In the way of his ordinances
But does not the scripture, it has been objected, fourthly, direct us to wait for salvation? Does not David say, My soul waits upon God, for from him comes my salvation? And does not Isaiah teach us the same thing, saying, O Lord, we have waited for you?
All this cannot be denied. Since salvation is the gift of God, we are undoubtedly to wait on him for it. But how shall we wait? If God himself has appointed a way, can you find a better way of waiting for him? But that he has appointed a way has been shown at large, and also what that way is. The very words of the prophet which you cite put this out of all question. For the whole sentence runs thus: In the way of your judgments, or ordinances, O Lord, we have waited for you. Isaiah 26:8.
And in the very same way David waited, as his own words abundantly testify. I have waited for your saving health, O Lord, and have kept your law. Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
1771 text
4. “But does not the scripture (it has been objected, fourthly) direct us to wait for salvation? Does not David say, My soul waiteth upon God: for of him cometh my salvation? And does not Isaiah teach us the same thing, saying, O Lord, we have waited for thee?” All this cannot be denied. Seeing it is the gift of God, we are undoubtedly to wait on him for salvation. But how shall we wait? If God himself has appointed a way, can you find a better way of waiting for him? But, that he hath appointed a way, hath been shewn at large, and also what that way is. The very words of the prophet which you cite, put this out of all question. For the whole sentence runs thus; In the way of thy judgments, or ordinances, O Lord, have we waited for thee. (Isaiah xxvi. 8.) And in the very same way did David wait, as his own words abundantly testify: I have waited for thy saving health, O Lord, and have kept thy law, teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.