demonstration of the Spirit and of power, nothing can stand before it. It has already prevailed to a vast extent over the powers of darkness, and in God's good time it shall " subdue all nations to the obedience of faith."
One effect in particular it invariably produces, wherever it is received in spirit and in truth ; it imparts " a joy with which a stranger to it intermeddleth not." " The meek are they who will receive it ; and they will increase their joy in the Lord : and the poor among men, for whose advancement it is pre- eminently designed, shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." Others may possess carnal joy : but these shall have a joy in the Lord, " a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory."]
Application —
[Why should not " that day" be already come ? Whether it be come or not to Jews or Gentiles, there is no reason why it should not be come to you. How blessed would it be to see the commencement of that day amongst you ! See what is said of it in another part of Isaiah's prophecies : " Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped : then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing ; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desertV Dear Brethren, im- plore help from God : and he will come now at last to give efficacy to his word, and to make it the power of God to the salvation of your souls.]
k Isai. xxxv. 5, 6.