blished in the world. But, that I may open this to you the more fully, I wish you to mark,
1. Wherein that kingdom consists —
[It is " in the cause of truth and meekness and righteous- ness" that the Saviour advances to the combat. The whole world is lying in darkness ; and he comes to dispel error from their minds. The whole world is full of all manner of abomi- nations: pride stalks through the earth, defying even God himself: " Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?" and every species of wickedness is indulged, without either remorse or fear. But the Lord Jesus Christ comes to humble man in the dust before God; and to transform the children of the wicked one into the very image of their God, in righteous- ness and true holiness. Who must not wish for such a king- dom to be established throughout the whole world? Who must not make it his very first petition from day to day, " Thy
kingdom come?" — Truly, wherever that kingdom is,
which consists " in righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost," there is heaven itself begun in the souls of men.]
2. By what means it is to be erected —
[The sword of the Messiah is the word of God, which, proceeding from his mouth ^, subdues the universe before him. *' That sword is quick and powerful, and pierces even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hearts" Nothing can eventually stand before it : weak as it may appear, it is " mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chrisfi." Look at the primitive ages of the Church: what was it that brought down all the power and policy both of men and devils ? It was not human wisdom, or worldly power : it was the simple exhibition of the cross of Christ, and the preaching of Christ crucified. " This word came to the hearts of men in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ;" and, to every soul that received it, it was made " the power of God to his everlasting salvation."]
3. The certainty of its estabhshment —
[Very sharp were the arrows which were thus sent forth from the Messiah's bow. Truly " he was a pohshed shaft in the quiver of Jehovah %" and nothing could stand before it^. True, indeed, God has not yet seen fit to accomplish all the purposes of his grace : but the time is quickly coming, when Satan, that great adversary of God and man, shall be bound,
^ Rev. i. 16. and xix. 15. <= Heb. iv. 12. <' 2 Cor, x. 4, 5. •^ Isai. xlix. 2. f isai. lix. 16—18.