The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-08-02
DIVINE INFLUENCE AND RE-
ERESHlNG.

(Selected for Tho Times-Dlspatch'I
II will consider In my dwelling place
like a clear heat upon herbs hnu iike
cloud Of dew In the heat Oh 'lar'es'.
Isaiah xviii. l.
Preachers should he very sparing OF
their inadversions on tho translation OF
the Scriptures In common use. not only
because they tend to shake conhoehce
and awaken suspicious in their hearers.
but because they are generally needless.
1t is not illiterncy that commends inc
present version: the abcst scnolers arc
the most satisfied with 1t upon the whoie'
Yet wfilc the original Ia divine. the rem
dering Is human; and, therefore. we neeo
not wonder II an occasional alteration Is
necessary. This Is peculiarly the cas-"
where the sense Is very obscure or even
imperceptible without 1t.
If the words as they now stand IN tho
text remain. his dwelling place"
heaven, and the meaning Is. that ne
would there consider how to succor and
bless his people, for he careth TOT them;
but word must be supplied to show tho
import: II will consider In my dwelling
place" how ! can prove like clear
heat upon herbs, and like cloud or dew
In the heat of harvest" But the margin
and Lowth and every modern expostor
make his dwelling place" not the place
of his consideration but the object. an9r
read: IT will regard my dwelling PLACE
like a clear heat upon herbs, and like
cloud of dew in the heat Of harvest"
Now what his dwelling place was we can
easily determine. 1t was Zion: Whose
dwelling is In Zion" This Is my rest
forever: here will dwell. for I have
desired 1t. And Watts has well added:
1.-THE God of Jacob chose tho hill
OF Zion for his ancient rest;
And Zion is his dwelling still.
His church Is with his presence blest."
And his concern for the welfare OF tho
ono is far surpassed by his regard for the
other. And how is this regard exer-
cised? Hero are two images.
First. like clear heat upon herbs"
The margin again says, Like clear
heat after RAIN" and wish. says the ex-
cellent translator Of Isaiah. who has
adopted It, that there was better evil
dence in support OF 1t. The reason Is,
that he probably feared. as others in
reading 1t may fear. that "a clear heat
mon herbs" would be rather unfavorable.
and cause them to droop. II not to de
And this would be the case in some In
stances, but not In all: and 1t ls enough
90 hov tNSt nd
strong resemblance Read the dying
words of David And he shall be as the
light of the morning, when the sun riseth.
even q morning without clouds; as the
tender grass springing out OF the earth
by clear shining after rain Now after
rain 1.-The clear shining" or "a clear
heat upon herbs" would produce immedi-
ately fresh vigor and shootings. Even
In our own climate the effect upon the
grass and plants is soon visible; but In
the East the influence is much more sud
den and surprising, and the beholders can
almost see the heritage thrive and -four
ish. Thus the Lord can quicken his peo-
! pie In his ways. and strengthen IN them
| the things that remain and are ready
| to die. And when after the softeninE
! comes the sunshine. they grow In grace
| and In the knowledge OF their Lord and
| Saviour Their "faith groweth exceed
ingly, and the charity OF every one OF
| them towards each other aboundeth."
They bear much fruit. Thus we read OF
"increasing with NIL the increase Of Cod"
This figure therefore. expresses growth
and fertility.
But the second holds forth refreshment.
reasonable refreshment: Like cloud OF
dew In the heat of harvest" How cool
ing useful. welcome, delightful such an
appearance is, ask the laborer In the field
in the Eastern field. bearing the burden
and heat of the day God as the God
of all comfort. realizes the truth ano
force OF this image In the experience OF
his tried followers First. In their spirit
ual exercises and depressions arising
from the assaults OF temptaUon, g
sense of their unworthiness and lmper'
fections. and fears concerning thelr safe'
ty and perseverance. Ana, seconulS' II
their outward afictions, These may be
many; and If our strength Is small, we
shall faint in the day OF adversely Blu
when we cry he answers us, and strength
ems us with strength In our Souls NJ
gives us little reviving In our bondage
and in the multitude OF our thoughts
within us his comforts delight our souls
He is able and engaged to comfort us II
| Dr.
Spirit of Jesus Christ, by his word b!
his ordinances, by his preaching Of I
minister, by the conversation Of friend
by letter, book. particular occur
renee of providence a time OF refreshing
may come from the presence OF the Lord
and a cloud of dew be FURNISHED IN IN
heat of harvest.
Such is the God OF love 10 ms people
Are his consultations small WIN us'
inf NJ hi