By degrees it thus became evident, that a long stretch of previously concealed valley, lay between the double summit of the mighty mountain, the hope of the coming and kingdom of Christ. Micah foretold that He should come out of Bethlehem, Zechariah that his feet should stand on the mount of Olives; but who suspected that more than 1800 years were to elapse between the two events?

The exact period when He should come and be cut off was fore-told, though in symbolic style; and in the same style, a glimpse was given of the interval to elapse, before He came again to be “King over all the earth.” Vast progress bad been made when Malachi, closing the volume of Old Testament prophecy, spoke of the Lord coming suddenly to his temple, and the Sun of righteousness rising with healing in his wings.

How amazingly more full and correct were the anticipations of Simeon and Anna than those of Adam and Eve! The earlier saints could only cast a wondering gaze abroad over the earth, and up and down through unknown ages; the later-knew the country, the city, the very building in which, and the very date at which, the Consolation of Israel should appear; and when at last the aged saint held m his arms the long promised woman’s Seed, he spoke of salvation, and of peace in believing, and of a sword that must pierce the heart of the virgin mother, proving that the mystery of the bruised heel was no dark one to his heart.

But yet the consummation was not come, the serpent’s head remained unbruised, his power seemed mightier than ever.