Isaiah 6:13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them… I. WHAT IS THE CONDUCT WHICH IT NOW BECOMES PIOUS MEN TO CULTIVATE AND DISPLAY. In order that they may sustain the honourable station which is assigned to them, they are to cultivate and display certain habits of thought and character appropriate to the season in which it is their lot to live. 1. Pious men should cultivate and display uncompromising separation from the practical wickedness which is around them. 2. Pious men ought to cultivate and display firm and unwavering attachment to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith. 3. Pious men ought to cultivate and display cordial, fraternal attachment towards each other. 4. Pious men ought to cultivate and display zealous exertion for the promotion of Christian truth and influence throughout the land. II. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS WHICH, FROM THE CULTIVATION AND DISPLAY OF THIS CONDUCT, MAY BE PROPERLY ANTICIPATED. "The holy seed shall be the substance thereof." Pious men are to be the safeguards of the national interests; and when the time of calamity has passed, those interests are to be maintained in security and in honour. God preserves nations for the sake of the pious men who are in them, and who duly display and vindicate their character. 1. Observe the anticipated results as they bear upon what is temporal and civil. There has not been a dynasty holding the reins of empire since genuine Christianity took its root amongst us, and there has not been a single reign of any one of those dynasties, but what might be summoned, as affording living testimony to the truth, that the temporal interests of the nation have been bound up with the piety of its people. Pious men will preserve — (1) The order of our land. (2) The freedom of our land. (3) The peace of our land. (4) The prosperity and honour of our land. 2. Notice the anticipated results as they bear upon matters spiritual and religious. Here the promise is more distinct and the consequences are more palpable. (1) The defeat and destruction of erroneous opinions will be secured. (2) The salvation of multitudes of immortal souls will be secured. (3) Vastly increased facilities for the promotion of the Saviour's kingdom throughout the earth will be secured. Conclusion — 1. The vast importance of being numbered amongst the "holy seed" yourselves. 2. Let us endeavour to arise to the performance of our obligations. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. |
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