mlemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sine" (Col. I. 14). It involved the heavenly Shepherd's coming forth to seek his lost and fallen world. "The- Son of man is come to seek and to 81\Ve that which was lost" (Luke xix. 10). Lo I the Christ of God, the Gift of the Father's love, clothed himself in our humanity, obeyed the Law we had broken, atoned for sin in the death of the cross, that we might not perish, that we might exchange the wilderness for the fold, he lifted out or the lost condition into hope, dignity, and character here, and he raised hereafter to immortal purity, peace,. and joy. 'l'he power of human language is too weak adequately to describe the love of God 88 expressed even in the minutest of his doings; but in reference to this seeking_ the erring, with a view to their restoration, it signally fails, and we can only adoringly cry, "Who is a God like unto thee?" 2. On the part of mati this Divine forgiveneas- involves pmitena and faith. "Repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark i. 16). On conditions thus simple the vilest transgressor may find mercy of the Lord. And if there is another thought which leads us to feel this pardoning love of God to be the- more wonderful, it is the remembrance that be bas not only provided the pardon, but even condescends to plead with men, that they may he led to fulfil the righteous conditions and to receive the boon (Isa. i. 18; Rev. iii. 20). Let us not repel him who has come to bless us by turning us away from our iniquities, but rather give him a hearty greeting. Then, with this ancient seer and with the forgiven through all ages, we shall cry, with hearts overflowing with love and prais<>, "Who is a God like unto thee?" (vers. 18, 19). Ver. 20.-.The Divine promises afld thefr fulfilment These words bear upon them the impress of deep human experience. They form the crowning testimony of a man who had long proved the reality of that which they affirm. In closing his book of prophecy he wonld, with all his heart and soul, affix his seal to the bright declaration that God is ever faithful and true. Jehovah was to him a living reality, the centre of his affections and the strength of his heart. " He endured as seeing him who is invisible." And Divine, indeed, is that trust in the eternal Lord which fires the soul and nerves it for entering into "the holy war;" which stands the warrior in good stead, and proves invulnerable whilst he engages in the strife; and which also, when the good soldier, having fought well and grown grey in the service, begins to lay aside his armour and quietly to await the summons to the presence and joy of the Lord he has served, proves bis consolation and support. Micah doubtless had in mind the rich promises given by God, first to :Abraham, and then reiterated to Jacob, that they llhould he blessed and mnltiplied, and that through their line lasting blessings should flow to all the families of the earth (Gen. xxii. 16-18; xxviii. 13, 14). Notice- L HE BEPBEBEl!IT8 THE DIVINE PROMISES AS CBARACTERIZED llY II XERaY " AN]) "TRUTH." "The truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham" (ver. 20). The expression is, at first sight, rather peculiar; yet it may easily be explained. Dy " mercy" we understand favour shown to the undeserving. Grand hero as Abraham was, there was nothing in him to merit such distinguishing honour as was conrerred upon him. The choice was altogether traceable to the abounding mercy and grace of God. So also with Jacob, who, at the outset of hie career, was about as unlovely as man could well be. Then why, it may be asked, the change in the form of expression? Why not ., the mercy to Abraham" and "the mercy to Jacob"?' Why "the mercy to Abraham" and "the truth to Jacob"? Simply to Introduce the- additional thought of" trnth." "Truth" here means the bringing into clearer light that which had been partially hinted at. "What was free mercy to Abraham became, when God had once promised it, his truth" (Pusey). And his revelation of truth became clearer and brighter, until at length he appeared in whom both "grace and truth" came in their unveiled clearness and their unrestricted fulness. ll. HE TRACES THESE DIVINE PROMISES .AS HA VINO THEm SOURCE .AND SPRING IN THB. ETERNAL LOVE OF Goo. "From the days of old," i.e. from eternity, God has cherished the· loving purpose of enriching us thus. It is not" a modern project, but an ancient charter." Ill. HE RF..JOICES IN THE .ASSURANCE THAT THESE DIVINE PBOMIBES SHALL DE nmoUllTEDLY FULFILLED. "Thou wilt perform," etc. '!'his assurance rested on tM Divim pledge (" which thou hast sworn unto our fathers"), and which the faithful .l'row.iser is both able and willing to redeem. "He cannot deny himself" (2 Tim. ii.. 1lD. VII, 1-20.] THE BOOK OF MICAH. 11,
la). In building the temple of Solomon two pillars were eet up in the porch of the edifice-the left one being called Boaz, i.e. " In God is strength ; " and the other on the right being named Je.chin, i.e. "He will establish "-thus bea.utifully associating together the thoughts of God's ability a.nd his willing resolve to bless. Let these thoughts dwell in our minds respecting him, for on theee pillars our faith and hope may ever securely rest,