[It is a great reproach to the Christian world, that, from the close of the apostolic age, they have shewn very little attention to the Jews. Indeed, they have overlooked the pro- phecies relating to them; and thought little more, either of God's interest in them, or theirs in him, than if not a word had been spoken respecting them in Scripture. But God says to us, " Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations." Here it is evident that we ought so to keep in view God's gracious designs respecting them, as to have our hearts filled with joy in the contemplation of the blessings that await them. This is enjoined in other passages of Holy
Writb and I again say, that we have exceeding great
reason to be humbled, when we look back on our past indif- ference towards them ]
2. To express that interest in every suitable way —
[We should give to them the benefit, and to God the honour, of what the Scripture has revealed concerning them ; " pub- lishing it" wheresoever we go, whether to Jews or Gentiles; and " praising God for it," as a stupendous display of his glorious perfections And whilst we endeavour to en- gage their attention to these things, we must, by fervent intercession, endeavour to engage God also in their behalf. We should, together with our public efforts, exert ourselves in secret also, saying, " O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel." This is especially commanded: we are even enjoined so to abound in importunity, as " not to give any rest to God till he arises to make Jerusalem a praise in the earth0." Alas! how shamefully negligent have we all been in this duty! We know how fervently Moses interceded for them on many occa- sions; and even prayed to have " his own name blotted out of the book of God's remembrance," rather than that they should be subjected to God's heavy displeasure. Let us seek to attain somewhat of the same spirit ; and " labour fervently for them night and day in prayer," that they may be restored to the favour and the image of their God ]
Verily our labour should not be in vain ; since to this command, without the intervention of a single word, God adds,
II. A promise to them —
In the promise here given, you observe,
1. Their restoration to God —
[God himself will, in due season, interpose for their re- covery. However distant they are from him, he can, and will,
b Isai. xliv. 23. and lxvi. 10 — 12. c Isai. lxii. 6, 7.