to do any thing good, by Divine grace were made active therein. Those that knew not how to speak
of God or to God, had their lips opened to show forth his praise. When the Holy Ghost came upon
the Gentiles that heard the word, then were the fountains of life opened. Most of the earth is still a
desert; neither means of grace, spiritual worshippers, nor fruits of holiness, are to be found in it.
But the way of religion and godliness shall be laid open. The way of holiness is the way of God's
commandment; it is the good old way. And the way to heaven is a plain way. Those knowing but
little, and unlearned, shall be kept from missing the road. It shall be a safe way; nothing can do
them any real hurt. Christ, the way to God, shall be clearly made known; and the way of a believer's
duty shall be plainly marked out. Let us then go forward cheerfully, assured that the end of this
way shall be everlasting joy, and rest for the soul. Those who by faith are made citizens of the
gospel Zion, rejoice in Christ Jesus; and their sorrows and sighs are made to flee away by Divine
consolations. Thus these prophecies conclude. Our joyful hopes and prospects of eternal life should
swallow up all the sorrows and all the joys of this present time. But of what avail is it to admire
the excellence of God's word, unless we can call its precious promises our own? Do we love God,
not only as our Creator, but because he gave his only Son to die for us? And are we walking in the
ways of holiness? Let us try ourselves by such plain questions, rather than spend time on things
that may be curious and amusing, but are unprofitable.
Chapter 36
See II Kin. 18:17-37, and the commentary thereon.Chapter 37
This chapter is the same as II Kin. 19.Chapter 38
Hezekiah's sickness and recovery. (Is. 38:1-8) His thanksgiving. (Is. 38:9-22)Is. 38:1-8 When we pray in our sickness, though God send not to us such an answer as he here
sent to Hezekiah, yet, if by his Spirit he bids us be of good cheer, assures us that our sins are
forgiven, and that, whether we live or die, we shall be his, we do not pray in vain. See II Kin.
20:1-11.
Is. 38:9-22 We have here Hezekiah's thanksgiving. It is well for us to remember the mercies
we receive in sickness. Hezekiah records the condition he was in. He dwells upon this; I shall no