Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful… 1. We learn from the Roman historians, that at the time of our Lord's nativity, the temple of Janus at Rome was shut up, in token of a profound peace all over the world; for the Romans, being then lords of the world, had power to make peace or war as they pleased. But there was a special providence of God in it, that His blessed Son, "the Prince of Peace," should be brought into the world in such a season of tranquillity. Accordingly we hear the angels proclaiming at His nativity. "Peace on earth, and goodwill towards men." 2. When He came to preach the Gospel, He began His sermon, with "Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are the meek, blessed are the peacemakers; bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you." He calls upon His disciples to learn of Him to be meek and lowly in heart, that they might find rest for their souls. When He was apprehended and brought to His trial, He practised His own doctrine of meekness and patience. And when St. Peter drew his sword in His defence, He commanded him to put it up again, "for," says He, all they that take the sword, shall perish with the sword. 3. When He took His leave of His disciples, He bequeathed peace to them, as the best legacy which He could leave them. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you." At His various appearances among them after His resurrection, He commonly saluted them with the blessing of peace. 4. One great end of our Lord's coming into the world was, to break down the partition walls between all nations, and take away all party distinctions from among men. 5. The most signal act which entitles our Lord to the character of the Prince of Peace, is this, that He has reconciled us to God, and made an atonement for the sins of the whole world. (W. Reading, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. |
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