^ ver. 2, 4. ^ 1 Cor. i. 2G. Jam. ii. 5.
a more general diffusion of civil and religious liberty. It is still as true as at any period of the world, that " if we were of the world, the world would love its own ; but because we are not of the world, but Christ has chosen us out of the world, therefore the world hateth us*^."]
But Jesus will suit his ministration to their neces- sities—
[If he suffer them to be oppressed for a while, it is only that he may the more visibly and acceptably exert himself in their behalf. Let them only " cry " unto him, and he will shew himself strong in their behalf, and mighty to save. There are but two ways in which any one can gain an unjust domi- nion over his people ; namely, by fraudulent enticement, or by overpowering force. But, though both of these be combined for the bringing of them into bondage, he will interpose for them, and " redeem them both from deceit and violence : " or, if he should permit an oppressor so far to prevail over them as to take away their life, he will vindicate their cause, and make their enemy to feel that " precious is their blood in his sight." But over " their souls " shall none prevail. Not even their great adversary, though as a subtle serpent he put forth all his de\dces to beguile them ®, or as a roaring lion he make his utmost efforts to devour them ^, he shall not be able ; for Jesus will effectually preserve them, and not suffer so much as " one of them to be plucked out of his hand^." As it is his Father's will, so also is it his, that not one of his little ones should perish '^. As for their poverty and helplessness, this shall operate with him rather as an inducement to afford them his succour, than as an obstacle to his gracious interference : indeed, the more tl>ey feel their utter dependence upon him, the more readily and effectually will he exert himself in their behalf*.]
Nor shall they be insensible of his kindness to- wards them : for the text informs us of, II. The interest which his people take in him —
In the life of such a king as Solomon, the whole nation is deeply interested. But he, however long he reign, must die at last : but the King of Zion shall live for ever. " He was indeed crucified through weakness ; but he liveth by the power of God^ yea, " he is alive for evermore V
1 John XV. 19. e 2 Cor. xi. 3. ^ 1 Pet. v. 8.
g John X. 28. J' Luke xii. 32. » 2 Cor. xii. 9.
k 2 Cor. xiii. 4. i Rev. i. 18.
tk
619.] Christ's government of his church. 535
Now, as in earthly governments the people pay tribute to their king, and pray for the prosperity of his kingdom, and take all suitable occasions for displaying their loyalty, whether in a way of private commendation or public address ; so the subjects of ^King Messiah approve themselves worthy of the rela- tion in which they stand to him.
1. They pay him their tribute —
[" The silver and the gold are his : " and though he is able to carry on the affairs of his government without any contribution from man, yet he is pleased to make use of human instruments, and to give his people an opportunity of manifesting their zeal in his service : hence they bring him their willing offerings. As, at his first appearance in the world, the wise men presented to him gold and frankincense and myrrh ; so now it is the joy of all his people to contribute, according to their power, to the enlargement and establishment of his kingdom. Gladly do they "give him of the gold of Sheba;" and accomit it all as of no value, except as it is employed in subserviency to his will, and for the advancement of his glory. The very widow accounts it her honour and her happiness to cast her mite into his treasury; and he accepts it with the same pleasure as the richest contributions of the great and wealthy.]