of Israel were come out of Zion ! When the Lord shall bring again the captivity of Israel, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad."
We may conceive him in these words looking for- ward, not only to the times of the Messiah, but to the Messiah himself, who is frequently designated by the name of Saviour % and who, under that character, comes forth out of Zion^, and is an object of desire to all nations^." But, perhaps, it is rather " salvation" itself that is here spoken of; and which the Psalmist contemplates, I. As an object of desire —
And truly so it is,
1. To the world at large —
[View the state of the world, especially as it is described
in the psalm before us How inexpressibly awful ! And
how fully is this description verified in all around us ! Re- specting the Heathen world, we are willing enough to acknow- ledge the truth of the accusation : but, respecting the Christian world, we are ready to conceive of it as exaggerated and false. But St. Paul quotes these very expressions, to prove the wickedness of all mankind : and the smallest measure of candid observation will confirm all that he has spoken. Say, then, whether salvation be not needed ; and whether the Psalmist's wish should not be the most ardent desire of our souls: " O that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion ! " The Gospel brings precisely such a salvation as men's necessities require : and happy would it be, if its blessings were proclaimed to the utmost ends of the earth!]
2. To every heavy-laden sinner —
[Are any of you convinced of your sinful and undone state ? Consider the remedy provided for you. O how pre- cious should it be to your souls ! How infinitely dearer to you than thousands of silver and gold ! Great as your guilt un- doubtedly is, it may aU be washed away in the Redeemer's blood: and, fixed as your corruptions are, they may all be rooted out by the operation of his holy Spirit on your souls. Reconciliation is made for you through the blood of the cross ; so that God, from being your enemy, is ready to become your Father and your friend : and, if only you embrace the
« Isai. Ixii. 11. with Isai. xlv. 21, 22. and m New Testament passim.
f Rom. xi. 26. s Hagg. ii. 7.