XVII. CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL.

'And behold! there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.'

Luke ii. 25.

WE had intended to omit this title, but farther reflection convinces us that it deserves a place in our work. No particular criticism seems necessary. Cruden, in his old fashioned style, gives us the following views:-' He waited for Christ to comfort them against their troubles, both spiritual and outward. The prophets used to comfort the people of God among the Jews, against all their sad tidings they brought them, with the prophecies of the coming and kingdom of Christ, Isa. lxvi. 12, 13. Herein Simeon showed the truth of his piety and devotion, that he believed, and waited for the coming of Christ.'

The title seems to derive its importance principally from the connection in which it is found. There is, certainly, something remarkable in the whole account. It appears that the Jewish nation entertained a very general expectation of the appearance of the Messiah about the time of our Lord's birth. Dr. Chandler, speaking on this subject, says, 'The expectation of this great King could not be rooted out of the minds of the Jewish people to Vespasian's days, whose sudden rise to the empire and conquest of the Jews so

turned the heads of many as to make them imagine he must be the king that had been spoken of.'

Tacitus, Suetonius, and Josephus all agree that there was a general expectation of a new kingdom to appear about that time.*

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This 'consolation of Israel' was so universally expected, that the Jews swore by it. So let me see the consolation of Israel, if such a thing be not so, or so.'†

That the Jews formerly had correct views of the Messiah, seems very evident; but their minds had become imbued with the idea of a great personage who would exalt their nation to a height and glory far surpassing every kingdom on earth. We do not stop to inquire into the origin of such an erroneous view, or to consider the awful consequences which followed in its train. It would seem, however, that there were some who retained correct opinions, and who hailed the approach of Christ as a moral and spiritual deliverer. God has made such arrangements in the moral department of creation, that in every age there are a few chosen ones in whose hearts the truth finds a response and a resting place. Such persons preserve society; they are the salt of the earth.' They are as 'a light shining in a dark place;' as stars in the absence of the 'two great lights.' Among these may be placed many whose names stand on the sacred page. Anna, the prophetess, was one. 'She, coming in that instant, [while Simeon held the babe in his arms,] gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.' Joseph, of Arimathea,

* See quotations from each under title MESSIAH.

See the forms in Lightfoot.

Luke ii. 37, 38.

may, perhaps, be considered in this light, from the commendatory manner in which the evangelist has spoken of him: a counsellor, a good man and a just; the same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them, * * * who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.'*

Simeon was among the number who ardently desired the appearance of the Saviour. Age succeeded age in the record of time; the promise had been made to the patriarchs, reiterated to the prophets, sung by angels. For four hundred years the voice of prophecy had ceased. The auspicious period drew hear that was to bring the 'consolation of Israel.' At last heavenly strains were heard on high; they reached earth. They told the all-absorbing truth that a Saviour was born. In a few days, he was 'brought to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord.' There this aged saint for the first time saw 'the Lord's Christ.' 'Then he took him up in his arms and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.' He also takes up the strain of prophecy, saying to the mother, 'Behold! this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against.' Then he foretels her sufferings in the strong language of that day. Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own. soul also; that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.' Of this excellent man, we know

*Luke xxiii. 50-53.

nothing more than is here presented in this short narrative by the sacred historian. How long he lived to enjoy the object of his faith and pious confidence, we are not permitted to know. His joy was full. He saw, he felt, he adored his Saviour. He had quietly waited for the salvation of the Lord.' His life was prolonged that he might see the 'consolation of Israel.' His soul was so full of joy that it longed to leave its frail tenement, and go where there are pleasures forevermore. We may suppose him to exclaim, 'Yes, O my God, let me quit this earth! I see that thou callest me! and I quit it without regret. Thou hast fulfilled all my desires and completed my wishes, and I desire to be detained no longer from the full enjoyment of thyself.' Happy man! may the closing hours of my sojourn on earth be as peaceful as thine! And when my thoughts turn to the 'consolation of Israel,' may I feel that ardent devotion which filled thy breast with such rapture and joy.

But we find ourselves entering on a large subject where there appeared hardly enough to furnish a page. The reader will forgive our wanderings. Let him remember that we are considering a character. that has been the theme of prophets and angels, and will, as it becomes fully made known, be the wonder and the glory of the universe.

We remark, in closing our present number, that Jesus was sent to impart consolation to his nation; to teach them the true character of God, and their duty. He was to be a Priest, King, Deliverer, &c. Then his work was to be extended, even to the gathering together of all things in heaven and earth. But he came to his own, and his own received

him not.' Then God 'opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.'*** 'Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.'*

It is worthy of remark, that Simeon leaped over the narrow enclosures set by his people and nation. He considered the babe 'as a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel.' He thought of the world as well as his own people and kindred. How very different from that narrow, persecuting spirit afterwards manifested upon learning that Jesus was sent to be the Saviour of all men. When the pure soul meets with the fulfilment of its desires, how quickly its benevolence extends over the whole earth. If a mere creature desires so much, then how great must be the desire of Him who is benevolence itself in all its immeasurable extent. Can a God of infinite purity be satisfied with any thing less than the purity of a universe?

*Rom. xi. 25, 26..