ii. 26; v. 4). (2) He is supreme in nature. He is Jehovah's "fellow," or equal, just as men dwelling together in Palestine as neighbours (see Lev. xix. 15, 17; xxv. 14, 15, eto., where the same word is employed) were fellows, or equals. Higher than this-- higher, i.e., than the highest-who can possibly be? 2. H(YII) wonde1ful the command, things being thus I (1) Consider its purport; viz. that such a. one should be smitten at all ; should be smitten also with such a weapon-a. weapon of so judicial a nature (Rom. xiii. 4); a weapon of so deadly a character, aiming at life itself (Matt. xxvi. 52). Why should the "sword" be thus called upon to "awake "--as though previously "asleep" and neglecting its duty-against him? Who less deserving, in himself, to suffer thereby? Who more fit, rather, in every way, to employ it (see John v, 22; Acts xvii. 31, etc.)? (2) Consider its Author-the Lord of hoRts. 'l'he marvel is the same as that we read of in Isa. liii. 10, "Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief" (see also Acts ii. 23; Rom. viii. 32). It is the Judge of judges, the eternal Father himself, who bids the sword awake against him! II. WONDERFUL IN ITB RESULTS. For these, as described to us here, are: 1. Most unexpected, The immediate result, indeed, that of scattering the sheep, is not at all unexpected. What more likely, what more certain to follow, humanly speaking, from smiting the Shepherd? But the ultimate result, that of saving these "little ones" (so many understanc. end of ver. 7), that of preserving the sheep by thus slaying their Preserver (comp. John xviii. 8, 9; Matt. xxvii. 42, beginning; Ga.I. iii. 13; Isa. liii. 5, end), is unexpected indeed. Has not the very idea., indeed, seemed the height of "foolishness" to many (1 Cor. i. 23) who thought themselves "wise"? 2. Most widely diverse, This extra.ordinary method of preserving the flock was not expected to preserve all within reach of its influence. On the contrary, far too many amongst them-something like two to one of them, in fact, all taken together (" in all the land ")-would decline to avail themselves of it. (1) Its effect upon these who despise it-for it would have effect upon these-would be their uttermost ruin. The method of deliverance, by being thus inverted, would become their destruction. The weapon of defence, by being turned thus against them, becomes a weapon of death (see 2 Cor, ii. 16, beginning; Luke ii. 34; Heb. ii. 3). (2) Its effect on those who embrace it, on the other hand, would be their uttermost salvation. Ob~erve the various steps. First, they are "left;" that is (see Ezek. ix. 8), not destroyed. Next, they a.re purified by discipline-i.e. saved from the power of sin-as meta.ls by fire; and this as thoroughly at the last (comp. Heh. xii. 23, en<l) as when gold has been "tried" till it requires trying no longer. Concurrently with this, on the other hand, they are saved so thoroughly from the condemnation of sin, that they have full access to God's presence and attention; and when they openly speak of God as their PortLn (as such persons will do, Ps. xvi. 5; cxix. 57), are acknowledged by him as his portion in a similar manner (see Ps. lxvii. 6; Jer. x. 16; Ii. 19; Deut. x.xxii. 9; Cant. ii. 16). They are favoured by him, in fact, both secretly and openly too (Matt. vi. 6). Three brief thoughts to conclude. 1. How lofty the superstructure of the gospel salvation I Salvation itself, understood rigorously (as we have noted), is only not being lost. Actually, as here described to us, it is all that heart can desire-the heirship of all things through Christ (Rom. viii. 17; Gal. iv. 7; 1 Cor. iii. 22, 23). 2. How deep its foundations I Penetrating to the very greatest depths, as it were, of the Divine nature and plans (Rev. xiii. 8). 3. How certain its truth! Like that house which the Saviour himself describes (Matt. vii. 24, 25) as being founded on a. rock-founded, in fact, on that "Rock of Ages," which not all the "ages" can shake (comp. Heb. :xii. 27, 28).
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 1.-Thefountain of grace. Salvation through Christ, The glorious gospel. I. THE EVIL. "Sin and uncleanness." All are sinners, Law, facts of life, testimony of conscience, prove our guilt. Sin defiles all thl\t it touches, "Uncleanness," alas! how prevalent, and in maiiifold forms! 'Twas sin that brought it all into the world. If there were no sin there would be no uncleanness. Need for grief an<l prayer. II. Tm: nE111EDY. "Fountain," etc. 1. Freedom of access. Open, not shut. None 152 THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAB. [oR. XIII. 1-9,