Vera. 25-29.-Israel's reBtoiration tJ proof of Divine mercy. The reader of this passage cannot but be impressed with the conviction that it has reference, not only to Israel, but to the redeemed race of man. His interest in it is not merely historical; it is personal and moral. There is a largeness, a fulness, in the promises given, which can scarcely be exhausted by the immediate reference to the return from the Oriental captivity. l. DELIVERANOE AND RESTORATION ARE WROUGHT BY THE BAME POWER THAT DECREED CAPTIVITY. "He that scattereth Israel shall gather." The Father who smites has pity; and he who wounds is he also who heals. The righteous Ruler and Judge who visits transgression with penalties proves hi=elf tc. be the God to whom belong forgivenesses. He is not indifferent to sin; yet he delights in mercy. Men are wont to picture to themselves a Deity all wrath or all benignity. But revelatiou show~ us, in that Supreme Being who hates sin and who corrects the sinner, "the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe." II. TEMPORAL BLESSINGS, SECURITY AND PROSPERITY, ABE ASSURED TO THE RESTORED. To Israel the promise was given that they should, upon their return, dwell safely in their land, and none should make them afraid. We know that this promise was only partially realized, and that it must accordingly, so far as it refers to Israel, be con- sidered as comparative; the people enjoyed a measure of security and peace beyoI!c'.. what they had experienced or could expect to experience. It is right to regard pros- perity and all external blessings as the gift of God's goodness. And whether enjoyed now in this Christian dispensation or in the period of millennial happiness to which the Church looks forward, it must ever be considered as the gift of Divine bounty and the expression of Divine love. III. SPIBITUAL BLESSINGS ABE PROMISED AS THE CHOICEST EXPRESSION OF GoD's FAVOUR TO THE RESTORED. 1. These blessings are conveyed by the outpouring of th~ Spirit of God. It is impossible to do other than refer this event to the Day of Pente- cost, and to the dispensation of the Spirit which was then inaugurated. Other prophets concurred with Ezekiel in this prediction; and Peter authoritatively recognized the fulfil- ment of such prophetic words in the bestowal of the promise of the Father, and in that effusion which commenced at Pentecost, but which has never ceased. 2. These blessings are equivalent to the manifestation of the Divine favour. The Lord's promise was no more to hide his face from his restored ones. We know that Israel passed through many afflictions subsequently to the restoration; and that, on account of the rejection of the Messiah, Israel was condemned to endure Divine displeasure. We are therefore oonstrained to refer this promise to the accepted people of God, to whom is no con- demnation, and who walk in the light of his countenance. 3. These blessings a.re the occasion of the acknowledgment o.n,l of the hallowing of the Lord's Name. As is ever the case, God is himself made the End of all. All things a.re of him and to him. IV. IMPRESSION FOB GOOD 18 TO DE PRODUCED UPON THE NATIONS. 1n former times Israel was a lesson for the world, as is the Church of Christ in these lo.tter days. In th, favour shown to God's people, his Divine hand is recognized. He is glorified both by the o.filiction and by the elevation of his own. All nations and a.II ages are summoned to behold the work of the Lord, to submit to his power and to adore his wisdom. His treatment of his own people does not end with them; it is designed for the instruction and for the highest benefit of mankind. There shall thus be ma.de known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God.-T.
Vera. 1-21:-~e terrible doom of rebels, We may regard it as certain that this prophecy has m view the final conflict between good and evil in this world. Already, in the preceding prophecies, Ezekiel has been portraying the prosperous times of Messiah's reign; and now he has a vision of an age still more remote, when shall come the final clash of arms between God and a rebel world. We may take it that Satan, or A poll yon, will be the real leader in this final onset. All the forces of infidelity, and superstition, and vice, and e_arthl:y- pomp, and carnal force will be led against the kiugdom of Emmanuel. The conflict will be terrible, and defeat of the world-power will be complete and irreparable. The description of Ezekiel is most vivid and impressive. It was thrown in this parabolio form in order to meet the exigencies of tha, particular age. 31! THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. (ea. xxxIX.1-29.