since the prediction was made, — and then, when the ap- pointed time arrived, the long-promised Messiah did literally ride into Zion on an ass. No doubt the vast majority of the inhabitants of Jerusalem saw nothing in the circumstance. The veil was upon their hearts. But we are not left in doubt as to the fulfilment of the pro- phecy. We are told plainly, " all this was done that it might be fulfilled."
From the fulfilment of God's word in time past, we are surely intended to gather something as to the manner of its fulfilment in time to come. We have a right to expect that prophecies respecting the second advent of Christ, will be as literally fulfilled as those respecting His first advent. He came to this earth hterally in person the first time. He will come to this earth literally in person the second time. He came in humiliation once literally to sufi'er. He will come again in glory literally to reign. Every prediction respecting things accompanying His first advent was literally accomplished. It will be just the same when He returns. All that is foretold about the restoi-ation of the Jews,— the judgments on the un- godly,—the unbelief of the world,— the gathering of the elect,— shall be made good to the letter. Let us not forget this. In the study of unfulfilled prophecy, a fixed principle of interpretation is of the first importance.
Finally, let us notice in these verses a striking example of the worthlessness of man's favor. Of all the multitudes who crowded round our Lord as He entered Jerusalem, none stood by Him when He was delivered into the hands of wicked men. Many cried, Hosanna, who four days after cried, " away with Him, crucify Him."
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But this is a faithful picture of human nature. This is a proof of the utter folly of thinking more of the praise of man than the praise of God. Nothing in truth is so fickle and uncertain as popularity. It is here to-day and gone to-moiTow. It is a sandy foundation, and sure to fail those who build upon it. Let us not care for it. Let us seek the favor of Him who is " the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." (Heb. xiii. 8.) Christ never changes. Those whom He loves, He loves to the end. His favor endureth for ever.