THE SIGNS OF A TRUE MINISTRY Isaiah 61:1. _The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, &c._ This word, in all the beauty and grace of its meaning, was fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ; yet it may be regarded as setting forth the signs of a true service for the Kingdom of God, whether re... [ Continue Reading ]
ZION’S MOURNERS COMFORTED Isaiah 61:3. _To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, &c._ I. THE CHRISTIAN IN HIS SPIRITUAL GRIEFS AND DEPRESSION. Two translations—mourn _in_ Zion. mourn _for_ it. Take both. 1. _They mourn in Zion_ (Matthew 5:4). They are real mourners. The images denote intense sorr... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD’S PRIESTHOOD _v._ MAN’S PRIESTCRAFT Isaiah 61:6. _But ye shall be named the priests of the Lord._ To such low purposes has the noble word of “priest” been prostituted, so vilely has it been dishonoured, and so repulsive are all its present associations, that I confess it does not seem to me an... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BLESSED SEED Isaiah 61:9. _All that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed_. I. THERE IS A “SEED” OR RACE, “WHICH THE LORD HATH BLESSED.” Elsewhere it is described as “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16). But it is neither co-extensive with nor confi... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL ASSURED AND ILLUSTRATED (_Missionary Sermons._) Isaiah 61:11. _For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden, &c._ I. The seed. II. The extent of the ground to be brought under cultivation. III. The manner in which the fruit-fulness is produced.—_Bishop Wils... [ Continue Reading ]