Isaiah 35:10

REFLECTIONS

READER! was there ever a sweeter scripture of description, concerning the blessings of Jesus and his salvation, than what this chapter affords? Behold how the mind of Jehovah hath been occupied from everlasting, and in all ages, to comfort his Church in the prospect of the coming Saviour? Think of the infinite love of Jehovah, in not only providing redemption, and in such a way; but also in preparing the minds of his redeemed for the full enjoyment of it, when the Son of God should come. Under these impressions, look into the gospel, and behold how minutely every feature of the Lord Jesus, corresponded to the prophet's prediction. And then, above all, as it concerns your own everlasting welfare, look narrowly, whether all the blessings here spoken of in Jesus, and by Jesus, be indeed your portion. My brother! do, I beseech you, bring home the general mercies of redemption to your own personal and particular state and circumstances. Hath the wilderness of your own fallen state by nature, been made by grace to blossom as a rose? In the dry parched soil of your own corrupt heart, hath the Holy Ghost been poured out by his regenerating influences, and made the streams of his renewing fruitfulness to abound? Have your blind eyes been opened, and your deaf ears unstopped? Healed by Jesus, is your lameness done away, so that in his name and righteousness you can, and do now leap as an hart; and your tongue, that was once dumb, can, and doth speak of his salvation plainly?

Oh! ye chief of sinners! who are blind, and ignorant of the way of righteousness, behold Jesus is the way, and the highway, in which none that are found walking shall ever err! Oh! ye who have spent your strength for nought, and your labour for that which satisfieth not, hearken diligently to the Prophet's call. He is commanded to say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong; behold your God shall come and save you! Precious Lord Jesus! do thou come and save, come and bless, come and guide thy redeemed home to thy Zion which is above! Help all thy redeemed to sing now the song of redemption, in this house of our pilgrimage: and ere long to sing it forever before thy throne of glory, in the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen.