There is one other remarkable passage illustrative of the general principle of which we have been speaking, that is of so entirely different a character from either of the preceding, that I cannot forbear to mention it. It relates wholly to the Vegetable Kingdom.

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The 14th chapter of Hosea begins with an expostulation with the backsliding Israelites, and with an nest invitation to return to God. The most affecting assurances are given of his forgiving mercy towards their past transgressions, and of his blessing for the future. And the consequences of his blessing upon them as returning penitents, are represented in the following manner.

'I will be as the dew, unto Israel.' In some parts of Judea, there is no rain for many months, during the summer season, and the influence of the dew is essential to vegetation. Where this is not felt, there is an arid, sterile desert. Where it is enjoyed, it causes the richest and most luxuriant growth. Though they had become withered and dying like grass, by their wanderings and sins, His grace and spirit, like the dew should revive and invigorate them.

'He shall grow as the lily.' This flower is remarkable for the rapidity of its growth. But it is also remarkable for its frailty. So it is added, ' and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.' The cedar of Lebanon was a well-known emblem of sta bility.

'His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.'

He shall extend, be increased, he shall be beautiful as the olive tree, remarkable for the symmetry of its form, and for the richness and fragrance of its verdure. As it is elsewhere said, 'the fatness of the olive tree;' 'And his smell as Lebanon.' This mountain was distinguished not only for its wonderful growth of firm and majestic cedars, but for the abundance of its beautiful and fragrant flowers. Another object of comparison, in some other place, is the 'scent of the wine of Lebanon,' which was made odorous and sweet with aromatic drugs.

The whole of this delightful passage is filled with the richest imagery, all of which is borrowed from the common objects of vegetable life. And yet how few readers of the Bible perceive or enjoy the precious meaning which these comparisons convey. It seems to me that it would be utterly impossible to express, by any direct language, the fulness of blessing, which is couched under these figures of speech.