1. As it respects the Jews —
[The Christian world has been strangely inattentive to their duty in this respect, from the apostolic age even to the times in which we live. In reference to the heathen world, some little interest has been felt: but the Jewish nation has been almost wholly overlooked ; and the promises of God in his word which have referred to their restoration to his favour, have been ap- plied almost wholly to the Gentiles. I cannot but mention in particular the 60th chapter of the prophecies of Isaiah, which, if read in connexion with the two closing verses of the preceding chapter, one would have supposed must have filled the minds of all with an eager expectation of the benefits which await the Jews ; but which has been interpreted as referring almost exclusively to the Gentiles : yes, and even the 1 1 th chapter of the Epistle to the Romans has interested us as little in behalf of the Jews, as if, instead of conveying truths as clear and full as language could express them, it had contained nothing but a mass of unintelligible jargon. Brethren, we are highly criminal in this matter. Why has God so strongly called our attention to this subject, and constituted us his heralds to proclaim it; but to call forth our desire after this blessed period, and our efforts to help it forward ? Shall it be said that the accomplishment of these events must be left to God? I grant that none but God can accomplish them. But neither can any power less than his effect the conversion of the Gentiles. Yet was this any reason why men should not exert themselves to promote it ? Did " Paul forbear to plant, or Apollos to water, because God alone could give the increase ? " No : we are to be " workers together with God," even as the Apostles were. The souls of God's ancient people should be as dear to us, as the souls of the idolatrous Gentiles were to the Apostles : and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, whether amongst Jews or Gentiles, should call forth our utmost efforts, in a dependence upon God for his promised blessing.
I call upon you then, in the very name and with the autho- rity of God himself, to unite, every one of you in his sphere, according to your respective abilities, to help forward this great and glorious event.]
2. As it respects ourselves —
[Though in its primary meaning this passage refers to the Jews, the whole tenour of it shews that it belongs to us under the Christian dispensation. (The mourning of Rachel for her children, mentioned in the words following my text, was ful- filled in the slaughter of the babes of Bethlehem.) To us is promised, no less than to God's ancient people, a transition from bondage to liberty, from sin to holiness, from sorrow to joy. We are wandering from the fold of God, and need to be