despaired of success; and having found some present relief, they grieved not at the consequences which might follow. But whose displeasure, saith the Lord, could they fear, so as to be induced to forget me, and to deal with me so treacherously? Ought not my patience and long suffering to have produced a fear and reverence of me? But I will make them know how unprofitable all their deeds have been: and when distress comes upon them, they shall see how little able their allies and companions in idolatry are to deliver them; such assistance shall be as vain and useless as dust driven by the wind.

At the middle of the thirteenth verse the prophet changes his style from reproof to consolation, and assures the people, that they who trust in God shall be restored to their own country, and to his worship upon mount Zion; and care shall be taken that every impediment be taken out of the way that might hinder their passage home. For the Holy One, who dwells in the eternal heavens, does not despise men of meek and humble minds, but delights to comfort them in their afflictions. He takes no pleasure in punishing mankind; for if he were to deal severely with them, they would soon be brought to nothing. When their greediness and avarice required to be checked, he chastised them by hiding his face, and removing his protection from them; and so he let them follow their own imaginations. But now they have mended their ways, he promises to relieve and comfort them in their distress. It is He, who gives them occasion to praise him with joyful lips, and who proclaims peace, not only to the Jews, but also to distant nations. But the wicked can expect neither peace nor comfort, since their minds are in a continual state of agitation and uneasiness, like a turbulent and restless sea.

We are taught by this chapter to abhor those scandalous idolatries which the heathen nations prac

tised, and by which the Jews were seduced from their duty. Let it be a warning to us to hold fast to the one true God, and never to let our hearts be alienated from him, by any compliance with the corrupt practice of the world. How reviving is the thought, that God is pleased to dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit! Let it encourage us to repent deeply of our sins, and then will he reward our humility with that peace and comfort which the obstinately wicked man can never feel.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY.

Evening Service.

ISAIAH LVIII.

THIS chapter describes the hypocrisy of those who pretend to keep a solemn fast, without any amendment of their lives; and declares the blessedness of such as obey the laws of God.

The prophet is directed to exert himself to the utmost in reproving the people for their iniquity in holy things, and for their hypocrisy in pretending to seek God, and desiring to have an exact knowledge of his laws and ordinances, as if they were blameless in the observance of them. They presume to ask God boldly, of what use are all their fastings and humiliations, if he appears to take no notice of them. The answer is plain and convincing, that they neglected the true end of fasting; they were eager to follow their own pleasures, and to oppress the poor and needy; and they engaged in strifes and contentions, that they might the easier compass their wicked designs. But they shall not, the prophet tells them, fast in this manner; nor must they think to

have their prayers heard on account of their noise and vehemence. How could they expect that the mere outward signs of fasting, the prostrating of the body, wearing coarse garments, and lying down in dust and ashes, could of themselves be acceptable to the Lord, if unaccompanied with sorrow and repentance? God will pay little regard to the outward ceremonies of religion, when no attention is paid to the duties of humanity and charity. They who wish to please Him, must shew the sincerity of their fasting and prayer by a gentle usage of their debtors, by relaxing the bonds of slavery, by desisting from their oppressions, by kindness to the poor and miserable, and by helping their own kindred and countrymen. If such be the effect of their fasting, their afflictions shall be turned into joy, even as light breaks forth out of darkness; and God shall reward their righteousness with his favour and protection If then they apply to the Lord for help, he will hearken to their request; but it must be upon the condition that they cease from their oppressions, that they neither mock nor deceive others, and that they do their utmost to assist the needy. Such a behaviour will draw down the divine blessing, like rain upon a thirsty land, or a return of health to the sick and wasted body. Then they and their descendants shall repair their ruined cities, and restore the ways which have been so long unoccupied. When my people, saith the Lord, observe my laws, and especially when they keep holy my Sabbath, which is the great memorial of my being the Creator of all things; when they do not employ the Sabbath in following their own ways and pleasures, nor in talking their own idle discourse, but shall duly honour me in their observance of that holy day: then shall my service become delightful to them, I will exalt them above the nations round about, and they shall inherit the blessings which I promised to their great ancestor Jacob.

We may draw two principal reflections from the foregoing chapter; first, upon the duty of fasting; secondly, on the observance of the Sabbath. As to the first, when we are called upon to celebrate a public fast, let us not rest contented with the mere outward ceremony; but in order to render our prayers and our fasting acceptable before God, let us cleanse our hearts from all iniquity, relieve such as are oppressed, and exercise mercy and charity to all within our ability. As to the observance of the Sabbath, let us learn from hence ever to account it a day holy and honourable unto the Lord: not satisfying ourselves with abstaining only from bodily labour, but devoting it to the care of our souls, the improvement of our minds in real practical religion, and the instruction of all belonging to us.

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE
EPIPHANY.

Morning Service.

ISAIAH LIX.

THIS chapter describes the wickedness of the Jews, which prevented their prayers from being heard; they are nevertheless promised a deliverance from their enemies.

It is not, saith the prophet, that the Lord wants power or goodness to hearken to your prayers, but it is your own wicked deeds which shut his ears against you. You are defiled with murder, falsehood, injustice, and every kind of iniquity. Instead of endeavouring to crush and destroy wickedness before it be hatched and come to light, you encourage it, and increase the venom of it, however fatal it may prove to yourselves and others. Your fine spun arts of deceit shall never be able to entrap

others, nor to conceal your iniquity and violence. Both your thoughts and actions are employed against the innocent, you have turned aside into the crooked paths of unrighteousness, which can never lead to peace.

At the ninth verse these unhappy wretches seem to plead guilty to the charge that is brought against them; we acknowledge, say they, that justice and honesty are banished from us, and we look for happier days, but all is darkness and gloom. We are as void of light and comfort as if we were blind, we are as much banished out of sight as if we were dead. Whether we cry aloud or bemoan ourselves in secret, our condition is equally wretched. We are sensible, O Lord, how greatly we have transgressed against thee, and we know but too well how we have forsaken thee, and have followed the ways of oppression and falsehood. No regard is paid to judgment or justice, and truth itself is trampled under foot in such a manner, that they who respect it, and depart from evil, are become a prey to others.

So flagrant a violation of truth and equity was highly displeasing to God; and to speak of Him after the manner of men, He was surprised that there was scarce a righteous man who would intercede to prevent all this injustice and oppression. He determined therefore to exert himself in behalf of the innocent, and to effect their salvation by his own righteous dealing. Like a valiant man preparing for the fight, he clothed himself with the armour of righteousness and salvation, and with vengeance will he repay those who are enemies to him by their evil deeds, as well as those foreign nations who have persecuted his servants. This shall exalt his glory from the east to the west, from one end of the earth to the other; and when the enemy shall be ready to destroy his people, his good providence will oppose their fury. Thus shall the children of Jacob, who are truly penitent for their sins, be redeemed from captivity and re