Under the Jewish dispensation conversions were comparatively few : but under the Christian dispensation they are very numerous ; though at present they are only as the drop before the shower. On the day of Pentecost the Spirit was poured out in richer abun- dance, and thousands were converted in a day: and still, where- ever the Gospel is preached in sincerity and truth, there the power of God accompanies the word, and " subdues the souls of men to the obedience of faith." Amongst the heathen, Satan maintains an universal sway: and amongst those Cliristians who are not blessed with a faithful Ministry, very few are ever rescued from his dominion : but where the cross of Christ is exalted, there will be found " a stir among the dry bones," and multitudes are born to God. And may we not ask, Whether this is not confirmed by the experience of many here present ? Once you were as dead in trespasses and sins, and as destitute of all desire after God, as any people in the world: but, through the preaching of a crucified Saviour in this place, your souls have been " turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Here also, when you have been mourning on account of your in-dwelling corruptions, God has " given you the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness'';" so that you can confidently say, " I was born there." Blessed testimony, that may well endear to you the gates of Zion, and render her more lovely in your eyes than all the palaces in the universe !]
3. As an emblem of heaven itself —
[Such it really is: for all who are born in her " are come unto Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jeru- salem"." Though she is a spiritual edifice, she has her foun- dations, her walls, her gates ; all of which are found also in that heavenly Zion which St. John saw, even in " that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, and having the glory of God-*." And both the one city and the other "are of pure gold''." Each of them too, amongst the many distinctions which they enjoy above all earthly cities, have a light peculiar to themselves. Of our Zion it is said, " The sun is no more her light by day, neither for brightness does the moon give light unto her; but the Lord is unto her an everlasting light, and her God her glory '." And thus it is also in the heavenly Zion : "^ The city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it : for the glory of God does lighten it; and the Lamb is the light thereof'"." It is but one family that is inhabiting both the one city and the other, " even the family of our Lord Jesus Christ";" and their employments are altogether the same :
for
'' r-;!!. Ixi. 3. ' Keb. xii. 22. J Rev. xxi. 10; 11, 14,21.
'' Rev. xxi. 18. ' Isai. Ix. IQ. - '" Rev. x;ii. 23.
» Eph. iii. 1-4, 15.