February 21

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias; and when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, &c.—Luke 4:17.

ISAIAH predicted very largely concerning the person, work, and glory of Messiah. And now the

Messiah honours Isaiah, by selecting from his roll of prophecy, the subject of the first gospel discourse which he delivered in our world. (See Isaiah 61:1-2.) In doing this, the Redeemer exhibits himself on this occasion, as the end and completion of that prediction, "for this day" says he, "is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." The subject of his discourse presents before us, I.— His divine qualifications. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;" that Spirit by which the holy men of old wrote and spake, the only source of inspiration, was given to the Redeemer at his baptism, and more wholly rested upon him. By it, his miraculous conception was effected. By it he was anointed to accomplish all the work of human redemption. Hence he taught by the Spirit, and wrought miracles by the Spirit, and offered himself an eternal and acceptable sacrifice through the Spirit. His kingdom was a spiritual kingdom, and the chief blessings which he came to bestow, were spiritual blessings. II.—The subject of his discourse embraced also, the great blessings and glorious benefits, which he came to bestow. He came to bring the gospel to the poor. The system of salvation is admirably adapted to the poor; they stand greatly in need of it; they can clearly understand it; though poor, they may obtain it, as it is without money and without price. The poor are chiefly those who believe it; and all must be possessed of spiritual poverty before they can receive it. Yes, the gospel is preached to the poor; and in that gospel, there is an offer of dignity to them, and they become the exalted sons of God; there is an offer of costly raiment, even the best robe, the wedding garment, the garments of salvation; there is an offer of plentiful provision, even the fatted calf, the bread of life, and wine on the lees, well refined. In the gospel, they become heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, and heirs of eternal glory. Is it possible for better news, for more joyous tidings to be preached to the poor? Then let this gospel be attentively heard, and confidently believed, that all its present and future riches may be ours for ever.