whatever else it mo.y mean, cannot but primarily symbolize the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is called by St. John an "unction from the Holy One" (1 John ii. 20), and which was, in fact, the unction wherewith Christ himself was anointed (see the comment on ver. 1). To give the Holy Spirit to Christians was a very ma.in object of his coming. 'l'he Spirit was essential to the sanctification of Curi~tians; and he must "send the Spirit," and be could not send him until be himself was first" glorified" (John vii. 39; xvi, 7). St, Luke tells us how soon after his ascension the Spirit was given (Acts ii. 4--33); and our Lord promised that, after he once came, he would abide with the Church "for ever" (John xiv. 16). Of all the immediate consequences of our Lord's mission the gift of the Spirit was perhaps the most, precious, embracing as it did regeneration, sanctification, comfort, strength, gladness. X. THE CAUSING THEM TO DE CALLED, AND THE11EFORE TO BE, RIGHTEOUS. All the other objects had this final end in view. The good tidings were preached, and the broken- hearted healed, and the captives set free, and the dull of sight given moral discernment, and the acceptable time proclaimed, and the day of vengeance threatened, and the mourners comforted, and the crowns of glory promised, and the Holy Spirit given, in order that "oaks of righteousness" might be planted in the garden of the Lord-that men might burst the bonds of sin, and become righteous, "perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. vii. 1). Christ "gave himself for us," says St. Paul, "that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus ii.14). This was the principal object of our Lord's coming-to "save men from their sins." Other objects were rather means to ends. This was the great end. Christianity is a success just so far forth as it weans man from sin, and creates and maintains in the world a "company of faithful men," who deserve to "be called oaks of righteousness," who persisteutly and determinately "eschew evil and do good," who lead holy lives, who "shine_like lights in the world," "adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things" (Titus ii. 10). Vers. 10, 11.-Rejoicing in the Lord. "Rejoice in the Lord al way," says the apostle: "and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. iv. 4). It reflects shame on Christians that their religion should appear, so much as it does, to those without as a religion of gloom and melancholy, In Scripture true religion wears a wholly different aspect. Faithful Israel rejoices constantly in the Lord, is perpetually joyful in its God. The Book of Psalms is one almost continuous jubilation. The worship of David, of Solomon, of Hezekiah, of the Old Testament saints generally, is a glad worship (2 Sam. vi. 12; 1 Chron. :u:ix. 9-22; 2 Chron. y. 2-13; xxix. 20-36; xxx. 21-26, etc.). In the Gospels we find Christ's coming on earth the immediate occasion of canticles of praise (Luke i. 46-55, 68--79; ii. 14, 29-32). The apostolic practice is delivered to us in the following words: "They, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladne3s and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people" (Acts ii. 4.6, 47). And such gladuess and rejoicing will certainly appear to be reasonable, if we consider- I. THE CAUSES THAT CHRISTIANS HAVE FOR SUCH REJOICING. 1. In the past. The whole scheme of redewption is a thing to be joyful and thankful for, including as it <loe, atonement, forgiveness, reconciliation, renewal of the Divine image in man, revelation of saviug truth, assisting grace, etc. 'l'he bringing them within the scheme, so as to make its blessiugs theirs, is a ground for special thankfulness and joy, since the privilege has been granted to them without being deserved by any merit of their own, and has not been taken from them despite their subsequent demerits. The granting of a written revelation, and the preservation of that precious deposit in purity, is another special ground for rejoicing; as also is the institution and continuation of the Church to the present day as an organized corporate body. 2. In the present. Christians have abun- dant ground for rejoicing in God's goodness to them individually-in his providential care of them, in the patience and long-suffering which he has. shown towards their shortcomings, in their enjoyment of Christian privileges, and in the many other tem- poral and spiritual blessings vouchsafed to them. 3. In the future. They have an imperishable hope, a confident expectation of eternal life through the merits of Christ, an assurance of an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, a1td that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for them" (1 Pet. i. 4), 420 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH. [011. LXI. 1-11.
II. Tm: RESULTS THAT NATURALLY FLOW FROM BUCH REJOICING. 1. Such rejoicing is good for Christians themselves. It makes them realize their blessings and their privileges, a_nd ta.ke 6:1 it were a firmer hold on them. It helps them to make light of the s~all trials and hmdra!1ces tha~ more or less beset every one, and that, if dwelt upon ?xclus1vely, may be magnified until they assume very undue proportions. It actually in_cre_ases the feeling of joy, and so the feeliug of happiness, for every active principle withm us is strengthened by being exercised. 2. Such rejoicing bas a beneficial effect 0!3 others. It ~tt!acts t~~m to Christianity in the saiue degree that a gloomy presenta- tion _of the Christian religion repels them. It wakes responsive echoes in their hearts. It stirs up latent and undefined longings in their souls. It leads sometimes to inquiry and conversion. 3. Such rejoicing is, further, for the glory of God. God wills that his saints should praise him and rejoice in him. Such rejoicing sets forth his power and his goodness. It is a proclamation to angels and to men that "the Lord is good, and that his mercy endureth for ever" (Ps. cxxxvi. 1). It is borne through the empyrean, and enters into the courts of heaven, and wakes angelic sympathies and intensifies angelic devotions. It is an offering of a sweet savour to God.