of both will be effected as in the apostolic age. Though miracles were wrought then for the confirmation of the word, neither Jews nor Gentiles were converted by miracle, but by the preaching of the word, and the mighty operation of the Holy Spirit upon their souls. So, also, will it be in the latter day ; and in somewhat of a similar order too. In the apostolic age, a number of Jews were first called, and then the Gentiles. So, in the Millennial period, the awakening will com- mence among the Gentiles ; and then shall come the conversion of the Jews ; who, being turned to the faith, will be God's instruments for the bringing-in of the whole Gentile world. This, I apprehend, is strongly intimated in the passage before us ; in con- sidering which, we shall have to state,
I. The conversion of the Gentiles —
[This is an event which shall certainly take place in God's appointed time, and that, too, through the instrumentality of human efforts. As, in the apostolic age, the saints, on being driven from Jerusalem, " went every where preaching the worda;" so, at the period we are now speaking of, all, as soon as they are themselves awakened to see and feel the excellence of religion, will exert themselves to propagate it to the utmost of their power; the inhabitants of one city going to those of another, and exhorting them without delay to seek the Lord. This has certainly never yet been accomplished : for, though it is true that great multitudes of Gentiles were converted in the apostolic age, and their union with the Christian Church may be fitly considered as a fulfilment of the prophecy which says, They should " come up to worship the Lord in Jerusa- lem," as all Israel were wont to do three times in the year; yet nothing has ever yet taken place that has corresponded with the strong expressions in our text. There has never yet been such a conflux of Gentiles to the Christian Church as has answered to the declaration, that " many people and strong nations" should come unto it. Whilst we admit, therefore, that there was, in the first ages of Christianity, a partial ac- complishment of this prophecy, we must affirm, that its com- plete fulfilment is yet future, and that it is reserved for that time which is generally designated " the latter days." Then will a spirit of piety be diffused throughout the whole earth ; insomuch that, " from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof, the name" of Jesus shall be adored1', and " all
a Acts viii. 1 — 4. b Mai. i. 11.