; subject to hereditary guilt,
depravity, and death, and exposed to all the evils to which flesh is
heir. They were _redeemed sinners_, included in that same covenant of
mercy of which we make our boast. They were therefore _personally
interested_ in those truths which became the subject of their search.

The original promise belonged to them as well as to us. They claimed an
interest in the leading facts of patriarchal history, and in the gorgeous
ceremonial of the Mosaic Institute. All the events of divine providence
which were preparing the way for the Messiah's coming, and the
predictions which they themselves uttered, had some personal bearing.
They were not uninterested students of past history, of present
circumstances, or of future events. Their own destinies were involved in
the truths they taught.

(ii.) They were _good men_. That the Divine Being has sometimes made
"false prophets" means of carrying out his purposes there can be no
doubt. But he is a daring man who would venture from this either to
justify or extenuate an impure ministry. Sanctuary services are too pure
and solemn to be performed by any but "_clean hands_." The instruments
which God ordains are holy. With a miserable exception here and there,
even the enemies of truth have not denied to the ancient prophets the
crown of a good character. Try them by any recognised standard of
virtue, and they will not be found wanting. Trace the minutest
circumstances of their private life; their self denial; their exposure to
danger; their fearlessness in denouncing sin; their being proof against
corruption; their zeal; their sympathy; their benevolence--and they
present a startling contrast with the priests of Paganism, or the false
prophets among the Jews.

Call to mind the meekness of Moses; the heroism of Elijah; the gratitude
of David; the sweetness of Hosea; the fervour of Isaiah; the tenderness
of Jeremiah; the constancy of Daniel; the faithfulness of Ezekiel--and
you unhesitatingly endorse the inspired oracle, that they were "holy
men." And although some of the prophets are remarkable for particular
features of character, they are not wanting in all the others which are
requisite to constitute _goodness_.

But what a magnificent portrait could you present to the mind as you
review the whole! The characteristics of these different men meet and
blend in the photograph; and you look upon a being--human it is true, but
sanctified by gr