people ; to it shall the Gentiles seek ; and his rest shall be glorious." Now that this refers to Christ there can be no doubt ; since an inspired Apostle, speaking of Christ as having come in order '^ that the Gentiles should glorify God for his mercy," quotes this very passage ; " Again Esaias saith. There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles ; in him shall the Gentiles trust ^." With this inspired explanation of my text for our guidance, we may proceed to consider,
I. The advent of Christ as here announced —
We are told, that " He shall stand for an ensign of the people." Now what is " an ensign ?" It is a standard raised by the authority of a monarch, in- viting his subjects to flock unto it, and to fight under his guidance against his enemies.
Now such an occasion existed before Christ came into the world, and still exists in every quarter of the globe —
[Behold, the whole universe has risen up in rebellion against " the Lord and his Christ." I confidently ask, Who amongst you has not been a rebel against God ? Who has not
trampled on his laws, and set at defiance his authority ?
Who has not said, respecting the Lord Jesus Christ in parti- cular, " We will not have this man to reign over us?" Who has not ranged himself under the banners of Beelzebub, and executed his will in direct opposition to Christ's ? It is not for nought that Satan is called " The god of this world ;" for " he works in all the children of disobedience," and " leads them captive at his will" ]
To meet that occasion, Christ is come into the world —
[He " comes to effect deliverance for the captives." He erects his standard in the world. He bids us to throw down the weapons of our rebellion, and to join his ranks against the common enemy. He gives us armour from head to foot ; and offers to discipline us for the warfare ; and assures us of final victory. Nor is it to those only who are in full vigour of life, and amongst the lower ranks of society, that He sends his in- vitation ; but to those of every rank, and every age. There is with him no preference of age or sex : all are equally called to fight his battles ; and are assured of ultimate success. Nor is it
a Rom. XV. 12.