2. That the more lowly we are in our own eyes, the richer communications we shall receive from him —
[Behold how speedily the angel was sent to comfort the mind of the dejected prophet ! This was a faithful represen-
" Isai. xxxiii. 17. ° Luke vii. 26 — 28.
tation of the care which Jesus takes of all his afflicted people, especially when humbled in the dust before him. " He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, till he bring forth judgment unto victory." Though he is " The High and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, yet will he dwell with him that is of a contrite and hum- ble spirit, to revive the Spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones p." Does not his word universally attest this blessed truth, that " whilst he who exalteth himself shall be abased, the man that humbleth himself shall be ex- alted?" Be not afraid then, ye who feel your own unworthi- ness : give not way to despondency : say not, " Woe is me I I am undone :" follow not the unbelieving example of Peter, saying, " Depart from me ; for I am a sinful man, O Lord^." But know that, if you feel yourselves lost, it was precisely such persons that he came to seek and save"^; and that, " where sin has abounded, his grace shall much more abound':" and if, like Mary, you are enabled to go behind him, and wash his feet with your tears, he will ere long say to you, " Thy sins, which are many, are forgiven thee." Indeed it is in this way that he is daily acting by the ministry of his word : he sends his servant to take his promises, and apply them to the hearts and consciences of his people*, and thus to fill them with " a peace that passeth understanding," and with "joy that is un- speakable and glorified."]
3. That a sense of his pardoning love should animate lis to an unreserved surrender of ourselves to him — [See the effect which was instantly produced on the pro- phet's mind. God designed to send his messages of love and mercy to the Jews, notwithstanding he knew beforehand that they would prove ineflfectual for their conversion. To carry such messages was a painful task ; but yet, when God asked, " Who will go for us?" the prophet hesitated not one moment to offer his services, saying, " Here am I, send me"." Thus should we also manifest our gratitude to God for all the mercies vouchsafed unto us through the Son of his love. We should not inquire whether the office be pleasant ; or, whether it will advance our credit in the world. It should be sufficient for us to know what the will of the Lord is ; and then we should account it our honour to do, or suffer it. Especially does this observation apply to those who minister in holy things : if God say. Who will go for me, to carry my Gospel to the heathen ? we should not stand to inquire, Whether the office be lucrative or not ; or, whether the climate to which we are to go be more or
P Isai. Ivii, 15. and Ixvi. 2. i Luke v. 8. ^ Luke xix. 10.
« Rom. V. 20, 21. t 1 Thess. i. 5. " vcr. 8.