In further noticing this glorious promise, I must proceed to mark, II. The interest which the Jews have in it —
We ought not to overlook this; which is, in fact,
the direct object which God himself has in his view —
[It is evidently spoken respecting the Jews : and though we do right in applying it to God's elect people generally, we do exceeding wrong in overlooking those to whom it primarily belongs. We are ready to think that the conversion and sal- vation of the Jews is a subject in which we have no interest : and on this account, we almost grudge the mention of it in a Christian assembly. On the conversion of the Gentiles we are at liberty to expatiate : but a few words on the restoration of God's ancient people will be deemed more than sufficient, unless the particular occasion demand for it a distinct and formal consideration. But we err exceedingly in this, and cast a veil over numberless prophecies, which, if duly explained, would open to us all the mysteries of God's love, to the very end of time.]
As applied to the Jews, the promise should fill us with unutterable joy —
[It is plain that it primarily belongs to them. And should it not be an occasion of joy to us to reflect, that amongst them God has a remnant, " whom he has reserved for himself," and to whom the promise in my text will be ful- filled in its utmost extent? I call upon you, then, to con- template this blessed event ; and to hasten forward, by all
d Isai. xxxviii. 17. e Mic. vii. 19.
f Jer. xxxi. 31 — 34. with Heb. x. 14 — 17. s Eph. v. 27.
h Jude, ver. 24.