Essex Congregational Remembrancer Isaiah 8:19-20 And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter… I. THE REASONS WHY WE OUGHT TO SEEK UNTO OUR GOD. 1. We should seek to Him for light and guidance in perplexity and doubt. No state is more painfully trying to man than to have the mind tossed and agitated like a bark on the stormy waves, without chart and compass. There is an eager impatience in such a state, which lays men open to imposition. They become the easy dupes of crafty deceivers. Hence magicians and necromancers, in an age of ignorance and credulity, gamed such an ascendency over the vulgar. You have read what history records of the oracles of Greece, and the sibyls of Italy. But a superstition, very similar, prevailed over all Asia, and at times penetrated into Judea. Now all such practices were dishonouring and forsaking Jehovah. The mind of a sincere believer may, both on points of faith and practice, be in a state of doubt and suspense. And to whom should he look, but to the Father of lights who can scatter every cloud? 2. For support and consolation in sorrow and distress (Job 5:8; Psalm 50:15). 3. For protection and defence amidst difficulties and dangers. 4. For strength to fit us for all the active duties of life and religion. II. HOW WE ARE TO SEEK UNTO OUR GOD. 1. By diligently and impartially consulting His revealed will in the Holy Scriptures. 2. By constantly and seriously frequenting the public ordinances of His house. 3. By carefully marking and observing the openings and leadings of Providence. "In particular cases," says Mr. Newton, "the Lord opens and shuts for His people, breaks down walls of difficulty which obstruct their path, or hedges up their way with thorns, when they are in danger of going wrong, by the dispensations of His providence. They know that their concernments are in His hand; they are willing to follow whither and when He leads, but they are afraid of going before Him." 4. By offering up humble sad earnest petitions at the throne of His heavenly grace. (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? |
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