the return from the Ce.ptivity in Babylon; the faithful prophets raised up to declare the jndgments of Heaven against idolatrous nations; Luther, Mclancthon, Zwinglc, called by him to take part in the work of the Reformation; and Owen, Howe, Bunyan, Baxter, Flavel, and others, following, to wield the pen effectively in support of the truth, and so to confirm and to consolidate the work of their predecessors. And by thus raising up men and endowing them with gifts for special service, God hna confirmed to his Church the assurance of his abiding presence. 3, Dy frustrating and bringing to nought the evil designs of her enemies. He has repeatedly proved that "no weapon directed against his Church can prosper," and has made manifest the folly of those who have sought to overthrow the kingdom of truth and righteousness. "The wrath of man shall praise him," etc. (Ps. lxxvi. 10). 4. By opening up new fields for the extension of her influence. India has been placed under British rule, and the opportunity given of making known to its teeming millions" tbe unsearchable riches of Christ." The exclusiveness that prevented access to the empire of China has passed away, so that the mi~sionary may go through the length and breadth of the land. The heart of Africa has been penetrated, at1d. there is now the prospect of her ,able tribes becoming elevated and blessed through Christian influence. . And in thus open- ing up the world for Christian enterprise to bestow upon it all its energy and zeal, God bas shown himself as being still with his Church. "The King of Israel," etc. (ver-.15). II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT THIS THOUGHT OF Goo's ABIDING PRESENCE WITH BIS PEOPLE IS CALCULATED TO AFFORD TO TilEIB HEARTS. 1. In view of the character of the age in which we live, as related to Christian truth. Many are seeking to restore that papal supremacy which bas proved such a blight in ages that are past ; many are cherishing the spirit of scepticism, and would have us even banish God himself from bis universe; and there is also a widespread spirit of indifferenco abroad, in relation to the highest spiritual realities. Yet still we will not despond, for "the Lord of hosts is with us," and as he caused the light to burn and to prevail even in the darkest ages, so he will still work until the light shall shine in every land, and all flesh see ,together the revealed glory of the Lord. 2. Jn view of apathy, coldness, and declension in holy service. Such seasons do occur, and such lifelessness and deadness at time.s falls upon the Church of God and upon Christian communities. Yet, God does not forsake us e"en when we thus grow lukewarm in his service. He is with us still, and will grant us renewal and revival if we will but turn to him with all our hearts. 3. 11! view of the losses the Church of God is called upon to sustain through the ravages of death. The la.st foe is ever active. Beneath his unsparing hand the useful as well as the useless fall-the true-hearted worker for God as well as the idler whose life is altogether barren of good. But amidst these changes the chief Shepherd liveth; all holy gifts and heavenly graces are bis bestowmente, and he will not fail his Church, but will raise up a bright succession of devoted servants to do his bidding and to help on the grand consummation. Hence we will not despair; for '.' God is in the midst of her; sl,e shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early" (Ps. xlvi. 4). , ers. 18-20.- Words of help and hope to tht- exiled and banished. The closing words of this prophecy, contained in these verses, are amply sufficient to indicate that although the writer was a messenger of judgment, and as such addressed burning words of denunciation to evil-doers, he was also a man full of tenderness-a Barnabas as well as a Boanerges. Whilst, being commissioned by God to reprove the ungodly, he did not spare such, yet he also knew how to speak words of help and hope to the sorrowful and distressed; indeed, we find him here anticipating sorrow, being before- hand with consolation, and providing the balm for wounds ~e~ to be inflicted. . I. 'J'HF: CABE SUPPOSED. The prophet had spoken of capt1v1ty; yet he was conscious tbat God would restore his people at the c\osc, and bring th;m from Babylon to their own land. But, whilst confident as to this, be knew that, m the very nature of the circumstances, only a portion of God's people would be privileged thus to return, and tLat many of them would be dispersed among the heathen in various places, and would be unable to come back with those who should be restored "when t.he Lord should turn again the captivity of his people." And he also knew that, amongst these 'scattered <ines, there would be those who, in their remote exile, would mourn for the solemn a.ssculbly, and whose hearts would be burdened in view of their banishment (vcr. 18). OD, III. 1-20,) THE BOOK OF ZEPIIANIAH. 59
II. THE WORDS OF HELP AND HOPE ADDRESSED BY THE PROPHET TO THOSE THU~ CIU0UMSTAN0ED. 1. He assured them that the Lord their God would bring to nought their oppressors. "I will undo all that atllict thee" (ver, 19). 2. That the Shepherd of Israel would in hie own time regather every member of his flock, however scattered they were, and however feeble some of them might be. "And I will save her that haltcth, and gather," etc. (ver. 19). 3. And that in the very lands where they would be put to shame he would eventually secure to them lasting honour and imperishable renown (vers. 19, 20). III. THE PROPHET AN EXAMPLE TO TEACHERS OF RELIGION IN EVERY AGE. There must be the bold denunciation of wrong, but there should ever accompany this tender- ness of spirit, revealing itself in the endeavour to comfort and cheer troubled hearts. And in proportion as this spirit is cherished by us do we resemble the great Prophet of the Church, who was "anointed to comfort those that mourn," etc. (Isa. lxi. 1-3).