Isaiah 9:8-12

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, alas! even to the present hour, who hath believed over report, may every servant of the gospel exclaim, and say, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Neither judgments nor mercies, neither prosperous nor humbling providences, though accompanying the Lord's word, will procure reverence to the Lord's commands. If the Lord smites in one dispensation, the proud unhumbled heart will seek comfort from another; and though the Lord throw down the building sin hath erected, yet sin will rear another. Hence the Prophet cries out, and every gracious looker-on joins in the same confession, "This is the sad cause, why. judgments continue, the Lord's anger is not removed, but his hand is stretched out still!