Er.-Perhaps, Sir, that was the case, but another reason may also be assigned for Hezekiah's fears; probably he had previously to his affliction entertained too good an opinion of himself; for afterwards he rejoiced that the Lord, in love to his soul, had cast all his sins behind his back.

Mrs. P.-Oblige me, my son, not only by describing the scenes, but by mentioning your father's remarks.

Mr. P.-Many of them are strongly impressed on my memory; and if any should apply to the subjects under review, I shall most readily attend to your direction. Here is a very striking scene: an umbrageous view; the trees

6 ISAIAH. THE TRANSFORMATION.

playfully intermingling their boughs, as if clapping their hands. A towering fir now rears its head, where a thorn previously encumbered the ground! The briar becomes a myrtle, and the whole scene displays perennial verdure. This subject is taken from a text from which I heard my father preach.

Mrs. P.-Have you any recollection of this sermon ?

Mr. P.-I have not quite forgotten it, Madam. He mentioned that this text contained one of the most delightful emblematical representations of a sinner's conversion to God, contained in the scriptures. As he spoke on that subject, I wished, or rather prayed,

that

grace might keep my thorny nature in full subjection, and cause me to rise, like the fir, above the earth. You have changed the scene, Sir; the allusion of this I do not discover.

Mrs. P.-If it refers either to the

prophets or their visions, I hope you will need no information.

The

Mr. P.-I do not, Madam. mention of vision has brought to my recollection that of Jeremiah; and here I perceive the almond rod and seething pot.

Ex.-Do you remember also the commission with which this prophet was charged?

Mr. P.-Not so correctly as I should; however, Sir, I know it was

to denounce heavy calamities on Judah; and that he might not be intimidated by the displeasure of the people, the Lord said unto him, "Be not afraid of their faces, for I am with thee, to deliver thee." This was fully verified in the subsequent experience of the prophet; for when, on account of his fidelity, he was cast into the dungeon, the Lord effected his deliverance, by the instrumentality of Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian.

Ex.

Another scene now awaits

your attention.

Mr. P.-Here I am at no loss. The memorable valley of vision!

The

bones appear spread profusely along the valley. Ezekiel walks slowly

around them, taking a solemn survey. The automaton appears speaking, but I hear no voice.

Ex.-I imagine, Sir, that your recollection can supply that defect; oblige me with the subject of the prophet's address.

Mr. P.-It was to declare that the bones should live. And I perceive that you have so constructed your instrument, that the camera strikingly represents the consequence of this address. All is in motion! What a rustling amongst the bones! How rapidly they fly through the valley in orderly confusion: sinews, flesh, and skin now clothe the renovated throng. Their very lungs appear to