CONTENTS Here is another blessed prophecy, full of the Lord Jesus, and of gospel mercies, folded up in him. The prophet speaks of the joy of God's people, when, in the midst of darkness, the light of Christ's coming shall break in upon them. The chapter closeth with threatened judgments to the desp... [ Continue Reading ]
This blessed account was fulfilled, when the Lord Jesus, preceded by his herald, John the Baptist, manifested himself to Israel. The gospel is full of it. Matthew 4:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
The joy here spoken of, is not that carnal joy, which men of the world are seeking after; but the spiritual joy of grace in the heart: and the similitude of harvest-men and warriors is uncommonly beautiful. The husbandman soweth in hope; the soldier warfares in the same: but the race is not always t... [ Continue Reading ]
Now comes in that blessed prophecy which hath refreshed the Church, and will, as long as time shall be, continue to refresh the Church, in all ages; and which, when compared with the accomplishment, as far as hath been completed in the person and work of the Lord Jesus, and which faith is looking fo... [ Continue Reading ]
What is here said, though it may have a peculiar reference to the state of the Church in the days of the prophet, is not so limited, but that it hath respect to the Church in all ages. The Lord hath sent his word, his redemption, unto his people, and it hath lighted unto the ends of the earth. But,... [ Continue Reading ]
Here is the sad cause of the Prophet's lamentation, and a miserable close he makes indeed of the sorrowful subject, at every termination: for the thing explains itself. The Lord corrects in mercy; but men regard it not. The Lord humbles his people, in their houses and families; in their offices and... [ Continue Reading ]
If the Reader will compare this chapter in the several parts of it, with Leviticus 26:1, he will find a solemn explanation given of what is here said, and mark the progression of divine visitations in both. Everything manifests, that when the Lord smites, it is to reform: and when the calamities the... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS MY soul! behold in Israel's history, the real history of all men by nature; and the one universal cause of the Lord's controversy with the sons of men. All have sinned, and come short of God's glory: And think, my soul, what a mercy it is, that the Lord doth correct. But for this, there... [ Continue Reading ]