But there are other allusions to the Messiah in the Book of Daniel, such as in vii. 13, 14, which after the long detail, which we have here given, may be left to the interpretations of the Commentaries. For we have here seen, that it was predicted by Daniel 490 years before the event, that reconciliation for iniquity should be made, which was accomplished, when Christ suffered on the cross. It was then, that the vision of prophecy became sealed, and the Messiah became its testimony. No other Messiah can be expected, be expected, because the time is long past, which was fixed for his coming. This single prophecy is sufficient to attest the truth of Christianity; and how much firmer is that truth established, when we consider that this prophecy is but as a drop of that mighty ocean, which must eventually overwhelm infidelity.

HOSEA.

THE four former prophets, whose writings we have noticed, were styled the Major Prophets, most pro

A prophecy in which the period of its accomplishment is determined, is incapable of a twofold application."

bably on account of the copiousness of their books, and on account of their numerous prophecies relating to the Messiah. The twelve other prophets were called the Minor. The prophecy of Hosea is supposed to be the most antient, with the exception perhaps of Jonah's. He flourished between the years 810 and 725 B. C. Some declare him to have been of the tribe of Issachar, others of the tribe of Judah. His prophecies relate chiefly to events, which were to befal his own country, and to the advent of the Messiah. He was truly patriotic, as his writings declare him to be, and lamented sincerely the iniquity of the people, because he foresaw the punishment which would thereby ensue to them. His prophecies relating to the Messiah are few; but they are important. Comparing the evidence together we are inclined to think, that Hosea was a prophet of the kingdom of Israel.

PROPHECY.

"Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there it shall be said unto them, ye are the sons

FULFILMENT.

"What if God, willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction; and that he might make known the riches of his glory in the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even

PROPHECY.

CHAP. i. 10.

FULFILMENT.

"After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and will set it up.

"That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." Acts xv. 16-18. See also Rom. ii. 4. xi. 2531.

ROM. ix. 22-26.

The first part of Hosea which we must notice, is chap. i. 6. because it is the foundation of St. Paul's1 and of St. Peter's allusion, though the direct reference of both passages will be found to Hos. ii. 23. This allusion is contained in the name Lo ruchamah, οὐκ ἠγαπημένη in St. Paul, οὐκ ήλεημένη in St. Peter; in connexion with which we must cast our eyes on verses 8 and 9, and in contrast with which on chap. ii. 1. The prophecy in the tenth verse is cited by St. Paul, to prove the call of both Jew and Gentile. It could not have been accom1 Ep. ii. 10.

1 1 Rom. ix. 25.

plished by the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity, because comparatively only a few returned. But the number of the children of Israel were to be as the sand of the sea, not to be measured nor numbered. The true Israelites, however, were all the true believers-of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all believers', and not those only, who were Israelites according to the flesh. Thus by the law of the second dispensation, we are told, that neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature"." Hence the number of believers was to be immeasurable, or as Hosea declared, " as the sand of the sea."

After the threatenings contained in the previous verses, and the record of the displeasure of Jehovah, Hosea, by the Spirit, promises the blessings, which were to attend the advent of Christ:-"And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God;" which words are evidently prophetical of the adoption by grace. For “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits, that we (who believe) are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with

1 See Rom. iv. 11-16.

2 Gal. vi. 15.