June - the Free Presbyterian church of Scotland

146 F1'ee PTesbyte1'ian Magazine..Sermon.Preached by Rev. JOHN MACLACHLAN, North Uist." And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zionwith songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtainjoy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.',­Isaiah xxxv. 10.WHATEVER primary reference this prophecy might haveto the return of the tribes from captivity, it is evidentthat all its interesting and beautiful descriptions can only befully realised in the blessedness and glory of the Gospel dispensation.We purpose to consider it spiritually as referringto the Gospel way of salvation. In doing so we have;-T. The way itself and its distinguishing characteristics.Il. The character of its travellers.Ill. The mode of their journeying described.IV. The termination of their journey stated.I. A religious course is often spoken of as a way. It iscalled the way of wisdom, the way of life, the old way, thenarrow way. Now the way of religious experience consists inan affectionate and believing obedience on the 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 the text as (1) an highway, not a private path,not a secluded byway, but a royal public highway; a waybroken up and opened by the authority of the King of kings;a way fully revealed, and extensively published in the Gospel;a way designed for the general accommodation of the humanrace, and leading to the metropolis of the universe, Zion, thecity of the Great King. (2) It is a holy way_It shall be calledthe way of holiness." Its Founder is holy. It was openedby the obedience of the Holy One of God. It was designedfor the promotion of 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, the wayfaringmen, though fools, shall not err therein." Not a way requiring