Isaiah 28:29 This also comes forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. Let us consider this point as related to — I. THE BIBLE AND ITS CONTENTS. This Book, to the secular world, is a perpetual puzzle. What amazing power it has exerted in the world, and what exalting energy! Yet it is the literature of a people comparatively insignificant, to whom we are not drawn as we have been toward the august grandeur of Roman genius, or to the poetic and philosophic Greek. It is the oldest of books, large, obscure in some things, but bold in its challenges to geologist, astronomer, and men of science; provoking discussion at a thousand points. Think of the mysteries of doctrine — the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the future life — what can we do? A tone of authority over our convictions and judgments is assumed. The thoughts of the Bible are God's thoughts. II. THE REDEMPTION OF CHRIST. This is too vast, grand, marvellous to be understood without this illuminating truth. III. IN THE SPIRITUAL SPHERE, in the soul of man. We act on man's feelings through his judgment, or upon his judgment through his sensibilities. Yet how feebly! But all these are open to the royal, inspiring Spirit of God. IV. THE METHOD AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROVIDENCE IN THE WORLD. Gathering up some of the results of this survey, we may see — 1. How Christendom is builded. Coleridge speaks fitly of "the miracle of Christendom," for the tendency of society, unilluminated by the Gospel, ever has been downward. 2. We should read the future in the same light. If God be behind all the movements of history, there is no room for discouragement. At important crises He will interfere, putting forth silent forces, perhaps, but terrific in energy. 3. There is a city of God for me. His promises, thick as the fragments of the jasper floor, will all be redeemed. (R. S. Storrs, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.WEB: This also comes forth from Yahweh of Armies, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom. |
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