September 28

PART II.— Isaiah 9:6.

THE counsels of Jesus relate to all our interests both in time and eternity. Strangers and pilgrims on the earth, we are in danger of wandering, and missing our providential way. We know not what is best for us. Our choice of temporal things may be as misguided and unhappy as that of Lot, who chose the rich and fertile, but vile and ruinous plains of Sodom. The Lord must choose our inheritance for us. We are not to be anxious about temporal things, but diligently to employ the means he hath appointed, and then to cast all our care upon him, seeing that he careth for us. If we devoutly seek his kingdom and righteousness first, all other things shall be added unto us. His counsels have especial reference to the soul. He will direct our souls into the way of life and prosperity.

Our souls shall live, if we seek the Lord. He will keep our hearts and minds in the enjoyment of his love, and in the possession of peace, which passeth all understanding. He will direct our souls into all truth, and lead us in the way of righteousness, for his name's sake. He counsels us as to the duties which must be discharged—the dangers that must be avoided—the self-denial that we must exercise—the crosses we must endure—the graces we must cultivate—the tempers we must display—and the meetness we must obtain for the enjoyment of future and eternal blessedness. He counsels us as to our conflicts, our trials, our sufferings, our privileges, and our blessings: he counsels us how we must live, so as to glorify him, and be happy, and how we may die in peace, and be blessed for ever. His counsels relate to heaven and eternity, and clearly reveal the only way, and direct to the only certain means of obtaining immortality and eternal life. And his counsels are free to all. And they are free to all upon the most gracious terms. For, if any man lack wisdom, and ask of him, it shall be given liberally, and he upbraideth not. Then the precious resolution of the psalmist must be suitable to every heaven-born mind, "Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory!"

G 2