THE STEPS TO TRUE COMFORT

Sermon I.

IN TODAY'S SERMON, I commence to preach The Steps To True Comfort. Along these lines, there is but one thing I have to say today. In Luke 10.42, JESUS said: “One thing is needful.” And I might say, in regard to The Steps To True Comfort, there is “one thing needful.” I mean to say, there is “one thing” so “needful” that GOD puts it first. Therefore it is my Duty to speak about it at the very outset. Concerning which, there are two things. I. What the First Step to True Comfort is. II. The useful Instructions that may be learned from this First Step.

I. The First Step To True Comfort. Which is, GOD declares True Comfort. In the Text, Isaiah 40.1,2, the first thing GOD does is declare True Comfort. The Words read: "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God." Three things reflect the importance of this First Step. 1. Compared to what GOD said just before, this matter of GOD declaring True Comfort comes as a surprise. From Isaiah Chapter 1 till the end of Chapter 39 (which covers everything that went before in the Book of Isaiah), GOD was chiefly speaking against sin. GOD identified sin. GOD said that the Kings and the Country were guilty of sin. Then in the Text, look what GOD does. GOD suddenly changes His Subject. Nor does GOD just change His Subject; but this new Subject is in stark contrast to what GOD said before. GOD declares True Comfort. Who would have dreamed this? It's like Isaiah becomes a new Book. For after dealing with sin, when you expect final and complete judgment next, GOD declares True Comfort. Therefore if GOD Graciously speaks in the First Step, should He not be tenderly regarded? 2. GOD Himself declares this Comfort. "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people." Saith who? "Saith your God." The Fact that GOD Himself declares this Comfort makes the Comfort exceeding exceptional. This by itself places the Comfort in an incomparable status. Herein there is a striking resemblance to Creation. In Creation, in Genesis 1.3, when GOD spoke the Word, the thing itself was made. "And God said, Let there be light; and there was light." Hebrews 11.3 goes further. "The worlds were framed by the Word of God." This is the same method by which GOD gives peace. GOD speaks peace. Psalm 85.8 says: "He will speak peace unto His people." And so it is (you learn in the Text) with Comfort. Just as GOD spoke the light into existence—just as GOD spoke the worlds into existence—just as GOD speaks Peace into existence—just so GOD gives Comfort. And though it is very true that in the first Words of the Text it is said that GOD speaks His Comfort with a sigh, yet make no mistake. It is likewise confirmed in those very Words that it pleases GOD to add His Word to His Sigh thereby doubling and confirming His Comfort. THE SPIRIT goes forth with the Word. 3. See what type of Comfort GOD speaks when He declares True Comfort. If GOD Himself declares this Comfort, it follows by itself that the type of Comfort that GOD gives must be nonpareil. And so it is. But this point is not left to suggestion and inference; this point expressly appears in the Words of the Text. For more than 10 Chapters before, back in Isaiah 26.3, GOD said: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." In the Hebrew, the Phrase "perfect peace" is similar to our Text. The Phrase reads: "Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace." What takes place is the single Hebrew Word for our Word "peace" is doubled. Therefore, our Translators wisely rendered the Phrase "perfect peace." For double peace is perfect peace. And so it might be done in the Text. "Comfort ye, comfort ye." That is: "Perfect comfort to My people, saith your God." Which speaks that in the Text, when GOD declares True Comfort, He does not declare some semblance of Comfort, as man often does. GOD declares the best Comfort. GOD declares a Perfect Comfort.

II. The Instructions. From today's Sermon, there are Two Instructions. 1. The First Instruction is if you desire True Comfort, remember what the First Step to True Comfort is. Let not your good desire dwell alone. Add Scriptural Knowledge to your desire. And walk in the Light. In today's Sermon, I showed that in the Text, right when GOD starts speaking about True Comfort, the first thing He does, the First Step He prescribes, is He declares Comfort. Which discovers from the beginning, that in the matter of Comfort, GOD desires acknowledgement. Proverbs 3.6 says: "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Which instantly propels His Word into the sphere of singular significance. It shows that it's in the Word where True Comfort is found. Comfort is linked to the Scripture. There is no Comfort apart from the Scripture. 2. The Second Instruction: See what GOD does in this First Step of True Comfort. Luke 13.17 says when GOD works, He does "glorious things." And does not GOD do "glorious things" in this First Step to True Comfort? First: GOD reveals His Grace. For do you finally come to GOD for Comfort? Then GOD shows you in this First Step that He is ahead of you. Before you turn to Him for Comfort, He has already come to you declaring Comfort. Thereby GOD testifies the Truth of II Thessalonians 2.16, that is, that True Comfort comes from His Grace. Second: GOD lays the foundation. I grant, strictly speaking, there is a sense in which this First Step is no First Step for you. You do not do anything in this Step. This Step is actually taken by GOD. Yet consider this. When GOD first declares True Comfort, He thereby lays the entire foundation of all that He wants you to do in the following Steps. So that, to begin with, GOD sets the course. He charts the way. He sets you going in the right direction. For all that you do should be built upon His Word and His Grace. John 15.5 says: "With Me ye can do nothing." Third: GOD encourages faith. I showed in your hearing today that in the First Step to Comfort, GOD declares True Comfort. In GOD'S declaring True Comfort, GOD teaches that Comfort comes from Him and His Grace. At the same time, GOD here lays the foundation for what you subsequently should do to obtain True Comfort. All you do should be directed by His Word and Grace. After these considerations, it becomes conspicuous. All this is the sweet dawn of faith. For when GOD is thus looked to and approached—when there springs up in the soul a sincere desire to build on GOD'S foundation and walk in the Steps of His Word—this is the essence of faith. Romans 10.17 says: "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." There is not a more humble grace in all the world than faith. Faith does not lead the soul to trust in any of its supposed powers. Faith disregards itself entirely. Faith goes outside of itself. Faith looks to GOD. In the eyes of faith, there is A GREAT AND A GLORIOUS GOD. After this heavenly vision, faith does not walk in its own steps. Faith squares its steps by the Word. This is the life of faith. Which speaks that there can be no Comfort without faith. Unbelief disquiets the soul. Faith leads the soul into Comfort. Amen.

Sermon II.

THE SECOND STEP to True Comfort is GOD comforts through Faithful Preachers. For in the Text, after GOD Himself declares True Comfort—without the slightest pause, break, or space—GOD immediately goes on to say: “Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry to her.” In the consideration of these Words, there are two things. I. Who GOD is speaking to. II. The manner in which GOD tells the Prophet Isaiah to preach.

I. Who GOD is speaking to. In the Text, from GOD'S point of view, GOD says the same thing three times. In Verse 1, GOD speaks of Comfort twice. "Comfort ye, comfort ye." In Verse 2, GOD speaks Comfort the third time. "Speak ye comfortably." Yet while GOD says the same thing three times, there is still more that is going on in His Words. In the first Words of Verse 2, GOD specially speaks to the Prophet Isaiah. For when Verse 2 is compared to Verse 1, while it is true that the Subject is the same, yet there is a real alteration in the Words. GOD says: "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem." And who is this "ye?" When GOD first spoke these Words, GOD spoke them to the Prophet Isaiah. Therefore mark what is happening in the Text. In Verse 1, GOD Himself declares True Comfort. In Verse 2, GOD desires that the Prophet Isaiah pick up the theme and further declare and preach it.

II. The manner in which GOD tells the Prophet Isaiah to preach. In the Text, in Verse 1, what GOD says in the Words "comfort ye, comfort ye" forms the matter of what the Prophet was to say. In Fact, in Verse 2, toward the end, GOD enlarges what the Prophet was to say. But here in the beginning of Verse 2, GOD tells the Prophet the manner in which he was to speak. This section signifies that the Prophet was not left to speak the matter in the manner he thought best. The Prophet was to speak GOD'S Word in GOD'S Way. In sum, the Prophet was to speak like GOD. In Verse 1, when GOD started the matter, He equally started a particular manner. As GOD expressed Comfort, He sighed and breathed strongly. Now the Prophet was to speak in this manner. Yet the Words are full of details. In the details, the Prophet, first, was to speak to the heart. For in Verse 2, GOD addresses the Prophet and says: "Speak ye comfortably." In the Hebrew, the Phrase is: "Speak ye to the heart." Which spells out that the Prophet was to speak to the heart. And the best way to speak to the heart is to speak from the heart. For if you intend to speak to the heart, you must speak from the heart yourself. Which relates that the Prophet was to get his own heart affected with what he was to say and then speak. Furthermore, there is the Word "speak." "Speak ye comfortably." The Hebrew for "speak" means "to arrange to speak." Which testifies that the Prophet was not to set forth THE LORD'S Words in a jumbled mess. I Corinthians 14.33 says: "God is not the author of confusion." Which intimates that the Prophet was not to ramble along in his Sermons, as if to represent some lawless and orderless GOD. Rather, there was to be law, order, and arrangement in the Words. For a further way to speak to the heart is to go through the head. The head is the front door to the heart. What the head is impressed by already makes an impression on the heart. Yet again, there is the Word "cry." "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry." The Hebrew Word for "cry" bears the idea "to call out to." Which speaks that the Prophet was to speak in the form of an urgent appeal. He was to speak affectionately and address the conscience. All three descriptions plainly convey that the Prophet was to mind his manner. He was not just to speak. He was to take heed how he spoke. He was to speak like GOD. All show and ostentation, all cold performances, all human additions, were to be laid aside. What might be fit for a classroom was not to be used in this case. Instead, the Prophet was to take aim for the heart. There was to be arrangement in his Words. He was to call out to those he preached to. O powerful man!

III. The Instructions. From today's Sermon, there are Five Instructions. 1. The First Instruction: The last Word about GOD'S sigh. At first, it's "comfort ye, comfort ye." The Hebrew is that GOD sighs His Comfort. He breathes it strongly. But by the end of Verse 1, this humble sigh turns into speech. "Saith your God." Which speaks that GOD'S Comfort might seem small. But those who receive GOD'S Comfort learn by experience that this little sigh is the mighty Voice of GOD. The Comfort is incomparable. 2. The Second Instruction: The scope of GOD'S Comfort. In the Text, first, GOD Himself declares Comfort. "Comfort ye, comfort ye." But GOD instantly thereafter adds that He gives His Comfort through Faithful Preachers. "Speak ye." Which signifies that while GOD'S Comfort comes straight from Himself and is His own Work, yet He gives His Comfort through Faithful Preachers. This teaches that if you would receive GOD'S Comfort, it is your Duty to wait on Faithful Preachers. They do GOD'S Work. 3. The Third Instruction: What makes a Faithful Preacher. In today's Sermon, I spoke of matter and manner. These two things make a Faithful Preacher. As for matter, the Preacher is to align what he says with the Scripture. As for manner, his own heart is to be moved first. I would add that in such Scriptures as I Timothy 3.1-7 the Apostle Paul adds a third consideration. A Faithful Preacher will live what he says. His life will mirror his Sermons. These three things are better in the sight of GOD than all colleges and degrees. For if the Preacher does not preach the Scripture, he does not preach the Word of GOD. If the Preacher himself does not believe what he says, how can he expect others to believe it? And if the Preacher does not live what he preaches, he is a false pretender worthy of nothing. 4. The Fourth Instruction: How the Scripture should be preached. Today's Sermon holds out that the manner of a Sermon is important. Two Preachers can preach the same Sermon. But who reaches the heart? It's the Preacher whose own heart is inwardly moved by what he says. In Acts 7, in Stephen's last Sermon, the matter is simple. A good Sunday School Teacher could relate the Scriptural Facts in the Sermon. But what made the Sermon so stirring? It is said that Stephen preached the Sermon with the face of an Angel. His face was the window of his heart. For his own heart was moved first. Then he became this powerful influence for GOD. This, Friends, is what is lacking in the Churches today! When some Preachers preach, you would think they were cutting grass. It's all humdrum. Whereas there ought to be a solemn manner attending the Preaching of the Word. 5. The Fifth Instruction: GOD has taken care of the spiritual safety of Christians. For in the Text, GOD Himself declares the Comfort first. Then GOD tells Isaiah to preach it. Question. How could the hearers know if Isaiah was true? How could they know if the Comfort was true? By comparing Isaiah's Words with GOD'S Words. In the same way, GOD has taken care of Christians today. They need not be deceived. Let them go by the Scripture. Thereby is the Faithful known from the false. Therefore walk in the Word. Amen.

Sermon III.

IN TODAY'S SERMON, my purpose is to show The Three Speakings Of Comfort that appear in the Text. I grant, when the Text is first read, the Three Speakings might not be seen. But when the Text is thought upon, the Three Speakings not only appear but begin to stand out. Since today I am speaking about The Three Speakings Of Comfort, I shall have three points in my Sermon, each showing one of the Three Speakings. May GOD send Help and bless His Word!

I. In the Text, the First Speaking of True Comfort is by GOD Himself. There are great Verses of Scripture that begin with GOD. Genesis 1.1 begins with GOD. "In the beginning God." Which speaks that Creation came from GOD. The Ten Commandments begin with GOD. Exodus 20.1 says: "God spake all these Words." Which speaks that the Ten Commandments came from GOD. John 3.16 begins with GOD. "For God so loved the world." Which speaks that Salvation comes from GOD. I tell you, when a Verse begins with GOD, you are in for good things. There is no telling the heights a Verse will go, when it begins with GOD. Anything that begins with GOD is sublime. And when it comes to True Comfort, the Text by putting GOD first testifies that Comfort does not come from ourselves. It does not come from material things. Comfort comes from GOD. No one can give Comfort but GOD. This is His Work.

II. The Second Speaking of True Comfort is by Faithful Preachers. In the Text, Verse 2 says: "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem." In the Words, GOD speaks to the Prophet Isaiah, and in him, to all those who faithfully preach the Scripture. GOD tells them to take up this theme of His Comfort, study His Word on it, and preach it. Which expresses two things. First: GOD has placed True Comfort close to us. When GOD gives Comfort, He does not speak from the skies. He speaks through the lips of the Preachers. In a deep sense, this makes Comfort close to us. And is this not what GOD often does with material things? Material comforts are at our elbows. For not a few of us, due to GOD'S Kindness, there is water close at hand. Food is close at hand. Clothing is close at hand. In I Timothy 6.8, the Apostle Paul says if we have these material things, they are sufficient to be content with. And in the same way, GOD frequently places right near us the means of Comfort. Second: Faithful Preachers should be made use of. GOD did not put Faithful Preachers in the world just to preach Sermons. I grant, this is their main work. But it is not their only work. GOD also put Faithful Preachers in this world so that when people have spiritual questions or soul troubles, they may go to them. In John 3, Nicodemus came to JESUS at night with deep questions. JESUS showed him the Way. In Acts 8, a man in great authority had inquiry concerning the Scripture. Through a Preacher in a private conversation, GOD opened the man's eyes. These Scriptures speak to us that when questions are seriously asked; when the answer is sincerely desired; when the question is asked in private; this is a diligent seeking; which is sure to be doubly rewarded.

Therefore to sum up. In the Text, in the First Speaking of Comfort, it is all GOD. In Verse 1, GOD says: "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God." For Comfort comes from GOD. In the Second Speaking of Comfort, there are the Faithful Preachers. Verse 2 says: "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem." For Comfort comes through Faithful Preachers. III. Then in the Text, there is a Third Speaking of Comfort. You see it in the Word "cry." In this one little Word, there is a completely different speaking of Comfort. And this Word "cry," I would point out, does something unique. It joins together GOD with the Faithful Preachers, so that they speak with one Voice. This Voice is another and a separate consideration. I would have you to see it. In the Text, once GOD speaks His first Words of Comfort—once the Faithful Preachers speak their Words—there comes the Word "cry." "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished." First: This Word "cry" applies to Faithful Preachers. For did not THE LORD just before tell them to "speak?" Besides, there are other places in Scripture where it is said that Preachers "cried." Yet it ought to be kept in mind that the Word "cried" in this place does not mean what we chiefly think of in our times. In the Hebrew, the idea is "to call out to." Which makes this cry a calling out to—a direct appeal—an address to the conscience. In Jeremiah 20.8, the Prophet Jeremiah "cried" when he preached. In Matthew 3.3, John the Baptist "cried" when he preached. The Verse says that John was "the voice of one crying in the wilderness." Yet I would not declare the full meaning of the Word "cry" if I did not also say that there is something of GOD in this Word. For does not GOD, too, "call out to" people? And are they not His Words that immediately follow the Word "cry?" Elsewhere in Scripture, GOD Himself "cries" out His Word. In Ezekiel 9.1, GOD "cried" out His Word. In Ezekiel 10.13, GOD "cried" out His Word again. And it is in Zechariah 7.7 where the entire Truth of what I now intend is condensed. The Verse says: "Should ye not hear the Words which the Lord hath cried by the prophets?" There it all is. The full Truth! In this one Verse, THE LORD cried. The Prophets cried. Yet all this is spoken with one Voice in the single Word "cried."

From today's Sermon, there are Three Instructions. 1. The First Instruction: True Comfort comes from GOD. In the Text, GOD is the first Speaker of Comfort. GOD is the first Speaker of Comfort because He is THE FIRST CAUSE of Comfort. Comfort belongs to GOD. Only GOD created the soul. Only GOD can give Comfort to the soul. 2. The Second Instruction: GOD gives True Comfort through those who faithfully preach His Word. In the Text, GOD speaks True Comfort first. Then GOD tells Faithful Preachers to preach His Comfort. Which speaks in part that it is GOD'S Will that seeking souls go to the Preachers for Comfort. Therefore Sermons ought to be carefully heard. When there are questions, private advice and counsel should be sought. 3. The Third Instruction: Take the occasion to admire how GOD gives True Comfort. Why should people rebel GOD? I say: admire Him. It is to be admired that GOD Himself is THE GREAT GIVER of Comfort. It is to be further admired that GOD would condescend and use Preachers to impart Comfort. Yet no less is it to be admired that when GOD and Preachers agree and speak with one Voice, GOD does His Great Things in the soul. All these are glorious parts of the Mysterious Ways of GOD. Amen.

Sermon IV.

IN THE TEXT, the Third Step to True Comfort is faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. With respect to this Third Step, there are two things I invite you to consider. I. The certainty of the Third Step. II. The importance.

I. The certainty of the Third Step. When I say the certainty of the Third Step, I mean to say that it is a most certain thing that the Third Step to True Comfort is faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. I will be the first to admit that there is nowhere in the Text where the Name of JESUS appears. There is nowhere in the Text where the word "faith" appears. But here is an appropriate occasion to learn an important rule in the interpretation of Scripture. Although the exact words pertaining to these things do not appear, the ideas, the Truths, the things themselves can still fill the place. Therefore to give you assurance respecting the certainty of the Third Step—that, indeed, it is present in the Text—I would direct you to the Words themselves. In Verse 2, GOD says: "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." In the Words, once GOD tells Isaiah and Faithful Preachers to preach GOD'S Comfort, what are the grounds of this Comfort said to be? GOD says the grounds of this Comfort consist in three things. "Her warfare is accomplished, her iniquity is pardoned: she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." All three things unquestionably refer to faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. The first ("her warfare is accomplished") points to the Truth that although it might be truly said that there is a war between GOD and the human race because of man's sin, yet JESUS "accomplished" this war and brought it to an end. Ephesians 2.15 says that JESUS "made peace." Down to this day, it is common in the world to say that bringing a war to an end is the making of peace. The second ("her iniquity is pardoned") relates to the Forgiveness of sins. Since JESUS "accomplished" the "warfare," there is Pardon. The first leads into the second. The second is firmly built on the first. Acts 5.31 says that GOD has exalted JESUS "to be a Prince and a Saviour" specially to give the "forgiveness of sins." The third ("she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins") points to the Cross with the Abundance of Blessing that is found there. According to Dr. Clark, the Phrase may as well read: "She hath received of the Lord's hand double Blessings for all her sins." The Words present that on the one hand, there were all the sins of the people. Yet it is said notwithstanding that the Abundance of Blessing that JESUS brought in at the Cross is "double" to all the sins. Colossians 1.19 says: "For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell." Therefore see the Truth of what JESUS did. JESUS brought in peace. JESUS brought in the Forgiveness of sins. The incomparable Work JESUS accomplished at the Cross brought in an Abundance of Blessing. Therefore there is no doubt that the Third Step to True Comfort is present in the Text.

II. The importance of the Third Step. The Three Steps to True Comfort that GOD speaks in the Text all share the same importance. Since GOD spoke them, none should be excluded. The First Step is GOD declares True Comfort. The Second Step is GOD gives His Comfort through those who faithfully preach the Scripture. But today I take time to particularly show the importance of the Third Step, because since it is last, I would not have you to think it is least. GOD does not speak anything in vain. To show the importance of the Third Step, I would direct your mind to the length of things. In the First Step to True Comfort, when GOD declares Comfort, there are 9 Words. "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God." In the Second Step, when GOD says He gives His Comfort through those who faithfully preach His Word, there are 9 more Words. "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her." In the Third Step, when GOD says that True Comfort is obtained by faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR, GOD says no less than 23 Words. This is more than twice the amount of the other Steps. If you would add up the Words of the first two Steps and put them into one sum, they would still come up to less than the Words in the Third Step. Yet I would drop a word of caution. How many Words does GOD have to speak before His Words become important? GOD only has to say One Word. When GOD says one Word, it is instantly important. In Matthew 14.29, JESUS spoke only One Word when He performed a Miracle and Peter by that Word walked on the sea. With this caution kept in mind, then it ought and may be well considered that when GOD specially speaks—when He takes extra time with something—this should be no less respected and regarded.

From today's Sermon, there are Three Instructions. 1. The First Instruction is faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR for True Comfort should not be looked down on. I know GOD puts this last. It is the Third Step. Besides this, I know that today this is often looked on by some as a sentiment from the dusty past. Our Grandfathers and Grandmothers frequently used this means of Comfort. But who cares what a sinful world judges to be "sentiments from the dusty past?" It still follows that we need Comfort. We need to hear what GOD says about Comfort. And as it relates to these things, GOD has strongly, with many Words, commended this faith in JESUS. 2. The Second Instruction: Here is a Divine Foretelling. In regard to the Fourth Commandment, you could almost conclude this Commandment is a Divine Foretelling as well as a Divine Commandment. For how does the Fourth Commandment begin? GOD says: "Remember the Sabbath Day." As if GOD knew the Sabbath Day would be forgotten. And so it is with the Third Step. Why does GOD speak and speak about the Third Step, just like He speaks and speaks in the Fourth Commandment? GOD knew this Step would be humanity's greatest failure in the obtaining of Comfort. Man tends to neglect faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. 3. The Third Instruction: See the heart of True Comfort. The heart of Comfort is not the feeling, contrary to what some think. GOD says in the Third Step that the heart of Comfort resides in the grounds the soul rests on. For the feeling does not make the foundation. The foundation brings the feeling. When the soul is stayed on something sure, this is when the soul comes into Comfort. Amen.

Sermon V.

IN THE TEXT, since the Third Step to True Comfort is faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR, the useful question I raise in today's Sermon is what did JESUS say concerning Comfort? Concerning Comfort, JESUS said five things.

I. The first thing JESUS said concerning True Comfort is that Comfort comes from faith. It pleased GOD to record JESUS speaking this Word two times in Scripture. It's the only Statement in Scripture that JESUS said about Comfort that is related two times. In Matthew 9.22, JESUS said: "Be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." In Luke 8.48, where the same Story is told again, JESUS speaks the same Words again: "Be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole." I would have you to observe the order of the Words. According to the Words, this woman, first, believed that JESUS had the Power to heal her sickness. In this type of approach, she was healed. For JESUS said: "Thy faith hath made thee whole." Then JESUS said to the woman: "Be of good comfort." So that in the Words, faith came first. Comfort followed. Which speaks that Comfort comes from faith. When faith is true, it acts as a quieting grace. It brings the soul into Comfort.

II. Comfort makes life sweet. For what more did JESUS say to this woman, once He healed and comforted her? In Luke 8.48, after Comfort followed Faith, JESUS said: "Go in peace." As for going, this is something we all do. You have only to be alive to go. I mean to say that in life none of us are standing still. As sweet as last week's experience was, it is not something you can stand still in. As dark as that experience was a year ago, you do not stand still in that experience either. The old saying is: "This, too, shall pass." All the things we go through pass. And why? Because time moves on. And since time moves on, you move on with it. For you are carried along by time. Which makes it that both the good and the bad, the old and the young, the rich and the poor, are going. There is no delay. From day to day, we all are going. It's all haste and full steam forward toward eternity! But there are some (according to JESUS) who do not just go. Instead, they "go in peace." They have faith in JESUS. They are comforted by this faith. Therefore they go through life in peace.

III. Sometimes in life, Comfort seems far away. This is another Truth that is engraved in the Life of JESUS. For in Matthew 2.18, when JESUS was still a baby, Herod sought JESUS. In seeking JESUS, Herod was cruel and bloody. He slaughtered all the infants in the places where he thought JESUS was. Herod's aim was to kill JESUS. At this time, the Verse says there was much "weeping" for the "children" who were then slaughtered. The Families and Friends "would not be comforted." Which speaks that sometimes in life, Comfort seems far away. This is true because of two things. We ourselves are frail. For creatures like us, it does not take much to bring pain, sorrow, sickness, or death. We are not made out of steel. We are made out of the dust of the ground. The experience of every day verifies this frailty. Furthermore, we live in a dangerous world. There is no time in this world when we are safe. Our lives constantly hang in suspense. You never know what will happen in a day. For Satan is here. The demons are here. There is the ungodly. There are all sorts of storms. No place in this world is exempt. No stage of life, no attainment, can shield you from the danger.

IV. Yet when Comfort seems far away, it is still close at hand. For what more did JESUS say? In Matthew 5.4, one of JESUS' most well-known Sayings about Comfort is: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Which speaks that when Comfort seems far away, it is still close at hand. Now how is it that such a striking Statement can be said? It is because JESUS says so. JESUS said: "They." Who are "they?" They that are happy? No. They are not the ones receiving Comfort in the Words. JESUS said: "They that mourn." "They shall be comforted." Which speaks that those who now mourn—those who now weep—those who today bear heavy burdens and painful sorrows; not even these people are beyond the reach of Comfort. For since Comfort comes from GOD—since it is GOD Who gives Comfort—all this sparks hope. When Comfort seems far away, it is still close at hand. For GOD can do all things. This ought to lighten the mind in the darkest hour.

V. Complete Comfort is found in Heaven. I grant, JESUS said in this world there is Comfort. Three of my Sermon points today declare this. Yet JESUS also said that complete Comfort is only found in Heaven. In Luke 16.25, when JESUS was speaking of a soul who had gone to Heaven, JESUS spoke a very simple and a very small Phrase. Yet this Phrase is stuffed with Instruction. JESUS said: "Now he is comforted." Question. Why would JESUS say "now he is comforted?" Because according to JESUS' Words, in the Comfort of GOD, there are two Comforts. There is the Comfort that may be received in this world. There is the Comfort that may be received in the world to come. The Comfort that may be received in this world is chiefly inward and has centrally to do with the Comfort springing from GOD'S Grace through HIS SON. The Comfort that may be received in the world to come is inward and outward. This Comfort is enjoyed in a perfect degree. This Comfort constitutes the summation of GOD'S Comfort through His Son. Still, it should not be forgotten that the Comfort that may be received in this world is the guarantee to the Comfort that may be received in the world to come. If you do not attain the first Comfort, you will miss the second.

From today's Sermon, there are Three Instructions— 1. The First Instruction: There is Blessedness in GOD'S Comfort. For I showed today from the Words of JESUS, that GOD'S Comfort springs from faith and it makes life sweet. Which speaks that this is not a sleepy Comfort. This Comfort brings spiritual Blessing. 2. The Second Instruction: Do not despair when Comfort seems far away. When Comfort seems far away, I know it is tempting to despair. But despair not. Instead, believe in the Greatness of GOD. For what cannot GOD do? From day to day, GOD turns the night into day. From year to year, GOD turns the Winter into Spring. And if this is the experience of the wide world, cannot GOD in your single life bring Comfort? 3. The Third Instruction: There is a Complete Comfort. Do not doubt of it. For JESUS said so. "Now he is comforted." I may gladly turn the Saying back on JESUS' Himself. "Now He is comforted." JESUS may have suffered before. But today He reigns in Glory. O, then, seek above all things to attain to this Complete Comfort with JESUS! Amen.

Sermon VI.

IN THE TEXT, I have been speaking to you these days that the Third Step to True Comfort is faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. In today's Sermon, concerning this Third Step, I invite you to consider the more abbreviated phrase faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. Is not this the main idea in this Step? In this consideration, there are two things. I. The mistakes that are often made. II. What faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR is.

I. The mistakes that are often made. There is hardly anything in this world more misunderstood than faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. At the same time, there is hardly anything greater that people think they have, when they have it not, than faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. In our country today, the ability to spiritually judge where we stand with GOD is not as sharp as it was years ago. Not everything that glitters is gold. And not everything that is thought to be saving faith is. Therefore it ought carefully to be inquired into. What is faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR? 1. One idea I have often met with in my work in the Care Facilities is that faith in JESUS is the Knowledge of JESUS. I have known and spoken with not a few who have thought that if you know the Story of JESUS, this is faith. Whereas the Knowledge of JESUS and faith in JESUS are not one and the same thing. James 2.19 says: "Thou believest" and "doest well;" but "the devils also believe, and tremble." Which speaks, for one thing, that the devils accept many of the Doctrines of Scripture. They know well such creedal points as the Story of JESUS. They were there. They saw the whole thing. But just knowing this Knowledge and Story does no good. It does not change the Fact that the devils shall still be lost in the end.

2. The second mistake that is often made respecting faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR is to confuse saving faith with historical faith. Years ago, during our Civil War, there lived the valiant soldier, General Stonewall Jackson. Our history books bear witness to the Fact that this man truly lived. If you read in General Lee's writings, it is most apparent that "old Stonewall" (as he was affectionately called) was indeed alive in those days. In Fact, there is a serious spot in the State of Virginia (that I have visited more than once) where "old Stonewall" passed away in his late 30s with his Wife by his side. But all this is a historical faith. And yet this is how some believe in JESUS. They believe JESUS lived. They delight in His History. But this is as far as they go. They believe in JESUS like they believe in the characters of history. In the end, while this faith might touch the affections, it has no sanctifying influence in life.

3. The third fault is that some have only a faith in JESUS' Ability to heal. When they approach JESUS in Scripture, Prayer, or a Church Service, they almost always think about their health infirmity. This infirmity is constantly on their minds. Their central desire is that JESUS would heal them. Acts 14.9 says this is a distinct type of faith. Yet it ought to be said, it is one thing to have faith in JESUS' Ability to heal, and it is something else to have faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. In I Kings 13.6, a king with a "dried up" hand requested the Prophet to pray for him. When the Prophet prayed for the king, the king's hand was entirely healed. Yet with the next breath, this king went on shamelessly in his sins. Therefore it ought to be kept in mind that just because THE LORD sometimes gives a temporal Kindness, this does not by itself mean the soul is saved. You can be healed and lost at the same time.

II. Question. What is faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR? To understand faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR, you must reflect on the entire expression. You must not just reflect on faith in JESUS. There are various types of faith in JESUS. Instead, you must reflect on the entire expression of faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. The inclusion of the Word "Saviour" speaks of a very specific type of faith. This faith (to borrow from the expression of Hebrews 10.39) "believes to the saving of the soul." Therefore, 1. To have faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR, first, GOD in the Scripture speaks that you must have a sense of your sins. I do not say a sight of sin. It is common in this world to have a sight of sin. Not a few will say: "O I know I need to change my life!" But this sight is not abiding. It does not lead to reform. Whereas when GOD gives a sense of sin along with a sight of sin, this sets the soul to seeking. Now, it becomes the great business of life to get things right with GOD. 2. The soul then comes to GOD and consults His Will in the Scripture regarding the Salvation of the soul. When the soul has a sense of sin, it begins to distrust itself. It now feels it cannot trust in itself regarding the Knowledge of Salvation. Therefore it comes to GOD and His Word. It does not go by the popular ideas. It does not finally rest in what Churches say. It depends on what GOD says in the Scripture and walks in the Light of His Word. 3. In the Scripture, the soul sees the repentance of sin, faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR, and holiness of life as the great means of GOD for Salvation. There is the repentance of sin. Acts 3.19 says: "Repent, that your sins may be blotted out." There is faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. Not some general faith. Acts 8.34,35 speaks that this faith is very specific. It is attracted to the Cross. It finds rest there. There is holiness of life. Not to earn GOD'S Grace. But testify of sincere repentance and genuine faith. Hebrews 12.14 says: "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord."

From today's Sermon, 1. The First Instruction is there are various types of faith. In today's Sermon, I showed there are various types of faith. There is faith in JESUS as a historical character. There is faith in JESUS' Ability to heal. Not all faith saves. 2. The Second Instruction: The faith that saves the soul is faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR. In Matthew 1.17, it is said that the Name of JESUS means "a Saviour from sin." This is the central reason JESUS came into the world. JESUS chiefly came into the world to save people from their sins and to turn them from sin to GOD. In this Salvation, first, the soul comes to GOD about its sins. It looks to the Scripture to learn the mind of GOD with respect to Salvation. It walks in GOD'S prescribed means of the repentance of sin, faith in JESUS as SAVIOUR, and holiness of life. The soul that believes in this way enjoys the True Comfort of the Forgiveness of sins in this world. In the next world, it will ascend into the incomprehensible Comfort of Glory. Amen.

Sermon VII.

IN THE TEXT, the Third Step to True Comfort is faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. In today's Sermon, I invite you to consider the first part of The Third Step. This section of the Text reads: “Her warfare is accomplished.” Among these Words, there are two I specially intend to speak of. I. First: I would direct your attention to the Word “warfare.” II. Then I intend to speak concerning the Word “accomplished.” “Her warfare is accomplished.”

I. The Word "warfare." In the Text, the Hebrew Word for our Word "warfare" means "a mass." "A mass of persons or things." "A mass of persons or things particularly organized for war." In the Old Testament, the Word is used 485 times. By far, most of the time, almost 400 times, the King James Scholars rendered the Word as "hosts." The first time in Scripture the Word is rendered "hosts" is Exodus 12.41. "And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt." The Fact here laid out is that "the Jews went out from the land of Egypt." Yet to show the large mass of Jews that came out of Egypt and how they were necessarily organized for war in case Pharaoh would fight with them, the Word is rendered "hosts." The Verse says: "All the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt." And in the King James Version, this same Hebrew Word is often rendered "war" or "armies." Joshua 4.13 says: "About forty thousand prepared for war." Psalm 68.12 says: "Kings of armies did flee apace." In these Scriptures, the Words "war" and "armies" clearly convey the idea of "a mass of persons or things particularly organized for war." After these Facts concerning the Word "warfare," I would have you now to reconsider what is going on in the Text. First: keep in mind that the Context of the Hebrew Word for "warfare" has a rich context of war. In this Context of war, there is considered "a mass" of persons and things. As it relates to the Third Step to True Comfort, this first part comes and says: "Look what JESUS did! At the Cross, JESUS Himself went to war for you! JESUS faced up to, and met with, all the great mass that stood against you. He faced up to your sins. He received in His flesh the Wrath of GOD because of your sins." In the plainest Words, I John 3.16 says: "He laid down His Life for us." Galatians 1.4 says: "He gave Himself for our sins." I Corinthians 15.3 says: "He died for our sins."

II. The Word "accomplished." The Text says: "Her warfare is accomplished." In the Text, the Hebrew Word for our Word "accomplished" means "to fill" or "to be full of." In the Old Testament, the Word is used 251 times. Sometimes, the Word is rendered "filled." Genesis 6.11 says: "The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." The thought is that man's sin had come to a point of being "full." It was time for Judgment. As the rest of this Story shows, it was at that time GOD sent the Flood. Then sometimes, the Word is rendered "fulfilled." Genesis 25.24 says: "And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb." Which speaks that the days of this woman being with child were "fulfilled" or finished, for the twins were come to the birth. Therefore look at what is going on in the Text. "Her warfare is accomplished." In the Text, the Hebrew Word for our Word "accomplished" means "to fill" or "to be full of." As it relates to the Third Step into True Comfort, the Word comes and shows more of what JESUS did to bring in Comfort. JESUS did not just face up to the warfare sin created. I grant, this in itself was Gracious. But JESUS went further. In GOD'S Name, the Prophet declares that JESUS "accomplished" this war. He "filled up" this war, "fulfilled" it, or completed it. JESUS "accomplished" the war by two means. First: JESUS took away sin. John 1.29 says: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." And, say, where did JESUS "take" these sins? Micah 7.19 says that He "cast" these sins "into the depths of the sea." Yet there are many seas. Which sea, I ask, did JESUS cast these sins into? JESUS cast these sins into the greatest sea that sin could ever be cast into. Hebrews 10.17 says: "Their sins will I remember no more." Which speaks that JESUS took sin and cast it into the depths of the sea of the forgetfulness of GOD. Not that GOD does not know. But because of JESUS' Work, GOD chose to forget them. And when JESUS took away sin, it changed GOD'S point of view. Romans 8.1 says: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." Which speaks that though GOD hates sin, since JESUS took away sin, "there is therefore now no condemnation" to those who trust Him as SAVIOUR. Romans 9.33 says: "Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

From today's Sermon, there are Five Instructions. 1. The First Instruction: See why there is a warfare. Some might say: "Why all this talk about a warfare?" But there is no surprise that there is a warfare. There is a warfare between GOD and the human race because mankind is sinful, GOD is holy, and these are real things. 2. The Second Instruction: See the Grace of JESUS. The Text suggests that JESUS entered into this field of war. He was born. He lived a Sinless Life. All this He did that He might become THE SPOTLESS SACRIFICE. It was One Man Who took on the sin of the world and faced the Wrath of GOD. Surely, no Grace like this was ever showed in this cold world before. 3. The Third Instruction: JESUS "accomplished" this warfare. This is the Statement of GOD. "Her warfare is accomplished." Which speaks that JESUS not only entered into this field of war; He won the war. For at the end of this unspeakable ordeal, in John 19.30, JESUS said: "It is finished." JESUS successfully atoned for man's sin. 4. The Fourth Instruction: This stirs godly reflection. For consider. In this world, there is much failure. Failure is met with almost everywhere you turn your eye. In the beginning of the world, GOD promised Eternal Life to our First Parents upon condition of obedience. Yet they failed. Since those days, there has been nothing but dark monotone. Romans 3.23 says: "All we have sinned and come short of the Glory of God." But JESUS! JESUS achieved the Greatest Accomplishment of all time. As the old Hymn says, this Accomplishment "towers o'er the wrecks of time." 5. The Fifth Instruction: Be sure to trust in JESUS as SAVIOUR. No True Comfort can be attained till you do. Nor should you wait. You don't know how long you have. Besides, it's all been done. There is no need to wait. The waiting is over. GOD gave HIS SON. HIS SON gave Himself. You have but to come to GOD in Prayer, repent, believe, and receive Comfort. Amen.

Sermon VIII.

THE THIRD STEP to True Comfort is faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. I invite you today to consider the second part of the Third Step. The second part of the Third Step is since JESUS “accomplished” the “warfare,” there is the Forgiveness of sins. See how the Words read in today's Text. The Words read: “Her iniquity is pardoned.” In the consideration of the Words, there is only one thing I desire to give time to today. I plan to speak how the Words depend on the Words that go before.

In Scripture, it is the common rule that Words depend on the Words that go before. This is why it is imperative to study the Scripture in relation to its Context. A failure to follow this one Rule of Scripture Interpretation has sometimes led to the invention of cults. In Luke 3.11, during a Sermon, John the Baptist said: "He that hath meat, let him do likewise." If you only read these Words, the thought is incomplete. It is not clear what is being said. You could make a number of conclusions. But when the Words that go before are duly pondered, all clouds are dispelled. In the Words just before, John said: "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none." Then John says: "And he that hath meat, let him do likewise." Now, things are clear. When John said "he that hath meat, let him do likewise," he was saying that those who had spare food should give to those "that had none." And just so it is in the Text. The Words I'm speaking to you about today are: "Her iniquity is pardoned." But you ought to consider. GOD does not so simply forgive sin. For GOD is a holy GOD. And GOD hates sin. So, how comes it to pass that GOD forgives sin? The Words that go before explain the matter. "Her warfare is accomplished." Then come the Words of today's Text. "Her iniquity is pardoned." Now, there is no doubt. It is not that GOD gives sin a free pass. GOD cannot do this. For GOD is not only a GOD of Mercy, but GOD is a GOD of Justice. And before GOD goes dispensing His Mercy, something must be done about Justice. In the Text, since JESUS "accomplished" the "warfare" and paid the price for sin, therefore it can be rightly written that "iniquity" can be "pardoned." So that I might use the Phrase in Psalm 85.10 and say that Mercy and Justice can now "kiss each other."

From today's Sermon, there springs both Instruction and Guidance. The Instructions are two. The Guidance involves three things. I begin with the Two Instructions. 1. The First Instruction is The Forgiveness of sins is not cheap. I grant, the Forgiveness of sins is free. Isaiah 55.1,7 says: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye, and he that hath no money: come ye." "Let the wicked man forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have Mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." But though the Forgiveness of sins is free, you should never think it is cheap. Cheap Forgiveness leads to cheap lives. 2. The Second Instruction: The Forgiveness of sins is the most expensive thing in the world. In this world, dear things frequently have substantial pricetags. In II Samuel 24.24, when King David bought both land and oxen in one sale, he bought them for "fifty shekels of silver." In Jeremiah 32.7-9, when the Prophet Jeremiah bought land, he paid "seventeen shekels of silver." But, say, what is the price of the Forgiveness of sins? I know I just said that the Forgiveness of sins is free. Yet it is no less true that the Scripture also says that there is a price to the Forgiveness of sins. Psalm 49.8 says that this price is "precious." Psalm 49.7 says this price no man can afford. But JESUS paid the price. Colossians 1.14 says the price JESUS paid was His Precious Blood. Hebrews 9.26 says the price JESUS paid was His Death. Therefore the Forgiveness of sins is the most expensive thing in the world. It costs far more than what man could pay. It cost the Precious Blood of JESUS. It cost the Death of JESUS.

Furthermore, today's Sermon gives Three Points of Guidance. 1. The First Guidance: Why some think their sin is too big to be forgiven. In my Care Facility Work, sometimes I have met dear souls who have thought their sin is too big to be forgiven. But how may this be rectified? First: By Scripture. In the Scripture, GOD plainly defines who He forgives. Isaiah 1.18 says: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." I John 1.7 says: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth from all sin." Therefore it is up to you who you will believe. Will you believe your own sinful heart of unbelief? Or will you believe GOD speaking in the Words of Scripture? Yet another way to rectify this error is by reflection upon the price that was paid for sin. When JESUS went to pay the price for sin, what did He pay? I showed in today's Sermon that JESUS shed His Blood, gave His Life, and died for our sins. This was an unspeakable price. For JESUS was GOD IN THE FLESH. What cannot GOD do? Therefore, troubled soul, you must look up to the high price that was paid for sin. I admit, it is good you see your sin. That awakes the soul from sleep. But you must also see by faith the price JESUS paid for your sin. This lifts you into the Glorious Forgiveness of sins. 2. The Second Guidance: Why some do not want to trouble themselves. These poor souls think the matter of their sins is so complex that there is no remedy. Therefore, for them, there is no hope. They seek to drown their guilt in material things. Yet this is much like the first. These poor souls do not see the price that was paid. Therefore though I agree that the matter of your sins is complex, yet JESUS made it simple. He Himself became the Sacrifice for our sins. So that now, we may come to GOD through Him. 3. The Third Guidance: Why there are instances that pride creeps into Christianity. There is nothing so incongruous as when pride creeps into Christianity. Christianity humbles man and exalts GOD. Whereas pride frustrates these things. Therefore what is the cure for human pride? The cure is Christianity itself. At the heart of Christianity, there is this price that JESUS paid for sin at the Cross. When GOD touches the blind eyes to see the price that JESUS paid, then pride melts away. The soul becomes soft and tender. I Corinthians 4.7 says: "For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" Amen.

Sermon IX.

THE THIRD STEP to True Comfort is faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. Yet these waters run deep. Therefore I invite you today to reconsider the second part of the Third Step. The second part of the Third Step is since JESUS “accomplished” the “warfare,” there is now the Forgiveness of sins. See how the Words read in today's Text. The Words read: “Her iniquity is pardoned.” In today's consideration of the Words, there are two things. I. The spiritual state of the human race. II. The one thing that can be done about sin.

Therefore consider— I. The spiritual state of the human race. The Text gives a distinct and decided Statement regarding the spiritual state of the human race. In the Text, the Hebrew Word for our Word "iniquity" means "perverseness." The root of this Hebrew Word bears the idea of "crooked." From whence it is manifest that according to the Text, the human race enters into this world in a state of sin. Mankind is born into a nature that is both crooked and perverse. This sinful propensity discovers itself in thoughts, words, and actions. Nor is this some rare Doctrine of Scripture. This Doctrine sits at the heart of all that GOD says in the Scripture about man. Isaiah 53.6 says: "All we like sheep have gone astray." Jeremiah 2.29 says: "Ye all have transgressed against Me, saith the Lord." Romans 3.23 says: "For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God."

II. The one thing that can be done about sin. In the Text, GOD speaks of only one thing that can be done about sin. There is no list of things. There are no choices to choose from. And what is this one thing? It is the Pardon of sin. The Pardon of sin is held out as GOD'S Solution for sin. For the expression signifies that sin is not really straightened out until it is pardoned. The Text says: "Her iniquity is pardoned." The Hebrew Word for our Word "pardon" means "to satisfy a debt" and "to be pleased with." In the Old Testament, the Hebrew Word is used 54 times. 13 times the Word is translated "accept." Such as in Psalm 119.108. "Accept, I beseech Thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord." 6 more times the Word is translated "pleasure." In one place, the Hebrew Word appears in two Verses side-by-side. The two Verses read: "The Lord taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His Mercy." All which reflects that the constant Doctrine of Scripture is, that for the discharge of the guilt of sin, you must go to GOD for the Pardon or the Forgiveness of sin. Psalm 130.4 says: "But there is forgiveness with Thee." Acts 13.38 says: "Be it known unto you that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Ephesians 1.7 says that in Jesus "we have the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His Grace."

From today's Sermon, there are Three Instructions. 1. The First Instruction is the world today frequently has shallow views regarding the need of the human race. In this regard, there are several views. Some say the problem of man is the lack of schooling. If people only had more schooling, they think that this would solve the problems of the world. But does it? In both the Scripture and the News, some of the seeming smartest people have performed the worst of sins. There are others who say the problem of man is the lack of good health. If health care would only be improved—if people would eat better—if bad habits would be broken—this would take the problems away. And, indeed, I have often observed in many advertisements that this view is held by not a few. But suppose someone was in perfect health. This by itself cannot completely heal the problem of man. In I Kings 13, King Jereboam was totally healed by a Prophet. His health problems disappeared. And yet afterwards, he still lived the low and base life of cruelty that he did before. There are still others who say that the problem is money. If people were just not poor—if they were rich—if they had an income that well provided for them—then all would be well. And I fear this is a sentiment that is frequently pushed on children. "Of all things, you must get money!" But what did JESUS say? Did JESUS preach this? In Matthew 19.23, JESUS said: "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." In Luke 12.19,20, JESUS gave an example of such a rich man. The rich man said to himself: "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be?" 2. The Second Instruction: The real problem of the human race. What is the real problem of mankind? From one end of Scripture to the other, the main Truth of Scripture is the Forgiveness of sin. In Fact, this is why JESUS came into this world and died. Which speaks by itself that the real problem of the human race is sin. GOD will not cast one soul in Hell because of a lack of education, money, or good health. But Psalm 9.17 says that people will be cast into Hell because of sin. Which makes sin the worst of evils. 3. The Third Instruction: There is only one thing that can be done with sin. Is not this, Friends, written in bright characters in the Scripture? Nor could this Instruction be any clearer in the Text. In the Text, in the fewest possible Words, GOD speaks. GOD calls attention to the worst thing in the world. GOD calls attention to what can be done with the worst thing in the world. GOD says: "Her iniquity is pardoned." Forgiveness is the Way to have your sins put away in the sight of GOD. And do you see herein your Duty? The inference of Duty is if there is the Forgiveness of sins with GOD, then you should confess your sins. It is by confession that Forgiveness is received. I John 1.9 says: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." GOD deeply desires to forgive sin to begin with. But GOD did not sit still in this desire. GOD did something. GOD sent HIS SON. HIS SON died for sin. Which speaks that GOD did His Part about sin. GOD did what only GOD could do. And you, too, should not sit still and content yourself with a mere desire to have the Forgiveness of sin. You must do something. You will never enjoy Forgiveness till you do something about sin. You must confess sin. It is what GOD said in His Word. It is not sufficient to thank GOD for your food. It is not sufficient to ask GOD to bless your Family. GOD specifically did something about sin. You must specifically do something about sin. And you can! For since GOD did something about sin, in that one Act, He opened up a way that you can do something about sin. The sincere confession of sin is the Way into Forgiveness. Amen.

Sermon X.

I INVITE YOU today to consider the third part of the Third Step To True Comfort. The third part of the Third Step has to do with the Cross. This third part is that at the Cross, JESUS brought in an Abundance of Grace. See how the Words read in today's Text. The Words read: “For she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.” There are two things in the Words. I. JESUS brought in Grace. II. JESUS brought in an Abundance of Grace.

I begin. I. JESUS brought in Grace. In the Text, the Words begin with: "She hath received." These three Words form the short summary of this part of the Text. And does not this Word "received" speak of Grace? I dare say, in many instances of life, when you "receive" something, grace is being showed to you. Sometimes, you receive gifts from family. At other times, you receive gifts from friends. In the Hebrew, the Word that is used here for our Word "received" is a root Word. The root means "to take." So that the Words may just as well read: "She hath taken of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." In the Old Testament, this one root is used just shy of 1,000 times. For example, in I Samuel 25.35, the same Hebrew Word is used for David when he received Abigail's gifts. The Verse reads: "So David received of her hand." And, say, what did David receive on this occasion? The Chapter lists in detail what David received. "Two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs." The Truth is that in those days, David and his men were in the extreme hour of need. Their very lives hung in suspense. Yet when David received from Abigail's hand, the gifts came at a good time. They singularly helped. And in general, this is the idea in the Text. This receiving is good in itself. This receiving is from "the Lord's hand." This receiving brings with it good things.

II. Yet the Text declares that JESUS did more than "bring in Grace." The Text explicitly shows that JESUS brought in an Abundance of Grace. And is not this the pure Truth? The rest of the Scripture says so. James 4.6 says: "He giveth more Grace." Hebrews 4.16 says that in the time of trial, JESUS has "Grace to help in time of need." And in regard to the entire Christian course, JESUS says in II Corinthians 12.9: "My Grace is sufficient for thee." I would have you to see this Truth so clearly spelled out in the Text. In the Text, it is true that the Word "received" hints of something Gracious. I spoke of this before. But when the Text is more closely examined, there is more along these lines that is said. For observe. Following the Word "received," when the central Thought of the Text is expressed, it is seen in plainer detail still all the Grace the Text speaks of. From one perspective, there is a sense in which no good thing is here being received. For it is Judgment that is being received. Judgment for sin. The Text says: "She hath received or taken...double for all her sins." Receiving Judgment for sin is a fearful thing. When our First Parents received for their sins, they were cast out of the Garden. In the days of Noah, when the world received for its sins, GOD sent down a the Flood. But observe carefully what is going on in the Text. First: The Text speaks of the guilty person. She has sinned. At the same time, there is someone else in the Text. This person is implied. This person is unnamed. This Gracious Person comes forward and takes the burden of Judgment on behalf of the other. The result could not be more delightful. Now the guilty person is considered as paying double for sin. Not in herself. But in the unnamed person who took her place. Dr. Clark has the Words to read: "She hath received or taken of the Lord's hand double Blessings for all her sins." The central thought is that since the unnamed person bore the Judgment for sin so well thereby paying for the sin and its corresponding Judgment, therefore, things are not only made right and restored as they first were, but things are now better off than they were to begin with.

From today's Sermon, there are Three Instructions. 1. The First Instruction is THE SAVIOUR is JESUS. In the Text, it pleased GOD to let THE SAVIOUR Who bore the Judgment be left unnamed. This was GOD'S Way in those days. For this was almost 1,000 years before the Birth of JESUS. But when JESUS was born, it then pleased GOD to speak His Name. The first time the Name of JESUS is spoken in Scripture is in Matthew 1.21. The Verse says: "Thou shalt call His Name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins." 2. The Second Instruction: Sinners are saved by Grace. Is this not conspicuous in the Text? It is not only conspicuous, it is Glorious. I grant, the Word "Grace" is not once spoken once. Yet the dear perfume of Grace saturates every part of the Text. For the Text speaks of the guilty person. But THE SAVIOUR comes, takes her Judgment, and she receives "double Blessings." Which speaks that if you would be saved, you must consent to be saved by Grace. It's the only way to be saved. It's GOD'S Way of being saved. Some people are too proud to be saved by Grace. Their thinking is that if they can't earn it, they don't want it. But you must think of these things more deeply, come down from such heights, humble yourself, accept your place as the sinner that you are, and with gratitude take and believe in JESUS THE SAVIOUR. 3. The Third Instruction: In the spiritual, if you would receive, you must take from GOD. You cannot take from Satan. He is the enemy of GOD. You must not take from yourself. As the old Hymn says— You are "feeble as frail." But you must take from GOD. Which speaks that GOD has His side in Salvation. We stared at some of it today. This side of Salvation is Big, Wonderful, and Sublime. GOD provided THE SAVIOUR. THE SAVIOUR is One like GOD'S Self Who is well able to save. These are gigantic things. It is only GOD Who could have done them. But there is a side of Salvation that may be truly said to be your side. As the Text says, you must take JESUS. I did not say this. I did not invent this. It is GOD Who said this. JESUS said this. The best Christian Creeds say this. Therefore it is your Duty. You must take JESUS as your SAVIOUR. Not as a thief, to take from GOD what GOD does not want to give. But GOD has already freely given. John 3.16 says: "For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son." Therefore in the face of this undeserved Gift, you must arise, bestir yourself, and take THE SAVIOUR Whom GOD has given. In Matthew 11.12, JESUS said: "The violent take it by force." That is to say, when GOD stirs up desire, when the soul sees its deep need, when the soul comes by faith believing, the soul will not delay but fly to GOD in Prayer and take THE SAVIOUR He has given. Amen.

Sermon XI.

NOW THAT I have considered all the parts of the Text, I come today to hold out to you one broad Truth that runs throughout the Words. This broad Truth is What GOD Thinks Of True Comfort. You know what you think of True comfort. We all tend to desire it. But, say, have you ever thought about what GOD thinks of True Comfort? It's quite a consideration. To show What GOD Thinks Of True Comfort, there are two things. I. The Fact that what GOD thinks of True Comfort runs throughout the Text. II. This same Truth confirmed elsewhere in Scripture.

I begin. I. The Fact that what GOD thinks of True Comfort runs throughout the Text. In Verse 1, GOD declares True Comfort. The Words read: "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God." In the beginning of Verse 2, GOD says that He comforts through Faithful Preachers. GOD says: "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her." Toward the end of Verse 2, GOD says that to receive True Comfort, there must be faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. This is the largest part of the Text. Concerning this matter, GOD here has much to say. GOD says: "That her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." All which elegantly radiates what GOD thinks of True Comfort. GOD first declares Comfort. Then in the conveyance of this Comfort, GOD sends His Faithful Preachers. And what does GOD bid these Preachers to preach? GOD bids them preach JESUS, what He did at the Cross, and the great need of faith in His Person and Work. Therefore observe. When GOD comes to comfort human souls in this world, He does not work in darkness. He works out in the Light. GOD Himself has told us how He comforts. Yet observe further that in comforting human souls, GOD has looked down on all that is in this world; GOD has thought about who man is and what is around him; and as GOD has contemplated these things, His Proceedings toward us testify that He knows that the only thing that can truly Comfort the human soul in this world is JESUS and His Gospel. In general, the Text relates that True Comfort comes from GOD. Yet very specifically, in the True Comfort that comes from GOD, the Text states that GOD gives Comfort through JESUS and His Gospel. This approximates the heart of what GOD thinks of True Comfort.

II. This same Truth is confirmed elsewhere in Scripture. In Isaiah 61.1-3, GOD speaks a large Promise. GOD says He can "comfort all that mourn." GOD does not say that He can "comfort some that mourn." That is, those whose cases are not extreme. As if His Comfort can only go so far or do so much. Instead, GOD expressly says that He can "comfort all that mourn." Which includes all sorts of people and all sorts of sorrows. And, say, how does GOD say He does all this? GOD says He does all this through JESUS and His Gospel. For in the full length of the Promise, GOD says that He "comforts all that mourn" through HIS SON, JESUS. In this Promise, JESUS Himself says: "The Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings." The only "good tidings" that JESUS ever preached was His Gospel. It is by this means that GOD "comforts all that mourn." For in Luke 4.16-21, once almost a thousand years rolled by, when JESUS finally came into this world and preached His "good tidings," there is an Account in which JESUS quoted this Scripture and applied it to Himself. The Words recount that on a certain "sabbath day," JESUS "stood up for to read" to the people. In that Assembly, JESUS read this very Promise in Isaiah 61. JESUS said: "This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." All which further confirms what GOD thinks of True Comfort. In GOD'S mind, True Comfort is found in JESUS and His Gospel. In this trying world, this is where Comfort is.

From today's Sermon, there are Two Rules Of Guidance and Three Instructions. I begin with the Two Rules Of Guidance. 1. The First Rule is here is Light for those who are outside of JESUS. There is Comfort for you, O soul. Do you sometimes go through your sorrows and say in yourself some form of the Words in Job 23.3: "Oh that I knew where I might find Him!" For this is a confusing world. It is sometimes hard to find GOD and His Comfort. But you may cast away this doubt! For I read to you today from the Scripture (GOD'S Own Word) where you might find GOD and His Comfort in the times of your need. In the Scripture, there is JESUS. JESUS is foretold, promised, and recorded. There is His Birth, His Life, His Sermons, His Death, and the Account when He rose again. Why is all this time taken up with JESUS? So that you might trust JESUS as your SAVIOUR, go to GOD through Him, and receive GOD'S Comfort. 2. The Second Rule of Guidance: Here is Light for Christians. In trying times, I say to Christians don't sit still. Don't idly think that you know all about the Story of JESUS. I encourage you to use what you know. Strike the match in the nighttime. You have the Light. But the Light is best when it is used. In Matthew 14.30, when Peter walked on the water to go to JESUS, he took his eyes off of JESUS. Therefore he started sinking in the waves. But when he turned to JESUS again, down came the mighty arm of JESUS and comforted him. One look to JESUS will not do. Nor do past looks serve for today. You must look to JESUS when your troubles arise. This is the path into Comfort.

Now for the Three Instructions. 1. The First Instruction: Learn what GOD thinks about True Comfort. In today's Sermon, I showed from the Scripture what GOD thinks about True Comfort. I encourage you, in the matter of Comfort, let this mind be in you that is in GOD. Think like GOD does. In the Text, GOD declares True Comfort. GOD says this Comfort comes through the lips of Faithful Preachers. To actually receive this Comfort, JESUS must be trusted as SAVIOUR. This summarizes what GOD thinks of True Comfort. So that in this matter of Comfort, GOD speaks to us, as it were, the Words of Matthew 17.5: "This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." For with respect to Comfort, THE FATHER expressly points us to JESUS. He speaks that all Comfort is received in Him. Which makes JESUS is the Great Conduit of Comfort. Ephesians 1.3 says that GOD dispenses "all spiritual Blessings" "in Christ." 2. The Second Instruction: Your own thoughts about True Comfort are not important. The old saying is: "Beggars cannot be choosers." You are not the giver of Comfort. GOD is. You are but the undeserved receiver. Therefore it is not your place to dictate to GOD the method by which GOD gives Comfort. Dictating is a departure from humility, which is the natural place of creatures and sinners. 3. The Third instruction: Let the mind of GOD direct you. Colossians 3.16 says: "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." Therefore walk in His Steps. Go in His Way. Do as He said. You will find that His Steps, His Way, and doing what He said is safe and sound. Moreover, you will find it is satisfying. For He will meet you in these things and without fail give you Comfort. For GOD is as good as His Word. Amen.

Sermon XII.

NOW THAT I have considered in your hearing all the delightful parts of the Text, I intend to speak today (as GOD shall Help me) respecting the golden chain that glistens in these Words. Do you see it? This golden chain has been apparent all along. I have frequently been aware of it as I have spoken to you. Yet, sometimes, the apparent ought to be brought to attention. In Daniel 5.29, it is said that when the Prophet Daniel was exalted by the king, the king gave him a chain of gold. But what a finer golden chain I come to speak about today! If Daniel were here today, he would be the first to agree. For I come today to speak about The Golden Chain Of GOD'S True Comfort. That is, the sweet Steps that most certainly lead the soul into the Comfort of GOD. Through the course of today's Sermon, I have one objective. I shall identify the golden chain.

In the Text, there are 41 Words. In the 41 Words, there is a golden chain of three things. The three things are— I. GOD Himself declares True Comfort. In Verse 1, GOD begins by saying: "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God." Which speaks that in this world GOD has spoken about True Comfort. GOD has shown the Way into this Comfort. II. GOD gives His True Comfort through Faithful Preachers. In Verse 2, GOD says: "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her." Which speaks in part that GOD knew there would be days in this world when JESUS would not be here. In Fact, GOD spoke these Words before JESUS came. And yet the Words still stand today, although JESUS is not here as He once was. I would point out, the majority of the human race has lived before or after JESUS. Comparatively, there was only a small group of people who lived during the time of JESUS and were able to hear Him preach. But this was no impediment with GOD. Genesis 18.14 asks: "Is there any thing too hard for the Lord?" And besides, GOD'S Customary Way has been to send forth a large host of Preachers. Psalm 68.11 says: "The Lord gave the Word." Then the Verse says: "Great was the company of those that published it." In the Hebrew, the Expression is: "Abundant in quantity was the company of those that published it." This was GOD'S Chosen Way. THE LORD HIMSELF, JESUS, "gave the Word." And "great" has been the company that has published it. III. To receive True Comfort, there must be trust in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. This section of the Text is the longest section. Here, GOD is Home. GOD is seen in a sphere where He loves to dwell. This section reads: "That her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." In the Words, GOD speaks as He did in Matthew 17.5. GOD says: "This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." In this section, GOD says go to JESUS! Hear Him! Obey Him! For, THE FATHER says, JESUS accomplished the warfare. JESUS brought in the Forgiveness of sins. JESUS brought in an Abundance of Grace.

From today's Sermon, there are Three Instructions. 1. The First Instruction is GOD'S Ways are too often blamed these days. Today, I have been speaking about GOD'S Way of giving Comfort. And with respect to GOD'S Ways in general, are not GOD'S Ways too often blamed these days? When I was a boy, I often heard people commend the Goodness of GOD. In such seemingly simple things as jobs, foods, and health, there was a steady flow of good talk in which all these things were spoken of as the Gifts of GOD. Yet in these days, not only in daily life, but in more formal speeches and books, there has been an increase of finding fault with GOD'S Ways. In Ezekiel 18.25, the Prophet said there were those who did this in his day. They said: "The way of the Lord is not equal." But be not surprised nor think it strange when things like this are said. The more people drift away from THE LORD, the more notions like these will be expressed. The world has never been a good judge concerning spiritual things. 2. The Second Instruction: Nevertheless, GOD'S Ways are to be admired. I would encourage you not to blame GOD'S Ways. Though the whole world blame GOD'S Ways, I would encourage you to be resolved to admire GOD'S Ways. For, truly, GOD'S Ways deserve to be admired. In the Scripture, the godly consistently admired GOD'S Ways. In Psalm 25.4, the Psalmist prayed: "Shew me Thy Ways, O Lord." Which speaks that the Psalmist did not run from GOD'S Ways. The Psalmist ran toward GOD'S Ways. The Psalmist asked THE LORD to show him more of His Ways. In Psalm 119.15, the Psalmist says that he will "have respect" to GOD'S Ways. And should not GOD'S Ways be respected? They are the Ways of GOD. In Revelation 15.3, the Christians in Glory sing: "Just and true are Thy Ways, Thou King of saints." Therefore admire the Ways of GOD. There is Wonder in GOD'S Ways. I grant, GOD'S Ways are deep. This is to be allowed. He is GOD. Psalm 77.19 says that His Way "is in the sea." When you think of a giant as he walks in the sea, you cannot trace his path. The sea hides every footstep. In Romans 11.33, the Apostle Paul said: "His Ways are past finding out!" Still, in the end, all real Saints will sing: "Just and true are Thy Ways." For in the end, when all is done, GOD will be justified. It will be clear to all that GOD did all things well. And even now, in this matter of how GOD gives Comfort, it plainly appears GOD'S Ways are Gracious and Pleasant. 3. The Third Instruction: Take with you the golden chain of Comfort. As you leave today's Sermon, take with you the golden chain. Do you remember the three links in the chain? First: GOD declares Comfort. Second: GOD comforts through Faithful Preachers. Third: To receive Comfort, there must be faith in JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. This is the golden chain of Comfort. I would have you to take this golden chain with you and wear it. When GOD gave material for obedience, He gave no less than Ten Commandments. The large amount of Commandments speaks that if you would sincerely obey THE LORD, there is work to do. You must roll up your sleeves, as it were, just as you do in many other things, and apply yourself. But if you would have Comfort, True Comfort, GOD knew poor sinners would have hard times. They would have troubles in which they could hardly think. They would be sick. They would approach the border of the grave. In these times, the mind is not as sharp as it commonly is. There is sometimes darkness. Therefore GOD Kindly put Comfort into three things. As you leave today's Sermon, I would have you to keep these things in mind, take them with you in your heart, and use them as occasion demands. Amen.

Sermon XIII.

IN TODAY'S SERMON, I come to preach Concluding Thoughts On True Comfort. In this my last Sermon, my aim is to look back on the Text in its entirety, review some things we have studied together, further confirm these things, and speak in light of your leaving these Sermons and going onward into life. Let me first say, I want to commend your attendance at the Church Services. I appreciate the spirit with which you have heard the Sermons. It has been a pleasure to preach to you. All along, my constant Prayer has been that what has been preached will be a Blessing to you both now and in the time to come. I sometimes think of the Lady who lived in a Care Facility where I ministered and heard there my Exposition of Luke 16. At the time, I could tell she was hearing the Sermons. Then one day she returned from an extended stay in the hospital. She said that as she hung between life and death, in that low state, the Sermons came back to mind. She was surprised how she remembered so much content. It was then, she said, that the Sermons were “the best Blessing.” Therefore, Friends, whether today, this week, or in the hospital, my Prayer is that the Sermons will be the best Blessing to you at this important time in your lives.

The Text presents Four Beliefs Worth Believing In. I. The First Belief is that in the darkest circumstances, True Comfort can still be received. This is a solid Belief that is plainly evident in the Text. I would remind you of it. For during the days of the Prophet Isaiah, True Comfort was hard to be found. The Country had strayed away from THE LORD. Great sin was abounding in the land. The future looked dim. Yet right in the middle of these dark circumstances, the Prophet Isaiah preached Comfort in GOD'S Name saying: "Comfort ye, comfort ye." Which speaks that in the darkest circumstances, True Comfort can still be received. Is this not further confirmed in Psalm 119.50? The Psalmist did not just say: "This is my comfort." That is to say, He did not just find True Comfort. Which in itself is a grand thing. But observe how he uses the Phrases "my comfort" and "my affliction." He said: "This is my comfort in my affliction." This is something more. Here it is manifest that it was not in the comfortable circle of family and friends—or when circumstances were gliding his way—that he found Comfort; rather, he says, it was right in the midst of affliction—while thick, gloomy clouds surrounded him—it was in that cold and bleak setting, he found Comfort. Therefore as you leave these Sermons, I would encourage you. Arm yourself with Scripture. Don't forget that the Scripture speaks that in dark circumstances, there is a choice. You might not think you have a choice. But you do have a choice. Will you overpowered by the darkness of your circumstances? Or will you believe in the Truth of the Scripture, that is, that GOD has said that in the midst of affliction there can be Comfort? It's not hard to notice the darkness of your circumstances. They are all around you. But the Light is in the Scripture. And, sometimes, the Scripture lies buried and forgotten. Yet I encourage you. Get in the Light. Stay in the Light. Walk in the Light.

II. The Second Belief is sometimes, GOD delays His True Comfort. In the Text, did GOD give His Comfort instantly? No. It pleased GOD to delay. For the Text is not found in Isaiah 1. GOD did not begin the Book of Isaiah and immediately give Comfort. GOD tarried. In Isaiah 1, GOD reproved the Jews for their sins. GOD wanted to see what they would do. When some of the Jews still tarried with GOD and continued hearing the Prophet Isaiah's Sermons, by and by, in Isaiah 40.1,2, GOD declared His Comfort. And so it sometimes is. In Psalm 119.82, the Psalmist deeply desired Comfort. His circumstances had come to a low ebb. The Psalmist said: "Lord, mine eyes fail for Thy Word, saying, When wilt Thou comfort me?" There was urgency in the hour. There was acute need. The Psalmist wanted Comfort now. But GOD postponed. From whence it appears that in giving Comfort, GOD is sovereign. GOD knows best. GOD gives Comfort at a time when it most glorifies Him and when it does the most good to you. Therefore the counsel I give to you is Psalm 27.14. The Psalmist says: "Wait on the Lord." When GOD tarries, don't leave Him. Don't blame Him. Wait for Him. GOD is worth waiting for. When GOD comes, there shall be Comfort. His Comfort will satisfy the soul. I had rather wait for GOD'S Comfort than to receive the shallow, empty comforts of the world.

III. The Third Belief. True Comfort is found in the Scripture. How bright the Comfort appears in the Text! It is the only place Comfort showed itself. In the preceding Chapters, the Prophet Isaiah showed there was no Comfort in the Jews themselves. They had sinned. There was no Comfort in their circumstances. Things around them and before them looked unfavorable. But in the Scripture! In the Scripture, there was Comfort. From whence I would have you mark that True Comfort is found in the Scripture. Romans 15.4 says: "Through the comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope." See also I Thessalonians 4.18. I tell you, it is no wonder that so many people go around grumpy and without Comfort. Very often, it is because they stay away from the Scripture. If you stay away from Scripture, you stay away from Comfort. Yet in the Scripture, there, GOD'S Comfort is expressed and held out. There is no True Comfort outside the Scripture. Therefore be students of the Word. Keep coming back to the Book.

IV. The Fourth Belief. THE SPIRIT speaks through the Scripture and brings True Comfort. In THE PERSON of THE ONE GOD, there is THE FATHER, THE SON, and THE SPIRIT. As it is the Work of THE FATHER in Salvation that He Graciously gave HIS OWN SON to be THE SAVIOUR—as it is the Work of THE SON that He Graciously gave His Blood, His Flesh, and His Life—just so in the dispensing of Comfort, THE SPIRIT'S Work is to speak through the Words of Scripture. In Acts 9.31, there is this Phrase. "The Comfort of the Holy Ghost." And, say, how does THE SPIRIT convey His Comfort? He speaks through the Scripture. The Scripture is the mouthpiece of THE SPIRIT. In John 16.13,14, JESUS said: "When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall receive of Mine [My Words], and shall shew it unto you." Which speaks that GOD not only comforts through the Scripture; but in the reading and in the study of Scripture, GOD sends THE SPIRIT to come along, take the comforting Words of Scripture, open up the mind, and impress the Truth. For by itself, the mind cannot receive the things of GOD. And in the time of darkness, dense clouds commonly surround the mind. Not always will a simple reading do good. But when Prayer is made, as well as reading—when THE SPIRIT comes when the Word is read—or after the Word is read; then Comfort comes and satiates the heart. Amen.