malicious, the selfish and covetous workings of the heart, and he shall soon perceive that, if man were unrestrained by human laws, he would prey upon his fellow-man with as much ferocity as the beasts themselves.]
But in the latter day universal harmony shall pre- vail—
[Then this beautiful description shall be fully realized. Men shall dwell together as the beasts in the ark, none at- tempting to hurt or destroy another: or rather, they shall dwell together as the beasts in Paradise ; none having so much as a disposition to hurt ; but all filled with gentleness and love.
This event is foretold in other passages of Holy Writ^; and it shall surely be accomplished at the appointed season : " The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this."]
To confirm our expectation of this universal change, let us consider,
II. The means by which it shall be effected —
It is beyond the power of any human efforts to accomplish it —
[However civilization may have changed the manners of men, it is but too evident that their hearts are the same as ever. In proof of this we need only appeal to the bloody wars which nations wage with each other ; to the duels which are fought on account of the most trifling injuries or insults ; and to the execrable traffic in slaves, which, to the disgrace of the Christian name, yea, to the disgrace of humanity itself, is justified and carried on amongst us, in spite of all the efforts that have been made for its abolition. If further proof were necessary, we may all find it very abundantly in the various circles in which we move : for there is scarcely a society, or even a single family, in which feuds, dissensions, quarrels, do not frequently arise : yea, the very relatives most interested in cultivating love and harmony, are often most at variance. Does not this shew how untamed we are, notwithstanding the restraints of wholesome laws, and the instructions given us in the word of God ?]
But the Gospel of Christ, when universally received, shall soon effect it —
[Men continue like wild beasts, because " they know not the Lord*^." The knowledge of Christ, and of his salvation, would produce a wonderful change on their spirit and conduct. Behold, what it wrought as soon as ever the Gospel was preached ! Thousands of blood-thirsty murderers were trans- formed into the most lovely and loving of the human race*^.
e Isai. Ixv. 25. f 1 Sam. ii. 12. b Acts iv. 32.