June 11

PART II.—Isaiah 55:4.

JESUS employs a diversity of means, in leading his people to glory. Among these, we may notice, the directions of his holy word. For this very end, has he given us the Scriptures, that they may enlighten our minds, and lead our feet into the way of salvation. It is here that Christ in his person, offices, and work, is made known to the sinner. It was this, that made Timothy wise unto salvation. And this word is particularly designated the word of Christ, and the word of salvation. It was the preaching of this word that led the Samaritans to the true knowledge of Christ. And it was the reading and expounding of this word, that led the Eunuch to believe, that Jesus was the Son of God, and to be baptised in his name. Jesus also leads his people, by his own illustrious example. He has passed before us, as our exemplar and model; he has left the impress of his own footsteps, which we are called to imitate. Hence, he leads, by the attractive influence of his example, by causing his people to "look unto him, the author and finisher of their faith." Finally, Jesus leads by the influences of his Spirit. He said, the Spirit shall lead you into all truth. Hence, he sends down his Holy Spirit into the hearts of his people, to enlighten, to soften, to purify, and to carry on the work of grace, until they are fully meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, "For as many as are the Sons of God, are led by the Spirit of God." It is by the Spirit, that Christ is exhibited attractively before the mind. And it is by the Spirit, that the heart is made affectionately willing, and the feet readily obedient to follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth. Let us then follow on to know the Lord, to listen to his voice, that we may never perish, but finally receive eternal life.