And this is the first thing in this vision at which the prophet was perplexed.
2. There is the approach of the Lord Christ unto the Father, Avith his entrance into his kingdom and dominion, which is everlasting, and passeth not away, verse 14.
This being the end of the vision, I must a little insist upon it ; not that I intend purposely to handle the kingdom of Christ as mediator, but only a little to consider it as it lies here in the A-ision, and is need- ful for the riijht bottoming of the truth in our intendment.
Various have been the thoughts of men about the kingdom of Christ in all ages. Tliat the Messiah was to be a King, a Prince, a Ruler, — that he was to have a kingdom, and that the government was to be on his shoulder, — is evident from the Old Testament ; that nil this was and is accomplished in Jesus of Nazareth, whom God ex- alted, made a Prince and a Saviour, is no less evident in the New ; — but about the nature of this kingdom, its rise and manner of govern- ment, have been, and are, the contests of men.
The Jews to this very day expect it as a thing carnal and temporal, visible, outwardly glorious, wherein, in all manner of pleasure, they sliall bear rule over the nations at their will; — such another thing, of all the world, as the popedom, which the Gentile or idolatrous wor- shippers of Christ set up for his kingdom : and of some such thing it mny l)e supposed the apostles themselves were not without thoughts,
TflE magistrate's POWER. SH
until tlioy had conversed with the Lor(J after the resurrection, Luke ix. 46; Acts i 6. Neither are all amongst us free from them at this day.
Those who with any simplicity profess the name of Christ, do gene- rally agree that there are three parts of it.
(1.) First, and principally, in that which is internal and spiritual , in and over the souls of men, over spirits both good and bad, in refer- ence unto the ends which he hath to accomphsh upon them. Of that which is direct and immediate upon the hearts and souls of men, there are two parts.
[1.] That which he exerciseth towards his elect, who are given unto him of his Father, converting, ruling, preserving them, under and through great variety of dispensations, internal and external, until he brings them unto himself: "He stands and feeds them in the strensrth of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God," Mic. V. 4; — even he who is the " Ruler in Israel," verse 2. He is ex- alted and made " a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and the forgiveness of sins," Acts v. 81. He makes his people "a Avilling people in the day of his power," Ps. ex. 3, — sending out his Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth, and making his word and ordinances "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" in their hearts, " casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God; and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of hunself," 2 Cor. x. 4, 5. He takes possession of their hearts by his power, dwelling in them by his Spirit, making them kings in his kingdom, and bringing them infallibly into glory. Oh, that this rule, this kingdom of his, might be carried on in our hearts ! We busy ourselves about many things ; we shall find at length this one thing necessary. This is that part of the kingdom of Christ which we are principally to aim at in the preaching of the gospel : " We preach Christ Jesus the Lord," 2 Cor. iv. 5, — him to be Lord and King, though others have had dominion over us. They are the grains of Israel which the Lord seeks for in his sifting the nations by his word, as well as by his providence : and we are, in the work of the gospel, to " endure all things for the elect's sakes," 2 Tim. ii. 10.
[2.] In the power which he exerciseth towards others, to whom the word of the gospel doth come, calling, convincing, enlightening, ho.rdening many, whom yet, being not his sheep, nor of his fold, he will never take to himself; but leaves to themselves, under aggravations of condemnation, which they pull upon themselves by the contempt of the gospel, 2 Cor. ii. 16; Heb. x. 29. He sends his Spirit to con- vince even the perishing " world of sin, righteousness, and judgment," John xvi. 8, He sendeth sharp arrows into the very hearts of his
372 Christ's kingdom and
enemies, Ps. xlv. 5, — making them stoop, bow, and fall under him; so bounding their rage, overbearing their lusts, leaving them without excuse in themselves, and his people oftentimes not without profit from them : — with some dealing even in this life more severely ; caus- ing the witnesses of the gospel to torment them by the preaching of the word. Rev. xi. 10, yet giving them up to "strong delusions, that they may believe lies, and be damned," 2 Thesa- ii. 11, 12, &c.