God forgives, he forgets. It is not for any thing in us, but for his mercies' sake, his promise' sake;
especially for his Son's sake. He is pleased to reckon it his honour. Would man justify himself
before God? The attempt is desperate: our first father broke the covenant, and we all have copied
his example. We have no reason to expect pardon, except we seek it by faith in Christ; and that is
always attended by true repentance, and followed by newness of life, by hatred of sin, and love to
God. Let us then put him in remembrance of the promises he has made to the penitent, and the
satisfaction his Son has made for them. Plead these with him in wrestling for pardon; and declare
these things, that thou mayest be justified freely by his grace. This is the only way, and it is a sure
way to peace.
Chapter 44
Here are promises of the influences of the Holy Spirit. (Is. 44:1-8) An exposure of the folly of
idolatry. (Is. 44:9-20) Also the deliverance of God's people. (Is. 44:21-28)
Is. 44:1-8 Israel is here called Jeshurun, which means "the upright one." Such only are Israelites
indeed, in whom is no guile. Those that serve God he will own. He will help them over difficulties,
and in their services. Water is the emblem of the Holy Spirit; as water refreshes, cleanses, and
makes the earth fruitful, so do his influences the soul. This gift of the Holy Ghost is the great
blessing, the plentiful pouring out of which God kept for the latter days. Where God gives his Spirit,
he will give all other blessings. Hereby shall be a great increase of the church; thus it shall be spread
to distant places. Was there any other Rock, or Protector, that could defend them? None besides
could foretell these things to come, of which God by his prophets gave notice. All was set in order
in the Divine predictions, as well as in the Divine purposes. Could any other have done so? Who
can compare with Israel's Redeemer and King?
Is. 44:9-20 Image-making is described, to expose the folly of idolaters. Though a man had used
part of a log for fuel, he fell down before an image made of the remainder, praying it to deliver
him. Man greatly dishonours God, when he represents him after the image of man. Satan blinds
the eyes of unbelievers, causing absurd reasonings in matters of religion. Whether men seek
happiness in worldly things, or run into unbelief, superstition, or any false system, they feed on
ashes. A heart deceived by pride, love of sin, and departure from God, turns men aside from his
holy truth and worship. While the affections are depraved, a man holds fast the lie as his best
treasure. Are our hearts set upon the wealth of the world and its pleasures? They will certainly
prove a lie. If we trust to outward professions and doings, as if those would save us, we deceive
ourselves. Self-suspicion is the first step towards self-deliverance. He that would deliver his soul,
must question his conscience, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
Is. 44:21-28 Return unto me. It is the great concern of those who have backslidden from God,
like the Jews of old, to hasten their return to him. The work of redemption wrought for us by Christ,
encourages to hope for all blessings from him. Our transgressions and our sins are as a thick cloud