possessed of universal empire : but it is to Christ alone that this truly and properly belongs. His dominion extends itself over,
1. The most distant places —
[Solomon's empire was the most extensive of any that was governed by Jewish kings. It reached from the river Euphrates to the Red Sea; and comprehended all the coun- tries between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean : "it was from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." But Christ has literally " the utmost ends of the earth for his possession," His kingdom was speedily erected in every part of the known world : and at this moment there are multitudes in every civilized nation under heaven, yea, amongst barbarians also and savages, who acknowledge him as their supreme Governor, and render the most cheerful obedience to his com- mands. Already is that prophecy fulfilled, " From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering s." In this therefore we have a pledge that the knowledge of him " shall yet more extensively prevail, and shall one day cover the earth as the waters cover the sea'^."]
2. The most exalted personages —
[It was said of Solomon, in reference to the fore-men- tioned countries, that " all the kings of the earth sought his presence, and brought presents to him ; and that he reigned over them\" Nominally too, a great multitude of kings are subject unto Christ : but, alas ! his real subjects have hitherto been few among them. What Paul complained of in his time has been verified in all succeeding ages to the present day ; " Not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble are called^." But the time is coming when the most potent monarchs upon earth shall become his willing subjects, and " bow down themselves, and lick the dust before him," in a humble acknowledgment of their entire dependence on him, and of their unreserved devotion to his wilP. " He is Lord of lords, and King of kings :" and if any will not bend to the sceptre of his grace, they shall be broken in pieces with a rod of iron™.]
Infer —
s Mai. i. 11. ^ Isai. xi. 9. and Zech. xiv. 9.
i 2 Chron. ix. 23, 24, 26. ^ i Cor. i. 26.
1 This seems to be the true meaning of " licking the dust." Com- pare Isai. xlix. 23. ™ Ps. ii. 9.
618.] EXCELLENCE OF CHRISt's GOVERNMENT. 531
1. The folly of refusing submission to him —
[The word of Jehovah is pledged, that " the kingdoms of the eartli shall become the kingdoms of tlie Lord and of his Christ":" yea, the Lord Jesus Christ himself hath " sworn, that unto him every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall swear °." To what purpose then shall we hold out against him, when we know what must infallibly be the issue of the contest? He has told us what he will say to his attendants in the last day; " Bring hither those that were mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, and slay them before me p." Let us then " be wise" in time: let us " kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and we perish i."]
2. The blessedness of being his faithful subjects —
[It is a rich blessing to live under a mild and equitable government. But no earthly monarch, however well disposed, can render his subjects happy, like the adorable Jesus. He gives us access to him all times, and sheds forth upon us his benign influences, whereby our spirits are revived, and our souls strengthened. What Solomon speaks figuratively in reference to earthly kings, is literally true with respect to him; " In the light of the King's countenance is life; and his favour is like a cloud of the latter rain"^." " Happy then art thou, O Israel! Who is like unto thee^?" " Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him, and redeemed him ; and let the children of Zion be joyful in their King*."]