Isaiah with a more direct reference to that eventk. Nor is this idea founded in conjecture ; for St. Paul, quoting the words of both the prophets, applies them directly to the proclaiming of salvation to the Gentile world1. If then the prophet mingled these two events, well may we do so too ; and from contem- plating the mercies vouchsafed to us in a temporal view, take occasion to reflect on the infinitely richer mercies which we obtain through Christ1" ]
We are at no loss how to improve these tidings, since the prophet himself suggests,
II. The duties resulting from them —
In an encouraging yet monitory strain, he exhorts us to,
1. A devout acknowledgment of the mercies re- ceived—
[The way to Jerusalem having been blocked up by the besieging army, the prophet tells the people, that now they may have free access to the temple, and come up at the appointed seasons to their solemn feasts. And should not we also now avail ourselves of the opportunities which are afforded us, and wait upon God without distraction n ? We should at least spend this day, not in mere carnal mirth, but in solemn feasting before God, even in spiritual, and more appropriate joy. The remembrance of the work of redemption more espe- cially should kindle in our hearts a sacred flame of gratitude and thanksgiving, and should stimulate us to a more strict observance of the Sabbath, which, in commemoration of it, was made to supersede the original Sabbath, and was desig- nated by that honourable appellation, The Lord's Day.]
2. A conscientious performance of the vows we have made —
[It is most probable, that many, during the siege of Jeru- salem, would make vows to God, as the Jews from the begin- ning had been in the habit of doing under their calamities. Nor can we doubt but that many of ourselves, in seasons of
k Isai. Hi. 7. J Rom. x. 13—15.
m Here the destruction of our spiritual enemies by Christ, " the Angel of the Covenant," may be announced, as joyful tidings to those who are " shut up under the Law," the wretched expectants of death and judgment.
11 Here, if the King's Restoration be the subject of thanksgiving, reference may be made to the interruption of the established worship during the usurpation, and the danger of its entire abolition after- wards, during the time of the Revolution.
1220.] PROPER IMPROVEMENT OF GOD's MERCIES. 359
sickness or trouble, have purposed, and perhaps vowed, to change the course of our lives, if we were delivered from the distresses which we either felt or feared. At this time in par- ticular we have been making vows, which we are bound to perform0. But, alas ! if we compare our petitions in the midst of trouble, with our lives when delivered from trouble,' what an awful contrast does there appear ! Let it not, however, be so on this occasion ; but let us remember the vows that are upon us ; for " better were it never to vow at all, than to vow and not payp."]
We conclude then with an address, both inspired and uttered by God himself ; " Hear, O my people, and I will speak ; O Israel, and I will testify against thee ! Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most HighV
° Such vows are constantly offered to God, in the forms of prayer for the 29th of May, and the fast-days ; and they may here be quoted from the one or other of those forms, as the occasion requires ; and may be pressed on the conscience as obligatory at this time.
• Eccl. v. 4, 5. i Ps. 1. 7, 14.