~elie,er~ ;_ his works and go,ernment ( in creati?n, providence, and grace) ; his special rnterpos1t10ns-for Israel, for mankind, especially in and by the Lord Jesus·1 hie word and the understanding of it (,er. 12); bis operations in each heart and life. 2. From God. All joy which is his gift has his stamp of approval: innocent plea- sures of sense, reason, social affection, as well as the higher spiritual joys. But these last are specially "the joy of the Lord," which is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. ': 22). 3. With God, a_s he rejoices in his works (Ps. civ .. 31), in the repentance of smner~_(Luke xv.), and m tl?.~ character and welfare of his people (Ps. cxlvii. 11; Isa. lxn. 5 ; lxv. 19 ; Zepb. m. 17). We are capable of fellowship with him in hie joy. 4. Directed to God. In gratitude and love, in praise and in cheerful service. Natural joys regulated by and culminating in religion, in thankfulness, &c., become thus "_th~ joy of the Lord." Such joy, !1ot sorrow, should be _the predominant feeling of Chr1strnns, although sorrow has also its place. The consciousness of redemption, of pardon, peace with God, sonsbip, &c., should produce joy. Such joy, not sinful mirth, should Christians indulge. II. WHY sucH JOY SHOULD BE CHERISHED. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Lite'.ally, your stronghold, fortress. For the Jews at this time, feeble as they were, the JOY of the Lord would be safety against enemies. It would unite them, inspirit them, make them brave, stimulate them in God's service, which was their safety, as it would secure his protection and blessing. And in all times religious, holy joy is a defence against evil. It imparts "strength " in another sense-inward power to do and endure the will of God, and overcome temptation, and thus becomes a strong- hold-I. Against discouragement and despondency in trying times. 2. Against sin. Making God's service a delight, it counterweighs the attractions of sinful pleasure. He who is happy in God is raised above them. 3. Against infidelity. For it gives an experimental proof of the reality and worth of religion which no mere argument can shake. And as it is with individuals, so with families, Churches, nations, the joy of the Lord is strength, gloomy religion weakness, sinful joy more so. Ill. WHEN IT SHOULD BE INDULGED. On days "holy to the Lord," which everr__ day should be. Then on days specially set apart for religious services-the Lord s day, Easter, Christmas. Our special commemoration of God's works should be with holy, not sinful, joy. IV. How IT SHOULD BE EXPRESSED. 1. It may be expressed by feasting. So here, and in Jewish religious observances generally. Two things secured by such asso- ciation of religion and feasting. It makes religion social, cheerful, and attractive, and it elevates and sanctifies feasting itself, consecrating it to God, and preserving its purity by associating it with thoughts of him. We should deem it singular to hear the ministers of religion say, " Eat the fat and drink the sweet, for this day is holy to the Lord." Yet primitive Christianity had this element, in dropping which we have lost much good, if also much evil. At Christmas time we in a. measure associate feasting with religion. Let us endeavour so to unite them that our joy may be "the joy of the Lord." Let us blend with our festivities gratitude for Christ and Christianity. Let us invite Jesus to our feasts, and enjoy ourselves as in his presence. It is easier to mix religion with feasting at this time, because of the occasion, and the family character of the feast, the children uniting. 2. It should always overflow in charity. "Send portions unto them for whom nothing is pre- pared" (see Deut. xvi. 11, 14). Special suitableness of this at Christmas time, not only on account of the time of year, when the poor have to bear peculiar hardships, but on account of the event celebrated. The incarnation sanctifies human nature, uniting it to the Divine ; teaching us to reverence, respect, care for all ; furnishing a new and sacred bond of unity and brotherhood. It sanctifies poverty, as Christ was born of a poor woman, in a very humble lodging. He chose to be a poor JJ1an, and esteems kindness to the poor as kindness to himself, and vice verstl.. It affords us a.II ground for utmost thankfulness, which we should express by charity. Even selfish- ness might prompt benevolence at this season, for it will give zest to our own feasting to be conscious that others are sharing it through our gifts. Even if we must curtail our own feast somewhat in order to give to others, we shall be thus repaid. Finally, all joy should, and may, be a joy of the Lord. That which cannot is llllworthy a Christian, and will lead to ultimate sorrow. OH. VUI. 1-12.] THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 85
Ver. 11.-Com(ort for penitents. "Neither be ye grieved." God's word grieves, yet soon says, "Be ye not grieved." I. To WHOM THIS MAY BE SAID. 1. To true penitents. Such as mourn over sin with a " godly sorrow," and seek mercy through the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ; whether sinners first awakened, or Christians conscious of recent sin. 2. To o.11 such. Even the chief of sinners, the worst of backsliders. II. ON WHAT GROUNDS IT MAY BE SAID. 1. The assurance of forgiveness. "Though your sins be as scarlet," &c. "He will abundantly pardon." 2. The certain results of forgiveness. Adoption into the family of God. The enjoyment of his favour. The constant a.ids of the Holy Spirit. Support in conflict and trouble. The co-opera- tion of all things for good. Life everlasting. In a word, salvation now and for ever. 3. The many injunctions to rejoice. 4. The injurious influence of over-much and over-prolonged sorrow. On him who cherishes it. Christian graces thrive best in an atmosphere of confidence and joy. Much sorrow blights them. On others. Dis- couraging inquirers. Repelling unbelievers. Bringing discredit on religion. III. BY WHOM IT SHOULD BE SAID. By ministers of the gospel, and by the Church in general. We should not be afraid to comfort mourning sinners. To others our exhortation should be, "Be ye grieved." "Be afflicted, and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness." (See more under eh. ii. 3 ; viii. 10.)