(_Missionary Sermon._)
xxix. 8. _So shall the multitude of the nations be that
fight against Mount Zion._
Nothing tends to inspirit exertion in any great enterprise so much as
the certain prospect of success. Hope is the spur of action, the very
life of enterprise. Hence to encourage the fearful and animate the
brave in the culture of their own piety, and especially in their
efforts to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer, there are given in
God's Word the amplest promises of Divine help and assurances of
ultimate success. But for "the sure word of prophecy," the servants
of God would long since have trembled for the ark of the Lord, and
have despaired of the salvation of the race. But delays to us are not
delays with God. Long ago He has declared, "Yet have I set my King on
my holy hill of Zion." "But we see not as yet all things put under
Him." The foot of His Providence falls too soft for mortal ear to
mark. While He walks on the great ocean of human affairs as Jesus
walked on the Galilean sea, His footsteps leave no traces behind. But
yet He never stands still. "My father worketh hitherto." His progress
is certain. In reference to the spread of His Gospel it may be said,
"In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man shall come." At His
approach all opposition is fruitless, all resistance vain. Every
obstacle shall vanish, as a dream is forgotten when the dreamer
awaketh.