delivered. The Lord Jesus declared, " I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
Concerning the true meaning of these words there can be but one opinion in any candid mind. They do not mean, as is often supposed, that if the doctrine of Christ crucified is lifted up and exalted by ministers and teachers, it will have a drawing effect on hearers. This is un- deniably a truth, but it is not the truth of the text. They simply mean that the death of Christ on the cross would have a drawing effect on all mankind. His death as our Substitute, and the Sacrifice for our sins, would draw mul- titudes out of every nation to believe on Him and receive Him as their Saviour. By being crucified for us, and not by ascending a temporal throne, He would set up a king- dom in the world, and gather subjects to Himself.
How thoroughly this prophecjT has been fulfilled for eighteen centuries, the history of the Church is an abun- dant proof. Whenever Christ crucified has been preached, and the story of the cross fully told, souls have been con- verted and drawn to Christ, just as iron-filings are drawn to a magnet, in every part of the world. No truth so ex- actly suits the wants of all children of Adam , of every col- our, climate, and language, as the truth about Christ crucified.
And the prophecy is not yet exhausted. It shall yet re- ceive a more complete accomplishment. A day shall come when every knee shall bow before the Lamb that was slain, and every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father. He that was u lifted up " on the cross shall yet sit on the throne of glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations. Friends and foes, each in their own order, shall be " drawn " from their graves, and ap- pear before the judgment-seat of Christ. Let us take heed in that day that we are found on His right hand I