September 26

“The myrtle trees that were in the bottom.” — Zechariah i. 8.

“^HE vision in this chapter describes the condition jf MU Israel in Zechariah’s day; but being interpreted in its aspect towards ns, it describes the Church of God as we find it now in the world. The Church is compared If a myrtle grove flourishing in a valley. It is hidden, unobserved, secreted; courting no honor and attracting no observation from the careless gazer. The Church, like her Head, has a glory, but it is concealed from carnal eyes, for the time of her breaking forth in all her splendor is not yet come. The idea of tranquil security is also suggested to us; for the myrtle grove in the valley is still and calm, while the storm sweeps over the mountain summits. Tempests spend their force upon the craggy peaks of the Alps, but down yonder, where flows the stream which maketh glad the city of our God, the myrtles flourish by the still waters, all unshaken by the impetuous wind How great is the inward tranquillity of God’s Church! Even when opposed and pcsecuted, she has a peace which the world gives not, and which, therefore, it cannot take away the peace of God which passeth all understanding keeps the hearts and minds of God’s people. not the’ metaphor forcibly picture the peaceful, perftlual jrowth of the saints? The myrtle sheds not her Jeaves she is always green; and the Church, in her worst time, still hath a blessed verdure of grace about her; nay, she has sometimes exhibited most verdure when her winter has been sharpest. She has prospered most when her adversities have been most severe. Hence the text hints at victory. The myrtle is the emblem of peace, and a significant token of triumph. The brows of conquerors were bound with myrtle and with laurel; and is not the Church ever victorious r Is not every Christian more than a conqueroi fchr ugh Him that loved him? Living in peace, do not tht saints fall asleep in the arms of victory?