June - the Free Presbyterian church of Scotland
June - the Free Presbyterian church of Scotland
June - the Free Presbyterian church of Scotland
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146 F1'ee PTesbyte1'ian Magazine..Sermon.Preached by Rev. JOHN MACLACHLAN, North Uist." And <strong>the</strong> ransomed <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord shall return, and come to Zionwith songs and everlasting joy upon <strong>the</strong>ir heads; <strong>the</strong>y shall obtainjoy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.',Isaiah xxxv. 10.WHATEVER primary reference this prophecy might haveto <strong>the</strong> return <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tribes from captivity, it is evidentthat all its interesting and beautiful descriptions can only befully realised in <strong>the</strong> blessedness and glory <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gospel dispensation.We purpose to consider it spiritually as referringto <strong>the</strong> Gospel way <strong>of</strong> salvation. In doing so we have;-T. The way itself and its distinguishing characteristics.Il. The character <strong>of</strong> its travellers.Ill. The mode <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir journeying described.IV. The termination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir journey stated.I. A religious course is <strong>of</strong>ten spoken <strong>of</strong> as a way. It iscalled <strong>the</strong> way <strong>of</strong> wisdom, <strong>the</strong> way <strong>of</strong> life, <strong>the</strong> old way, <strong>the</strong>narrow way. Now <strong>the</strong> way <strong>of</strong> religious experience consists inan affectionate and believing obedience on <strong>the</strong> Lord Jesus Christ.Religion, in its essence, is love, in its vital spirit, faith, and inits visible evidence, obedience to God. Now, this way to Heavenis, described in <strong>the</strong> text as (1) an highway, not a private path,not a secluded byway, but a royal public highway; a waybroken up and opened by <strong>the</strong> authority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> King <strong>of</strong> kings;a way fully revealed, and extensively published in <strong>the</strong> Gospel;a way designed for <strong>the</strong> general accommodation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> humanrace, and leading to <strong>the</strong> metropolis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> universe, Zion, <strong>the</strong>city <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Great King. (2) It is a holy way_It shall be called<strong>the</strong> way <strong>of</strong> holiness." Its Founder is holy. It was openedby <strong>the</strong> obedience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy One <strong>of</strong> God. It was designedfor <strong>the</strong> promotion <strong>of</strong> holiness. None who remain unclean canwalk in it. God calls us to holiness. Gospel salvation consistsin holiness. Christ's people are a holy and peculiar people.(3) It is a plain way-It it shall be for those, <strong>the</strong> wayfaringmen, though fools, shall not err <strong>the</strong>rein." Not a way requiring