xxvii. 13. _And it shall come to pass in that day, &c._
This prophecy was literally fulfilled (Ezra i.); but it has a wider
meaning, and this also it shall be fulfilled.
I. THE GREATNESS OF THE GOSPEL. "The great trumpet." 1. _It is
designed for the world._ When liberty was proclaimed for the slaves
of the West Indies, the slaves of America remained in bondage. When
the slaves of America were liberated, the bondmen in Cuba, Peru, &c.,
were not set free. But here is a blessing for the whole world. "Which
shall be to all people, . . . a light to lighten the Gentiles" (Luke
ii. 10, 32). One side of the earth can only enjoy the rays of the sun
at the same time; but this "light" shall shed its rays on the whole
world. 2. _It is designed for the world in its most important
interests._ There are inventions and scientific discoveries--such as
the steam-engine, &c.--which are valuable to the whole world. But
they are valuable only in regard to the present life. But the Gospel
meets the wants of the soul, and concerns the endless life beyond.
3. _It is so great that all other things in the world are small in
comparison with it;_ trade, learning, &c. 4. _It is so great that it
bestows greatness upon everything it touches._ Upon oratory, although
it is independent of excellency of speech. Upon any country in which
it is proclaimed and accepted; _e.g.,_ Great Britain, America. Under
its shelter liberty, learning, &c., flourish (H. E. I. 1124-1132).
II. THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL. "The great trumpet shall be blown."
What is the good of a trumpet without some one to blow it? (Rom.
x. 14).
+1. Who is to blow it?+ Not angels (Heb. ii. 5). The law was given by
the ministry of angels; by them the trumpet was blown on Mount Sinai
(Acts vii. 53). But they recognise that the trumpet of the Gospel is
to be blown by _men_ (Acts v. 20, x. 31, 32). This treasure is in
earthen vessels. Gideon's Lamps. Men are better than angels for this
purpose. This is proved by the fact that God ordered it so. But there
are other minor satisfactory arguments, such as: (1.) _The danger of
glorifying the missionary above the mission._ (2.) _The angels'
disadvantages._ They lack the necessary experience. Blessed lack, in
all other respects! They have never been contaminated by sin, and
hence know not how to speak to the heart of the sinner. By men the
trumpet is now being blown, and will be blown to the end of time. The
trumpeters are falling, ministers are dying, but the ministry is
alive!
+2. How is it to be blown?+ (1.) _Clearly_ (1 Cor. xiv. 8). If the
promises are proclaimed, care must be taken to show to whom they
belong. So with the threatenings, &c. (2.) _Vigorously._ It must be
done thoroughly, or not at all. (3.) _Bravely_ (Eph. vi. 19). The
question is not what will "take," what is popular, what would please
the masses, but "What saith the Lord?"
III. THE OBJECTS OF THE MINISTRY. "They which were ready to perish."
1. _Pagans are such_ (Rom. i.) "Them which sat in the region and
shadow of death" (Matt. iv. 16). 2. _Every unconverted sinner._ They
are all to be addressed as those who are "ready to perish." The
matter cannot be compromised because there are seat-holders,
contributors, &c. Your kindness shall not prevent our blowing from
the trumpet the tones you need to hear.
IV. THE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL. "And they shall come which were ready
to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of
Egypt, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem."
1. _Whence shall they come?_ From the Pharisaical hiding-places, the
quicksands of excuses, &c. They are bound in the chains of slavery;
but "they shall come!" This is as certain as the deliverance from
Babylon. Take us your harps and strike them! 2. _How will they come?_
Weeping. Without delay. Confidently. 3. _Whither and to whom will
they come?_ (1.) To Christ; they cannot live without Him. (2.) To His
house.
APPLICATIONS.--1. Thousands have come; will you? 2. God has another
trumpet.--_Gweithiau Rhyddiethol_ (pp. 174-176), _by the late Rev. W.
Ambrose, Portmadoc. Translated from the Welsh by the Rev. T. Johns,
Llanelly._