the concluding part of it, which is peculiar to Micah. The mode in which the prophecy too is introduced is different. In Isaiah, it is the commencement of a new prophecy ; but, in Micah, it is the continuation of a prophecy of a very different complexion. Micah was a man of singular fidelity and courage. He de- clared to all the elders of his nation, and in a way that made a deep impression upon alla, that on ac- count of their iniquities God would give up their city and temple, to be destroyed and " plowed up as a field." But, whilst he announced to the Jews God's determined purpose to punish them in this awful man- ner, he foretold also his intention at a future period to restore them to his favour, and to make them a source of blessings to the whole earth.
This is the substance of the prophecy before us ; in elucidating which we shall notice, I. The universal establishment of the Christian Church.
Here it will be proper to notice,
1. The prediction relative to it —
[The temple of Solomon was built on a lofty hill : the altars also which were consecrated to false gods, were built on high places : hence the Christian Church is called by the pro- phet, " the mountain of the Lord's House," and by the Apostle Paul, "Mount ZionV Of this Church it is said, that it "shall be established on the top of the mountains," that is, on the founda- tions of the Jewish Church, and on the ruins of all idol worship. It is the superstructure for which alone the foundations of Ju- daism were laid : and, when this edifice shall be complete, all idols shall fall before it, as Dagon before the ark. The period for its completion is in the last days, the days of the Messiah ; a period yet future, though, we hope, not far distant. The terms of the prophecy are such as evidently to shew, that the prediction has never yet been fulfilled, and consequently, that its accom- plishment is yet to be expected by us in the appointed time.]
2. The mode of its accomplishment —
[" People," or, as Isaiah expresses it, " all nations," "shall flow unto it." Yes, this " mountain shall be established on the top of mountains," and all nations, like a majestic river, " shall flow unto it." By this metaphor, which is indeed a most ex- traordinary one, it is intimated, that all nations shall be united in one common sentiment and purpose ; that their progress
a Jer. xxvi. 18, 19. b Heb. xii. 22.