line of duty made clear. In all probability he laid the matter before God in prayer. '' He that believeth shall not make haste." (Isaiah xxviii. 16.)
The patience of Joseph was graciously rewarded. He received a direct message from God upon the subject of his anxiety, and was at once relieved from all his- fears. How good it is to wait uj)on God ! Who ever cast his cares upon God in hearty prayer, and found him fail .? " In aU thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Pro v. iii. 6.)
Let us observe the tiuo names given to our Lord in these verses. One is Jesus : the other Emmanuel. One de- scribes His office ; the other His nature. Both are deeply interesting.
The name Jesus means " Saviour." It is the same name as Joshua in the Old Testament. It is given to our Lord because " He saves His peoj)le from their sins." This is His special office. He saves them from the guilt of sin, by washing them in His own atoning blood. He saves them from the dominion of sin, by putting in their hearts the sanctifying Spirit. He saves them from the presence of sin, when He takes them out of this world to rest with Him. He will save them from all the conse- quences of sin, when He shall give them a glorious body at the last day. Blessed and holy are Christ's people ! From sorrow, cross, and conflict they are not saved. But they are saved from sin for evermore. They are cleansed from guilt by Christ's blood. They are made meet for heaven by Christ's Spirit. This is salvation. He who cleaves to sin is not yet saved.
Jesus is a very encouraging name to heavy-laden sinners.