As a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments "As the bridegroom decketh himself with a priestly crown"] An allusion to the magnificent dress of the high priest, when performing his functions; and particularly to the mitre, and crown or plate of gold on the front of it, Exod. xxix. 6. The bonnet or mitre of the priests also was made, as Moses expresses it, "for glory and for beauty, "Exod. xxviii. 40. It is difficult to give its full force to the prophet's metaphor in another language. The version of Aquila and Symmachus comes nearest to it: wv numfion ierateuomenon stefanw� "as a bridegroom decked with a priestly crown." -L.

Is. 61:1-3 The prophets had the Holy Spirit of God at times, teachin them what to say, and causing them to say it; but Christ had the Spiri always, without measure, to qualify him, as man, for the work to whic he was appointed. The poor are commonly best disposed to receive the gospel, James 2:5; and it is only likely to profit us when receive with meekness. To such as are poor in spirit, Christ preached goo tidings when he said, Blessed are the meek. Christ's satisfaction i accepted. By the dominion of sin in us, we are bound under the power of Satan; but the Son is ready, by his Spirit, to make us free; and the we shall be free indeed. Sin and Satan were to be destroyed; and Chris triumphed over them on his cross. But the children of men, who stan out against these offers, shall be dealt with as enemies. Christ was to be a Comforter, and so he is; he is sent to comfort all who mourn, an who seek to him, and not to the world, for comfort. He will do all thi for his people, that they may abound in the fruits of righteousness, a the branches of God's planting. Neither the mercy of God, the atonemen of Christ, nor the gospel of grace, profit the self-sufficient an proud. They must be humbled, and led to know their own character an wants, by the Holy Spirit, that they may see and feel their need of the sinner's Friend and Saviour. His doctrine contains glad tidings indee to those who are humbled before God.

Is. 61:4-9 Promises are here made to the Jews returned out of captivity, which extend to all those who, through grace, are delivere out of spiritual thraldom. An unholy soul is like a city that is broke down, and has no walls, like a house in ruins; but by the power of Christ's gospel and grace, it is fitted to be a habitation of God through the Spirit. When, by the grace of God, we attain to holy indifference as to the affairs of this world; when, though our hand are employed about them, our hearts are not entangled with them, but preserved entire for God and his service, then the sons of the alie are our ploughmen and vine-dressers. Those whom He sets at liberty, he sets to work. His service is perfect freedom; it is the greates honour. All believers are made, to our God, kings and priests; an always ought to conduct themselves as such. Those who have the Lord for their portion, have reason to say, that they have worthy portion, an to rejoice in it. In the fulness of heaven's joys we shall receive mor than double for all our services and sufferings. God desires truth, an therefore hates all injustice. Nor will it justify any man's robbery to say, it was for burnt-offerings; and that robbery is most hateful whic is under this pretence. Let the children of godly parents be such, tha all may see the fruits of a good education; an answer to the prayer for them, in the fruit of God's blessing.

Is. 61:10,11 Those only shall be clothed with the garments of salvatio hereafter, that are covered with the robe of Christ's righteousnes now, and by the sanctification of the Spirit have God's image renewe upon them. These blessings shall spring forth for ages to come, as the fruits of the earth. So duly, so constantly, and with such advantage to mankind, will the Lord God cause righteousness and praise to sprin forth. They shall spread far; the great salvation shall be publishe and proclaimed, to the ends of the earth. Let us be earnest in prayer that the Lord God may cause that righteousness to spring forth amon us, which constitutes the excellence and glory of the Christia profession __________________________________________________________________

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