For instance, a learned Jew would perhaps contend that this prophecy of Isaiah (c.ii.

2-4,) cannot fairly be interpreted of a mere local origination of a religion historically; as the drama might be described as going forth from Athens, and philosophy from Academus and the Painted Porch, but must refer to an established and continuing seat of worship, 'a house of the God of Jacob'.

The answer to this is provided in the preceding verse, 'in the top of the mountains'; which irrefragably proves the figurative character of the whole prediction.
Ib.p.

431.
One point, however, is certain and equally important, namely, that the Christian Church, when it comes to recognize more truly the obligation imposed upon it by the original command of its Founder, 'Go teach all nations', &c.
That the duty here recommended is deducible from this text is quite clear to my mind; but whether it is the direct sense and primary intention of the words; whether the first meaning is not negative,--( 'Have no respect to what nation a man is of, but teach it to all indifferently whom you have an opportunity of addressing',)--this is not so clear.

The larger sense is not without its difficulties, nor is this narrower sense without its practical advantages.
Disc.IX.p.453, 4.
The striking inferiority of several of these latter Discourses in point of style, as compared with the first 150 pages of this volume, perplexes me.