The Pulpit Commentary — Isaiah — Volume 2 — Section 415

generations." Abraham, as the first father of the race, may be taken as the type of all fathers and mothers. Then the course of thought may be this- I. Tmi PIOUS PATERNAL CHARACTER. As seen in Abraham, it includes: 1. Reverence. A due sense of the "unseen" is the secret of the sense of dut.y which lies at the basis of all real authority. 2. Uprightness. Which giveH a certain firmness, almost stern- ness, which ensures e. blended fear and confidence. 3. Obedience. A man's own response to his sonship with God is the secret of his power to command the obedience of his children. II. 'l'HE SECURITY PATERNAL CHARACTER AFFORDS THAT FAMILIES WILL BE RULED, There is a strange idea entertained, that there is no strong rule in fatherhood. But every home must have its laws. The mightiest men of earth are not the giants with the big fists. 'l'he Davids of intellectual, moral, and emotional force are grander than all Sauls who stand heads above their fellows. The highest power of influence attends on character. Put a man of good character anywhere, and he proves to be a king; he rules. There is a natural authority belonging to parentage. This is not enough. It ce.n be kept into the manhood of the children only as parents gain the higher power of moral character. III. THE RESULT OF GOOD RULING IS THAT THE CHILDREN TURN OUT WELL. How we dream over the future of our children! We may leave it all with Goel, if we are culturing ourselves into Christ-likeness, and watchfully anxious that this our Christ- likeness should shine well on them. But what do we mean by "our children turning out well"? Does that mean "proving talented," "marrying prudently," "winning business successes "? Or do we mean "keeping well in the wayH of the Lord," what- ever may be their circumstances, aud whatever may be their relations? IV. THROUGH GOOD PARENTS AND GOOD FAMILIES GoD's PURPOSES IN THE WORLD ABE ACCOMPLISHED. Compara Dr. Horace Bushnell's very striking expression, " The out-populating of the Christian stock." As are the families so will be the nation. We trust in virtuous homes, well-ruled families, godly fathers, and pious mothers. Blessed indeed are those children who grow up constrained to goodness by the example, influence, and authority of godly parentsl-R. T. Ver. 10.-Joy in the Divine adorni11gs. Richard Weaver gives an effective and pleasing illustration. "A lady once took me into her garden, and I found there beds filled with all kinds of beautiful flowers; but at the end of the garden I came to the edge of a steep precipice, and as I stood looking down at the great black rock beneath, I thought what a dreadful place that would be to fall down. 'Come with me,' said the lacly, ' and I will show you something beautiful.' She led me round to the foot of the rock and desired me to look up, and when I did I could see no rock, it was completely covered with beautiful white roses. Oh, thought I, that is just a picture of a poor sinner; he is a black, uusightly thing like that rock, but the 'Rose of Sharon' comes e.nd covers him; and when God looks, he cannot see the sinner, for between is Christ, and he covers him with the spotless robe of his own righteousness." L CHRIST'S GIFT OF ADORNMENTS, Urge that a sinner, even a saved sinner, cannot be called beautiful, and cannot be fit for a place at the feast. Fetch the poor beggar in from the street, give him free invitation, and let him respond to it with all hi~ heart; and still he will want something before he cnn sit down with the guests. It is some- thing he cannot win, something he cannot buy, something of the king's own, which the king himself must give. It is a royal robe from the king's treasure. It is robe and ornaments and jewels, as the brirlegroom's gift. So in the New Testament we are b dden to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ," and the graces of Christiau character are treated as a Divine investiture. They who have such adornings will be sure to try e.nd be worthy of them, and so graces given and grnces sought for will graciously blend. II. CHRIST'S JOY IN THOSE WHOM HE HAS ADORNED. Figured in the joy of 8 bride- groom over the bride when beautiful with garments and jewels which he has himself provided, e.nd every one of which is an expression of personal affection. The joy of every faithful pastor is found in those whom he has led to rest in God. "Ye are our glory and our joy.'' The joy of Jesus, the Saviour e.nd Bridegroom, is found in tho multitude whom no man can number, arrayed in white garmoots, his gift, because they are white-souled at last, through his grace.-R. T.  THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH. [oH. LXn. 1-12.