After work in the fields comes rest in the home. We cannot be always engaged in Christian enterprises. It would not be healthy for a Church to be wholly absorbed in mission work. It must also have its own loving fellowship and refreshing worship. III. THE CITY GATES ARE FOR PROTECTION. They are gates, not gaps. The well cared-for city of the olden times had massive gates with stout locks and bars and perhaps a portcullis at each gate for additional protection. The city of God has a~ple means of warding off the attack of the enemy of souls. God has not cast his people out in a waste, howling wilderness to be a prey to evil creatures. He has called them into "a city which hath foundations" and walls and gates. Christ himself is the Lord of this new Jerusalem, and all are safe who are with him. "There is now no condem- nation to them that are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. viii. 1). IV. THE CITY GATES MUST BE MANNED BY THE PEOPLE. 1. They need goords. The garrison of Jerusalem must concentrate its attention on the gates. Christ is the Captain, we are the soldiers; under him it becomes our duty to hold the gates. 'l'he sick, the aged, and women and children, are kept in the city while the men sally forth to attack the enemy. The gates must be guarded for the sake of the human trust within, The Church should guard the young, the feeble, the tempted, 2. The goords are severally apportioned. Each gate seems to be named after the tribe to whose soldiers it is allotted. There are various branches of the Christian Church, and there is separate work for each body of Christians. If one gate is taken, the city is endangered. Faith- fulness is needed in all classes of Christians for the security of the whole Church. Ver. 35.-.A glorio'U,8 name. The restored city of Jeru~alem is to receive a new name, "The Lord is there." The announcement of this name makes a splendid con- clusion to the Book of Ezekiel. The numerous and varied utterances of the prophet have carried us through scenes of shame and sorrow, and even of blood and terror; but above all has shone the vision of God and his grand providence, and the end of all is seen in the new city and temple of a renewed people. I. THE NAME DESCBmEs A WONDERFUL FACT, Sin drives away the blessed con- sciousness of the Divine presence, though God is never really absent from any part of his dominions. But when God's people are reconciled to him he draws near to them in inward communion. 1. A real presence. This is not the name ofa truth unrealized. God is now present with his people. He does not govern his city by deputy; he him- self dwells there. 2. .A permanent presence. "The Lord is there." This describe■ what is continuous. God is ever with his people, 3. A wide presence. He fills the city; all the citizens may enjoy his fellowship. II. THE NAME DENOTES .A HAPPY CONDITION. God is present for high and glorious purposes. 1. To protect. God is the Commander of the garrison, and he has innumer- able heavenly armies whom he can summon to the relief of his hard-pressed people as occasion may require. If he is in our midst, we shall never be moved (Ps. xlvi. 5). 2, To govern. God is the Sovereign. If he comes, it must be to rule over us. The order and life of the Church depend on the Divine Spirit that dwells in the midst of her. But if God is thus present, he must be obeyed. Disobedience is sedition. 3. To bless. 'fhe very presence of God is sunshine to the soul. His communion with his people brings life and blessedness. • III. THE NAME COMMEMORAi·r.s A GREAT EVENT. "From that day." This phrase indicates a definite period. There were ages when it could Iiot be used; there is a particular time after which it can be used, viz. the time of the restoration of Israel, and the rebuilding of the once ruined and desolate city. The glorious name takes its rise from this glorious event. 1. After repentance. Sin co.used God to withdraw from the city. He returns to meet his penitent people, he dwells in the contrite spirit. 2. Through redemption. God calls hie people back to their land after he has redeemed them from the power of their enemies. Christ's redemption opens the path for a return to God. He-our great Redeemer-is the Way to God. 3. In restoration. The people come back to their home and rebuild their city; then God manifests himself in the midBt of them. God dwells in his Church from the time of Christ's great restoring work; he dwells in each soul as soon as it is restored to him. 'l'he thought of his presence commemorates our redemption. IV. THE NAM!'; PBOCLAUlS AN IMPORTANT TRUTH. Not only is it stated that Goq cu. XLVIII, 1-35.J THE BOOK OF '£RB PROPHET EZEKIEL. 483
will be with his people, but this truth is to be constantly set forth by standing in the very name of the city. 1. As a grateful acknowledgment. If God is with uH, we ought not to be ashamed of so wonderful a fact, nor should we ungratefully ignore it. Let this be in the forefront of our banner, let it be the inspiraUon of our song! 2. AB a necesBary reminder. There is a danger lest God's people should forget his presence (1) in doubt and distrust, or (2) in worldliness and self-sufficiency. 3. As an inviting gospel. Dwellers in other parts would learn the new, high name of the holy city, and so be led to seek the privileges of citizenship. A confession of Christian truth and a description of the blessings of the faith help to draw others to Christ and his grace.