THREE degrees or processes have been remarked in this mystic vision.

When the prophet was commanded to prophesy-to foretell, on the authority of God, that there should be a restoration to their own land:- 1. There was a noise, which was followed by a general shaking, during which the bones became arranged and united.

2. The flesh and skin came upon them, so that the dry bones were no longer seen.

3. The spirit or soul came into them, and they stood up perfectly vivified.

Perhaps these might be illustrated by three periods of time, which marked the regeneration of the Jewish polity.

1. The publication of the edict of Cyrus in behalf of the Jews, which caused a general shaking or stir among the people, so that the several families began to approach each other. and prepare for their return to Judea, Ezra i. 2, 3. But though partially restored, they were obliged to discontinue the rebuilding of their temple.

2. The edict published by Darius in the second year of his reign, Ezra iv. 23, 24, which removed the impediments thrown in the way of the Jews. Ezra vi. 6, 7, &c.

3. The mission of Nehemiah, with orders from Artaxerxes to complete the building of the temple and the city, Neh. ii. 7, &c. Then the Jews became a great army, and found themselves in sufficient force to defend themselves and city against all their enemies.

As to the spiritual uses of this curious vision, I must leave them to preachers. I have given the literal meaning, and what the different parts refer to; and if they found their observations on these, they may profit their hearers.

Ezek. 37:1-14 No created power could restore human bones to life. God alone could cause them to live. Skin and flesh covered them, and the wind was then told to blow upon these bodies; and they were restored to life. The wind was an emblem of the Spirit of God, and represented his quickening powers. The vision was to encourage the desponding Jews; to predict both their restoration after the captivity, and also their recovery from their present and long-continued dispersion. It was als a clear intimation of the resurrection of the dead; and it represent the power and grace of God, in the conversion of the most hopeles sinners to himself. Let us look to Him who will at last open ou graves, and bring us forth to judgment, that He may now deliver us from sin, and put his Spirit within us, and keep us by his power, throug faith, unto salvation.

Ezek. 37:15-28 This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord woul unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to com will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to kee us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew