these events with the coming of the Messiah. This was `the promise' unto which, in their `instant

service night and day, the twelve tribes,' however grievously oppressed, hoped to come.61 To

this `sure word of prophecy' `the strangers scattered' throughout all lands would `take heed, as

unto a light that shineth in a dark place,' until the day dawned, and the day-star rose in their

hearts.62 It was this which gave meaning to their worship, filled them with patience in suffering,

kept them separate from the nations around, and ever fixed their hearts and thoughts upon

Jerusalem. For the `Jerusalem' which was above was `the mother' of them all. Yet a little while,

and He that would come should come, and not tarry - and then all the blessing and glory would

be theirs. At any moment the gladsome tidings might burst upon them, that He had come, when

their glory would shine out from one end of the heavens to the other. All the signs of His Advent

had come to pass. Perhaps, indeed, the Messiah might even now be there, ready to manifest

Himself, so soon as the voice of Israel's repentance called Him from His hiding. Any hour might

that banner be planted on the top of the mountains; that glittering sword be unsheathed; that

trumpet sound. Closer then, and still closer, must be their connection with Jerusalem, as their

salvation drew nigh; more earnest their longing, and more eager their gaze, till the dawn of that

long expected day tinged the Eastern sky with its brightness.