God justifies His dispensation towards the Jews because of their manifold apostacies from Him, and then shows that He had conferred His favour upon the Gentiles, who had made no application to Him. I. Why we must behold Him. 1. Because our whole interests are bound up in His favour. Consider who it is that asks you to behold Him as a God reconciled in Christ. Think of the contrast between the parties. He calls a world of rebels to His footstool, &c. 2. Because He delights to raise up trophies of His grace when and where we might least expect it (see former outline). 3. Because, though He is sometimes found of those who seek Him not, He is always found of those who seek Him. II. Where shall we behold Him? Everywhere; the kingdom of nature; the volume of His Word; the economy of providence; the terrors of Sinai, but specially in the cross of Calvary. REPUDIATING THE lxv. 5. Which say, Stand by There are few things in which it becomes us to be more careful than in our judgment of others, and in action founded on that judgment. Some relations in which we stand to men involve judgment of them. We are not forbidden to judge (Matt. vii. 1-5). Our text accuses those to whom it applies, of asserting their own moral superiority, and repudiating the society of others on that account. But we must discriminate. I. THERE IS A SENSE IN WHICH IT IS JUSTIFIABLE. We are not called upon to consider all men morally equal to ourselves, nor to associate with them as if they were. We are forbidden so to do (2 Cor. vi. 14-18; 2 Thess. iii. 6). It may be perfectly true that you are holier than some who may be considered; and that fact may be involved in your very profession of Christianity. The fact of conversion involves moral superiority to the unconverted, &c. And if this wide distinction exists between saints and sinners, why should it not be professed? We need a visible organisation as a point around which the saints may gather. Such an organisation the Saviour's wisdom and grace has provided in the fellowship of the Church. Those who join that fellowship emphatically declare their separa Ver. 2. The conduct of Israel excites our astonishment, but it finds its parallel among ourselves. Observe-I. God's conduct toward men. 1. Gracious. Rebels against His laws, &c., having every element of iniquity (vers. 2-4). 2. Earnest. Outstretched hands-attitude of entreaty-willing to receive to favour. 3. Forbearing-without intermission. of life often protracted. II. Man's conduct toward God. 1. Ungrateful. 2. Insulting. 3. Obstinate. 4. Criminal. Such a rejection of mercy must secure punishment (Prov. i. 24; Ps. cvii. 11).-A. Tucker. SOCIETY OF OTHERS. Day tion from the world. Not only so. In the multiform relations of individual life, and in relation to many practices and principles which obtain in the world, Christians must be prepared practically to say, practically to say, "Stand by thyself," &c. But II. THERE IS A SENSE IN WHICH IT IS UNJUSTIFIABLE. It is possible to say this in an improper and irreligious spirit. It may be said-1. By the self-deceived. It may be quite contrary to the fact. The Jewish people said it. But they are solemnly charged in the verses before the text with practising some of the vilest abominations of heathenism (vers. 2, 4). Nor is theirs a solitary case. 2. By the self-righteous. They are under a delusion as to the nature of holiness, &c. Nor has the self-righteous spirit been cast out of the world. 3. By the uncharitable. They are ever quick to discern the failings of others, while their eyes are closed to their own, &c. The Church of Christ should free itself from this uncharitableness and censoriousness. Let us place ourselves habitually in the pure light of God's holiness. Then we shall be so humbled by the consciousness of our own sinfulness as to be very tender and pitiful towards the imperfections of our brethren. And in any case, let us see that we I. A picture of self-righteous pride. Despises others. Glorifies self. Pretends to DESTROY peculiar sanctity. II. Its offensiveness in the sight of God. It offends His purity. Arouses His indignation. Vers. 6, 7. Man's iniquities are—I. Multiplied. By personal acts. From generation to generation. II. Recorded. In God's book -minutely, accurately. III. Will certainly be recompensed. Justly. By measure into every man's bosom.-J. Lyth, D.D. IT NOT. lxv. 8. Thus saith the Lord, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it, &c. "Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God." Let it not, however, be supposed that God delights to destroy men's lives, or is capricious in the bestowment of rewards and punishments. The goodness and severity of God are not contradictions in the Divine nature, but the two halves of His perfect character (Ex. xxxiv. 6, 7). The burden of our text is MERCY. How many applications may we make of the words, "Destroy it not!" Let us view the passage in reference to ments. The text should deter us from yielding to despondency and inactivity. I. GOD'S ANCIENT PEOPLE THE JEWS. The Jews at different parts of their history have resembled clusters of grapes, bruised, trodden down, and unfit for use. Yet God says to His Church, "Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it." Do you speak of the aversion and obstinacy of Israel? Let me ask, Wherein is the heart of a Jew worse than the heart of a Gentile? Is he self-righteous, and were not you, &c.? II. CITIES AND NATIONS GENE RALLY. Let our eye gaze on this great metropolis. But shall we yield to despondence? Never, whilst there are so many righteous men and intercessors. England has a blessing, yea, is not only blessed, but is a blessing, a blessing to the nations of the earth. And may we not believe that there are many nations God will not destroy because a blessing is in them? III. THE STATE OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. A review of the history of the Church will lead many persons to say it is the history of declension and revival. But alas! has there been no period which may be called the dark ages? Yet, even in these times of apostacy, God has had a people, and among them men and women of eminent piety, who had not defiled their gar IV. TO PENITENT BACKSLIDERS. The tree decays and falls, but still there may be life in the root, and new shoots may be sent up. So was it with David and Peter, who not only sighed and wept, but brought forth fruits meet for repentance, and whose latter end testified to the grace of God that was in them. I urge backsliders not to despair. V. YOUNG INQUIRERS. The fruits of righteousness at first may be immature. Many young professors are discouraged by harsh reproof, and questioning as to sincerity; because one or two grapes in the cluster are imperfect some would throw away the whole cluster. Let me give you a word of warning as well as encouragement, Though Christ will not destroy the bruised reed, nor the tender grapes, yet many destroyers are around you. Your dangers may not be open persecution, nor some of the supposed formidable temptations, but a number of small, trivial, almost imperceptible snares,-little sins, falsely so-called. These are the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes. Be not afraid, none so gentle and loving as the great Vine-dresser, when even He comes with His pruning-knife. VI. THOSE WHO ARE CALLED MOST UNPROMISING CHARACTERS. Have we never heard of a man of sterling piety, talent, liberality, and influence in the Church of God, who was once the most unruly and ill-disposed boy in the Sabbath-school, but who, owing to a kind and persevering teacher, received convictions and instructions that never were forgotten? Talk not of unpromising characters as hopeless. Did not John Newton seem unpromising when a captain on board a slave ship, &c. Some of the so-called unpromising characters are more hopeful than many who are "not far from the kingdom of God." How infinitely valuable must be the soul of man! If you would not destroy a vine or cluster of grapes, how much less the soul. Will you, by indifference or unbelief, destroy your soul? The soul though fallen has a blessing in it. What encouragement is offered us. God is kinder than man, &c. J. G. Pearsall: The Christian World, Dec. 2, 1864. Verз. 11-16. I. Apostate Israel and their curse. II. The true Israel and their blessing. Vers. 11, 12. Apostacy. I. Forsakes God. II. Forgets His ordinances. III. Bestows its devotion and energies upon false objects. IV. Meets with its merited doom (vol. i. p. 67). II. Ver. 12. I. The gracious call of God. The impenitence of many. III. The inevitable result. (See p. 366.)-Dr. Lyth. INCENTIVES TO RELIGIOUS DECISION. lxv. 13-15. Behold My servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry, &c. The principles of God's conduct are the same in all ages, &c. No temptation is more common than that which arises from the impression that a life of religion is necessarily a life of gloom, &c. I urge upon the undecided some reasons for religious decision. dissatisfaction and wretchedness to which you are exposed. I. From the superior advantages of the religious life, beyond all the boasted distinctions or professions of worldly and ungodly men. 1. They have a better Master and portion. God loves to speak of them as His servants. He claims them as His own, and they rejoice in their allegiance to Him (vers. 8-15). How greatly God honours His servants! Let Christians rejoice in the Master they serve. Let the impenitent contrast the master they serve, &c. Your master is bad; his service is worse; his wages are worst of all. Abandon Satan's service. Become servants of II. From the peculiar sources of You have conscious condemnation, ever growing in evidence, &c.-Samuel Thodey. Ver. 14. THE JOY OF GOD'S SERVANTS (see vol. i. pp. 234, 320, 321). There is a striking difference between those who keep and those who forsake God's commands. The one is the object of His favour, the other of His displeasure. Those who serve God have abundant and constant occasion of rejoicing, whereas those who forsake Him exclude themselves from all true joy (vers. 13-15). Consider I. THE GROUNDS AND REASONS OF THEIR JOY. God's servants have the joy of-1. Salvation (Ps. li. 12). Includes acceptance, adoption, cleansing, &c. (Rom. v. 11). What a joy is this! 2. Claiming God as their portion (Lam. iii. 24, and others). Excites joy even in adversity. The stream may be cut off, but nothing can deprive them of the fountain. 3. God's abiding presence. 4. Faith. Trusting God's care, &c. Brings peace and heart-rest. 5. A well founded hope of heaven (Rom. v. 2). This animates and sustains amid life's sorIn the experience of such blessings God's servants have good reason to sing for joy of heart. And if there is so much joy in the way to heaven, what transports shall they have when they come to Zion with songs, &c. (ch. li. 11). rows. II. THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THEIR JOY. It is-1. Pure and spiritual (Rom. xiv. 17; Gal. v. 22). A holy feeling, excited by spiritual objects, apprehended by faith. Suited to the noble faculties and sublime hopes of their heaven-born souls. Leaves no bitter sediment. 2. Satisfying. Such we seek. Only God's servants realise. God has so made us that no worldly joy can satisfy us. 3. Strengthening. Gives For (1) Duty. vigour to all the powers of the soul. Not so carnal joys. (2) Suffering (Rom. v. 3, and others). (3) Christian work. Feeds zeal like oil to the wick of a lamp. (4) Spiritual conflict. 4. Enduring (Phil. iv. 4). Does not depend upon uncertain worldly good (Hab. iii. 17-19). Lives through all the vicissitudes of this mortal life (John xv. 11; xvi. 22). CONCLUSION.-1. Have you religion enough to make you really happy? 2. Have you to lament that it is much deadened and interrupted. Earnestly seek its increase and fulness (John xv. 11; xvii. 13). This joy beautifies, adorns, and renders attractive the Christian character. You are bound to be joyful as a means of honouring your Divine master, and being useful to your fellow-men. -Alfred Tucker. Ver. 16. The happy change. I. Trouble forgotten, as a thing past. Excluded. II. " Blessing secured, on earth. In God, therefore real. In the God of truth, therefore permanent. By direct appeal to God, as the sole object of prayer. Vers. 17, 18. I. The regenerated world. Glorious prospect! The feelings it should inspire. II. The power by which it will be effected. III. The blessed results. Ver. 19. God's joy in His people. I. Its occasion. II. Expression. Favour. Fellowship. Blessing. III. The happy consequence the alleviation of human sorrow.-J. Lyth, D.D. Ver. 20. "The sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed." I. The shortness of human life. A man a hundred years old is a wonder. Contrast the age of man with that of the works of nature, art, &c. II. The longsuffering of God. Though He sees all the sins of the sinner, and hates, and is able to punish them, He delays His stroke for a hundred years. His power over Himself. III. The malignity of sin. There is no self-restoring power in the soul as in the body. There are no spontaneous cures of spiritual diseases. The power of habit. Worse and worse. The inexhaustibleness of the curse. It is not exhausted by a century, nor by a millennium, nor by the cycles of eternity. V. The claims of religion upon the old. Depict the dangers of hoary-headed sinners. There is still a method of escape. Accept the Saviour immediately. -G. Brooks: Outlines of Sermons, p. 341. THE WORK AND ENJOYMENT OF GOD'S PEOPLE. Ixv. 22. Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. Connection of the text I. THE CHARACTER AND RELATION OF BELIEVERS. They are God's people by creation, purchase, consecration, and in virtue of the purpose of God. II. THE WORK IN WHICH THEY ARE ENGAGED. 1. The law of labour pervades the universe. 2. The law applies to religion; God's people have work to do, the work of repentance, faith, glorifying God, &c. 3. The law is universally applicable, the man of one IV. talent as well as the one of ten-each and all. III. THE ENJOYMENT THEY HAPPILY SHARE. There is enjoyment-1. In doing the work. 2. In the Divine presence and aid. 3. Resulting from the work. IV. THE PERPETUITY OF THEIR JOY. 1. Individuals long enjoy the fruit of piety. 2. The Church will long enjoy and live and labour for posterity. 3. The redeemed in eternity will enjoy the fruit of time.-Geo. Smith, D.D. SPEEDY BLESSING. lxv. 24. Before they call I will answer. Divine generosity outruns human petitions. The promise here so graciously given is illustrated practically by many instances recorded in Scripture. And many devout Christians can attest a similar readiness. I. The condition of speedy blessing. From the language of the text it is plain that the promise is limited to those who-1. Are conscious of need; and 2. Recognise that such need can be supplied only from a Divine source. II. The character, &c. The language used is very simple and very human. We are assured that when the petition and its spirit are acceptable, God will-1. Hear. This is some. thing more than a statement of the Divine Omniscience. He will hear as a king hears the suit of a favourite or the petition of a suppliant, i.e., with an attentive and favourable disposition. 2. Answer. This means not by words merely, but by acts. The assurance is given that God's providence will supply a want, or His grace remit a sin, or His Spirit impart needed strength or guidance. III. The explanation, &c. If a human benefactor were in question, there would be something paradoxical in this promise. But this disappears when it is remembered who He is who makes this wonderful promise. 1. The perfect acquaintance which the Divine Benefactor has with the wants of the suppliant. 2. The spontaneous and abounding benevolence of the Divine heart hastens to anticipate the wants, to outrun the requests of those who have petitions to present and blessings to implore.-The Homiletical Library, vol. ii. pp. 157, 158. I. Man needs to call upon and speak to God. II. Man is encouraged to call upon and speak unto God.-Lay Preacher. Ver. 23. 1. The characters described. II. Their happiness. A blessing upon their toil. Upon their children. Ver. 25. I. Some types of human nature. II. Their harmonious combination. Altered feelings, tastes, habits-all harmonised. III. The power by which this change is to be effected. IV. The happy issue. Peace, love, righteouness. V. The signal contrast. In the serpent and his seed.-J. Lyth, D.D. THE OBJECTS OF THE DIVINE FAVOUR. lxvi. 1, 2. Thus saith the LORD, the heaven is My throne, &c. In opposition to their formality, &c., a great truth is here asserted; viz.: That the special object of Jehovah's gracious regard is the contrite and lowly spirit, who, with reverence and godly fear, offereth to Him sincere spiritual worship. This truth is unfolded in a threefold aspect-I. By WAY OF REPROOF. 1. The pernicious notion that merely ritual and external service is acceptable to God is denounced and condemned. The reproof of the text is equally applicable to all that is unspiritual in religion at the present day-all heartless formality and Pharisaic ritualism. 2. Selfrighteous pride is here rebuked and condemned. The Jews prided themselves in their splendid temple and their gorgeous ritualism. II. BY WAY OF INSTRUCTION. I. The text implies that the God of nature is likewise the God of grace and salvation. There are some who profess to worship the God of nature, but who ignore and deny the God of redemption in Christ. They are one and the same. human soul, in its sinful and degraded state, is an object of greater interest and value in the sight of God than all the material universe. 3. God's gracious and approving regard is connected with a specific state of mind on the part of man. III. BY WAY OF CONSOLATION. Consolation to a man of a poor and contrite spirit. 1. God looks upon the contrite spirit-(1) To heal its anguish. (2) To enrich and exalt him. (3) To comfort and protect him. (4) In approbation of their 2. The worship. Pomp and pageantry he spurns, &c. (5) To dwell with him for ever. Let the ungodly remember that God looketh upon them also, but not with pleasure and approbation.E. Roberts: The Penny Pulpit, New Series, No. 787. I. MAN'S LOOK (Micah vii. 7). Man needs help. Where is he to look? 1. Personal. Whatever it may cost, whoever else will not, I will. 2. Reliance-"unto." In weakness. confusion, difficulty. 3. Object "the Lord." He is able, willing, has promised to help. II. GOD'S LOOK. 1. God has promised to look, i.e., after. "I will." His look is one of power, and it means help and protection. 2. Object-poor, needy. "Him that hath no helper helper" applies both to temporal and spiritual concerns of God's people. 3. Contrite, repentant (ch. lvii. 15). 4. One who has reverence for God's Word. Tries to keep it; fears to break it. Let us look to God, and God will look to us.-John R. Taft, M.A.: The Study and Homiletic Monthly, 1879, p. 163. I. The character of those who are the peculiar objects of the Divine regard. II. God's regard to such characters. To turn away the face is expressive of disgust, disdain, &c.; to look is to approve, to care, to bless. The text expresses Divine approval, care, blessing. Conclusion: 1. How different the characters whom God esteems to those the world delights in! 2. What admirable condescension in God (Ps. viii. 3-5). 3. What encouragement to the penitent (1 John i.). 4. What a source of terror to hypocrites, pharisees, &c.-R. Watson: Sermons and Outlines, pp. 285-288. I. God's grandeur. II. Self-sufficiency. III. All-sufficiency. IV. Condescension. Ver. 3. Formal worship. I. Its features. II. Offensiveness to God. III. Utter worthlessness (pp. 625-627). Ver. 4. I. The offence. Impenitenceaggravated transgressions, wilful contempt. II. The punishment. Delusion, fear, ruin.J. Lyth, D.D. (See outlines on lvii. 15.) ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP. lxvi. 5. Hear the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble, &c. In all ages, true and false professors of religion have been found within the precincts of the Church. So in Isaiah's time, &c. The hypocritical party, instead of being humbled, &c., grew bolder in sin, and presumed upon their |