selection of so plain a subject, (from which nothing can be offered which is not already familiar to all your minds,) proceed to call your attention to this solemn address : in which you may notice,
I. A friendly exhortation —
The Jews, after their return from Babylon, had been extremely remiss in rebuilding their temple ; but they were almost instantaneously wrought upon by the preaching of the Prophet Haggai to resume the work which had been intermitted : and on this account God sent them another prophet, who by his exhortations and instructions should encourage them to proceed, and keep alive the zeal which had been kindled in their minds. But where is there not remissness in the work of God ? Where is there one who does not need the direction and encouragement here offered ? O brethren, hear ye the direction ; " Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of Hosts" —
[We have all revolted, and turned aside from God : we have " all gone after vanity, and become vain :" we " have turned every one of us to his own way ; " some after their vile lusts and passions ; others after the world with all its cares and vanities ; others in the more creditable, but not less fatal, way of self-righteous formality. But we should turn to the Lord, to him only, to him entirely, and with the whole heart. We should turn to him in a way of deep contrition for our past offences, of lively faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy and forgiveness, and of unreserved obedience to his commandments. This is the way in which God expects us to turn unto hima : and to this alone does he give any promise of a favourable acceptance V]
Hear ye also the encouragement; " I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts" —
[God is alienated from us, as we are from him ; and from us he turns, whilst in our unconverted state, with wrathful indignation. But, if we " turn to him, he will turn to us :" " if we draw nigh to him, he will draw nigh to us :" if we will call upon him in truth, he will hear, accept, and bless us. To the impenitent " he is a consuming fire :" but to the penitent, a Saviour and a friend. Search the inspired volume, search the annals of the whole world, and find, if you can, one mourning
a Jer. iii. 10. b Jer. xxix. 12, 13.