CONTENTS Under the beautiful similitude of a vine, and vineyard, the Lord speaketh of his church. By reproof, and by entreaty, the Lord reasoneth with Israel on the sad subject of the church's disobedience, and setteth forth the Lord's patience and long-suffering. Isaiah 5:1 Is not this God the Fa... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe how God speaks of the church, and the blessedness of it. First its situation, in a very fruitful hill: secondly, its security from enemies of every kind, it is walled around: thirdly, the soil in which it was placed, all the stones being gathered out of it: and lastly, the choiceness of the... [ Continue Reading ]
May we not suppose, that somewhat like this appeal, will be among the judgments at the last day? And then it will be found, that the soul that is Christless now, will be speechless then.... [ Continue Reading ]
Was not this awful judgment actually inflicted, when Israel became unchurched at the siege of Jerusalem? That it is more than a parable, this passage fully explains. And, therefore, there is no period in the history of Israel like that, which took place, agreeably to our Lord's own prediction, by th... [ Continue Reading ]
Here is a solemn woe denounced against carnal pursuits; and yet who feels restrained by it? My soul, you need not look abroad into the world, for examples of the unprofitableness of sin: in thyself thou mayest but too often find the sad wild grapes, which grow upon this thorn hedge of a worldly plan... [ Continue Reading ]
The prophet speaks with confidence, concerning the issue of worldly minded men in their pursuits, because the Lord said it, and so plain, as when a man whispers in the ear of another. It is a general intimation that nothing of the kind shall prosper. Their houses shall be uninhabited, and their prod... [ Continue Reading ]
How striking are these expressions! wine and dancing, revelling and music, rioting and sensuality, bring on their own punishments. Hell and the grave yawn to receive those who kill themselves by intemperance. Both poor and rich, in their different means of gratification, fall under the same sins, an... [ Continue Reading ]
Here is a sweet break to the sad account, which, like some herbage to the traveler over a desert, comes in to our relief in these verses. Jesus will be exalted in the hearts of his redeemed, in the worst of times. And the fold of his flock shall be satisfied with his goodness. Reader, this may be ev... [ Continue Reading ]
Here are accounts of still increasing wickedness, and woes of still increasing misery. Reader, in the present Christ despising generation, doth not the prophet's representation suit, as though written for the very purpose? Is there not one and the same family feature? Alas how fallen is our nature:... [ Continue Reading ]
Methinks I would read these verses with a twofold aspect. God had said by the prophet, in a preceding chapter; Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him; while to the wicked, it shall be ill with him, Isaiah 3:10. And may we not make application of what is here said, in both senses? Th... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS READER, let us mark from the perusal of this chapter, the two great leading points contained in it; the grace, and mercy, and loving-kindness of the Lord; and the fallen, corrupt, and wretched state of man. Both views are here presented to us: and both open to very solemn and improving... [ Continue Reading ]