Isaiah 1:4-9

How affecting are these verses! It is as if God paused over the state of his church. Their sin, like an epidemic disease, was universal. It did not break out in one or two instances of transgression; but the whole body became virtually all sin. They are laden with it. - And where should they be unladen, but upon Christ, the almighty burden bearer? - Reader! do not fail to remark, in the very opening of the prophecy, how in the view of universal corruption, the Holy Ghost is preaching Christ? And, Reader, do not fail to connect with this view also, another sweet gospel truth; namely, how the Lord, in such deplorable times, had preserved to himself a remnant according to the election of grace. Sodom's history was well known, and Abraham's intercession on that occasion could not have been forgotten. When therefore we hear it said, Except the Lord had left a very small remnant, how blessed is it to trace the Lord's hand, and to give to the Lord all the glory! Genesis 18:20; Romans 9:29. Then read Romans 11:5, and bless God for distinguishing mercy! Precious Jesus! to whom but to thee shall the glorious cause be ascribed! Oh how blessed to mark the little flock of thy kingdom, Luke 12:32.