k; but
righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."[578] Every one
that sweareth truly by Him shall rejoice in God, and shall glory.[579]
Joy in God is essential to the exercise properly conducted. Let the
saints testify from their own experience to the perfect correspondence
to their feelings of these words, dictated by his own Spirit,--"I the
Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt-offering; and I will direct
their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with
them.... I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in
my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath
covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh
himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with
jewels."[580] Supplication may be made for joy in vowing and swearing by
his name. "Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I
lift up my soul."[581] The Church of God, yea, many nations, are
commanded to rejoice, performing this service. "Sing and rejoice, O
daughter of Zion: for lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee,
saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that
day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee: and
thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee."[582] On
a solemn occasion, all Judah rejoiced at the oath which they had
sworn.[583] Promises are made, that, engaging in this exercise, many
will rejoice. Those who shall take bold on the Covenant of God will be
joyful in his house of prayer.[584] As he did on a former occasion,[585]
when the Lord turns the captivity of Israel, and takes them into
covenant with himself, he will cause them to rejoice. And the Gentile
nations, in like manner, engaged as they were, shall be filled with joy.
"Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers; and that
the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this
cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy
name.... Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy
Ghost."[586] And the rejoicing thus variously represented is according
to Divine ordination. It is said, "Behold, my servant shall sing for joy
of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for
vexation of spirit. An