advancement. The providence of God is directed to her welfare. The
designs of satan are overruled for her good. The Lord himself watches
over her, and leads her forth to her high destination. And ought not her
children, by making and keeping solemn vows, to enlighten the subjects
of darkness, to promote her prosperity? When the number of the faithful
is increased, so is their efficiency; the enemies of truth are
diminished and discouraged by all brought to receive it; and the
communion of saints, by the addition of every believer, is swelled to
the pleasing anticipation, the grateful remembrance, and substantial
satisfaction in the enjoyment of present good, of every one therein. Who
that loves the prosperity of Zion, does not desire to see her communion
extended? Who that has an interest in her welfare, does not joyfully
anticipate and pray for, and endeavour to use other means, that men may
see the glorious things said in prophecy concerning her? Who that is a
worthy member of her communion, does not feel himself urged, by a sense
of obligation to her, to add to the joy of each of her faithful ones, by
being instrumental in leading the heathen nations to the truth? How
glorious a thing it would be to see those nations associated, by the
strong ties of fellowship, and a common relation to one glorious Lord,
to his other believing people! How delightful to think of the many who
had not known God being brought to a substantial and eternal union to
others made to enjoy his favour!--to meditate upon the heathen brought,
through the instrumentality of men, to do homage to that Lord whom all
his saints delight to see honoured!--to know of the heathen that had
been given to Him for an inheritance, being taught willingly to receive
and acknowledge him, and by special Covenanting, to give themselves away
unto Him, taking hold upon him as given for a Covenant of the people,
and presenting the fulfilment of the precious words, "He shall not fail
nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the
isles shall wait for his law."[287]

Thirdly, to the Jews. Their fathers first brought the glad tidings of
salvation to the Gentiles. The Apostles, and others of them, proclaimed
the truth in every nation under heaven. From the ten tribes in captivity
in the east went forth missionaries to India, and China, and to other
nations around them. The ancient Israelites at Sinai, at Horeb, and
elsewhere, Covenanted to afford the