the building which hnd been stopped by command of Artaxerxes (vers. 3, 4). (2) Zechnriah now appeared. He opened his commission by exhorting to repentance (Zech. i. 1-6). Note-When triale come we should search our hearts, and, if we see cauee, amend our ways. (3) Haggai also followed with words of encouragement, ~nd assurances that, despite the opposition, the work would be prospered. Zechariah subsequently gave them like assurances. TLese messages came at seasonable intervals to help the leaders and the workers. Reflection-All these encouragements belong to those building the spiritual temple, for the prophecies have an ulterior reference to gospel times. Let us use the inspirations of prophecy.-J. A. M. Vere. 1-5.-.Afaithful ministry in the Church. I. THAT IT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DIVINE NAME. 11 In the name of the God of Israel" (ver. 1). 1. It advances in the Divine Name. These two prophets came to Israel in the name of God ; a faithful ministry is commissioned hy God, has his authority, and is qualified by him (2 Cor. v. 20). 2. It partakes of the Divine Character. These prophets must bear in their conduct the purity of God, and in their words the mercy of God ; a faithful ministry must exhibit the Divine Character. 3. It recognises the Divine Covenant. These two prophets came to Israel as the covenant people engaged in a great work; a faithful ministry is for the Church in its redemptive relationships. II. THAT IT IS REQUIRED IN TIMES OF MORAL DEGENERACY. The building operations of Israel had ceased; Israel had settled down to an easy life, and was reluctant to enter again upon the arduous task of civil and religious restoration. 1. This faithful ministry was necessary. The Israelites were dwelling in ceiled houses, and God's house was waste (Haggai i. 4). They required to see the wrong of this; and who will show it them if the prophets of God do not? 2. It was timely. It was a word in season to the people ; they needed to be called from indifference to their great work. A faithful prophet will adapt his words to the condition of his hearers, and seek to engage the Church in the duty of the hour. 3. It was effective. The people no longer II earned wages to put into a bag with holes," but they feared the Lord, and entered upon his work (Haggai i. 6). Duty is really more remunerative than luxury. See then the reviving effect which two earnest men may exert within a lukewarm Church; they quicken its fading life and inspire its languid work. A faithful ministry is most influential for good. ' III. THAT THE SPIRITUAL IS THE MEDIUM OF ITS INFLUENCE. II Prophesied unto the Jews." 1. Not carnal. No sensational appeals were made to set the luxurious Israelites to build again the ruined temple; but by the word of the Lord they were urged to duty. The weapons of our warfare are spiritual ; the word of God is the preacher's power. Christ's ministry was spiritual. 2. Not coercive. The sword did not drive the Israelites out of their ceiled houses ; but the word of God spoken by his servants, working in the conscience. , The truth is attractive, not coercive. Christ drew sinners to hear him. 3. Not cunning. These two prophets did not seek by cunning arts to win the Israelites from luxury to work for God ; but by faithful words of remonstrance. Christ sought not to win men by artifice, but by a solemn statement of fact and duty. The world will not be subdued to virtue by the statesman, by the warrior, by the educationalist, but by the prophet. IV, THAT ITS WELFARE WILL BE ENHANCED BY THE CO-OPERATION OF GOOD ME:<!. 11 Then rose up Zerubbabel" (ver. 2). The prophets alone are morally powerful ; but much more so when Zerubbabel and Jeshua are allied with them. 1. The alliance augments numbers. The work of restoration gathers strength by numerical addition, especially by the addition of influential men like Zerubbabel. The ministry needs numerical support; numbers increase the force of the testimony: exhibit the power oE the gospel; aid the argument of the truth; are prophetic of future increase. 2. The alliance ensures ejficiency. Zerubbabel will aid, advise, support the two prophets, and they in turn will aid him; this combined agency will inspire Israel with duty and courage. Four men can do what two cannot (Mark ii. 3). In the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom. V. THAT IT LEADS THE CHURCH TO THE HOLY ENTERPRISE FOR WHICH IT IS CALLED. 1. Productive work. "To build the house of God" (ver. 2). But for these two pro- phets it is likely that Israel would have continued to dwell in their ceiled houses, THE BOOK OF EZRA. [ell. v. 3-tT,
and_ h:i-ve neglected the temple. The Church would be much more unmindful of Chnstian work tha~ it i~ were it_ not for its faithful_ ministers. They awaken its memory. They quicken its conscience. They arouse its nffections. They give it a good personal e~ample by coming themselves ~o build the house of God; well nigh all houses of God m the earth would be unbmlt but for the ministers of the gospel. f 2. ermanent work. The house endures when those who built it are gone. VI. THAT IT IS SURE TO MEET WITH IMPEDIMENTS IN THE ENTERPRISE IT C0NTEM• T'LATES. "Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet" (ver. 1). "At the same time came to them Tatnai, go'l'.e~or on this side the river" (ver. 3). When the prophet comes to ~ Church . to aid its work, Satan generally sends agencies to hinder it. The sataruc :-~ •. Simultaneous. T~e prophet~ and the hostile governors come to~ gether; the spmtual and th~ sata~1c move s:~e by side. 2. Inquisitive. "Who ha~~ commanded you to ,bmld this house? How the satanic interrogates the spmtual. 3. Overruled. 'But the eye of the Lord was upon the elders of the Jews." Providence is co-operative with a faithful ministry and helps to overcome all hindrances.-E. '