Isaiah 62:6-7 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: you that make mention of the LORD… It is a truth which holds good, both in Scripture and experience, that the care of Zion lies at the bottom of all God's powerful actings among the sons of men. All that He is and does, in the methods of His common and extraordinary providence, is for the sake of His Church, which is the principal cause and interest; He has in the world. I. WHAT ARE THOSE SHAKINGS TO WHICH THE CAUSE AND CHURCH OF CHRIST ARE EXPOSED IN THE EARTH? 1. There are shakings to which the cause of Christ is exposed, which arise from outward violence (Psalm 2:2). 2. There are shakings which arise from inward decays A building will shake and totter and grow ruinous, without any outward violence, if the foundation is undermined '; or if the pins and fastenings, whereby it is held together, decay. This is the ease(l) When Gospel-truth is perverted or denied. (2) When Gospel-holiness is neglected. (3) When love is not cultivated. II. WHEN MAY GOD BE SAID SO TO ESTABLISH HIS CHURCH AS TO MAKE IT A PRAISE IN THE EARTH? To make up this praise and renown there are four or five things. As — 1. Abundance of light and knowledge. 2. High degrees of holiness. 3. Abundance of peace (Psalm 72:7). 4. A. multitude of converts. 5. A rich supply of all temporal good things.Men's natures shall be changed; their corrupt lusts and passions shall be subdued; and all their riches, honour, and power shall be employed for the support of Christ's cause and kingdom. III. THE DUTY OF SUCH AS MAKE ANY PROFESSION OF CHRIST WITH REFERENCE TO THIS GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY. "Ye that make," etc. 1. This day of Zion's establishment and praise should be uppermost in our thoughts. That which has no place in our thoughts and affections will have very little in our prayers. The Church of old deprecated this as an abominable sin; (Psalm 137:5, 6). 2. It should be continually in our prayers. 3. Prayer for Zion's establishment must be with a holy importunity and constancy. It is not the work of one day, but of every day; the blessing prayed for has every other blessing and mercy in the bowels of 4. Zion's friends are called to pray and work. The former branch of the verse commands action: "I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem. It is hypocrisy to ask in private what you would not be glad to do in public. Your time, gifts, substance and lives are God's." (J. Hill.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, |
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