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casion dismayed, as well as laid low in self-abasement; and if seasonable encouragement had not been afforded, the very intention of the vision would have been counteracted, and he unfitted for the arduous services to which he was called.

III. Then we consider the relief and encouragement which he received.

We are not indeed warranted to expect direct assurances by immediate revelation; yet the emblems of this vision aptly represent the way in which the convinced sinner finds peace and hope, connected with increasing humiliation.-It has been remarked, that the scene of this vision was the temple: the altar of burnt-offering was therefore full in view, on which the daily sacrifices and occasional oblations were consuming, by the fire that came down from heaven. The blood of numberless innocent animals slain in sacrifice, and their bodies consumed to ashes, that guilty men might be pardoned and blessed, were constant declarations that sinners deserved death, and the fiery wrath of God in another world; and that deliverance could only be obtained by faith in the promised Redeemer," the Lamb slain from the foundation of "the world." From this altar one of the Seraphim took a live coal, and applied it to the prophet's lips, assuring him that his "iniquity was taken away, and "his sin purged."

No endeavours were used to comfort Isaiah by persuading him, that he thought too ill of his own character and services: no intimation was made, that the vision had bewildered his mind, and inspired groundless alarms. On the contrary, the heavenly messenger

of peace seemed to allow that "he was a man of polluted lips," and that his present judgment of himself was according to truth: but he assured him, that his guilt was removed by the atoning sacrifices, and by faith in the typified Redeemer. When Simon the Pharisee disdained the weeping penitent, who washed the Saviour's feet with her tears, our Lord did not vindicate her character or palliate her guilt; but graciously no. ticing her repentance, faith, and love, he declared, that, "her sins though many were forgiven." This is the uniform method of scripture: but numbers endeavour to encourage trembling sinners, by arguing them into a more favourable opinion of themselves, or by pointing out certain good actions or qualities, which may counterbalance their offences. Such are physicians of no value. They administer fatal opiates to the lethargick, when they have been in a measure awakened: and they prolong the distress of the contrite and poor in spirit. No man is terrified merely by the opinion that his sins are numerous and heinous; but through unbelief, ignorance, or indistinct notions of the divine mercy, and of the blessed gospel of God our Saviour. These are therefore the subjects, on which we should principally insist, if we would bring the distressed in conscience to permanent comfort and stable peace. "Faith comes by hearing:" and while we point out "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the "world," we do our part to apply "the live coal "from the altar" to the trembling sinner's lips. For when a man is brought to seek encouragement, not from himself or any of his services, but from the infinite mercies of God, through the atoning blood of

Christ; and to perceive the Saviour's power and willingness to save unto the uttermost all that come to God through him;" he will soon rise superior to his desponding fears, and possess "a good hope through grace," that his "sins though many are forgiven;” or at least, that his iniquity will at length be purged away.

But whoever may be the messenger of peace to the broken in heart, the Holy Spirit is the Author and Giver of this blessing. "When the Comforter is come," saith the Lord Jesus," he shall convince the world of sin:" and "He shall glorify me; for he shall receive "of mine and shew it unto you."* When humiliating convictions have prepared the heart to welcome a free salvation, the divine Comforter enables the sinner to see the glory of God, and the harmony of his attributes, in the person and redemption of Christ: thus he finds peace and joy in believing, and at length " abounds in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost!" This consolation is the effect of regenerating grace, and accompanied by a new creation of the soul to holiness. The faith that justifies is living and active: it works by love of God and man; purifies the heart, and overcomes the world; and thus renders the believ er fruitful in good works, to the glory of God through Jesus Christ. The live coal from the altar may therefore be considered as an emblem of those spiritual affections, that are kindled in the believer's heart by the Holy Spirit, which prepare, animate, and even con

* John, xvi, 8.——) 5.

strain him, to devote his talents to the glory of God, and to employ them according to his commandments.

This is the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and of fire, with which Jesus baptizes his true disciples: these sacred influences penetrate and enlighten the mind, warm and elevate the affections, consume the dross of low and carnal passions, and transform the whole soul into the very nature of that divine Agent by whom they áre produced.

IV. Then let us proceed to consider the effects of this encouragement, on the prophet's disposition and conduct.

The vision had struck him dumb, filled him with consternation, and indisposed him for his prophetical office. But now, hearing the voice of the Lord, say. "ing, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" he answered without hesitation, "Here I am, send me."-Neither the consciousness of his unworthiness and insufficiency, nor the prospect of difficulties, perils, or self-denial, produced the least reluctancy to the important and arduous service. His love to the Lord, and zeal for his glory, rendered him willing to go any whither, to any person, or on any message. He was ready to face a persecuting tyrant or an enraged mul titude; to travel over mountains and seas, or through inhospitable deserts. He declined not hardship, poverty, or neglect; but was so desirous that the name of God should be hallowed, his kingdom promoted, and his will done on earth even as in heaven, that he exulted in the thought of being employed as an instru ment in such a work. He could not indeed equal the fervent zeal and rapturous worship of the Seraphim:

but he desired to emulate the promptitude and alacrity with which they performed the commands of their Creator. Nay, he made no objections or excuses when he was sent to pronounce the condemnation of the rebellious Jews, and to be an occasion of their ju dicial blindness, for a warning to all others who "hate the light because their deeds are evil."

These effects of genuine encouragement to the bro ken in heart were by no means peculiar to the prophet. They will not indeed follow from an unscriptural assurance of forgiveness: but they are inseparable from comfort obtained by the exercise of living faith in Christ, under the teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul, speaking of his abundant labours and sufferings, adds, "Having obtained merแ cy, we faint not; " and afterwards, "For the love of "Christ constraineth us: because we thus judge, that "if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they who live should not henceforth "live to themselves, but to him who died for them, "and rose again." It was "his earnest expectation " and hope,—that Christ should be magnified in his "body, whether by life or death; t" other "things "moved him not, neither counted he his life dear unto "himself, so that he might finish his course with joy, "and the ministry which he had received of the Lord "Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Deep humiliation for sin; firm confidence in the mercy of God, gratitude to the divine Saviour," who loved

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* 2 Cor. iv. 1. v. 14, 15.
+ Acts, xx, 24;
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† Phil. i. 20. 21.

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