August 14

1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruningbooks: nation shall

not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.

5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that ha-teen, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;

7 And I will make her that halted a revenant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation; and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.

In this chapter is set forth the future supremacy of the Gospel. Though insignificant in its beginnings, the religion of Jesus Christ is to spread over the whole earth. A mighty tide is setting in to the Gospel. "The flood once covered the highest mountains to destroy life," says Dr. Pusey, "but this flood shall pour in for the saving of life." That vision of the future ought to inspire the tongue of every missionary, now, and of every one who is faithfully trying to bring about the reign of Christ upon earth.

The final results of a religion of love will be a reign of universal peace. "As far as in it lies, the Gospel is a Gospel of peace, and makes peace. Christians, as far as they obey Christ, are at peace, both in themselves and with one another. And this is what is here prophesied. The peace follows from His rule. Where He judges and rebukes, there even the mighty beat their swords into ploughshares."—E. B. Pusey, D. D.

"They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid" (verse 4). What a picture of domestic peace, each family gathered in harmony and rest under the protection of God, each content with what they have, neither coveting another's, nor disturbed in their own! Wine is explained in Holy Scripture to be an emblem of gladness, and the fig of sweetness. "For exceeding sweet is the word of the Saviour, and it knoweth how to gladden man's heart; sweet also and full of joy is the hope of the future, wherewith we are enriched in Christ."

Closet Promise.—He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee.—Isa. xxx. 19.

O Lord, my God! thou knowest my heart; If sin is there, bid it depart And set me free. I place my life within Thy hand, And all I have at Thy command I give to Thee

O Lord, my strength and hiding place, Give me a glimpse of Thy dear face; My heart, keep still, Till peace shall like a river flow, Till soul and body learn to know And do Thy will.

O Lord, Thy promises are sure, Thy truth and love shall both endure All resings given. The earnest comes, my hand is laid In Thine, dear Lord; the debt is paid; Lead on to heaven.

O Lord! my heart, once weak and sad, Now joyful is, so strong and glad Thou art my Friend. I will not fear, but firm and brave I'll trust in Thee, mighty to save, Even to the end.

—Marion A. Murphy.