WHETHER we read Isa. 9:6 as “Wonderful, Counselor,” as in the text of the Revised Version, or “Wonderful Counselor,” as in the margin, it matters not. Jesus Christ is the Counselor, the Advocate of His people, of all that long to be His people. He is also a Wonderful Counselor, in wisdom so surpassing, in knowledge so profound, in love so infinite, that all the counsel of all the wise of earth is not worthy of mention. He knows all about our case. He understands the principles involved. He sees the harvest in the seed, the end in the beginning. He knows all the dangers which lurk in the way. He looks with clear eye upon all the hidden snares of the enemy. He sees the subtle, sweetened, poisoned draughts the adversary has prepared for thirsty lips. He beholds the enchantress’ bed which would lull to the sleep of death our wearied limbs and brain. He has met all these things Himself, and knows how to escape all dangers, how to make the best use of all blessings; nay, more, how even to turn the banes into blessings. O, our Counselor understands it all; He is perfect in knowledge and wisdom. Moreover, He counsels to save. He can counsel in no other way, for He loves us with a measureless love. Others may counsel us to do what is “expedient,” what is the best “policy.” But there are no makeshifts to the advice of our Counselor. His counsel is founded in the everlasting principles of truth and righteousness and life. He would not advise you to endeavor to escape a temporary ill and fall into the permanent evil. He would not save you from confession of sin, to let you meet sin’s doom at the end. He would not give you the satisfaction of your temporary triumph here and keep you from His eternal triumph for you hereafter. No; love leads our Counselor to do for us what is always for our best and eternal good. But the knowledge, the wisdom, the intermingled love are not all that make wonderful our great Counselor. His ear, His private office, is open to all. The poor of earth can not get access, except in rare instances, to the world’s great counselors. The legal advice of a Blackstone, an Evarts, or a Choate costs more than the poor can afford. A retaining fee for such as they, even if life were at stake, would be more than the poor could raise. But the Wonderful Counselor ever keeps open office for earth’s millions. No servant or lackey will keep you from access to the Master. It is your privilege to go to Him. Surely He speaks not to deceive or tantalize; hear Him: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden.” The righteous may come in his perplexity. The sinner, deep-dyed and criminal against his Father’s law, may come and find an Advocate who intercedes, a Judge who justifies. And this is love. Then, reader, go to Him. Let nothing keep you from it. Tell Him all about your case. Keep back nothing. Only so will you realize your need of His help. And then His Spirit will by His own Word teach you the way; and you will indeed know Him to be the Wonderful Counselor.