The Pulpit Commentary — Isaiah — Volume 2 — Section 243

ne "bad not been defiant, bad not turned back." An our duties as servants of God rcsol ve themscl ves into faHh, obedience, and patience; and the vital principle of al I is submission. FaiLb, the submission of the understanding; obedience, the submission of the will to what God bids us to do; and patience, submission to what God bids us suffer. In contrast to this temper Jonah may be cited; and in exemplification of it, Jeremiah (xvii. 6; xx. 7). 1n such a temper humiliation and scorn may be patiently endured. II. THE DIVINE PnEBENCE AND HELP. "Against the crowd of mockers be places the Lord J ehovab." Jehovah is on his side; and therefore be can (in a good sense) harden his face like a flint Against bis foes, be confident, and not be disappointed. A good, conscience is a tower of strength. "Near is be that justifietb me." "To justify," in the Old Testament, almost always means to pronounce a man righteous, or prove him so in act. The Servant is thinking of a trial through which be is passing, and where God is the Judge. But" while Job shrinks in terror from the issue, the Servant bas no doubt as to a favourable result." Tbe passage is full of a holy and strong confidence, in the strength of which he can face all bis foes. Only he who has not defied God (ver. 5). is able to defy the world, and speak of bis enemies as falling to pieces like a rotten, moth-eaten garment. .And thus from personal experience be is able to comfort 11.nd to exhort others. "He that walketh in darkness and bath no light, let him trust m the Name of Jehovah, and rely upon his God." 'l'be oppo~ition is between outward darkness and inward light-in the mau's own "clear breast," where he "may sit in the centre, and enjoy clear day," To have a conscience defiled and obscured is to be left, in the time of adversity, "wholly in the dark." The man cannot tell whether God is his enemy or his friend; or rather, bas cause to suspect him of being his enemy. Then, "if we would have our conscience deal clearly with us, we must deal severely with it. Often scouring and cleansing it will make it bright." We learn from the pabsage how the habit of submission to the Spirit of God, and hearty obedience to bis will, tends to promote a reasonable confidence in every hour of trial. Not, indeed, one that is secure against all vicissitudes of wavering and distrust, any more than a strong physical constitution can be exempt from occasional attacks of dise.ise. But in the will absolutely submitted to the Divine, vigorously exerted in the cause of right, may be found a confidence-short, indeed, of perfect assurance, yet "for the purposes of a pious life much more useful."-J. Ver. 10.-A searching query. "Who is among you," etc.? What wonderful discri- mination of character there is in Scripture I It is "a rliscerner of t,he thoughts and intents of the heart." And it is ever associated with the Divine remedies. Go to a physician, and you often fear the worst. That never is so with the great Physician. Beautiful idea of trust I We cannot force either conviction or feeling. 1. The position described. 2. 'l'be remedy proposed. I. 'l'HE POSITION DESCRIBED. Human life has its terrible side. So has nature. You see the broad Sea in her bewitching and entrancing beauty, and you forget how many boats have been lost in the wild tempest. This is said of a devout man: "one who/ears God." Not, of course, strange that a man who does not fear God should feel like this. We may be children, knowiug God's will, trying in our poor way to do it. 1. A season of deep distress. Other griefs are great; but we feel the religious life cold and indifferent! Not only at times do we feel weakened confidence in man, but in God! Light is so beautiful. It quickens life. It stirs the pulses of joy. It keeps the home in view. 2. A season of weak faith. Not so much in a Providence as in the ability to lay hold on the promises. 'fo doubt our sincerity. 'l'o doubt our love. Given a man of exceeding faith: be will minimize bis troubles, according to the extent of his faith. 3. A season of pilgrimage. Still has to walk on. .Avocations call him forth. Relation- ships to others rn ust be sustained. Opportunities must be made use of. Life is a con- tinual forth going; and we walk on. What meditations I What regrets I II. 'THE REMEDY PROPOSED. 1. A Name. How simple I God is not merely ever- lasting, or almighty: he is known to us by a,Nan,e. Christ has shown us the Father. Well, we cannot understand God apart from intuitions and relationships. I thank God for the lexicon of the family. 2. A trust. Not trying to hurry e,·ents. Refusing to judge by appearances. Why should I? Did the O:d Testament heroes? Appear.  252 THE BOOR OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH. [on. L, 1-11.