who had been taken from her idolatries, and betrothed to the Lord after remaining "many days" as a chaste spouse, agreeably to the terms of the contract, is received into full favour; her sins are remembered no more; and from being termed an adultress, she is now called the virgin of Israel. The period of Israel's probation is ended, and "They shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king, and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days." "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord, for I am married unto you; and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and will bring you to Zion; and I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."* This proclamation was made particularly to the Israelites long after they had been removed into captivity. God no longer tells them that they shall be betrothed, and remain in a state of trial many days; but, all this being accomplished, he takes them into the most intimate communion, saying, "I am married unto you." "Thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more; for thy Maker is thine husband." Hence we see that the captive Israelites were to be received into the Gospel covenant at an early period, but without any intimation that they would * Jer., iii., 14, 15. become a spiritual church for a long time. We see, also, that, so far from there being any ground in this state of things for anxious concern or waning hopes respecting the rich blessings that have been promised in connexion with their final conversion (the consummation of the marriage relation), there is room for even more cheering anticipations than we have ever dared to indulge. Though dark clouds of ignorance and superstition now hover over them, soon shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Well may we exclaim, with the apostle, in view of God's wonderful dealings with his ancient people, "O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who has been his counsellor? For of him, and through him, and to him are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen." PART III. THE SEALED REMNANT OF ISRAEL. We THE BIBLE Contains not only the most authentic record of the past history of God's ancient covenant people, but also the only sure guide respecting their future prosperity. With its inspired pages we commenced our inquiries concerning the ten tribes, and to its testimony we have had occasion to refer at every step of our progress. have found it "a light shining in a dark place,” while, amid the obscurity of the long night of ages, we have sought and found the erring daughter of Zion, purified from her idolatry, waiting in her espousal covenant to be received into perfect fellowship with her Beloved. Cheering intimations of her future glory, and of consequent blessings upon the Gentile world, have been given, and a prospect has opened before us adapted to inspire our hearts with sentiments of praise and adoration to Israel's God. These prospects impart to our subject its highest value, and with eager interest we seek a nearer view of the transporting scene. In the development of Providence we may obtain such a view; for, while the Bible has been C c |