sufficient evidence of our bondage. If you are yet strangers to the experience above described, you are yet in bondage to the great enemy of Zion
But we are authorized to declare that this adversary is cast down ; that our Cyrus has prevailed over him ; and that liberty is now given to every captive in Babylon to return to Zion. Behold, as a herald of our adorable Saviour, I now announce to you these glad tidings. O ! be ye not like too many of that ill-fated nation, who preferred their ease to toils, their bondage to liberty, their dwellings in Babylon to their inheritance in Jerusalem.
Put yourselves under the guidance of the true Zerubbabel, before whom " the mountains shall become a plain." If you meet with difficulties, know that he has issued his proclama- tion to all his creatures, to afford you all necessary aid : and if, insteadof aiding, they endeavour to obstruct you, he has engaged that all things shall work together for your good. Come out then from Babylon, every one of you ; and let this be the one harmonious proposal of you all, " Come, let us go up to Zion, unto the Lord our God." Fear not but that the object, when attained, will richly recompense all the difficulties of your way. Even in this world your " joys shall be unspeakable and glori- fied :" but who can conceive the joy that awaits you in the Zion above ? How will your mouth then be filled with laughter, and your tongue with singing! How will you then, in concert with all the heavenly hosts, exclaim, " The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad !" Be content then to " go on your way weeping, bearing precious seed, knowing assuredly that at last you shall come again with rejoicing, bearing your sheaves with you."]