son's reply, I must acknowledge that it is. When my gourds have been suddenly levelled with the ground, I have murmured sadly, though afterwards I have experienced the salutary effects of needed discipline.

Ex. That appears to be the design which the Father of mercies has in correcting his people. Here is another sentence, Sir, which I imagine you will also declare valuable; by whom was it delivered?

Mr. P.-By the Prophet Micah, Sir. It is given in reply to a question previously proposed: "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord ?". "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the

26

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY.

Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." This, Sir, must be acknowledged an important inquiry, and the reply to this question may justly be compared to an apple of gold in a picture of silver, and you have given the sentence in golden letters, radiated in a most beautiful manner. I have heard that this declaration was thundered from Sinai! But it was my father's opinion that it addresses every open ear in the delightful sounds of ZION's trumpet, by directing to the only sacrifice that atones for sin, and on account of which, God can be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.

Ex.-It appears to me, Sir, that he thought correctly on the subject. Having already given me an account of Jonah's displeasure in consequence of the preservation of Nineveh, can you inform me by whom the fulfilment of his prophecy is mentioned ? Mr. P.—I think, Sir, by the prophet Nahum.

Ex. It was, Sir; and by comparing his declaration with the page of history, we ascertain the fact, that judgment lingereth not, and execution slumbereth not for although the Lord mercifully deferred the fulfilment of Jonah's prediction, yet Josephus saith, that all the things which he foretold concerning Ni

28 NAHUM.-DESTRUCTION OF NINEVEH.

neveh came to pass one hundred and fifteen years afterwards. The certainty of the fulfilment of prophecy should awaken the fears of the ungodly; and, if duly considered, it will afford believers strong consolation in all the vicissitudes of life. To whom and to what does the scene refer which now waits your attention?

Mr. P.-It seems, Sir, as if Joel's army had been marching this way: a venerable man, from the mountain's top, is solemnly surveying the melancholy spectacle with which he is surrounded; fig-trees without leaves, vines without fruit, fields without herbage, and folds without sheep;

surely this refers to Habakkuk, and to his memorable declaration. "Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines, the labour of the olives shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat, the flocks shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will joy in the God of my salvation."

Ex.-You see, Sir, the Scriptures display great diversity in the human character. You have but just noticed Jonah's displeasure concerning the loss of his gourd, but now you have to contemplate a man in the exercise of faith, determined to be