ix. 6. _His name shall be called . . . Counsellor, &c._
+I. How Christ may be our Counsellor.+ Immediate, close and
confidential intercourse is involved in our idea of taking counsel.
When we are in perplexity, we lay the whole matter before a friend in
whose wisdom we trust. So we may spread our difficulties before
Christ in prayer. Thus far, all is clear. But how can we receive from
Christ the answer and guidance we seek? How does an earthly friend
help us in such a case? _By producing a certain impression on our
mind._ He may do it by spoken words, by letter, or even by a gesture.
The _manner_ is unimportant. So Christ guides us _by producing
impression on our mind; how,_ we know not, nor does it matter
greatly. The well-instructed Christian seeks counsel from Christ in
all things. He prays for _daily_ guidance. Special difficulties he
makes matter of special prayer. Then, upon the mind previously made
calm and willing, there comes a sense of rectitude, and a feeling of
resolution. One course, generally that which involves most
self-denial and manifests least self-dependence, comes prominently
forth in strong relief, as most to be preferred. Its advantages each
moment look clearer and brighter; its consistency with his religious
profession, conformity to the will of God, and true wisdom, are more
and more strongly impressed upon his mind. He doubts no more. He has
arrived at a decision. Christ's counsel has prevailed. It is our
privilege thus to be directed at every stage and in every vicissitude
of life.
+II. Why we should take Christ for our Counsellor.+ Because in Him
are all the qualities that would cause us to value and seek the
counsel of an earthly friend--tenderness, wisdom, and power. He can
help us to carry out His counsels.
+III. What will the effects of making Christ the Man of our counsel?+
1. _A special consistency of Christian conduct._ Inconsistency arises
from listening to contradictory advisors; sometimes going to Christ,
and sometimes taking counsel from flesh and blood. 2. _A conformity
and likeness to Christ._ You will learn to love what He loves, and to
desire what He promises. In the man who constantly makes Christ his
counsellor, there is begotten a spirituality of mind, a deadness to
the world, a fixedness of purpose, a cheerfulness of temper, a
self-possession and patience, which are scarcely conceivable and
quite invaluable. A man is powerfully influenced by the company he
keeps--whether it be refined and moral, or coarse and profligate.
What, then, must be the effect of habitual intercourse with the Lord
of light and grace and glory? 3. _A preparedness for Christ's
presence in heaven._ What is the bliss of heaven? It is the vision
of the Almighty; unclouded and uninterrupted intercourse with the
Saviour and Lord of all. The more we have cultivated this here, the
more fitted we shall be for it hereafter.--_Josiah Bateman, M.A.:
Sermons,_ pp. 1-18.