The converted Gentiles are all along considered by the prophet as a new accession of adopted children, admitted into the original Church of God, and united with it. See chap. xlix. 20, 21.

Is. 54:1-5 Observe the low state of religion in the world, for a lon time before Christianity was brought in. But by preaching the gospel multitudes were converted from idols to the living God. This is matte of great rejoicing to the church. The bounds of the church wer extended. Though its state on earth is but mean and movable, like tent or tabernacle, it is sometimes a growing state, and must be enlarged as the family increases. But the more numerous the churc grows, the more she must fortify herself against errors an corruptions. Thy Maker is thy Husband. Christ is the Holy One of Israel, the Mediator of the covenant made with the Old Testamen church. Long he had been called the God of Israel; but now he shall be called the God of the whole earth. And he will cleanse from sin, an cause every true believer to rejoice in this sacred union. We never can enough admire this mercy, or duly value this privilege.

Is. 54:6-10 As God is slow to anger, so he is swift to show mercy. An how sweet the returns of mercy would be, when God should come an comfort them! He will have mercy on them. God's gathering his people takes rise from his mercy, not any merit of theirs; and it is with great mercies, with everlasting kindness. The wrath is little, the mercies great; the wrath for a moment, the kindness everlasting. We ar neither to despond under afflictions, nor to despair of relief Mountains have been shaken and removed, but the promises of God neve were broken by any event. Mountains and hills also signify great men Creature-confidences shall fail; but when our friends fail us, our God does not. All this is alike applicable to the church at large, and to each believer. God will rebuke and correct his people for sins; but he will not cast them off. Let this encourage us to give the mor diligence to make our calling and election sure.

Is. 54:11-17 Let the people of God, when afflicted and tossed, thin they hear God speaking comfortably to them by these words, takin notice of their griefs and fears. The church is all glorious when ful of the knowledge of God; for none teaches like him. It is a promise of the teaching and gifts of the Holy Spirit. All that are taught of God are taught to love one another. This seems to relate especially to the glorious times to succeed the tribulations of the church. Holiness more than any thing, is the beauty of the church. God promise protection. There shall be no fears within; there shall be no fighting without. Military men value themselves on their splendid titles, but God calls them, "Wasters made to destroy," for they make wasting an destruction their business. He created them, therefore he will serv his own designs by them. The day is coming when God will reckon with wicked men for their hard speeches, Jude 1:15. Security and fina victory are the heritage of each faithful servant of the Lord. The righteousness by which they are justified, and the grace by which the are sanctified, are the gift of God, and the effect of his specia love. Let us beseech him to sanctify our souls, and to employ us in his service __________________________________________________________________

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