ould be given to the saints of the Most High? Surely, then, all
these anticipations were on the eve of fulfilment. The long-expected
Messiah was at hand; and here was the forerunner described by Isaiah,
the prophet, saying:--

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Make ye ready the way of the Lord,
Make his paths straight."

But some misgiving must have passed over the minds of his hearers when
they heard the young prophet's description of the conditions and
accompaniments of that long-looked-for reign. Instead of dilating on
the material glory of the Messianic period, far surpassing the
magnificent splendour of Solomon, he insisted on the fulfilment of
certain necessary preliminary requirements, which lifted the whole
conception of the anticipated reign to a new level, in which the inward
and spiritual took precedence of the outward and material. It was the
old lesson, which in every age requires repetition, that unless a man
is born again, and from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Be sure of this, that no outward circumstances, however propitious and
favourable, can bring about true blessedness. We might be put into the
midst of heaven itself, and be poor, and miserable, and blind, and
naked, unless the heart were in loving union with the Lamb, who is in
the midst of the throne. He is the light of that city, his countenance
doth lighten it--from his throne the river of its pleasure flows, his
service is its delightful business; and to be out of fellowship with
Him would make us out of harmony with its joy. Life must be centred in
Christ if it is to be concentric with all the circles of heaven's
bliss. We can never be at rest or happy whilst we expect to find our
fresh springs in outward circumstances. It is only when we are right
with God that we are blest and at rest. Righteousness is blessedness.
Where the King is enthroned within the heart, the soul is in the
kingdom, which is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost;
nay, perhaps more accurately, that kingdom is in the soul. And when
all hearts are yielded to the King; when all gates lift up their heads,
and all everlasting doors are unfolded for his entrance--then the curse
which has so long brooded over the world shall be done away. The whole
creation groaneth and travaileth for the manifestation of the sons of
God: but when they are revealed in all their beauty, then judgment
shall dwell in the wilderness, and ri