xplicitly described.[520] From others it may be
concluded. Many evils overtook apostate Israel. "The earth mourneth, and
fadeth away; the world languisheth, and fadeth away; the haughty people
of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the
inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed
the ordinance, broken the Everlasting Covenant. Therefore hath the curse
devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate." But to
many, good was to follow. And if, for the neglect of making and keeping
Covenant engagements, such calamities were poured out, will not a strict
regard to these duties be paid when desolations shall cease, and there
shall have arrived the time, "when the Lord of hosts shall reign in
mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously."[521]
Many were appointed or left to disobedience and condemnation. And were
not others appointed to obedience and life? Of the former, the Apostle
Peter writes,--"But unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the
builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a
stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at
the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." But to
the others, in terms certainly implying, that to every privilege and
duty of the Covenant they were no less--yea, assuredly appointed, He
says, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by
Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I
lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth
on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is
precious." The chief corner stone laid in Sion is presented as aground
of trust, instead of the Covenant with death and hell which should not
stand. All founded on him are therefore a Covenant people, and hence, in
that character, they were appointed. And hence, in terms from the Old
Testament, bearing on Covenant relations and duties, he continues his
address, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him
who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in
time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had
not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."[522]

The people of God, as