PROPHECIES RESPECTING CHRIST, SELECTED FROM ISAIAH. ISAIAH, the first of the prophets, both in order and dignity, abounds in such transcendent excellencies that he may be properly said to afford the most perfect model of the prophetic poetry. He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamental; he unites energy with copiousness, and dignity with variety. In his sentiments there is extraordinary elevation and majesty; in his imagery, the utmost propriety, elegance, dignity, and diversity; in his language, uncommon beauty and energy; and, notwithstanding the obscurity of some of his subjects, a surprising degree of clearness and simplicity. * "But, though the variety of his images and the warmth of his expressions characterise him as unequalled in eloquence, and though the marks of a cultivated mind are stamped in every page of his book, yet these are almost eclipsed by the splendour of his inspired knowledge. In the delivery of his prophecies and instructions he utters his enraptured strains with an elevation and majesty that unhal PROPHECIES RESPECTING CHRIST. 6 li lowed lips could never attain; and from the grand exordium in the first chapter of his prophecy to the concluding description of the Gospel, to be brought forth' in wonders, and to terminate in the dispensation of eternity, there is one continued display of inspired wisdom, revealing its oracles and precepts for the instruction and salvation of man: so that the saying of Ezekiel may justly be applied to this prophet: ، ، Thou art the confirmed exemplar of measures, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.' Ezek. xxviii. 12."- Br. LoWTH. Isaiah, who is believed, on a current tradition, to have been the nephew of Uzziah, king of Judea, began to prophesy in his reign, 760 years before the birth of Christ, and seven years before the founding of the Roman monarchy. Therefore JEHOVAH himself shall give you a sign; And He shall be unto you a Sanctuary: salem. The land of Zebulon, and the land of Naphthali; Even the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness, Have seen a great light: They that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Thou hast multiplied the nation, They rejoice before Thee, as with the joy of harvest ; For unto us a Child is born; Unto us a SoN is given : And the government shall be upon his shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful; Counsellor ; THE MIGHTY GOD; The Father of the everlasting age, The Prince of peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end; Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To fix and to establish it, with judgment and with justice, Henceforth, and for ever: The zeal of JEHOVAH God of hosts will do this. Wherefore thus saith the Lord JEHOVAH : Behold, I lay in Sion, for a foundation, A stone, an approved stone; A corner-stone, precious, immovably fixed : Then shall the deaf hear, And the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall increase their joy in JEHOVAH ; SELECTED FROM ISAIAH. Those that were led away with the spirit of error shall gain knowledge; And the malignant shall attend to instruction. Behold a King shall reign in righteousness; As canals of waters in a dry place; in a land fainting with heat. And Him the eyes of those that see shall regard; And the stammering tongue shall speak Say to the faint-hearted: Be ye strong; Vengeance will come; the retribution of God; And a highway shall be in the desert; liii But He himself shall be with them walking in the way. And the Redeemed shall walk in it. Yea, the Ransomed of Jehovah shall return; Perpetual gladness shall crown their heads; And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye animating words unto Jerusalem, and declare unto her, That her warfare is fulfilled; That the expiation of her iniquity is accepted: In the wilderness prepare ye the way of JEHOVAH ! Every mountain and hill shall be brought low; And the rough places a smooth plain : And the glory of JEHOVAH shall be revealed; The Salvation of our God; For the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it. A voice sayeth: Proclaim: And I said, What shall I proclaim? All flesh is grass, And all its glory like the flower of the field: When the wind of JEHOVAH bloweth upon it. Verily this people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth ; But the Word of our God shall stand for ever. O daughter that bringest glad tidings unto Sion: |