cast off from God on account of their impieties. How asto- nishing, then, will the freeness and richness of God's grace appear, when he shall take these persons from their dispersion, revealing himself to them, bringing them forth from every corner of the earth, manifesting the Saviour to them, and returning himself to them as their covenant God and portion ! If, in the election of them at first, the grace of God was eminently displayed, much more will it be glorified in such mercies vouchsafed to them after such heinous and manifold transgressions.]
4. What a call to the whole world to serve and obey him !
[God has spoken in his works; but his voice is not heard. He has also spoken by his word ; but that word is known to a very small part of mankind. But in that day he will speak to all the whole world at once ; and in such terms, that it will be impossible for any to misapprehend his meaning. In the chapter before us he has said, " The heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore1." The Jews are spread in almost every part of the world. Their conversion to God being simultaneous in every country, it will attract the atten- tion of all, and create a vast sensation through the whole world. The victories, too, which they will gain over all who shall oppose their establishment in their own land will yet further demonstrate, not only that God is with them, but that there is no other God but He. They will be struck, as Baal's worshippers were by the fire which descended from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice; and will exclaim, with wonder and amazement, " The Lord, he is the God ! the Lord, he is the God ! " Instantly will multitudes, in every place, " lay hold on the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you; for we see that God is with you of a truth m." In truth, it will be a signal to all mankind to acknowledge Christ as their Lord and Saviour; and it will " be as life from the dead11" to the whole world.]
Address —
[And now, brethren, be ye all as one stick in my hand : and let every one amongst you, whatever be the diversity of his age or station, submit to Christ as your King, and live in dependence on him as your Shepherd. Enter now into " God's covenant of peace," that you may be partakers of all its privileges and blessings. Let God himself dwell in you,
1 ver. 28. m Zech. viii. 23. n Rom. xi. 15.