies of the calling of the Gentiles might be fulfilled (Psalm 2 and 110; Isaiah 2). The second, because at the death of Christ the division which was between the Jews and G…

Seeing the law is abrogated (as I have said) we must be a free and voluntarie people, seruing God not of constraint but willingly, as if there were no law to compell vs. All nationsshall flow as waters to the mountaine of the Lord. Isa 2:2. Your people shall come willingly in th…

They suffer wrong, but they do none. In the mount of the Lord there is no hurt done (Isaiah 11:9), they turn their spears and swords, into mattocks and scythes (Isaiah 2:4). And they which do no wrong, but are content to suffer wrong (and that for a good cause,) are in this resp…

This is the devil's peace, where he bears the sway. The peace of which I now speak, is in the Lord, and in the true worship of God: of which read (Isaiah 2), where men are said hand in hand to go up to the mountain of the Lord, that they may hear his will, and jointly obey it. 1…

And though shortly afterwards it was totally overthrown, yet even in the present day the fulfillment of this prophecy is manifest; for, since out of Zion, went forth the law, (Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:2,) those who wish to pray aright must look to that beginning.

Junius translates to this sense, though in more words, as well they who are born of mean men, as they who are born of the honorable. A like instance we have (Isaiah 2:9). The mean man bows down, and the great man humbles himself.

Returne, (saith the Lord to the house of Israel) and cause one another to returne. This the Prophet Isaiah nots as a practise of the subiects of this kingdome, that they shall say one to another, come, let us goe up to the mountaine of the Lord, Isaiah 2. 3. But masters of famil…

The promise is, I will get me to the mountain of Myrrh, and to the hill of Frankincense: by this in general, [reconstructed: it is] understood no withdrawing of Christ's, or shutting of himself up in heaven from her; for, that will not agree to the scope, which is to show how he…

By these judgments God has shown to London the weakness and insufficiency of arms of flesh — what broken reeds they are. Some put their trust in men, and their great expectation of relief and comfort has been from their friends; by the plague God has shown, how frail and weak ma…

Therefore how often does the scripture, when speaking of Christ's redemption of his church, call it by the names of Zion and Jerusalem? This was the city that God had appointed to be the place of the first gathering and erecting of the Christian church after Christ's resurrectio…

So the Christian church at first began at Jerusalem, and from thence was propagated to all nations: so that this church of Jerusalem was the church that was as it were the mother of all other churches in the world; agreeable to the prophecy. Isaiah 2:3, 4. "Out of Zion shall go…

So of safety: no provoking briar, no pricking thorn (Ezekiel 28:24). So also (Isaiah 2:1): the mountain of God, above all mountains, in the latter days — that is, above the reach of opposition and violence. Look as there is a morning light that goes before the sunshine, so there…

Tenthly, it is a blessed thing to be with them, though with some hardship, because God is working more and more good for his people every day: Now he is about fulfilling the glorious promises that we have in the Prophets, to make an end of all the glory that he does intend in th…

The Spirit of God covincing your consciences, says, Come; and the Bride, the Church says, Come; and let all that hear, say, Come; all that hear what has been said of communion with Gods people, say ye to all your friends, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. We ha…

Doubtless nothing at all. Under this naked consideration of the properties of God: justice will make men fly and hide, Genesis 3, Isaiah 2:21; patience renders them obdurate, Ecclesiastes 8:11; holiness utterly deters them from all thoughts of approaching him, Joshua 24:19. What…

And because it partakes so much of the Nature of a Law, and has such Resemblance to it, it is in a few Places of Scripture called a Law, without Dispute. Isaiah 2:3. The Law shall go forth from Zion.

It is a Believing in Christ, which perhaps ought rather to be rendered Trusting in Christ. Isaiah 2:10 compared with Romans 15:12. In him shall the Gentiles trust, 2 Timothy 1:12.

Let the covetous, and ambitious, declare freely, even those of them that have prospered most in their pursuit of riches, and honor, what ease all their possessions, or titles do then help them to, whether their pains are the less, because their chests are full, or their houses s…

For drunkards are not contented to become beasts themselves: but they do also draw others. And riot has always this inconvenience with it, that men encourage one another to drinking, saying: come on, let us eat and drink, after the same manner that the Prophet Isaiah speaks of (…

Man's mercy is large when it reaches to seven times — what is God, then, that reaches to more than seventy times seven in a day! (Matthew 18:21). When good men have prayed, "Lord, forgive them not" (Isaiah 2:9; Jeremiah 18:23), yet God has pardoned: and when himself was so put t…

2. Because he chose — with a Covenant choice — the Jews and their seed (Deuteronomy 4:37, Deuteronomy 10:15, Genesis 17:7), then he must be the God of their seed. But he chooses with a Covenant choice and calling all the Nations (Isaiah 2:2-3), all the families of the earth unde…

(3.) From Covenant prayers and church prayers — contrary to (1 Samuel 12; Psalm 28:9; Psalm 67:1-2; Psalm 103:4-5). (4.) From the blessing of the Lord's Covenant-presence, who dwells in the Nation, in the Kingdom (Psalm 135:21, Psalm 132:13-14, Revelation 11:15, Isaiah 19:25, Is…

Q. 1. If multitudes and people externally covenanted with God, though not internally, whom the Lord calls his people and chosen by him (Deuteronomy 7:6, Deuteronomy 10:15), be the rightly constituted and visible church, as Mr. Thomas Hooker grants, then kingdoms must be his visi…

2. The Anabaptists from these places say none are to be baptized, but such as are so in Covenant, and as have these promises fulfilled in them, in whom the Lord has wrought a new heart, and a new spirit; and that there is no external covenanting under the New Testament. But then…

Sitting still is a ceasing from relying upon the Chariots and strength of Egypt, as being dead to them: For thus says the Lord, the holy One of Israel, in returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and you would not. And 4. his…

Now this must be given to Christ by promise (Galatians 3:16). Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made, he says not, and to seeds, as of many, but as of one, and to your seed, which is Christ: He cannot well mean mystical Christ, that is, Christ and all his, for they a…

The Chaldean Paraphrase expounds his hand to be his power and command, which extends to the Euphrates, as is promised (Exodus 23:31; Numbers 34:3), but fulfilled in David and Solomon (1 Kings 4:8). Solomon reigned from the Sea of Sodom, the Red Sea, to the Mediterranean Sea, and…

If the last, some sins of all men, then have all men some sins to answer for, and so shall no man be saved, for if God enter into judgment with us, though it were with all mankind for one sin no flesh should be justified in his sight: if the Lord should mark iniquities who shoul…

So Joel 2:18: 'I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh' — repeated in Acts 2:17 and Luke 3:6: 'All flesh shall see the salvation of God.' Believers are called all nations (Isaiah 2:2; 66:18), yes all men (Titus 2:11), for to them alone the salvation-bringing grace of God is…

The devils tremble before this great and terrible God, and under a strong sense of his awful majesty. It is greatly manifested to them, and damned souls now; but shall be manifested in a further degree, in that day, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, in flaming f…

This reproof falls heavy upon the Atheists of this Age, who are so far from loving God, that they do all they can to spite Him; They declare their sin as Sodom, Isaiah 3:9. They set their mouth against the Heavens, in pride and blasphemy, and bid open defiance to God;

You may eat and not have enough, be clothed and not warm, earn wages and put it in a broken bag (Haggai 1:6), if God does not bless you. This blessing of God is called the staff of bread (Isaiah 3:1). In bread there be two things, the substance and the virtue thereof proceeding…

And it cannot be otherwise, whether we look, first, to the holy nature of God who has a complacency in holiness, as it is said (Psalm 11:7): The righteous Lord loves righteousness, his countenance does behold the upright. Or whether, second, we look to the word of God, which (Is…

So the Lord burdens his people with this (Jeremiah 3:3): "And you had a whore's forehead, you refused to blush." (Isaiah 3:9) "The show of their countenance (that cannot blush at sin) does witness against them, and they declare their sin as Sodom — they hid it not." (Zephaniah 3…

They then offend, that being but ordinary persons and living by trades, yet for their diet and apparel, are as great gentlemen and gentlewomen. Thirdly, liberty is abused when the blessings of God are made instruments and (as it were) flags and banners to display our riot, vanit…

Now this may be done three waies, either ignorātly as whēPaul gloried in his cruel persecuting of the Saints before his cōuersion, Act 26:11. or presumptuously, when men glorie in wickednes, notwithstanding they be perswaded in conscience, that it is euill: and then it is the…

Therefore Solomon that wise prince says of himself (Ecclesiastes 2:8), and he puts it among his princely works, I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings: when the wise men came to Christ, the first thing they offered him was gold, and they did wisel…

6. Faith is the grace that makes a man valiant and victorious, as all the cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 11) proves. Again, if we consider the neck, as it is commended here, as being like a tower for uprightness and straightness; it signifies a quiet serene mind, and a confident bo…

4. The last step is, "They took away my veil from me": the word that is rendered veil comes from a root that signifies to subdue, it is that same word which we have (Psalm 144:2): "who subdues the people," etc. It had a threefold use: 1. for decoration, as in Isaiah 3:23; 2. for…

"You shall rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear your God." God has put a signal honor upon it, by styling himself the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9), and he threatens it as a great judgment upon a people (Isaiah 3:5), that the children shall b…

Thus under the prohibition of idolatry falls the prohibition of the feasting in the idol-temples, and eating meats sacrificed to them, as being too evident a sign and tessera of our communion with them. So in the same command wherein pride is forbidden, (which is chiefly the fir…

Such expressions of pride have been to be found in professors, and have been more latent; but I shall speak of the more gross and open expressions, which have been general in the city. We read of the pride of the daughters of Jerusalem (Isaiah 3:16, etc.). They were haughty, and…

It is not every degree of scarcity of bread that presently makes a famine, but a general failing of it; when no bread is to be had, or that which is, yields no nutriment. For a famine may as well be occasioned by God's taking away panis nutrimentum, the nourishing virtue of brea…

What egregious fools then are disobedient children: they regard neither God, their parents, nor themselves, but deprive themselves of their eternal happiness, hinder their welfare, and shorten their days. Fitly hereupon I may apply to undutiful children these words of the Psalmi…

Pride betrays itself either by a disdain of inferiors, neglect of equals, or contempt of superiors. Now of all the other, this is the most offensive, because there is more to check it; therefore it is threatened as a great disorder (Isaiah 3:4-5), that the base should rise again…

In their security they will believe nothing but what they feel. 4. The bane which comes to communities and societies from the increase of the wicked, especially when their wickedness grows to a height; that is, when it is committed with boldness (Isaiah 3:9): They declare their…

And when a good customer calls you, covetousness is likely to make you do like him; rather than men will lose their gain, they will cry up Diana, though they cry down godliness and God himself (Acts 19:23-28). 7. Take heed of abusing and grinding the face of the poor (Isaiah 3:1…

There is no promise made to any natural man whereby he can challenge this at the hands of the Lord: All men by nature are children of [reconstructed: wrath] (Ephesians 2:3). Heirs of perdition — if they have their own place it is hell, if they have no more but their own portion,…

2. It is to lean and rest the body (2 Samuel 1:6): Saul leaned upon his spear, and by a metaphor it is to cast the burden upon the Lord (Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 55:22). Hence the word that notes a staff (2 Samuel 22:18; Isaiah 3): the Lord has broken the stay and the staff of bread…

5. It necessarily must follow, if it be sin to eat, because the non-converted have no spiritual right in Christ, to bread, the converted may spoil by their grounds, all the non-converted, of their goods, houses, gold, gardens, vineyards, lands, and upon the same ground, for the…

There must be a deadening to our country and Mother-Church, that the glory of justice may shine; indeed to our father's grave, our own bed, our own fireside. 13. The Lord would have Isaiah and the godly dead to laws and government, to vision and prophesying, when judge and proph…

Hath it not been told that others have boasted how many they have debauched and made drunk? Thus, they declare their sin as Sodom, (Isaiah 3:9). Nay, mens sins are grown daring; as if they would hang out their flag of defiance, and give Heaven a broad-side.

Alas man, the time is at hand when all will be undone, and be forced to cry out, Woe, woe, woe, that ever they were born; but those only who have made me the joy and delight of their hearts say to the righteous, it shall go well with him. Woe to the wicked, it shall go ill with…

2. As sin is a blackness contrary to the innocency that the Law requires, and as it blots and defiles the soul, it is a Macula, a spot, a filthy and deformed thing, abasing the creature, making the creature black, crooked, defiled, like the skin of the Ethiopian, or spotted like…

The children of Israel were traveling from Egypt to the land of Canaan full forty years, whereas they might have gone the journey in forty days. Their way was through the wilderness of Arabia, their guides were a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night (Isaiah 4:5)…

2. There is a providence of grace, as there is in God a special love of free grace; the good and the bad figs are not in the same invisible basket; there is a pavilion, a cabinet of silk in God's private chamber, seen by no eye (Psalm 27:5). And upon all the glory shall be a cov…

2. God does nothing in the election of Peter, more than of Judas; nor can grace and mercy have place in the choosing of the one, rather than the other; but as free will is foreseen to play the game ill, or well, so go the eternal decrees of election and reprobation, and there ca…

This the Prophets foretold that he should be God, and the Son of God (Micah 5:2). His going forth is from everlasting, though born at Bethlehem; so the bud of the Lord, and the fruit of the earth (Isaiah 4:2). The man God's fellow (Zechariah 13:7), and in many other places the u…

This garment serues not onely for a couering of our shame, but also for protection. Isa 4:6. And if we be taken away in any common judgment, being clothed with Christ, there is no more hurt done to vs then to him: and he carris vs in his brest, as if we were part of his bowells.

Doth God miraculously suspend the power of natural Causes, as in the first Demand was opened? Why, this is no accidental thing, but what harmonizeth with the word, Isaiah 4:3 2. When you passest through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overf…

In the fire there was direction, in the cloud protection, and mercy in both. So (Isaiah 4:5), God promises to create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies a cloud. Which is expounded in the close of the verse: For upon all his glory (his Church and Sai…

In the exhortation or invitation, consider: 1. the party invited, or called. 2. The duty called for. 3. Its repetition. The party called, is a Shulamite: this word comes either from Solomon, as the husband's name is named over the wife (Isaiah 4:1), and it is from the same root…

No inheritance is better defended and secured than the Lord's inheritance (Psalm 125:2): "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people." So careful is he for their safety, that he creates upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her…

What is there in them, or amongst them, that makes joining with them to be so desireable? First, that point we handled before, might be enough to show the reason of this: they are the excellent of the earth, Isaiah 43:4 I do not now speak of them particularly, though every Saint…

Inward beauty and glory is here expressed by that of outward shape, form and appearance; because that was so much esteemed in those who were to rule or govern. Isaiah 4:2. The Prophet terming of him the BRANCH of the Lord, and the fruit of the earth, affirms that he shall be bea…

Because he is the wisdom of God, and the power of God, he is made unto us wisdom, and so on (1 Corinthians 1:30). Thus the branch of the Lord is beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth is excellent, and comely to them that are escaped of Israel (Isaiah 4:2). This is t…

2. By a real, physical efficiency on the root and habit of sin, for the weakening, destroying and taking it away. Hence he is called a Spirit of judgment and burning (Isaiah 4:4), really consuming and destroying our lusts. He takes away the stony heart by an almighty efficiency;…

But poor creatures! they labor in the fire, and their work consumes. When the Spirit of Christ comes to this work, he will be as refiner's fire, and as fuller's soap, and he will purge men as gold and silver (Malachi 3:3), take away their dross and tin, their filth and blood (Is…

In short, the Word of God assures us of the gracious presence of God here in the midst of our afflictions, and the eternal enjoyment of God hereafter; that he will be with us in our houses of clay, or we shall shortly be with him in his palace of glory; and so here is matter of…

2. When he loses his comfort and confidence in God, for that is a sign we live upon the creature, and cannot trust God without the creature. Man knows how to put a cheat upon his own heart; when he has all things at full, then he talks of living by faith: as those women who woul…

All that nature can reach to us, is to see the nobility of my birth, the honest civility of my parents, etc., but faith sees his father was a Moabite, and his mother an Ammonite, born in sin, and this he lays hold on, and takes it home for his good, and walks in the sense thereo…

'Tis with a sinner as with a sick patient, his palate is distempered, the sweetest things taste bitter to him. The Word, which is sweeter than the honeycomb, tastes bitter to him (Isaiah 5:20); they put sweet for bitter. Thus, a disease, and nothing can cure this disease but the…

If this sin of drunkenness be not reformed, I pray God the sword be not made drunk with blood. And whereas some will go to shift off this sin from themselves that they are no drunkards, because they have not drunk away their reason and senses; they are not so far gone in drink t…

Ever since Adam did eat of the Tree of Knowledge, and his eyes were opened, we lost our eyesight. Besides ignorance in the mind, there is error and mistake, we do not judge rightly of things, we put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter (Isaiah 5:20). Besides this, there is muc…

When we give our testimony for a person that is criminal and guilty, we justify him as if he were innocent. Which justify the wicked for reward (Isaiah 5:23). He that goes to make a wicked man just, makes himself unjust.

Indeed, he derides God's threatenings. Isaiah 5:19: Let him make speed and hasten his work that we may see it. We have heard much what God intends to do, and of judgment [reconstructed: approaching], we would fain see it.

Fourth, in short, that pleasure men talk of in sin, is their disease; some take pleasure in eating chalk, or coals, this is from their disease. So when men talk of pleasure in eating the forbidden fruit, it is from the sickness and disease of their souls; they put bitter for swe…

But what can befall such men? But that that Isaiah prophesies to them, (Isaiah 5:8) Woe be unto them that join house to house, and land to land, till there be no place for the poor to dwell in. Thirdly, in that Abraham lived thus, as ready ever to depart into any other country,…

So then justification is not to be considered, as God's creating, and infusing of gracious habits in us; but the declaring of us to be free, and acquitted from the guilt of sin, upon the account of Christ's satisfying for our debt. This we will find to be very clear, if we consi…

For clearing of this a little more, consider that this resting may be looked on, either passively, or actively; passively, in respect of the believer's acquiescing in Christ, and assuring himself that all shall be well; this is not that act of faith that is called for to justifi…

And (Revelation 22:17), "Whoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely" — it is not only, to say so with reverence, those whom He wills, but it is, whoever will; and so if you want to come, grace puts the offer into your hand, as it were, to carve on; to let us…

But we differ little in our aims from beasts, when the intention rises no higher than this side of clay and time (Psalm 49:11). That our houses may continue (Isaiah 5:8). That we may be placed, alone on the earth.

Many generations of hirelings have ended their day's task, and have now their wages, many shadows are gone down, many actors have closed their game, as it may be, and some have fulfilled their course with joy, and are now within the curtain, since the creation. 7. It is a poor n…

Just as Paul complains of the Jews (Acts 13:46), since you have put it away from you, lo, we turn to the Gentiles, we purge and cast out the motions of God's spirit, and cannot endure that any Ordinance should bring us nearer to Christ. (Acts 7:51) You have always resisted the H…

For that which is the end of God's laws, must also be the end of all good laws in all commonwealths and kingdoms, namely, to shut up the people into the unity of one faith. The Church of the Jews, is called a fountain sealed, a garden enclosed (Song of Songs 4:12), a vineyard he…

The fourth and last point, contains the remedies of this euill, which are the rather to be considered, because it is a great sinne, one of those seuen which the Lord does most of all detest, Prou. 6. 17. a dangerous sinne, hauing a heauie woe attending upon it, Woe to them that…

For how can they have the Spirit of God, which have not the Word of God? And therefore they do nothing else but call light darkness and darkness light, as it is said (Isaiah 5). This Word of God is the Gospel, whereby we are through Christ redeemed from sin, death, and Hell: he…

If God plant, and fence, and water you by Providence, sure he looks you should bring forth fruit. Isaiah 5. 1, 2, 3, 4. O that in return for all the benefits of Providence, you would say to God, as grateful Elisha said to the Shunamite, behold you hast been careful for us with a…

To be of an heedless inobservant temper is very displeasing to God; and so much appears by that Scripture, Isaiah 26:11 Lord when your hand is lifted up they will not see. Nay, it is a sin, which God threatens and denounces woe against in his Word, Psalm 28. 4, 5. and Isaiah 5.…

It is an elegant metaphor frequent in Scripture, showing that as when a field is well hedged, or a town well walled and entrenched, then it is safe. So when God is said to make a hedge or a wall about a man or about a nation, the safety of that man or nation is assured by it (Is…

For clearing the first; Consider, that the visible Church is often compared in Scripture to a Vineyard (Matthew 21:33). And the particular professors, especially believers, are as the vine-trees that grow in it; So (Isaiah 5:7), The Vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel, c…

3. They are furnished with many excellent graces, fruits of the Spirit, which are planted in them as flowers in a garden (Galatians 5:21). Next, this garden is enclosed: it is a special property of gardens to be so; to be enclosed is by a wall or hedge to be fenced from the tram…

4. It's not a commendable shamefastness, but must needs be a very sinful modesty, that keeps one from duty: It was indeed more shameful to lie still, than to rise. Her second ground is of the same nature, I have washed my feet: washing the feet, fitted and prepared for rest; men…

For explaining of the first, we are first to remember, that by Solomon, we are to understand Christ; for, as ever hitherto, so here, the Allegory is continued, to express and set forth Christ in his way with his Church, under that name. Next, the Vineyard here is [reconstructed:…

2. If the same allegories in other places of Scripture, will bear solid doctrines concerning Christ, his covenant, faith, etc. even such as are in plain Scriptures; then must this Song do the like, seeing it is the word of God, tending to the same scope with these. But it is cle…

What could the Lord have done more to his vineyard than he has done? Therefore then when he looked for grapes, brought it forth only leaves, or wild grapes? (Luke 13; Isaiah 5:4-6) And is it then to be wondered at, if the Lord pluck down the hedge thereof, that it might be eaten…

The Scripture compares the church to a vineyard, and particular souls to vine-trees that must bring forth grapes: and indeed a vine is good for nothing if it be not fruitful: not so much as to make a pin of, to hang a vessel upon. Now let us consider, if God have not done as muc…

And do you call this a pleasure? Surely you put bitter for sweet (Isaiah 5:20). The pleasures of sin gratify only the sensitive part of man, not the rational.

The meaning is, I will send a more fearful judgment, than that of the famine of bread; for this particle [not] is not exclusive, but excessive — implying, that a famine of bread is nothing, or but a light judgment, compared with the famine of the word. Parallel to which is that…

Surely it should be said of every soul that grows here, as the historian says of Spain, that there is nihil infructuosum, nihil sterile; nothing barren or unfruitful in it. God's vineyard is planted in a very fruitful hill (Isaiah 5:1). And surely they that are planted in the ho…

It is as good husbandry to keep what we have, as to acquire more than we had. "My well-beloved has a vineyard in a very fruitful hill and he fenced it" (Isaiah 5:1-2). No inheritance is better defended and secured than the Lord's inheritance (Psalm 125:2): "As the mountains are…

The power of religion is not only disliked and denied, but contradicted and condemned by those that rest in the form. They that call the evil, good, will call the good, evil (Isaiah 5:20); and it is not strange if they, who abandon themselves to work all uncleanness with greedin…

To the Satisfaction and refreshment of nature, you may drink; for it is a part of the Curse, to drink, and not be satisfied: but take heed you go no further, For Wine is a [mocker] strong Drink is raging, and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise, Proverbs 20:1. The Throat is…

Oh that the breathings and workings of the Spirit of all grace, might stir up all his gifts and graces in me, that the Lord Jesus the beloved of my soul may have meet and acceptable entertainment from me. God complains of want of fruit in his vineyard (Isaiah 5:3; Hosea 10:1). W…

Oh, let us take heed that the like be not upbraided to us. The Lord has not sparingly, but most liberally and bountifully nourished and cherished us in this land, and that both with temporal and spiritual blessings, so as he may justly say, what could have been done more in my v…

But on the contrary, when men cater for the flesh, provide for it, indulge carnal distempers, and feed them with that diet which they affect: these tempt themselves, and seem willing to lie under their bondage, and to be glad of it. 3. When a man is a sinner to his loss; and has…

They would have the holy God to be sanctified abroad, either by the conversion of men, or by their punishment. And so it is meant (Isaiah 5:16): God that is holy, shall be sanctified in righteousness — that is, his holiness and hatred of sin shall appear, either in the conversio…

2. Discontent. Men have not so much as their rapacious desires crave, though they are allowed moderate supplies to keep them till they go to Heaven: And therefore every thing that they get serves but as a bait to draw them on further, so they are always joining house to house, a…

Covet earnestly the best gifts, this is a holy covetousness, and a good diversion from that great sin. As the covetous learn all the arts of thriving, are always joining house to house, and field to field (Isaiah 5:8), so should we add faith to faith, and obedience to obedience.…

3. The certainty of the threatenings. God's people see wrath and judgment in the face of sin, whereas those who are drowned in sensuality and carnal delights, scoff at God's menaces, and jest at his judgments; neither crediting the one, nor expecting the other, as if it were but…

It is only because they are ashamed of it, that any body should know what they think, as (Psalm 14:1) the fool has said in his heart, there is no God: It seems he had not the hardiness nor heart to say it with his mouth; he whispered, and muttered, or wished, but was loath to be…

Secondly, I shall draw some inferences from the consideration of sin, as it is contrary to the good of man. 1. Then I infer, that they are miserably mistaken that seek for any good in sin; as sin is, so its effects are, all evil to man: there are (woe to them) that call evil goo…

The understanding is defiled (1 Corinthians 2:14); we can no more judge of spiritual objects until the Spirit anoints our eyes than a blind man can judge of colors. Our understandings are subject to mistakes; we call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). A straight stick under…

It is good to bethink ourselves what answer we shall give to God for our barrenness. The Lord has planted us in rich soil; he may say to us as to his vineyard (Isaiah 5:1): my beloved has a vineyard in a very fruitful hill — he fenced it and planted it with the choicest vine, an…

As to the first, the less of the creature and self, and the more of God in the end, so much the more denied and spiritual is the doer, when purely for God [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] we do (1 Corinthians 10:13; Colossians 3:23), we are sick for God, and in health for God, and wake…

But in the second Adam, besides all these, we are gifted with a life of more worth than many acres of vineyards. They declare therefore that there is much of the first Adam in them, little of the second — who would reconquer again the many lands that our first father Adam sold,…

Now there are undeniable prophecies that the Gentiles from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof (Malachi 1:11) shall be, under the New Testament, the people of God by Covenant (Isaiah 19:18-25). Then must the generality and mixed multitude of the Gentiles be some othe…

5. So must there be a deadening of the husband to the wife (Job 19:17), to servants (Job 15:16), to sons (2 Samuel 16:11), of the mother to the daughter, of the daughter-in-law to the mother-in-law (Micah 7:6), to blood-friends. 12. All the godly and zealous Prophets said Amen t…

Proof 15. The fifteenth proof urges God's earnest expostulations, pleadings, and protests to those many of whom perished (Romans 11:27; Isaiah 10:22) — such as: 'Oh that there were such a heart in them to fear me, that it might be well with them' (Deuteronomy 5:29); 'What more c…

First, all true evangelical consolation belongs only to believers (Hebrews 6:17-18); God's people (Isaiah 40:1-2); upon unbelievers the wrath of God remains (John 3:36). Second, to make consolation out to those to whom it does not belong is no less a crime than to hide it from t…

And therefore whereas mans Justifying of the wicked, is to justify them in their wicked ways, whereby they are constantly made worse and more obdurate in evil; when God justifies the ungodly, their change from personal unrighteousness and unholiness, unto righteousness and holin…

Enunciatur hic locus de Christo, 'tis spoken of Christ. There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet: He is called the Counsellor (Isaiah 6:9). In uno Christo Angelus faederis completur, Fagius.

Use 2. If God be infinite in his glorious essence, learn to admire where you cannot fathom. The angels wear a veil, they cover their faces, as adoring this infinite majesty (Isaiah 6:3). Elias wrapped himself in a mantle when God's glory passed by; admire where you cannot fathom…

God is to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. The Seraphims who stood about God's throne covered their faces (Isaiah 6). And Elijah wrapped himself in a mantle when the Lord passed by, in token of reverence.

That anger is without sin, which is against sin; but that is an evil tongue, which is presently blown up into exorbitant passion; this tongue is set on fire from hell. Isaiah's lips were touched with a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6). His tongue was set on fire from heaven; but t…

He is the holy one (Job 6:10). Seraphims cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3). His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious.

And when men harden their hearts willfully, God hardens them judicially. Isaiah 6:8. Make their ears heavy. The word to these is ineffectual.

A most fearful thing, if we well consider it, that both by preaching and making the Ark, he should not turn one of the sons of Lamech, Methushelah, or Henoch, to believe him: but that they should all rather choose to be misled in the general vanity of that wicked world, than to…

The same breath in the Ministry, that blows a godly man to Heaven, blows a profane sinner to Hell. They who come with the Word of Life in their mouth, yet to many are a savor of death, Isaiah 6.10. Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy.

Love lines the yoke of religion, and makes it easy (Matthew 11:13). As a bride delights in putting on her jewels, as a musician delights in playing on his viol, so a gracious soul delights in obeying God: love to duty is better than duty; serving God with delight is angelical: t…

'All things are naked and open to the eyes of him with whom we have to do' (Hebrews 4:13). Realize his infinite holiness — into what a serious, composed frame did the sight of God in his holiness put the spirit of the prophet (Isaiah 6:5)! Labor also to get up your heart due app…

2. It is not a complaint as to one sermon, or as to one time, but it is a complaint frequently repeated as to many fruitless sermons, and as to many times, yes, generations. Isaiah preached long in many kings' reigns, and yet all along his prophecy he complains of it, as in Isai…

Unbelief straitens and shuts the door, and makes preaching become a very burden to a faithful minister, therefore the Apostle exhorts (Hebrews 13:17), Obey them that have the rule over you, and watch for your souls, that they may do it with joy and not with grief, for that is un…

So John his glorious soul-ravishing comforts, in seeing the seven golden candlesticks, and the Son of man in such glory and majesty, (Revelation 1:12-15) yet it appears to be a desertion that he is under, when Christ forbids him to fear, and when he must have the hand of Christ…

Answ. The argument is strong for us; the Apostle speaks of the Gospel-truth; but he will not have the Gospel preached to Samaritans (Matthew 10), to Bithinians, and thousands others. 2. He will not open the hearts of thousands that hear the Gospel, because he will (Matthew 11:28…

She could neither have loved him nor have sought him, nor have so known the worth of him, if he had not loved her first, and if she in some measure had not had him: But when she says she found him not, the meaning is, not in that feeling and comfort, not in that measure she soug…

Abraham was cast into great horror (Genesis 15:12) when God appeared solemnly to enter into covenant with him. So (Isaiah 6:5) Then I said, woe is me, for I am undone. So Daniel (Daniel 10:8-9) when I saw this great vision, there was no strength in me; for my comeliness was turn…

The words of the prophet were, Go, blind their minds, and harden their hearts, (Isaiah 6:10.) Matthew ascribes this to the hearers, that they may endure the blame of their own blindness and hardness; for the one cannot be separated from the other.

Surely it is as oyl to the wheels, that makes them run of freely and nimbly their course. Thus when Isaiah had obtained a special manifestation of God, and the Lord askt, whom shall I send? he presents a ready soul for the employment, Isaiah 6:8 Here am I, Lord, send me. Why, th…

When the holiest men have addrest themselves to him, see with what humility and deep adoration they have spoken of him and to him! Isaiah 6:5 Wo is me for I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have se…

This is the fiery property of the nature of God, whence he is called a Consuming fire, and Everlasting burnings: And the law whereon he had impressed some representation of it, is called a fiery law, as that which will consume and burn up whatever is perverse and evil. Hence the…

God for Christs sake beeing content to receive us for his sonnes and daughters. Which art in heaven] God is said to be in heaven, not as though he were included in the circle of the heavens: for the heavens, and the heavens of heavens, are not able to containe him, 1. king. 8. 2…

Obs. 1. Love will have a great out-letting at sometimes beyond others as if a dam were gathered, and then let out. 2. Sense of love in a high degree will straiten and weigh a believer, as overburdening and overpowering him, so as he is put to say, hold, and woe is me, as it is,…

And therefore we read in Scripture what dreadful apprehensions the best of God's saints have been possessed withal, after some extraordinary discoveries that God had made of himself to them. Thus Isaiah cries out (Isaiah 6:5), Woe is me, for I am undone, because I am a man of un…

Fire, the noblest element, sparkles vigorously. The angels are described with wings (Isaiah 6:2), which is an emblem of their [reconstructed: swift] obedience. The more violent we are in religion, the more angelical we are.

Jeremiah 6:29: "Reprobate silver shall men call them, for the Lord has rejected them." Isaiah 6: "Go make the heart of this people fat, their ears dull, etc." Christ executes by the Gospel that curse upon many souls, which he denounced against the fig tree (Matthew 21:19): "Let…

If God be our God, and dear to our souls, his worship is dear to us; and if there be any people in the world, among whom God is truly worshipped, it is a great affliction not to be with them. It is the observation of one Interpreter upon that place in Isa. 6. where the Cherubims…

The glory of the only begotten Son of God (John 1:14). The choicest saints have been afraid, and amazed at the beauty of an angel; and the stoutest sinners have trembled at the glory of one of those creatures in a low appearance, representing but the back parts of their glory, w…

That Gospel which he taught them secretly, they proclaimed as it were upon the House Tops, according to his Order, Matthew 10:27. Though Christ himself gave such Hints of this Gospel in his preaching, as were sufficient for Salvation to those that would receive them, yet he migh…

Thus the very forbearance that the ungodly do enjoy, is usually involved with the interest of the godly, something of that readily goes into it, and so it is in a great part for their sakes, that the rest are both spared, and are furnished with common mercies. The saints are usu…

Holiness is not only our true glory, but that wherein the ever-glorious God does especially glory, and has made known himself so much by that name: the holy God. And that which is the express style of his glorious praises uttered by seraphim (Isaiah 6): Holy, holy, holy is the L…

We are apt to be poisoned by their bad example, and easily catch a sickness one from another. Good men may receive a taint (Isaiah 6:5): I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips. Open excesses do soon manifest their own odiousness.

2. This is that glory which God affects, and therefore the saints will give it him. (Isaiah 6:3) The holy angels, what do they cry out when they honor God? They do not acknowledge his power and dominion over all creatures as Lord of all; but they give him his peculiar glory, Hol…

So they think Stephen saw the glory of God, and Christ at his right-hand, as Abraham saw Christ's day, and rejoiced; that is, he saw it by faith. Some think it to be a prophetical vision, by seeing those things objected to his fancy, by imaginary species; as Isaiah saw God in a…

1. In conformity to the angels, we must serve God readily. The angels are represented as with wings (Isaiah 6:2), and the angel Gabriel is said to fly swiftly upon God's message. They are hearkening for God's word, and go on God's errand.

When the Prophet Isaiah had a glimpse of Gods Glory, he was stricken with holy consternation. Isaiah 6:5. Wo is me, I am undone, for mine eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts.

Therefore God so punished those who made no end of provoking his wrath and who heaped evil upon evil, that at length he gave them over to a reprobate mind, so that they made no distinction between right and wrong, but rushed headlong of their own accord into every sort of wicked…

There may be a literal instruction which one man may give to another, but in your light only shall we see light; such a lively affective knowledge as disposes the heart for the enjoyment of God. There is a seeing, and a seeing in seeing (Isaiah 6:10): Lest in seeing they shall s…

A sight of God will best discover your self to yourself; that in the light of God's glorious majesty you may distinctly behold your own vileness and misery. Isaiah when he saw God in vision (Isaiah 6:5): "Then said I, woe is me, for I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lip…

It shows we know not the gift of God (John 4). If we had a due sense and value of his excellency, we would take the morning market, and let not Christ Jesus with all his benefits lie by as a commodity that may be had at the last, at any time of the day, we would look upon him as…

And elsewhere (Job 4:18): Behold, he puts no trust in his servants, and his angels he charges with folly; mutability in the angelic nature. When Isaiah had seen God, and heard the angels cry out, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts (Isaiah 6:5): Then said I, woe is me, for I am…

3. They are the greatest punishments, which are made up of sins: it is worse to be let alone and given up, than if men were sent quick to Hell; for they live but as reserved to fill up their measure brimful, and to undergo the more of Hell, to grow rich in wrath, having treasure…

This was Laodicea's temper, [illegible] [illegible] 16. You say you are rich and wise, and lack nothing, and know not that you are poor, and naked, and miserable, and indeed have nothing; indeed, you are cut out for confusion, fitted and prepared on purpose for an everlasting re…

This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. The blessed angels cover their faces, crying, 'Holy, holy' (Isaiah 6:1). A holy heart will have a holy gesture.

The Roman church would have other healers besides Christ; they would make angels their physicians. But all the angels in heaven cannot heal one sick soul; they are indeed described by their wings (Isaiah 6:2), but they have no healing under their wings. The Roman church would al…

With how lively a luster would it clothe the world, and make every thing look with a pleasant face! What a heaven were it to look upon God, as filling all in all, and how sweetly would it, ere-while, raise our souls into some such sweet seraphic strains — holy, holy — the whole…

Yet this promise is usher'd in with the most magnificent titles; Thus says the high and lofty one, that inhabits eternity, whose Name is holy, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, Isaiah 57:15. and why such titles? but to tak…

Answ. Self-searching is a reflect act upon the state (and such acts are more spiritual than direct acts) and therefore it should be the work of all, to try, under what reign they are, whether of the first or second Adam. And whereas Angels cover their faces and their feet with w…

Now the people and Levites, and house of David were never so multiplied in the Jews, after the deliverance from Babylon, and therefore must be extended to the New Testament. And if God establish David's seed forever (Psalm 89:4) and the seed of his people shall possess the gates…

(6) And vain stoutness to dare God in his own quarters and fight him (Exodus 14:8, 23; Exodus 23:8, 13; Isaiah 36:10-11, 36-37), if it were in his own seas as Pharaoh and the Egyptians would do. 13. There is a wicked hardening of the heart, when men make the Lord his word and mi…

(2.) This looks somewhat the Arminian way, that man cannot be under the subjection of, properly so called, moral obedience, except his will be indifferent as Adam's was, to stand or fall, to run to Heaven or Hell, which indeed says, that the most perfect obedience of Christ, who…

4. That the Scripture is the Word of God is evident by its predictions; it prophesies of things to come. This shows the voice of God speaking in it; it was foretold by the prophet, a virgin shall conceive (Isaiah 7:14), and the Messiah shall be cut off (Daniel 9:26). The Scriptu…

Inflicting of punishment is called God's strange work (Isaiah 28:21); he is not used to it. And when the Lord would shave off the pride of a nation, he is said to hire a razor, as if he had none of his own (Isaiah 7:20): "He shall shave with a razor that is hired." He is slow to…

In such times the best hearts are but too apt to be surprised by slavish fear; it is not easy to secure the heart against distraction in times of common destruction. If Syria be confederate with Ephraim, how do the hearts of the house of David shake, even as the trees of the woo…

But to pursue what we proposed, namely, these several ways whereby the Scripture confirms this truth, and to this purpose consider: 1. The express titles and names that are given to him in Scripture, and some Scripture sayings of him which hold it out; three of which we shall in…

To this head may be referred that of Hezekiah, who when he was sick of a mortal disease, and the Lord had extraordinarily promised him on his mourning, that he should be recovered again, he asks a sign for the confirmation of his faith, and God grants it him (2 Kings 20:8-9). An…

This is the great doctor of the church, now as to meekness above Moses, as to zeal above Elias, as to familiarity and communion, he was with God, and was God. 3. To show the old prophecies were fulfilled, which foretold the union of the two natures in his Person, the predictions…

Lastly, he gives good success in enterprises, and attempts, according to his own decree, and the order of divine providence: which metaphorically is called a reward (Ezekiel 29:19-20), because it has a similitude thereunto, as when wicked men through ignorance, do that wickedly,…

It does sometimes happen that, notwithstanding the opposition made by unbelievers, the Lord bestows and fulfills what he had promised to them. We have a remarkable instance of this in King Ahaz, who rejected the promised safety, and yet was delivered from his enemies, (Isaiah 7:…

Instances of this are so well known, that it would be of no use to quote them. 31. Behold, you shall conceive in your womb The angel adapts his words, first to Isaiah's prophecy, (Isaiah 7:14,) and next to other passages of the Prophets, with the view of affecting more powerfull…

That persuasion of the kindness of God, which had been formed in the mind of the virgin, led her to admit, in the fullest manner, that she had received a message as to raising up anew the throne of David. If it be objected that there was also another prediction, a virgin shall c…

We must now see how appropriately the prediction of Isaiah is applied. It is a well-known and remarkable passage, (Isaiah 7:14,) but perverted by the Jews with their accustomed malice; though the hatred of Christ and of truth, which they thus discover, is as blind and foolish as…

Hezekiah does not ask a sign, and it is offered to him, though unsolicited, (Isaiah 38:7, 8.) Ahaz is severely blamed for refusing to ask a sign, as the prophet had enjoined him to do, (Isaiah 7:11.) It is not solely, therefore, because they ask a sign, that Christ makes this at…

Or rather secondly, (as I conceive) for this reason, because such compassionate sorrows and mournings when our friends are under deep and sore afflictions, are usually expressed by moving the body, or at least moving some member of the body; as many times the hand is lifted up,…

It is said, 1. to be like the tower of Lebanon: There is no particular mention of such a tower, but, that Solomon built there a stately house (2 Chronicles 8:3), called the house of the forest of Lebanon, wherein (2 Chronicles 9:15-16) he put many targets and shields; and Lebano…

4. Though ministers be not masters, yet are they keepers, and have a special trust in the Church; they are intrusted with the affairs of Christ's house, for carrying on of his people's edification; which is a trust that no others have committed to them. The third thing in this v…

But with the kings of Israel it was not so; and therefore divine Providence exercised a continual care, through all the changes that happened through so many generations, and such a long space of time, to keep the crown of Judah in one direct line, in fulfilment of the everlasti…

1. We must be quiet as the air is quiet from winds. Disorderly passions are like stormy winds in the soul, they toss and hurry it, and often split, or strand, or overset it; they move it as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind; it is the prophet's comparison (Isaiah 7:2…

Some think, why should we look at the reward, we must look to the rule, and see that our obedience be accordingly: but know, if you do not look to the reward, you do not only hinder yourselves of the good you might have, but do sin against God in it. Here you deceive yourselves,…

Lord! what a mystery of love lies in this dispensation! That sin which first brought afflictions into the world, is now it self carried out of the world by affliction, Romans 5:12. Isaiah 7:9. O what can frustrate my Salvation, when those very things that [•]eem most to oppose i…

Though it may seem somewhat long to you, while you are under your trouble and perplexity, yet it shall surely come in the appointed time of the Lord Jesus, which is the best season. If then you can raise up your heart to a settled expectation of relief from Jesus Christ; if your…

And this is not only said I lay because he had the first thought of this great work, the model of it was in his mind from eternity, and that the accomplishment of it was by his Almighty power in the morning of his Son's birth, and his life, and death, and resurrection, but to si…

We are but worms and rottenness, and God's majesty is so high, as no man can say what it is, nor conceive the hundredth part of it in thought, but we must be content to be ravished to wonder at it. Seeing then that God has so linked himself to us, that he is the true Emmanuel (a…

It is a fretting of God, (Ezekiel 16:43).—4. It is a wearying of God, (Isaiah 7:13).—5. It is a breaking the heart of God, (Ezekiel 6:9).

1st Commandment: You shall have no other gods, etc. He breaks this commandment: who does not know the true God (Jeremiah 4:22); who denies God in his heart by denying his presence, justice, mercy, etc. (Psalm 14:1); who hates God and shows it by disobedience (Exodus 20:5; Romans…

And God requires of us that we should infallibly believe what he proposes unto us, at least when we have infallible evidence that it is from him. And as he appoints Faith unto this end, and approves of its Exercise, so he does both judge and condemn them who fail therein, 2 Chro…

And in three or four other places, upon several occasions, does our Savior lay all the wavering and staggering of his followers, as to any promised mercy, upon this score, as Matthew 6:30 and 8:26. Isaiah 7. Ahaz being afraid of the combination of Syria and Ephraim against him,…

2. As sin is a blackness contrary to the innocency that the Law requires, and as it blots and defiles the soul, it is a Macula, a spot, a filthy and deformed thing, abasing the creature, making the creature black, crooked, defiled, like the skin of the Ethiopian, or spotted like…

How shall I do this great evil and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9) And is it a small thing that you should weary God? (Isaiah 7:13) so that my sin against God or his prophets, is no small thing.

Resp. 1. Externally, by his word (Psalm 119:105): Your word is a lamp to my feet. Such as pretend to have a light or revelation above the word, or contrary to it, never had their teaching from Christ (Isaiah 8:20). 2. Christ teaches these sacred mysteries, inwardly, by the Spiri…

And true child-like obedience must be regular, which implies three things: 1. It must be done by a right rule: Obedience must have the Word for its rule; Lydius Lapis (Isaiah 8:20). To the law, to the testimony.

He that believes makes not haste, (Isaiah 28:16). He will stay God's leisure; say not God has forsaken you, he will never lift up the light of his countenance, but rather say as the church, (Isaiah 8:17). I will wait upon the Lord which hides his face from the house of Jacob. 1.…

Response. The rule or measure we must examine ourselves by is the Holy Scripture: we must not make fancy, or the good opinion which others have of us, the rule by which we judge of ourselves. But as the goldsmith brings his gold to the touchstone, so must we bring our hearts to…

We may pray to be delivered from the evil of sin absolutely, but we must pray to be delivered from temporal evils conditionally, so far as God sees it fitting for us, and may stand with his glory. Use. In all the troubles that lie upon us, let us look up to God for ease and succ…

He is a Father in respect of grace, because we are regenerate by him, and accepted to be his sons by adoption through the merit of Christ. And in this respect the second person as well as the first is called a Father, and said to have an offspring or seed and children (Isaiah 9:…

Testimony 2. Isaiah 8:20: To the law and to the testimony. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

It is a rare piece of Christian wisdom to turn those passions of the soul which most predominate into spiritual channels — to turn natural anger into spiritual zeal, natural mirth into holy cheerfulness, and natural fear into a holy dread and awe of God. This method of cure Chri…

See (Job 19:12-17): And there you see, brethren, acquaintance, kinsfolk, familiar friends, manservant, maidservant, wife, young children, bone, skin, flesh, are all to Job as coals of the fire of hell. And (Isaiah 8:21-22): Men in this shall curse their king, and their god. Asse…

(3) That Christ should taste death for all, it being as good, as if all in person had not only sipped, but drunk death out to the bottom, and yet that the greatest part must drink death to the bottom again, is no gospel truth. (4) Nor is the Apostle's argument of weight, to exal…

So that if a man will have God for his Savior, he must look to him from one end of the earth to the other, we are at the utmost corner of the earth, and if we will be saved we must look up to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, as David looked towards the Temple at Jerusalem fo…

But to judge of Prophets, by the fruit of their doctrine, Matth. 7. 16. and of their doctrine by the touch-stone of the word. Isa 8:20. so that though the Deuill transforme himselfe into an angel of light; in fact, though an angel from heauen preach any other thing, beside that…

Isaiah had said of his own age, "The Lord will be for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense, to both the houses of Israel," (Isaiah 8:14) From that time, the Jews hardly ever ceased to dash themselves against God, but the rudest shock was against Christ.

On this subject we may remark, that Christian writers have very strangely misapprehended the prediction contained in the next chapter, by applying it to Christ. The prophet there says, that, instructed by a vision, he “went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son,…

Now as nothing is more displeasing to God than when men are so eager to go beyond due bounds, he forbids them to inquire of magicians and soothsayers respecting the truth, and to consult pretended oracles after the manner of the Gentiles; and in order to restrain that itching cu…

I reply, As but a small portion embraced the word by faith for salvation, this passage relates to the greater number or the whole body; as Isaiah, after having predicted the general destruction of the nation, is commanded to seal the law of God among the disciples, (Isaiah 8:16.…

and as Isaiah had foretold that the God of armies would be to the whole people of Israel a stone of stumbling, on which they would dash themselves, (Isaiah 8:14) the Lord wisely made provision that such wickedness of men should not perplex believing souls.

Indeed, fear not their fear, neither be troubled: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: This place again has Saint Peter cited out of the Prophet Isaiah, where he has these words: Fear not their fear, neither be afraid of them: but sanctify God in your hearts, and let him be…

This Satan means when he undertakes that Job being afflicted, will curse God. So then to curse God is to blaspheme God in our thoughts and words, to think or speak unworthily of God, and the ways of God; see, if he curse you not to your face, that is, see if his heart be not emb…

This answers not the word, but it does the sense of the place well enough. God in his displeasure is said to hide himself, or his face, Isaiah 8:17. The Lord hids his face from the house of Jacob.

If God be withdrawn, if he hides himself, what has the soul to do but to wait for his return. So says the prophet, Isaiah 8:17. I will wait upon the Lord that hids his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

First, in regard of the Apostles and other ministers their successors; because they are the Lords stewards, to dispense the word and the doctrine thereof to Gods people. Secondly, in regard of all true believers and servants of God, that have care to know and to obey the word of…

A spirit of delusion will not incline persons to go to seek direction at the mouth of God. To the Law and to the Testimony, is never the cry of those evil spirits that have no light in them; for it is God's own direction to discover their delusions, Isaiah 8:19, 20. And when the…

The serious consideration of this, I hope, might prevent much of that dishonor which is done to God, and to his holy name, by some that do not with others run to an excess of riot. The providence of God is likewise everywhere spoken against by murmurers and complainers (Jude 16)…

Fourthly, let us take heed that none of us do at any time, directly or indirectly, speak against the ways of religion and godliness, or say a confederacy, with those that do so. Submit to divine instructions given with a strong hand not to walk in the way of those people that sp…

Psalm 33:10: he brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. Isaiah 8:9-10: God as it were sets them to work and undertakes their disappointment — go about your counsels, says the Lord, and I will take order that it shall come to nothing. Psalm 2:3-4: when men are deep in their…

To whom these Arguments are valid. Isaiah 8:20. 2 Timothy 3:16. of [illegible].

They were such a stubborn and self-conceited and disobedient People, that God justly gave them up to their own Blindness and Hardness: And for this Reason our Savior spoke often the great things of the Gospel to them in Parables. He was ordained to be a stumbling Stone and Rock…

From this fear have sprung all the generous resolutions, and patient sufferings of the saints, and martyrs of God, because they dared not sin against him; therefore they dared be imprisoned, and impoverished, and tortured, and die for him. Thus the Prophet Isaiah sets carnal, an…

And that these that were best versed in the Law, and so seemed best able to judge of the Messiah foretold, should have persecuted Christ all his life, and at last put him to a shameful death. That they may know, this makes nothing against him, nor ought to invalidate their faith…

The exhortation conform to the assertion, that they fear not, why should they fear any thing that are assured of happiness, indeed that are the more happy by those very things that seem most to be feared. The words are in part borrowed from the Prophet Isaiah, and he relates the…

And besides, we are in danger to be terrified by their frowns, and act unseemly. Fear not their fear, nor be afraid (Isaiah 8:13); out of the fear of men we are apt to miscarry in our duty to God. Well then, we need to go to God to be delivered from the evil of the world, that w…

For he speaks before, Be not afraid of their terror, or be troubled: but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. See the same phrase used for the same purpose, Isaiah 8:13. Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

Briefly now I will add two reasons: first, because it is the rule according to which we must judge of all spiritual truth. (Isaiah 8:20) To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Secondly, it is the rule a…

Those that vent their own dreams under the name of the Spirit, and divine light, they do not give you mysteria, but monstra, portentous opinions; not show you the wondrous things of God's Law, but the prodigies of their own brain; unhappy abortives, that die as soon as they come…

First, To the Law, in regard of which the Ark is called the Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 25:16), because the two Tables were laid up in it. The Gospel is also called the testimony, the testimony of God concerning his Son (Isaiah 8:20): To the law, and to the testimony; where tes…

They that believe in me through their word. And (Isaiah 8:20), To the law, and to the testimony, else there is no light in them. That's the sacred standard by which we should measure all doctrines, and these will make wise the simple (Psalm 19).

The reasonableness of such propositions in the theory may easily appear, but as to practice we are governed by sense and human passion, which judges the quite contrary of all this, and causes us to make bold with God, because afraid of men; to follow earthly things with the grea…

3. The fear of God, or a deep awe and reverence of him, when we are more afraid to offend God, than to suffer from man. The apostle, when he bids us to be ready to make profession (1 Peter 3:5), bids us do it with meekness and fear; meekness respects men; fear, a care to approve…

God will be sanctified in all that draw near to him (Leviticus 10:3). Now what is it to sanctify God in our hearts, but to fear his majesty, and greatness, and goodness; (Isaiah 8:13) "Sanctify the Lord God of Hosts in your hearts, and make him your fear." Therefore David desire…

Many things are contrived against us in the dark, that we know not, and see not, but the eye of the Lord watches for us. (Isaiah 8:10) Take counsel together, and it shall come to nothing: speak the word, and it shall not stand, for God is with us. Second Point.

And says the prophet, "The Lord spoke to me with a strong hand" — not simply "the Word of the Lord came to me," or "the Lord spoke to me," but he spoke with a strong hand — what? Why, "say not a confederacy with them that say a confederacy" (Isaiah 8:11-12). The men of the leagu…

If seeing ugly and devilish shapes affright us, what will it do to be with the devil and his angels! 3 This will be the sad effect of these torments, [reconstructed: final] and eternal impenitency, and despair, even to cursing and blaspheming: he that dies impenitent, continues…

2. The Word has vim legislativam, the power of a law, it gives law to the whole soul, binds conscience, it is therefore frequently called the law, in Scripture, unless your law had been my delight, etc. To the law and to the testimony, this is spoken of the whole Word of God, wh…

Indeed, that which in itself is the greatest mercy, through the interposition of men's lusts, and the efficacy of this cursed sin of unbelief, turns to the greatest judgment, as the richest and most generous wine makes the sharpest vinegar. Our Lord Christ himself, the choicest…

Now the tenderness that God shows to this Prerogative of his, appears in three particulars. First, in the strict command he layes on his people, to give him the glory of his power, Isa. 8. 12, 13. Feare ye not their feare, but sanctifie the Lord of hostes himself: that is, in th…

When corrupt nature is vext it shows it self, and some afflictions do that to purpose. We reade of such as are offended when persecution comes, they fall quite out with their Profession, because it puts them to such cost and trouble; others in their distress that curse their God…

I am persuaded that the author of the arguments following will fail of his intention with all that have so much reason as to know how to make use of reason, and so much grace as not to love darkness more than light. Argument 1: That which the Scripture often and plainly affirms…

Psalm 19:7. And it was so of all the external duties of obedience, for matter and manner, time and season; that in both, the church might walk acceptably before God, Isaiah 8:20. And although the Original duties of the Moral part of the law are often preferred before the particu…

Here we are at a loss, and know that we shall be so while we are in this world: but all the ineffable fruits and benefits of this truth are communicated unto those who do believe. It is with reference hereunto, that that great promise concerning him is given unto the church (Isa…

This being a grand article of our faith, I shall amplify: I know the Arians, Socinians, Ebionites would rob Christ of the best jewel of his crown, his Godhead; but the Apostolical, Nicene, Athanasian Creed affirm Christ's deity, to this the churches of Helvetia, Bohemia, Wittemb…

Let all great ones take heed how they employ their power against Christ: Christ gives them their power, and if this power shall be made use of for the suppressing of his kingdom and ordinances, their account will be heavy. God has laid the key of government upon Christ's shoulde…

1. God the Father is the God of peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). 2. God the Son is the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). 3. Peace is said to be the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Without are dogs, and whoever loves and makes a lie. And as it is a great sin to tell a lie, so it is a worse sin to teach a lie (Isaiah 9:15). The prophet that teaches lies.

God the Father is called the God of Peace (Hebrews 13:20). God the Son, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). God the Holy Ghost is a Spirit of Peace: it is called the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

The Devil is called the strong man (Matthew 12:29). Christ is called el Gibbor, the mighty God (Isaiah 9:6). The Devil is called the Accuser (Revelation 12:10).

He is a Father in respect of grace, because we are regenerate by him, and accepted to be his sons by adoption through the merit of Christ. And in this respect the second person as well as the first is called a Father, and said to have an offspring or seed and children (Isaiah 9:…

That is a sad condition indeed to which no promise belongs. I remember Mr. Calvin, on those words (Isaiah 9:1), 'Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation,' solves the question in what sense the darkness of the captivity was not so great as the lesser in…

You would not think it lost labor, to read and study these places of Scripture, that show what our Lord Jesus is in his Person, Nature, and Offices, that you may have the faith of his Godhead fixed, and may be clear as to the excelling fullness that is in him. As namely that of…

But to pursue what we proposed, namely, these several ways whereby the Scripture confirms this truth, and to this purpose consider: 1. The express titles and names that are given to him in Scripture, and some Scripture sayings of him which hold it out; three of which we shall in…

He shall outlive his sufferings, and death; and shall be delighted in seeing of them, who shall get the good of his sufferings; as it is said of Job, that he saw his children, or [reconstructed: seed] of the third and fourth generation; that is, he lived long, and saw [reconstru…

The word portion is not in the original, but well supplied, It is only, I will divide him many, as the word is often used, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, That is, He shall in dividing the spoil, be above the strongest. The words infer, and take in these three, 1.…

There is (Hosea 3) a promise of the ingathering of the Jews. And (Isaiah 9:6) it's said, that "The government shall be upon his shoulders, and of the increase of his government there shall be no end". And (Revelation 11:15) it is proclaimed, "The kingdoms of this world are becom…

Because, not any Saint on earth can be so united personally to God, as the Son of Man; for he being made of a woman, of the seed of David, the Son of Man, he, and not any but he, is the eternal Son of God, God blessed for ever. The Child born to us, is the mighty God, the Father…

It is a use of trial that we are upon in this discourse, and therefore to proceed to the next part of the point: those that have Christ for a Savior, they have him also for a Prince (Acts 5:31). God has appointed him for a Prince and a Savior; if you will have him for a Savior,…

3. To show the old prophecies were fulfilled, which foretold the union of the two natures in his Person, the predictions concerning one whose name should be Immanuel, God with us, and who should save and redeem the church (Isaiah 7:14). And of a child that should be the Mighty G…

And when we pray, saying, Our father, &c. we inuocate not onely the first person, but also the Sonne, and holy Ghost. And the sonne of God, is expressely called the Father of eternitie, in respect of vs, Isa 9:6. and he is said to have his seede. Isa 53:11.

79. That he might give light to those who were sitting in darkness As to light and darkness, there are similar modes of expression in Isaiah: such as, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath…

is very emphatic; for it would have given no great delight to hear that the Author of salvation was born, unless each person believed that for himself he was born. In the same manner Isaiah says, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given,” (Isaiah 9:6;) and Zechariah, “Be…

“Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people th…

It is the better to signify, and exhibit to us, that variety of excellencies that meet together, and are conjoined in him. Many appellations are mentioned together in one verse (Isaiah 9:6): For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his sh…

It is a good sign afflictive Providences are sanctified to us, when we draw near to God under them and turn to him that smites us. A wicked man under affliction revolts more and more, Isaiah 1:5 turns not to him that smites him, Isaiah 9:13 but grows worse than before; formality…

This latter darkness is the daughter of the former. The Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2) speaks of the people that sat in darkness: which is repeated (Matthew 4:16), that is, in the darkness of ignorance, of sin and guilt; They had natural light enough, and they had civil light enoug…

For Christ is equal with his Father after the Godhead, and the seed or posterity of David after the manhood which he took of the virgin Mary, that was of David's kindred, and that by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost. If they therefore will assuage their rashness and malapertn…

Take a double description of him, one out of the Old testament, and another from the new. The first from Isaiah 9:6. To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the Government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, t…

Orherwhile it is given to the particular persons in Trinitie; as first and principally to the first person, who is commonly called the Father. And the second person in Trinitie is sometime called Father, as Isa. 9. 6. the father of Eternitie: because he is the ground of our adop…

4. Solomon was a wise, judicious King, and singular for that; and so in our Lord Jesus dwells all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; there is no need to fear that anything that concerns his people will miscarry in his hand. 5. Solomon had a peaceable reign (for which cause h…

Next, it is added; indeed, he is altogether lovely: Although she has spent many sweet words (and indeed there has been no straitening in her) in commending Christ, and although all her words be sweet, and especially when she draws near the close, her expressions be the more mass…

2. God might have punished London with famine, which is a greater judgment than the plague or sword: if the Lord had broken the whole staff of bread, and cut off all provisions of food from the many thousand souls that lived in and about the city; how dreadful would this have be…

8. God does expect that London should labor to pacify his anger. When God threatened to send the sword, and to cut off from Israel the head and the tail, the branch and the rush in one day, and to send the famine so sore that they should eat every man the flesh of his own arm, y…

OBSERVATION. AMong all earthly joyes, these four sorts are noted in Scripture, as the most excellent and remarkable, (1) Nuptial joyes, the day of Espousals is the day of the gladness of a mans heart, Cant. 3. 11. (2) The joy of children. Though now it seem but a common mercy to…

A rational victory must needs be allowed more honorable to a rational creature than a brutal one. This is a cheap, safe and unbloody conquest that does no body any harm, no lives, no treasures sacrificed to it, the glory of these triumphs, not stained as others use to be with fu…

That Word that was with God in the beginning, and was God (John 1:1), is also made flesh (verse 14), not by a conversion of itself into flesh, not by appearing in the outward shape, and likeness of flesh, but by assuming that holy thing that was born of the Virgin (Luke 1:55) in…

This arises from his union. Union is the conjunction of the two natures of God and man in one person (John 1:14; Isaiah 9:6; Romans 1:3, 9:5). The necessary consequences of which are: 1. The subsistence of the human nature in the person of the Son of God, having no subsistence o…

The fault was an active transgression of the law; and the obedience opposed to it must be an active accomplishment of it. Besides obedience placed singly in its own nature denotes an action, or actions conformable to the law; and therein came Christ, not to destroy but to fulfil…

Psalm 19:9 and 43:3 and 119:105, 130. Proverbs 6:23. Isaiah 9:2. Hosea 6:5. Matthew 4:16 and 5:14. John 3:20, 21: It is a Light so shining with the majesty of its Author, as that it manifests itself to be his.

He says, I lay, by which the Lord expresses this his own proper work, as the Psalmist speaks of the same subject (Psalm 118): This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. So (Isaiah 9:7), speaking of this promised Messiah, the zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform…

1. Essentially; and so it is common to all the persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; all three are God, and our Father. And thus not only the first Person, but the second is called the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6). And the Holy Ghost, being author of our being,…

In that Christ is called a Man, hence the Socinians blasphemously deny the essential Deity of Christ. That he is God, is most clearly evinced from Isaiah 9:6. Ioh. 1:1. 1 Corinthians 8:6. 1 John 5:20.

Furthermore, let us learn, that when Jesus Christ was exalted by God his father, it was to the end that his advancement should serve to our everlasting salvation. And therefore in Isaiah 9 he is called the father of the world to come, to the end we might know, not only that he i…

7. It is wisdom to look upon temptation as broken and overcome in Christ, and to consider Satan as a conquered enemy: this will not make us the less careful, but the less fearful: All the temptations that befall the people of God are already overcome in Christ; "For this purpose…

He would take him as a Savior, not a Prince. He would accept of Christ as he has a head of gold (Song of Solomon 5:11), but not as he has the government upon his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6). But when God lets loose the spirit of bondage, and convinces a sinner of his lost, undone con…

Mercy and peace are about his throne; he signs the articles of peace and sends the ambassadors of peace to publish them (2 Corinthians 5:20). Second, God the Son is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). His name is Emmanuel — God with us — a name of peace.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you (John 14:27). Jesus Christ not only purchased peace for us, but speaks peace to us; he is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Peace is a crown jewel of his reign; he whispers his love to the soul and sends his Spirit, that bles…

There is a threefold epiphany or appearing of Christ. There is an appearing of Christ to us, as when he was incarnate (Isaiah 9:6): to us a child is born. This was a happy appearing; when this morning star appeared, then salvation appeared to mankind.

I answer, It is freely given to us, even as Fathers give Lands and Inheritances to their children, and as Kings give Pardons and Titles, and Honours, and Riches, out of their clemency, because they will, to show their magnificence, and goodness to their Subjects; So does GOD giv…

But 3. Then they are sin's servants, when there is a Law of sin and a Covenant, as there is between a master and a servant. And 2. full consent, and men give themselves, and willingly commit and deliver themselves (the word spoken of Christ's willingness to offer himself for us,…

And so the natural man can no more know and receive the things of the Gospel, than he can understand the Metaphysics, the Acroamatics of Aristotle: for these he cannot receive, but judges them folly; and so we are the same way blind, dead, stony-hearted to believe the Gospel, as…

12. There is a wicked flintiness of heart; we shall have peace, though we both hear cursing and walk loosely (Deuteronomy 29:19). We are fallen, but Ephraim's stout heart (2) will rise whether God will, or not (Isaiah 9:9). And (3) the King of Assyria's stout heart will be as st…

And this is specially to be considered that Christ, from the womb to the grave, does act and suffer nothing but as a public person. For us he was born (Isaiah 9:6). For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given (Luke 2:11).

2. See the difference between God and a great part of the world, they are unjust. 1. In their courts of judicature; they pervert justice (Isaiah 10:1). They decree unrighteous decrees.

Divide the world, says Brerewood, into 31 parts, nineteen parts of it are possessed by Jews and Turks, seven parts by Heathens; so that there are but five parts of Christians; and among these Christians so many seduced Papists on one hand, and so many formal Protestants on the o…

2. There is God's visiting in anger (Jeremiah 5:9). Shall I not visit for these things? That is, God's visiting with the rod; and (Isaiah 10:3). What will you do in the day of visitation? That is, in the day when God shall visit with his judgments.

Thus you see God's providences are wise and regular, though to us they seem very strange and crooked. Second, here's another case, the wicked flourish; this seems to be very much out of order: yes, but God in his providence sees good sometimes that the worst of men should be exa…

And Christ looked beyond Judas and Pilate, he looked to God's determinate counsel in delivering him up to be crucified (Acts 4:28), this made him say (Matthew 26:39), Father, not as I will, but as you will: 'Tis vain to quarrel with instruments. Wicked men are but a rod in God's…

Does God take the Assyrian as a staff in his hand to beat his people with? Those blows are smart and make them cry; but the end of his so doing is that he may accomplish his whole work upon Mount Zion (Isaiah 10:12). If God can bring much good out of the worst and greatest evil…

How shiftless are they? (Isaiah 10:3) When God asks of them, What will you do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation that shall come upon you from far? to whom will you flee for help? where will you leave your glory? (Jeremiah 5:31) What will you do in the end?

4. And by faith I live not, Christ lives in me, and I am crucified and mortified; that is, by faith I know that I did live the life of God, and was crucified to the world; whereas I was dead in sins, before I believed. 5. And because believing is somewhat more than a naked act o…

He also makes mention of Lebanon, for we know that it was a mountain greatly renowned in regard of fair and goodly trees which were in it: but if he had spoken of the Assyrians, there should have been no reason in it for him to speak of the destruction of Lebanon. From where we…

And therefore Christ says that, unless God put a period to those calamities, the Jews will utterly perish, so that not a single individual will be left; but that God will remember his gracious covenant, and will spare his elect, according to that other prediction of Isaiah, Thou…

when the Prophets would say, will you destroy even the remnants to utter destruction? And that comes to pass through the ambiguity or doubtfulness of the Hebrew word (Isaiah 10:22; 28:22; Ezekiel 11:13). For seeing the word Chalah may signify as well to end and finish, as to con…

God judges not as we do; we are all in haste, and will have it now, Numb. 12:13 But he is a God of judgement, and blessed are they that wait for him, Isaiah 30:18 (2.) Afflictive Providences have not accomplished that design upon our hearts they were sent for, when we are so ear…

First, that wicked and ungodly men while they satisfy their own lusts, are but doing the work of Satan and executing his designs. These Sabeans, though they did not think it, yet they came upon Satan's errand: so God, when he does justly use wicked men to punish or correct his p…

and frequently elsewhere, both in the Old and New Testament. By moving of the bowels (or sounding, or making a noise, as the word is elsewhere translated, Isaiah 10:11 and 63:15) is understood a sensible stirring of the affections, when they begin to stound, and that kindly, and…

REFLECTIONS. HOw unlike am I to God, in the afflicting of his people? The Lord is pitiful when he smites them, but I have been cruel. He is kind to them, when most severe; but the best of my kindnesses to them, may fitly enough be called severity. God smites them in love, I have…

It is very possible we may be enlightened, or humbled, or reformed, may be brought nearer to God, or weaned from the world, may be furnished with matter for repentance, or prayer, or praise, by the injuries that are done us, and may be much furthered in our way to heaven, by tha…

God begins the judgment on his Church for a little time, that it may end and rest upon his enemies forever. And indeed he leaves the wicked last in the punishment; so as he makes use of them for the punishing of his Church, they are his rod (Isaiah 10). But then when he has done…

So that indeed Christ may properly be styled, Rex Regum, King of Kings. As the king of Assyria made his boast (Isaiah 10:8), Are not my princes altogether kings? A vaunting speech of his, that his princes and favorites were for power and authority as good as kings.

Judgment began at the house of God, what notable humiliation and reformation has it produced there? There is God's whole work to be done upon Mount Zion (Isaiah 10:12). What fruit of all those terrible judgments?

Whoever's will be left undone, God's will should be done, and never left undone to fulfill that of another or our own. They that put unrighteous decrees in execution, are under the same woe with them who decree them; for without the execution, the decree would do no hurt to them…

Then should that (2.) distinction of Jews in the heart, and inward, and of Jews in the flesh (Romans 2:28), and of the children of the flesh, that are not of the spiritual seed, and of the children of the promise (Romans 9:7-8), and of the persecuting children of the bond woman…

We are fallen, but Ephraim's stout heart (2) will rise whether God will, or not (Isaiah 9:9). And (3) the King of Assyria's stout heart will be as strong as God (Isaiah 10:12-13). And (4) it's wicked stoutness to say godly mourning before the Lord is in vain (Malachi 3:13-14).

We believe in Christ: but do we repent in Christ? 4. Faith is a leaning on God (Isaiah 10:20), (Isaiah 26:3), (Isaiah 50:10) love is not so. Faith is a coming to God by way of affiance (John 5:40), (Matthew 11:28), (John 6:37) a receiving of Christ (John 1:11) an eating of his f…

Shall I take my bread and my waters, and my flesh which I killed for my hearers, and give it to men whom I know not from where they be? And he was as mad a fool who thus speaks, (Isaiah 10:13) By the strength of my hand have I done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent: and I r…

Proof 15. The fifteenth proof urges God's earnest expostulations, pleadings, and protests to those many of whom perished (Romans 11:27; Isaiah 10:22) — such as: 'Oh that there were such a heart in them to fear me, that it might be well with them' (Deuteronomy 5:29); 'What more c…

1. To have only a show of godliness is a God-enraging sin: he who is a pretender to Saint-ship, but his heart tells him he has nothing but the Name; he carries Christ in his Bible, but not in his Heart; some politic design spurs him on in the ways of God, he makes Religion a Lac…

This [reconstructed: looks] like poverty, to believe the other mystery in the other side or page of Providence, [illegible] glory of dividing the Red Sea, and of giving seven mighty nations to his people, and their buildings, lands, vineyards, gardens, is a strong faith. 2. The…

Christ takes sinners not by dozens, not by thousands — it is but once in all the word (Acts 2) that three thousand are converted at once — but by one's and two's. Though Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant shall but be saved, [reconstructed: only a remnant] (Romans 9…

4. If God be our Father we are of peaceable spirits: (Matthew 5:9) Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called the children of God. Grace infuses a sweet amicable disposition; it files off the ruggedness of men's spirits; it turns the lion-like fierceness into a lamb-like…

Now, that you may throw off distracting thoughts and drowsiness on the Lord's Day, and may hear the Word with reverent attention, consider, 1. It is God that speaks to us in his Word; therefore the preaching of the Word is called the breath of his lips (Isaiah 11:4). And Christ…

Revenge is the proper sin of the Devil; he is no drunkard, or adulterer, but this old serpent is full of the poison of malice; and what shall we say to them who make profession of religion, yet instead of forgiving pursue others spitefully? It was prophesied the wolf should [rec…

Hence we learn, that the true valor and manhood that was in Moses, and is in all Gods children, like unto him, is a gift of grace. Among many gifts of the Spirit, poured upon our Savior Christ, the spirit of strength, or courage, is one, Isaiah 11.2. And Jethro's counsel to Mose…

Now, this peace is, when a man is kind and peaceable to all, but especially to those that are of the household of faith. And undoubtedly it is a fruit of faith, which the Prophet Isaiah foretold should be under the Gospel, Isaiah 11:6; that then the Wolf should dwell with the La…

The laws of this kingdom are the word of God in the books of the old and new testament. Therefore it is called the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13), the Gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1:13), the rod of his mouth (Isaiah 11:4), the arm of God (Isaiah 53:1). As a king by his laws bring…

It is nothing else but concord which must be kept in a holy manner, with all men, both good and bad, so far forth as can be. Isaiah the prophet speaking of the fruits of the gospel says, The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard with the kid, etc. (Isaiah 11:6). Where…

Though it keeps its dart, it has lost its sting. A saint — to allude to Isaiah 11:8 — may play upon the hole of the asp and put his hand into the cockatrice's den. Death is the cockatrice or asp; the grave is his hole or den.

He was the most excellent scholar among all his school-fellows, and yet the rod of God was heaviest and most frequent on him; he learned his lesson beyond them all. He was quick in understanding, in the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:3). He had in him an excellent Spirit — the Spir…

Now by the Arminian way, he is set upon the throne of David to execute vengeance on all his subjects, and that he may utterly destroy all, if all rebel, and not to save one of Judah and Israel; for he may be a King without any subject; suppose all his subjects were cast in hell.…

And if the Spirit once coming upon his members abides with them for ever, (as Christ promises, John 14:16) then much more does this Spirit abide upon Christ the head, from whom we all (since Christ was in heaven) receive that Spirit, and by virtue of which Spirit's dwelling in h…

If therefore God take from us a wanton and wild heart, a loose and irreverent heart, and work in us an awful reverent fear of his name, in every duty of his service, and our own callings, that keeps us from departing from God, and it keeps God from departing from us, that we alw…

The first is, peace with angels, for man is redeemed by Christ: and by means of this redemption, sinful man is reconciled to good Angels (Colossians 1:20). The second is, peace with the godly: who are all made of one heart and mind (Isaiah 11:9). The third is, peace with ourselv…

True prophecy judges men, discovers the things of the heart, and causes men to say, The Lord is within you (1 Corinthians 14:25). The scepter of Christ whereby he smites the nations, is in his mouth (Isaiah 11:4): that is, in the Ministry of the word (Jeremiah 15:19). And it is…

They suffer wrong, but they do none. In the mount of the Lord there is no hurt done (Isaiah 11:9), they turn their spears and swords, into mattocks and scythes (Isaiah 2:4). And they which do no wrong, but are content to suffer wrong (and that for a good cause,) are in this resp…

Unity may be outside the Church, and dissension in the Church, as here we see. It may be objected that there is peace in the kingdom of God, and that there the wolf and the lamb dwell together (Isaiah 11). Answer: This is but in part verified in the kingdom of grace upon earth:…

So quick motions, sudden perturbations, strong affections, proceeding either from the spirit of God, or of Satan, are termed by the name of spirit. Hence we learn, that the Holy Ghost is author not only of meekness, but of all sanctifying graces, and therefore is called the spir…

And in 2 Chronicles 6:41, Arise O Lord, and enter into your rest. Moreover, we have seen before, in Isaiah 11:10, that God's rest in the Temple should be glorious. In a word, the very name of the Temple was honorable.

There can be no doubt that she was fully convinced of the restoration of the church, and easily gave way to what the flesh would have pronounced to be incredible. And then it is probable that the attention of the public was everywhere directed at that time to the prediction of I…

That its royal dignity had crumbled down long before, and that by slow degrees its supremacy had nearly given way, does not imply such a discontinuance as to be at variance with Jacob's prophecy. For God had promised two things seemingly opposite; that the throne of David would…

Whereas the Scripture speaks of the body, and calls that part the loins, from which from the Father proceeds natural generation, according as we read in Genesis 46, that Christ should spring out of the loins of Judah. Therefore corporally to gird the loins signifies nothing else…

Which grace issues and flows from the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ: as if he should say: This grace no man can have unless he also have the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Of this knowledge of God, as well the Apostles as the prophets do very of…

Where ever that is received or believed, it producs other effects, Titus 2:11, 12. Isaiah 11 6, 7, 8, 9. It teachs men to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts.

It was as it were God's planting the root, whence that branch of righteousness was afterwards to spring up, that was to be the everlasting king of his church; and therefore this everlasting king is called the branch from the stem of Jesse. Isaiah 11:1. "And there shall come fort…

There are many passages of scripture that can be understood in no other sense. What can be more universal than that in Isaiah 11:9, "For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." As much as to say, As there is no part of the channel or c…

Teach your faith to see things that cannot be seen, beauty in distractions, unity and order in violence and division; faith is exercised not when you get water out of the fountain, but out of the rock, when you make the eater give you meat, devouring differences yield comfort an…

Man's corrupt nature has made him like the wild ass used to the wilderness, or the swift dromedary traversing her ways (Jeremiah 2:23-24). But the grace of meekness, when that gets dominion in the soul, alters the temper of it, brings it to hand, submits it to management, and no…

If we either faint, or fret in such a day of adversity, it is a sign our strength is small indeed. May it not satisfy us, that by our meekness and quietness under reproaches, we engage God for us, who has promised, that he will with righteousness judge the poor, the poor in spir…

Difference between the earnest of the Spirit, and tasting of the powers of the world to come. Unction by the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3). The various teachings of the Holy Ghost.

It is the fear of God which moves men conscientiously to submit themselves one to another. This made David so well to rule the people of God (2 Samuel 23:3): and Joseph to deal so well with his brethren (Genesis 42:18): indeed, this is noted to be the cause of the righteous rule…

He bears testimony concerning our condition as it is indeed; we may possibly mistake, and trouble ourselves in vain, or flatter ourselves upon false grounds, but he is the Amen, the faithful witness, and what he speaks of our state and condition, that it is indeed. He is said no…

To them gave he Power to become the Sons of God, even to as many as believed on his Name. Seeking to him, Isaiah 11:10. To him shall the Gentiles seek.

These things rightly qualifying it, it does no wrong to good manners and the courtesy here enjoined, but is truly a part of it — by due admonishments and reproofs to seek to reclaim a sinner; it were worst unkindness not to do it: you shall not hate your brother, etc. But that w…

But yet must we not separate the second point from it: which is, that we must be sanctified by his holy spirit, according to this saying, that he has received the fullness of all grace, to the end that all of us should draw out of him (John 1:16; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9)…

Now on the contrary part he says, Light in the Lord, to show that all the wisdom which we have, comes of a supernatural grace, as they term it, that is to say, we have it not by inheritance, neither can we father it upon ourselves, but it is altogether of God's working, and we m…

And seeking, that notes our diligence in the use of means. That faith is implied in seeking, appears by comparing these two Scriptures, Isaiah 11:10. To it shall the Gentiles seek. Now when this is spoken of in the New Testament, it is rendered thus, Romans 15:12. In him shall t…

2. There is a filial fear, a fear of reverence. This fear of God was in Christ as Mediator (Isaiah 11:1-2). Among other graces there reckoned up which belong to Jehovah the Branch, to Christ Jesus, this is one — "the fear of the Lord."

There is a fitness in regard of the subject, which however it gives no cause nor help to the accomplishment of the work now in doing, yet it makes way for the further manifestation of the skill and goodness of the workman, and holds out the work done to greater admiration. Thus…

Grace turns the vulture into a dove, the brier into a myrtle tree, the lion-like fierceness into a lamb-like gentleness. Isaiah 11:7-8: The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. This is spoken of the power the gospel shall have upon men's h…

If you would have grace, frequent the means of grace; lie at the pool of Bethesda, wait at the posts of wisdom's door. Inward grace is wrought by outward means; the preaching of the Word is God's engine for working grace — it is called the rod of his strength (Psalm 110:2) and t…

(4.) There is a more numerous company of these who have not loved their lives to the death, and the martyrs that suffered more exquisite torments for Christ, under the persecuting Emperors and reign of Antichrist, than ever before; the constraining love of Christ, which is stron…

2. The Anabaptists from these places say none are to be baptized, but such as are so in Covenant, and as have these promises fulfilled in them, in whom the Lord has wrought a new heart, and a new spirit; and that there is no external covenanting under the New Testament. But then…

(Isaiah 42:1): I will put my Spirit upon him. Then all influences are promised also (Isaiah 11:2): The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him — and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord, and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, etc. Second, Chr…

And in the whole Man Christ was a perfect mass, and, as it were, a complete body of all gracious qualifications. (Isaiah 11.) He received the Spirit of knowledge and was ignorant of nothing he ought to know: disputed with the doctors being of twelve years old: the world knew not…

And this was the anointing with the oil of gladness which he had above his fellows (Psalm 45); it was upon his head and ran down to his beard, yes, down to the skirts of his clothing (Psalm 133:2), that every one covered with the garment of his righteousness might be made partak…

And this Transformation is the Introduction of a new Form or Nature into our Souls, diverse from that wherewith we were before endued. So is it described, Isaiah 11:6, 7, 8, 9. A Spiritual Nature they were changed into.

(2) That Disorder which is by nature in the Affections and Passions of the Mind, which is directly opposite to spiritual Life and Peace, is cast out, or cured hereby. It is a blessed Promise of the times of the New Testament, of the Kingdom and Rule of Christ, that through the E…

Observe 1. The woman's witty answer by retortion in great quickness by concession of the conclusion, and granting she was a dog, she borrows the argument, and takes it from Christ's mouth to prove her question: She argues from the temptation: Let me be a dog, so I be a dog under…

2. In that the soul speaks out of the dust, and is put to silence before God, and sits alone, as melancholics do (Lamentations 3:28-29). A tamed man is broken in his will, in which the pride of opposing God consists: then (Isaiah 11:6) the wolf dwells with the lamb. 3. The subor…

And if this faithful and sure word had not been David's delight and comfort, if he had not in all the changes and chances of his own life remembered, that all God's promises are made in heaven, where there is no inconstancy, nor repentance, he had perished in his affliction. Tho…

(2.) It is true in a spiritual sense. When God intends to raise a soul to spiritual comfort, he first lays it low in desertion (Isaiah 12:1). As the limner lays his dark color first, and then lays his gold color on it, so God first lays the soul in the dark of desertion, and the…

In the way of his Judgements you are to wait for him, Isaiah 26:8 to prepare to meet him, Zeph. 2. 1, 2. Amos 4:12 Now your business is, to turn away his anger which you see approaching. And sometimes you are called to praise him for mercies received, Isaiah 12. 1, 2. but then y…

When God had once written Loammi upon Israel, the next news is this, I will recover my wool and my flax (Hosea 2:9). (5) And lastly, to come up to the very case in hand, they lose with it their spiritual food and soul-subsistence; for the Gospel is their feast of fat things (Isa…

How quickly am I discouraged, if I presently find not what I expect in duty? Whereas, the well is deep, and much pains must be taken to draw up those waters of joy (Isaiah 12:3). There is a golden vein in the mount of duty, but it lies deep; and because I meet not with it as soo…

It is true, the work of a Christian is painful, and much more spending than the husbandman's (as was opened in Chapter 1.) but then it as much exceeds in the delights and pleasures that attend it. What is the Christian's work, but with joy to draw water out of the wells of salva…

Food is that which keeps us in life, and enables us to action and work. And as water, (Isaiah 12:3) With joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. This is as water to a fainting traveler.

So, show me a token for good, that they which hate me may see it and be ashamed, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me (Psalm 81:17). So, in that day you shall say, O Lord I will praise you, though you were angry with me, your anger was turned away and you comforted…

Partly, as they are helps and encouragements to love and praise God, and to live in a thankful course of holiness, when not stopped or diverted by fear of enemies. Isaiah 12:1. "In that day you shall say, O Lord, I will praise you; though you were angry with me, your anger is tu…

But directly this is the same with that parallel place (Titus 1:3): according to the commandment of God our Savior, where no interposition of that conjunctive particle can have place, the same title being also in other places ascribed to him, as Luke 1:47: my spirit has rejoiced…

And it makes nothing to the contrary, that oftentimes it is said that the Lord is angry with them that are his, when he punishes their sins. As in Isaiah: I will confess to you, O Lord, because you have been angry with me: your wrath is turned, and you have comforted me (Isaiah…

Thus a man that lives under the joyful sound of the ordinances, he has ever matter of as much joy as a soldier after victory. Isaiah 12:3: With joy shall they draw waters out of the wells of salvation; and what are those wells of salvation? Are they not the ordinances of God fro…

2. There is a price laid down for this kingdom; heaven is not only a kingdom which God has promised, but which Christ has purchased: it is called a purchased possession, (Ephesians 1:14) though this kingdom is given to us freely, yet Christ bought it with the price of his blood;…

If God be gone, England will be like an house that hath the furniture taken down, and is falling to ruine. Isa. 13. 31. Owles shall dwell there, and Satyrs shall dance there. If God be gone, Satan will be the next Tenant.

God sent Joseph to Egypt to be the governor thereof, and a reliever of Jacob's family (Genesis 45). In this regard the Medes and Persians are said to be the sanctified ones of God (Isaiah 13:3), and the men of his counsel (Isaiah 46:11). The use: hence we are all taught, to walk…

And then verse 16 branches it into those three that are indeed the base anti-trinity that the world worships: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. The soul of man unconverted is no other but a den of impure lusts, wherein dwells pride, uncleanness,…

4. Consider how much pride has cost us: they that are proud and burdensome to other people, God will pull down their pride. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the h…

He is like a ship in a tempest — sickness begins to make a tempest in his body, and sin to make a tempest in his conscience, and he has nowhere to take shelter. Their faces shall be as flames (Isaiah 13:8) — such fear and horror shall seize upon sinners in the evil day that thei…

First, for the world as container — generally for the whole fabric of heaven and earth with all things in them contained, which God created in the beginning (Job 34:13; Acts 17:24; Ephesians 1:4); and distinctly, first for the heavens and all things belonging to them distinguish…

The world is God's diocese, and shall not he do what he will in his own diocese? He it was that turned King Nebuchadnezzar to grass, and threw the angels to Hell when they sinned, that broke the head of the Babylonish empire (Isaiah 14:12). How have you fallen from Heaven, O Luc…

His seed are exposed to God's heavy judgments in this life: God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon their children. I think I hear God speak, as (Isaiah 14:21): Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers. Use 2. See what a privilege it is to be the…

When Saul left God, he went to the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:8). 3. The serpent has a subtlety in its wings; for naturalists report, such serpents are found in Ethiopia, as have wings; and the Scripture mentions a fiery flying serpent (Isaiah 14:29). Which wings denote the sub…

Now such a hope as Arminians allow to Heathen and Indians, to Reprobates, who believe that Christ died for all and every one, and such as perish eternally, we gladly leave to themselves; and if our doctrine of particular redemption furnishes ground of despair as opposed to this…

When God lays us low, he can lay us lower, and therefore it is best for us, to lay ourselves as low as we can: so does he, who sits upon the ground, if his heart sit down with him too. It is possible for the body to lie groveling upon the earth, when the spirit is nestling among…

Flying to him for Refuge, Hebrews 6:18 as before. Looking unto Christ, or beholding him, Isaiah 14:25. Look unto me all ye Ends of the Earth and be saved.

For there is a man speaking within a man, and a heart within a heart acting, as if it were a man made up of soul and body. You have said in your heart, I will ascend up to Heaven, so the King of Babylon (Isaiah 14:13). So the heart acts Heaven or Hell within the man (Psalm 14:1;…

14. And upon this account there is required a deadening of our hearts to shipping and trading with diverse mighty nations, as we see in the case of Tyre (Ezekiel 27), of Babylon (Revelation 18:11-13; Jeremiah 51). So are we to be mortified to fair houses (Isaiah 5:8), stately ci…

And Alexander hearing that Parmenio his General had won the Victory, and his young Son Alexander was born the same day, prayed the Gods to spice his joy with some bitterness, lest he should surfeit of too much joy. But this prosperous state of the wicked is matter rather of pity…

This will, according to which it is said, He would that no man should know it, was his human will, according to which the Lord Jesus was a man as we are, yet without sin; which was not always fulfilled; for his Divine will, being backed with omnipotency, can never be resisted: i…

The greatness of the Persian emperors made them all usurp religious worship from their subjects. The like insolence we find in the Babylonian monarchs, they exalted themselves above the height of the clouds, and made themselves equal to the most high (Isaiah 14:14). Indeed their…

Secondly, a saint being [in non-Latin alphabet], a public blessing, lies in the breach to turn away wrath: so that to destroy him, is to go to pull down the pillars of a nation. Thirdly, he is precious to God (Isaiah 15:43, 44). He is a member of Christ's body; therefore what in…

Shaving of the head was used sometimes to express sorrow, sometimes to express bondage, and I find it used in Scripture in opposition to both these, namely in times of joy and liberty. First, shaving of the head was used as a note of sorrow (Isaiah 15:2); the Lord speaking by hi…

Is it to be wondered at, if he withhold the clouds that they rain not on it, and suffer briars and thorns to spring up in it, where the plants did grow? The vine when it is unfruitful, is the most unuseful of all trees, it is fit for nothing but the fire, and the Lord has threat…

Thirdly, it makes vs waite Gods leisure for our deliverance. Isa 16:28. Lastly, in our Temptations we are not to liue by feeling, but by faith: indeed against feeling, to rest on the bare promise of God; when we feele and apprehend nothing but the wrath of God.

True religion begets tenderness; as it melts the heart in tears of contrition toward God, so also in bowels of compassion toward others. Isaiah 16:11: My heart shall sound as a harp. When our bowels of pity sound, then our alms make sweet music in the ears of God.

When a shower falls, the herbs and plants grow. Isaiah 16:9: I will water you with my tears, O Heshbon. I may allude to it: tears water our graces, and make them flourish.

When Aeneas would have saved Anchises his life, says he, Absit ut excisa possim supervivere Troiâ. Far be it from me that I should desire to live when Troy is buried in its ruins; there are in Music two Unisons, if you strike one, you shall perceive the other to stir, as if it w…

But when we have been under the Harrow, and can sympathize with our suffering Brethren, and weep with them that weep; this is a sign we are bettered by the affliction. In Music, when one string is touched, all the rest sound: so our bowels sound as an harp, Isaiah 16:11. 10. Whe…

The earth mourns and fades away, the world mourns, languishes and fades away. See also Psalm 98:8, Isaiah 16:8, Isaiah 35:1-2, Isaiah 49:13, Leviticus 18:28, etc. Now rejoicing, shouting for joy, singing, breaking forth into singing, clapping of hands, crying out, answering, mou…

Then in the dawning he has prayed harder, and used his arms with greater violence than before, by this hunger grows fatter, sense stronger; it is here, Eat and be hungry, pray and desire more strongly to pray. 3. Reasons of God's not hearing prayer are; 1. Superstitious and fals…

1 Samuel 12:13, 19: the spirit of grace looks at sins against Saviors as the chiefest and greatest; though they had doubtless committed many other sins, yet none pierced them so much as this — it was because they grew weary of their Savior. So Chorazin and Bethsaida were greater…

We may see other Christians out-shining us in gifts and grace, as the sun out-shines the lesser planets. Others are laden with fruit, perhaps we have but here and there an olive-berry growing, to show that we are of the right kind (Isaiah 17:6). 3. If we look infra nos, below us…

A cause is not good, because followed by many. Isaiah 17:7, in that day, when the Church is but three or four berries on the top of the olive tree, a man, one single man, shall look to his Maker. Men come to Zion, and follow Christ in ones and twos of a whole Tribe (Jeremiah 3:1…

3. If you look to any other, it cannot save you, but one look on him would make you eternally happy, and you have it (Isaiah 45:22): Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else; come and have heaven for one look, for one turning of y…

And truly this prophecy does indeed properly belong to Christ, through whom it is no marvel if the Gentiles have some part of the promise of salvation. The Prophet has already used this similitude (Isaiah 17:6), but there he only mentioned the church of the Jews, telling them th…

And this is a right acknowledgment: for God is robbed of his due honor while men glory in themselves, be it never so little. But Isaiah speaks not here of the common creation of men, but of their regeneration, for which respect the faithful are in particular called the workmansh…

These Providences speak the jealousie of God over us, and his care to prevent far worse evils by these sad but needful strokes. And so for the degrees of our troubles, sanctified strokes are ordinarily fitted by the wisdome of God to the strength and ability of our inherent grac…

And therefore looking is frequently put for believing in Scripture, which presupposes understanding. 2. Kindliness, or a spiritual, kindly and affectionate carriage to Christ; in a word, it is the exercise of love upon this spiritual and wonderfully excellent object Christ, a ha…

This soul of mine was once plowed up by conviction, and sown (as I thought) with the seed of God. In those days many purposes and good resolutions began to chink and bud forth, promising a blessed harvest: But O! (with what consternation and horror should I speak it;) the cares…

Those fruits which are preserved on the tree, or in the hoard, are comparatively but an handful to those that are broken in the pound. Alas! 'tis scarce one of a thousand, and such a small remnant of Elected souls has God reserved for glory. I look upon the World as a great Tree…

This forgetting of the God that saves us in our extremities, is a sin that brings desolation and ruine, the effects of God's high displeasure, upon all our temporal enjoyments. See that remarkable Scripture, Isaiah 17:10, 11. Because you hast [forgotten] the God of [your salvati…

He who has a little gold labors to increase it — and is not grace more precious than gold? Some Christians have a little fruit and think that is well; like trees that have an apple or two growing on them to show that they are of the right kind (Isaiah 17:6): two or three berries…

Hence the word that notes a staff (2 Samuel 22:18; Isaiah 3): the Lord has broken the stay and the staff of bread (Isaiah 30:1), and this is to be done often, when there is no present duty to be done, nor any work required of us, but only a fiducial relying upon the Lord alone,…

The use is to stir up all that profess themselves to be in Christ, to examine whether they be true genuine branches of this true vine or no. Here in this kingdom, Christ is spread forth into a fair and pleasant vine in show, as this earth affords: but if we ministers were able w…

They look up to him for it, though they do not as yet find themselves sprinkled with it. Isaiah 17:7: Then shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the holy one of Israel. Thirdly, faith casts a longing and desiring look after salvation in him.

The Macedonians on the birthday of Alexander did wear Alexander's picture about their necks, set with gold and pearl: so the righteous carry the lively picture of Christ in their holy example; they live so devoutly as if they had seen the Lord with bodily eyes. 2. The life of a…

3. They are defined by their country. Isaiah 19:18: Five Cities of the land of Egypt shall speak the Language of Canaan. Verse 24: In that day Israel shall be the third part with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the Land.

It is further said, we must restore in the spirit of meekness. The word spirit is added, because it proceeds from the spirit of God, who is both the worker and continuer thereof: as on the contrary, the spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14), the spirit of error (1 John 4:6), the spi…

To bless and swear, is taken for the whole service of God. Swearing is one branch of this service, as we have seen in (Isaiah 19:18) and (Isaiah 48:1). For thereby we leave all judgment to God, and acknowledge him the true witness of whatever is done or spoken.

I do acknowledge that there is no distinction of places, for it is the will of the Lord that men should call upon Him everywhere; but as believers, who profess to worship the God of Israel, are said to speak in the language of Canaan, (Isaiah 19:18,) so they are also said to com…

Turkish History tells us, that the very Camels that are used to go to Mahomets Tomb, are ever after of high esteem amongst them, so as they never after use them in any mean servile way as they did before: Though things be never so mean, yet by the use they become honorable; no u…

3. His inheritance, Isaiah 19:25 other people are the work of Gods hands, but Israel is his inheritance. 4.

First, communion consists in the delight they have in one another: There is a full, actual, mutual, everlasting delight between God and the Saints in heaven: First, there is a delight: Secondly, full: Thirdly, actual: Fourthly, mutual: Fifthly, everlasting. First, there is a del…

He destroys the wisdom of the wise and brings to nothing the understanding of the prudent, 1 Corinthians 1:19. This he largely describes in Isaiah 19:11-14: drunkenness and staggering are the issue of all their wisdom, for the Lord gives them the spirit of dizziness. So also Job…

When he means evil, he sends them evil magistrates. (Isaiah 19:4): The Egyptians will I give over into the hands of a cruel lord, and a fierce king shall rule over them. But when good governors, it is a mercy, and a presage of good.

But he chooses with a Covenant choice and calling all the Nations (Isaiah 2:2-3), all the families of the earth under the New Testament (Psalm 22:27), all Egypt and Assyria under the New Testament. Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hand (Isaiah 19:29). All t…

(3.) From Covenant prayers and church prayers — contrary to (1 Samuel 12; Psalm 28:9; Psalm 67:1-2; Psalm 103:4-5). (4.) From the blessing of the Lord's Covenant-presence, who dwells in the Nation, in the Kingdom (Psalm 135:21, Psalm 132:13-14, Revelation 11:15, Isaiah 19:25, Is…

Q. 1. If multitudes and people externally covenanted with God, though not internally, whom the Lord calls his people and chosen by him (Deuteronomy 7:6, Deuteronomy 10:15), be the rightly constituted and visible church, as Mr. Thomas Hooker grants, then kingdoms must be his visi…

But then the whole Gentiles (Isaiah 55:4-5; Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 60:1-3, etc.), all nations (Isaiah 2:1-2), all flesh (Isaiah 40:5; Psalm 65:2), all the kindreds of the earth (Psalm 22:26-27), the kingdoms of the world (Revelation 11:15), should be all chosen to life, taught of…

So more than twenty times in the Gospel of John, there is mention of this sending; and our Savior describes himself by this description, him whom the Father has sent (John 6:39), and the Father, by this, he who sent me (John 8:16). So that this action of sending is appropriate t…

But, it is usual to say, that is not done at all, which is but a little done; they took nothing to eat, that is, they took very sparingly, they did eat only so much as would, according to our language, keep life and soul together. In (Isaiah 20:3), it is said, that Isaiah walked…

3. Her feet are commended from this, that they are not bare, but, beautiful with shoes: To be barefooted, imports three things in Scripture. 1. A shameful condition (Isaiah 20:4). 2. A present sad affliction, the sense whereof makes men careless of what is adorning; So David (2…

As (1.) sullenness and dumpish sadness, in refusing comforts, and being full of unbelieving heaviness, in David (Psalm 69:20; Psalm 42:11), whereas we are always to rejoice (Psalm 119:52; Philippians 4:4). (2.) Fainting at the greatness of the affliction (Isaiah 20:3; John 14:1)…

He speaks expressly of the multitude, because they were a great people; and therefore boasted of it as if they had been invincible. Where he adds that the remnant shall be feeble, he means, there shall be such a change, that there shall be great odds between their former and lat…

It was wholly committed to the Son of God, who alone was able to undertake it, and who has perfectly accomplished it. So that God now sayes, fury is not in me, he that will lay hold on my strength that he may have peace, he shall have peace, Isaiah 21:4. 5.

2. To rejoice is a duty (Psalm 33:1): praise is comely for the upright. But when God by his judgments calls us to weeping, now joy and mirth is unseasonable (Isaiah 22:12): "In that day did the Lord call to weeping, and behold joy and gladness." Oecolampadius, and other learned…

Ah, this goes close to honest hearts! But though God allows — indeed commands — the most awakened apprehensions of these calamities, and in such a day calls to mourning, weeping, and girding with sackcloth (Isaiah 22:12), and severely threatens the insensible (Amos 6:1), yet it…

The fairest and most glorious sight, that ever the eye of man saw, shall be, when Christ shall come riding through the clouds, on his chariot of glory, accompanied with his mighty angels, and with one pull, or shake of his mighty arms, shall cause the stars to fall from heaven,…

Fie on all the glory of the world; let us not think 1. too much of this piece, airy, windy, vain opinion of men's esteem and the applause; it's but a short living, hungry Hosanna, when your name is carried through a spot or bit of this clay-stage, for a day or two, they'll wonde…

The Church prays thus to God, Teach us to number our days, that is, so to consider the shortness, uncertainty, and vanity of our life, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom (Psalm 90:12). But wicked men's practice is clean contrary, for they take occasion upon the shortness of…

As there are various affections planted in your souls, so are there several graces planted in those affections, and several Providences appointed to draw forth, and exercise these graces. When the Providences of God are sad, and afflictive either upon the Church in general, or y…

3. The end of this invitation, it was to eat and to drink with them. As under the notions of bread and water, or bread and wine, all necessaries for food are comprised; so under the actions of eating and drinking, the whole business of feasting is contained (Luke 12:19; Isaiah 2…

We read (Jeremiah 3:21), A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the house of Israel. When the terrible voice of God's judgements has been heard in London, God does hearken for the voice of weeping and supplications; this God's voice does call for; w…

We must spend no more care, or thoughts, or time, or words, or cost, about them, and lay no more stress or weight upon them than they deserve, and that is but a very little. It is but glory hung upon us, as the expression is (Isaiah 22:24), and has no glory if compared with the…

In the name of Jesus Christ I beseech you, let it be your care so to walk, with such heavenly humble spirits, as to hold forth the beauty of godliness unto others, and to force respect from them. As it is said of God, Holy and reverend is his name; How does Gods name come to be…

Wicked men would have the favor of God, but they are easily put out of the humor. Again, then we pray with the whole heart, when there is such a desire as not to be discouraged, but you venture again, when the Lord seems to put off and give a check to your requests (Isaiah 22:8)…

O that our tears may blunt the edge of this sword; when it is a time of treading down, now is a time of breaking up the fallow ground of our hearts. Isaiah 22:4-5: therefore said I, look away from me, I will weep bitterly, for it is a day of treading down. Joel 2:2, 13: a day of…

This is a sin that enrages God. Isaiah 22:12-13: In that day did the Lord of Hosts call to weeping and to mourning, and behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine. And it was revealed in my ears by the Lord of Hosts: Surely this ini…

Rejoicing is a duty (Psalm 33:1); but when God by some special providence calls us to weeping, now joy is unseasonable. This is that which God complains of (Isaiah 22:12): in that day did the Lord of Hosts call to weeping, and behold joy and gladness. Oecolampadius and others th…

8. There is a promise of glory, of a name above all names made to Christ for his sufferings (Psalm 16:9-11) (Isaiah 53:12) (Acts 5:31), and to such as suffer with him, and overcome (Luke 22:29-30) (Revelation 3:21) (Revelation 2:10). As also, he shall bear all the glory of his F…

8. As the former Argument is from the promise made to Christ, and fulfilled to him, so this is from the predictions, prophecies and promises of him, as he, of whom such glorious promises are foretold, and may claim the thing promised, by faith, he has some word of promise for su…

Sometimes God makes his judgements go in circuit, from family to family. The cup of affliction has gone round in the Nation, all have tasted it; and if we repent not now, we stand in a contempt of God, and do interpretatively bid God do his worst; and such a climax of wickedness…

The expressions of smiting of the thigh, (Jeremiah 31:19). knocking on the breast, L[illegible]k. 18. 13. putting on of sackcloth, (Isaiah 22:12). plucking off the hair, (Ezra 9:3). What are all these, but outward signs of inward sorrow.

Christ is a growing child. In Christ's lower firmament, there be stars of the first and second magnitude: and in his house, vessels of great, and of small quantity, cups and flagons (Isaiah 22:24), yet all are fastened upon the golden nail, Jesus Christ. 2. All are in the way, t…

Therefore fire cannot consume, water cannot drown the saints, except by a dispensation of the Lord. 5. Christ is not fastened as a loose nail, or as one broken or rotten wedge in the covenant: he is there as a nail in a sure place (Zechariah 10:4; Isaiah 22:23). Hang all the ves…

It's a man's betaking himself to Christ, that when he shall be called for, it may be answered, Lord, I am in Christ not having my own righteousness, etc. It is not to be lippenning to the man's good hopes, to his good prayers, or to his good meaning, but to Christ's satisfaction…

Christ's fame spread abroad through all the country, and now he is shamed and a reproached man; now the whole people cry out away with him, away with him, crucify him; the ground of man's glory is his goodliness or graciousness, his [in non-Latin alphabet], all his endowments an…

"He that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them." Holiness shall then be as it were inscribed on every thing, on all men's common business and employments, and the common utensils of life:…

For this sin God strikes many with Frenzy, and so levels the Mountain of pride. God has stained the pride of England's glory, Isaiah 23.9. He has stripped us of our Jewels, Proverbs 16.8. Pride goes before destruction.

But his unchangeable love depends not on the ebbing and flowing of your transient and up and down sense: in this, you worship a dependent God. There is no rule without God to regulate him, or yet to straighten him in his walking; we are not to misplace God, for though the God of…

15. We glorify God in a high manner when we suffer for God, and seal the Gospel with our blood (John 21:18-19): When you shall be old, another shall gird you and carry you where you would not: This he spoke, signifying by what death he should glorify God. God's glory shines in t…

But 1. the footstool for the soles of Christ's feet (Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:35). 2. A footstool of clay far from the throne of glory, the office house of sin (Isaiah 24:5). The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof (chapter 26:21).

Isaiah 24:15 Therefore, glorify you the Lord in the fires. You have oft, my dear hearers, let me tell you, met with affliction; and I believe you may persuade yourselves affliction is at hand, which makes such deep impressions, when sent and blessed by heaven, as to thaw the ver…

Almost all the then known world, that is all the nations that were round about the land of Canaan, far and near, that were within the reach of their knowledge, were overturned again and again. All lands were in their turns subdued, captivated, and as it were emptied, and turned…

But it shall be one day, which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light." — It is further represented, as though God would then give such light to his church, that it should so much exceed the glory of the…

It is in the Gospel then that we have peace, and therefore it stood the Jews in hand to be made partakers of that doctrine. And as for us that come of the Gentiles, we ought (as I said this morning) to acknowledge so much the better the double recognition wherein we stand bound…

The world is Satan's walk, the devil's circuit: From where do you come? From compassing the earth (Job 1), a place defiled with sin (Isaiah 24:5), given to the children of men (Psalm 115:16). Here God will show his bounty to all his creatures, to beasts, and all kind of men; it…

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad thereof. Isaiah 24:4. The earth mourns and fades away, the world mourns, languishes and fades away.

(2 Samuel 2:14) That which was but a play in the morning, proved bitter in the evening. So though a man in the morning of his age, look at sin but as a trifle, yet the time will come when you shall say, it is bitterness (Isaiah 24:9) and (Proverbs 23:32) it will in the end bite…

Response. Argument 1. By Scripture (John 6:44): I will raise him up at the last day. Isaiah 25:8. He will swallow up death in victory. That is, by delivering our bodies from the captivity of the grave, wherein death for a time had power over them (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

He neither slumbers nor sleeps. 7. He thinks nothing too good to part with to his children: He gives them the kidneys of the wheat, and honey out of the rock, and wine on the lees well refined (Isaiah 25:6). He gives them three jewels more worth than heaven, the blood of his Son…

How could we taste this honey of joy, if we were not sometimes in affliction? Again, God has promised to wipe away tears from our eyes (Isaiah 25:8). How could God wipe away our tears in Heaven, if we never shed any?

Some feed ordinarily on the fat and marrow of the Lord's house (Psalm 63:5). And there is a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined (Isaiah 25:6). And has not the King a banqueting house, a wine cellar (S…

For sometimes God gives not only a comfortable but a glorious issue. There is nothing lost by waiting on providence, though we abide the blows of Satan for a while, yet abide them; God is — it may be — preparing the greater mercy for you (Isaiah 25:9): "And it shall be said in t…

(2.) Afflictive Providences have not accomplished that design upon our hearts they were sent for, when we are so earnest and impatient for a change of them; and till then the rod must not be taken off, Isaiah 10:12 (3.) The more prayers and searchings of heart come between our w…

Christ called her to eat and drink abundantly, to be filled with his love. See the like Isaiah 25:6. So Job's children were eating and drinking wine, that is, they were at a plentiful and solemn feast that day.

First, the King here spoken of is Christ, as was cleared (verse 4). His Table or feasting-house is the Gospel (Proverbs 9:1, etc.), where the feast of fat things is prepared (Isaiah 25:6). His sitting at his Table, or her sitting with him at it, imports familiar fellowship with…

"Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously." There is a kind of a veil now cast over the greater part of the world, which keeps them in darkness: but then this ve…

When God had once written Loammi upon Israel, the next news is this, I will recover my wool and my flax (Hosea 2:9). (5) And lastly, to come up to the very case in hand, they lose with it their spiritual food and soul-subsistence; for the Gospel is their feast of fat things (Isa…

First, the choice mercies of God are communicated to his people: If you would have any share in Gods choice mercies, his peculiar mercies, come amongst Gods people, join with them: as that place is observable in Psalm 134:3 The Lord that made Heaven and earth, bless you out of S…

None eat of this banquet but such as wait at the table. Isaiah 25:6, 9: In this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make to all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines well refined; and it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him; we will be gla…

1. Because when Christ says (John 5:4), "The believer has passed from death" — as it is a curse — "and shall never come to judgment and condemnation," he cannot mean that they have half passed from the curse, and half not. 2. Believers are delivered, in Christ, from the victory,…

No doubt, Christ God-Man is in Covenant with God, being a person designed from eternity, with his own consent, and in time yielding to that, and yet he stands not in that covenant-relation that we stand in: as we shall hear. Argument 1. What argument does prove that there is a p…

And the continuation of this veil on the revelation of the glory of Christ, while a veil of ignorance and blindness was upon their hearts and minds, proved the ruin of that church in its apostasy, as the apostle declares (2 Corinthians 3:7–14). This double veil God promised to r…

5 It is comfort in case of the Saints' sufferings; The Church of God is exposed in this life to many injuries, but she has an Husband in heaven, that is mindful of her, and will turn her waters into wine; now it is a time of mourning with the Spouse, because the Bridegroom is ab…

Now how could this equality have stood together, unless he had been the same God whose name is Jah and Jehovah: that rides upon the Cherubim, that is king of all the earth and Lord of the worlds? Now however they babble against it, it cannot be taken from Christ which Isaiah say…

Who are these that fly as Doves to the windows? The gracious soul flies as a Dove to an Ordinance, upon the wings of delight; The Sacrament is his delight: On this day the Lord makes a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the Lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on t…

Christ rides into the Believer's heart in these chariots. Ordinances are convivium pinguium, the feast of fat things, Isaiah 25.6. The soul feasts with Christ here, Canticles 2.4.

When a man daily seeks the face of God for pardon of sin and peace of conscience, the heart of such an one shall daily rejoice. Secondly, daily to remember the Lord, is to wait upon him, and that brings continual rejoicing (Isaiah 25:9). In that day it shall be said, Lo, this is…

2. God's power is an inexhaustible power, it is never spent or wasted. Men, while they exercise their strength, weaken it: but God has an everlasting spring of strength in him (Isaiah 26:4). though he spends his arrows upon his enemies (Deuteronomy 32:23).

Quest. 5. What are the visible signs of our love to God? Resp. 1. If we love God, then our desire is after him (Isaiah 26:8): The desire of our soul is to your name. He who loves God breathes after communion with him (Psalm 42:2): My soul thirsts for the living God.

Therefore Christian be not discouraged; though you have no strength of your own, yet God will give you this strength. The iron has no power to move, but when the lodestone draws it it can move (Isaiah 26:12). You have wrought all our works in us.

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun. 2. The bodies of the saints shall arise out of their graves with triumph: the bodies of the wicked shall come out of the grave with trembling, as being to receive their fatal doom: but the godly, when they awake out of the dust, s…

Nothing will quench the soul's thirst but the blood of Christ; he faints away, his heart breaks with longing for God (Psalm 84:2; Psalm 119:20). 3. An unfeigned desire is active; it flourishes into endeavor (Isaiah 26:9): With my soul have I desired you, indeed, with my spirit w…

When Jacob was in fear of his life by his brother, then he wrestles with God and weeps in prayer, and would not leave God till he had blessed him (Hosea 12:4). It is with many of God's children as with those who formerly had the sweating sickness in this land, it was a sleepy di…

That is: throw and cast your whole soul, your whole weight, upon it. He only has perfect peace whose mind is stayed on God (Isaiah 26:3). Have not half your soul upon that rock which is higher than you, but climb up and get all upon it.

And he that will pray aright, must put on the person and the very affection of a poor wretched beggar, and certainly not being grieved with the rueful condition in which we are in ourselves, it is not possible for us to pray effectually, Psalms 130:1. Out of the deepest called u…

Go to God by acts of faith and trust, and never doubt but he will secure you. Isaiah 26:3: 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.' God takes it well when you come to him thus: 'Father, my life, my liberty, or estate are hunted…

4. And by faith I live not, Christ lives in me, and I am crucified and mortified; that is, by faith I know that I did live the life of God, and was crucified to the world; whereas I was dead in sins, before I believed. 5. And because believing is somewhat more than a naked act o…

The will of God is revealed in the breathing of the Spirit, that stretches forth itself in such a humble and faithful manner, as that the soul is very sensible of its need of it, we pour out our souls before God, for what we stand in need of in feeling desires, and this good Han…

All these places show that there can be no sincerity and seriousness in this duty, unless there be this ascension of the soul to God, it is an act of spiritual friendship, therefore called an acquainting ourselves with God (Job 22:21). Now as acquaintance is kept up by frequent…

So his works of judgment (Psalm 119:120): My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments, when the wicked of the earth are put away like dross. A lion trembles to see a dog beaten before him, and it is imputed as a fault to the wicked, that they do not take…

I fear many of us are guilty of a kind of spiritual fine-spun Idolatry, by heterogeneous thoughts in holy duties, that pluck us from God, when we are approaching to him. The Lord humble us for this, and fix our thoughts upon God, that we may say as the Church (Isaiah 26:8), The…

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful unto me, for my soul trusts in you; yes, in the shadow of your wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast" (verse 1). This trust and dependance on God, though it is not argumentative in respect of the dignity of the act…

And so for afflictions, 'tis a great wickedness, when God's hand is listed up not to see it. Isaiah 26:11 The Ox knows his owner, and the Ass his masters crib, Isaiah 1:3 the most dull and stupid creatures know their benefactors. O look to the hand of God in all; and know, that…

(2.) The peculiar care and kindness of Providence to us, is a consideration which exceedingly heightens the mercy in it self, and endears it to us. So, when in general calamities upon the world, w are exempted by the favor of Providence, covered under its wings; when God shall c…

Your betters have waited long upon God for mercy, and why should not you? David waited till his eyes failed, Psalm 69. 3 The Church waited for him in the way of his judgements, Isaiah 26:8 Are you better than all the saints that are gone before you? Is God more obliged to you th…

It's plain, that this is our duty, because the neglect of it is every where in Scripture condemned as a sin. To be of an heedless inobservant temper is very displeasing to God; and so much appears by that Scripture, Isaiah 26:11 Lord when your hand is lifted up they will not see…

Take him as he was a magistrate, when Job sat in judgment or had any business brought before him, he gave every one his due, he did not spare or smite upon ends; he did neither at any time justify the wicked or condemn the godly, but was upright in judgment: he was not biased by…

Her case is in the last words, I am sick of love: a strange disease, yet natural to a believer. This sickness implies pain as of a woman in travail, whose showers are sharp, and pangs vehement till she bring forth: The same word is used to this purpose, (Isaiah 26:17) Like as a…

It is said (Daniel 9:13), all this evil is come upon us, yet made we not our prayer to the Lord our God; and when God had consumed Israel because of their iniquities, the prophet complains (Isaiah 64:7), there is none that calls upon your Name, that stirs up himself to take hold…

Then shall be accomplished concerning Antichrist the things which are written in the 18th chapter of Revelation of the spiritual Babylon, that great city Rome, or the idolatrous Roman government, that has for so many ages been the great enemy of the Christian church, first under…

Hitherto there have been diverse lords: the Heathens had their several Deities, the Turks their Mahomet, the Jews their imaginary Messiah, the Papists their lord the Pope — many nations do not as yet call Christ Lord. Other lords have dominion over them (Isaiah 26:13). But then…

He has a hiding place and a covert, and rivers of water, and the shadow of a great rock for his security. This is the great mystery of faith in this matter of our acceptation with God by Christ: whereas the soul of a believer finds enough in himself and upon himself to rend the…

It is spoken of him in reference to his being sent by Christ after his ascension: I will send him who proceeds — namely, when I send him. As God is said to arise out of his place, Isaiah 26:21, not in regard of any change in him but of the new work he would effect, so here the m…

Answer: 1. It is no otherwise the work of the Spirit, but as all graces and good works which are in us, are his: he works in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). He works all our works in us (Isaiah 26:12); the work of faith with power (2 Thessalonia…

Pray, there is the insufficiency of it, and the necessity of his watching, by whose power we are effectually preserved, and that power is our fort. Salvation has God appointed for walls and bulwarks (Isaiah 26:1), what more safe than to be walled with salvation itself. So (Prove…

Now you have but one to serve, and that's a great ease, and it's no slavery, but true honor to serve so excellent a lord and in so high services: for he puts you upon nothing, but what is neat and what is honorable, you are as a vessel of honor in his house for his best employme…

This is of great importance. You know the very notion of prayer, it is a visiting of God (Isaiah 26:16): O Lord, in trouble have they visited you; they poured out a prayer, when your chastening was upon them. Praying to God, and visiting of God, are equivalent expressions.

"Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness, to them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11). "When your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righte…

The first step of coming out of this kingdom of darkness, is, when we find it to be a heavy burden, and grow weary of the Devil's government, though it be but out of a principle of self-love. (Isaiah 26:13) O Lord, other lords besides you have had dominion over us; but by you on…

2. This is what I mean, That after conversion God still concurs; He does not only give grace, but actual help in the work of obedience: He works all our works in us. (Isaiah 26:12) His actual help is necessary to direct, quicken, strengthen, protect and defend us. To direct us:…

1. Whose word it is. God's word; and your best affections are due to him (Isaiah 26:8). Our desires are to you, and to the remembrance of your name.

3. To try our love. Though we be not feasted with felt comforts, and present benefits, yet God will try the deportment of his children, if indeed he be the delight of their hearts (Isaiah 26:8). Indeed, in the way of your judgments, O Lord, have we waited for you.

And therefore God concurs by his actual assistance, sometimes in a more liberal and plentiful manner, by the freer aids and assistances of his grace, and sometimes more sparingly, according to his own pleasure. He does not only give us the habits of grace, he works all our works…

Paul was better at willing than at doing (Romans 7:18 — to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not). And other of the saints of God, though they could not plead their exact performance and their full and effectual compliance with the will of God…

God will try the deportment of his children, whether they will adhere to him when he seems to cast them off. It is not said, In the way of your mercies, but, In the way of your judgments, O Lord, have we waited for you; the desire of our soul is to your name, and to the remembra…

They that know anything of God's custom, and have learned from others, or experienced themselves, or by searching into the records of time have found with what wisdom and power, justice and mercy God governs the world, will be firmly grounded in their trust and reliance on him,…

Here is first a note of discovery; for men are judged by their desires, rather than their practices, as being freest from constraint: And this is humbly represented by the children of God, to incline his favor and compassion to them (Nehemiah 1:11): Let your ear be attentive to…

Those that have spiritual affections will take all occasions to remember God's name. In adversity for their comfort (Isaiah 26:8-9): "Indeed in the way of your judgments, O Lord, have we waited for you: the desire of our soul is to your name, and to the remembrance of you: with…

2. This straying humor is much increased and encouraged by prosperity, which though it be good in itself, yet so perverse are we by nature, that we are the worse for it. That the wicked are the worse for it is clear (Isaiah 26:10): Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will the…

2. It quickens others to be more careful of their duty, more watchful against sin, and does exercise and improve us in heavenly virtues and graces of the Spirit which lay dormant in us through neglect, since pleasing objects which deaden the heart are removed. Even God's best ch…

Self-confidence, and spiritual security is apt to grow upon them; therefore to mortify our self-confidence, to awaken us out of spiritual sleep, we need to be afflicted, and also to quicken and rouse up a spirit of prayer. We grow cold and flat, and ask mercies for form's sake (…

These proclaim a war with the Lord of Hosts, especially when not reclaimed by grievous judgments. (Isaiah 26:19) I will break the pride of your power. And this is that we should lay to heart at this day.

Can you love God, though you be not feasted with self-comforts, and present benefits? (Isaiah 26:8) Indeed, in the way of your judgments, O Lord, have we waited for you, etc. Our affections are bribed, when desired comforts are presently obtained; God will see if we purely love…

2ndly, His power is eternal: therefore it is said (Romans 1:20) that his eternal power and Godhead is clearly understood from the creation of the world, and seen in the things that are made; how could else so many things be educed out of nothing, and still kept from returning in…

They did not seek him by fits and girds, nor in a time of trouble and affliction only as many do. Lord, in trouble have they visited you, they poured out a prayer when your chastening was upon them (Isaiah 26:16). Many when God visits them, then they visit him, but not till then…

In a word, then is a man truly worthy that is fit to hear of, and to receive mercy, when he is rightly, really become [illegible] of his own unworthiness. The soul now stands ready to side it with Christ for him to take possession of it, that though the soul be not able to kill…

Question 1: What is meant by hunger? Answer: Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportionable to itself.

That the sea should be higher than the earth, and yet not drown it, is a wonder: so that the wicked should be so much higher than the Church in power, and not devour it, is because Christ has this inscription on his vesture and his thigh, King of Kings (Psalm 124:2), If it had n…

To love God in heaven is no wonder, but to love God when he chastises us, this discovers sincerity. 2. For purgation: To purge out corruption, Ardet palea, purgatur aurum (Isaiah 27:9). And this is all the fruit to take away his sin.

When God shakes the tree of the body, he is now gathering the fruits of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). Sickness is God's lance to let out the imposthume of sin (Isaiah 27:9). 3. In case of God's providences to his church: we wonder what God is doing with us, and are ready to kil…

The wicked dying in their sins can expect no mercy from God as a Father. Many say, he that made them will save them, but (Isaiah 27:11): It is a people of no understanding, therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them. Though God was their Father by creation, yet beca…

So it is to God to have the breasts of his mercy drawn. Isaiah 27:4: "Fury is not in me" — that is, I do not delight in it. Acts of severity are rather forced from God; he does not afflict willingly (Lamentations 3:33).

When Israel was compassed in between Pharaoh and the Red Sea, no question some of their hearts did begin to tremble, and they looked upon themselves as dead men, but providence so ordered it, that the Sea was a safe passage to Israel, and a sepulcher to Pharaoh and all his host.…

I will correct you in measure. God will in the day of his east wind stay his rough wind (Isaiah 27:8). The physician that understands the constitution and temper of the patient, will not give too strong medicine for the body nor will he give one dram or scruple too much.

Afflictions do not fall out by chance, but by counsel (Job 5:6; Ephesians 1:11). By this counsel of God they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints (Isaiah 27:9): 'By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged.' Hebrews 12:10: 'But he for our profit.'

God is a golden shield to his people, and a flaming sword to his enemies, Zach. 2. 5. For I saith the Lord will be unto her a wall of fire round about. A wall, That is defensive; a wall of fire that is offensive, Isa. 27. 2. In that day sing ye unto her a Vineyard, of red wine,…

The second is (Hosea 4): My people perish for want of knowledge. The third is (Isaiah 27): This is a people of no understanding, therefore he that made them, will have no mercy upon them. Think not then little of ignorance, neither think yourselves to be well, so long as you liv…

Or what just reason can there be to be dissatisfied with, or to complain of God's giving to, and ordering that for us, whereof we stand in need, and which we cannot want without being considerably prejudiced and worsted by the want? Sixthly, if it be considered, that in all your…

(Job 7:21), "And why do you not pardon my iniquity, and take away my transgression?" (Isaiah 27:9), "This is all the fruit, to take away his sin" — this cannot be the potential and ineffectual removing of sin, common to all the world, but proper to the Church, and brought to pas…

He prays like a king, who is in joint commission with God. If God puts that honor upon our prayers, that we are said to have power with God, as Jacob (Hosea 12:3) — that if God be never so angry, yet by taking hold of his strength, we hold his hands (Isaiah 27:5) — that God crie…

What punishment is sufficient for the least of our offenses, committed against his infinite Majesty? This ought therefore to be referred to the mercies of God, that he always smiting in measure, as it is in (Isaiah 27:8), will give them no more blows, neither yet continue them a…

Your poverty does but clog your pride; reproaches clog your ambition: want prevents wantonness: sickness of body conduces to the prevention of many inward gripes of conscience, and groans under guilt. The Providences of God may be observed to conduce to our holiness, not only by…

A Well of water is discovered to Hagar, just when she had let the Child, as not able to see its death, Genesis 21. 16, 19. Rabshakh meets with a blasting Providence, hears a rumour that frustrated his design, just when ready to give the shock against Jerusalem, Isaiah 27. 7, 8.…

One Word of God can do more, than ten thousand words of men to relieve a distressed soul. If Providence have at any time directed you to such Promises, as either assure you that the Lord will be with you in trouble, Psalm 91:15 or that encourage you from inward peace, to bear ch…

If, as some expound it, the hedge be the Law of God, then the Serpent is the remorse of Conscience, and the sharp teeth of affliction, which he shall quickly feel, if he be one that belongs to God. The design and aim of these afflictive Providences, is to purge and cleanse them…

To some all Providences are over-ruled and ordered for good, according to that blessed Promise, Romans 8:28 not only things that are good in themselves, as Ordinances, Graces, Duties and Mercies; but things that are evil in themselves, as Temptations, Afflictions, and even their…

Satan has a boundless malice against the people of God. Some observe this from his name Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1). In that day the Lord with his great and strong Sword shall punish Leviathan the piercing Serpent.

It is not enough that we be prisoners of hope, but we must turn to our strong hold, Zechariah 9:12. not enough that we are weary and laden, but we must come to him, Matthew 11:27, 28. It will not suffice that we are weak, and know we are weak, but we must take hold on the streng…

Were there no more mercy, grace, Compassion, to be shewed in this case, than it is possible should be treasured up in the heart of a man, it would be impossible that Ephraim should be spared; But says he, I am God and not Man; Consider the infinite largeness, bounty, and goodnes…

All that wait on God on the account of mercy and grace shall have an undoubted Issue of peace. He shall redeem Israel; let him says God lay hold of my Arm, that he may have peace, and he shall have peace, Isaiah 27:3. Obs.

They are called so, 1. For their feebleness in themselves (Ezekiel 15:2-3, etc.), yet excelling in fruit beyond others. 2. Because of God's separating them from others, and taking pains on them above all others (Isaiah 27:2-3); for these, and other reasons, they are called the v…

Believers have a notable security and defense, Christ's bed and his guard, if he be sure, they are sure, one watch watches both him and her. The same power of God (Isaiah 27:2), the twenty thousand of Angels, which are his Chariots (Psalm 68:17), are for the believer's protectio…

Next, this garden is enclosed: it is a special property of gardens to be so; to be enclosed is by a wall or hedge to be fenced from the trampling and eating-up of beasts, and also from the hazard of winds: so (Isaiah 5:2) the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts (which is his Church) i…

O then labor to pacify his anger, you cannot fly from him, O then fly to him; you cannot stand in his sight when he is angry, O then fall down at his feet; make peace with this adversary, while you are upon the way, before he deliver you to the officer death, and cast you into t…

"Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land." The glorious times which are approaching, are as it were the church's jubilee, which shall be intr…

GOd having to do in a way of correction with divers sorts of offenders, does not use the like severity with them all, but proportions his correction to their abilities and strength, Ier. 30. 11. I will not make a full end of you, but will [correct you in measure] and will not le…

He sets a guard of angels to encamp round about them that fear him (Psalm 34:7), and will not trust them with a single guard of angels neither, though their power be great, and love to the saints as great. But he watches over them himself also (Isaiah 27:2-3): "Sing to her, a vi…

Meekness preserves the mind from being ruffled, and discomposed, and the spirit from being unhinged by the vanities and vexations of this lower world: it stills the noise of the sea, the noise of her waves, and the tumult of the soul; permits not the passions to crowd out in a d…

To be meek is to be like the greatest saints; the elders that obtained a good report, and were of renown in their generation. It is to be like the greatest angels, whose meekness in their conversation with, and ministration to the saints, is very observable in the Scriptures; or…

Eighthly, it is good being with Gods people, because there is Gods special protection; others are but as the wilderness, the Church is as a garden enclosed, Cant. 4:12 A man regards his garden that he has enclosed, and bestowed cost about, more then a wilde field; the fields hav…

Ninthly, afflictions are of great use to mortifie lusts, to purge out filth and corruption. Isa. 27:9 By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit thereof. When Physitians purge the body, they purge out that which is good, as well as that which is evi…

He sings to his church, a vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it (Isaiah 27:3; Psalm 147:11; 149:4). There is rest, and complacency in his love.

Terrible Majesty, Holiness and consuming Fire are with our God; and among rebellious Creatures, his Wisdom finds proper Seasons and Objects where these must have their Exercise: And if you are Sinners, why should not his just Vengeance be let out upon you? It is a dreadful Word…

Our Salvation under this Character is called Peace, Romans 5:1. Jesus Christ himself, for this Reason, is called our Peace or Peace-maker, Ephesians 2:24 and Isaiah 27:5 where a Sinner is represented as taking hold of the Strength or Arm of the Lord, in order to make Peace with…

As you have received Christ, so walk in him. Laying hold of Christ, Isaiah 27:5. Let him take hold of my Strength that he may make Peace with me.

Salvation itself our walls and bulwarks. We ought to watch, but when we do in obedience to our Commander, the Captain of our Salvation, yet it is his own watching, who sleeps not, nor so much as slumbers, it is that preserves us, and makes ours not to be in vain (Psalm 126:1; Is…

If the faith that you have grew out of your natural heart of itself, it is but a weed, be sure; the right plant of faith is always set by God's own hand, and it is watered and preserved by him, because exposed to many hazards, he watches it night and day. (Isaiah 27:3) I the Lor…

That their prayers may ascend the more thick, that sweet incense, he kindles these fires of trial to them; for though it should not be so, yet so it is, that in times of ease they would grow readily remiss and formal that way. He is gracious and wise, knows what he does with the…

We need all kind of dispensations, and cannot well be without the many troubles that do befall us. 3. The nature and use of affliction; it is a medicine, not a poison, it works out the remainders of sin (Isaiah 27:9). By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and…

1 Corinthians 10:13. There has no temptation taken you, but such as is common to men, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. Isaiah 27:8. In meas…

To a pruning hook, that cuts off the luxuriant branches, and makes the other that remain the more fruitful (John 15:2): Every branch in me that bears not fruit, he takes away, and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it that it may bring forth more fruit. To medicine that pu…

They prevent sin (2 Corinthians 12:7): And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelation, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. They purge out sin (Isaiah 27:9): By this…

Secondly, right as to the measure, not above the strength of the patient. In his own people's afflictions it is so; (Isaiah 27:8), In measure when it shoots forth, you will debate it; he stays his rough wind in the day of the east wind. God deals with his own with much moderatio…

(Psalm 119:71) It was good for me that I was afflicted, why? Because before I was afflicted I went astray; affliction is better than going astray: the fruit is the taking away of sin (Isaiah 27:9), indeed, to make us partakers of his holiness (Hebrews 12:10), which is the end of…

So the fire of affliction serves to burn the bonds of iniquity. "By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin" (Isaiah 27:9). When affliction or death comes to a wicked man, it takes away his soul; when it comes to a go…

If persecution cannot hinder Christ's prayer for us, then it cannot obstruct our blessedness. They are blessed whose sin is purged out; but persecution purges out sin (Isaiah 27:9; Hebrews 12:11). Persecution is a corrosive to eat out the proud flesh, it is a fan to winnow us, a…

The bee naturally gives honey, but stings only when it is angered. The Lord would have men make their peace with him (Isaiah 27:5). God is not like a hasty creditor that requires the debt and will give no time for payment; he is not only gracious, but waits to be gracious (Isaia…

Others teach with difficulty. Difficulty in finding out a truth, and in inculcating it (Isaiah 28:10): Precept must be upon precept, line upon line; some may teach all their lives, and the word take no impression. They complain as (Isaiah 49:4): I have spent my labour in vain.

2. If you want Assurance wait for it; if the figures are graven on the dial, it is but waiting a while and the sun shines: When grace is engraven in the heart, it is but waiting a while and we shall have the sunshine of Assurance. He that believes makes not haste, (Isaiah 28:16)…

6. God's Justice is such, that it is not fit for any man or angel to expostulate with God, or demand a reason of his actions. God has not only authority on his side, but equity: he lays judgment to the line, and righteousness to the plummet, (Isaiah 28:17) and it is below him to…

God is represented with a rainbow round about him (Revelation 4:3), an emblem of his mercy. Acts of severity are rather forced from God; justice is his strange work (Isaiah 28:21). Therefore the disciples, who are not said to wonder at other miracles of Christ, yet did wonder wh…

It could not be a nesciency that God was ignorant, because there is mention made of a cry; but the Lord speaks there [illegible], after the manner of a judge, who will first examine the cause before he passes the sentence. God when he is upon a work of justice, is not in a riot,…

The drunkard is seldom reclaimed by repentance; and the ground of it is, partly, because by this sin the senses are so enchanted, reason so impaired, and lust so inflamed; and, partly, it is judicial, the drunkard being so besotted with this sin, God says of him as of Ephraim (H…

Those who are poor in the world, yet as soon as they come into this kingdom, grow rich, as rich as the angels: Other kingdoms are enriched with gold, this is enriched with the Deity. 4. The kingdom of heaven excels all other kingdoms in holiness: Kingdoms on earth are for the mo…

Mercy is God's right hand, that he is most used to. Inflicting of punishment is called God's strange work (Isaiah 28:21); he is not used to it. And when the Lord would shave off the pride of a nation, he is said to hire a razor, as if he had none of his own (Isaiah 7:20): "He sh…

Every good gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights. Wisdom is the gift of God (Isaiah 28:26). His God does instruct him to discretion.

In Isaiah 57:17, if lesser crosses would do it, he would not bring out the great rod. If a rod will thresh out the cummin, he is not accustomed to run the wheel over it or use a flail to do it (Isaiah 28:27). Now lesser afflictions work with most of his, through his blessing — m…

1. As it makes the report of Christ, and brings the tidings of such things, as that He is born, and that He has suffered, and for such an end, and that we may partake of the benefit of them on such terms; it makes the proclamation narratively, and tells what He did, what good ma…

May we not then say, O sinners, if you will believe that you have a good resting place, a sure foundation, a tried cornerstone? As it is (Isaiah 28), cited (Romans 9), where the Apostle has it, He that believes on Him shall never be ashamed; there is a sufficient surety, a full…

Isaiah preached long in many kings' reigns, and yet all along his prophecy he complains of it, as in Isaiah 6:11: "How long, Lord, shall their eyes be blind, and their ears heavy, etc." And in Isaiah 28:9: "Whom shall I teach doctrine? Those that are weaned from the milk, and dr…

Thus also we prescribe means and time to God, take upon us to set rules to him, how he should govern the world. And one usual way of tempting God now is, when we will not go fair and softly in the path and pace of God's appointing, but are offended at the tediousness thereof, an…

Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, and what then can hinder? 2. Patience, we must be contented with the Son of God to tarry his leisure, and undergo our course of trial; as Christ patiently continued till enough was done to instruct the Church (Isaiah 28:16). He that b…

Again in our afflictions and temptations we may not make haste, for help and deliverance before the time, but wait the leisure of God, who has decreed the time of deliverance. He that believes makes no haste (Isaiah 28:16). Habakkuk must wait because the vision is for a time app…

And because they profess Christian religion, and sometimes come to the church, and to the Lord's table, they think all is well, and they suppose there is no danger. Thus they make a covenant with hell and death (Isaiah 28). But they deceive themselves: for God is unchangeable, a…

For as he will deny anything in justice that denied to Dives a drop of water to cool his tongue (Luke 16:24-25), so he will recompense anything in mercy, that will recompense a cup of cold water (Matthew 10:42). This integrity in judgment without partiality is signified by the w…

Wherefore also it is contained in Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion the head-stone of the corner, elect, precious, and he that believes in him shall not be confounded. Unto you, therefore, which believe, he is precious: but unto them who are disobedient, the stone which the build…

Sometimes he states, in a dark manner, what might be more clearly expressed; and sometimes he explains his mind fully, without ambiguity and without metaphor, but strikes their senses with dullness and their minds with stupidity, so that they are blind amidst bright sunshine. Su…

Lo, I lay in Zion a foundation-stone, a precious and elect stone, against which both houses of Israel shall stumble! (Isaiah 28:16.) The same mode of expression frequently occurs in the New Testament.

He threatens, therefore, that he will come as their Judge, and that he will make them forget those luxurious enjoyments to which they are now so entirely devoted; not that the coming of Christ will strike them with terror—for they think that they have made a covenant with death,…

Ungodly men feel trouble, before they see it, and are often past all hope, before they have had any fear; when they have a good day, they think their day will be an eternity, and last for ever; Those in Amos, (Amos 6:3) were merry, they were singing and feasting, eating the fat,…

This discovery of forgiveness in God with the effects of it before mentioned, will produce a Resolution of waiting on God for peace and consolation, in his own time and way. He that believs will not make haste, Isaiah 28:16. not make haste; to what? not to the enjoyment of the t…

This ruines and disappoints many a soul in its attempts for forgiveness. The prophet speaking of this matter, tells us, that He that believs shall not, nor will not make haste, Isaiah 28:16. Which words the apostle twice making use of, Romansans 9:33, chap.

The evil servant said in his heart, my master does deferre his comming, and thereupon he takes occasion to smi[]e his fellowes, and to live lewdly. Isa. 28. 15. The wicked say, they have made a couenant with hell and death, and though a scourge runne ouer, and passe through, yet…

Where, first we may note what is the faith of worldlings: they doe not trust in God for foode, raiment, and other temporal blessings; how then can we say that their faith is sound for eternal mercies? Isa. 28. 16. He that beleeus will not make hast, but will stay Gods leasure, w…

And indeede herein doe we show forth faith when we referre the time and manner of receiving our request, to the good pleasure of God: for he that beleeus will not make hast. Isa. 28. 16. The second rule to be here remembred concerning prayer, is: That these promises are not made…

Observation 1. Christ is an active husband, having hands, and working with them for the good of his Bride: a piece of his work we heard of, chapter 3:9, in that noble Chariot: he is no idle spectator; he works hitherto (John 5:17). 2. All our Lord Jesus his works, are exceeding…

The plow must neither go too shallow nor too deep in the earth; it must not indent the ground by making crooked furrows, nor leap and make baulks in good ground; but be guided as to a just depth of earth, so to cast the furrow in a straight line, that the floor or surface of the…

OBSERVATION. Husbandmen are very careful and curious about their seed-corn, that it may not only be clean and pure, but the best and most excellent in its kind (Isaiah 28:25). He casts in the principal wheat.

This being your desire, remember that a poor prisoner of Christ said it to you: that miscarried journey is pregnant with mercy and consolation for you, and shall bring forth a fair birth, and the Lord shall be midwife to the birth. Wait on; he that believes does not make haste —…

Meekness qualifies and disposes us to hear and receive the Word: when malice and envy are laid aside, and we are like new-born babes, for innocency and inoffensiveness, then we are most fit to receive the sincere milk of the Word, and are most likely to grow thereby (1 Peter 2:1…

Let us but keep the peace within, by the governing of our own passions, and then whatever assaults may be made upon us, we may therein, with the daughter of Zion, despise them, and laugh them to scorn, and shake our head at them (Isaiah 37:22). Let us believe, that in hurrying a…

The word of the Lord is to them a reproach, as the prophet complains (Jeremiah 6:10). And another prophet found it so, whose serious word of the necessity, of precept upon precept was turned into an idle song (as Grotius understands it, Isaiah 28:13): the word of the Lord was to…

They that spurn at the rock of salvation, will not only be unable to remove it, but will find it a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense (1 Peter 2:8). And we find those who ridiculed the word of the Lord, broken, and snared, and taken (Isaiah 28:13). Let all those therefore…

And we have the Church complaining in Lam. 3:30 He gives his cheek to him that smiteth him, he is filled full of reproach. So all the Prophets that were the most eminent were reproached, as Isaiah; in Isa. 28. Precept upon precept, line upon line, that was a scoff they put upon…

In wisdom has he made all his creatures; how manifold are his works! the earth is full of his riches (Psalm 104:24). So in his providence, his sustaining and guidance of all things in order to one another and his own glory unto the ends appointed for them; for all these things c…

That which is daily done is in Scripture said to be done continually: as the sacrifice which was daily offered was called a continual offering. Here let this caution be noted, that in giving this spiritual food, parents deal with their children as skillful nurses and mothers do…

God will have his children lie a while at his door, when they have run from his house, and not instantly rush in upon him; unless he take them by the hand, and draw them in, when they are so ashamed that they dare not come to him. Now self-healers, or men that speak peace to the…

The former verses 6, 7, 8. The latter verse 9. These places that he cites, touching this building are most pertinent, for they have clearly in them, all that he spoke of it, both concerning the foundation, and the edifice, as the first in these words of Isaiah 28:16. Behold I la…

And a Crown that fades not, of such a flower as withers not, not a temporary garland of fading flowers, such as all here are? Woe to the crown of pride (Isaiah 28:1). Though it is made of flowers growing in a fat valley, yet their glorious beauty is a fading flower, but this fre…

God delights in himself, and all his attributes, and the manifestation of them in the world; but above all in his mercy. Justice is his strange act (Isaiah 28:21). There is not anything more pleasing to him.

Though the duties of the first table neither begin nor end in us, yet the whole law of charity begins at home. 3. For our own vindication: Thus Hezekiah (Isaiah 28:3), Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you with a perfect heart. This was his plea; but I suppose it was no…

As the Gentiles that have not a revelation (Ephesians 4:18): Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. Or rude and ignorant Christians, that have not the advantage of…

Who is a God like to you, that pardons iniquity and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage, he retains not his anger forever because he delights in mercy. Judgment is called his strange work (Isaiah 28:21). That he may do his work, his strange work, and bring…

At your command, when we cannot apply the promise, venture for the command's sake, see what God will do for you and what believing comes to. 2. The waiting of faith — when expectation is not answered, and you find not at first what you wait for, yet do not give God the lie, but…

Abraham was seventy-five years old when the promise was made, a hundred years old when Isaac was born; when Jacob went into Egypt they were but seventy souls, but at their coming forth they were 603,950. Now if faith wait (Isaiah 28:16), 'He that believes makes not haste.' (Lame…

2. By using indirect means to get off the trouble; this is making too much haste. (Isaiah 28:16) "He that believes shall not make haste." Ravishing the blessing, rather than waiting for the issues of God's providence.

(Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the substance of things hoped for: the evidence of things not seen. It is said, (Isaiah 28:16) He that believes shall not make haste. Sense and carnal confidence must have present satisfaction, but faith contents itself with promises.

The heart is the incense that perfumes our holy things; it is the altar that sanctifies the offering. Now when we seem to worship God, but withdraw our heart from him, we take his name in vain (Isaiah 29:13): This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do hono…

We present God with our bodies, but do not give him our hearts (Hosea 7:11). This hypocrisy God complains of (Isaiah 29:13): This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me. This is to prevaricate, and deal fal…

In the Law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people (1 Corinthians 14:21). And (Isaiah 29:11): And the vision of all is become to you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I…

As if he had sent to heaven for a privy search, he would not have any one thought within him, but he would that God should know it, and therefore desires, that God would try and search, and know his thoughts. He was not like them of whom you read (Isaiah 29:15), that dig deep to…

Fear is for inward worship, serve is for outward worship, and the profession of the same. Fear in Moses is expounded worship by Christ; so (Matthew 15:9) compared with (Isaiah 29:13). In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, but in the Prophet…

It is further said, we must restore in the spirit of meekness. The word spirit is added, because it proceeds from the spirit of God, who is both the worker and continuer thereof: as on the contrary, the spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14), the spirit of error (1 John 4:6), the spi…

But the enemies of Christ deserve that God should strike them with a spirit of giddiness and insensibility, should “pour out upon them a spirit of deep sleep and close their eyes,” (Isaiah 29:10.) Others apply it to a creature of their own fancy, some unknown son of Ahaz, whose…

The light is said to be turned into darkness, not only when men permit the wicked lusts of the flesh to overwhelm the judgment of their reason, but also when they give up their minds to wicked thoughts, and thus degenerate into beasts. For we see how wickedly men change into cra…

Again (Matthew 15:9): In vain, says Christ, do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. Now the prophet Isaiah (from where that is taken) (Isaiah 29:14) expresses it thus: Forasmuch as their fear toward me is taught by the precepts of men. They worship me…

They are in their matter earthly, in their procuring painful, in their fruition surfeiting, in their duration dying, in their operation damning. 2. It reproves them who draw near to God, but it is hypocritically; they draw near with their lips, but not with their hearts (Isaiah…

This was by divine appointment; for it was part of God's worship in his church, that was offered up in faith, and that he accepted: which proves that it was by his institution; for sacrificing is no part of natural worship. The light of nature doth not teach to offer up beasts i…

(3) 'Tis the most indiscernible stroke to themselves, that can be, and by that so much the more desperate. Hence there is said to be poured out upon them the spirit of slumber (Isaiah 29:10): The Lord has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes. Mo…

Blessed are those who keep their garments clean against the bridegroom's coming; there shall be spotted clothes and many defiled garments at his last coming, and therefore few found worthy to walk with him in white. I am persuaded, my Lord, this poor traveling woman, our pained…

They were astonished by what they saw and heard, but not convinced. And especially was the Work of God then rejected by those that were most conceited of their own Understanding and Knowledge, agreeable to Isaiah 29:14. Therefore behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous Work amo…

Every day is a Sabbath-day, a day of holy rest with the meek and quiet soul, that is, one of the days of heaven. As this grace gets ground, the comforts of the Holy Ghost grow stronger and stronger, according to that precious promise (Isaiah 29:19): The meek also shall increase…

It is the apostle's direction (Galatians 6:1): if a man be overtaken in a fault (that is, if he be surprised by a temptation and overcome, as the best may be, if God leave them to themselves) you which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness. By the spiritual…

The everlasting gospel is a testimony (Matthew 24:14), either to us to convince us, or against us to condemn us, and then no wonder if those speak against it who hate to be convinced by it, and dread to be condemned by it. The prophet complains of those that laid snares for him…

For the first, that place is remarkable in Proverbs 16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil, and in his lips there is a burning fire; if things be not plain and fair enough, because he has an evil spirit, he will dig up evil, if he can dig up any old business to reproach them for.…

No darkness nor shadow of death where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves, foolishly and wretchedly done to do that, or think that, that we would hide from the Lord, and then to think that we can hide it; the Prophet speaks woe to such. Woe to them that dig deep to hide…

2. We include ourselves, when we say, hallowed be your name; for it is especially the duty of God's people. Isaiah 29:23: they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. It is our duty, by our religious conduct to evidence that…

Certainly it is a great advantage to make God conscious to every business we have in hand, when we dare undertake nothing but what we would acquaint him with. There are some to whom the prophet pronounces a woe (Isaiah 29:15). Woe to them that seek deep to hide their counsel fro…

I will yet be inquired after to do it for them. So (Isaiah 29:10-11). Now the reasons are these.

It will make bold with God, and sin because grace abounds! In short, it is the dare of God's justice, the rape of his mercy, the jeer of his patience, the slight of his power, the contempt of his love, as one does prettily express this ugly thing: and we may go on and say; it is…

They are strange children, whose mouth speaks vanity. 5. A man may pray and yet be far from God in prayer; this people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me (Matthew 15:8; Isaiah 29:13). A man may pray, and yet have no hea…

David did not only lift up his voice, but his soul. Though God will have the eye and the knee — the service of the body — yet he complains of those who draw near with their lips while their hearts are far from him (Isaiah 29:13). The soul is the jewel.

Experience breeds hope; that hope must stand strong which stands with one foot upon a promise and with the other foot upon an experience. But a wicked man's hope is a spider's web — he has nothing to ground his hope upon; his hope is an imposture, a golden dream (Isaiah 29:8): i…

He is going to hell, but knows it not; he laughs in his sleep. Though in sleep the senses are bound, yet the fancy is let loose; the man dreams he is at a banquet (Isaiah 29:8). So when the heart of a sinner is asleep in sin, yet his fancy is quick; he fancies that he is an heir…

13. There is a wicked hardening of the heart, when men make the Lord his word and mighty works the contrary party (Exodus 5:1-3; Exodus 7:10, 13, 16, 20, 23; Exodus 8:5-7, 15, 17-19; Isaiah 6:9-10; Zechariah 7:8-9, 11-12; Ezekiel 2:3-4; Ezekiel 3:7-8; Matthew 13:13-15; Acts 13:4…

2. When a person is in such a spiritual [illegible]ethargy, that nothing will work upon him, or make him sensible. There is [illegible], the spirit of a deep sleep poured on him, (Isaiah 29:10). This is a sad presage his day of grace is past.

VVhatever be its Solemnity, is to reject all due Reverence of him. Forasmuch, saith the Lord, as this People draw near me with their Mouth, and with their Lips do honor me, but have removed their Hearts far from me, therefore I will proceed against them, Isaiah 29:13. The Mouth…

5. Sin brings a man low in spiritual Plagues. It brings many an one, to a seared conscience, to final induration, Isaiah 29:10. The Lord has poured out upon you, the spirit of a deep sleep, and has closed your eyes.

1st Commandment: You shall have no other gods, etc. He breaks this commandment: who does not know the true God (Jeremiah 4:22); who denies God in his heart by denying his presence, justice, mercy, etc. (Psalm 14:1); who hates God and shows it by disobedience (Exodus 20:5; Romans…

He either neglects them, or if he performs them, it is not as God requires. 'If they draw near to him with their lips, yet their heart is far from him' (Isaiah 29:13). 'You are near in their mouth, but far from their minds' (Jeremiah 12:2).

7. Guide him in judgment (Psalm 25:9). 8. Increase his joy (Isaiah 29:19). 9. Bless him (Matthew 5:5), and give him a sure inheritance.

Strangers shall hear of your great name, and of your strong hand. Christ was to be heard by the deaf Gentiles, (Isaiah 29:18). In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book:

6. They hinder all good we should do, and spoil our best performances. Vain thoughts draw the heart away in them, that when a man should draw near to God, his heart, by reason of his thoughts, is far off from him (Isaiah 29:16). A man's heart goes after his covetousness, when he…

In that day it shall be said, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us, we will rejoice and be glad in his salvation. (Psalm 35:20-21) Our soul waits on the Lord, our heart rejoices, because we have trusted in him: it is from our trust, that we have waite…

2. By him does God say unto us, That, Fury is not in him, and that if we lay hold on his Arm, that we may have peace, we shall have peace, Isaiah 29:4, 5. Secondly, Unto this Delight is required a sense of Gods Relation unto us as a Father.

It makes the soul red with guilt, and black with filth. Sin in Scripture is compared to a menstruous cloth (Isaiah 30:22), to a plague sore (1 Kings 8:38). Joshua's filthy garments, in which he stood before the Angel (Zechariah 3:3), were nothing but a type and hieroglyphic of s…

Better have been a toad, a serpent, any thing, if not a new creature. The old sinner must go into old Tophet (Isaiah 30:33). Damned caitiffs will have nothing to ease their torments; not one drop of honey in all their gall.

1. Without intermission; their pains shall be acute and sharp, and no relaxation; the fire shall not be slackened, or abated (Revelation 4:11): They have no rest day nor night: like one that has his joints stretched continually on the rack, and has no ease. Therefore the wrath o…

God has bound himself to us by his promises. The Bible is bespangled with promises made to prayer, (Isaiah 30:19) "He will be very gracious to you at the voice of your cry." "The Lord is rich to all that call upon him" (Romans 10:12).

Partiality in hearing is, when we like to hear some truths preached, but not all. We love to hear of heaven, but not of self-denial; of reigning with Christ, but not of suffering; of the more facile duties of religion, but not them which are more knotty and difficult, as mortifi…

Some have an antipathy against God because of his purity. Isaiah 30:11: Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Sinners, if it lay in their power, would not only unthrone God, but un-be God.

The remembrance of this, that God's will is a sovereign will, to do with us what he pleases, may silence all discontents, and charm down all unruly passions, we are not to dispute but submit. (2.) God's will is a wise will; he knows what is conducive to the good of his people, t…

He keeps the keys of the dungeon, and you must wait his leisure. He waits but for a fit time to let you out (Isaiah 30:18): 'He will wait to be gracious to you, for he is a God of judgment' — a wise and judicious God who knows the fittest times and seasons. And that he stays so…

Seeing then, God has consecrated it, and our Elders have trod this way before us, let us follow them; that so we may attain that kingdom whereto it has brought them. If any yet doubt whether this be the way or no: the spirit of God puts it out of doubt, Isaiah 30:21; First, affi…

Hence we learn, that when God lays upon us any hard commandment, we must not plead the case with God, or murmur against him; but with all quietness and meekness obey. This is a notable grace of God commended unto us by God himself: In rest and quietness (saith God, Isaiah 30:15)…

He is the shepherd of his church, which guides his flock in and out, and therefore Paul says, They that are Christ's, are guided by his Spirit (Romans 8:14). And by Isaiah the Lord says, those his servants which are turned from idolatry, he will guide in the way, and their ears…

How easily can God check the pride, and break the power, and infatuate the councels of the wicked? He can destroy his enemies with the turning of an hand, Psal. 81. 14. with a word, Psal. 2. 5. with a breath, Isa. 30. 28, with a look, Exod. 14. 24. It needs cost God no more to d…

Thus David says that his reins did teach him in the night season (Psalm 16). And the prophet Isaiah says, your ear shall hear a voice saying, here is the way walk in it when you turn to the right hand, or to the left (Isaiah 30:21). And this voice, (no doubt) is not only the voi…

So we must sow our seed, and sow plentifully, still expecting the fruit of our labor with patience, till the great harvest come, the great day of retribution, in which God will separate the wheat from the chaff; gathering the one into his garners, and burning up the other with u…

For, if we must believe that it is real, or what they call material fire, we must also believe that the brimstone and the fan are material, both of them being mentioned by Isaiah. "For Tophet is ordained of old; the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the Lord, lik…

fire for their worm shall not die, either shall their fire be quenched, (Isaiah 66:24.) Besides, the same prophet shows plainly enough in another passage that the expression is metaphorical; for he compares the Spirit of God to a blast by which the fire is kindled, and adds a mi…

The Lord by his prophets in sundry places has promised that he will create new Heavens and a new Earth, as Isaiah 65: "Behold, I will create new Heavens and a new Earth, and the former shall not be remembered nor come into your mind." Again: Isaiah 30: "The light of the Moon sha…

(3.) Providence blasts and frustrates all sinful projects to the people of God: whoever thrives in them, they shall not. Isaiah 30. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. And this also convinces them of the folly that is in sin, and makes them cleave to the way of simplicity and integrity. Holiness is…

Now the season of mercy is a very great circumstance that adds much to the value of it. God judges not as we do; we are all in haste, and will have it now, Numb. 12:13 But he is a God of judgement, and blessed are they that wait for him, Isaiah 30:18 (2.) Afflictive Providences…

Consider how many Promises are made in the Word to waiting souls. One Scripture calls them blessed that wait for him, Isaiah 30:18 Another tells us, none that wait for him shall be ashamed, Psalm 25:3 (that is, ) they shall not be finally disappointed, but at last be partakers o…

But further, take it improperly, then, let not the light shine upon it, has this voice in it, Let there be no comfort, no joy, no good thing in the compass of that day. Light in Scripture expresses all good; as darkness all evil; That great blessing which was promised to the Chu…

The Enmity began on your part, the danger is on your part only; and he might justly expect that the message for peace should begin on your part also; But he begins with you; and shall he be rejected? The prophet well expresss this, Isaiah 30:15. Thus says the Lord God, the holy…

And this God in an especial manner calls souls unto in straights and distresses. In quietness and confidence, says he, shall be your strength, Isaiah 30:15. And the effect of the righteousness of God by Christ, is said to be Quietness and assurance for ever, Isaiah 32:17.

I should have beene dumb and not have opened my mouth, because you Lord diddest it. Excellent is that saying of the Lord, Isa. 30. 15. In rest and quietnesse shall y[] be saved, in quietnesse and confidence shall be your strength: meaning, that by patience and contentation a man…

London's fire was dreadful, but the fire of Hell will be a thousand-fold more dreadful. The fire of London was kindled by man; be sure some second cause was made use of herein; but the fire of Hell will be kindled by God himself (Isaiah 30:33). Tophet is ordained of old, for the…

That is the Church of God, where were the visible signs of God's presence: he estranged himself from God as much as he could: he [reconstructed: fell to building], thereby thinking to drown the noise of his conscience, as the Italians of old were wont to drown the noise of thund…

And doubtless when a spiritual famine shall pinch hard, those that have been close-handed to maintain a Gospel ministry, will account it a choice mercy to enjoy them again at any rate. Though the Lord feed you with the bread of affliction, and give you the waters of adversity, y…

And by the promises that are made to such (Psalm 138:5): Indeed, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. And again, You shall have a song as in the night, when a holy solemnity is kept, and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a pipe, to…

It is for this that they break their sleep, and spend their spirits, and raise so great a dust: now it will be hard to convince such, that really there is more to be gotten by meekness and quietness of spirit, than by all this hurry and ado. They readily believe, that in all lab…

Lastly, let none of us ever think the worse of the way of religion and godliness for its being everywhere spoken against, nor be frightened hereby from walking in that way. The contempt cast upon the practice of piety is with many, an invincible objection against it; their good…

To them are committed the Oracles of God, as the Apostle reasons for the Church of the Jews; So to every Church of God, is committed the Oracles and the Ordinances of God, and those Offices for the dispensation of the mysteries of God; which were the great gift, that Christ triu…

That which lies hid in Christ, and is revealed from him, is full of love, sweetness, tenderness, kindness, grace. It is the Lord's waiting to be gracious to sinners: waiting for an advantage to show love and kindness for the most eminent endearing of a soul unto himself (Isaiah…

We can never walk in God's way, without the conduct of God's Spirit. We must not only have a way, but a voice to direct us when we are wandering, (Isaiah 30:21) And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it. Sheep have a shepherd as well as a fo…

2. That there is usually some time of delay between making the promise, and fulfilling the promise: For therefore God promises, because he means to do us good, but not presently: And this delay is not for want of kindness, or out of any backwardness to our good; for so it is sai…

The Scriptures are sufficient to make us wise, but without the light of the Spirit how do we grope at noonday! 2. The forgetfulness of our memories: We need a monitor to stir up in us diligence, watchfulness, and earnest endeavors (Isaiah 30:21): And your ears shall hear a word…

(Psalm 62:1) "Truly my soul waits upon God: from him comes my salvation." (Isaiah 30:18) "God is a God of judgment. Blessed are they that wait for him."

3. God is a God of judgment. Isaiah 30:18. "And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious to you; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment. Blessed are all they that wait for him."

1. That the patience of God with, and the long-suffering of God towards sinners, is wonderful; if sin be so exceeding sinful, that is, contrary to and displeasing to God, then surely his patience is exceeding great, his goodness exceeding rich, his long-suffering exceeding marve…

If men carry themselves so when they are sick, we say it is a frenzy. Thus (Isaiah 30:10-11): they say to the seers, "See not"; to the prophets, "Prophesy not, [illegible] not, counsel not, but cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from us." This is the temper of every natural m…

Tenth, if all that has been said will not serve to master this bedlam disposition of wrath and anger, let me tell you — you are the persons whom God speaks of, who hate to be reformed; you are rebels against the word. Read and tremble (Isaiah 30:8-9): Now go, write it before the…

We are a lump of clay and sin mingled together. Sin does not only blind us but defile us; it is called 'filthiness' (James 1:21), and is compared to a plague-sore (1 Kings 8:38), to spots (Deuteronomy 32:5), to vomit (2 Peter 2:22), to an infant tumbling in blood (Ezekiel 16:6),…

The Lord would have men make their peace with him (Isaiah 27:5). God is not like a hasty creditor that requires the debt and will give no time for payment; he is not only gracious, but waits to be gracious (Isaiah 30:18). God by his patience would draw sinners to repentance.

5. The pouring out of the vial (Psalm 75:8): For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red, it is full of mixture, and he pours out of the same. This is the sad execution: hell is set out by Tophet (Isaiah 30:33), which was a place situated near Jerusalem, wher…

(4.) There is a more numerous company of these who have not loved their lives to the death, and the martyrs that suffered more exquisite torments for Christ, under the persecuting Emperors and reign of Antichrist, than ever before; the constraining love of Christ, which is stron…

Answer. The word of the Gospel, therefore before Adam could have the Gospel-spirit, the Lord must reveal the doctrine of the Gospel, the seed of the woman must tread down the head of the serpent (Genesis 3). So the word and the spirit are promised together (Isaiah 59:21; Isaiah…

2. It is to lean and rest the body (2 Samuel 1:6): Saul leaned upon his spear, and by a metaphor it is to cast the burden upon the Lord (Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 55:22). Hence the word that notes a staff (2 Samuel 22:18; Isaiah 3): the Lord has broken the stay and the staff of bread…

Our life should be sweeter, should we fetch all our comforts and actings from his influences by the faith of daily dependency. Faith here promises to itself good (Isaiah 26:12; Isaiah 30:31; Psalm 118:10-11; Psalm 16:9-11). If the kinds of promises made to Christ be asked for: t…

2. So must the Church be dead to foreign forces (Hosea 14:3): Ashur shall not save us, we will not ride upon horses. And the people must be dead and sit still from help from Egypt (Isaiah 30:7): For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried conc…

(3) The tribunal whereon God sits in judgment, is the throne of grace, Hebrews 4:16. Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you; for the Lord is a God of judgment Isaiah 30:18. (4) A Guilty pe…

Sin is Gods opposite: If God be of one mind, sin will be of another: If God says sanctifie the Sabbath, sin says, prophane it. Sin strikes at Gods very being: If sin could help it, God should be no longer God, (Isaiah 30:11). Cause the holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

2. God has decreed troubles for the Church's good; the troubling of God's Church is like the angel's troubling the water (John 5:4), which made way for healing his people. He has decreed troubles in the Church, His fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem (Isaiah 31:9). The…

2. The trials and sufferings of the godly are to refine and purify them. God's furnace is in Zion (Isaiah 31:9). Is it any injustice in God to put his gold into the furnace to purify it?

Affliction is God's flail to thresh off our husks: It is a means God uses to purge out sloth, luxury, pride and love of the world. God's furnace is in Zion (Isaiah 31:9). This is not to consume, but refine: What if we have more affliction, if by this means we have less sin?

The great advantage they have hereby over us the apostle insinuates when he says, 'We have not to do with flesh and blood, but with spiritual wickednesses' (Ephesians 6:12) — that is, with spirits, in abilities transcending the power of flesh and blood. For 'flesh' is used to ex…

The second point is, to whom remission of sins is given? Answer: To the Catholic church, that is, to the whole company of men predestinate to salvation: as Isaiah says, The people that dwell therein (that is, the church) shall have their sins forgiven (Isaiah 31:[illegible]). An…

Tully makes mention of one Phereus, whom his enemy running at with a Sword, accidentally opened his impostume, and so cured him. The enemies of the Church, only cure the impostume of pride; Isa. 31. 9. Gods fire is in Zion. This Fire is not consuming, but refining.

5. Arrows can but drink blood; arrows are shot against the body, the worst they can do is to drink life out of liver and heart, and to pierce the strongest bones; but the arrows of the Almighty are shot against spirits and souls: The spirit is a fine, subtle, immortal thing. (Is…

Unless your enemies can conquer this Lion, they shall not be able to destroy or hurt you; unless they are stronger than he, they shall not be able to hinder your happiness. Isaiah 31:4: 'For thus the Lord has spoken to me: like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey,…

It's a presumptuous invading of Gods Prerogative, to dictate to his Providence, and prescribe to his wisdom. (2.) There is a great deal of vanity in it: all the thoughtfulness in the world will not make one hair white or black: all our discontents will not prevail with God to ca…

First, verse 9, he sets out her stateliness, strength and courage, by a similitude taken from horses: are (says he) horses stately and strong? For so in Job is the horse described (Job 39:19-20, etc.), and is not a company of them much more stately, especially a company of Egypt…

As if he should say, grace is a strong thing, it strengthens every man that has received it; if you professe you have received the grace of Christ to regenerate you, to change you, and to make you a new creature, let that appeare by showing your selfe strong in your actions, abl…

Man has a Heaven-borne soul, which makes him a kin to Angels, yea, to the God of them who is the Father of Spirits; but this is passed by in silence, as if God would not owne that which is tainted with sin, and not the creature God at first made it, or because the soul, though o…

A sign he has no money about him, who fears not to travel all hours in the night; a sign he has not the jewel of assurance, who fears not the works of darkness. 3. True assurance is built upon a Scripture-basis; the Word says, The effect of righteousness shall be quietness and a…

A Christian's work for Heaven is like a bridegroom's work on the morning of the marriage day, he puts on his garments and wedding robes, in which he shall be married to his Bride; so in all the duties of religion we are putting on those wedding robes, in which we shall be marrie…

But I do not so conceive, that every Christian as soon as ever his sin is first pardoned, has such an inconceivable peace in his soul; but he finds a great deal of ease sometimes, as if you had thrown a millstone from off his body. Notable is that expression in (Isaiah 32:17), T…

Well, whatever the corrupt practices of men be, let us learn our duty, to go forward without weariness, nay to do good with cheerfulness, as Paul says of himself (Philippians 3), forgetting that which is behind, and endeavoring himself to that which is before. Let us consider th…

In the 47th chapter of this book, he said to Babylon: Come down, and sit in the dust. And in (Isaiah 32:18) he said of the Jews themselves: My people shall sit in the dust: and yet on the contrary, in (Isaiah 52:1-2) he says: Arise, arise, O Zion, put on the garments of your bea…

Why, when you see all the kindness and love they have shown the saints returned with an Overplus into their bosoms; how is it possible, but you must see the accomplishment of these Scriptures in such Providences? Isaiah 32:8 2 Corinthians 9:6 The liberal soul deviseth liberal th…

The Word tells us, that there is no such way to improve our Estates, as to lay them out with a cheerful liberality for God; and that our withholding our hands, when God and duty calls to distribute, will not be for our advantage. See Proverbs 11:25 Isaiah 32:8 Proverbs 19:17 Pro…

In quietness and confidence, says he, shall be your strength, Isaiah 30:15. And the effect of the righteousness of God by Christ, is said to be Quietness and assurance for ever, Isaiah 32:17. First Quietness, and then assurance.

This was not given her before, it's now prefixed to this commendation in general, to usher in all that follows, and to make it the more gaining on her affection. The word in the first language is, Na[illegible]ib, which signifies a bounteous prince, or, one of a princely disposi…

And thus many careless women in the city have lived in ease and idleness from one end of the week, and one end of the year to another. But I think the Lord has by his terrible things in London, spoken to them much in the same language as he did (Isaiah 32:9-11). Rise up, you wom…

Great knowledge shall prevail everywhere. It may be hoped, that then many of the Negroes and Indians will be divines, and that excellent books will be published in Africa, in Ethiopia, in Tartary, and other new and most barbarous countries and not only learned men, but others of…

Days of affliction, and distress are hastening on apace, If now I live in carelessness; how sad will be my case! (Zephaniah 2:2-3) Unworthy of the name of man who for that soul of yours; Will not do that which others can do for their very kine. (Isaiah 32:9) Think frugal farmers…

Happy is that minister, whose lot falls in such a pleasant valley. Blessed are they that sow beside all such waters, that send forth there the feet of the ox and the ass (Isaiah 32:20). Among these valleys run the pleasant springs, and purling brooks, which fertilize the neighbo…

The greatest comfort and happiness of man is sometimes set forth by quietness. That peace of conscience which Christ has left for a legacy to his disciples, that present sabbatism of the soul, which is an earnest of the rest that remains for the people of God, is called, quietne…

Yes, who can express the joy of a soul safe shadowed from wrath, under the covert of the righteousness of the Lord Jesus? There is also refreshment in a shade from weariness: he is as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land (Isaiah 32:2). From the power of corruptions, troubl…

They have abiding peace with God. Hence is that description of Christ to a poor soul, Isaiah 32:2: a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Wind and tempest an…

And this was the chief expression of his communication under the Old Testament, the mystery of the Father and the Son, and the matter of commission and delegation being then not so clearly discovered. Isaiah 32:15: until the Spirit be poured on us from on high, and the wildernes…

In fact, when they cannot disengage themselves from these thoughts in God's worship, their hearts go away in covetousness (Ezekiel 33:31). Or else thoughts by way of contrivance (Isaiah 32:7-8): The liberal man devises liberal things, and the wicked man devises wicked devices. T…

1. In the general, of peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 1. Peace, which is the natural result of the rectitude of our actions: The fruit of righteousness is peace (Isaiah 32:17). And (Psalm 119:165): Great peace have they that love your law, and nothing shall offen…

Let me instance in the benefits that believers find by walking with God in a course of obedience, that every one can say, This I had because I kept your precepts. First, peace of conscience, a blessing not to be valued, and this we have because we keep his precepts (Isaiah 32:17…

God charges us to fill the hungry (Isaiah 58:10). He blames those who do not fill the hungry (Isaiah 32:6). And do we think he will be slack in that which he blames us for not doing?

He that believes on me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water, but this he spoke of the Spirit. The Spirit is like water, not only to make the soul fruitful, (for it causes the desert to blossom as the rose, Isaiah 32:15; Isaiah 35:1), but the Spirit is like water t…

Mine heritage is to me as a speckled bird, or a pied bird, and has cast off my simple livery, and so is a bird of many sundry colors: the hypocrite is dyed and watered with a hue and color of godliness. Coneph notes hypocrisy (Isaiah 32:6), from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 simulav…

But the same sort of Persons have thoughts of this nature arising from themselves only, their own dispositions and inclinations, without any outward Provocations. The vile Person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, Isa. 32:6. And this he does as the liberal dev…

The honey of the promises, and the oil of gladness comes out of this blessed rock. 5. Christ is compared to a river in a dry ground, Isaiah 32.2. When by nature we are as a scorched heath, dry and barren, Christ sends forth the sacred influences of his Blood and Spirit, making u…

So was it with Abraham in the business of a Son: and so with David in the matter of a Kingdom. God will have his Promised Mercies to fall, as the Dews upon the parched gasping Earth; or as the shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land, Isaiah 32. 2. very welcome unto the Traveler,…

For example, would a man rise? his thoughts study the art of it, men frame their own ladder to climb with, invent ways how to do it, though often it proves as to Haman their own gallows. Would they be rich? what do they study? even all cheats and tricks of the cards (as I may so…

It is the chief happiness for men in these days to live under means of grace, yet a wicked man when all about him relish of uprightness, yet he will there do wickedly, and all this is, because he will not behold the majesty of the Lord, he thinks not that Christ is there; consid…

Joel 2:28. as are also other words of the same importance which we render by pouring out, as Proverbs 1:23. Isaiah 32:15. Chapter 44:3.

Quest. When is the time that this King will deliver his people? Resp. When the hearts of his people are humblest, when their prayers are most fervent, when their faith is strongest, when their forces are weakest, when their enemies are highest; now is the usual time that Christ…

It is mercy to feed us, rich mercy to pardon us. This mercy is spun out of the bowels of free grace; this is enough to make a sick man well (Isaiah 33:24): The inhabitant shall not say I am sick, the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity. Pardon of sin is a…

Pardon of sin is the richest blessing; it is enough to make a sick man well. Isaiah 33:24: the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity. Pardon settles upon us the rich charter of the promises.

It is called 'the wounding of the spirit' (Proverbs 18), which no creature knows how to reach and heal — none but God who is the Father of spirits, who made them and knows how to mend them. It is not only called the sickness of the spirit (as in Isaiah 33:24, where the want of a…

He is the physician and has undertaken the cure (Matthew 9:12). And whom should the physician have an eye to but the sick — and the most sick, as those are who cannot find their sins forgiven (Isaiah 33:14)? He is the Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11) and will take care of all his sheep,…

You who are healthy and have strong bodies — are you not thankful when you see others sick and bedridden, roaring with the stone, toothache, and gout, of which you are free? And ought you not to be much more thankful for the healthfulness of your spirits — cheerfulness being the…

God is in the midst of her; he is with his Church not only to behold her, but uphold her. The Church of God is like a Castle walled in with rocks, Isa. 33. 16. his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks. But a man may starve upon a rock, therefore it follows, bread sha…

That seeing of the salvation of God, is neither conversion, nor preparation of a people for Christ. 2. The phrase of seeing God, and the salvation of God, being set down as a powerful fruit of the Gospel, has never in Scripture so low a meaning as is not wanting to natural men,…

We wax unruly and insolent when things fall out as we would have them; neither can we be kept in awe by any threatenings or admonitions whatever. If this befell Hezekias, whom the Prophet before has so much commended, whose only treasure was the fear of God (Isaiah 33:6) — how o…

But a particular instance of faith, rendered to a single command of Christ, would not have made Peter a Christian, or given him a place among the sons of God, if he had not been led on, from this first act of submission, to a full obedience. But, as Peter yielded so readily to t…

We are not only permitted, but are even bound, to condemn all sins; unless we choose to rebel against God himself, — nay, to repeal his laws, to reverse his decisions, and to overturn his judgment-seat. It is his will that we should proclaim the sentence which he pronounces on t…

Secondly, To arise implies the courage, constancy and strength of those who undertake or go about a business, they arise and do it, that is, they do it with spirit: So here it may import as much concerning Job in his sufferings, He arose and rent his mantle, that is, though he h…

He had no discovery by faith, of forgiveness, and therefore resolved to have no more to do with God, nor those who cleaved to him; for it respects his course, and not any one particular action. This also is stated, Isaiah 33:14. The sinners in Sion are afraid, fearfulness has su…

A notable exāple hereof we have in the holy league (as it is called) but indeed the bloodie league; wherein the enemies of Gods grace and truth did confederate themselues to roote out true religion, and the professors thereof from off the earth: but the Lord has rewarded them i…

And when God has come down from heaven, the Holy One from Mount Zion, Selah — when the Pestilence has gone before him, and burning coals at his feet, when the Lord drove London asunder, scattered the inhabitants, and made the stately buildings to bow and fall, whose rearing up n…

Public differences will end in public disturbances, this is all we can look for in such cases, and therefore if there were not unity, how could the other promises be fulfilled? Such as these, (Isaiah 33:10) Your eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that cann…

Take heed you have not a hand in darking this excellent condition, no not in this way. In the body, solutio continui, is more dangerous then the corruption of a humor: Let us labor so far as possibly we can, to make it excellent by peaceableness; this is that which is prophesied…

And in Prov. 18:7 A fools mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul; we should think, he has but ensnared his own soul, and so fall a lamenting of his wretched condition. And so in Isa. 33:10 Your breath as fire shall devour you: If the breath of any man d…

Thirdly, we shall see God in the Trinity: though there be but one God, yet there are divers persons: to see how the Father begot the Son, and how the Spirit did proceed from the Father and the Son, and the difference between the procession of the Spirit, and the generation of th…

This is the only discovery that God has made, of any such property in his nature, or of any thought of exercising it towards sinners, in that he has sent Jesus Christ into the world that we might live by him; where now is the wise, where is the scribe, where is the disputer of t…

This is the great discovery of the gospel. For whereas the Father as the fountain of the Deity is not known any other way but as full of wrath, anger, and indignation against sin — nor can the sons of men have any other thoughts of him, Romans 1:18, Isaiah 33:15-16, Habakkuk 1:1…

Third, boldness to go to God. The voice of sinners in themselves, if once acquainted with the terror of the Lord, is: Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Isaiah 33:14. Shame and trembling before God are the proper results of sin.

This is that which I intend; by the omission of this duty, grace withers, lust flourishes, and the frame of the heart grows worse and worse: and the Lord knows what desperate and fearful issues it has had with many. Where sin through the neglect of mortification gets a considera…

When God sets any judicial judgment afoot in the world, now it revives men's guilty fears. (Isaiah 33:14) The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness has surprised the hypocrite, who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

But these things are but small appendages, and the slighter circumstances of their torments; the most exact and intolerable part of their torture shall be inflicted on them from another fire, an intelligent, everlasting, and therefore an unquenchable fire, even God himself, for…