No. 2

Isaiah 32:2

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind,
and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place,
as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land
.
 
This sermon is also reflected in verse 4 of Hymn No. 197,
published in Olney Hymns as Book 1, Hymn 59
No 197 v4
view the full hymn here
view the hymn with background diary extracts here
   

No. 2

Is 32 2 No 2 particulars  
If the first clause had stood alone I might have considered it under many particulars, for not only the first work of conviction, but many things that follow in a believer’s path may be compared to a mighty wind from which they need a strong and safe hiding place and must perish without one.  But here are four different views given of this man, and the benefits derived from him by faith, and we may therefore with more exactness refer some things to one head and some to another.  In the English this seems much the same with the former – a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the storm are not very different, but there is a difference in the Hebrew.  The word signifies properly ‘a flood’, and is so rendered in chapter 28:2[1] and Psalm 90:5.[2]  The wind tries the strength of the building, the flood tries the foundation, and threatens to sweep all before it.
Now when a soul has felt the mighty wind of the Spirit and bows in conviction and sought and found a hiding place in Jesus, the difficulties are not all over.  It is not indeed easy to persuade those who are rejoicing in their first love that they shall ever be otherwise, but experience convinces them.  They will know more or less of two floods, which, if the Lord permits, will make them cry out for a refuge or covert.  
 
1. 1.1 [sin]
    The workings and overflowings of indwelling sin, may be compared to a flood.
    1.1.1 A flood comes upon places that had been dry – where a stranger would not expect it.  Frequently the power of divine things is so strong at first, that corruption seems dried up – but sin though kept down is not slain – when these views abate it will show itself again.
    1.1.2 A flood is a great quantity.  Sin is a great flood.  The soul can say as Psalm 40:12.[3]
    1.1.3 A flood is violent.  Many know the resemblance here – how long and sore the conflict, and how nearly carried quite off their feet.
  1.2 [temptation]
    Temptation so it is expressed Isaiah 57, Isaiah 59:19.[4]  Indeed it is by his influence the other flood rises so high.  I shall not say much of this.  It is not needful to those who have felt it, and would not be well understood by those who do.  But as by all temptations, Satan’s aim is to overturn the foundation of the faith – they may be compared to a flood.
 
2. 2.1 [sin]
    2.1.1 His atonement – there is forgiveness
    2.1.2 His intercession - Luke 22:30[2?][5]
    2.1.3 His power and promise – Isaiah 42:10[?][6]
  2.2 [temptation]
    2.2.1 His experimental sympathy – Hebrews 2:18[7] and 4:15[8]
    2.2.2 His gracious promise - Isaiah 43:2[9]
    2.2.3 His engagement to interpose, as set forth – Zechariah 3:2[10]
 
You that are setting out:
1. Be not secure
2. Be not discouraged
You that have found him faithful – go on trusting him – you shall soon be out of the reach of storms and floods.
 
You that know him not are exposed to a flood of wrath.

References:
 
[1] Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.
[2] Psalm 90:5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
[3] Psalm 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
[4] Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
[5] Luke 22:30[32 intended? But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.]
[6] Isaiah 42:10 [several alternative verses in this chapter may have been intended]
[7] Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
[8] Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
[9] Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
[10] Zechariah 3:2 And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Transcribed from Newton's pocket sermon notebook, N43, Cowper & Newton Museum, Olney, Bucks

Acknowledgements:

N43, Cowper & Newton Museum, Olney, Bucks
MS Eng 1317, Houghton Library, Harvard University