---

I. THE EXACT FULFILMENT OF THIS ANCIENT PREDICTION, IN EVERY DIFFERENT AGE CONSTITUTES ONE OF THE MOST ASTONISHING FEATURES OF JEWISH HISTORY.

1. Travellers have related that the deep red waters of the Rhone, flowing into the Lake of Geneva, may afterwards be traced for miles and miles; the dark, turbid stream of the river still refusing to mingle with the clear waters of the lake. And thus it is, and ever has been, with the Jews. Like that river they have in every age continued a distinct people, and this too amidst circumstances which, it might have been thought, must have inevitably broken down every middle wall of partition between them and others.

2. And there is yet another consideration. It is without a parallel in the history of the world. In every case where even the most discordant elements have been thrown together, they have imperceptibly blended in the course of ages.

II. SOME OF THE IMPROVING REFLECTIONS WHICH IT MAY BE INTENDED THAT WE SHOULD DERIVE FROM THE PROPHECY.

1. There is a national use to be made of this prediction of Balaam. What is literally true of Israel is spiritually true of England. We, as a people, may be said to be "dwelling alone." In regard to our mercies, our privileges, and our blessings, how much have we received above all other people under heaven! No slavery tolerated amongst us — law for the poorest — protection for the weakest, and the homes of England bright and happy — such as are found nowhere else. And above all the rest, the greatness of our religious privileges.

2. But, from the national, let us turn to the individual application of the prophecy. Let us admonish you that there is an important sense in which every Christian must "dwell alone." You cannot follow Christ and yet be like other men.

(H. Hutton, M. A.)

---

---

KJV: And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.

WEB: Yahweh put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak."