"It is necessary, if thou shouldest come in sight, to venerate thee as king; which they call worshipptng." -NEPOS in Conone. Alexander, intoxicated with success, affected this piece of oriental pride: Itaque more Persarum Macedonas venerabundos ipsum salutare, prosternentes humi corpora.

"The Macedonians after the manner of the Persians, saluted their monarch with the ceremony of prostration." -CURTIUS, lib. viii. The insolence of eastern monarchs to conquered princes, and the submission of the latter, is astonishing. Mr. Warmer, Observ. ii. 43, gives the following instance of it from D'Herbelot: "This prince threw himself one day on the ground, and kissed the prints that his victorious enemy's horse had made there; reciting some verses in Persian, which he had composed, to this effect:- "'The mark that the foot of your horse has left upon the dust, serves me now for a crown.

"'The ring which I wear as the badge of my slavery, is become my richest ornament.

"'While I shall have the happiness to kiss the dust of your feet, I shall think that fortune favours me with its tenderest caresses, and its sweetest kisses.'" These expressions therefore of the prophet are only general poetical images, taken from the manners of the country, to denote great respect and reverence: and such splendid poetical images, which frequently occur in the prophetical writings, were intended only as general amplifications of the subject, not as predictions to be understood and fulfilled precisely according to the letter. For the different kinds of adoration in the east, see the note on chap. xliv. 17.

Is. 49:1-6 The great Author of redemption shows the authority for his work. The sword of his word slays the lusts of his people, and all a enmity with them. His sharp arrows wound the conscience; but all thes wounds will be healed, when the sinner prays to him for mercy. But eve the Redeemer, who spake as never man spake in his personal ministry often seemed to labour in vain. And if Jacob will not be brought bac to God, and Israel will not be gathered, still Christ will be glorious This promise is in part fulfilled in the calling of the Gentiles. Me perish in darkness. But Christ enlightens men, and so makes them holy and happy.

Is. 49:7-12 The Father is the Lord, the Redeemer, and Holy One of Israel, as sending the Son to be the Redeemer. Man, whom he came to save, put contempt upon him. To this he submitted for our salvation. He is a pledge for all the blessings of the covenant; in him God wa reconciling the world to himself. Pardoning mercy is a release from the curse of the law; renewing grace is a release from the dominion of sin both are from Christ. He saith to those in darkness, Show yourselves Not only see, but be seen, to the glory of God, and your own comforts Though there are difficulties in the way to heaven, yet the grace of God will carry us over them, and make even the mountains a way. Thi denotes the free invitations and the encouraging promises of the gospel, and the outpouring of the Spirit.

Is. 49:13-17 Let there be universal joy, for God will have mercy upo the afflicted, because of his compassion; upon his afflicted, becaus of his covenant. We have no more reason to question his promise an grace, than we have to question his providence and justice. Be assure that God has a tender affection for his church and people; he would no have them to be discouraged. Some mothers do neglect their children but God's compassions to his people, infinitely exceed those of the tenderest parents toward their children. His setting them as a mark of his hand, or a seal upon his arm, denotes his being ever mindful of them. As far as we have scriptural evidence that we belong to his ransomed flock, we may be sure that he will never forsake us. Let u then give diligence to make our calling and election sure, and rejoic in the hope and glory of God.

Is. 49:18-23 Zion is addressed as an afflicted widow, bereaved of he children. Numbers flock to her, and she is assured that they come to be a comfort to her. There are times when the church is desolate and fe in number; yet its desolations shall not last for ever, and God wil repair them. God can raise up friends for returning Israelites, eve among Gentiles. They shall bring their children, and make them the children. Let all deal tenderly and carefully with young converts an beginners in religion. Princes shall protect the church. It shal appear that God is the sovereign Lord of all. And those who in the exercise of faith, hope, and patience, wait on God for the fulfilmen of his promises, shall never be confounded.

Is. 49:24-26 We were lawful captives to the justice of God, ye delivered by a price of unspeakable value. Here is an express promise Even the prey of the terrible shall be delivered. We may here vie Satan deprived of his prey, bound and cast into the pit; and all the powers that have combined to enslave, persecute, or corrupt the church are destroyed; that all the earth may know that our Saviour an Redeemer is Jehovah, the mighty One of Jacob. And every effort we make to rescue our fellow-sinners from the bondage of Satan, is, in some degree, helping forward that great change __________________________________________________________________

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