shall be executed by the working of his Spirit according to his word. There shall be great peace
and quiet under his government. The gospel changes the nature, and makes those who trampled on
the meek of the earth, meek like them, and kind to them. But it shall be more fully shown in the
latter days. Also Christ, the great Shepherd, shall take care of his flock, that the nature of troubles,
and of death itself, shall be so changed, that they shall not do any real hurt. God's people shall be
delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
The better we know the God of love, the more shall we be changed into the same likeness, and the
better disposed to all who have any likeness to him. This knowledge shall extend as the sea, so far
shall it spread. And this blessed power there have been witnesses in every age of Christianity,
though its most glorious time, here foretold, is not yet arrived. Meanwhile let us aim that our
example and endeavours may help to promote the honour of Christ and his kingdom of peace.
Is. 11:10-16 When the gospel should be publicly preached, the Gentiles would seek Christ Jesus
as their Lord and Saviour, and find rest of soul. When God's time is come for the deliverance of
his people, mountains of opposition shall become plains before him. God can soon turn gloomy
days into glorious ones. And while we expect the Lord to gather his ancient people, and bring them
home to his church, also to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, when all will be united in holy love,
let us tread the highway of holiness he has made for his redeemed. Let us wait for the mercy of our
Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, looking to him to prepare our way through death, that river
which separates this world from the eternal world.
Chapter 12
This is a hymn of praise suited to the times of the Messiah.The song of praise in this chapter is suitable for the return of the outcasts of Israel from their
long captivity, but it is especially suitable to the case of a sinner, when he first finds peace and joy
in believing; to that of a believer, when his peace is renewed after corrections for backslidings; and
to that of the whole company of the redeemed, when they meet before the throne of God in heaven.
The promise is sure, and the blessings contained in it are very rich; and the benefits enjoyed through
Jesus Christ, call for the most enlarged thanksgivings. By Jesus Christ, the Root of Jesse, the Divine
anger against mankind was turned away, for he is our Peace. Those to whom God is reconciled, he
comforts. They are taught to triumph in God and their interest in him. I will trust him to prepare
me for his salvation, and preserve me to it. I will trust him with all my concerns, not doubting but
he will make all to work for good. Faith in God is a sovereign remedy against tormenting fears.
Many Christians have God for their strength, who have him not for their song; they walk in darkness:
but those who have God for their strength ought to make him their song; that is, give him the glory
of it, and take to themselves the comfort of it. This salvation is from the love of God the Father, it
comes to us through God the Son, it is applied by the new-creating power of God the Spirit. When
this is seen by faith, the trembling sinner learns to hope in God, and is delivered from fear. The
purifying and sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost often are denoted under the emblem of